7-Machine-Kinds-Instrument

altimeter

Instruments {altimeter}| can measure height.

anemometer

Wind speed measurement uses spinning devices {anemometer}|, which generate electric current to move a dial.

aneroid barometer

Air capsules {aneroid barometer}| can compress or expand to measure air pressure.

barometer

Instruments {barometer}| can measure air pressure, typically using mercury columns.

calorimeter

Instruments {calorimeter}| can measure heat produced by burning masses.

cardiograph

Instruments {cardiograph}| can measure heartbeat rate.

chronograph

Electrically operated pens on revolving drums {chronograph}| can record short durations and rapid changes [1849].

colorimeter

Instruments {colorimeter}| can measure color in fluid.

dynamometer

Instruments {dynamometer}| can put loads on engines and measure force and work.

heat sensor

Phototubes {heat sensor}| can sense infrared light. People and animals radiate infrared light, as do hot machinery and exhaust, so heat sensors have military uses. Heat sensors also detect light-level changes for television cameras.

interferometer

To visualize air density, a straight edge and mirrors {interferometer}| {Schlieren interferometer} can make an interference pattern. Optical interferometers allow sharp images through atmosphere.

light meter

Photocells {light meter}| can measure light amount and can have a film-type dial.

manometer

Instruments {manometer}| {sphyngomanometer} can measure blood pressure.

meat thermometer

Thermometers {meat thermometer}| can measure temperatures from 120 to 210 F. Put meat thermometer in thickest meat part, thigh away from bone for turkey and lean center part for other meats. For beef, temperature of 170 is well done, 160 is medium, and 140 is rare.

odometer

A flexible shaft with wire inside can go from car wheel to dashboard dial {odometer}|. Rotating wheel rotates wire, which turns gear connected to counter. The same wire is for speedometer.

oscilloscope

Instruments {oscilloscope}| can measure frequency and amplitude.

pedometer

Instruments {pedometer}| can measure steps per minute.

planimeter

Instruments {planimeter}| can measure area, using an extensible rotating arm.

polarimeter

Instruments {polarimeter}| can measure light polarization angle.

polygraph

Lie detectors {polygraph}| can use decreased skin resistance from more sweating to indicate lies. To detect body changes associated with lying, measure skin electrical resistance, breathing rate, and heart rate. Lie detectors are best on statements asking about person's activities or about details, to see if person was there or not.

pychnometer

Instruments {pychnometer}| can measure specific gravity.

pyrometer

Thermometers {pyrometer}| can measure radiation intensity for wavelength range.

radiometer

Instruments {radiometer}| can measure electromagnetic radiation intensity by reflection from surface.

seismometer

Instruments {seismometer}| can measure earth movements in earthquakes.

spectrograph

Instruments {spectrograph}| can measure intensity at wavelengths.

spectrometer

Instruments {spectrometer}| {spectrophotometer} can measure light intensity passing through material or solution at a wavelength.

spectroscope

Instruments {spectroscope}| can measure intensity at a wavelength.

speedometer

Flexible shafts with wire inside run from car wheel to dashboard dial {speedometer}|. Rotating wheel rotates wire, which turns magnet behind aluminum disc, to set up electric current, which moves dial needle. The same wire is for odometer.

spherometer

Instruments {spherometer}| can measure surface curvature.

spirometer

Instruments {spirometer}| can measure air volume and flow rate inhaled and exhaled by lungs.

tachometer

Instruments {tachometer}| can measure revolutions per minute.

tensiometer

Instruments {tensiometer}| can measure tension.

thermometer

Temperature instruments {thermometer}| can be tubes with vacuum and mercury or alcohol inside. Mercury or alcohol expands as temperature increases.

7-Machine-Kinds-Instrument-Clock

clock

Electric clocks {clock} use synchronous motors, which turn at 60 cycles per second, USA AC-current frequency. Electric motor replaces pendulum, escapement, and spring or weight.

atomic clock

Clocks {atomic clock}| can use cesium-atom vibrations to establish frequency.

balance wheel

Clocks and watches can have oscillating wheels {balance wheel}| that determine frequency.

cesium clock

Clocks {cesium clock}| can depend on cesium emission-spectrum wavelength.

chronometer

very accurate clock {chronometer}|.

escapement

Clock parts {escapement}| can transfer power from main spring to gears, by oscillating. Escapement has pendulum, ratchet, and gear.

spring

Springs {mainspring} are coiled or flat steel ribbon, which is wound to provide energy.

oscillation

Clocks with a hanging pendulum use gravity for back-and-forth oscillation. Weight hangs on chain, as in cuckoo clocks. Clocks with a circular pendulum use a hairspring and lever for oscillation.

Pendulum connects to ratchet, which engages gear teeth. Alternatively, ratchet can press against gears to escapement wheel, so wheel turns one notch if released by ratchet. The mechanism pushes ratchet lightly, which pushes pendulum slightly and keeps pendulum moving in spite of friction.

process

Oscillation in one direction moves gear one step forward. Oscillation in other direction moves ratchet into position to receive next forward motion. Oscillation takes a fixed time, which shortening or lengthening can adjust.

hourglass clock

Two spherical chambers can have narrow constriction between them through which fine sand flows {hourglass, clock}|.

hydrogen clock

Maser clocks {hydrogen clock}| depend on hydrogen emission wavelengths and are accurate to one part in 10^15.

quartz clock

Clocks {quartz clock}| can use quartz-crystal oscillations in escapement. A battery provides current that oscillates crystal.

timer

Clocks {timer}| can mechanically or electrically start or start movements, at specific times.

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Date Modified: 2022.0225