Abstract: A reactor for removing contaminants such as reactive hydrocarbons from the gas being sampled by gas component determination apparatus is disclosed. A confined path is disposed adjacent a high purity quartz lamp capable of generating low order wavelengths. By selecting the flow rate of the sample gas past the quartz lamp in the presence of ozone, all hydrocarbons can be photo-oxidized or all hydrocarbons with the exception of methane. Apparatus is also disclosed employing the reactor wherein the methane content of a sample gas can be determined. The sample gas is alternately measured as to the quantity of all hydrocarbons contained therein and then measured for methane. The difference between the two readings is indicative of the amount of non-methane hydrocarbons present.

Abstract: A solid state simulator of an automobile ignition system is disclosed whereby an automotive engine scope tester can be tested and calibrated. Pulse rate logic is made responsive to means for selecting the number of cylinders and the revolutions per minute of the simulated engine. Variable pulse generation means is made responsive to the pulse rate logic. The output of the pulse generation means is used to trigger a driver connected to a conventional coil and single spark plug simulating the firing of all the spark plugs in the engine. Additionally, the output of the pulse generation means is divided and used to drive an adjustable delay which in turn triggers a one shot high voltage pulse to simulate the firing of the spark plug associated with the number one cylinder. Signal output terminals are provided at the input to the coil to indicate the time of each firing signal and allow feedback control by the engine scope tester.

Abstract: A film badge sensitive to non-ionizing radiation and a method of making same. The film badge consists of dissolved bilirubin bound in a polymeric film base and sealed within an optically transparent substrate. The film badge is useful during phototherapy for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn and is capable of measuring the total irradiance effective in decomposing bilirubin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for calibrating a timing light used in conjunction with an engine scope tester. The timing light is fired by an offset circuit in an engine scope tester having a meter indicating the offset amount. The engine scope tester is synchronized to the firing of a simulated No. 1 cylinder spark plug. The light from the timing light is detected by a phototransistor connected to a voltage reference source which amplifies the signal from the phototransistor to a usable level. The output of the voltage reference source is connected back to a vertical deflection circuit of the oscilloscope on the engine scope tester. The calibration marks on the oscilloscope of the engine scope tester are used to calibrate the meter on the engine scope tester indicating the offset to the timing light.

Abstract: A method of measuring the disintegration rate of a beta-emitting radionuclide in a liquid sample by counting at least two differently quenched versions of the sample. In each counting operation the sample is counted in the presence of and in the absence of a standard radioactive source. A pulse height (PH) corresponding to a unique point on the pulse height spectrum generated in the presence of the standard is determined. A zero threshold sample count rate (CPM) is derived by counting the sample once in a counting window having a zero threshold lower limit. Normalized values of the measured pulse heights (PH) are developed and correlated with the corresponding pulse counts (CPM) to determine the pulse count for a normalized pulse height value of zero and hence the sample disintegration rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the calibration of a gamma radiation measurement instrument to be used over any of a number of different absolute energy ranges. The method includes the steps of adjusting the overall signal gain associated with pulses which are derived from detected gamma rays, until the instrument is calibrated for a particular absolute energy range; then storing parameter settings corresponding to the adjusted overall signal gain, and repeating the process for other desired absolute energy ranges. The stored settings can be subsequently retrieved and reapplied so that test measurements can be made using a selected one of the absolute energy ranges. Means are provided for adjusting the overall signal gain by varying the voltage supplied to a multiplier phototube included in the instrument, or by varying the gain of attenuators coupled to the output of the phototube.

Abstract: A radioactivity measuring instrument, and a method related to its use, for determining the radioactivity of a sample measured in the presence of significant background radiation, and for determining an error value relating to a specific probability of accuracy of the result. Error values relating to the measurement of background radiation alone, and to the measurement of sample radiation and background radiation together, are combined to produce a true error value relating to the sample radiation alone.

Abstract: A standard for calibrating a densitometer or the like is disclosed consisting of an optically transparent substrate supporting a plurality of spaced bands of different predetermined optical densities. Each band comprises alternate dark and clear strips and is sized to eclipse a beam of light generated in the densitometer and defining an illuminated zone. The width of the clear strips is large compared to the wavelength of the light beam and small compared to the width of the illuminated zone so that the quantities of light passing through the bands as the standard moves through the densitometer, and hence the optical densities of the bands, are directly proportional to the ratio of the areas of the clear strips to the areas of the dark strips in the bands. The bands are placed at an angle to the scan axis of the illuminated zone to present a gradient change in optical density to a scanning densitometer which is within the response time thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for accomplishing electrophoresis in an automated manner. A supported electrophoretic medium, having been implanted with sample to be analyzed, is moved through a chamber wherein the electrophoresis takes place. The apparatus comprises an electrophoresis separation chamber containing a pair of elongated electrolyte wells, electrolyte contained within the wells, electrodes disposed within the electrolyte and connectable to an appropriate source of power, and a wicking arrangement communicating with each of the electrolyte wells to provide a continuous electrical contact zone.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection cell particularly suited for portable applications because of its small size and low cost. An enclosure is provided having two membrane surfaces. Electrodes are suspended internally between the two membranes supported by an electrochemically inert hydrophilic material containing an electrolyte solution. An improved electrode structure for use within the cell is disclosed.

Abstract: A stopping member located within an air driven rotor and designed to respond to a magnetic field generated within the rotor housing, causing the completer stoppage of the rotor subsequent to its high speed centrifugation. The stopping member is comprised of a ferrous metal element positioned within the rotor for alignment with the poles of a magnet to facilitate sufficient attractive forces between the magnet and the metal element to completely stop the rotative motion of the rotor on a support cushion of air.

Abstract: An air levitation jet located in the center of a rotor seat to provide a supporting and holding air flow between a rotor and the rotor seat. Integrally formed within both the rotor and the rotor seat are conical and frustoconical portions which respectively establish a conical flow path and an adjoining frustoconical flow path to aid not only in the centering of the rotor within the rotor seat, but also in the retaining of the rotor in alignment with its rotational axis. Air under pressure exiting the levitation air jet in the center of the rotor seat proceeds along the conical flow path and into the frustoconical flow path with sufficient velocity to establish a reduced pressure in the flow path between the rotor and rotor seat that is less than atmospheric pressure, causing the rotor to remain securely positioned on a cushion of air within the rotor seat.

Abstract: A pressure transducer and method of manufacture is disclosed wherein a tantalum diaphragm is held in position in a pressure transducer by sandwiching the tantalum diaphragm between a stainless steel weld ring and the stainless steel body of the pressure transducer. The stainless steel weld ring is welded to the stainless steel body at a temperature above the melting point of the stainless steel but below the melting point of the tantalum whereby simultaneous to the welding of the weld ring to the body, a braze is created between the tantalum diaphragm and both the stainless steel weld ring and stainless steel body. This braze creates the required hermetic seal between the tantalum diaphragm and the stainless steel body. Additionally, an inert seal is provided between the pressure body of the transducer and the tantalum diaphragm disposed interior of the inner circumference of the stainless steel weld ring whereby process fluids which would otherwise erode the weld ring are isolated therefrom.

Abstract: An electrochemical reference electrode for use in ion potential measurements of solutions. The liquid junction structure of the electrode comprises a hydrophobic polymer having a suitable salt distributed therethrough and held in place to prevent leaching by a filamentary structure of the polymer. The liquid junction structure is a diffusion membrane material and permits ionic communication between the salt bridge solution of the electrode and the sample solution essentially by means of diffusion, rather than by liquid flow. The entire electrode body may be made of the polymeric material. The electrode is particularly suited for process applications.