Abstract: Photometric detector assembly which includes a housing, means for passing an optical beam along a path through the housing to a detector, a NIST traceable calibration filter enclosed within the housing, and means operable externally of the housing for moving the filter into and out of the beam path between calibration and normal operating positions.
Abstract: Inline optical sensor having first and second optically transmissive windows positioned on opposite sides of a product stream. A light source is positioned outside the first window for directing light through the product stream, and the spacing between the windows is adjusted to control the length of an optical path through the product stream. A detector is positioned outside the second window for receiving light passing along the optical path, and a photometric calibration filter is removably installed between the second window and the detector for calibration of the system.
Abstract: Low voltage discharge lamp assembly which has a plug-in base and, in some embodiments, includes a power supply as an integral part of the assembly. The electrode leads pass through a base cap to form contact pins for engagement with a socket. By controlling the orientation of the pins relative to the electrodes and discharge path within the lamp, the lamp is easily removed and replaced without disturbing the direction and focusing of the light it produces.
Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the interior surface of a window in an inline optical sensors which is subject to contamination and fouling by a product stream in contact therewith. The window surface is wiped by a blade driven by a pneumatic operator, and the amount of air supplied to the operator is adjusted to control the speed at which the blade moves across the window surface. When a cleaning operation is initiated, the blade is wiped across the window surface a predetermined number of times, and measurements utilizing data from the sensor are suspended until the cleaning operation is completed and the data has had time to restabilize.
Abstract: System and method for controlling the content of a fluid product such as milk. The entire product stream is monitored continuously, and the actual content of the stream is compared with the desired content. A correction signal which varies in accordance with the difference between the actual content and the desired content is provided, and in one disclosed embodiment the content of the product is adjusted in response to the correction signal by an amount which decreases as the content approaches the desired level. In another disclosed embodiment, the butterfat content of both the standardized milk product and an excess cream output are controlled. The correction signals are adapted to control valves which control flow to result in both the standardized milk product and excess cream output having the desired butterfat content.
Abstract: System and method for controlling the content of a fluid product such as milk. The entire product stream is monitored continuously with an optical density meter, and the a signal corresponding to actual content of the stream is compared with the desired content. A correction signal which varies in accordance with the difference between the actual content signal and the desired content signal is provided, and the content of the product is adjusted in response to the correction signal by an amount which decreases as the content approaches the desired level.