Abstract: A rheometer or viscometer for continuously measuring the rheological properties of non-Newtonian, mixed phase fluids or slurries. The device has a vertically disposed, inverted U-tube to maintain solids in suspension and, therefore, exhibit a homogeneous character. The fluid flow rate is controlled to assure nonturbulent laminar flow through the tube. Pressure is measured at as point in each leg of the U-tube and compared. For a constant flow rate, the pressure drop over the tube is used to measure the viscosity of the fluid in the tube.

Abstract: A head for taking liquid samples and intended to be used in a sampling system associated with a nuclear fuel processing installation, includes a sampling tank (10) in which is removably received a needle body (16), which supports a sampling needle, to which can be fixed a vacuum sampling container (46). The needle body (16) has an extension (34) provided with holes, which surrounds the lower part of the needle (18) immersed in a cavity (26) of the sampling tank (10). The lower end (36) of said extension (34) seals a draining passage (32), which opens into the bottom of the cavity (26). This makes it possible to ensure a larger liquid quantity.

Abstract: A touch trigger probe for machine tools or coordinate measuring machines has three strain gauges 10A-C, which respond to deflection of a stylus of the probe when it contacts a workpiece. The signals from the strain gauges are each rectified by precision rectifiers 18A-C, and then combined at a summing junction 20. A first comparator 28 compares the combined signal with a threshold voltage V.sub.ref1, to produce a sensitive trigger signal. A second comparator 30 compares the combined signal with a higher threshold voltage V.sub.ref2, which produces a confirmation signal. This confirms that the trigger signal is caused by a genuine workpiece contact, and not caused falsely by vibration or acceleration.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring both the temperature and pressure of fluid in a borehole utilizing a single small diameter tube extending from the surface to the desired downhole test location in a borehole. Downhole fluid pressure is transmitted through the small diameter tube, while a sheathed thermocouple or fibre optic line extending along the flow path of the tube is used for transmitting downhole fluid temperature information to the surface. A continuous surface read-out of both pressure and temperature is thus possible, and the temperature read-out may be used to both monitor downhole fluid temperature and increase the accuracy of the fluid pressure measurement system.