Abstract: A method for measuring the impedance of a transmission line. The length and D.C. loop resistance of the line are measured. A pulse is transmitted along the line, the pulse having a duration greater than the time required for it to propogate from its source to the end of the transmission line and reflect back to the source. The transmitted and reflected pulses are monitored and the resultant readings converted to a gross impedance measurement. The measurement is then corrected for the "dribble up" effect. The magnitude of the correction is a function of D.C. loop resistance of the line. The corrected measurement is an accurate measurement of line impedance.

Abstract: A liquid stream (13) and a detector (12) and a computer (11) which operate to observe properties in the composition of the fluid stream and compare detected data from observed samples with standards and in accordance with parameters established by calibration calculate the characteristics of the observed samples.An integral but segmented liquid stream (13) flows through the analysis system (10) to provide liquid segments of observed sample and reagent. A detector (12) scans data from the samples at the interface between these segments and information relating to the composition at the interface is analyzed by a mathematical model that permits comparison of the detected data from successively observed samples with standards and thus determines the characteristics of the samples. The segmented integral liquid stream (13) is fashioned by step pulsing of discrete segments of reagents and samples and transporting the discrete segments to a detector (12).