Abstract: A scale accessory 102 includes a shelf 200 supported substantially coplanar with the weighing tray 150 of a scale 100. The shelf 200 extends a dimension of the weighing tray 150 and may be used to support a portion of the article to be weighed 550. A first portion 552 of the article to be weighed is supported on the weighing tray 150 and a second portion 554 of the article to be weighed is supported on the shelf 200 such that the weighing tray 150 only weighs the first portion 552. Proximate edges of the shelf 200 and the weighing tray 150 are separated by a slot 400 that forms a cutting or marking guide between the first portion 552 and the second portion 554. The scale accessory 102 allows a user to accurately weigh a portion of a large article such a fish or meat filet, mark a severing line 556 on the filet and then cut the filet along the severing line.

Abstract: The fluid tightness of containers having a first deformable section and a second deformable section spaced from the first deformable section is checked by changing the pressure applied to the first deformable section, preferably without causing fluid to flow through the first deformable section out of the container, and without changing the pressure applied to the second deformable section, thereby causing a deformation of the first deformable section and a change in pressure within the container; and thereafter monitoring a predetermined characteristic, preferably the position, of the second deformable section. This process can be used to check the fluid tightness of the containers with relatively fragile seals, for example, a foil lid of a food container without mechanical contact. Automated apparatus for carrying out this process is described.

Abstract: The leaky or non-leaky condition of a flexible, closed container is tested by increasing the pressure within the container (by causing motion of a wall of the container), and monitoring the resulting rate of change of a predetermined parameter (wall position or force exerted by the wall); the monitored rate of change indicates the leaky or non-leaky condition. In another aspect the time-varying net force on a container is the basis for determining the leaky or non-leaky condition.

Abstract: A method is described for causing hollow glass spheres to implode on command while deep in the ocean, whereby to produce an acoustic pulse. Specific means for causing the spheres to implode are described. The invention is useful for seismic work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inspecting vacuum-packed containers. The invention comprises automatically subjecting each container to be inspected to a predetermined force so as to cause each container to emit a click as a result of relative displacement of the container and its liquid contents, and determining whether the container has adequate vacuum by measuring the time interval between application of the predetermined force and the occurrence of the click. In a modification of the invention the pressure determenation is made by generating a signal having an amplitude that varies according to the intensity of the click.

Abstract: A free-fall underwater sampler comprises a pair of jaw members and ballast supporting containers in which the jaw members and containers are operated simultaneously and independently of one another. A safety mechanism is also provided for preventing premature closing of the jaw members and release of the ballast. Other features and advantages are disclosed.