Abstract: Embodiments of a quantifying force management system generally include a force applicator, a force indicator, and a force application assembly that includes a housing having an internal bore, a housing cap, and a force translator. In various embodiments, a portion of the force applicator extends through a housing cap opening wherein a force applicator bottom surface contacts a force translator top surface within the housing bore and whereby upon application of longitudinal force via the force applicator the force translator is compressed, and wherein the force indicator indicates the quantity of force being applied. In one aspect, embodiments of the quantifying force management system are incorporated in a piston assembly for use with a pressurized fluid density balance. A method of using the quantifying force management system, as a component of the piston assembly, in measuring the density of a liquid sample utilizing a fluid density balance is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.

Abstract: A load cell (10), which includes a weighing system (14) having a force application point (18), a load boom arm (20) for receiving the loads to be weighed at a position remote from the force application point (18) and an adjusting device, wherein an adjusting weight boom arm (28) is provided which extends in a longitudinal direction (A) defined by the load boom arm on the side opposing the load boom arm (20) relative to the force application point (18) and which has at least two pre-determined adjusting weight engagement points (36, 38). An activating unit (34) places at least one adjusting weight (30, 32) on at least one of the adjusting weight engagement points (36, 38).

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an unexpected detecting apparatus enabled to evaluate an evenness of a compound coated on an electrode of a battery. The detecting apparatus (1) detects an evenness of a compound (12) coated on an electrode (10) of a battery, and includes a first sensor (20) for measuring a mass per unit area of the compound (12) in any points thereof, a second sensor (30, 50) for measuring a thickness of the compound (12) in the any points, and a holder (40, 60) for holding the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50), in which the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50) measure the mass and thickness at the same time, and the evenness is evaluated on the basis of the measured mass and thickness.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring apparatus includes a liquid bath, a measured object receiving member which is housed in the liquid bath via a support means in a non-contact manner and into and out of which a liquid within the liquid bath can freely flow, an aerial mounting member which is supported by the support means and on which a measured object is placed in order to measure gravity thereof in the air, and a weighing apparatus receiving and supporting the measured object receiving member via the support means. The weighing apparatus 5 is provided with a sensor and a measuring section. The aerial mounting member is provided in such a manner as to cover a part of an opening O at an upper part of the liquid bath.

Abstract: The current application discloses a non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system, comprising a curved tube containing an oilfield fluid, a mass measuring device connected to the curved tube, and a data acquisition system connected to the mass measuring device. The mass measuring device measures the mass of the curved tube and the data acquisition system calculate the density of the oilfield fluid in the curved tube. In one embodiment, the non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system further comprises an antilog amplifier that is connected between the mass measuring device and the data acquisition system, where the antilog amplifier transforms the mass of the curved tube into an exponential value which is then fed into the data acquisition system.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring apparatus includes a liquid bath, a measured object receiving member which is housed in the liquid bath via a support means in a non-contact manner and into and out of which a liquid within the liquid bath can freely flow, an aerial mounting member which is supported by the support means and on which a measured object is placed in order to measure gravity thereof in the air, and a weighing apparatus receiving and supporting the measured object receiving member via the support means. The weighing apparatus 5 is provided with a sensor and a measuring section. The aerial mounting member is provided in such a manner as to cover a part of an opening O at an upper part of the liquid bath.

Abstract: A micro scale includes one substrate forming a first zone constituting a first terminal, one conducting vibrating beam which has two opposite ends affixed on two supporting areas on the substrate, the conductive beam forming a second terminal; wherein the conductive beam is made of polymer gel having metallic microparticles in low quantity so as to avoid any contamination of a biological material to measure, the density of the metallic microparticles being high enough to achieve electrical conduction of the second terminal. A manufacturing process of such a micro scale circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A hydrometer, hydrometer kit, and method of measuring the salinity/density or the salinity/specific gravity of a liquid are provided. The hydrometer may include a box structure comprising side walls and a bottom. At least a portion of one of the side walls may be substantially transparent. A buoyant indicator member may be pivotably disposed about an axis within the box structure. The indicator member may pivot about the axis when the box structure is filled with a liquid. A salinity/density scale or salinity/specific gravity scale may be disposed on a surface of the box structure or a dial member. At least one adhesive member may be removably adhered to the indicator member by a user so that the hydrometer can be calibrated based on a reference solution having a predetermined salinity. The at least one adhesive member may increase or decrease the buoyancy of the indicator member. The kit may include the hydrometer and a container of the reference solution having a predetermined salinity.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process is described for measuring a property of oil extracted from a sample, for example, the viscosity or density. The oil is extracted from the sample using a volatile polar first solvent. A portion of the extracted oil is used to determine a concentration factor. A dry weight of the oil in the sample is calculated using the concentration factor. A second solvent less volatile than the first solvent is added to the remaining extract. The first solvent is substantially removed from the remaining extract. Different amounts of the second solvent are removed from each of a series of sub-samples taken from the remaining extract. Solvent concentrations and viscosity values and/or density values of the solvent-oil mixtures are measured for each sub-sample. Based on the measured solvent concentrations and viscosity values and/or density values, the second-solvent free viscosity and/or density of the oil in the sample is estimated.

Abstract: A drilling fluid monitor system includes a pump fluidically connected to the drilling fluid to withdraw fluid from that system and move it to a scale that includes two coils through which the withdrawn fluid is circulated. The coils are positioned on a scale so the withdrawn fluid can be accurately weighed and returned to the drilling system via the pump.

Abstract: Meat processing device having at least one comminution unit for comminution and/or mixing of fresh and/or frozen meat and having at least one transport means (2) on which the meat can be transported and which is arranged, in the direction of processing, downstream of the comminution unit (1), which has a fat analysis device (3) for determining the fat content, the density in the meat and/or the BEFFE (connective tissue protein free meat protein), and also process for fat analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting bombs, which are thrown into a trash can. The system comprises: (a) at least one sensing unit for sensing predetermined characteristics of objects thrown into the trash can, and forming an indication signal when a characteristic at a level predefined to be suspected is sensed; and (b) a processing unit for receiving indication signals from said at least one sensing unit, evaluating said signals, and whenever determining emergency, forming an alert signal; characterized in that one of said sensing units is an RF detecting unit for detecting radio transmission from objects thrown into the trash can.

Abstract: The higher the reading of relative density, liquid weight per unit volume, of pieces of produce such as fruits, the juicier the piece of produce is. By comparing a number of pieces of produce of the same type and species and ranking them, the juiciest pieces of produce may be easily selected and purchased by a shopper. An arrangement of linkages and a sliding spring element creates a device with two inputs, one input being proportional to the volume of the produce based on a representative diameter, and the other input being an approximation of the weight of the produce based on the deflection of a spring. The two inputs are mechanically combined to create one output indicative of density, and thus juiciness, and a pointer is employed whose deflection is proportional to the quotient of the weight and volumetric inputs of each piece of produce tested by the shopper.

Abstract: Currently no one has thought to try to measure the buoyancy, or in this case, the weight of upward force produced by manufactured products submerged in water. Trial and error or trying to “add” up the density of dissimilar materials has been the way items were tested. Because many products are made up of numerous materials, some very buoyant and some not buoyant, the need for a piece of testing equipment that can measure an entire object is essential. Taking all materials into account when assessing buoyancy can help to ensure a safe product (being able to float the intended weight) and provide hard data for product liability (proving the product can perform under intended conditions).

Abstract: A densimeter contains an inlet pipe section, a second pipe section joined to the downstream end of the inlet pipe section, and an outlet pipe section joined to the downstream end of the second pipe section. The inlet and outlet pipe sections are constrained by a support structure, while flexible couplings allow the second section of pipe to undergo a limited amount of radial motion relative to the adjacent pipe sections. The weight of the second pipe section is supported by a weight measuring unit, which continuously measures the weight of the second pipe section as fluid flows through the densimeter. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses the densimeter to measure the density of a proppant in a blender system for preparing fluid mixtures for fracturing and propping oil bearing geological formations.

Abstract: A method is provided for nondestructively determining a material property of a porous sample. A first vessel is evacuated to a sub-atmospheric pressure, while a test pressure, greater than the sub-atmospheric pressure, is established in a second vessel containing the sample. The pressures of the first and second vessels are equalized by opening a valve mechanism therebetween. The resulting pressure change in the second vessel exhibits an initial pressure drop followed by a transition to an equalization pressure. The envelope volume of the sample is determined from a minimum pressure attained by the second vessel upon initial opening of the valve mechanism, wherein the minimum pressure is related to the initial pressure drop. The envelope density of the sample is thus a quotient of the mass and the envelope volume of the sample. The absolute density and relative absorption of the sample may also be determined and an associated system is provided.

Abstract: A check weighing system is provided which can check weigh samples (1) on a production line. The check weighing system comprises a magnet (13) for creating a static magnetic field over an interrogation zone for creating a net magnetisation within a sample (1) located within the interrogation zone and an RF coil for applying an alternating magnetic field over the interrogation zone for causing excitation of the sample (1) within the interrogation zone according to the principles of NMR. The check weighing system also comprises a sensor for sensing the energy emitted as the sample relaxes back to an equilibrium state after excitation as the samples pass through the interrogation zone on a conveyor belt (9) forming part of the production line.

Abstract: A drilling mud monitoring system includes a single measurement chamber which is filled with a predetermined quantity of drilling mud. The chamber is weighed to provide a value representative of the density of the drilling mud. The time needed for the chamber to drain is measured to provide a value representative of viscosity. The system proceeds through a measurement cycle in which the chamber is filled, weighed, timed and washed. At the end of the wash step, the weight of the chamber is compared with an empty weight and if the chamber weighs too much, the conclusion is that drilling mud adheres to the chamber so it is washed again. An alarm is sounded if the mud weight is too low and/or too high or in the case of a machine malfunction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid based on the fluid weight. A container is provided between a fluid source and a fluid removal system. A valve is arranged between the fluid source and the container, to control the admitting of fluid into the container from the source, and removal of fluid from the container by the removal system. The valve is controlled by a weight-responsive mechanism, which detects a change in weight of the container due to the admitting and removal of fluid, and opens or closes the valve accordingly. A flow rate of the fluid may be determined in terms of a time period between the closing and subsequent opening of the valve.

Abstract: The invention determines density of a sample while the sample is immersed in a gaseous medium having variable density. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing the gaseous medium and the sample, means for selectively varying the density of the gaseous medium over a range of densities, and means for producing electrical signals related to the density of the gaseous medium. In the chamber is a balance beam having a sample pan at a first end and a coil assembly at an opposing second end. Also at the second end of the beam is a first counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of sample pan, and which creates a moment that is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the sample pan. At the first end of the beam is a second counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of the coil assembly, and which creates a moment which is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the coil assembly.

Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.

Abstract: The invention suggests the use of microwaves in the spinning industry in order to determine the band mass of an elongated, substantially non-twisted fiber structure. In addition, a method for measuring the sliver mass from the frequency detuning and the damping of resonance signals of a microwave sensor while taking into consideration the moisture of the fiber structure with a computer is suggested. Likewise, a corresponding spinning preparation machine and a laboratory device for measuring the sliver mass are part of the invention. Lastly, a method and a spinning preparation machine for recognizing foreign matter in a moved fiber structure with the aid of microwaves is suggested.

Abstract: A device for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes a duct segment in fluid communication with the conveying system. The duct segment is coupled to the conveying system by isolation fittings, which allow the weight of the duct segment to be measured independent of the weight of adjacent portions of the conveying system. Further, a method for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes weighing a duct segment having material free fluid flowing therein. The duct segment having a mixture of material and fluid flowing therein is also weighed. The difference of the two weights is used to determine a linear density of the material.

Abstract: A drilling mud monitoring system includes a single measurement chamber which is filled with a predetermined quantity of drilling mud. The chamber is weighed to provide a value representative of the density of the drilling mud. The time needed for the chamber to drain is measured to provide a value representative of viscosity. The system proceeds through a measurement cycle in which the chamber is filled, weighed, timed, and washed. At the end of the wash step, the weight of the chamber is compared with an empty weight and if the chamber weighs too much, the conclusion is that drilling mud adheres to the chamber so it is washed again. An alarm is sounded if the mud weight is too low and/or too high or in the case of a machine malfunction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products determine absorption, specific gravity, and/or porosity of construction materials undergoing analysis corresponding to different measurements of material samples divided from a “parent” construction material sample. Dry and wet weights of the samples are obtained under different conditions.

Abstract: A bulk density sampling method and device whereby formed product is flowed through a vertically disposed passage of pre-determined size. The passage is temporarily obstructed to collect and weigh a known volume of product upon which to base a calculation of bulk density and the generation of a control signal for regulating a multi-tasking processor to constantly monitor, control, and display speed, head gap position, temperature, feed rate and target moisture.

Abstract: A dryer is provided which is adapted to receive and dry polymeric material. The dryer comprises a support structure, a drying hopper assembly, a polymeric material supply device and a controller. The drying hopper assembly includes a drying hopper having an inlet for receiving wet polymeric material to be dried and an outlet through which dry polymeric material exits the hopper, and load cell apparatus associated with the support structure and the drying hopper for sensing the weight of the drying hopper and any polymeric material contained therein. The load cell apparatus generates first signals representative of the weight of the drying hopper and any contents it may have. The polymeric material supply device is adapted to supply wet polymeric material to the drying hopper through the material inlet. The controller is coupled to the polymeric material supply device and the load cell apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects in computed tomography (CT) data are disclosed. Sheet-shaped objects such as sheet explosives can be detected by analyzing a neighborhood of voxels surrounding a test voxel. If the density of the test voxel is sufficiently different from the mean density of the neighboring voxels, then it is concluded that the test voxel is associated with a sheet object. Sheet objects can also be detected by eroding the CT data so as to eliminate voxels associated with thin objects. Remaining objects are then subtracted from the original data, leaving only thin sheet-shaped objects. Erosion of the data can be performed by identifying a neighborhood of voxels surrounding a voxel of interest. If the number of voxels having densities below a predetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined number, then it is assumed that the test voxel is a surface voxel and is removed from the object.

Abstract: A quartz crystal resonator is excited in two different modes at the same time such that the mass change and the temperature change can be measured independently. In using such a quartz crystal the change in mass can be calculated accurately and in real time, independent of temperature effects.

Abstract: Saturation variations are obtained by displacing a first fluid (for example water) that initially saturates a sample (1) coated with resin (2) by injecting therein, through a first end plate or cap (3) and by means of a pump (7), a second fluid (for example oil). The mixture flowing out through an opposite end plate (4) is collected in an initially filled two-phase separator (9) placed on an electronic balance (10). The first excess fluid flows towards a vessel (13), and the progressive accumulation of the second fluid in separator (9) leads to a variation in the total weight. A programmed processor (14) computes permanently the saturation values of the sample with respect to the first and to the second fluid, from the measured weight variations of separator (9). The method and device can be used for laboratory measurements of rock samples for example.

Abstract: A method for predicting fat free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW) of a prepubertal child infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comprises the steps of measuring a child's height, measuring the child's total body resistance, and predicting fat free mass (FFM) and total body weight (TBW) of said child using the measured height and total body resistance.

Abstract: A furnace comprises an enclosure, a hearth plate within the enclosure for supporting combustible material, a first heater element adjacent the hearth plate for initial combustion of the combustible material, a filter disposed above the hearth plate for filtering uncombusted products of combustion of the combustible material, and a second heater element adjacent the filter for final combustion of the uncombusted products of combustion filtered by the filter. A controller controls the first and second heater elements independently.

Abstract: A compaction device for determining envelope and bulk densities of sample materials. The device uses a rotating sample cylinder and a plunger positioned within the cylinder. The force on the plunger is measured as the plunger advances in the cylinder. The position of the plunger at which a predetermined level of force is applied thereto is determined. Envelope density is determined from the difference in the advance of the plunger when the cylinder is partially filled with a dry flowing medium and when a sample material such as a rigid object is added into the medium. Bulk density is determined from the difference in the advance of the plunger when the cylinder is empty and when the cylinder contains a sample material such as a powder.

Abstract: A conventional fluid density balance beam measurement instrument used for measuring fluid density at atmospheric pressure is converted for use to measure fluid density at super-atmospheric pressure. The conversion is made without modifying the structure of the conventional instrument. A pressure lid, placed over the open mouth of the instrument's sample cup, is held in place by a removable retaining structure that wraps around the base of the cup. A screw ring at the top of the retainer applies a retaining pressure against the lid. Pressure is applied to the cup through a check valve stem extending through the lid. An adjustable flange on the rim of the lid permits the lid to advance into the cup to change the cup volume for sizing the cup to obtain a precisely known volume for measurement. A counterweight is removably connected to the balance beam to compensate for the weight added by the lid and retaining structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the volume and calculating the envelope density of an object of known weight. The apparatus has a hollow sample cylinder of known interior diameter mounted to a motor for rotation about its horizontal axis. A dry flowing medium is placed in the sample cylinder and a plunger is removably positioned therein. The plunger is mounted to another drive motor for axial movement within the sample cylinder to compact the dry flowing medium. A load cell connected to the plunger measures the force on the plunger as it advances in the sample cylinder. Control means responsive to the load cell determines the position of the plunger in the sample cylinder at which a known force is exerted on the plunger. The control means also calculates the volume of the dry flowing medium in the sample cylinder both with and without the object positioned therein and divides the difference in the volumes into the weight of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically measuring the density an object which comprises a first weighing device for weighing the object in a first medium which is dry, a second weighing device for weighing an object in a second medium which is wet and a robotic device having a first gripper to grip the object when dry and a second gripper to grip the object when wet the device being capable of controlling the first gripper so as to place the object on and remove it from the first weighing device and for controlling the second gripper so as to place the object on and remove it from the second weighing device.

Abstract: A system for measuring body fat percentage is disclosed. The system relies upon the measurement of a subject's weight in two gases of different densities. The difference in weight, along with the difference in atmospheric density, is used to determine the subject's density. Implementing Archimedes' principle of binary mixtures, this figure is used to determine the proportion by weight of fat in the subject. The weight of the subject is measured with a precision balance. The density of the gas is determined with an ultrasonic probe that senses the change in sonic velocity, which is related to the density of the atmosphere.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring the characteristic diameter of a flowing particulate material comprises: a chamber having a particle size measurement outlet of known dimensions through which some or all of the flowing material passes, a mechanism to determine the flow rate of the material through the particle size measurement outlet, a mechanism for determining the bulk density of the material and a mechanism to compute the characteristic diameter from the known or determined parameters.

Abstract: Improved bulk density sampler is provided for continuous sampling of material flowing in a material processing stream which includes a sampling assembly including a receptacle of known volume mounted on and secured to a load cell configured to selectively measure the assembly weight both when the sampling assembly receptacle is full and empty. Preferably, the bulk density sampler includes a housing for protection of the sampling assembly and receptacle from product stream and other debris which may be present in the operating environment during the weight measurement. The bulk density sampler also preferably includes a programmable controller which controls the operation of the bulk density sampler and provides additional functionalities such as trend chart analysis, alarm functions, and sampling frequencies.

Abstract: A liquid bulk density monitoring apparatus which is particularly suitable for monitoring suspended sediment levels has a plummet suspended from one end of a balance beam and submerged in a vessel containing a liquid to be monitored. A sensor detects tilting of the beam from a reference or balance position as a result of variation in the sample bulk density, and produces an output to an output device for recording density variations. The apparatus is designed to compensate automatically for any changes in temperature, for example by making the plummet of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially the same as that of the liquid being monitored.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one physical parameter of accumulator electrode plates, such as the true plate thickness P.sub.d, the apparent density D.sub.s of the active material, the true density D.sub.w of the active material, the pore volume P.sub.a, the porosity P.sub.0 of the active material or the pore structure, is performed such that, by means of various weighings, the weight (G.sub.FP) of a liquid plate is determined instead of the weight of a real electrode plate, and, from this value, the desired physical parameter is obtained which is used for controlling the production process.

Abstract: An apparatus which permits continuous automatic determination of the bulk specific gravity of a powdery sample and highly precise measurement thereof. The apparatus comprises a robot 3 transporting a container 2 filled with a powdery sample; a funnel 4 provided with a damper, which receives the powdery sample discharged from the container 2; a damper-driving unit 5a for pulling out and pushing the damper 5; a sample sensor 7 for detecting the powdery sample dropped through the funnel 4 provided with a damper; a constant volume receiver 6 for receiving dropped through the funnel 4 provided with a damper; a scraping bar 8 for sliding the upper face of the constant volume receiver 6; a scraping bar-driving unit 8a for reciprocating the scraping bar 8; a constant volume receiver-conveying robot 21 transporting the constant volume receiver 6; an electronic balance 22 which determines the weight the powdery sample in the constant volume receiver 6; and a cleaner 23 for aspirating the weighed powdery sample.

Abstract: The measuring device has bobs 10, 17 suspended from a weight 12 with wires 11, 16. The hook 13 of the weight 12 is hung from a suspensor thread 15 extending downwards from a balance 14. The weight 12 may be omitted by using the upper bob 10 for dead weight. The bobs 10, 17 and the wires 11, 16 may be coated with a coating layer unreactive to the melt 19 whose density is to be measured. The weights of the measuring device is measured by the balance 14 under the first condition that the lower bob 17 is immersed in the liquid 19 and the second condition that the bobs 10, 17 are both immersed in the liquid 19. The density of the liquid 19 is calculated from the two measured values without the influence of the surface tension of the liquid 19 applied to the wires 11, 16.

Abstract: A fluid densitometer is constructed using loudspeaker technology. The loudspeaker diaphragm carries a fluid sample chamber. The increased mass loading causes a shift in resonant frequency of the loudspeaker when driven in positive feedback. With suitable calibration the shift in frequency provides a measure of the density of the fluid sample. In a modification, two loudspeakers are mounted back to back with the opposing diaphragms defining a sample chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous gravimetric metering of pourable material includes a housing having arranged therein a rotor. The material is supplied to pockets of the rotor through a charging inlet and blown out of the pockets at a discharging outlet arranged on a side of the housing opposite to a charging device. The housing is mounted at a frame and is pivotal about an axis extending through centers of elastic coupling members connecting a supply bin and a feed-away duct, respectively, to the housing. The axis may extend inclined to the horizontal. Pressurized fluid for blowing out the pockets of the rotor may be used for cleaning an interior space of the rotor prior to being applied to the pockets of the rotor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the specific gravity, weight, level, and/or volume of a liquid in a container includes two load cells supported at the upper end of the container, a first body of known cross-sectional area extending through the interior of the container supported in suspension by one load cell, and a second body of known volume extending through the interior of the container and supported in suspension by the other load cell.

Abstract: A tablet determining method and an apparatus therefor capable of accurately determining ingredients of a multi-layer tablet without breaking the tablet. A multi-layer tablet is lighted from light sources, an area of the side surface of the tablet on which a boundary line between the layers appears is detected by image processing, an area of the side surface of at least one of the layers of the tablet which are separated by the boundary line is detected by image processing, and data obtained by the image processing and data on the total weight of the tablet are used for determining the layer by processing.