Abstract: A pipette for carrying out and determining sedimentation rates, in particular that of blood sedimentation, comprises an ungraduated transparent tube (1) of glass, plastic or the like, at the lower end of which a filling connection (2) is provided which, with the aid of a tube-holder branch (4), sealingly retains the tube (1). The filling connection (2) comprises a filling branch (5) for attaching a syringe which contains the sedimentation material. In order to enable the sedimentation material to be filled in without bubbles, the axes of the tube-holder branch (4) and of the filling branch (5) mutually enclose an acute angle--especially of the order of magnitude of 30.degree.--and no cross-section-constricting inserts which would impair the free cross-section of the channel (6) are provided in the filling connection (2).

Abstract: A method is provided for selecting the optimum concentration of inhibitors such as soluble salts to effect maximum clay swelling and dispersion inhibition in an aqueous fluid of water-swellable, argillaceous materials including clays as exemplified by bentonite and argillaceous sediments, such as shales, encountered in drilling operations. In this method filtration measurements are first taken to develop a filtration parameter from which the optimum inhibitor concentration is readily determined.

Abstract: A method and means for measuring erythrocyte deformability is provided comprising an absorbent strip and a filter membrane, the membrane characterized by pores having a mean pore size in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 microns, the membrane and the strip being in at least partial cofacial contact. A 10 microliter sample of blood is drawn through the membrane by capillary action and flows along the absorbent strip. The time required for the blood to traverse a predetermined lateral distance along the strip is recorded.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for ultrasonic flaw detection of T-welded portion of steel product. The method comprises: maintaining the flange portion horizontally, making convergent ultrasonic beams incident on the flange portion vertically to the top face of the flange portion through a medium, scanning the incident beams transversely of the welded portion, detecting ultrasonic echo from a depth corresponding to the bottom face thickness of the flange portion, and comparing the level of said ultrasonic echo with a predetermined threshold value. Disclosed also is an apparatus for carry out the above method. These method and apparatus are suited particularly to the on-line flaw detection of the welded shape steel.

Abstract: The ultrasonic weld inspection method comprises transmitting an ultrasonic wave through the molten metal portion of the weld while the weld is being formed and determining if a weld defect is present in the molten metal. If no defect is detected in the molten metal, the welding process continues. However, if a defect is detected in the molten metal, the welding electrodes remain at that position until the defect has dissipated. In this manner, defects are removed from the weld before the weld metal solidifies.

Abstract: There is provided a new method for analysis of the size and/or distribution of particles emanating from a mother liquid by sedimentation in a rotating disc centrifuge, particularly a photosedimentometer. The method is characterized in that the spin fluid or medium is formed externally of the disc as distinct from being formed within the disc while it is rotating. The externally prepared spin medium is formed from at least two miscible liquids of different densities for example, methanol and water, in a manner such that they are substantially incompletely mixed whereby a density gradient is established in the spin medium. Thereafter the spin medium is injected into the disc while spinning at a given speed, and later the mother liquid is injected. Results are closely comparable to the buffered line start method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,475,968.

Abstract: In a time-marking sedimentation process where two or more fractions in a sample containing liquid are to be separated entirely or partially by their specific weights in a tube or corresponding structure, a plug (2) of a hydrophilic plastic substance is brought into contact with the sample. The plug (2) has original dimensions smaller than the inner diameter of the tube (1) and has a specific weight lying between the specific weights of the fractions. The plug is adjusted with respect to its dimensions and/or substance so as to attain a swelling degree sufficient for the plug to jam in the tube (1), to mark the separation line between the fractions (3,4) after a certain predetermined period. Thereafter the position of the plug (2) in the tube is read. The method and device are particularly advantageous in medical connections, especially in the determination of the sedimentation reaction of blood, in which blood corpuscles are separated from plasma.

Abstract: A novel meter is provided for measuring erythrocyte settling rates. It includes (a) a base supporting rack adapted to hold an array of tubes at an optimum settling angle and at least one tube adapted to contain blood samples, the tube including a window of predetermined length at the upper end thereof, the window permitting passage of ambient light therethrough. A timer is provided which is actuated by the passage of ambient light through the window when the tube contains blood, to determine the erythrocyte settling rate. This timing is achieved by signalling that a preset period of time has elapsed between when a minimum amount of light passes through the window, indicative of the presence of erythrocytes in the area of the window, and when a maximum amount of light passes through the window, indicative of the substantial absence of erythrocytes in the area of the window. By this invention, a blood test may be done in 5 to 15 minutes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of measuring the filterability of a fluid which includes a cold box having a temperature regulating mechanism connected thereto. Enclosed in the cold box is a filter holder connected between first and second cylinders. The filter holder has a housing divided into two parts which are joined together by a quick attachment and release mechanism. The mechanism permits a calibrated filter to be inserted into or to be removed from the filter holder quickly and easily. The filter holder also has an inlet and an outlet with the inlet connected to the first cylinder and the outlet connected to the second cylinder. The first cylinder contains a free piston which separates a quantity of fluid which is present in one section of the cylinder from a pressurized inert gas which is supplied to an opposite side of the piston. By allowing the pressurized inert gas to impinge on the piston, the fluid is urged from the first cylinder through the calibrated filter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test instrument includes a pulse generator, a receiver, a cathode ray tube screen display and a time gate means providing a gated time interval for viewing only echo signals which arise from a predetermined workpiece region under test. The time gated interval is shown as a horizontal gate bar display on the screen and the length of the bar being indicative of the gated time interval. Circuitry provided generates a reference signal to cause the gate bar to appear at a height commensurate with the echo signal received in the gated intervals having the highest peak amplitude. Unless reset, the amplitude of the gate bar remains at this peak value although subsequent echo signals may have a lower amplitude.

Abstract: A fluid loss test can be performed using a housing having a substantially cylindrical core disposed therein and having a cage paddle structure disposed therein substantially coaxially around the core thereby permitting continuous agitation and even fluid shear rates to be maintained during test periods. The core has an axial opening defined therein through which lost fluid permeating the core can be collected. The core is secured in the housing so that reverse flow permeability tests can be conducted thereon. Although secured in the housing during tests, the core is removable therefrom so that filter cakes applied to the core can be analyzed. The housing is maintained within a system which permits successive fluids to be introduced into the housing while maintaining substantially constant system pressure. Additionally, measured volumes of fluid can be introduced into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the quantitative analysis of blood or a similar fluid suspension. The fluid suspension is spun about a central spin axis in a chamber which circumscribes the central spin axis and whose volume varies geometrically as it extends away from the central spin axis. A fluid sample in the chamber is allowed to separate into bands or rings circumscribing the central spin axis, with the radial extent of those rings being geometrically proportional to the volume of the components. The radial extent of those bands or rings can then be used to determine the relative amounts of the components of the fluid suspension in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for simply and rapidly measuring erythrocyte deformability by placing samples of blood on a set of porous membranes or a membrane strip with graded series of sharply defined pore sizes to determine the selective absorption thereon. Based on observation of the selective absorption on the membranes or membrane strip the deformability index of the erythrocytes may be determined.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter press apparatus includes a filtration cell which includes a container for receiving a sample of the drilling mud, a pressure inlet communicating with the container, a bladder for preventing fluid communication between the drilling mud sample and the pressure inlet and for transmitting hydraulic pressure from the pressure inlet to the drilling mud sample, a filter arranged for contacting the drilling mud sample in the container, and a liquid outlet for draining the liquid pressed from the drilling mud sample through the filter. A pump is provided for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the pressure inlet of the filtration cell, which pump includes a pump body having a cylindrical bore disposed therein and an outlet port for communicating the bore with the pressure inlet of the filtration cell. The pump also includes a rotatable piston member threadedly engaged with the pump body for pressurizing fluid contained in the bore upon rotation of the piston member relative to the pump body.

Abstract: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is determined by collecting a predetermined quantity of venous blood directly within a sealed evacuated ESR specimen tube which may contain a specific quantity of an anticoagulant, agitating the sealed specimen tube to mix thoroughly the anticoagulant with the blood, supporting the sealed specimen tube in a precise axially vertical position, and measuring the distance from the bottom of the surface meniscus to the top of the column of red cells at a predetermined time after the sealed specimen tube has been vertically positioned. The ESR specimen tube has a diametrically enlarged portion at one end fitted with a penetrable elastomeric sealing stopper and may be graduated along its length.

Abstract: The specific surface distribution of a pulp may be obtained by pumping a sample at a pressure to overcome the pressure drop of a plurality of hydrocyclones arranged in series with the apex of leading hydrocyclones connected to the inlet of the next hydrocyclone, etc. in the series. Back pressure is maintained on the base outlet of the leading hydrocyclone, the consistency of the feed to the first hydrocyclone is sufficiently low to ensure that the consistency of the fraction rejected from the apex outlet of the penultimate hydrocyclone in the series is adequate for efficient separation in the final hydrocyclone of the series i.e. to have a feed consistency not exceeding about 0.25% to the last hydrocyclone in the series. Samples are collected from outlets from the hydrocyclones and may be tested to determine specific surface thereby to obtain an indication of the specific surface distribution of the pulp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method permitting ferromagnetic powders to be readily tested for their qualification for use in heavy medium suspensions for the float-sink dressing of minerals. To this end, the invention provides(a) for ferromagnetic powder particles with a size within the range 63 to 100.mu. to be admixed with a quantity of a glycerol/water mixture necessary to obtain a heavy medium suspension having a specific density within the range 1.45 to 1.55 g/cm.sup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method permitting ferromagnetic powders for use in heavy medium suspensions for the float-sink dressing of minerals to be readily tested as to their efficiency in magnetic separation and demagnetization. To this end, the invention provides(a) for a heavy medium suspension specimen to be removed from the purification cycle directly downstream of the magnetic separation stage, for it to be freed from impurities by decantation, and its relative sedimentation velocity to be determined with the aid of a sedimentometer;(b) for a heavy medium suspension specimen to be removed from the purification cycle downstream of the demagnetization stage, for it to be freed from impurities by decantation, and for its relative sedimentation velocity to be determined with the aid of a sedimentometer; and(c) for the heavy medium suspension specimen according to (b) to be demagnetized in a cyclicly decreasing magnetic alternating field with a maximum field strength which is 1.1 to 1.

Abstract: Apparatus to detect and/or locate an inhomogeneity in a medium comprises a transducer to transmit frequency-modulated ultrasonic energy through the medium and a transducer to receive reflected energy. The transducers are connected to a phase-locked loop which maintains a required relationship between the phase of the transmitted modulation and the phase of the received modulation by adjustment of the modulation frequency. The modulation frequency adjustment is kept within predetermined upper and lower frequency limits so that the loop can lock only on to received ultrasonic energy which has travelled a distance within a predetermined region in the medium. The energy may be scanned across the region to produce a profile of the inhomogeneity, such as tissue at a certain depth within a limb.

Abstract: A blood sedimentation device has a transparent small-diameter sedimentation tube and is provided with a calibration mark a short distance below its upper end. The column of blood is introduced into the sedimentation tube and is precisely bounded at the lower end of the tube. The device has a displacement sleeve surrounding the lower part of the sedimentation tube in an airtight manner allowing movement by sliding, and further has a tubular receptacle, closed at the bottom, surrounding the displacement sleeve in an airtight manner allowing movement by sliding, this receptacle accomodates the blood sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the filterability of red blood cells comprises a first upper transparent block containing at the center a capillary having an inner diameter between 1 and 10 mm, which block is provided with two level detectors; a second lower transparent block, provided with a central duct--facing the capillary of the upper block--inside which duct is housed a drop-taking device, such duct being connected on the one hand to a drain circuit and on the other to a pressure regulating circuit; a filtering membrane housed between the two blocks and a frame for holding the apparatus.First the initial mean flow time of the serum is measured, then the initial mean flow time of a volume of the suspension of cells in the plasma at a given concentration using such apparatus, and then the index of filterability is calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for experimental displacement of liquids in slurries for measuring filtration rate, washing performance and displacement bleaching in pulp. An open top cylinder is movable to a vertical orientation and has a piston slidably positioned therein. The piston includes a porous face with communicating passages to its rear surface. Apparatus are provided for registering pressure in the cylinder as well as for providing regulated motion of the piston. Also, a valve is provided for admitting wash water to the lower part of the cylinder for back washing the filter cake.

Abstract: An aquatic sediment and current monitor adapted to be positioned in a body of water comprising an elongate, vertically alignable, collecting tube having an open upper end and a closed lower end for collecting, over a long period of time, the natural materials and polluting substances that accumulate in the body of water. A generally funnel-shaped magnifying cone is positioned with the small diameter end thereof extending into the open end of the collecting tube to magnify the amount of sediment and pollution collected. A baffle is positioned in the magnifying cone adjacent the large diameter end thereof. A marking material dispenser is provided for automatically marking, at regular intervals, the quantity of sediment and pollution accumulated in the collecting tube during such intervals. A current wheel is positioned above the baffle for measuring the velocity of currents in the water body.

Abstract: Sampling equipment is provided for sensing and controlling the settling rate of a flocculated slurry suspension in a settling tank, the sampling equipment comprises a metering device (23) including a vertical settling chamber for repeatedly taking a sample of the suspension from the settling tank. Means (33, 35, 19) are provided for temporarily retaining the height of the sample at a preselected level during a settling period and detector means (40, 41, 42) are provided for detecting when a boundary level defined by the settling solids reaches a further preselected level. Timer means determine the actual settling period elapsing between the start of the settling period and the time when the boundary level has reached the further preselected level.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic measurement of the settlable solids content of a liquid which includes a light transparent vertical measuring tube, a pump for filling the tube with a liquid and a photoelectric scanning head for finding the position of the boundary layer of the deposited solids, and means for emptying of the tube once it has been filled, the measurement of the settlable solids, which has taken place is facilitated by utilizing a piston within the measuring tube which is adapted to be displaced upward thereby permitting movement of the solids to a detector and easy removal of the liquid once the measurement has been made.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is characterized by a motor, a transmission, e.g., a continuously variable ratio friction transmission, and apparatus for interrupting power to the motor for a precise interval of time. A particular utilization of this device is for a photosedimentometer to enable more accurate determinations of particle size and size distribution.

Abstract: An instrumental measuring method for determining the size-distribution of grained material is described in which the material is evenly distributed in a fluid then the fluid is let in rest state when the materials gets sedimenting, and during sedimentation the hydrostatic pressure is continuously measured in at least two height regions of the fluid preferably by appropriate pressure sensitive transistors and the difference of the measured hydrostatic pressures is characteristic of the size-distribution of the grained material on the basis of the well-known Stokes' relation.

Abstract: In order to determine the proportion of particles of less than a predetermined size in a fluid suspension, the fluid suspension is placed in a vessel (1) and is thoroughly mixed therein by mixing means (36,37). A sample of suspension is then withdrawn from a predetermined level within the vessel (1) by means of a sampling tube (9) and is transferred by way of a flexible tube (22) to a container (15). The particle concentration of this sample is then monitored by passing x-rays from a source (17) through the container (15) and detecting the emerging x-rays with a detector (18). The sample is then drained from the container (15). After allowing the suspension in the vessel (1) to settle for a time sufficient to enable particles of said predetermined size to sink from the surface of the suspension to said predetermined level within the vessel (1) according to Stokes' law, a further sample of suspension is withdrawn from said predetermined level and transferred to the container (15).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring blood coagulation factor, operating on the principle wherein the clotting time (T) of a sample of blood to which a reagent has been added is measured; and then the measured clotting time (T) is converted into a quantity (A) in accordance with the equation: ##EQU1## where: Ao is an activation value amount taken on the assumption that an apparently negative or positive residual amount of coagulation factors, which are the object of measurement, exists in a diluted blood plasma solution prepared to obtain various values of activation, unit and concentration;An is the normal or standard activation value of normal blood plasma;B is a constant used in converting from clotting time (T) into activation value;Tn is the clotting time of said normal blood; andP and Q are logarithmic bases;In order to eliminate the influence caused by Ao and minimize the errors deriving from the conversion.

Abstract: The specific surface distribution of a pulp may be obtained by fractionating the pulp in a hydrocyclone means into an overflow and an underflow fraction and measuring the specific surface of each of the fractions and the amount of each of the fractions and based on a cumulative normal distribution relationship of cumulative weight fraction as a percent of feed to specific surface, determining the specific surface distribution for said pulp.Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the specific surface of a pulp sample by measuring the light scattering characteristics to obtain a turbidity measurement of the pulp sample, measuring the consistency of the sample and determining the specific surface of said pulp based on the relationship of specific surface to the turbidity measurement for the measured consistency of the pulp.

Abstract: An ultrasonic phased array imaging system having a received signal encoding and correlating system. Pulse echoes picked up by each of the plurality of transducers are passed by a timed gate signal only during a predetermined time interval when a return signal from a focal point is expected to arrive. The return signal is also encoded by a chirp waveform. All gated chirp signals are fed to a dispersive transversal filter where their sum occurs simultaneously.

Abstract: An ultrasonic pulse is directed into a body and electrical representations of pulse reflections from body interfaces along its path are generated. The ultrasonic signal path is scanned through a volume of the body and position signals indicative of the instantaneous path disposition are generated. The reflection signals are selectively gated in accordance with a predetermined function of the path disposition to provide a display selectively representing desired interfaces situated within a selected contoured portion of the volume. By varying the predetermined function, a specific desired interface surface may be displayed. Provisions for developing a three dimensional display of the selected surface are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of introducing a liquid into a measuring tube and to a device for use in the method. In the specific embodiment the method is used in determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of a blood sample. This involves the steps of providing a device comprising a transparent tube and a cap fitted in airtight fashion to a first end portion of the tube and having a skirt which makes airtight sealing engagement with the tube. The cap is slidable along the tube from a first position to a second position closer to the first end of the tube, while still maintaining airtight sealing engagement. A second end portion of the tube is immersed in a blood sample and the cap is slid along the tube towards its said second position to draw a column of blood into the tube. The tube is then removed from the sample and the device is maintained in an upright position for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning apparatus produces projection pictures on the surface of an object under inspection or examination and on planes perpendicular thereto. The amplitudes of the echo pulses produced by the ultrasonic scanning appartus, which uses an angle probe, are stored in a memory having at least one storage position relating to each projection of a reflecting point within the examined area. Only the highest echo amplitude originating from all the reflecting points lying on a projection line at right angles to the projection plane in question is recorded--not the highest amplitude from each reflecting point on the projection line. Thus, only those echo pulse amplitudes necessary to produce a projection picture of the object are stored in the memory thereby substantially reducing the required memory capacity.

Abstract: A blood clotting end point detector which includes means for monitoring an electrical signal representing the value A of one or more optical properties of a blood plasma sample to which a coagulating agent has been added, means for deriving the first and the second differentials with respect to time of the value A, means for detecting the moment Ta when the second differential changes from negative to positive or becomes positive, means for detecting the moment Tb when the second differential next changes from positive to negative, means for deriving the difference (R) between the tangent to the curve A at the moment Ta and the curve A, means for determining whether the difference (R) or the integral, with respect to time from moment Ta to moment Tb, of the difference (R) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in which case moment Tb is taken as the true clotting end point.

Abstract: An ultra-sonic echography apparatus comprises a probe with multiple elements switched at the rate of transmission pulses and moved along a contour of the test body. Its position is registered by a pantograph cooperating with three sine-cosine potentiometers, the sine potentials of which control the horizontal deflection plates of a cathode-ray tube, while the cosine potentials control the vertical deflection plates and a fourth potentiometer adds potentials displaced by 90.degree. with respect to those delivered by the said three potentiometers, so as to control the beam position of the cathode ray tube for obtaining, on the screen thereof, a beam trace which is homothetic with respect to the ultrasonic beam in the test body.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic investigating apparatus a transducer can receive reflections from points in the body for which the position in one direction is relatively well known as a result of accurate range gating but for which the position in another direction is relatively less known in view of the relatively wide ultrasound beams used. Thus the reflections are only known as originating from lines in the body. These line integrals of reflection of ultrasonic energy are processed by methods appropriate to line integrals in general, as known for line integrals of X-ray absorption for example, to more accurately position the reflecting points in the body. A propagation velocity distribution can also be determined for the body to further improve the accuracy.

Abstract: Means for conducting a blood sedimentation rate test in the primary blood collecting vessel. The invention provides a plunger for said primary blood collecting vessel, a calibrated measuring tube connected to said plunger, and pressure actuated, normally closed valve means in said plunger operative between the blood collecting vessel and the calibrated measuring tube. In the operation of this device, blood is transferred directly from the primary blood collecting vessel to the calibrated measuring tube without intermediate handling.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the settling rate of solids or particulate bearing liquids in a continuous process or flowing stream in which a sample of the material is periodically selected and placed in a chamber which is transparent or has a transparent portion through which a light beam can pass such that a detector detects the amount of light passing through the chamber and the material and wherein the light transmissivity at various times is recorded and used to calculate the partial settling rate, the full settling rate and the percentage of solids or parts per million in the sample.

Abstract: An electric device is disclosed which is intended to detect and to signal the beginning of the settling of the solid phase of a solid-in-liquid suspension of a particulate, said suspension flowing in a duct for long-distance conveying of said particulate. The device essentially comprises a set of polarizing electrodes and a set of detecting electrodes. The signals delivered by the device are properly displayed after processing and characteristic patterns of the suspension flow can be viewed on an oscilloscope or, if desired, graphically recorded.

Abstract: Apparatus for the determination of the sedimentation rate of red blood cells comprising a sedimentation tube adapted to hold a blood column, and a closure valve on one end of the sedimentation tube with said closure valve having a self-sealing valve means.

Abstract: A device for automatically timing and recording the sedimentation rate of fluid samples contained in cylindrical, transparent test tubes includes a generally rectangular rack having flat vertical walls formed with cylindrical bores for receiving the test tubes, and vertical channels at outer sides of the walls for receiving photographic strips. A lamp inside the rack shines through test tubes to the strips to record the amount of sedimentation of the fluid. The walls of the rack may be transparent for passing light therethrough or may be provided with slits at inner sides thereof for communicating with the bores. The bores communicate with the channels via other slits formed at outer sides of the bores. A rectangular housing may be fitted over the rack to exclude ambient light.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for counting particle contamination in a liquid which is adapted for either on-line or bottle sampling. It includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston arranged to be actuated to eject a measured volume of sample liquid through a particle counter and sensor device at a pressure which will drive liquid entrained air into solution or compress the same such that air bubbles will not be counted. The measured volume is effected by operating the particle counter device only during piston travel between predetermined locations in the cylinder with the cylinder liquid connected to a hydraulic system only through the counter device. Valving is provided for operator selection of on-line or bottle sampling. When no sample is being taken a portion of the liquid flowing in a main hydraulic system flows through conduit means which is a part of the sampling circuit in parallel with a portion of the main circuit, of which conduit means the cylinder forms a part.

Abstract: An on-line particle size analyzer which is able to take measurements on material flowing along a line in real time and thus enable automatic process controls to be effected. The apparatus periodically takes a sample of material, dilutes it to a predetermined concentration in a turbidimeter, and then passes it to one of a number of vertical sedimentation cells in which a particle size analysis is carried out. Each sedimentation cell is formed simply as an enlarged part of a line passing from the turbidimeter around a loop back to the turbidimeter and, in order to fill the respective sedimentation cell, the sample is pumped round the loop until steady-state conditions have been reached, whereupon the flow is stopped and measurements begun. When the measurements, which are carried out by optical means, are completed, the whole loop, including the sedimentation cell is automatically flushed out.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the sedimentation characteristics of particulate solids in liquid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises two separate vertical housings adapted to be filled to the same level with a liquid less dense than the particulate solids to be measured, means for introducing a sample of particulate solids to be measured in one of the housings, two pressure sensors located at the same level, one in each housing, and a differential pressure transducer connected to such pressure sensors for sensing the differential pressure caused by the sample introduced into one of the housings. The differential pressure transducer provides an output indicative of the weight percent of sample remaining in suspension as a function of time and such output may be used to determine the weight fraction of the particulate solids passing any given mesh size, or for measuring the specific gravity of particulate material of known dry weight.

Abstract: During the analysis of sample oil from an oil bearing formation, drilling fluid oil filtrate invasion into a cored oil bearing subsurface formation is detected in a way that does not require the use of special chemicals or tracers. Significant oil filtrate invasion is detected by determining the relative quantities of the same two hydrocarbon materials in the formation oil, drilling oil, and sample oil. Preferably, each hydrocarbon material is one or more hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons with eight carbon atoms through hydrocarbons with thirty-five carbon atoms. The drilling oil may be topped crude oil or formation oil that has had most of the hydrocarbons with one carbon atom through six carbon atoms removed. Fuel oil may have been added to the topped oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining pulp quality by monitoring the rate of descent of the pulp-water interface of a uniformly intermixed stationary sample of pulp suspension, at a selected consistency, while it settles out.

Abstract: In order to determine the percentage of suspended solids in a slurry, a hollow tube is extended into a slurry tank in which the solids are kept in suspension by a mixer. The tube allows the liquid within it to be isolated from the action of the mixer, so the solids settle out of the tube. A pressure difference between points at the same elevation inside and outside of the tube is measured, and this gives a percent-solids indication in which error due to dissolved solids is negligible.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic investigating apparatus a transducer can receive reflections from points in the body for which the position in one direction is relatively well known as a result of accurate range gating but for which the position in another direction is relatively less known in view of the relatively wide ultrasound beams used. Thus the reflections are only known as originating from lines in the body. These line integrals of reflection of ultrasonic energy are processed by methods appropriate to line integrals in general, as known for line integrals of X-ray absorption for example, to more accurately position the reflecting points in the body. A propagation velocity distribution can also be determined for the body to further improve the accuracy.

Abstract: A fractionating apparatus under microprocessor control including a tumbler having a series of screens of progressively larger openings around its periphery. A sample of particulate material is passed successively through each of the screens by incremental rotation of the tumbler. To aid in classifying the fractions, a spray of fluid is projected against the screens and a rocking motion is imparted to the tumbler. The smallest fraction, not being retained, is entrained in a moving stream of fluid and passed directly to a porous weighing member. When this entire fraction is deposited and weighed, the next larger fraction is accumulated in the weighing member. These individual weights and their sum are recorded and from them size percentages are computed.