Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).

Abstract: A paddle shaft assembly having adjustable-pitch paddles for use in a magnetic stirring apparatus. The paddle assembly is particularly useful for magnetic stirring apparatus used for suspending cell, or tissue, cultures in a growing medium. The paddle shaft assembly includes an upper support shaft lockable to a lower support shaft for allowing the assembly to be mounted within a magnetic stirring vessel closure. The lower shaft includes a bore for accommodating removable stirring magnets. The paddle shaft assembly further includes removable paddle members having a hollow body sized and configured to be positionable within a 360 degree arc upon end portions of stirring magnets.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. Disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-destructively monitoring the thickness and uniformity of electrically conductive coatings (12) that have been deposited upon optical waveguide fibers (10). The monitoring may be performed while coated fiber (22) is at rest or while it is in motion. Physical contact with fiber (22) is not required. Monitoring is accomplished by feeding coated fibers (22) through an inductive coil (24) while simultaneously measuring an electrical value that is dependent upon the electrical resistance of conductive coating (10) then passing through inductive coil (24). The electrical value measured for a given section of coated fiber (22) becomes indicative of the coating thickness and uniformity of the coating about optical waveguide fiber (10) by correlating the electrical value measured with previously measured electrical values generated by coated fibers having coatings of known thicknesses and having no bald spots or other non-uniformities.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. The disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.

Abstract: Process to manufacture glass or glass ceramic articles with a graphite insert encapsulated therein, characterized by the fact that said encapsulation is made in the presence of one or several gas getter metals chosen among aluminum, chromium, niobium, tantalum, titanium and zirconium.