Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring curing in a resin. Acoustic, ultrasonic waves are propagated through a waveguide disposed through a quantity of resin while the resin is curing. The waves are transmitted and received by transducers arranged in an acousto-ultrasonic configuration with respect to a flexible waveguide. The waveguide may be made from bundled fibers. The velocity or amplitude of the acoustic waves is affected by the physical characteristics of the resin sample. Monitoring changes in the speed or amplitude of the propagated waves permits changes in the resin to be monitored in real time. Only a small sample quantity of resin need be employed.

Abstract: A microbiological assay for chemicals, which uses a cell and a reducing dye to quantitatively measure inhibition of electron transport in the cell membrane as a function of chemicals in the substance being tested, is disclosed. This assay and method is reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive, requires a minimum amount of durable equipment, and avoids the need for the use of live animals as the indicator organisms. The assay is particularly useful for testing for toxicity in food products, environmental, medical and industrial processes, sewage treatment, effluent, agricultural wastes, and chemical dumps.

Abstract: A method of producing ferrate is disclosed, in which Fe.sup.3+ is oxidized with monoperoxosulfate (HSO.sub.5.sup.-) to form K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4 /K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The isolation of the potassium ferrate (K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4) product in a sulfate matrix (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4) stabilizes the ferrate against decomposition and inhibits clumping of the solid product by inhibiting moisture adsorption. The method is a safe, simple process for the production of ferrate that is reliable, fast, and inexpensive, and that avoids the use of chlorine or chlorinated products, thus avoiding their harmful side effects. The improved ferrate product of this method is particularly useful for water and wastewater treatment, especially in the treatment of sulfides and hydrazines, and in other applications.

Abstract: Batch injection analysis comprises apparatus and method for injecting and transporting analytes toward a detector immersed in a confined, inert electrolyte. Passage of the analyte over the detector surface provides measurement of sample concentrations. Detectors normally comprise selective electrodes, such as biologically or chemically modified surfaces, ion-selective probes, optical or thermal devices, thus eliminating conduits, valves, and pumps.

Abstract: An improved inductively coupled gas plasma torch. The torch includes inner and outer quartz sleeves and tubular insert snugly fitted between the sleeves. The insert includes outwardly opening longitudinal channels. Gas flowing through the channels of the insert emerges in a laminar flow along the inside surface of the outer sleeve, in the zone of plasma heating. The laminar flow cools the outer sleeve and enables the torch to operate at lower electrical power and gas consumption levels additionally, the laminar flow reduces noise levels in spectroscopic measurements of the gaseous plasma.