Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analyzing lubricant oils and functional fluids includes an optical emission spectrometer (OES) (26) having a substantially continuously valued wavelength versus intensity output (140). The OES (26) analyzes light captured from a spark emission stand (58) through which the fluid sample is flowed. An expert system (160-172) operates according to a set of Rules, and generates diagnostic text (174) for an operator based on the information about the fluid sample provided by the OES (26) and other measurement devices. The apparatus (10) includes an airflow passage (154) in the OES (26) spark enclosure that is characterized by airflow substantially parallel to the spark electrodes (128, 130) promoting even-wear of the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analyzing lubricant oils and functional fluids includes an optical emission spectrometer (OES) (26) having a substantially continuously valued wavelength versus intensity output (140). The OES (26) analyzes light captured from a spark emission stand (58) through which the fluid sample is flowed. An expert system (160-172) operates according to a set of Rules that corrects background influence from the electrodes, and generates diagnostic text (174) for an operator based on the information about the fluid sample provided by the OES (26) and other measurement devices. The apparatus (10) is reduce in size, weight and cost.

Abstract: A blending bin for particulate having a plurality of vertically extending passageways is provided. Each passageway includes multiple vertically spaced ports. Blending vanes are provided within each passageway to control the proportion of material withdrawn from the bin through the ports. The streams of material are in turn proportionally combined into a single outlet stream. The ports are spaced such that lots of material loaded into the bin will be blended together in the outlet stream and such that thin layers of off-grade or non-uniform material will not reach disproportionate levels in the outlet stream.

Abstract: Solid particulate material is moved through a hopper bottom bin in mass flow inducted by a conical surface positioned within the hopper to compensate for the shallowness thereof. Laminar mass flow movement will occur in the uppermost region of the material within the vertical bin walls. The hopper cross-section is separated into segregated flow channels by the conical surface, and by webs extending therefrom. The conical surface and webs have overall dimensions small enough for insertion through a bolt ring on the bottom of the hopper. The proportion of the material flowing through each channel is chosen to achieve a desired discharge flow pattern by varying the relative cross-sectional areas of either the inlets or the outlets of the channels. This results in changes in the velocity profile of the downwardly flowing material in a zone above and adjacent to the separate flow channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the capacity of paddle screw mixer conveyors based on creating a dam of mixed particulate material and another substance at the outlet end of the mixer. A second embodiment uses two counter rotating shafts of paddles to increase mixing efficiency. Methods of grain treatment utilizing the mixer are illustrated.

Abstract: The stream throttle includes a movable closure member having an inclined upstream surface and a parabolic downstream surface, an orifice which is throttled by the downstream surface, and an inclined entry surface extending upstream from the orifice in spaced relation to the downstream surface. The entry and downstream surfaces provide a flow control zone which terminates adjacent the orifice. These surfaces, together with the upstream surface, maintain material flow toward and through the control zone uniform, with minimum velocity gradients. The parabolic downstream surface outline causes orifice area and hence flow capacity to vary on a linear basis during movement of the closure member with respect to the orifice. In another disclosed embodiment, the upstream surface is formed by a stationary diverter member within which the closure member is insertable for stop-start flow control.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ferroelectric device includes the steps of chemically cleaning a substrate, followed by radio frequency etching of the substrate. The substrate is then pre-heated. A first electrical contact is then formed on the substrate, and over a portion of the first electrical contact there is vapor deposited a stable thin film of potassium nitrate. Then a second electrical contact is formed over at least a part of the thin film of potassium nitrate. A covering of silicon monoxide is then vacuum deposited over the assemblage of the first and second electrical contacts and the potassium nitrate. The assemblage is then annealed for approximately twenty-four hours at a temperature of approximately 160.degree. C.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of material discharge spouts combined with a blending device for use with a hoppered bin. Each spout opens to the hopper at a location selected to draw material into the hopper from substantially one predetermined portion of a horizontal bin cross sectional plane in a first in -- first out segregation free manner. The blending device combines the material discharge streams formed by the spouts in proportion to the areas of the portions of the horizontal bin cross sectional plane from which they are drawn, respectively, to form a common discharge stream of uniform composition. The principles of the invention are applicable to conversion of existing bins or bin bottoms, or to a bin withdrawal system or process. Also disclosed is a blending unit which includes a mass flow hopper, the blending unit being particularly suited for bin or bin bottom conversion application.

Abstract: A ferroelectric Phase III potassium nitrate (KNO.sub.3) which is stable at ambient temperatures is produced in accordance herewith by crystallizing reagent grade KNO.sub.3 under vacuum and heat and, then, equilibrating the resultant to ambient conditions. This stable Phase III KNO.sub.3 which is of crystalline structure exhibits visual and optical effects when subjected to mechanical and electrical alteration of the polarization vector of the crystalline structure, thus, rendering it useful in the manufacture of transparent electrodes by interposing this crystalline material between the electrodes, and the like. Furthermore, ferroelectric thin film memory arrays can be produced herefrom.