Abstract: An apparatus for testing several physical properties of pharmaceutical powders, which apparatus includes a frame having a ram linearly movably supported thereon and driven from a microstepping rotary drive motor. The ram, through a first load cell, cooperates with a selected one of two different tablet supporting head assemblies which removably mount of the frame for respectively testing tablet hardness and tensile strength. The frame also mounts a powder flow test arrangement which includes a bed stationarily supported on the frame for receiving a layer of powder, and a sled which rests on the powder layer and is freely horizontal movable relative to the bed. The sled is coupled through a generally horizontal tension member to a second load cell which is mounted on the ram independently of the first load cell.

Abstract: A method of calibrating pipette position in an automated assay instrument employing a conveyor for holding assay cartridges and a transport for transporting a pipette between various locations is accomplished by alignment of a pipette stem with targets located at various locations within the system. Two targets are located on a tray having a plurality of reservoirs for holding liquid, and one target is located on a dummy cartridge carried by the conveyor. An indicator having a spring-loaded tab is used in conjunction with a pipette stem modified by inclusion of a circumferential slot for receiving the spring loaded tab. The stem is inserted into the indicator and locked therein, with limited sliding being provided by movement of the tab within confines of the slot. Alignment marks are provided on both the stem and the indicator to permit visual alignment of the stem relative to a target upon abutment of the indicator with the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring grindability of a powder material comprises a chute for feeding particles to be measured one at a time, a pair of opposed rolls arranged under the chute so as to receive the particle from the chute in a gap between the opposed rolls, one of the opposed rolls having a stationary shaft which is rotatably supported at a fixed position and the other roll having a movable roll shaft which is rotatably supported on the upper end of an L-shaped arm which is pivoted at the corner thereof to a frame, a rigid base opposed to the other end of the L-shaped arm, a device for adjusting the level of the rigid base, and a load cell interposed between the other end of the arm and the rigid base.

Abstract: A calibration fixture for a contact sensor for applying a uniform pressure to each contact sensor intersection and a method of using the fixture. The fixture includes a first plate against which a contact sensor is supported, a second plate confronting the first plate and spaced therefrom, an annular sealing member supported on the second plate, a bladder disposed between the sealing member and the second plate to define a fluid pressure chamber circumscribed by the sealing member, a frame for holding the first and second plates in their confronting relationship, and a pressurized fluid entry passage extending through the second plate and communicating with the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolution testing of solid medications in accordance with a throughflow method comprises a plurality of testing cells to be surrounded by heating bath each having a lower supply opening for testing fluid and an upper filter with a filter head having an outlet opening, a connecting member arranged on the filter head and tightly connectable with the outlet opening of the filter head under pressure and connected with a conduit for outflow of the testing fluid, a cell base provided with a testing fluid supply conduit and tightly placed on the supply opening of each of the testing cells, and a tensioning unit pressing all the connecting members and all the cell bases together on the testing cells.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection for resinous automotive bumper beams provides for applying a flexural load to the center of a bumper beam by a pressing jig in a state where both ends of the bumper beam have been pivotably supported to gradually bend the bumper beam, measuring or determining the bending strain and energy absorption of the bumper beam upon the application of the flexural load, said energy absorption being calculated from said bending strain and flexural load, and judging the bumper beam to be good in quality only when the energy absorption of the bumper beam reaches at least a control value of the energy absorption, which is set up in advance, in a state that the bending strain of the bumper beam is at most a control value of the bending strain, which is set up in advance. The control value of the energy absorption is determined by correcting the value of energy absorption upon destruction of a bumper beam, which has been found in a standard destructive test.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling liquids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pipet having a chamber, a first opening at one end for introducing liquid into the chamber, and a second opening at the other end for introducing or removing a gas for respectively pressurizing or depressurizing the chamber. Positioned in the chamber is a freely movable first sealing member having a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of the liquid and a first seat, for cooperatively containing a sample of liquid in the chamber. Also positioned in the chamber is a freely movable second sealing member having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid and a second seat, for cooperatively limiting further flow of liquid into the chamber once a sample is obtained. Equipment for introducing or removing a gas is also provided.

Abstract: Cable deployment in a fluid filled pipeline under pressure is monitored by use of a strain gauge device coupled between the leading end of the cable and a drogue. The strain gauge measures the pull of the drogue on the leading end of the cable and the strain gauge signal is transmitted back to the other end of the cable via the cable conductors. Changes in fluid flow rate, features of the pipeline, and failure of the drogue to inflate can be detected quickly by monitoring the strain gauge signal, so that the cable feed rate can be changed accordingly in order to maintain satisfactory deployment.

Abstract: A misfire detecting device for an internal combustion engine comprises an inner cylinder pressure detector, a crank angle detector, and a misfire detector for determining that a misfire has occurred when the inner cylinder pressure at a predetermined crank angle after top dead center in an engine combustion cycle is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a blockage in a cored passage of a hydraulic valve casting includes a sound generating device disposed within the spool bore and communicating with the passageway so that a sound wave may be introduced into the passageway and a sound detecting device disposed within the spool bore and communicating with an opposite end of the passageway so that the level of sound transmitted through the passageway may be detected.

Abstract: A system for measuring gas permeability of membranes under precise temperature and humidity controls, by the use of a gas detector made from a single metallic block, wherein the gas flow passages are virtually entirely confined within the metallic block, and a temperature control passage is provided in the block for stabilizing temperature of the block and the passages therein, at any predetermined temperature. The detector device also includes passages for forming into liquid reservoirs, for providing a controllable relative humidity by passing the test gases through the humidifier passages.