Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for locating a vial in a predetermined location with respect to a needle which is used to penetrate a septum in the vial. The system includes a vial carrier having a well for receiving a vial. A penetrable septum is disposed in an opening in the vial. At least one needle penetrates the septum at periodic intervals. Locating means are provided within the vial carrier for establishing a predetermined location of the vial in relation to the needle. The locating means includes a plurality of contact points and urging means for establishing contact between the contact points and the locating surface. The urging means presses substantially on one side of the vial, which side is substantially opposite the locating means.

Abstract: A method relating to deposition of a liquid sample mixture in the tubular furnace of a spectrophotometer. The method involves drawing a quantity of each ingredient of the sample mixture into a conduit in a predetermined sequence and also drawing a slug of air into the conduit immediately following the uptake of each ingredient. In the result, a segmented fluid stream is created in which a slug of air separates each two adjacent ingredient segments. The conduit is initially filled with a rinsing fluid and the segmented fluid stream displaces some of that rinsing fluid from the conduit. A slug of air separates the rinsing fluid from the segmented stream. The segmented stream is then discharged in a single operation into the furnace of the spectrophotometer so that mixing of the ingredients occurs at or adjacent the furnace surface.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle systems simulator and control panel testing apparatus produces electrical signals that simulate the electrical signals generated by detectors on the vehicle when it is operating. The electrical signals are generated from four direct current power supplies and an AC frequency generator. The signals are directed to specific circuits within the control panels by a plurality of switches that essentially route the signals to specific pin locations on the control panel. The control panel is electrically coupled to the simulator by a harness having multipin plugs and mulitpin connector elements. Analog and digital monitors measure the output of the so treated panels, which is compared to outputs for correctly operating panels. Indicator lights are used to determine the status of the simulator and various circuits in the control panel.

Abstract: An automatic torque wrench testing machine uses a strain-gauge transducer to develop signals corresponding to the torque applied to the wrench. The machine is driven by pneumatic/hydraulic drive under the control of a microprocessor. Torque is initially applied at a relatively high rate but as the value of the torque sensed approaches that of a target value, the applied torque is automatically reduced to relatively low rate. When the target or click value is reached, the signal produced by the transducer drops sharply from its highest value. Thereafter, a predetermined number of additional torque values are sensed and compared with the highest value. If none of the succeeding values exceed the highest value, the highest value is displayed, and the direction in which torque is applied to the wrench is reversed until a neutral position is reached. The torque drive is then stopped. The wrench is then tested in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A testing device for a flowmeter arranged in a pipe, has a bypass conduit connected with the pipe in which the flowmeter is arranged, a gauge container arranged in said bypass conduit and selectively connectable in series with the pipe, an element for selectively connecting said gauge container in series with the pipe, a measuring piston displaceable under the action of a fluid which flows into said gauge container over a measuring section having a beginning and an end, start and stop switches arranged at the beginning and at the end of the measuring section, respectively, and operative for starting and stopping of addition of electric impulses from the flowmeter during displacement of said measuring piston, a device for comparing the impulses being added with a gauge volume of the measuring section, and a measuring cylinder located in the interior of the gauge container, the measuring cylinder forming the measuring section and carrying the start and stop switches and the measuring piston, said gauge containe

Abstract: A high-speed dynamic porosimeter including a device for removing accumulated debris is disclosed. The porosimeter has an apertured surface, preferably curved, across which a web whose porosity is to be measured is drawn while suction is applied to the apertures. A pressure transducer monitors the pressure in a sensor line or chamber, which pressure varies as a function of the porosity of the web. A scraper blade scrapes debris from the apertured surface from time to time. Preferably, vacuum suction is also applied to a slot at the upstream side of the apertured surface to ensure a good seal between the web and the surface.

Abstract: A sampling system for use in the analysis of water samples using quality sensors includes a device for intermittently supplying cleaning water containing ozone to the sensors, valves, pumps and related piping for cleaning the same.

Abstract: A device for applying imbalance to a rotor comprises a plurality of chambers disposed symmetrically around the rotor. Each has an opening and is adapted to contain a fluid. Each of a plurality of opening devices associated with the chambers is operable under remote control so as to open the opening of the associated chamber, so that the fluid contained in it may be evacuated from it. Each opening device comprises a pyrotechnic valve incorporating a piston rigidly attached to an assembly and movable from a first position in which the assembly closes the opening of the associated chamber to a second position in which the assembly opens the opening. Such movement is obtained in response to firing of the pyrotechnic valve. The opening device also includes a control circuit which incorporates a receiver responsive to a signal transmitted from a fixed source with no material transmission medium. This control circuit fires the pyrotechnic valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides disclosure of a core sampler that includes a rotatably extending outer barrel containing a relatively non-rotating core barrel which is extendable with the outer barrel in response to drilling mud pressure into the material to be cored by a mud turbine which rotates the outer barrel. The core sampler may be run in and out of a drill string on a wire line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid sampling bench of the type in which sampling takes place by means of a container sealed by an elastic plug, which is perforated on a hollow needle connected to a tank containing the liquid to be sampled. The latter is positioned beneath a biological protection slab and comprises a sealed vessel located beneath the slab and integral therewith and which contains the end fittings of the hollow needles. It also comprises a mechanical device for introducing and manipulating the containers and whereof at least the lower part traverses the slab and terminates in the vessel level with the needle end fittings. Application is to sampling radioactive liquids in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: An improvement of a precision manipulator for use in UHV systems with sample transfer capability in which a spring loaded thermocouple 47 and a heater electrode (51, 52) are both in direct contact with the transferred sample 35. The thermocouple and heater electrode assembly are mounted concentric with a sample receiving block 33 on the end of an offset manipulator 20. Hence, when a sample is transferred from an introduction chamber 12 into the UHV chamber 11, it contacts the spring loaded thermocouple 47 and then seats a heater electrode 52. Cooling by a copper plate 41 and a strap 22 combined with the resistance heating capability allow sample temperatures over the range of 150.degree.-1750.degree. K. while positioned in front of any diagnostic instrument in the UHV system and while taking data with these instruments.

Abstract: A hay probe for taking samples from bales of hay includes a pair of heavy duty handles, a central mounting assembly, and an elongated probe, in the order of about a foot in length, and having an inner diameter in the order of about 3/8ths of an inch. Attached to the mounting assembly opposite to the probe tube is an impermeable sampling container such as a Mason jar. An elongated tamping rod is provided for pushing the contents of the probe tube into the container. Standardized samples may be obtained using, for example, 15 samples, which will substantially fill a normal one pint Mason jar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection device for the tube plate of a heat exchanger. It comprises a motive part (2) mounted on a support equipped with fixing means to the inlet face of the tube plate. The motive part (2) is driven in rotation and in translation along the axis of the tubes. The device also comprises an active part (1) carrying an inspection probe (10) and guide means (17) for the probe (10) in the tubes. The active part (1) consists of a central shaft (8) and at least one sleeve (14) mounted rotatably on the shaft (8). The sleeve (14) comprises, in its side wall, at least two sets, spaced along the axial direction, of three orifices (15) placed at 120.degree.. Each of the orifices (15) contains a ball (17) projecting outwards. The active part (1) is connected to the motive part (2) by an articulation (3) permitting a disalignment between the active part (1) and the motive part (2).

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for handling a microsample comprising a probe for aspirating a sample and a cleaning mechanism having a passageway within which the probe is movable. The passageway has a cleaning chamber having opposite ends, one end being open to the atmosphere and proximate the sample. The cleaning mechanism further includes a fluid directing means and two vacuum applying means, the vacuum applying means being disposed at opposite ends of the chamber and the fluid directing means being disposed between them. During a cleaning mode the fluid directing means directs a wash fluid against the probe and the vacuum applying means removes the wash fluid, prevents exiting of the wash fluid and drys the probe, the later two by permitting gas from the atmosphere to flow into the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A swimming pool implement comprises an elongated stick having means on the end for lifting the removable lid of a swimming pool skimmer. A rectangular water-sampling vial may be inserted into a transverse recess formed in an intermediate portion of the stick. The stick may be inserted to a desired depth into the pool, and then the stick may be withdrawn to obtain a water sample in the vial. A dual function is thereby performed by the implement.

Abstract: A guide rail apparatus for guiding a running body running around a pipe having a complicated form such as an elbow. The apparatus includes a guide rail secured to the pipe in parallel with the weld line or others and a dynamically stable holder by which the guide rail is fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the swelling or shrinkage of a specimen in a fluid consists of a container in which the fluid can be accommodated and which has a lid with a suspension device for the specimen, and a transducer which is affixed to the specimen at a location spaced from the point of suspension, for affecting a sensor connected to a recording equipment. In measuring, the movement of the transducer caused by the swelling or shrinkage of the specimen in the fluid can be continuously recorded.

Abstract: A microprocessor controls pressure transducer testing, calibration, and adjustment. A transducer or unit under test (UUT) receives a fluid pressure signal from a test line, and outputs a corresponding electrical signal. A test pressure is output from a fluid pressure module which is connected to the UUT. A human operator is interrogated by the microprocessor based control unit as to (1) identifying details about the desired pressure UUT to be tested, and (2) the anticipated electrical range to be encountered in reply to an applied test pressure. The microprocessor then sequentially generates electrical output signals which are sent to the test lines to generate the test pressure pulses from a fluid pressure supply. The pressure test pulses are delivered to the UUT. As the UUT receives the sequence of pressure test pulses, the microprocessor records the output electrical signals generated by the UUT, and compares them to an internal reference pressure transducer output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously measuring the coagulation, gelation, denaturation or other related phase transition process of food components and related biomaterials utilizing a single sample by sensing the force generated by the sample during the coagulation, gelation, denaturation or other related phase transition process thereof. A force sensing device including a sample engaging probe is provided. As the phase transition of the sample progresses, the increasing solid phase of the gelled matrix surrounds the probe and results in a continuous increase in the pressure exerted by the matrix on the probe. This force is believed to correlate with the strength of the matrix as phase transition progresses. The increased force is then measured and recorded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid sampling device of the type having at least one hollow needle mounted on an end fitting, which is itself disposed on a support having a supply pipe and a discharge pipe of the liquid to be sampled and between which there is an intermediate tank. The device has a drainage duct connecting the lower part of the intermediate tank to the supply pipe, whilst the lower part of the end fitting is in the form of a sleeve, immersed in the intermediate tank and open at its lower end. The invention is useful for the sampling of radioactive liquids in the nuclear industry.