Abstract: An automated sample analyzer for induction furnace analysis includes an induction furnace having an induction coil housing with an induction coil therein. The coil housing has a lower opening through which a crucible with a sample can be moved to allow the sample to be analyzed by burning. An elevator is provided for raising and lowering a crucible to and from the induction coil through the lower opening and includes a cover for covering the lower opening. A rotatable and radially movable tray has crucible openings for holding a series of crucibles. The tray openings also radially receive the elevator allowing the tray to move out of the way of the cover as it moves with the elevator while the elevator holds a crucible. A drive is provided for moving the tray rotationally and radially in a series of steps such that the crucible receptacle openings are sequentially moved to and from the elevator for automated loading and unloading of the crucibles on the elevator.

Abstract: A technique of applying the thermoluminescence phenomenon to uranium prospecting. The thermoluminescence of specimens of quartz isolated from field samples is measured. The samples are then irradiated at several levels, and the thermoluminescence of the samples is measured at the various levels. This enables a determination of the natural radiation received by the samples The current radiation from the samples is measured with a dosimeter, and by using both shielded and unshielded dosimeters the type of radiation from the samples can be determined. Knowledge of the total natural radiation received by a sample and the current rate of radioactivity allows the determination of the present position of uranium or other radioactive source and its geological "migration" path.

Abstract: A method for determining the flow characteristics of subterranean petroliferous formations by injecting a tracer and a polysaccharide polymer having glucose moieties into said formation, recovering said tracer and polysaccharide from production well effluent at timed intervals and determining flow characteristics by the rate differential observed of the concentration of each in the effluent. Accurate determination of polysaccharide polymer is obtained by hydrolyzing the polymer to release glucose, reacting the glucose with orthotoluidine and determining the polymer concentration using colorimetric techniques.