Abstract: A method and apparatus is reported for detecting inhomogeneities in semi-plastic substances such as toilet bars containing soap. An ultrasound probe is utilized to test the substance at an exit orifice of an extruder. Best results are obtained by utilizing a ceramic ultrasonic probe, rectangular in shape including a transducer having a concave curvature on a lower surface thereof. The probe includes a theromplastic delay material. Ultrasonic waves directed through the probe preferably have a frequency between 1 and 2.25 MHz. Wedging of the extruded substance is also useful to improve contact with the probe as it passes through the extruder exit orifice.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided with a disposable delivery set which includes an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a column tube connected to a syringe. A motor set is arranged to operate the syringe while sensing the level of fluid in the column tube, whereby the syringe may be reciprocated to provide incremental volumes of fluid to a patient.

Abstract: A character recognition method comprising the steps of (1) acquiring a two dimensional array of pixels, (2) locating a character, (3) determining the size of the character, (4) reducing the number of pixels associated with the character by scaling it down to a smaller dot matrix and (5) thresholding the matrix dots using a histogram to form a binary character representation.