Abstract: A fluid sample cell for the spectroscopic analysis of a sample includes a fluid-tight sample compartment defined by a radiant energy transmissive top, a side wall, and a bottom having a reflective surface. The bottom is heat conductive and comprises an external surface which defines a hollow well adapted to receive a hot plate. A fluid sample cell is also provided wherein a side wall of a sample compartment defines an entry port and an exit port such that, when the cell is in a substantially vertical position, one of the ports is located above and one below the compartment. A fluid sample cell is also provided wherein a side wall of the sample compartment is provided with a pocket for collecting impurities when the cell is in a substantially vertical position, wherein the pocket is disposed above and/or below the sample compartment.

Abstract: A fluid sample cell for spectroscopic analysis of a fluid sample includes a fluid-tight compartment for the containment of a fluid sample which is defined by a radiant energy transmissive top, a side wall and a bottom. The bottom comprises a plurality of sectors and a Fresnel disc, whereby radiant energy passing through the compartment impinges upon at least one of the sectors and is specularly reflected from a reflecting surface of the sectors to respective focal points of the sectors.

Abstract: In a reflectance measuring instrument, an integrating sphere is provided to illuminate the sample of which the reflectance is to be measured. A first fiber optic cable is provided to receive a light beam reflected by the sample and a second fiber optic cable is positioned to receive a light beam reflected from the wall of the integrating sphere. The transmitting ends of the fiber optic cables are mounted in a pivoted plate to selectively position the transmitting ends to emit light into the entrance slit of a monochromator.

Abstract: A liquid conductivity cell utilizing the Kelvin four-electrode system, and a circuit to operate an alarm when the operating electrodes have reached a predetermined state of fouling. Thus, the invention cell self alarms when the electrodes have fouled. The electrodes each have two flow passageways, whereby the liquid takes a "U" shaped path, and whereby the outer electrode closest to the liquid inlet and outlet fittings sinks all stray currents and the like to thereby permit interference free operation.

Abstract: A cell for measuring the conductivity of liquids flowing through the cell utilizing the Kelvin four-electrode system, plus a guard electrode, and a circuit to operate an alarm when the operating electrodes have reached a predetermined state of fouling. Thus, the invention cell self alarms when it has been fouled to the point where operating results will thereafter be impaired.

Abstract: The modular chemical analysis system includes a first module or sample preparation apparatus for preparing sample solutions, a second module including a nephelometer apparatus comprising a stationary flow cell, mechanisms for moving sample solutions into and out of the flow cell, light generating means for passing light through the flow cell, electric circuitry for sensing the relative light scattered (R.L.S.) by the solution or particles in the solution in the flow cell and a third module comprising a microprocessing/calculator having a tape cartridge program. The microprocessor is coupled to the nephelometer apparatus (and, if desired, is also coupled to the sample preparation apparatus) for controlling operation of the nephelometer apparatus (and, if desired, to control the sample preparation apparatus). Also, the output from the nephelometer apparatus is coupled to the microprocessor which receives R.L.S. values and known concentration values for some solutions from which R.L.S. values were obtained.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a centrifugal liquid processing apparatus or the like having a bearing subject to operation in a centrifugal force field includes a reservoir wherein a quantity of fluid lubricant to be applied to the bearing is contained, an accumulator for receiving lubricant from the bearing, a first flow path from the reservoir through the bearing to the accumulator, and a second flow path from the accumulator to the reservoir. During operation of the apparatus lubricant is forced by the centrifugal force field to flow along the first flow path from the reservoir, through the bearing and into the accumulator under pressure. When the apparatus is stopped, lubricant is forced to return from the accumulator along the second flow path to the reservoir. An orifice is provided in the first flow path to control the flow and pressure of the lubricant within the bearing, and check valves are provided to restrict the lubricant to a circulating route through the bearing.

Abstract: A conductivity monitoring system including a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of a fluid and also providing a temperature compensated conductivity signal. Electronic circuitry is provided for detecting and indicating the inoperability of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A conductivity monitoring system which includes at least three electrodes disposed within a housing of a conductivity cell, into and through which a fluid to be monitored is caused to flow. One of the electrodes is a common electrode and is positioned closer to one of the other two electrodes. The conductivity is measured between the wide spaced pair of electrodes and between the closer spaced pair of electrodes, with the difference being taken as the actual conductivity. With this arrangement, changes in the conductivity as a result of foreign matter collecting on the electrodes and the housing over a period of time are compensated for, since the difference in the conductivity between the two pairs of electrodes remain the same, even though the conductivity between each respective pair may change.