Abstract: An autoloader is disclosed for staging samples in vials to be loaded automatically into an analyzer such as a moisture analyzer for moisture analysis. The analyzer uses vials to hold small amounts of sample materials. The autoloader holds the vials in a horizontal orientation for delivery to and removal from the analyzer.

Abstract: An autoloader is disclosed for staging samples in vials to be loaded automatically into an analyzer such as a moisture analyzer for moisture analysis. The analyzer uses vials to hold small amounts of sample materials. The autoloader holds the vials in a horizontal orientation for delivery to and removal from the analyzer.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for measuring properties of a material are disclosed. A device is configured to automatically identify a property of the material such as a surface of the material as a measuring head of a spindle engages the material as the spindle is lowered. After the material surface is identified, the device is configured to automatically lower the measuring head to a predefined depth within the material with respect to the material surface. The device may measure another property of the material such as a rheological property with the measuring head at the predefined depth. The device may change the depth of the measuring head during measurement of the rheological property.

Abstract: A rheological measurement method and device (e.g., a viscometer or rheometer) for measuring rheological properties are disclosed. A rheological property such as viscosity is determined by detecting data corresponding to torque between a drive shaft and a measurement shaft, producing an optical signal corresponding to the detected data, sending the corresponding optical signal with an optical transmitter supported by a rotational structure coupled to the drive shaft, receiving the optical signal from the optical transmitter with an optical receiver supported by a stationary structure of the rheological measurement device, producing an electrical signal corresponding to the received optical signal, and generating a measurement signal based on the electrical signal that corresponds to the torque between the drive shaft and the measurement shaft.

Abstract: Mercury vapor reference systems, devices, and method for testing mercury vapor analyzers. A variable volume dilution chamber such as a syringe selectively receives mercury vapor and a dilution gas to dilute the mercury vapor prior to dispensing into an airflow for testing by the mercury vapor analyzer.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for measuring properties of a material are disclosed. A device is configured to automatically identify a property of the material such as a surface of the material as a measuring head of a spindle engages the material as the spindle is lowered. After the material surface is identified, the device is configured to automatically lower the measuring head to a predefined depth within the material with respect to the material surface. The device may measure another property of the material such as a rheological property with the measuring head at the predefined depth. The device may change the depth of the measuring head during measurement of the rheological property.

Abstract: An autoloader is disclosed for staging samples in vials to be loaded automatically into an analyzer such as a moisture analyzer for moisture analysis. The analyzer uses vials to hold small amounts of sample materials. The autoloader holds the vials in a horizontal orientation for delivery to and removal from the analyzer.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an inertial torque device (ITD) for calibrating a viscometer. The ITD comprises a body, a coupling for connecting the body to a viscometer measurement interface, a rotatable inertial load device coupled to the body, an electric motor coupled to the rotatable inertial load device and coupled to the body, and a controller configured to calibrate the viscometer by controlling the electric motor to rotate the rotatable inertial load device at a predetermined acceleration to apply a predetermined torque to the coupling connected to the viscometer.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an inertial torque device (ITD) for calibrating a viscometer. The ITD comprises a body, a coupling for connecting the body to a viscometer measurement interface, a rotatable inertial load device coupled to the body, an electric motor coupled to the rotatable inertial load device and coupled to the body, and a controller configured to calibrate the viscometer by controlling the electric motor to rotate the rotatable inertial load device at a predetermined acceleration to apply a predetermined torque to the coupling connected to the viscometer.

Abstract: A rheometer instrument with radiant heating of sample fluid with use of emissive/absorbing spaced surfaces of a sample container and an interior surface and of a chamber surrounding the sample container in part that is in a heating unit and controls for reliably reaching and maintaining target sample temperatures. The sample fluid can be pressurized.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a viscometer or a rheometer including a touch screen interface. The touch screen interface enables a wider variety of user interface options and functions that would otherwise be cumbersome to implement. These options and functions include a wide variety of settings, security features, and the ability to manipulate test definitions and test data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing evidence of printing in metering systems even in the event of a print head failure are provided. Along with generating a primary image for an indicium that evidences payment, a secondary image for the indicium, identical to a corresponding portion of the primary image but at a lower density, with physical boundaries that are within the boundaries of the primary image, is also generated. The primary image is printed by a first nozzle array, and the secondary image is printed by a second nozzle array. Because the primary image completely overlaps the secondary image, the secondary image is undetectable if the primary image is properly printed. The secondary image provides evidence of printing of the indicium that can be used to obtain a refund for the indicium in the event that the primary image was not printed due to failure of the first nozzle array.

Abstract: A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope.

Abstract: A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope.

Abstract: An inserter system includes a pre-fold accumulator subsystem in which plural sheets are collected before folding and insertion into an envelope. A divert gate is at the upstream side of the pre-fold accumulator to selectively downwardly divert sheets fed in a reverse direction from the pre-fold accumulator. Positioning of the divert gate is controlled by a mechanism that couples the divert gate and a drive shaft that drives a sheet drive belt component of the pre-fold accumulator.

Abstract: An inserter system includes a pre-fold accumulator subsystem in which plural sheets are collected before folding and insertion into an envelope. A divert gate is at the upstream side of the pre-fold accumulator to selectively downwardly divert sheets fed in a reverse direction from the pre-fold accumulator. Positioning of the divert gate is controlled by a mechanism that couples the divert gate and a drive shaft that drives a sheet drive belt component of the pre-fold accumulator.

Abstract: The sheet capacity of a pivoting feed head is combined with a complimentary pivoting design for the paper tray lift, such that a large total capacity of sheets is attained within a compact space, while allowing the lifting mechanisms to be located outside of the perimeter of the paper tray.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing evidence of printing in metering systems even in the event of a print head failure are provided. Along with generating a primary image for an indicium that evidences payment, a secondary image for the indicium, identical to a corresponding portion of the primary image but at a lower density, with physical boundaries that are within the boundaries of the primary image, is also generated. The primary image is printed by a first nozzle array, and the secondary image is printed by a second nozzle array. Because the primary image completely overlaps the secondary image, the secondary image is undetectable if the primary image is properly printed. The secondary image provides evidence of printing of the indicium that can be used to obtain a refund for the indicium in the event that the primary image was not printed due to failure of the first nozzle array.

Abstract: A method and mechanism are provided for controlling the movement of a belt. The arrangement may have a moveable member is coupled to an adjustable member. The members are coupled such that when the moveable member is moved in a first direction the adjustable member is move in a first direction and when the moveable member is moved in a second direction the adjustable member is moved in a second direction. A belt is coupled to the movable member. Movement of the belt in a first direction moves the moveable member in the first direction and movement of said belt in a second direction moves the moveable member in the second direction. A belt tensioner mechanism is connected to the belt so that when the belt moves in the first direction a biasing force is created that drives said belt to move a controlled amount in the second direction when movement of the belt in the first direction is stopped. The arrangement may be employed with a materials feed tray.