Abstract: A method (10) for reducing or eliminating the effects of proximate samples on the NMR measurement of the mass of a test sample in a NMR check weighing system (24) for samples on a production line. The test sample is in a container (22) on a production line with the plurality of proximate samples each also in a container (22) on the production line. Method (10) includes determining cross coupling weighing factors for a plurality of samples in proximity to the test sample, magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples, the step of magnetic resonance measuring of the test sample and proximate samples providing data representative of each measurement; and applying weighing factors to the data representative of each measurement compensating for the proximate sample effects.

Abstract: A method (10) insures that the characteristics of the magnetic field used in a magnetic resonance check weighing system (20) for samples in vials (22) on a production line track deviations from the resonant frequency of the sample. The method (10) includes the steps of obtaining (50) a free induction decay signal from a magnetic resonance measurement of the sample, monitoring (52) from the free induction decay signal the deviation of the resonance frequency of the magnetic resonance measurement from a preselected resonance frequency; and adjusting (62) the magnetic field to maintain the preselected resonance frequency.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance methods are provided for determining the mass of samples in vials (1) in a production line, each sample having a net magnetisation capability, including the steps of applying a first magnetic field in a first direction in an interrogation zone (25) for creating a net magnetisation within a sample located within the interrogation zone (25), applying an alternating magnetic field in a second direction in the interrogation zone (25) for temporarily changing the net magnetisation of the sample located within the interrogation zone (25), monitoring energy emitted by the sample as the net magnetisation of the sample returns to its original state and generating an output signal whose current amplitude is proportional to the energy emitted, comparing the current amplitude with like data obtained from at least one similar sample of known mass, and determining the mass of the sample.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance measurement methods for determining the mass of samples are provided in which magnetic field homogeneity is determined, compensation is provided for potential drifts in the measuring system, and the presence of metal in samples is determined. The methods include applying a magnetic field in a first direction in an interrogation zone for creating a net magnetisation within a sample located within the interrogation zone; applying an alternating magnetic field in a second direction in the interrogation zone for temporarily changing the net magnetisation of the sample located within the interrogation zone; monitoring energy emitted by the sample as the net magnetisation of the sample returns to its original state and generating an output signal having a characteristic which is proportional to the energy emitted; and comparing the output signal of the monitoring with other data.

Abstract: A support stand is provided for the presentation of banners in a free standing and substantially vertical orientation, wherein the stand comprises a base portion of preferably two spaced apart elongate support members joined by a connecting member which maintains the support members in a spaced apart relationship, each support member having means for accepting the end of a flexible support rod, each accepting means being spaced from one end of the respective support member, means for attaching an elongate banner to one end of each support member so that it extends substantially vertically therefrom, said banner being held in said vertical orientation by two flexible rods, one end of each rod engaging said accepting means, the other end of each rod being attached to a top edge of the banner, so that the rods are curved and in tension. The flexible support rods arc preferably composed of two or three interconnecting rods, and the connecting member is optionally fitted with suction cups.