Abstract: A cold cranking system for measuring the viscosity of lubricating oils is disclosed. The system includes a viscometer having means for cooling a sample of the oils to a desired temperature for the viscosity measurement. A constant temperature cold bath source is provided for cooling the sample to the desired temperature, where the temperature of the cold bath is controlled to a constant predetermined temperature differential below the desired temperature for the sample. A separate heating bath of hot coolants is also provided to heat the sample after measurement to reduce the sample's viscosity to permit the rapid and complete removal of the sample from the viscometer during introduction of the next sample into the viscometer. A sample supply system is also included for supplying the samples to be measured.

Abstract: A sample supply system for the supply of successive samples of fluent material to a sample receiving zone, the system including a displaceable magazine having a plurality of locating stations for locating sample receptacles on the magazine; a sample receiving zone for receiving samples of fluent material discharged from such sample receptacles; and a discharge member adapted to be actuated to apply pressure to a fluent material contained in a sample receptacle for discharging fluent material; the magazine being displaceable relatively to the sample receiving zone and the discharge member to bring any locating station into register with the sample receiving zone and the discharge member for the discharge of fluent material from a receptacle located at such locating station.