Abstract: A non-contact, non-immersive method and apparatus are provided for accurately measuring quantitatively one or more elements in liquid metal or alloy samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The method is particularly useful for process and/or quality control within the metallurgy industry for accurately and very quickly measuring minor component or impurity elements in liquid metal in the production process, without touching the liquid metal and without the need for cooling and solidifying samples for analysis. In the method and apparatus a pre-determined distance is dynamically maintained between emission receiving optics and the surface of a liquid sample being analysed and the instrument does not come in contact with the liquid metal surface. Liquid samples are heated and/or maintained at a desired temperature. For many elements, values for limit-of-detection, measurement repeatability and accuracy about or below 1 ppm are achieved using this method.

Abstract: A device and method for measurement of spinal mobility are provided for measuring spinal mobility. The apparatus is a hand-held device that includes a gripping portion connected to a force transmitter, a reference member, displacement sensor, and load cell. A force applied downwardly on the gripping portion is transmitted to the force transmitter which is placed on a vertebra of the spine of a subject. The reference member rests on an adjacent vertebra. The displacement sensor determines displacement of the force transmitter relative to the reference member, as a function of the applied force measure by the load cell.

Abstract: A device and method for measurement of spinal mobility are provided for measuring spinal mobility. The apparatus is a hand-held device that includes a gripping portion connected to a force transmitter, a reference member, displacement sensor, and load cell. A force applied downwardly on the gripping portion is transmitted to the force transmitter which is placed on a vertebra of the spine of a subject. The reference member rests on an adjacent vertebra. The displacement sensor determines displacement of the force transmitter relative to the reference member, as a function of the applied force measure by the load cell.