Abstract: A method for determining the effectiveness of the treatment of a fluid for the purpose of reducing or eliminating particles in the fluid. The method includes the steps of obtaining samples of the fluid before and after treatment, delivering the samples to a particle imaging system, obtaining image information of particles in the samples, including particle colors, and comparing the difference in particle color from the first sample to the second sample. A change in particle color detected is indicative of particle death.

Abstract: A system for diluting a sample fluid sufficiently to enable the capture images of particles contained in the sample fluid. The system includes a fluid dilution system and a particle imaging system. The fluid dilution system includes a mixing conduit for combining a diluent and the sample solution. The mixing conduit is coupled to a flow chamber associated with imaging capturing devices including a camera. When the sample fluid is too opaque or viscous to enable capture of particle images of sufficient clarity, the fluid dilution system is activated to introduce diluent into the mixing conduit in sufficient volume to dilute the sample fluid. The diluted sample fluid is passed through the flow chamber and particle images captured. Information regarding captured images may be stored, analyzed and transferred from a remote location.

Abstract: A heater adapted to be disposed in a vessel whereby to heat liquids contained therein. The heater includes a sealed heat-transmitting cannister that is adapted to be immersed in a vessel containing a liquid media. A foraminous PTC thermistor is disposed in the cannister and electrically insulated therefrom. The thermistor is supported in the cannister by a pair of braces resting upon the inside wall surface of the cannister and each brace includes a pair of facing channels engaging the edges of the thermistor. Electrical connections are provided to convey current to opposite sides of said PTC thermistor. A quantity of electrically inert vaporizable fluid of a predetermined boiling point partially fills the cannister to a level covering the thermistor whereby when current is passed to opposite sides of said PTC thermistor, the fluid will boil and then condense upon the walls of the cannister and give up its latent heat of vaporization and radiate heat into said vessel.