Abstract: A particulate foodstuff in a production line is compacted and caused to travel past a measuring device in a continuous stream. As the stream moves by the measuring device, the latter exposes successive portions of the stream to near infrared light having a spectrum of wavelengths. Each portion is exposed for less than 100 milliseconds. The stream reflects light and at least part of the reflected light is detected by sensors which generate signals. The signals are statistically averaged to yield, in conjunction with calibration values, average concentrations for the constituents of the foodstuff.

Abstract: A new NIR measuring process and apparatus which can measure both floury commodities and whole kernels, and other constituents of pourable foodstuff products in-line. A large number of individual measurements are made with a measuring time per individual measurement of less than 100, preferably 50, milliseconds and these are statistically averaged by a computer. A rotating filter principle as well as the diode array principle can be used. For grain products, the protein, water and ash content can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. The measured values are directly usable, for the control and regulation of corresponding foodstuff parameters.

Abstract: In analysis of a sample of unground grain, infrared light is directed towards the sample and is detected after reflection on the sample. For analysis of wheat, light wavelengths within the interval 1050-1400 nm are used with a light detector of PbS-type. A suitable infrared analyzer has a rotatable filter device (5) with a plurality of filters (4) within the stated wavelength interval and is disposed to be able to carry out in a short time period a large number of measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in an infrared analyzer for determining the proportion of a given substance or substances in a powderous material, such as flour. When making an analysis, the infrared analyzer irradiates the material with infrared light and detects light reflected from the material through a window in the wall of a conduit, in which the material is passed in a direction substantially parallel with the window. During the analysis, the material is held stationary, and compacted in the conduit. The conduit has arranged therein a feed screw having a controllable drive-means in a material-infeed end, and extends horizontally or slopes upwardly from the aforementioned infeed end. A control means steers the drive means and the analyzer cyclically in a manner such that during a first time interval the drive means is activated and the analyzer inactivated, and that during a second time period the analyzer is activated and the drive means inactivated.

Abstract: An analyzer for relative (percent etc.) measurement of amounts of certain substances, especially protein, water and/or oil in powdered, pulp-like or other non-rigid foodstuffs, is made to alternatingly irradiate a sample and a reference with collimated monochromatic IR-light. Both the sample and the reference are irradiated several times with light of various wavelengths in sequence. Photocells in an open spherical chamber, a so-called Ulbricht ball, receive from the sample and from the reference reflected diffuse light and convert it to electrical signals. In the beam path there is a window which allows said wavelengths to pass and which is in direct contact with the sample, which is thus not provided with a casing or own covering glass or the like. The sample is placed in a sample holder, which is formed by the window, possibly with a wall portion around said window, and a wall directly opposite to the window.