Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for the detection of specimen containers within a detection zone, with an optical sensor having an image sensor at a first end of the detection zone, and with a textured background at a second end of the detection zone, A specimen container arranged within the detection zone is detected by the image sensor against the textured background. The specimen container is differentiated from the textured background by an evaluation unit, based on the image signals generated by the image sensor, and object detection signals that identify the specimen container are generated.

Abstract: The present method provides a single-phase technique in which an ionic strength adjuster and a water insoluble dye are added to a sample of an aqueous solution containing an unknown quantity of a known surfactant. Even at surfactant concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the aqueous sample, the addition of an ionic strength adjuster induces the surfactant to form micelles. These micelles absorb the water insoluble dye, thereby imparting a known color to the aqueous sample being tested. The color intensity of the treated aqueous sample is directly related to the concentration of the surfactant in the sample and, through the use of calibration curves prepared from samples of know concentration, can be used to determine the surfactant concentration.

Abstract: An integrated air compressor and winch is provided that utilizes a single source of rotary motive power for driving both a winch drum and compressor mechanism. The integrated air compressor and winch is preferably provided with a gear case that is operable to provide an appropriate gear reduction for driving the winch drum while providing an appropriate drive speed for operating the compressor.

Abstract: The present method provides a single-phase technique in which an ionic strength adjuster and a water insoluble dye are added to a sample of an aqueous solution containing an unknown quantity of a known surfactant. Even at surfactant concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the aqueous sample, the addition of an ionic strength adjuster induces the surfactant to form micelles. These micelles absorb the water insoluble dye, thereby imparting a known color to the aqueous sample being tested. The color intensity of the treated aqueous sample is directly related to the concentration of the surfactant in the sample and, through the use of calibration curves prepared from samples of know concentration, can be used to determine the surfactant concentration.