Abstract: An automated ampoule breaking device includes a carriage having an opening for receiving and securely retaining a substrate in a substantially upright position, wherein the substrate includes at least one flexible compartment each having an outlet at the lower end and at least one ampoule contained therein; and at least one movable projection operatively associated with the carriage, wherein each of the at least one projection adapted for applying sufficient pressure progressing from the upper to the lower end of the corresponding flexible compartment to crush the at least one ampoule and direct the contents of the crushed ampoule out of the respective flexible compartment through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring the electric surface charge density on each surface of a sheet. The sheet can either be moving or non-moving. If the sheet is non-moving a pliers-like device having a pair of electrodes aligned opposite with each other is used. The sheet is placed between the electrodes and the surface measurement is made by either one or two electrometers. For a moving web, the apparatus includes a first and second roller each having a charge measurement segment electrically isolated from the roller shell wherein the charge measurement segments periodically engage the web running through the two rollers. Two grounded shields which periodically shield the charge measurement segment are provided. Two electrometers are provided and from this surface charge density measurement and net charge density measurement on the moving sheet are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring the electric surface charge density on each surface of a sheet. The sheet can either be moving or non-moving. If the sheet is non-moving a pliers-like device having a pair of electrodes aligned opposite with each other is used. The sheet is placed between the electrodes and the surface measurement is made by either one or two electrometers. For a moving web, the apparatus includes a first and second roller each having a charge measurement segment electrically isolated from the roller shell wherein the charge measurement segments periodically engage the web running through the two rollers. Two grounded shields which periodically shield the charge measurement segment are provided. Two electrometers are provided and from this surface charge density measurement and net charge density measurement on the moving sheet are obtained.

Abstract: Static charge on a charge retaining, somewhat conductive moving web is reduced by a non-contacting apparatus placed at the edge of and coplanar with the moving web. The apparatus is comprised of metallic needles or bristles, a conductive support or other conductive material connecting the needles or bristles in parallel, and an electrical ground connected to the support by an electrical coupling means, which together make up a conductive path for static charges to be removed from the moving web to ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring lateral charge distribution on a moving web includes a cylindrical roller having at least a pair of charge measuring segments on the cylinder surface which are electrically isolated from each other and aligned end-to-end in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cylinder. Each of the measurement segments is adapted to be connected to a separate electrometer. The cylinder is mounted on a support to move the cylinder in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of conveyance of the web over the surface of the cylinder. A measuring device for measuring lateral displacement of the cylinder is used for calculation of the proportion of web area in contact with one segment relative to the total web area in contact with both segments. The proportionate measured charge represents the integral charge on a fraction of the web and by taking periodic measurements as the cylinder is moved laterally across the web, a profile of lateral integral charge distribution is determined.

Abstract: A web roller is provided with at least two electrodes that are positioned parallel to each other on the roller surface end parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller. Slip rings provide individual electrical connections to the electrodes. The electrodes are spaced apart a distance which permits both electrodes to be in contact with a web of sheet material of the type having a conductive center sandwiched between layers of insulating sheet. A position detector, positioned to detect the rotation of the roller, provides a pulse signal of a known magnitude to one of the electrodes, through a slip ring, when the electrodes are in contact with the web of sheet material. A sensor coupled to the other electrode, through a slip ring, receives the pulse signal after it has passed through the sheet material located between the two electrodes. The magnitude of the received pulse is a function of the resistivity of the sheet material.