Abstract: A laboratory stand assembly includes a stand having a post, a sample holder bracket mounted on the post, a sample holder disengageably supported on the holder bracket, a probe mounting member adapted to support a probe, and a probe bracket mounted on the post which supports the probe member in both of two alternate positions. The stand assembly is especially suited for use in connection with the analysis of solder compositions, wherein a probe is inserted into a heated solder sample to monitor its cooling characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orienting cylindrically shaped containers having a side seam in each which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container so that operations may be performed on the containers utilizing known and oriented reference points thereon. The method and apparatus for accomplishing this result includes feeding the containers seriatim at a first station to a means for conveying the containers to a second station whereat it is necessary that the containers be oriented in order for an operation to be performed thereon. conveying the containers seriatim from the first station to the second station, and introducing a fluid under pressure and at a volume sufficient to buoy the containers to thereby permit gravity to orient the side seams of the containers in preparation for delivery of the containers seriatim to said second station.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus and method for controlling the flow of gravity fed substantially cylindrical objects through a gravity runway wherein a starwheel, a star-shaped ferrous pulse rotor and a ferrous rotor are each spaced from each other and axially fixed to a free wheeling shaft mounted in a frame connected to a gravity runway such that the starwheel lobes jut into and rotate through the gravity runway. Each starwheel lobe engages each of a successive line of gravity cans as the cans fall through the runway. A magnetic sensor is mounted on the frame near the star-shaped pulse rotor such that as cans free fall past the starwheels and rotate the free wheeling shaft star points on the pulse rotor rotate past the sensor and disturb the sensor's emitted magnetic field. For each disturbance, the sensor emits an electrical pulse signal.