Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a thermoplastic strip moving forward stepwise and used in the production of hot-formed containers which, after forming, are filled and sealed in a sterile atmosphere, wherein prior to the strip softening operation, the surface of said strip which is subsequently to constitute the inside face of the containers, is exposed evenly and intermittently, in successive portions and for a very short period of time, to a temperature higher than that of the softening point of the said thermoplastic strip and which is dependent on the desired extent of bacterial destruction.

Abstract: A universal type packing or grid head for use in article packing apparatus wherein a plurality of articles are fed to the head for assembly into a group of articles for filling a case. The grouped articles are ultimately deposited into a packing case for transport. The packing head is readily adjustable as to size and quantity of articles formed into a group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking mechanism for locking together overlapping base panels of a wrap-around type carton. The mechanism comprises a locking element (50) pivotally mounted on carton conveying means (10) for movement therewith and including a locking finger (60) for insertion into said base panels to form a lock therebetween, a rotatable cam disc (62) for cooperation with a first follower leg (56) provided by the locking element for pivoting the locking finger into a locking position, and a rotatable cam disc (66) for cooperation with a second follower leg (58) provided by the locking element for pivoting the locking finger into a retracted position.

Abstract: The method of forming a pouch in a horizontal form/fill/seal machine and applying a dispensing fitment to a folded edge of the pouch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which bread loaves or the like are split in half, and thereafter turned mechanically through 180.degree. with respect to one another so that the heel and cut ends of both of the two half loaves are oriented in the same way. The half loaves are thereafter sliced and then packaged in separate packages but in the same orientation with respect to each package.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal machine packages products in a thermoplastic material which is formed into a tube and sealed with a measured amount of the product within. The transverse seals in the tube are formed in a cyclic operation by a pair of cooperating sealing heads. The heads clamp the tube walls together above and below a line of severance between two sequentially formed packages and weld the tube walls together along transverse sealing areas at each side of the line of severance. To heat the material to a fusing temperature, the one sealing head has a chamber from which hot gas is directed onto one side of a sealing area, and the other sealing head has an electrical heater for applying a thermal impulse of heat to the other side of the sealing area. The hot gas presses the thermoplastic material against the electrical heater and provides a "free form" clamp for uniform sealing pressure.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a header drive reversing assembly on a combine is disclosed wherein the linkage for actuating the drive reverser is interconnected with the linkage for disengaging the primary drive so that the drive reverser cannot be actuated while the primary drive is operatively driving the header. The linkages are connected to a single control lever to prevent the actuation of the drive reverser while the primary drive is engaged. The control lever is pivotally mounted for movement along two generally perpendicular directions and is engageable with a forked bracket when positioned for actuating the drive reverser to control the direction of flow of hydraulic fluid to the drive reverser.

Abstract: A draper header attachable to a base tractor unit to harvest standing crop material and create a windrow by using draper conveyors to consolidate the severed crop material is disclosed wherein the draper header includes three draper sections, two of which are transversely shiftable to vary the location of a crop discharge opening. The third draper section is fixed along the right side of the header and is rotatable to convey severed crop material inwardly away from the header sidesheet to displace the windrow away from any uncut crop material when the crop discharge opening is adjacent thereto. Although the shiftable draper sections are rotatably driven by hydraulic motors, the fixed draper section is mechanically driven from a transverse drive shaft forming a part of the drive mechanism to the reciprocating cutterbar having a pair of counter-reciprocating sickles.

Abstract: Drum mowers having flat L-shaped blades in which the vertical portions are spring mounted relative to the rotating drums of drum mowers are disclosed having a spring mounting providing yielding of the horizontal portion of the blade in both a vertical and horizontal direction when it strikes an obstruction and automatic return of the blade to its mowing position. The flat blades provide greater strength and less vertical obstruction than prior blades. In a preferred embodiment, the end cutting portions of the blades attached to adjacent drums of multiple drum mowers do not overlap adjacent discs and are twisted with respect to the flat horizontal portion so the sharpened leading edge is downward.

Abstract: An attachment for a sugar cane harvester for gathering, severing and chopping or shredding the non-millable, immature top portions of a sugar cane stalk so that the remaining millable portion of the sugar cane stalk can be harvested by the sugar cane harvester in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A carriage for a trimming device for grass, weeds and the like having at least two runners (20 and 22), a grip (24) for gripping a handle pole (26) of the trimming device and holders (28 and 30) affixed to the grip for holding the runners in a spaced apart relationship for supporting the device is disclosed. Opposing grip members (33 and 35) form a channel (42) for receiving the handle pole and two cross channels (34 and 36) for holding the runner holders. One arrangement for use with a trimmer having a skirt includes a substantially horizontal front skirt support connecting the runners together near the fronts of the runners and a substantially horizontal back skirt support connecting the runners near the backs of the runners along with a front clamp and a back clamp for clamping the skirts to the supports.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a blade rotating in a plane parallel to the ground and a casing, mounted at the front whereof on wheels and at the rear whereof on a roller, whereon an engine is mounted effective to drive the grass cutting blade and cause the apparatus to advance on the ground, an inlet chamber being further provided for sucking the cut grass and conveying it to a collecting hopper associated with the casing.The front portion of the collecting hopper is so designed as to be superimposed over the rear roller, at least partially, in such a way as to provide a main path for the cut grass flow and prevent the cut grass from obstructing the outlet portion of the screw.

Abstract: An asparagus harvester has a frame movable along and above a bed of growing asparagus. Spears above a selected height are detected optically and are severed below ground and held and conveyed to a storage area.

Abstract: A crop engaging rotor for conveying and/or conditioning crop comprises support members and a plurality of outwardly extending crop engaging elements. Each crop engaging element comprises an elongate strip of stiff resilient synthetic plastics material folded to form two outwardly extending arms generally in a V-shape. The folded strip is secured to a first flange of a channel-section transverse mounting bar which forms part of the rotor. The arms of the conditioning element protrude through openings in the support member which provide guide surfaces and, which maintain the folded strip in the V configuration against the outward bias of the arms. The arms are yieldable to move rearwardly under excess load conditions by a rocking movement about the bolt and by sliding movement of the arms along the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A method for removing particulates from internal combustion exhaust gases in a system which includes a first gas conduit which connects with an engine exhaust pipe and which communicates with a series of trap chambers containing means for filtering or trapping particulate matter present in the exhaust gas. Means for heating gas passing through said first gas conduit is provided upstream of the first trap chamber. A second gas conduit connects with said first gas conduit at a location upstream of the first trap chamber by virtue of which exhaust gas can be made to flow in a path which by-passes any number of trap chambers in the series but which flows through subsequent trap chambers. Valve means are associated with said second gas conduit to selectively by-pass or direct exhaust gas flow through desired trap chambers.

Abstract: An adapter for isolating vibration and thermal shock incident to the use of water cooled manifolds attached to internal combustion engines comprises a substantially annular resilient flange conformed to receive the water cooling jacket of a manifold in one side thereof and adapted for attachment at the other side to the exhaust ports of an internal combustion engine. The water jacket around the manifold is provided with a sealing peripheral bead which opposes the compression of the hose clamp surrounding the annulus of the adapter. The adapter, furthermore, includes an attachment flange enclosing on the interior thereof an annular stiffener plate through which attachment may be made to the engine. The internal combustion engine includes water cooling cavities around the exhaust ports thereof and contacting surfaces of the adapter are thus constantly cooled, allowing for the use of low temperature materials like neoprene or the like.

Abstract: A pumping unit for wells which is hydraulically powered and adapted to replace or used in lieu of conventional pump jacks. The hydraulic system utilized with the hydraulically operated pumping unit includes an accumulator system which stores energy produced by gravity induced downward movement of the pump rod and other pump components during the down stroke and automatically utilizes this stored energy to assist in lifting the pump components and the column of production fluid thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping unit.

Abstract: A constant temperature element for heating or cooling a working gas to the temperature of a control fluid is disclosed. The element includes a plurality of hollow concentric tapered rings of conductive material having a serrate configuration in section with tips projecting into the working fluid. A plate is typically attached to and generally flush with the base of the rings except for a central elongate plenum spanning the rings and having inlet and outlet ends respectively and a barrier at the center. The temperature control fluid enters at the inlet of the plenum so that it circulates through the rings and exits through the outlet of the plenum to maintain the rings, and thereby the working fluid adjacent the rings, at the temperature of the temperature control fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intensifier using liquid, comprising at least one cylinder which has plural pistons and a lubricating chamber between them.

Abstract: Embodiments of supercharged internal combustion engines employing improved induction systems for providing better performance at idle low speeds and upon acceleration. A simplified bypass and pressure relief system is incorporated in each embodiment for permitting the engine to induct air directly and independently of the supercharger at low speeds and on acceleration from low speed. A pressure relief valve is also incorporated for relieving excess pressure from the supercharger back to the bypass in the event of excessive supercharger pressures. The system also embodies a fuel injection device that has the pressure of fuel injection controlled in relation to the pressure in the intake passage into which it discharges. Furthermore, an auxiliary induction system is provided for inducing turbulence in the intake charge at low engine speeds to improve efficiency under these conditions.

Abstract: A turbocharger control system for a vehicle engine which includes a first air passage for supplying air to the vehicle engine, a throttle valve pivotally mounted in the first air passage, a turbocharger having a compressor and a turbine, the compressor being positioned within the first air passage upstream of the throttle valve, a second air passage for connecting a portion of the first passage downstream of the compressor and a portion of the first passage upstream of the compressor, a valve device positioned within the second air passage for relieving fluid pressure from the downstream portion of the first air passage to the upstream of the first air passage, a throttle sensor operatively associated with the throttle valve for detecting the operating position of the throttle valve and generating signals in response thereto and a computer connected to the valve for receiving the signals generated from the throttle sensor and for delivering the signals to the valve to operate the valve in response to the posi

Abstract: A method for driving a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine having a plurality of compression chambers divided into a first set and a second set, each of said sets being able to be separately operated and to be convertible in operation so as to take on compression action.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating a flow from a geothermal well. A primary or stimulating fluid flows into the space between the inner and outer casings of the well. The primary fluid enters the inner casing through a series of valves at various elevations along the geothermal well casings. In one of the preferred embodiments the valves are responsive to the velocity of the primary fluid at the face of the valve to control the rate of fluid flow into the inner casing .

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for using terrestrial heat to increase the temperature of a liquid, such as water. A circulation pipe buried in the earth in a region of high subterranean heat allows the liquid to move in heat exchange relationship to the subterranean heat. The liquid is pumped from a tank adjacent to the surface of the earth and through the pipe back to the tank. The heated water in the tank can be removed from the tank and caused to flow through a heat exchanger also adjacent to the surface of the earth. Then, the water is returned to the tank for re-use and reheating.

Abstract: A solar powered fluid heating system includes a thermal collector for vaporizing a refrigerant, a separator for removing any liquid component from the vapor component of the heated refrigerant, and a condenser for transferring heat from the refrigerant vapor to a fluid thereby returning the refrigerant to the liquid phase. Liquid refrigerant is returned from the condenser to the separator, and from the separator to the thermal collector. A pump or a compressor is used to force refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The pump or the compressor is actuated by solar energy which is received either from an array of photovoltaic cells or from a generator driven by a turbine which is in turn driven by refrigerant vapor flowing from the separator to the condenser. Secondary refrigerant circuits may be utilized to preheat the refrigerant in the thermal collector, or to exhaust excess heat therefrom, or both.

Abstract: This invention minimizes wakes manifested by a fuel nozzle support structure extending through an annular diffuser engine to the burner in a gas turbine engine, spaced walls extending from the inner and outer wall of the diffuser project toward the nozzle support downstream of the support that passes transverse to the flow, one wall being shaped conically and the other being shaped bell-mouthed and convergent.

Abstract: The segmented wall of the float-wall combustor liner for a gas turbine engine is retained by a clip secured to a post extending radially from the outer wall through an opening in the segmented wall. The clip serves to load the walls radially and has fail-safe features preventing inadvertent dislodging.

Abstract: A machine for making ice flakes by freezing sea or fresh water, comprises a fixed central core and a plurality of fixed pipes surrounding the core for containing a circulating refrigerant. A hollow rotatable cylindrical drum coaxial with the core surrounds the pipes; and an anti-freeze liquid freezing lower than water substantially fills the space between the core and the drum. A spray manifold for water to be frozen extends horizontally full length of the drum and feeds a horizontal series of spaced spray nozzles that spray the water on the drum. The sprayed water then moves downwardly with the drum and then upwardly and then downwardly again; but before reaching the region of the nozzles, that is, shortly before completing one full revolution, a knife that rides on the surface of the drum scrapes the ice flakes off the drum.

Abstract: A computer cooling system has a mixing valve which supplies coolant to the computer and receives hot return coolant from the computer and also chilled return coolant from a chiller intermediate the computer and the mixing valve. The mixing valve mixes the hot return coolant with the chilled return coolant to adjust the cooling system temperature. Control circuitry senses, or estimates, the dew point temperature of the computer room environment, compares it with the cooling system temperature, and adjusts the mixing valve to maintain the cooling system temperature a few degrees above the dew point temperature. A condensation sensor comprises of a light emitting diode (LED), reflective tape applied about a cooling system supply conduit, and a phototransistor is disclosed. Light from the LED is fully reflected by the reflective tape to the phototransistor in dry conditions, but only partially reflected when condensation forms on the tape.

Abstract: A freezer compartment with a main evaporator and an auxiliary evaporator connected by piping with the main evaporator, and having an opening at the back. The main evaporator is fitted on the inside of the back cover which closes off the opening such that both evaporators can be inserted into the inner freezing compartment through the opening. A support member is fitted along the upper rim of the opening at the back to reinforce the top of the cover which closes the opening.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery. A cooling system incorporates flat coils vertically disposed in upright tanks in which the level of cooling liquid is controlled and thus the percentage area of the coil which is immersed. This permits the control of the cooling while isolating the blood or medication from the cooling system.

Abstract: Fine gauge pivoted latch needles having a shank portion, a hook portion and a cheek portion adjacent to the hook portion, a first slot extending through the cheek portion and in which the latch is pivotally supported, a second slot extending through the shank portion in continuation of the first slot, the width of the second slot being less than the width of the first slot. The bottoms of the slots are curvalinear. The combined slots serving to make the extended side walls thereof resilient thereby to absorb the shocks and to dampen the vibrations to which the needles are subjected in use.

Abstract: High security lock assembly adapted for locking two flanges together. The lock assembly includes a lock body having flange retaining walls which define a flange receiving opening. A latch bolt is provided which is slidably mounted transverse of the flange receiving opening for locking to the flanges when they are disposed within the flange receiving opening. A removable shield is provided for removably attaching to the lock body for covering the flange receiving opening thereby preventing external access to the latch bolt when the lock assembly is locked to the flanges. The lock assembly further includes a lock cylinder and associated lock cylinder housing wherein the lock cylinder housing cannot be removed from the lock body except upon special key actuated release. An acid actuated relock mechanism is also provided for blocking movement of the latch bolt when acid is applied in attempts to overcome the lock assembly.

Abstract: A lock of the cylinder type having a plurality of discs forming part of the barrel assembly and being rotatable relative to one another and to the body of the barrel assembly. The rotational axis of each disc is substantially coincident with the rotational axis of the complete barrel assembly and each disc has a keyway forming opening which contains that axis. Locking means such as a side locking bar is operative to hold the barrel assembly against rotation relative to the lock cylinder, but that locking means is responsive to the rotational positioning of the discs to release the barrel assembly for rotation when the discs have a particular rotational position relative to one another. The barrel assembly can be rotated in either direction away from the normally locked condition. A key for use with such a lock has an elongate blade which is of non-circular cross section and is twisted to create a plurality of relatively angularly disposed locating portions which are spaced apart longitudinally of the blade.

Abstract: A quick mount combination lock constructed to be readily installed or changed to assume any of the four right hand, left hand, vertical up, or vertical down installation positions from externally of the lock case, wherein the lock case includes a front case section and a rear cover plate providing a lock mechanism chamber housing the usual tumbler wheels, a drive spindle extending from a dial, and a drive cam adjustably positioned on the spindle by a spline key at any of four angular positions correlated to said installation positions. The front case section has an integral flange extension protruding from an end wall of the case having a mounting screw opening, and the front case section and cover plate have aligned mounting screw holes extending entirely therethrough whereby the mounting screws for the lock case are accessible for installation and withdrawal without removing the cover plate from the front case section.

Abstract: A key holder includes a circular housing including circular base and cover members riveted together centrally thereof and cooperating to define an annular chamber therebetween. Peripheral slots are equiangularly spaced apart around the perimeter of the housing in communication with the chamber, each slot having a narrow portion and an enlarged portion. A retainer clamped between the base and cover members has arms respectively resiliently engaging the cover member for closing the enlarged portions of the slots. Key hooks are respectively associated with the slots, each hook having an enlarged head which passes through the enlarged portion of the slot but not through the narrow portion thereof, the resilient arms of the retainer being deflectable by the key hook head for permitting insertion into and removal from the housing. Visual and tactile indicia are provided on the base member and/or the cover member for respectively designating the slots.

Abstract: A thickness control device and method for maintaining the thickness of the rolled material which is passed between the rollers of a rolling mill, in which the rollers above and below the rolling material are rotated at different speeds V.sub.H and V.sub.L. A variation in rolling material thickness is detected and expressed in terms of a change in rolling load WF. ##EQU1## is also detected. The change in rolling load .DELTA.F and the differential peripheral speed rate X are used to derive the change in differential speed rate .DELTA.X which would cancel out the variation in rolling material thickness. This correcting differential peripheral speed rate .DELTA.X is then utilized to change the velocities V.sub.H and V.sub.L of the upper and lower rollers, respectively, such that the thickness variation is eliminated without changing the speed of the rolled material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for on-line measurement of unflatness of hot or cold rolled strip products, wherein the longitudinal bending of a shape roll over which the strip passes provides a measure of the unflatness of the strip. Actual values of force, displacement or bending moment near the ends of the shape roll may be compared to theoretically predicted values for a flat product and for product having various out-of-flatness conditions. Preferably, the shape roll is supported at its ends by two pairs of supports, and the measurements at the supports are used in determining roll bending and then strip unflatness. Other conditions such as off-center strip and asymmetric operation of the rolling mill may also be determined from the measurement.

Abstract: A rupture disc system comprises a rupture disc including a dome portion and a flange portion interconnected by a transition region and a mounting mechanism for mounting the rupture disc by the flange portion thereof in a pressure relieving vent. The rupture disc includes a thickness reducing groove at least partially circumferentially surrounding the dome portion and located in the transition region thereof. Preferably, the rupture disc is of the reverse buckling type and the groove does not completely surround the dome portion so as to define a tab or hinge within that part of the transition region which is ungrooved or not as deeply grooved as a remainder of the transition region. In addition, the slope or radius of curvature may be increased in the region of the tab. The rupture disc also includes an indentation on the dome portion. The indentation is preferably greatest on the dome portion at a location spaced from the transition region and directly between the tab and a crown of the dome portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a smooth shoulder (16, 14b, 19b), neck (17, 37) and flange (18, 38) at the open end of the cylindrical side wall (12) of a can body (10) comprises the steps of forcing a marginal edge portion (13) of the side wall into at least a first die to form a first portion of reduced diameter having a first shoulder portion (14) and a first cylindrical portion (15); and optionally applying at least one rolling operation to the first portion of reduced diameter, and any further die formed portions of reduced diameter subsequently formed, to generate a smooth shoulder (16, 14, 19b), neck (17, 37) and flange (18, 38). Reference is made to the roll forming process described and claimed in British Pat. No. 1,534,716 as being particularly suitable. The margin-portion (13) is preferably thicker than the rest of the side wall (12).

Abstract: The invention concerns a tube release roll mill with four or more driven rolls, which in pairs form a pass opening. The diagonally positioned identically constructed rolls have an enlarged working surface width. A certain roll pair spacing is also provided, as well as an enlarged angle of attack of the rolls, which together result in the wall thickness of the tube bloom being more uniform, the development of fewer surface defects, and a quieter operation of the roll mill.

Abstract: A combined sheet bending brake and platform comprising a base, first and second bending members hinged to one another, an anvil member for clamping a work piece of sheet material on the first member such that moving the second member relative to the first member will bend the sheet material and a platform extending longitudinally for at least a portion of the length of the sheet bending brakes along the base generally parallel and opposite to the hinge axis of the two members such that the area overlying the brake is generally unobstructed.

Abstract: There are disclosed a shoe which is interposed between a swash plate and a piston of a swash plate type compressor and which converts rotary movement of the swash plate into reciprocal movement of the piston, and a method for manufacturing the same. According to the method of the invention, a columnar element is compressed in the axial direction for plastic deformation in such a manner that one end of the columnar element is deformed along the inner surface of a hemispherical recess of a die while the other end is urged against the flat end surface of another die. A shoe can be easily manufactured with this method, which has a flank between the hemispherical part which is in slidable contact with the surface of the piston defining the hemispherical recess and the bottom end face of the swash plate which is in slidable contact with the swash plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for coupling together two elements, each of predetermined shape, so that the two elements are prevented from rotating relative to the device. The device is constituted by a band, which is substantially rigid and is in the form of a closed loop. The band has two rims which are three-dimensionally out of true, and each rim delimiting an opening, which forms the limit of a recess, in which one of the elements to be coupled together can be positioned. The regions of each of the two recesses which lie opposite the openings form part of a single space which is laterally delimited by the band. Each rim substantially constitutes a curve traced on a convex surface of the element of predetermined shape to be coupled.The invention also provides a method of making a coupling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing solid metallic materials having a circular cross section by employing a rotary mill. A three or four roll cross-type rotary mill is employed, with cross and feed angle setting selected so as to meet specific conditions. The method permits efficient production of metallic materials without internal cracks or internal fracture initiated from porosity. In one version of the method the material being worked is rotated. In another version the material is not rotated and the roll housing is rotated around the former. Where the latter version is employed, it is possible to work the material as produced by a continuous casting machine and without cutting.

Abstract: A tube deforming tool (10) for forming a plurality of dimples (32) in the end of a tube (34) of a predetermined size. The tool has a tapered mandrel (12) extending through a housing (14) containing a plurality of radially movable balls (16). A plurality of longitudinal grooves (20) in the mandrel is the surface that the balls coact with. At the end of each groove is an enlarged recess (40) into which the balls are released at the end of the dimpling or deforming procedure, to permit easy removal of the tool from the deformed tube.

Abstract: A microprocessor controls pressure transducer testing, calibration, and adjustment. A transducer or unit under test (UUT) receives a fluid pressure signal from a test line, and outputs a corresponding electrical signal. A test pressure is output from a fluid pressure module which is connected to the UUT. A human operator is interrogated by the microprocessor based control unit as to (1) identifying details about the desired pressure UUT to be tested, and (2) the anticipated electrical range to be encountered in reply to an applied test pressure. The microprocessor then sequentially generates electrical output signals which are sent to the test lines to generate the test pressure pulses from a fluid pressure supply. The pressure test pulses are delivered to the UUT. As the UUT receives the sequence of pressure test pulses, the microprocessor records the output electrical signals generated by the UUT, and compares them to an internal reference pressure transducer output.

Abstract: A pellet durability tester is provided which establishes the durability of manufactured pellets by subjecting them to circulation in a closed air re-circulation path and establishing the weight ratio of whole pellets in the sample before and after testing. The tester comprises a cabinet divided by an internal partion into two compartments, with one of these compartments constituting part of the re-circulation path. The pellets to be tested are introduced into the other compartment at its top and, in one embodiment, pass over a sieve to remove lose material from the whole pellets so that only the whole pellets are deposited into a container whose weight can be measured automatically. This container tips the pellet sample into the compartment for circulation around the re-circulation path.

Abstract: In a chromatographic analysis, errors in the chromatographic analysis caused by barometric pressure variations are corrected by dividing the actual measured analysis (C.sub.m) by a correction factor which is calculated based on the actual atmospheric pressure at the time the measurement is made (P.sub.a), the atmospheric pressure at which the chromatographic analyzer system was calibrated, and the slope of a plot of C.sub.m /C.sub.a as a function of P.sub.a /P.sub.c where C.sub.a is the magnitude that C.sub.m would have if errors were not introduced by changes in barometric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously measuring the coagulation, gelation, denaturation or other related phase transition process of food components and related biomaterials utilizing a single sample by sensing the force generated by the sample during the coagulation, gelation, denaturation or other related phase transition process thereof. A force sensing device including a sample engaging probe is provided. As the phase transition of the sample progresses, the increasing solid phase of the gelled matrix surrounds the probe and results in a continuous increase in the pressure exerted by the matrix on the probe. This force is believed to correlate with the strength of the matrix as phase transition progresses. The increased force is then measured and recorded.