Abstract: For profiling a fiber web (W) a shoe roll (10) defines a roll nip (4) with an opposite counter-roll (3). The shoe roll (10) has a static roll frame (5), a shoe element (2) located at the roll nip (4) and an endless belt (6) rotating about the shoe element (2) and the static roll frame (5). A lubricating cycle (71) is provided between the endless belt (6) and the shoe element (2) in the roll nip. The surface of the web (W) is profiled in the nip by loading the loading element (8). Before or after the shoe element (2), the shoe roll (10) has a longitudinally extending profiling strip (1) which can be pressurized to be able to perform thickness profiling of the surface of the fiber web (W). The static roll frame (5) and the shoe element (2) the endless belt (6) rotate about the profiling strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a rubber-based composite material, including the steps of forming, by sputtering, an adhesion film on a substrate to be mated with a rubber for constituting the composite material, laminating a rubber composition on the adhesion film, and vulcanizing the rubber composition, the sputtering is conducted by using a first target and a second target, composed of different metallic components and provided in a chamber, while moving the substrate in sputtering atmospheres formed by applying electric power simultaneously to the first and second targets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus of immobilizing a biocatalyst on a microfluidic biochip for conducting reactions in the presence of electroosmotic flow. The biochip includes a polymer on its microfluidic flow surfaces, wherein the polymer includes a first substituent selected from ionic groups of the same polarity or precursors thereof, a second substituent that is a hydrophobic group, and a third substituent comprising an immobilized biocatalyst-or precursor thereof. The biochip can be used to conduct multiple sequential biocatalyzed reactions in the presence of electroosmotic flow.

Abstract: The concentration of a leveler in a plating liquid that is used by a plating apparatus for filling metal such as copper in interconnection trenches and holes defined in the surface of a semiconductor substrate or the like is determined based on a peak area (Ar value) in a peel-off region of the plating liquid measured according to a CV or CVS process.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide techniques for forming structures (e.g. HARMS-type structures) via an electrochemical extrusion process. Preferred embodiments perform the extrusion processes via depositions through anodeless conformable contact masks that are initially pressed against substrates that are then progressively pulled away or separated as the depositions thicken. A pattern of deposition may vary over the course of deposition by including more complex relative motion between the mask and the substrate elements. Such complex motion may include rotational components or translational motions having components that are not parallel to an axis of separation. More complex structures may be formed by combining the electrochemical extrusion process with the selective deposition, blanket deposition, planarization, etching, and multi-layer operations of a multi-layer electrochemical fabrication process.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system employing regenerable solid sorbent particulates in a fluidized bed desulfurization reactor. The sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates are continuously withdrawn from the reactor and transferred to a regenerator. A novel solids transport mechanism provides for the safe and effective transfer of the sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates from the high pressure hydrocarbon environment of the reactor to the low pressure oxygen environment of the regenerator.

Abstract: Methods of separating components of a mixture, such as crude oil, are disclosed which increase the yield of individual components while decreasing the yield of residue. In one method, a heated mixture is fed to a column, a vapor stream is withdrawn from the column and separated, and a portion of the vapor stream is recycled back to the column. In another method, a mixture is separated into streams composed substantially of components having light, intermediate or heavy molecular weight and/or low, intermediate or high boiling point, respectively, and the streams are fed into the column at different positions. In both methods, individual light, intermediate and/or heavy molecular weight and/or low, intermediate and/or high boiling point component streams are then selectively withdrawn from the column.

Abstract: A water treatment system for treating water. The water treatment system includes a primary water treatment station and a solid-based sulfurous generator downstream from the primary water treatment station for producing aqueous sulfurous acid for further treatment of the water. In one embodiment, the solid-based sulfurous generator includes a hydraulic air inlet shut off valve safety system for automatically reducing the combustion air to the sulfurous generator when water is not delivered to the solid-based sulfurous generator. Also, in one embodiment, the water treatment system includes a control system that monitors the pH of the treated water to control the water flow rate through the solid-based sulfurous generator to achieve the desired concentration of sulfurous acid in the water being treated.

Abstract: A system to collect by vacuum conveyance, separate, and discharge two mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities comprising a prefilter vessel 200, a vacuum tank 100, an optional heavy phase intermediate separation stage 40, and an optional light phase intermediate separation stage 30. Vacuum tank 100 is under a constant regulated vacuum, which sucks mixed immiscible liquids with different specific gravities from their respective remote source(s) through conduit(s) connected to vacuum tank 100. Collection conduits can have manually, mechanically, or electro-mechanically controlled valves at their source ends. Any grit, sediment, particles, and/or floatable debris in the collection conduits is first removed, and then any entrained air in the mixed liquid stream is removed, from the mixed liquid stream prior to undergoing any phase separation stages. Initial phase separation occurs automatically in vacuum tank 100 without any phase interface detection devices.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for maintaining a minimum flow velocity in return piping receiving dirty coolant from a plurality of machine tools receiving filtered coolant from a filter apparatus. A bypass line diverts clean coolant into the return piping via a pressure reducing valve set to allow make up flow of clean coolant into the return piping just sufficient to maintain a pressure corresponding to the minimum flow velocity in the return piping. A pressure maintaining valve is interposed upstream of the pressure reducing valve and set to restrict flow as necessary to maintain adequate pressure to insure that the machine tools are adequately supplied with clean coolant at start up prior to the beginning of contaminated flow in the return piping.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for purifying waste water using a biological reactor (1, 4) for aerobic biological purification of waste water by the combined submerged contact aerator-activated sludge process. This device, following the biological reactor, is provided with a membrane filtration element (5). The combination of this biological reactor with a membrane unit produces a low-energy system for the production of epidemiologically safe water from biologically treated waste water.

Abstract: A system and method for removal of uranium and other contaminants from aqueous solution, utilizing live algae, are described. The system includes a bioreactor, in which a reaction mixture of live algae, preferably photosynthetic algae, and contaminated solution are introduced; a means for introducing carbon dioxide gas in the reaction mixture; a means for exposing the reaction mixture to light; means for mixing and impelling the reaction mixture; and means for separating out algae from remediated solution.

Abstract: A multifunctional filtering device for an aquarium mainly includes a filter box for being suspended at an aquarium. The filter box includes a pump motor for producing mixture of water and air and a vortex flow generator disposed at the center of the inner side of the bottom thereof and in communication with a water outlet disposed at the pump motor. A bubble collector is disposed at the top of the vortex flow generator. The filter box may be suspended inside or outside the aquarium. The filter box includes a water input pipe unit and a water output pipe unit which may be differently configured in accordance with the suspension position of the filter box. The water output pipe unit may be further disposed with a heating rod or ultraviolet sterilization lamp for heating or sterilizing breeding water in the aquarium.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: The filter assembly is adapted for use in filtering fluid flow in turbomachinery. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical housing, and a filter element disposed within the housing. The housing is adapted for fluid connection to a turbomachine. The filter element is adapted to filter fluid passing to the turbomachine. The filter element includes a fluid permeable core element defining a central core element flow channel through the filter element, a fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and adapted to remove mineral and organic acids from the fluid passing through the filter element, and a pleated filter media disposed about the ion exchange resin layer and core element. In another embodiment, the filter element has the pleated filter media disposed about the core element, and the fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and pleated filter media.

Abstract: A liquid treating apparatus includes a treating tank having at least two walls formed with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet through each of which a liquid to be treated flows, respectively, and a filtering layer unit including an antibacterial filtering layer, an adsorptive filtering layer and a filtering layer, the filtering layer unit being disposed between the liquid inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A mass transfer device having a fluid permeable core wound with many stands of a hollow fiber. A bulk fluid enters the interior of the core, passes through the side wall of the core, and along the outer surfaces of the hollow fibers. A baffle positioned in the center of the core so that the bulk fluid passes outwardly upstream of the baffle and inwardly through the core along the downstream of the block.

Abstract: A seal ring holder for membrane elements which is capable of attaining an increase in the area of membranes packed per element; and a membrane element using the seal ring holder, are provided.

Abstract: An egg-shaped anaerobic sludge digester has upper and lower draft tubes, and an optional middle draft tube. The draft tubes are arranged so that liquid can be (1) simultaneously pumped downwards through the upper (or middle) draft tube and upwards through the lower (or middle) draft tube; (2) simultaneously pumped upwards through two or more draft tubes; or (3) simultaneously pumped downwards through two or more draft tubes. When a middle draft tube is provided, it can be used in place of the upper draft tube when the liquid surface in the digester falls below the top of the upper draft tube. Alternatively, the middle draft tube can work as a coordinated relay conduit to move liquid either in the same direction as the upper draft tube or to move liquid in the same direction as the lower draft tube.

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment plant, the liquid side of the plant has preferably four stages for nitrification and/or denitrification, prior to further treatment such as a clarifier. Energy requirements are reduced by reducing aeration requirements. Four or more tanks/zones comprise serial anoxic and aerobic stages, but in the anoxic stages simultaneous nitrification/denitrification takes place in accordance with the known process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,746. By this arrangement the system can achieve a volume ratio of about 20% aerobic tankage to the total tankage volume, as compared to a much higher ratio in a typical prior art system of serial aerobic/anoxic stages, and greatly reducing aeration requirements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.

Abstract: A method of treating water including mixing the water with an inorganic powder reagent for reducing the content of organic matter. The water, after being mixed with the inorganic powder reagent, is subjected to a membrane separation step that produces blow off products that are then separated into two fractions: a first fraction containing a majority portion of the powder reagent in a first stream of water, and a second fraction containing a majority portion of inorganic matter not absorbed on the inorganic powder reagent rejected by the membrane separation step in a second stream of water.

Abstract: Wastewater, particularly black water and/or gray water, is used, for example in an aircraft, for processing fuels used in a high temperature fuel cell. For this purpose a liquid hydrocarbon fuel is used for producing an emulsion for use as fuel in the high temperature fuel cell. The liquid hydrocarbon fuel is preferably kerosene. The liquid hydrocarbon fuel is first emulsified with the wastewater which is first passed through a treatment such as filtering, reverse osmosis, or any other cleaning treatment that makes the wastewater suitable for emulsifying the liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The emulsion is then supplied as fuel to the high temperature fuel cell. Thus, smaller and hence lighter storage facilities for the wastewater can be used.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and/or non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water fluid, wherein the method comprises the steps of macerating waste water fluid in a first tank forming a sheared fluid, filtering the sheared fluid to remove solids, forming unfiltered waste water and product water, flowing product water to the first tank when the waste water fluid level is below the product water manifold, flowing the product water to a second tank when the waste water fluid level covers the product water manifold, flowing product water in the second tank into a vented loop to a third tank, diluting fluid in the third tank with raw water from a raw water source forming de-chlorinated water; and removing the de-chlorinated water from the third tank.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: A liquid separator for separating water from a mixture of water and fuel includes a flow dispersion member which serves to control the flow of the mixture into, through, and out of the liquid separator. The flow dispersion member is placed between a flow inlet channel and a separation chamber and includes a plurality of flow paths that significantly reduces turbulence into and through a separation chamber of the liquid separator thereby improving the separation of the water from the mixture. Further improvement of the separation is provided by the unique arrangement of an inlet port so as to induce a circulatory motion to the incoming mixture and thereby separate some water by centrifugal action.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fabricating spring structures that minimize helical twisting by reducing or eliminating stress anisotropy in the thin films from which the springs are formed through manipulation of the fabrication process parameters and/or spring material compositions. In one embodiment, isotropic internal stress is achieved by manipulating the fabrication parameters (i.e., temperature, pressure, and electrical bias) during spring material film formation to generate the tensile or compressive stress at the saturation point of the spring material. Methods are also disclosed for tuning the saturation point through the use of high temperature or the incorporation of softening metals. In other embodiments, isotropic internal stress is generated through randomized deposition (e.g., pressure homogenization) or directed deposition techniques (e.g., biased sputtering, pulse sputtering, or long throw sputtering). Cluster tools are used to separate the deposition of release and spring materials.

Abstract: A thin-film device is fabricated by forming a protective layer and a thin-film device layer one by one on a first substrate and bonding a second substrate on the thin-film device layer via a first adhesive layer or a coating layer and first adhesive layer, removing the first substrate at least in a part thereof by etching with a chemical solution, bonding the protective layer, which covers the thin-film device layer on a side of the first substrate, to a third substrate via a second adhesive layer, and removing the second substrate. The protective layer is formed of at least two layers having resistance to the chemical solution used upon removal of the first substrate.

Abstract: A foam concentrate provides a fire-fighting composition when mixed with water so that the fire-fighting composition does not form a stable seal on cyclohexane and meets UL 162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents without requiring organic fluorine. The concentrate is formed from water and a high molecular weight acidic polymer (HMWAP) and a coordinating salt.

Abstract: A conductive additive for the positive nickel electrode for electrochemical cells which provides increased performance by suppressing an oxygen evolution reaction occurring parallel to the oxidation of nickel hydroxide, increasing conductivity of the electrode and/or consuming oxygen produced as a result of the oxygen evolution reaction.

Abstract: An interface material comprising a resin mixture and at least one solder material is herein described. The resin material may comprise any suitable resin material, but it is preferred that the resin material be silicone-based comprising one or more compounds such as vinyl silicone, vinyl Q resin, hydride functional siloxane and platinum-vinylsiloxane. The solder material may comprise any suitable solder material, such as indium, silver, copper, aluminum and alloys thereof, silver coated copper, and silver coated aluminum, but it is preferred that the solder material comprise indium or indium-based compounds and/or alloys. The interface material, or polymer solder, has the capability of enhancing heat dissipation in high power semiconductor devices and maintains stable thermal performance. The interface material may be formulated by mixing the components together to produce a paste which may be applied by dispensing methods to any particular surface and cured at room temperature or elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method of making a multichromal sphere includes the steps of preparing a composition of at least (1) a matrix material and (2) at least two sets of particles, each of the sets of particles having a color different from at least one of another of the sets of particles and a segregation (e.g., an electrical or magnetic) property different from at least one of another of the sets of particles, encapsulating the composition within a shell to form an encapsulated sphere, immobilizing the encapsulated sphere in a manner to restrict at least rotation of the encapsulated sphere, subjecting the immobilized encapsulated sphere to an external field associated with the segregation property different among the sets of particles, under conditions in which the sets of particles are able to migrate within the matrix material, thereby producing color segregation in the immobilized encapsulated sphere, and solidifying the matrix material while substantially maintaining the color segregation.

Abstract: A solution casting process for producing cellulose triacetate (TAC) film is provided. Bead of dope, which includes cellulose triacetate and solvent, is cast on to a rotating supporting drum, to form self-supporting cast film. The self-supporting cast film is stripped from the supporting drum. The self-supporting cast film is dried while the self-supporting cast film being stripped is fed by feed rollers, to form the cellulose triacetate film. A surface temperature of the feed rollers is set equal to or lower than 0° C. The self-supporting cast film upon being stripped has modulus of longitudinal elasticity equal to or more than 450,000 Pa.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a stable, force-resisting positive or negative representation of a shape. A state-changeable mixture includes uniform, generally ordered, closely-spaced solid bodies and a liquid carrier medium, with the liquid filling any voids or interstices between the bodies and excluding air or gas bubbles from the mixture. Within the mixture, the solid bodies can be caused to transition from a near-liquid or fluent condition of mobility to a stable, force-resisting condition. To create mobility, a small excess quantity or transition liquid is introduced to create a fluent condition by providing a slight clearance between the bodies which permits the gently-forced introduction of at least two simultaneous slip planes between ordered bulk masses of the bodies at any point in the mixture. Transition to the stable condition is caused by extraction of the transition liquid, removing the clearance between bodies and causing them to make stable, consolidated contact.

Abstract: A filament cassette and a filament loading assembly supply modeling filament to a liquifier in a three-dimensional deposition modeling machine. Two or more cassettes containing spooled filament are inserted into the machine. A strand of filament from a first one of the cassettes is fed to the liquifier for extrusion. Without operator intervention, the filament strand from the first cassette is withdrawn from the liquifier, and a filament strand from a second one of the cassettes is fed to the liquifier. The switching of filament feed sources is triggered by an event, such as an identification that the filament from the first cassette has reached a predetermined minimum length. In this manner, a used primary filament cassette is automatically replaced with a standby filament cassette, so that the machine need not experience downtime waiting for an operator to change the cassettes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for custom blending and fabricating lipstick to the specific demands of individual customers. The present invention provides a kit which enables a user to blend various pigments to arrive at a very specific shade, and then blend the desired shade with a specific base to result in a desired consistency of lipstick, and which also allows the blended bases and pigments to be heated to a liquefied form and poured into a mold for hardening. Upon cooling and hardening, a conventional lipstick case can be attached to the lipstick for removal from the mold and use by the customer. The present invention therefore not only allows a user to quickly attain the specific shade and consistency of lipstick desired, but also eliminates the time consuming and unsatisfactory process of visiting multiple stores having expansive inventories of variously shaded and textured lipsticks.

Abstract: There is provided an in-mold foam molding apparatus affording a significantly simpler design for a molding apparatus capable of molding molded portions comprising bead starting materials having different properties into a unitary molded article, and effectively preventing various drawbacks associated with the provision of partitioning members; and an in-mold foam molded article devoid of flash projecting from its visible surfaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power transmission belt having a body with a length and a cushion rubber layer in which at least one carrying member is embedded so as to extend lengthwise of the body. The method includes the steps of: extrusion molding (a) a first rubber composition including rubber with short fibers therein and (b) a second rubber composition that is different than the first rubber composition to produce a first sheet in which the second rubber composition defines at least a part of the cushion rubber layer; applying the at least one load carrying member to the second rubber composition to produce a preform assembly; and processing the preform assembly to produce a power transmission belt.

Abstract: Elastomeric sealing elements such as gaskets, O-rings and diaphragms suitable for use as seals in ultra-pure water systems are fabricated from foamed PVDF by compressing foam blanks up to a 5:1 to 7:1 ratio in a heat environment of about 300° F. to about 350° F. The compressed and heated blank is held for a time period sufficient to displace substantially all air from the foam pores and released.

Abstract: Heating and extruding a polymeric sheet having a predetermined thickness and introducing it into and through a gap between cooling rolls, measuring directly by laser beam and without reflection the gap between the cooling rolls, and controlling the gap to control minimal pressure on the softened and heat-plastified sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel thermoplastic molding process useful in the manufacture of hollow, deformable thermoplastic articles such as hollow doll heads. In the process of the instant invention, a parison is formed at a first injection station and is transferred to a blow mold station. At the blow mold station, the parison is transformed into a hollow, deformable thermoplastic article through application of a vacuum and gas injection. Articles made by the process of the instant invention have a highly realistic appearance and texture.

Abstract: A display unit for displaying various flat or flat-packaged articles, such as greeting cards, magazines, brochures, and the like is provided. The display unit includes a molded backboard having a plurality of walls joined to one another by a plurality of horizontal channels and a snap-in retainer for holding the displayed articles which is easily inserted into and removed from the channel of the backboard. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of making such a molded backboard and a mold insert tool for use in forming the channel of the backboard.

Abstract: A shaped composite material for braking applications can be produced by a method comprising the steps of: a) providing a mixture comprising bundles of filaments constituted substantially by carbon and having lengths no greater than 30 mm and an organic binder in a mould of the said shape and, at the same time, incorporating in the mixture a plurality of reinforcing fibres which extend along the shape in a manner such as to prevent the propagation of cracks, b) forming the mixture comprising the reinforcing fibres to produce a semi-finished product, c) subjecting the semi-finished product to a first firing at a temperature such as substantially to bring about pyrolysis of the organic binder and to a second firing in the presence of silicon.

Abstract: In order for a surface of a three-dimensional sintered object to be smoothly finished by removing unwanted portions and an excessively sintered growth formed during sintering to form sintered layers, the three-dimensional sintered object is formed by repeating successive processes of dispensing a powdery material and directing an optical sintering beam to the powdery material to form the sintered layer, until a required number of integral laminated bodies are formed. During the formation of the integral laminated bodies, trimming is applied to a first zone different from a second zone in which each laminated body is formed, to remove unwanted portions of the respective laminated body.

Abstract: In W—Cu alloy having a homogeneous micro-structure and a fabrication method thereof, the method includes forming mixed powders by mixing tungsten powders with W—Cu composite powders; forming a compact by pressurizing-forming the mixed powders; forming a skeleton by sintering the compact; and contacting copper to the skeleton and performing infiltration. W—Cu alloy having a homogeneous structure fabricated by the present invention shows better performance by being used as a material for high voltage electric contact of a contact braker, a material for heat sink of an IC semiconductor and a shaped charge liner.

Abstract: A lead-free solder which is significantly less susceptible to copper leaching when used in a molten state in which coil ends of copper wire are dipped comprises 1.5–8 mass % of Cu, 0.01–2 mass % of Co, optionally 0.01–1 mass % of Ni, and a remainder of Sn and has a liquidus temperature of 420° C. or below. The solder may further comprise at least one oxidation-inhibiting element selected from the group consisting of P, Ge, and Ga in a total amount of 0.001–0.5 mass %, and/or Ag in an amount of 0.05–2 mass % as a wettability-improving element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a base and a cover, where the cover includes a test strip selecting element. The subject devices may also be characterized by having a test strip holding means, which may include a cover with resiliently deformable walls and/or a gravity controlled test strip holding mechanism. In the subject methods, a test strip container with at least one test strip is provided and placed into a position that causes at least one test strip contained in the base to move into the cover so that a single test strip is selected for use. The subject methods may also include positioning the device in a particular orientation that causes a selected test strip to be held in a fixed position. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: An analyzer for moisture or ash testing where a robotic arm retrieves a crucible and sample from a conveyor, inserts it into a small opening in the upper surface of the furnace chamber and deposits it in an aperture on a carousel located within the furnace chamber. The carousel in the furnace chamber manipulates the crucibles within the furnace chamber. The opening in the upper surface of the furnace chamber is positioned such that when the carousel is ready for loading or unloading, an aperture in the carousel for holding the crucibles is aligned with the opening. At appropriate points during the testing cycle, individual crucibles are automatically deposited on a weighing platform connected to an internal balance through vertical motion of the carousel. Once final weighing in the test cycle is performed, the crucible is removed through the opening on the upper surface of the furnace chamber by the same robot arm which placed it in the chamber.