Abstract: An injection device (100) comprising: a housing (102) defining a space (104); a seat (110) located in said space (104), the seat (110) being configured for receiving a flow path element (116) capable of injecting a pressurized fluid into the injection device (100) through the seat (110); a pressure source (132) for pressurizing a medium in said space (104), thereby reducing the pressure difference between the pressurized fluid in said flow path element (116) and said medium.

Abstract: An electrolytic CO2-removal device for anion analysis of a liquid sample. The device includes a basic chamber and CO2-permeable tubing in the basic chamber. Anion exchange membranes are disposed on opposite sides of the basic chamber, and electrodes are disposed outside the membranes. The device can be integral with a suppressor in an ion chromatography system and/or an aqueous stream purifier. Also, methods performed by the device.

Abstract: A novel filter housing assembly for use in liquid chromatography and similar fluid flow based systems capable of use at high pressure, well above 1000 psi, is disclosed. The filter housing assembly has a very low dead volume of approximately 11 ?L and is capable of holding brittle ceramic filter membranes as well as flexible membranes without the support of a fit. The filter housing is capable of being assembled and disassembled by hand without the need of any tools and makes use of an inexpensive, disposable filter retaining screen.

Abstract: A method for estimating a roughness R of a surface, including the following steps: relative movement of a force sensor against the surface and in a direction of movement roughly parallel to the surface, measurement, during the movement, of a force Fortho perceived by the force sensor in a direction which is roughly orthogonal to the direction of movement and parallel to the surface, calculation of a statistical parameter P representative of the variations of the value of measured force Fortho, calculation of roughness R such that: R=ƒ(P), where ƒ( ) is a known function of which at least some of the coefficients have values which are dependent on the characteristics of the force sensor used, and on a force with which the force sensor is applied on said surface during the movement.

Abstract: A misfire detecting portion executes a misfire detection control that involves evaluating the presence or absence of a misfire in an engine on the basis of an angular speed computed by an angular speed computing portion, and outputting an alert signal to provide notification about a misfire when a misfire is present. A learning portion conducts learning of an operational parameter on the basis of a detection value of a sensor when an engine rotation speed is within a predetermined first range that is larger than a predetermined idling rotation speed. A learning completion evaluating portion evaluates whether learning by the learning portion is completed. A misfire detecting portion conducts misfire detection control under the condition that the learning is completed. The misfire detecting portion does not conduct misfire detection control when the learning is not completed.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a threshold determination module and a misfire detection module. The threshold determination module determines at least one of an acceleration threshold and a jerk threshold based on a misfire type. The misfire detection module detects a misfire in a cylinder of an engine when: (i) crankshaft acceleration is less than the acceleration threshold; and/or (ii) crankshaft jerk is less than the jerk threshold. Crankshaft jerk is a derivative of crankshaft acceleration with respect to time.

Abstract: A spark plug assembly has a ceramic insulator with a metal outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the outer shell and a center electrode having an elongate body extends through the insulator. The center electrode and the ground electrode provide a spark gap. A force sensor is received about the insulator. An annular inner shell is received between the outer shell and the insulator, wherein the inner shell has a surface configured to confront the insulator along an axial direction.

Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) for monitoring engine valve position is disclosed. The system includes a valve guide having an elongated recess through it. The engine valve has a valve head and a valve stem with two adjacent materials having different magnetic properties meeting at an interface. The valve stem fits and moves linearly within the valve guide, and the valve head closes an engine combustion chamber. It also includes monitoring coils within the valve guide that create a signal related to the position of the interface within the valve guide. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to the monitoring coils and receives and analyzes the signal from the monitoring coils to determine operation of the valve.

Abstract: A device for dynamically exciting a component, in particular a chassis component of a motor vehicle has an actuator (10) with a piston rod (20) and an actuator housing (30). A connecting element (40) is coupled to the piston rod (20) of the actuator (10). A coupling (50) is coupled to the connecting element (40) for connection to the component. The connecting element (40) is coupled to the piston rod (20) in such a manner that the coupling is substantially moment-free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt unit in a wind tunnel balance for motor vehicles, in particular for determining forces and moments acting on a motor vehicle in a wind tunnel, wherein an area exposed to wind is minimized by means of a trapezoidal support, which is raised with respect to a normal zero position, and appropriately adapted test stand covers. The wind-exposed area of the endless belt of the belt test stand can be reduced here to a value which is only slightly above the necessary wheel contact area (tire shuffle). As a result, error forces can be reduced further, so that the result is highly increased measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring, recording and reporting vehicle tire temperatures and/or pressures. In one aspect, a sensing device including a convex protective vessel, with pressure and/or temperature sensors enclosed therein. The sensing device is dropped freely within the interior of a tire prior to rim mounting. A movement sensor can also be included in the sensing device. The protective vessel, including all sensors, is not attached or connected in any way to the vehicle tire, rim, or valve stem such that the sensing device is independent of the vehicle tire, rim, and valve stem, and moves freely within the interior of the tire. A balancing set including a dummy device, substantially equal in weight to a sensing device, and means for connecting the dummy device to the sensing device at 180 degrees separation around the tire may also be employed.

Abstract: A system for testing a core sample comprises a non-permeable sleeve configured to be placed over a core sample, a first pair of opposing actuators to apply opposing force to the non-permeable sleeve in a first axis normal to an axis of the core sample, a second pair of opposing actuators to apply opposing force to the non-permeable sleeve in a second axis normal to the axis of the core sample and normal to the first axis, a wellbore pressure reservoir to provide simulated wellbore pressure, and a formation pressure reservoir to provide simulated formation fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically testing high pressure and high temperature sedimentation of slurries is described. The method includes pumping a sample drilling fluid into a test cell. The sample drilling fluid may be subjected to a pre-determined pressure and a pre-determined temperature for a pre-determined period of time. The test cell may also be oriented at non-vertical angle. The sample drilling fluid may be pumped out of the test cell and the density of the sample drilling fluid automatically measured relative to a displaced fluid volume of the sample drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method and device (10) for dynamically checking the teeth of a part (1) including a first motorized spindle (22), supporting the part (1) to be checked, is controlled by a first encoder (25), and a second motorized spindle (32), supporting a master pinion (2), is controlled by a second encoder (35). The two spindles (22, 32) are parallel and separated from one another with the master pinion (2) meshing with the part (1) to be checked. The master pinion (2) has a small thickness, compared to the part (1) to be checked, and the spindle (32) is mounted on a first carriage (43) which is movable in order to move the master pinion (2) along the profile of the teeth of the part (1) to be checked. This method and device allows characterizing both the radial defects and the angular defects of the teeth, and these defects being differentiated.

Abstract: A gas instrument determiner section included in a flow meter device determines whether or not a gas instrument in use is a fuel cell, by comparing an actual measurement value of a gas flow measured at first measurement time intervals in a first determination operation period from when inflowing of the gas starts until a predetermined time lapses, to determination flow data, and by comparing an actual measurement value measured at second measurement time intervals longer than the first measurement time interval in a second determination operation period which ends after the first determination operation period ends, to determination flow data. This makes it possible to accurately determine the gas instrument in use even when the gas instrument in use is the fuel cell.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a metal carrier plate (2) and a sensor housing (3) made of plastic that contains at least one sensor element. The sensor housing (3) is connected to the carrier plate (2) by means of at least one screw (5) that is passed through a through hole (6) of the carrier plate (2). A screwing channel (7) in the sensor housing (3) is defined by the housing material. As a result, a sensor assembly is obtained where the screwed connection is secure.

Abstract: A method of dynamically balancing a shaft for multiple rotational speeds comprising: rotating the shaft in the balancer at a first rotational speed while measuring a first force and a first angle of a first shaft imbalance measurement; rotating the shaft at a predetermined second rotational speed while measuring a second force and a second angle of a second shaft imbalance measurement; comparing the first shaft imbalance measurement to a first predetermined imbalance specification and comparing the second shaft imbalance measurement to a second predetermined imbalance specification; if the first shaft imbalance does not meet the first predetermined imbalance specification or the second shaft imbalance does not meet the second predetermined imbalance specification, then calculating a composite correction based on the first and second shaft imbalance measurements; and applying a first weight to the shaft at a correction first angle based on the calculated composite correction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for detecting a gyro sensor signal. The apparatus includes: a preamplifier unit outputting sensing voltage and inverse phase sensing voltage; a sample and hold unit holding the sensing voltage and the inverse phase sensing voltage for a predetermined period at a predetermined point in time; an averaging unit removing offset; a current passing unit providing a current path of output voltage of the averaging unit; a comparing unit comparing a signal output from the averaging unit and reference voltage with each other to output a comparison signal; and a pulse counter unit generating and outputting a count signal that is in proportion to a width of the comparison signal.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a combined sensor capable of suppressing the influence of electrostatic force generated by a potential difference and preventing a reduction in the S/N ratio or a variation in the sensitivity of a sensor. A combined sensor according to the invention includes first and second movable portions and first and second dummy portions provided around the first and second movable portions, which are formed in a layer of a laminated substrate. The first dummy portion and the second dummy portion are electrically separated from each other. A first potential is applied to the first movable portion and the first dummy portion and a second potential is applied to the second movable portion and the second dummy portion (see FIG. 2).

Abstract: An inertial unit comprising an inertial core (3) that is connected to a control unit. (50) and that includes three gyros (9, 10, 11) that are mounted relative to one another so as to have sensing axes (X, Y, Z) that are substantially perpendicular to one another, the gyros being vibrating axisymmetric gyros with hemispherical resonators, the unit being characterized in that the core is mounted on a carousel (2) arranged to drive the inertial core in rotation about an axis of rotation (4) at at least one frequency that corresponds to a minimum for spectral error density of the gyros. An angle-measurement method making use of the unit.

Abstract: A vibrator element including: a base portion; vibrating arms which extend from the base portion; a first drive section and a second drive section, and a first detecting section and a second detecting sensor which are respectively provided in the vibrating arms; adjusting arms which extend from the base portion in parallel to the vibrating arms; and a first adjusting section and a second adjusting section which are respectively provided on a principal surface of the adjusting arms, wherein, in the first adjusting section and the second adjusting section, a first electrode, piezoelectric layers, and adjustment electrodes are laminated on the first principal surface to be formed, and output signals of the first adjusting section and the second adjusting section are in antiphase to charges generated by the first detecting section and the second detecting section when no angular velocity is added to the vibrating arms.

Abstract: A rotational rate sensor is provided having a substrate and having a seismic mass that is movable relative to the substrate, the seismic mass being capable of being excited by a drive unit to a working oscillation relative to the substrate, and a Coriolis deflection of the seismic mass perpendicular to the working oscillation being capable of being detected, the rotational rate sensor having an interface for sending out a sensor signal as a function of the Coriolis deflection, the drive unit being configured for the modification of a frequency and/or of an amplitude of the working oscillation when a control signal is present at the interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control module of an inertial sensor, including: at least one inertial sensor including a driving mass; a sensing unit detecting and transferring information of the inertial sensor; a multiplexer unit including at least one multiplexer to selectively transfer the information of the inertial sensor to a sampling unit or a filter unit according to whether before or after start-up of the inertial sensor; a controlling unit including automatic gain control (AGC) and connected to the sampling unit and the filter unit to generate control information including an AGC gain for the inertial sensor; and a driving unit applying the AGC gain to the inertial sensor according to the control information, wherein the sampling unit and the filter unit are connected to each other so as to interwork with each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that assist in sensing underwater signals in connection with geophysical surveys. One embodiment relates to a transducer including a cantilever coupled to a base. The cantilever may include a beam and a first coupling surface angularly oriented from the beam, and the base may include a second coupling surface angularly oriented from the beam and substantially parallel to the first coupling surface of the cantilever. The transducer may further include a sensing material coupled between the first coupling surface of the cantilever and the second coupling surface of the base.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first joint unit and a second joint unit are disposed with space on a heat radiation substrate. A joint area of the second joint unit is larger than that of the first joint unit. An insulated substrate is disposed on the first joint unit and the second joint unit. A corner region of the insulated substrate contacts the first joint unit. A first sensor to measure an acceleration of vibration applied to the insulated substrate is disposed thereon. The first sensor is more adjacent to the first joint unit than the second joint unit. A response spectrum of the acceleration is calculated. An extension status of joint failure of the first joint unit is decided by comparing a frequency of a maximum peak of the response spectrum with a reference frequency.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating the condition of a rail component based on resonant response profiles across a set of bands of vibrations. The vibrations can be induced into the target component during normal operation of the target component. The resonant response profile of the rail component can vary depending on wear or damage, and thus can be used to determine whether the rail component can safely remain in use. An embodiment comprises an isolated segment of rail of a length selected to allow a single railroad wheel on it at a time, with a set of devices which can induce specific vibrations into the wheel as it passes, and another set of devices which can acquire the resonance signals from the wheel.

Abstract: A method for acoustically sensing an area is described. An acoustic transmit pulse is transmitted into the area by an acoustic transducer and a received signal is acquired with the aid of the transducer, in order to receive the transmit pulse reflected back from the area. Within a post-pulse oscillation time of the transducer, which directly follows the emission of the transmit pulse, the actual phase response of the received signal is determined. In the event the actual phase response deviates from a predefined setpoint phase response, an object is detected within the area. Also described is a device for acoustically sensing an area, which is designed to carry out the method.

Abstract: With a detector in which detection elements are placed in a spherical shape, a uniform resolution area is narrow. An acoustic-wave acquisition apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a detector including a plurality of detection elements that receive acoustic waves from a subject, the receiving surfaces of at least some of the detection elements being at different angles. The apparatus includes a scanning unit configured to move at least one of the subject and the detector to change the relative position of the subject and a highest-resolution area determined depending on the placement of the detection elements.

Abstract: An integrated excitation and measurement system includes a support member. A single confocal ultrasonic transducer is mounted to the support member. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to produce first and second ultrasonic beams having different frequencies than one another that generate an excitation input at a focal point. First, second and third fiber optic elements are mounted to the support member and aligned with the focal point. The fiber optic elements are configured to sense a three-dimensional excitation response at the focal point.

Abstract: A device and method for ultrasonic inspection of a test object is disclosed. A plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements and electrical pulser circuits are provided for generating and transmitting electrical pulses. The device has an interface configured to communicate with a single channel ultrasonic testing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for three-dimensional vibration measurement. The method includes measuring vibration components and shape information at a vibration measurement point of a measurement target by sequentially emitting laser beams to the vibration measurement point of the measurement target at each of three measuring positions for measuring vibration of the measurement target; obtaining transformation matrices between first to third coordinate systems with respect to each of the measuring positions and a local coordinate system with respect to the vibration measurement point of the measurement target, based on the shape information; measuring angles between unit vectors of respective axes of the local coordinate system and direction vectors of the laser beams emitted with reference to the first to third coordinate systems upon measuring the vibration components; and measuring three-dimensional vibration of the measurement target based on the vibration components and the angles.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided. The ultrasonic probe includes an impact detection unit configured to electrically detect an impact applied to the ultrasonic probe, a power supply unit configured to supply power required for impact detection by the impact detection unit, and a storage unit configured to store information on the impact detected by the impact detection unit.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor module, a pressure inlet formed in the sensor module, an isolation diaphragm positioned in the pressure inlet, a pressure sensor and an isolation tube containing a fill fluid to convey a process fluid related pressure from the isolation diaphragm to the pressure sensor. A hydrogen getter material is positioned in contact with the fill fluid between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor to remove hydrogen from the fill fluid.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: A wireless sensor including a resistive element, a modulating element located on a rotating component and at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, wirelessly coupled to the modulating element. The modulating element is configured to modulate the wireless coupling, between the at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, in response to a change in resistance in the resistive element. The modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of a measurand on the rotating component. A method of detecting a measurand in a rotating component of a rotary machine includes wirelessly coupling at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element to a modulating element; modulating the wireless coupling with the modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the measurand in the rotating component based on the modulation of the wireless coupling.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a testing device for testing a pulling force includes a shell having a test platform, a load sensor mechanism, a control system, a drive and transmission mechanism and a material clamping mechanism. Two portions of a test object are clasped by the load sensor mechanism and the clamp. When the load sensor mechanism is driven to move further away from the clamp via the drive and transmission mechanism, a pulling force perpendicular to the test platform is generated between the two portions of the test object. The load sensor mechanism detects the pulling force and feeds back the detection to the control system.

Abstract: The structural health of a structure such as an aircraft is monitored by spraying a paint formulation containing a loading of carbon nanoparticles to provide a paint layer forming part of a paint system. The paint layer forms a smart skin whose electrical properties may be monitored to determine structural health.

Abstract: A flowrate sensor (10) for a duct (1), the sensor comprising a first and a second portion (23,24) that can be mounted to the duct so that such portions respectively protrude inside and outside the duct, wherein a sensors means is provided comprising a probe (40) that is constrained to the first portion (23) and has an engagement member (54) for receiving a fluid dynamic thrust (P) from the fluid, responsive to the flowrate, and is arranged to perform a corresponding measurable displacement (18) from a rest position to a corresponding measuring position, and the sensor also comprising a load cell (30) constrained to the second portion, the load cell that is arranged to receive a force (F) from the probe (40) responsive to the measuring position and configured to maintain a corresponding electric measurement signal, as well as data output means for exporting flowrate data obtained from the signal, where the first and the second portion are fluid-tightly separated by a wall (21), and the probe (40) and the load

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a measurement channel, through which a fluid to be measured flows; and a sensor fixing casing having openings formed in the measurement channel and sensor fixing cavities communicating with the openings. Moreover, the ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a pair of ultrasonic sensors contained in the sensor fixing cavities, for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured; and a flow rate measuring unit for detecting the flow rate based on an ultrasonic wave propagation time between the pair of ultrasonic sensors. Furthermore, the ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a suppressing member formed at each of the openings, for suppressing the fluid to be measured from intruding into each of the sensor fixing cavities, wherein the suppressing member is molded integrally with the sensor fixing casing.

Abstract: A water meter of the present invention may accurately measure a flow rate and reduce power consumption. The water meter includes a body including an inlet unit and an outlet unit, an impeller unit provided to rotate due to a fluid flowing in the body, a cover member that covers one side of the impeller unit and includes a guide groove formed therein, and sensors that are provided on one side and the other side of the cover member and are spaced apart from each other to face each other. The impeller unit includes blades interfering with the fluid, a shaft forming a rotational center of the blades, and a cut-off unit that extends from one side of the plurality of blades to be inserted into the guide groove, and selectively cuts off signal transmission between the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes: a torsion bar; a multi-pole magnet; a pair of yokes on an outside of the multi-pole magnet in a radial direction and providing a magnetic circuit in a magnetic field generated by the multi-pole magnet; and a pair of magnetic sensors arranged along a circumferential direction. Each magnetic sensor includes a magnetism sensing part for detecting a magnetic flux density generated in the magnetic circuit, and outputs a detection signal to an external computing device. The magnetic sensors output the detection signals to the external computing device such that the computing device calculates a sum of outputs or a difference of outputs of the magnetic sensors so as to cancel a variation of the outputs produced by a magnetic flux generated from the multi-pole magnet and directly reaching the magnetism sensing parts.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus detects a torque applied to a first shaft, based on a relative rotational displacement between the first shaft and a second shaft caused by torsion in a coupling shaft which couples the first shaft and the second shaft. The torque detecting apparatus includes: first and second magnets which are coupled to the first shaft and the second shaft so as to rotate together with the first shaft and second shaft, respectively; and a plurality of magnetic sensors which are disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet and which detect a rotational angle of the first shaft and a rotational angle of the second shaft.

Abstract: A hyperelastic, soft microfluidic film measures bending curvature using a novel non-differential mechanism. Disclosed embodiments of the elastomer-based solution allows for curvature sensing directly on a bending plane and thus eliminates limitations imposed by strain gauge factor (GF) and sensor thickness (Z). Due to soft lithography microfabrication and design methods the disclosed curvature sensors are elastically soft (modulus 0.1-1 MPa) and stretchable (100-1000% strain). In contrast to existing curvature sensors that measure differential strain, embodiments of the present invention measures curvature directly and allows for arbitrary gauge factor and film thickness. Moreover, the sensor is composed entirely of soft elastomer (PDMS or Ecoflex® and conductive liquid (eutectic gallium indium, (eGaIn)) and thus remains functional even when stretched to several times its natural length.

Abstract: A liquid natural gas sample conditioning cabinet structure with a covered vent disposed proximate to the cabinet floor for preventing pooling of and venting heavier-than-air hydrocarbon gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to obtain a bitumen or heavy oil sample from an oil reservoir sample, such as a core sample, to enable measurement of physical properties such as viscosity, API gravity, or chemical properties such as sulphur content of the obtained bitumen or heavy oil sample. The analyses performed on the samples obtained in accordance with the invention are effective in assisting oil field operators in making timely drilling and production decisions at the oil reservoir or for routine laboratory extraction of oils and bitumens. The invention also permits the collection of samples from simulated thermal recovery operations and also allows the collection of bitumens and oils for online analysis of live oil physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for removing a sample (24) from a coil (2), comprising at least one bottom roll unit (30, 32) for supporting the coil (2) during removal of the samples, at least one contact roll unit (40, 42) pressable against an outer surface of the coil (2), and at least one strip binding device for binding the coil (2) supported on the at least one bottom roll unit (30, 32). The present invention further relates to a device for removing a sample (24) from a coil (2), comprising a deflection device (70) for deflecting a material beginning (20) of the coil (2) from a beneath located layer (22), wherein the deflection device is so formed that the strip beginning only elastically deflected from the beneath layer (22). The invention also relates to corresponding methods.

Abstract: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized in being provided with a chip main body, which is provided with a flow channel having the end portion thereof opened in the surface, and a sheet-like sealing member, which brings the inside of the flow channel into a hermetically closed state by covering at least the opening in the surface of the chip main body. The present invention is also characterized in that in the sealing member, a plurality of sheets are laminated, said sheets including a first sheet, which has ductility and elasticity such that the first sheet can be penetrated by means of a nozzle member, and a second sheet having ductility lower than that of the first sheet, the sheets adjacent to each other are bonded with an adhesive agent or a cohesive agent, and that the second sheet is positioned further toward the chip main body side than the first sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for online sampling from a product flow, where the sampling is performed continuously by introducing a cup, provided with an opening, directly into a product flow where the flowing product is collected in the cup for determining one or more physical conditions, for example, weight in relation to volume, moisture, size and/or color. The apparatus has at least a slidable cup and a device for sliding the cup. The apparatus also has a filter element and a device by which the filter element is brought into position in relation to an opening in the cup, an aerator for aeration of the sample taken in the cup, and at least a set of sensors for determining the presence of contents and/or physical conditions of the contents in the cup.

Abstract: A metallurgical probe has a probe longitudinal axis and an open end face. The probe is fitted within a bearing point in such a manner that the open end face faces a predetermined insertion direction. The bearing point has probe centering elements to hold the probe in a predetermined probe position as seen transversely with respect to the probe longitudinal axis. A device inserts an end of the contact rod into a contact rod centering device, in an insertion direction running transversely with respect to the probe longitudinal axis, until the end of the contact rod is positioned, on account of the insertion into the contact rod centering device, in a predetermined contact rod position, in which the end of the contact rod is opposite the open end face. The contact rod is then moved in a direction of the probe longitudinal axis and is inserted into the probe.