Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for spraying the leaf and root areas of plants. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a foliar chemical application package which is designed specifically to deliver a chemical solution to the leaf area of plants in which the chemical will primary enter the plant through the foliar area rather than the root zone. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention teaches a system, method and apparatus for providing a specialized foliage spraying application in which water supply lines and chemical supply lines are individually controlled so that applicants, such as different chemicals received from different chemical tanks, may be simultaneously applied to a given crop.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention comprises a system and method for optimizing the control scheme used for drilling operations based on the complex and large data sets available in realtime during operation of a wellsite and based on existing model data available at the wellsite for past similar drilling operations. Such optimizations typically require downtime to quantify how the realtime values will factor into the control model, but the present invention allows for such optimization in realtime in a closed-loop system that will reduce the non-productive time associated with reservoir operations.

Abstract: A sensor measures slump and rheological characteristics of the concrete and is connected to a system that adjusts the slump by monitoring the sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and controlling liquid additions. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump and rheological characteristics of the concrete, liquid required to meet the slump requirements. The measurement done by the sensor is more accurate then the existing methods because it brings into consideration the effect of the helix inside the mixer on the movement of the concrete mixture inside the mixer. Furthermore, this method also allows the operation of the sensor in “real” life situations where the rotation speed of the mixer can't be maintained at a fixed value. The fact that the sensor rotates with the drum and that the concrete mixture is pushed to the bottom of the mixing drum guaranties that all the concrete is “sampled” by comparing results collected from each revolution of the mixing drum.

Abstract: At least one thermally conductive receptacle in thermal communication with the heat exchange engine, the thermally conductive receptacle is configured to receive and retain a volume of alcohol. The heat exchange engine is configured to extract heat from the thermally conductive receptacle and freeze solid the volume of alcohol when the volume of alcohol is received within the at least one thermally conductive receptacle. An extraction element is included and disposed within the housing, the extraction element configured to extract the frozen alcohol from the thermally conductive receptacle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying an active ingredient to a geographic area includes a chassis, and at least one active ingredient tank. Each active ingredient tank is removably positioned on and carried by the chassis. Each active ingredient tank contains an active ingredient therein which is to be applied to the geographic area. Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the reader and receives the output signal.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include a mounting structure. A first arm may be secured to the mounting structure and may extend from the mounting structure. A load cell may be mechanically coupled to the first arm to detect a first load applied to the first arm by relative movement between the first load cell and a viscous material in which the first arm may be submerged or at least partially disposed. A second arm may be secured to the mounting structure and may extend from the mounting structure. A second load cell may be mechanically coupled to the second arm to detect a second load applied to the second arm by relative movement between the second load cell and the viscous material. In one embodiment, load data related to the first and second loads may be used to estimate or determine at least one characteristic of the viscous material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for measuring at least one property of a substance or medium such as the viscosity, the shearing stress, the specific weight and whether the substance or the medium shows Newtonian behavior. The device comprises a carrier arranged at least at one attachment point, a pivot arm connected pivotally or rotatably to the carrier at a rotation point located at a distance from the attachment point, a drive acting selectively on the pivot arm for driving the pivot arm in an oscillating movement, and a measurement setup for measuring the oscillation of the pivot arm to be caused with a drive, characterized in that a center of inertia lies substantially at the attachment point.

Abstract: In a printing machine that carries out printing while circulating a printing solution, the device inhibits foaming of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is efficiently controlled. In a printing machine that carries out printing while circulating the printing solution containing a resin component to be transferred to the surface to be printed and a surfactant through a circulation route (10), the device supplies a viscosity adjusting solution that controls the viscosity of the printing solution to the printing solution containing foam generated on the circulation route (10) to break the foam.

Abstract: A fluid discrimination system can include a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a fluid type in the fluid composition. Another fluid discriminator can include a structure which displaces in response to a fluid composition flow, whereby an outlet flow path of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of fluids in the fluid composition. A method of discriminating between fluids can include providing a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows in the well, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a ratio of the fluids in the fluid composition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real time, in situ monitoring and blending of hydrocarbon fluids from multiple transmission lines feeding into a downstream line or vessel are described. The method and system include the scanning of the NIR range on fluids within each of at least two transmission lines. The spectroscopic optical data from the two scans is used to determine flow rates of the fluids from each transmission line to, for example, achieve a desired energy content, physical properties, or speciation in the blended fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (30) for continuously producing a liquid product (P) comprising at least two liquid components (k1, k2) that can be pumped, wherein the system comprises two storage tanks (1a, 1b) for each component (k1, k2), two mass-flow control circuits (2a, 2b) for the storage tanks (1a, 1b) for establishing a target mass flow of the component (k1, k2), a first line (9a) into which the components of the liquid product (P) are fed, a second line (9b) for feeding in carbon dioxide, and a filling tank (1c), wherein the first line (9a) feeds the liquid product (P) mixed with carbon dioxide into the filling tank (1c), wherein the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c) are designed as pressure vessels and are interconnected by means of at least one pressure equalization line (1) for establishing a pressure equalization between the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c).

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: A method of determining an operational parameter of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a communication link between a sensor and a controller. The sensor is positioned in the wash tank and transmits a signal indicative of a material concentration. The controller receives the signal. Additionally, the method includes adding material to water in the wash tank, monitoring the material concentration while material is being added, and stopping the material addition upon the material concentration reaching a predetermined material concentration. The controller then determines an operational parameter indicative of the amount of material that is needed to reach the predetermined material concentration.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of optical goods, including: injecting a material composition stored in a tank into a cavity provided inside a mold; and polymerizing and curing the injected material composition, in which a viscosity of the material composition stored in the tank is measured.

Abstract: For reducing the restart pressure of streams selected from waxy crude oils, water-in-crude emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates, at least partially structured, a mechanic disturbance is applied, in flow-stop conditions, on the streams. The temperatures are lower than the WAT (Wax Appearance Temperature) for the waxy crude oils and water-in-crude emulsions. The temperatures are also lower than the forming temperatures of the hydrates and pressures higher than the forming pressure of the hydrates, for the dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: Chemical concentrate flow is cycled into a diluent via an eductor to provide a wide range of possible dilution ratios from a dispenser.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for asynchronous blending and supply of chemical solutions. The method of the present invention includes a continuous blending system. This continuous blending system monitors the output and continuously adjusts the blending system to achieve a predetermined formulation of at least a first solution. A centralized monitoring system continuously evaluates the solutions and adjusts the output of the blender as needed to maintain the predetermined formulation of the solution. The system includes at least a first tank system. Any solutions that are delivered from this tank system are also continuously monitored, evaluated, and adjusted as needed by the centralized monitoring system.

Abstract: A viscosity controller automatically monitoring and controlling the viscosity of ink in a pad printing device on a continuous basis throughout the printing process includes a sealed ink cup having mounted thereon a motor with a paddle extending into the ink cup, a solvent tank in flow communication with the ink cup, and a valve for allowing selective amounts of the solvent to be added to the ink cup from the solvent tank. The viscosity of the ink in the cup creates torque on the paddle that affects the number of encoder pulses that are counted per time period by a motor encoder mounted to the motor, and the encoder pulses are counted and compared to a look up table stored in the microprocessor of the controller to determine if the valve should be opened to add diluting agent to the ink cup so that the ink viscosity can be maintained at a preset or predetermined value.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling a viscosity of a fluid. The control system includes a controller controlling an input to an actuator and an observer estimating the viscosity of the fluid. The controller includes an input, and the actuator is capable of controlling a viscosity of a fluid by delivering a gelling agent to the fluid. The observer and the controller are coupled together. The observer may be used to determine the viscosity at the current time from a sensor and filter combination that lags the actual viscosity value. The estimated sensor and filter output may be then compared to the sensor and filter output to make corrections to the estimate of the viscosity of the current time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the mixture of oxidation agent/fuel in the feeding pipe (22) of a burner. Said device comprises means (32, 12) for changing the composition of the oxidation agent/fuel mixture and a measuring instrument (2) for detecting the condition of the oxidation agent/fuel mixture and a circuit (28) for controlling said means (32, 12) for changing the composition on the basis of the condition detected by the measuring instrument. The invention is characterized in that the measuring instrument detects the condition of at least one partial mixture of the oxidation agent/fuel mixture via the viscosity or a function therefore before the combustion and that it is located upstream, in terms of the direction of flow, of the means (32, 12) for changing the composition.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and control operation of a rotary disk refiner. The method regulates refiner operation in response to a process variable preferably in relation to a setpoint. The variable can be temperature, pressure, and/or stock consistency, refiner energy, or a variable based thereon. Volumetric flow rate of stock and/or the flow rate of dilution water can be regulated. Based on a refiner temperature, pressure, and/or stock consistency, refiner energy, or a variable based thereon, the flow rate of stock and/or dilution water can be regulated. Where temperature is used, it preferably can be a temperature inside the refiner or adjacent the inlet or outlet. Where pressure is used, it preferably can be a pressure inside the refiner or adjacent the inlet or outlet. Stock consistency can be determined using a sensor upstream or downstream of the refiner or using a sensed parameter in the refiner.

Abstract: The subject invention is a valve for regulating the viscosity of fluid utilized by an integrated drive generator (IDG). The valve includes a housing defining a bore having a first inlet supplying “cold” hydraulic fluid at a first viscosity and a second inlet supplying “hot” hydraulic fluid at a second viscosity. A spool valve disposed within the bore has at least one land to proportionally control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the inlets. Hydraulic fluid from the first and second inlets mixes within the valve and exits the valve through an outlet at an optimum viscosity for the operation of the IDG. A flow restrictor creates a pressure force on the spool valve that is proportional to the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid flowing to the IDG.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine, and for dynamically controlling fluid properties of a fluid that is operational in situ in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid flow proportioning device including spool type valve elements (12,14,16) opposite end portions of which reciprocate in oppositely disposed and spaced apart valve block halves (100,102). So that the fluids being proportioned can never mix within the device despite the spool portions being devoid of sealing element within the cylindrical bores (13,15,17) in which they are slideable, central portions (21) of the valve elements are of smaller diameter than the diameters of the cylindrical bores (13,15,17) in which the valve elements are located, and resilient seals (105) encircle the portions (21) where they extend outwards from the valve block halves.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for analyzing a fluid includes a disposable fluidic sensor module, a replaceable transducer module, and an expendable electronics package. The disposable fluidic sensor includes a fluidic flowmeter and a capillary structure formed in a plate-like member which receives a sample fluid flow. The fluidic flowmeter is responsive to the fluid flow to generate an output indicative of the flow rate of the fluid, and the capillary structure restricts the fluid flow such that a pressure drop across the capillary structure is related to the viscosity of the fluid. The fluidic flowmeter can be a fluidic oscillator whose oscillation frequency is related to the fluid flow rate. The oscillator flowmeter also serves as an orifice, with the pressure drop across the oscillator being related to the density of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and regulating the viscosity of paint in an automotive paint application is provided. The method includes delivering paint to the paint application system with a pump. Continuously monitoring the pressure that the paint is delivered to the paint application by the pump. Returning the paint which is not applied to the automotive vehicle by the paint application system through a return line. Continuously monitoring the pressure of the paint flowing through the return line. Continuously calculating the viscosity from the pressure differential between the delivery pressure and the return line pressure and the flow rate in the return line and the fluid resistance of the paint application system to determine the viscosity of the paint. Delivering the paint from the return line to a sump. Selectively adding thinners to the paint to cause the paint to have a predetermined level of viscosity.

Abstract: In a process for hydraulic transport of bulk material from a receiving site to a remote location via a conveying pipeline, a dispersion is prepared from bulk material and a liquid, and conducted into a feed pump which has a pressure side in communication with the entry into conveying pipeline, whereby a fraction of the liquid is withdrawn at a location between the pump and the entry into the conveying pipeline. Suitably, either the volume flow of the withdrawn fraction of the liquid represents a manipulated variable which is changed in dependence on a controlled variable constituted by the volume flow through or pressure in the conveying pipeline, or/and the dispersion is produced upstream of the feed pump from a controllable bulk material stream and controllable liquid amount, whereby the amount of liquid may also include at least a fraction of the liquid withdrawn from the pressure side of the feed pump.

Abstract: An apparatus providing process water used for making or processing a fiber suspension includes a multi-compartment tank with a top, a bottom wall, and a plurality of exterior sidewalls. Each compartment has an inlet positioned near the top, an outlet positioned near the bottom wall, and at least one intervening wall common with an adjacent compartment. Each intervening wall has a height defining an overflow weir whereby the compartments are arranged with sequentially decreasing maximum fluid levels. Each intervening wall also has a backflow device positioned near the bottom wall. The backflow device is selectively openable to allow flow from one compartment to an adjacent compartment in a direction opposite to a flow direction over the corresponding overflow weir.

Abstract: A method is proposed for determining and evaluating melt flow index values (MFR values) of thermoplastic materials with the aid of a continuously operating on-line capillary rheometer. The pressure difference .DELTA.p between the inlet and the outlet of a measuring nozzle of the capillary rheometer is controlled such that MFR.sub.on-line =MFR.sub.lab, where MFR.sub.on-line is the melt flow index value that is determined on line, and MFR.sub.lab the melt flow index value that is determined under standardized laboratory conditions.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled hydraulic actuation type fuel injection device, a viscosity value (mu) of hydraulic oil is detected by an oil viscosity detection sensor and then an aimed base valve opening time T.sub.injBASE during which a solenoid valve of a unit injector to be kept open is corrected based on the detected viscosity value. Lubricating oil for lubricating an engine is used as the hydraulic oil. The oil viscosity detection sensor includes an oil pump for supplying the lubricating oil to each sliding part of the engine and an oil sensor for detecting a delivery pressure Po of the oil pump. All of the sliding parts of the engine is regarded as one "throttle" and the viscosity (mu) of the hydraulic oil is determined according to a pre-prepared map from the engine speed Ne and the delivery pressure Po, utilizing change in passage resistance at the "throttle" caused by oil viscosity change.

Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater allows shear to be adjusted without taking the process off-line to relieve pressure within the heater. A stud is mounted to an adjustable combining tube within the heater. The stud extends through an opening in the heater body into a sealed housing. An adjusting mechanism exerts force on the combining tube stud within the sealed housing to move the combining tube longitudinally within the body to adjust the shear within the heater. The position of the combining tube is indicated by an analog revolution counter. The adjusting mechanism can be driven manually or by a motor. The motorized embodiment of the invention can be used with feedback control to automatically optimize shear.

Abstract: Substituted aminostyrylpyridinium salts are fluorescent dyes having advantageous characteristics when employed as viscosity probes for the measurement of viscosity in a liquid, especially in a very small volume, for example, in living cells.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a fluid flowing along a main fluid supply path in which a streaming current detector receives a sample flow of a main fluid supply following main dosing with a chemical under control of a streaming current detector output. A secondary chemical dosing is applied to the sample under the control of the streaming current detector output in a feedback loop.

Abstract: A device for measuring relative viscosity includes a fluid reservoir, a stirrer, and a sensing system. The stirrer has two members, with one member being more bendable than the other. When the stirrer is moving, the sensing system detects a differential bend between the members; the differential bend is related to the viscosity of a fluid in the fluid reservoir. The sensing system includes two spaced sensors which detect when magnets on the members pass the sensors. A timer provides a time lapsed between passage of one of the members past a sensor and passage of the other member past the other sensor. The time lapsed is related to the viscosity of the fluid in the fluid reservoir. A controller automatically controls the addition of a solvent to the fluid within the fluid reservoir; the addition of the solvent is dependent on the time lapsed.

Abstract: A system for delivering a proper proportion of water and starch to form a slurry on a continuous basis responsive to the rate required for the production of gypsum board has a water input controller and a starch input controller to control the rate of water and starch input to a mix/hold tank and a starch slurry output controller to control the output of slurry from the mix/hold tank to the gypsum board production line. A programmable logic controller monitors the output rate and density of the delivered slurry, compares them to a target value and signals the input controllers and/or the output controller to adjust the input and output rates accordingly.

Abstract: A process for supplying a gas to a reactor comprising the steps of:(i) continuously measuring density of the gas, the gas including at least one component which is susceptible to formation of an undesired side product as shown by a variation in density of the gas; and(ii) modifying feed conditions of the gas if formation of the undesired side product is shown by a variation in the density of the gas.The process can be employed to continuously monitor the content of diborane (B.sub.2 H.sub.6) in a mixture with silane (SiH.sub.4) in a process for producing a borophosphosilicate glass.An apparatus for supplying a gas to a reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuous multi-component slurrying process at an oil or gas well comprises continuously flowing substances for creating a slurry in response to a slurry flow rate factor and continuously flowing another substance for the slurry in response to a flow rate of at least a predetermined one of the other substances or the slurry itself. The method can include density control, slurry (tub) level control, and a combination of such controls. The method can operate in either closed loop or open loop manner, and control can be effected with either of two types of control signals depending on whether the controlled device is an integrating or non-integrating type. The method can also provide for bumpless transition between manual and automatic control.

Abstract: A process for supplying a gas to a reactor comprising the steps of:(i) continuously measuring density of the gas, the gas including at least one component which is susceptible to formation of an undesired side product as shown by a variation in density of the gas; and(ii) modifying feed conditions of the gas if formation of the undesired side product is shown by a variation in the density of the gas.The process can be employed to continuously monitor the content of diborane (B.sub.2 H.sub.6) in a mixture with silane (SiH.sub.4) in a process for producing a borophosphosilicate glass.An apparatus for supplying a gas to a reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The centrifugal fluidizing granulator for powder coating granulation has a sensor for detecting changes of viscosity of the growing particles by means of a load cell or a displacement detector; and output signal of the sensor is compared with the data stored in a memory contained in a control unit which determines whether the growing particles are in their wetted state or dried state. The control unit controls the spraying of the liquid and the dispersion of the guest powder based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A photoresist drainage system for conducting the excess photoresist and solvents from a spin coating machine in a semiconductor fabrication unit is disclosed. The excess photoresist liquid and solvents are channeled directly to an exhaust manifold instead of being collected in a temporary storage tank. From the exhaust manifold the photoresist and solvents flow directly into a factory chemical reclaim system. This substantially reduces the amount of solvent vapors that are drawn into the factory exhaust system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a water-base system for at least partially avoiding an expected viscosity decrease or providing a viscosity increase upon a temperature increase, by using a system containing as viscosity-adjusting agents a nonionic cellulose ether in such an amount that the aqueous solution thereof has a viscosity of 10-10,000 cP, measured according to Brookfield LV, 12 rpm at 20.degree. C., and an ionic surface-active compound in an amount of 1-30 mmol per liter of water.

Abstract: The invention provides a sampling process and apparatus therefor for the control of the addition of expensive conditioning material, referred to as polymers, to suspensions, sludges and the like, particularly sewage sludge, to facilitate its dewatering. The process employs a viscometer able to measure rapidly the shear stress of the sludge and obtain a typical peak value characteristic of optimum conditioning of the sludge. The process and apparatus also operate in a new mode involving charging a sample vessel with unconditioned sludge, taking a measurement to obtain an "unconditioned" signal, and then filling with conditioned sludge and obtaining a "conditioned" signal, the unconditioned signal indicating the solids content of the sludge and being used to modify the signal controlling the polymer flow and therefore the dosage to compensate for this charge. The viscometer rotor and the vessel interior are rinsed to remove the conditioned sludge before a fresh batch of unconditioned sludge is introduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell having a variable volume chamber and a fluid supply circuit for an ink jet printing head which is equipped therewith. The cell includes a variable volume chamber (1) connected to a pressure sensor (5) and to at least a pair of valves (7, 9) each associated with a restriction (8, 10). The variation of volume is obtained by means of a piston actuated by an eccentric (3) secured to the rotor of a stepping motor (4). The maximum pressure difference generated at the ends of the restrictions (8, 10) is used to measure the viscosity of the fluid which flows through the corresponding valves (7, 9).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on-line determination and control of the Flow Behavior Index of a molten polymer stream are disclosed along with methods for using the Index as a means for monitoring and controlling polymer quality. In particular, the Index may be used to monitor and control on-line the levels of branching in the polymer and the polymer's molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy is applied to a combination of waxy crude oil and a solution of polymeric wax crystal modifier to effect dissolution of the modifier in the crude oil, thereby reducing the gel strength of the crude oil. The ultrasonic energy may be applied to the waxy crude oil to lower the gel strength of the wax crystals prior to addition of the solution of wax crystal modifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank for use in recovering and reusing resist compositions, which comprises (a) means for measuring the viscosity of a previously used resist composition introduced into the recovery tank; (b) line means for feeding a solvent into the recovery tank; (c) line means for introducing the previously used resist composition into the recovery tank; (d) line means for discharging the viscosity adjusted resist composition from the recovery tank; and (e) means for opening the solvent feed line means described above in (b) when the viscosity as measured by the viscosity measuring means described above in (a) is higher than a predetermined viscosity, and means for closing the same when the predetermined viscosity is reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for unattended retrieval of samples of material to be tested for viscosity provides substantially continuous monitoring capability for a blending plant. A single device is used for both retrieving the samples from a pipe conveying the material and for delivering the samples to a measuring chamber of a viscometer. The device, such as a pump or a solenoid operated valve, is controlled by a sequence timer programmed to generate a timed sequence of signals. Preferably, the device is operated to provide a new sample to the viscometer when the measuring chamber is being heated, thereby displacing the previous sample without requiring a cleansing agent.