Abstract: Described herein are dielectric fluid testers for determining dielectric breakdown of fluid samples, systems comprising such testers, and methods using thereof. A dielectric fluid tester comprises a container and two electrodes. The test heads of these electrodes protrude inside the container and face each other, forming a gap. In some examples, one or both electrodes are movable for adjusting the gap and/or the volume inside the container available for a fluid sample. For example, the container includes two internal seals, one of which has a fixed position and is slidably coupled to a respective electrode. The other seal is slidably coupled to the container and moves together with the corresponding electrode. The container comprises an access port, providing a fluid communication between the fluid sample and an external pressure-controlling source. In some examples, the access port is used to deliver and remove the fluid sample from the container.

Abstract: An electrical conductivity detector includes a cell through which a liquid flows, a measurement part for obtaining an electrical conductivity signal which is a current corresponding to an electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the cell, a phase adjustment value holder that holds a phase adjustment value which is a predetermined shift amount between a phase of the electrical conductivity signal and a phase of a measurement voltage applied to the cell by the measurement part, a BG subtraction signal generator configured to generate a BG subtraction signal for removing a background component included in the electrical conductivity signal obtained by the measurement part, the BG subtraction signal being adjusted to have a phase substantially identical to the phase of the electrical conductivity signal using the phase adjustment value held in the phase adjustment value holder, an addition part configured to add the electrical conductivity signal and the BG subtraction signal with each other, and a c

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems for measuring pH. In particular, the present invention relates to a continuous flow system having one or more solid state pH sensors positioned within a fluid pathway of the system to provide continuous pH measurement.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a liquid handling system may comprise at least one liquid level sensor and/or at least one gateway computer. The at least one liquid level sensor may be configured to monitor at least one liquid level of at least one liquid handling element. The at least one gateway computer may be in communication with the at least one liquid level sensor. The at least one gateway computer may be configured to receive sensor readings, report information describing the readings, identify at least one rule-triggering event, and perform an action in response to identifying the at least one rule-triggering event in accordance with at least one rule.

Abstract: An electrical conductivity detector includes a cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage application part, an amplification circuit, a phase adjustment value holding part, and a signal processing circuit. The amplification circuit has multiple gains, and amplifies a current flowing between the pair of electrodes using any one of the gains to obtain an amplified signal. The phase adjustment value holding part holds a phase adjustment value determined in advance for each of the gains for canceling a phase difference between amplified signals determined using each of the gains of the amplification circuit. The signal processing circuit calculates electrical conductivity of the liquid flowing through the cell using an amplified signal obtained by being amplified by the amplification circuit and the phase adjustment value which is for the gain used to obtain the amplified signal and is held in the phase adjustment value holding part.

Abstract: Long range, battery powered, wireless environmental sensor interface devices that can be connected to a plurality of sensors and wirelessly communicate the sensor readings back to a central collection device or Internet terminal. Instead or additionally, sensors can be integrated with the device for added efficiency. The devices incorporate a rugged enclosure and an internal power supply that allows them to be placed in harsh environmental conditions and operate for multiple years without maintenance due to unique power-saving design features. The RF circuitry is specially optimized for long-range outdoor communications of small quantities of data. Line-of-sight communication range of several miles is possible with this device. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for measuring electrical conductivity of liquids. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a waveform generator module configured to generate a first waveform signal and to supply the first waveform signal to a sensor; a phase adjustment module configured to receive the first waveform signal from the waveform generator module and to generate a phase-shifted signal from the first waveform signal, said phase-shifted signal having a phase that is adjusted based upon expected or measured properties of the liquid and further adjusted to eliminate phase error induced inaccuracies in the measurement; and a signal combination module configured to receive a return signal from the sensor and the phase-shifted signal from the phase adjustment module and to sum the return signal and the phase-shifted signal to produce an adjusted return signal containing information associated with the electrical property of the liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the amount of ammonia which is stored in a storage container by a chemical bond to a solid storage medium, in particular a salt of an earth alkaline metal or the like, and which can be released by supplying heat in order to be supplied to a catalytic exhaust gas purification device of an internal-combustion engine. The storage medium functions as a dielectric of an electric capacitor and the stored amount of ammonia is inferred from the capacity of this capacitor. One wall of the housing of the storage container functions as a first electrode of the capacitor, and, within the storage container, at least one additional electrode is arranged such that at least a partial amount of the storage medium forms the dielectric. The storage container may have an essentially cylindrical shape. Several cylindrical electrodes can be arranged in a coaxial manner.

Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.

Abstract: A contact structure for inspection that is installed on a bottom surface of a circuit board includes a ground conductor that is grounded; an elastic contact member that is brought into contact with an inspection target object; and a conductive line that electrically connects the circuit board and the elastic contact member. Here, the elastic contact member may be provided on a bottom surface of the ground conductor that is grounded. The elastic contact member may include an insulating layer, a wiring layer, a contactor and an elastic body provided at a position corresponding to the contactor. The elastic body provides the elastic contact member with elasticity when the contactor is brought into contact with an electrode. The elastic contact member is provided in parallel with the ground conductor. The wiring layer and the ground conductor form a microstrip line.

Abstract: A fryer measures cooking medium quality, and includes a cooking vessel configured to store a cooking medium, an electrode plate completely immersed in the cooking medium, an insulator comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the insulator is fixed to the electrode plate, and a second side of the insulator is attached to a wall of the cooking vessel, a guard ring fixed to the cooking vessel and surrounding the electrode plate and insulator. The guard ring extends further away from the wall of the cooking vessel than the electrode plate. A size of a gap between the guard ring and the electrode plate is based on a height, a width, and a thickness of the electrode plate and substantially defines a gain of the electrode. A signal conditioning circuit measures the conductivity of the cooking medium applied to the electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for localizing an in vivo imaging device by means of a single magnetic source coil assembly and a single magnetic detector coil assembly. This invention also relates to methods and apparatus to enable the use of a single magnetic source coil assembly to also transmit and receive information, images, and controls signals, as well as for the coil assembly to be used in DC-DC voltage conversion. A user interface with a display provides the user with the option of viewing selected images captured by the in vivo imaging device.

Abstract: A tissue monitoring system includes an introducer having an inflatable section and a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. The electrodes are alternatively connected to an electrode contact system which includes at least one signal line and at least one measurement line for taking readings about a circumferential segment of tissue encompassed by the electrodes.

Abstract: The measuring device has at least one measuring probe, e.g., a physical or electrochemical measuring probe, which is equipped with one or more memory units and which is connected through a cable, e.g., a coaxial cable, to a transmitter which includes a processor. The measuring probe has a ground wire and is connected to the memory unit through a first signal wire, wherein under the control of the processor in accordance with a transmission protocol, the first signal wire and a connecting cable serve for the unidirectional transmission of the analog or digital measuring signal of the measuring probe as well as the preferably bidirectional transmission between the measuring probe and the transmitter of digital operating data which are read from or to be written into the memory unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device of electrodes for measuring water content in foundry sand, an apparatus for measuring water content in foundry sand, and a method and an apparatus for supplying water to a sand mixer. When the prior art device for measuring water content in the foundry sand is disposed in it, the size or shape of the device of the electrodes is limited.

Abstract: A sensor device for insertion into a water channel in a washing machine is provided with two electrodes as sensors on a sensor carrier. These electrodes are in direct contact with the water through apertures. The electrodes are connected to a transformer on the sensor carrier directly and without any further components or couplings being required. The other side of the transformer is connected to an activating and evaluating means, in particular to a microprocessor positioned on the same carrier.

Abstract: A sensor device for insertion into a water channel in a washing machine is provided with two electrodes as sensors on a sensor carrier. These electrodes are in direct contact with the water through apertures. The electrodes are connected to a transformer on the sensor carrier directly and without any further components or couplings being required. The other side of the transformer is connected to an activating and evaluating means, in particular to a microprocessor positioned on the same carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enzyme electrode comprising an electrode system comprising an insulating substrate having formed thereon a working electrode, a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode, and a reaction layer formed on the electrode system, wherein the reaction layer comprises diaphorase (DI), 12?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (12?-HSD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase (NADS), at least a portion of the reaction layer being superposed on the working electrode, wherein the DI, 12?-HSD and NADS contained in the reaction layer are immobilized on the surface of the working electrode, so that a compound generated in the reaction layer can reach the surface of the working electrode. Also disclosed are a method for and a system for determining the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a sample by using the above-mentioned enzyme electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and improving the properties of fluid formulations is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements and data analyses to determine IS parameters of fluids representative of a fluid formulation. Correlations are determined between the IS parameters and the properties of the fluids, and a modified or new fluid formulation may be developed responsive to the correlations.

Abstract: An alloy solute sensor probe, measurement system and measurement method are disclosed for directly measuring solute concentration profiles in conductive material components at elevated processing temperatures. The disclosed device and method permit direct, real-time non-destructive measurement of solute concentration profiles in treated surfaces in alloy components. In disclosed embodiments, a novel concentric carbon sensor and rod-shaped carbon sensor are disclosed which employ AC frequencies for probing the subsurface region of alloy samples to determine carbon concentration profiles at steel surfaces from measurements of alloy resistivity profiles. Results of carbon profile measurements obtained with the disclosed device and method compare favorably with conventional destructive analytical measurements made on post-processed samples.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for analyzing particles, such as coarse particulates, fine particulates (e.g., diesel particulate matter), and combustion aerosols, using light-scattering sensors and/or ionization-type sensors. In one disclosed embodiment, a particle monitor includes an ionization module and a controller adapted to receive an output signal from the ionization module. The controller is operable to translate the output signal into the mass concentration of particulate matter within the ionization chamber. In another embodiment, a particle monitor includes a light-scattering sensor and an ionization sensor. The monitor is configured to measure separate mass concentrations of sub-micrometer particles and larger dust particles in an atmosphere having both types of particles.

Abstract: A microelectrode system suitable for use in preparative and analytical chemistry having a laminated structure with one or more apertures. In one embodiment a microelectrode system (1) comprises alternating layers of conductor (3) and dielectric (or insulator) (4). The laminated structure (2) comprises two conductor layers (3) and two dielectric layers (4) formed on a base (5) of silicon or a polymeric material. The conducting layers (3) form electrodes in the microelectrodes system (1). The laminated structure has formed within it an aperture in the form of a well (6) being open at one end (7) and closed at the opposite end (8). In another embodiment, the apertures take the form of through holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the condition of engine lubricating oil includes a sensor having a plurality of spaced apart electrode pairs on a nonconductive polymer film. The sensor is operatively associated with an oil filter, which provides retro-fit capability and easy access for servicing and replacement. The multi-electrode pair design averages signal output to reduce operational electromagnetic interference noise. A forcing-function waveform reactive circuit is applied to the sensor input electrode as a common voltage potential. The output current from the sensor electrodes is then relayed to a current follower amplifier, which converts the output current into an equivalent voltage for comparison with predetermined values. Based on the voltage values, the on-board sensing system will determine the oil's condition, and will trigger a trouble code if the equivalent voltage falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enzyme electrode comprising an electrode system comprising an insulating substrate having formed thereon a working electrode, a counter electrode and optionally a reference electrode, and a reaction layer formed on the electrode system, wherein the reaction layer comprises diaphorase (DI), 12&agr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (12&agr;-HSD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase (NADS), at least a portion of the reaction layer being superposed on the working electrode, wherein the DI, 12&agr;-HSD and NADS contained in the reaction layer are immobilized on the surface of the working electrode, so that a compound generated in the reaction layer can reach the surface of the working electrode. Also disclosed are a method for and a system for determining the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in a sample by using the above-mentioned enzyme electrode.

Abstract: A method and a sensor (1) for oil-in-water measurement, in particular for the oil industry. In an electric measuring cell (7, 12) a capacitance is measured as a measure of an oil concentration in the water flowing through or in the accumulation filter (16, 16a, 16b). In order to reduce the maintenance requirement, the measuring cell (7, 12) is automatically calibrated at recurring time intervals with clean water (FIG. 1) and/or flushed with water, possibly oil-contaminated, in the back-flushing direction (FIG. 2). Advantages of the invention are reduced signal drift, improved long-term reliability and a long service life without monitoring or filter exchange.

Abstract: Liquid conductivity and temperature are measured in respective sensitivity fields that are collocated—i. e., in volumes that nearly match by mathematical, geometrical, or functional criteria. Collocation is as distinct from mere adjacency or proximity; and is with respect to measurement volumes, not measuring hardware. Preferably pressure too is measured with sensitivity very generally collocated to the conductivity and temperature sensitivity. Preferably, respective temporal/spatial bandwidths of the two (or three) sensors are matched. Preferably the pressure sensor is a MEMS transducer, the conductivity sensor is a four-terminal device, the thermometer is a thermistor encapsulated in a silkscreened glass wall, and circuits (1) compensate for time lag between conductivity and temperature measurement, (2) remove artifacts due to detritus in or near either sensor, and (3) derive secondary parameters of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in furnace boiler tubes measures electrochemical noise associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. This noise is detected using a probe at the boiler waterwall surface that is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical noise. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) is notified and adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion. Such an adjustment could be made by changing the amount of air or fuel being provided to the burner or other air slots or air ports.

Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.

Abstract: A robust probe (1) which can be installed simply and without special tools and can be produced at low cost is provided, said probe having an essentially rod-shaped probe housing (2), which has an axial, conical interior space, and a clamping cone (10), which is compressible in the radial direction, is arranged in the interior space and on which there is arranged at least one sheet-like electrode (11, 12, 13) , which is pressed by the clamping cone (10) against a wall of the probe housing (2) such that said electrode is in surface contact and there are no gaps.

Abstract: Benzothiophenes and related compounds of the formula ##STR1## are estrogen agonists which are useful for treating prostatic and diseases, obesity and bone loss in male animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously measuring the streaming potential of a fiber suspension and a filtrate thereof. A container is provided having an inlet and an outlet for the flow of fiber suspension therethrough, and a filter screen divides the container into an upstream compartment and a downstream compartment. Each compartment has an electrode pair disposed therein, each electrode pair including a cylindrical outer electrode configured for flow of fiber suspension therethrough and an inner electrode. Each electrode pair is connected to a differential amplifier, with the differential amplifiers connected to a microprocessor.

Abstract: An electrochemical test cell for measuring conductivity and transport properties of a solid or liquid electrolyte comprises a longitudinal chamber, produced, e.g., from a syringe, a pair of electrodes and means for holding the electrodes which defines an adjustable volume for containing the electrolyte and which aids in maintaining contact between the electrolyte and the electrode.

Abstract: An electric conductivity-measuring cell comprises a pressure container serving also as an outer electrode and provided with an inlet port of a liquid to be measured and an outlet port and an inner electrode provided within said pressure container so as to simplify it in construction and improve a measurement in accuracy.

Abstract: A device is proposed for the electrically insulated attachment of a metal probe electrode in the opening of a housing, preferably a measuring probe for measuring the filling status in the opening of a probe head housing. The device has a metal rod electrode and a metal guard electrode at which two sealing cones are arranged which are spatially separated from each other which, with the inclusion of insulating layers, electrically insulate and close off in a pressure-sealed manner the rod electrode with respect to the guard electrode and both with respect to the housing in the opening of which they are attached. Both electrodes are connected with an electronic circuit in an electrically insulated manner.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks in a storage tank that includes a stored tank liquid and an immiscible test liquid, and there is an interface formed between the tank liquid and the test liquid. The system includes a transducer and electronic device. The transducer further includes a measuring cell and a standard cell. The level of the interface within the standard cell does not change when the level of the interface changes. The level of the interface within the measuring cell changes according to the level of test liquid in the storage tank. The signal generated by the cells are processed by the electronic device to indicate whether there is leakage in the storage tank.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor (1), apparatus for detecting corrosion of a surface incorporating the sensor, a structural assembly (1,21) incorporating the sensor and method for detecting corrosion of a surface employing the sensor are provided. The sensor comprises a thin flexible non-conducting substrate (18) for attachment to a surface subject to corrosive influence and an array of at least two thin flexible metallic electrodes (2,3,4) carried on the substrate wherein the electrodes are disposed closely adjacent one another so as to permit the generation of electric current by electrochemical action therebetween upon corrosion of the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for destroying a predetermined living organism in fluid, whereby a predetermined current having a specific waveform and frequency is applied to the fluid in order to destroy the predetermined living organism while it is in a chamber having a cylindrical first electrode, a second rod-shaped electrode and a cylindrical third electrode disposed between said first and said second electrodes. The first, second and third electrodes all have a common axis.

Abstract: A sensor and system for monitoring the accumulation of contaminants in oil wherein the contaminants have an electrical conductivity which is different from the oil. An electrochemical cell is used to measure the alternating current conductivity of the oil to provide an indication of the amount of contaminants present in the oil. Acids and water are two common engine oil contaminants which are accurately monitored by this alternating current conductivity measurement system.

Abstract: A fluid capacitance sensor includes a device, receiving a stream of fluid, which converts the fluid flow to annular fluid flow. A capacitance sensing network has an internal capacitance substantially greater than the capacitance of the fluid. The capacitance sensing network measures the capacitance of the annular flowing fluid and provides a signal corresponding to the sensed capacitance of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting contamination of a capacitive sensor, comprising a guard electrode surrounding a portion of the sensor, and a circuit for supplying an excitation signal to the sensor and an identical excitation signal to the guard electrode. The circuit periodically isolates the guard electrode from the excitation signal, and detects the difference between the sensor output when the guard electrode is supplied with the excitation signal and when the guard electrode is isolated from the excitation, the detected difference being a function of the contamination of the guard electrode.

Abstract: A four-electrode open-cell conductivity sensor for measuring the conductivity of ocean water. A simplified version of the conductivity sensor may be used as a standard conductivity cell for measurement of fluid conductivity in a laboratory, or for monitoring fluid conductivity in a chemical processing plant. The sensor includes opposed electrode pairs each of which include a hemispherical current electrode and a coaxial ring-shaped voltage electrode. In operation, an alternating current is generated across the opposed current electrodes and the resultant electric field is sensed by the voltage electrodes. A feedback circuit is utilized to adjust the amplitude of the electric current generated across the current electrodes so that the inphase potential across the voltage electrodes is maintained at a substantially constant level.

Abstract: A conductivity cell is presented having a solid inner electrode and a hollow electrode whereby the inner electrode is adjustably mounted. The adjustable feature allows the cell to be accurately calibrated for various fluids having a wide range of conductivities.

Abstract: A unique electrode assembly primarily designed to pass an induced current through a liquid phase by transfer of molecules adsorbed on sub-micron charged particles from cathode to anode to enable conductance determinations on non-polar liquids, for example, hydrocarbon oils that have been altered while in the molecular state to enable a degree of polarity. The novel electrode assembly comprises a cylinder within a cylinder configuration, the outer cylinder containing orifices equalizing area for largest electrode area within smallest liquid volume. A one millimeter gap enables increased more accurate, electrode component signal representations.A magnetic means is provided for nullifying electro-magnetic fields induced in electrode assemblies where the liquid is non-polar containing molecules oriented to conductive polar state by additives such as sub-micron particles and the induced field will cause polar disorientation with lowered conductivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive measuring element intended for continuous measurements of conductance in streaming solutions. The essence of the measuring element is that in the measuring space the surfaces limiting it are covered by an electrically insulating material. A method for obtaining the dimensions of the measuring element has also been proposed. According to the measuring element of the invention the measurements of concentration from very low values with high accuracy and low noise level are possible. The life duration and the reliability of the measuring element are high, and it shows a high resistivity against corrosive media to be measured.

Abstract: A high pressure electrical conductivity probe generally used as a liquid level indicator having a high pressure mechanical seal between an insulator and a metal mounting body and an electrode connector. The high pressure mechanical seal is effected using a cylindrical insulator with planar end faces which are located in and sheathed in cylindrical recesses in the metal mounting body and the electrode connector. Preferred sealing means include flexible expanded graphite gaskets or a mechanical interference fit.

Abstract: This application teaches a probe for detecting immiscible components in an aqueous system, particularly pollutants that contaminate ponds, rivers and aquifers. The probe includes a casing having an open bottom and electrical terminals adjacent the open bottom. Means are provided remote from said casing for detecting change in electrical characteristics, and connecting said remote means to said electrical terminals. The probe registers electrical characteristics on said remote means when said casing is immersed in water, and a variation in said characteristics when said casing passes through a dissimilar fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring the condition of dielectric fluid used in EDM are described. A continuous sample of dielectric liquid is withdrawn from a tank containing the EDM electrode and workpiece and is passed between electrodes of a capacitance cell before being returned to the tank. The capacitance between the electrodes gives an indication of the amount of metal particles resulting from EDM in the dielectric liquid. In another arrangement a magnetic field is used to direct most ferrous particles through a capacitance cell or part of a capacitance cell while most non-ferrous particles pass through another cell or another part of the cell. Measurement of the capacities of the cells or parts of cells provides an indication of the relative amounts of ferrous and non-ferrous particles in the dielectric liquid.

Abstract: Device for activating or inactivating a liquid pump on the basis of the electrical conductivity of a liquid. Device comprises, in combination, a housing having a passageway through which a liquid can flow, a pair of conductivity-sensing electrodes disposed near or in the passageway, means for connecting the passageway to a liquid pump, and means for connecting the electrodes to a conductivity-dependent pump activator connected to the pump. Device provides through-the-probe pumping and is adaptable for manual operation or in-line liquid control.

Abstract: A system for measuring a parameter of a liquid sample, such as the hematocrit and an approximation of hemoglobin for a blood sample. The system basically comprises a hand-held instrument and a disposable sample card. The instrument accepts the disposable sample card, which is used for the one-time conveyance and application of a liquid sample, such as blood, to the instrument. The instrument has provision for digital displays for readouts. The disposable sample card is a micro-volume conductivity cell precision molded from plastic with built-in stainless steel electrodes. The instrument basically comprises an electronic portion for processing data obtained from the liquid sample on the sample card, a front-end mechanism for positioning the sample card within the instrument, and a digital display for displaying in eye-readable form the results of a parameter measurement made in the instrument.