Abstract: Products and processes are provided herewith for analyzing octane content in a fuel sample that include the step or steps of receiving an octane measurement of a fuel sample from an octane analyzer, rounding the octane measurement to a nearest recognized octane rating, comparing the rounded octane measurement with a listed octane rating for the fuel sample, and communicating results of the comparison to a user of the octane analyzer. The octane analyzer may be incorporated into a fuel pump or a vehicle. The results of the comparison may also be used to adjust the vehicle operating parameters to account for the actual octane rating of the fuel dispensed into the vehicle.

Abstract: In a device for controlling the temperature of a test sample in a measuring device for measuring material properties of the test sample, comprising a measuring cell for receiving the test sample, at least one temperature controlling element, and a thermal storage element coupled to the temperature controlling element to transfer heat, wherein means are provided for changing the thermal resistance between the thermal storage element and the measuring cell in order to selectively couple or decouple the thermal storage element and the measuring cell in terms of heat transfer, the ratio of the thermal capacity of the thermal storage element to the thermal capacity of the measuring cell is greater than 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, preferably at least 5:1.

Abstract: A device for igniting a sample arranged in a container for a flashpoint determination test and/or a combustion point determination test. The device has an electric igniter, which has an ignition tip having a partially or completely encapsulated electric wire; and a traversing device, which is configured for traversing the ignition tip of the electric igniter to a defined position within the container.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided herewith for analyzing octane content in a fuel sample that include the step or steps of receiving an octane measurement of a fuel sample from a octane analyzer, rounding the octane measurement to a nearest recognized octane rating, comparing the rounded octane measurement with a listed octane rating for the fuel sample, and communicating results of the comparison to a user of the octane analyzer. The octane analyzer may be incorporated into a fuel pump or a vehicle. The results of the comparison may also be used to adjust the vehicle operating parameters to account for the actual octane rating of the fuel dispensed into the vehicle.

Abstract: The ion current detector includes: an ion bias circuit for supplying a bias voltage to an electrode of the ignition plug so as to cause the ignition plug to generate a spark discharge; and an ion current detection circuit for detecting an ion current generated in a combustion chamber by the spark discharge and for amplifying the detected ion current to output an ion current detection signal. The ion current detection circuit amplifies the ion current at an ion current amplification factor switched between a time when an ignition signal is supplied and a time when the ignition signal is not supplied. Specifically, when the ignition signal is supplied, the ion current amplification factor is set to a low value (approximately 50). When the ignition signal is not supplied, the ion current amplification factor is set to a high value (250 or more).

Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.

Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtered water monitoring device used for detecting damages in a filtration medium installed inside a membrane filtration water clarification device, thereby monitoring degradation of a performance thereof, in order to secure safety of filtered water flowing out from the membrane filtration water clarification device, comprising a branch filtered water pipeline system which is branched from a filtered water pipeline system connected to an outlet of the membrane filtration water clarification device, a filtered water observation plate which is installed in a certain position of the branch filtered water pipeline system, imaging means which takes an image of the filtered water in an observation tank of the filtered water observation plate and outputs image information thereon, and image analyzing means which receives the image information output from the imaging means, and compares the image information with a stored image pattern to identify impurities contained in the filtered

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a pressure differentiator capable of improving measurement accuracy. The pressure differentiator of the invention includes an isothermal pressure vessel 1, a narrow tube 3 for connecting an object to be measured to the inside of the vessel 1, and a differential manometer 2 for calculating a differential pressure between the object and the inside of the vessel 1. It is preferable that a flow through the narrow tube 3 during measurement is a laminar flow. The isothermal pressure vessel 1 is fitted with a temperature equalizing material. As the temperature equalizing material, thin metal wires may be used. When the pressure Ps to be measured within a vessel positioned below is changed, the pressure Pc within the isothermal pressure vessel 1 is changed, with a slight lag, through the narrow tube 3. By measuring the differential pressure Pj (=Ps?Pc) at that time, using a diaphragm-type pressure differentiator, the derivative value of the pressure Ps may be calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for determining the concentration of a critical first component, such as hydrogen, of an atmosphere or environment (E), wherein the first component is capable of forming a combustible mixture with a second component, such as oxygen; the apparatus comprises: (A) a sampling unit (10) including: (A1) a small measuring chamber (12) operatively connected with an ignition means (135) capable of being operated so as to initiate in said chamber a combustion of said critical first component by reaction with said second component, and (A2) at least one sensor (15) operatively connected with said measuring chamber for generating a signal formed by essentially proportionate contributions from all significant components contained in said measuring chamber; (B) at least one flame arrestor (14) intervening between said measuring chamber (12) and aid environment (E) of interest; and (C) a control unit (16) capable of imposing a mode of operation in at least two distinct phases wherein, during a first phase,

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining the levels in a vessel of two or more immiscible or partially-miscible components has been developed. The process begins with transmitting gamma rays, x-rays, microwaves, ultrasound waves, or sonar waves through the vessel by sequentially activating at least three stationary energy sources positioned adjacent to and in the vertical plane of the vessel. A set of intensities of the energy exiting the vessel corresponding to each energy source is measured using an array of stationary sensors where each set contains the intensity sensed by each sensor in the array of sensors. The sensors of the array are positioned in the vertical plane of the vessel and in alignment with the energy penetrating the vessel. The array of sensors contains a number of sensors that is at least one greater than the number of energy sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the flashpoint of a substance, including a test cup adapted to contain the substance, a heating element which heats the substance, a tube and a needle valve which produce a calibrated flame, a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the substance, and an optical detector, having at least one optical fiber, which detects variations in the light intensity from the flame, or from the ignited vapor emitted by the substance.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for the automated testing of the flash point and can be used for determining the flash point of flammable liquids. In particular, the inventive method makes is possible to automate the phase of preparing and changing the samples. The apparatus described is characterized in that the whole of the test equipment (1) consists of a stationary simultaneous function head (2) and a mobile test insert (3), which can be separated completely from the simultaneous function head (2), the test insert (3), pre-installed, having the temperature sensor (4) and the flash point indicator (5) and contacting elements (6) for producing the electrical connection to the temperature sensor (4) and to the flash point indicator (5) and at least one coupling element (10) for producing the mechanical connection between a stirrer driving mechanism (7) and the stirrer (8) being disposed at the simultaneous function head (2).

Abstract: A flash point measuring apparatus including a sample vessel 11 made of an electrically conductive material, a heating device 17 for heating a sample S contained in the sample vessel 11, an igniting heat source 13 arranged above the sample vessel and made of an electrically conductive material, a temperature detecting device 12 for detecting a temperature of the sample S contained in the sample vessel 11, and a current amplifier 15 connected to the sample vessel 11 serving as a cathode and the igniting heat source 13 serving as an anode. Each time a temperature of the sample S is increased by 2.degree. C., the igniting heat source is moved in a horizontal plane above the sample surface at a predetermined speed. When a mixture of a vapor of the sample S and an air is ignited, a flame ion current flows between the sample vessel 11 and the igniting heat source 13. A flash point of the sample S is measured as a temperature of the sample at which the flame ion current is detected by the current amplifier 15.

Abstract: An adjustable pole support with a mounting bracket for a drill. At the base of the pole are a swivel bracket and a pivoting foot lever. An electrical outlet is mounted on the pole and is controlled by a separate switch. Thus, the drill trigger can be locked down at the top of the pole and the drill can be operated by a remote switch. The pole is set in a location and the pole height is set just below the ceiling. A worker then presses down on the foot plate while activating the drill control switch. The drill moves upward, the hole is drilled and the drill is then withdrawn by releasing the foot lever. Once the pole height is set, the pole need not be adjusted again. The worker moves the unit to the next hole location, pushes on the electrical control switch, pushes on the foot lever, and the next hole is finished.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining average mass flux, penetration rate, and droplet size both spatially and temporarily in a spray pattern from a spray nozzle. The measuring device includes a movable mounting arrangement that securely positions a spray nozzle such that it can emit a spray pattern along a generally vertical axis. A collection means consisting of a series of collection tubes is positioned below the mounting arrangement such that the collection tubes collect a portion of the spray pattern emitted from the spray nozzle. Each collection tube includes a gas relief opening such that the spray droplets can freely enter the collection tubes. A shutter mechanism is movably positioned between the spray nozzle and the collection means. The shutter mechanism is operated in a timed relation to the pulsing of the injector, such that the shutter mechanism selectively isolates a portion of the spray pattern and the only isolated portion of the spray pattern reaches the collection tubes.

Abstract: Compounds from the class consisting of the phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, the aminium compounds of aromatic amines, the methine dyes or the azulenesquaric acid dyes, which have their absorption maximum in the range from 600 to 1,200 nm and a fluorescence maximum in the range from 620 to 1,200 nm, are used as crack-detecting agents.

Abstract: A fluorescent detecting agent comprising a naphthalene compound of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and each represents an alkyl group of 4 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a pyraxoline compound of formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen, an alkoxy group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkyl group of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represents an alkyl group of 4 to 8 carbon atoms. They are used for a visual inspection or an automatic optical inspection (AOI) and a fluorescent penetrant examination.

Abstract: A coating system for detecting the presence of contaminants carried by a fluid that is applied as a coating on a workpiece. A tube guides the fluid along a flow path to the workpiece. A light source illuminates the fluid along at least a portion of the flow path, and this light is scattered by any contaminants present in the fluid. Light scattered by the contaminant particles is more intense than light scattered by the other fluid particles, and this brighter scattered light is detected by a light detector positioned adjacent to the fluid flow path. If one or more contaminant particles is detected in the fluid, a warning signal can be given and/or the flow of fluid can be stopped. This coating system is particularly well suited for use in a spin-on coating process that applies a liquid, such as a photoresist material or a dielectric material, to a semiconductor wafer or other workpiece that is secured to a rotating turntable.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for continually monitoring the flash point temperature of a liquid pertoleum product flowing through a pipeline. The apparatus is located adjacent the pipeline for periodically drawing product samples therefrom and for testing the samples to determine the respective flash point temperatures. The apparatus includes a microprocessor, which is programmed to control the operation of the apparatus, a testing chamber and a Wheatstone bridge circuit for measuring the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of a combustible gas-air mixture which is drawn through the testing chamber. The gas-air mixture ignites on the surface of an active resistive filament, thereby increasing its temperature and resistance, which causes a current to flow within the magnitude bridge circuit. The magnitude of the current is directly proportional to the change of resistance of the active filament and the LEL of the vapor-air mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for determining the flash point of a liquid or solid material to be tested by measuring the pressure obtained in the measuring chamber after an ignition. According to the invention, a liquid or solid is placed into a measuring vessel and the measuring vessel is heated. The measuring vessel is tightly closed with a cover. At a given temperature the generated vapor-air-mixture is ignited and the pressure increase occurring due to the temperature increase is taken as a measure for the size of the flame for determining the flash point. The pressure increase is preferably measured with a piezoresistive pressure transducer. The temperature of the heated cover is measured with the temperature sensor and the sample temperature with the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In order to eliminate interferences of an optical or chemical nature, preferably in optical sensors, a cover layer is provided which comprises a hydrophilic, ion-permeable polymer membrane containing precious metal pigments deposited by a reduction or reduction/cementation technique for the purpose of suppressing straylight.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically monitoring the flash point of a liquid passing through a conduit which includes a closed equilibrator vessel into which a sample stream of the liquid is confined and volatile vapors therefrom are allowed to saturate air introduced into the vessel, and a combustible gas sensor for measuring the percent lower flammable limit of the resulting gas mixture. The system further includes suitable computing means for automatically calculating the Tag closed cup flash point of the sample liquid based on the temperature of the liquid and on the measured percent lower flammable limit, and controlling the operation of the apparatus. A method of determining the flash point of such a liquid is also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid testing apparatus includes a testing cell formed by a vertical bore in a metal block. A flow path for liquid being tested is provided in the cell and the liquid is passed through a restriction, such as a mesh filter, obstruction to flow being measured as the temperature is varied. A preferred use of the apparatus is in testing aviation fuels, when the temperature is gradually lowered. When wax crystals begin to form in the fuel, the impeded flow of fuel through the mesh will indicate this change of state, and this temperature will be the minimum usable temperature of the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the explosion limits of flammable gases having a combustion chamber, a conduit leading to the combustion chamber for conveying the sample stream of gas, a temperature control for maintaining the gas in the combustion chamber at a predetermined temperature and an ignition system for igniting the gas. The ignition system includes an exploding wire powered by a low internal resistance battery, thus enabling the testing of corrosive, flammable gases.

Abstract: An analyzer for analyzing the flash point of a product in a process comprising a steam stripper receiving a stream of material and receiving steam includes sensors sensing the temperatures of the material, the steam and the product which provide corresponding signals. Other sensors sense the flow rates of the material, the steam, and the product and provide corresponding signals. The pressure in the top of the stripper is also sensed and a corresponding signal provided. Apparatus samples the product and provides signals corresponding to at least two predetermined parameters of the product. A circuit receiving the signals from the sensors, and from the apparatus provide a signal corresponding to the flash point temperature of the product in accordance with the signals from the sensors and the apparatus.

Abstract: Mixtures of compounds formulated as calibration standards for flash point determination at specific desired temperatures are provided. Components of similar structure, functionality, molecular weight and volatility, but exhibiting different flash points bracketing the temperature of the desired standard, are combined in predetermined appropriate ratios to provide a liquid calibration standard that does not exhibit any substantial change in flash point value on partial evaporation.

Abstract: Water-washable inspection penetrant compositions which avoid the use of conventional solubilizing detergents. The penetrants comprise an oil vehicle containing a dissolved indicator dye and a fatty acid ingredient dissolved to a concentration within the range of from about 2% to about 25%. The fatty acid ingredient acts as a solubility promoter to permit the penetrant composition to be removed from test surfaces by a spray-wash of water.