Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the volume and density of an object, including a living being, which avoids the necessity of immersing the subject in a liquid medium. Where the subject is a living being, the percentage of body fat may readily be determined from the density value. The density of the subject is measured by recording the weight of the subject for several different temperatures of a fluid, preferably air, surrounding the subject. The apparent weight change of the subject at the different measured temperatures of surrounding air represents changes in the buoyant forces exerted by the air on the subject at different air densities. The buoyant force acting on the subject is calculated from these measurements, and the volume of the subject is determined from its relationship with the buoyant force. The density of the subject can then be calculated from the volume and weight parameters.

Abstract: An aneroid volume determining system includes an airtight chamber for holding a subject whose volume is to be detected; a volume adjuster including an inflatable container for varying the pressure in the chamber; sensing equipment including a pressure transducer for sensing the pressure in the chamber in the deflated and inflated states of the container; and controlling equipment, which can calculate the volume of the subject in response to the pressure sensed in the chamber with and without the subject present in the chamber and which equipment provides control signals to the volume adjuster for automatically controlling the inflation and deflation of the inflatable container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically detecting the approximate percentage of humidity in predetermined types of lumber cut to specific lengths. A conveyor is provided for conveying individual pieces of cut lumber to a weighing station which consists of platforms on which individual pieces of lumber are conveyed. One or more weighing cells are associated with the platforms for detecting the weight of the piece of lumber thereon. A control circuit is connected to the weighing cell and also to sensors which detect a predetermined length of the lumber pieces and the cross-sectional dimension thereof, and receives information signals therefrom to identify and classify the individual lumber pieces in accordance with one or more reference signals related to selected humidity content weight(s) of the lumber pieces. The apparatus compares the apparent density with selectable density(ies) used as criterium for sorting.

Abstract: An apparant density measuring device for a weighing machine comprising a bucket having a known loading volume. Product is fed to the bucket in an amount sufficient to cause overflow from the bucket, the bucket being vibrated for a specific time during this feeding operation. After completion of the feeding operation, the loaded bucket is weighed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling or monitoring the quality of copper cathodes. The method is characterized by stacking cathodes to form a bundle, preferably comprising 10-20 cathodes, and by determining the bulk density, or a value related thereto, of the bundle. The bulk volume or mean height of a cathode bundle can be used with great accuracy. Advantageously, the height of each cathode bundle is measured by means of distance-sensing means of the laser or ultrasonic type placed above the movement path of a cathode bundle.

Abstract: A system having a combinatorial weighing apparatus for obtaining an optimum weight of a batch of articles that exhibit a variable apparent specific gravity, and for packaging the weighed out articles in a packaging vessel. The system includes a volume detecting unit for detecting the volume of the articles supplied, a density detecting unit for detecting the density of the articles based on the volume value obtained from the volume detecting unit and a weight value obtained from the weighing apparatus, and a target weight adjusting unit for adjusting a target weight value within preset allowable limits on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the volume of the articles discharged into the packaging vessel becomes substantially constant. The system is also provided with a crusher for adjusting the size of individual articles on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the density of the articles becomes substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of correcting irregularities in the build-up of a mat during the manufacture of particleboard in which a plurality of individual measurements are taken substantially transverse to the mat as it moves through a measuring station. The measurements take the form of contactless measurements of the distance between a predeterminable measuring plane and the surface profile of the mat. The measured values that are obtained are further processed as representative values of weight per unit area for the positions at which the measurements are taken. The apparatus for effecting the contactless measurements is conveniently either optical apparatus or ultrasonic apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the continuous measurement of the bulk density of particulate material comprising an endless belt weighing conveyor having a compression zone and a weigh span downstream of the compression zone, means for feeding the material to said compression zone, a compression unit at said compression zone having a series of rollers an axes extending transverse to the direction of movement of the weighing conveyor, and transducer means provided at the weigh span for producing signals proportional to material weight. The rollers may be driven with a surface speed equal to the weighing conveyor belt speed and additional rollers may be mounted below the weighing conveyor to carry the load. The rollers are preferably embraced by a belt which gives a continuous surface and prevents tobacco getting between the rollers. In which case, the belt is driven with the same speed as the weighing conveyor belt, via a terminal roller and the other rollers follow.

Abstract: An instrument for automatically and accurately determining the "test weight" of grain, utilizes a confined column having a constant cross sectional area with means for sequentially dumping a plurality of batches of grain from the column and weighing the batches as dumped, combined with means for detecting the height of the grain in the column before or after each dump and feeding the information as to the height and weight to a microprocessor to determine the weight per unit volume utilizing linear regression equations. The instrument also includes an infrared spectroscopic detection device for determining moisture, protein, and oil content.

Abstract: For measuring the fat content of meat it is known to determine the specific gravity of the meat, which at a given temperature and for a given type of meat is a measure for the fat content. This invention provides a novel way to realize this easily and rapidly in the factory, e.g. in a production line. Thereto, meat portions are weighed and compressed in a closed space, of which the volume in compressed condition of the meat is determined, so that the ratio of weight and volume gives the specific gravity. The weighing device is mounted to the side of an upstanding cylinder press with its top at the level of the weighing surface or of an immediately adjacent table surface, an easily movable cover to open and close the cylinder and a bottom being a press platen piston movable up and down to compress the meat with closed cover and to move it further upwards to above the cylinder with open cover.

Abstract: A method for determining the density of coal or other bulk material in a stockpile includes boring a calibration hole into the pile and collecting at least a portion of the cuttings thus obtained into a container. A series of readings are taken within the container with a nuclear depth-density gauge, and the weight of the cuttings and container volume is measured. The measured weight and volume are compared with the gauge readings to calibrate the gauge. A test hole is then bored substantially to the bottom of the stockpile, and a section of steel casing is inserted and partially pressed into the hole. A second section of casing is attached to the first and similarly pressed into the hole. In this manner, casing is extended the full depth of the hole. Readings are then taken at various depths therein with the nuclear gauge. From the data thus obtained, average density throughout the pile is determined.

Abstract: The density r of a fluid, e.g. dispersion or suspension, is measured in a plurality of steps and by calculating the same according to the formula r=c.times.dG/dV, wherein c is a constant value and dG/dV is the differential of the weight measuring value dG to the volume measuring value dV. In this way some measuring inaccuracies of the measuring instruments can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for the determination of the density of a light hydrocarbon mixture by thermostatting the light hydrocarbon mixture in a large thermostatted vessel at a temperature at which said mixture is liquid in said thermostatted vessel below a level thereof. The large thermostatted vessel is next connected to at least one small container of known mass and volume and thermostatted at said temperature. Then a portion of the thermostatted light hydrocarbon mixture is transferred from said large vessel to the liquid level to the small container until the small container is filled with the light hydrocarbon mixture in liquid form. Any vapors present within the small container are vented leaving behind a liquid light hydrocarbon mixture. The small container is then disconnected from the large thermostatted vessel and the mass of the small container and the light hydrocarbon mixture is determined.

Abstract: A method for determining the properties of a material having plastic properties, e.g. the fat content of minced meat or meat cut into pieces, comprises determination of the density of the material.The measurement required for the determination of density is effected by means of a chamber which is substantially filled with the material and into which a displacement member is slidingly introduced through a hole in the wall of the chamber, said displacement member having a considerably smaller cross sectional area than the chamber. The displacement member is introduced so far into the chamber that the force of introduction applied reaches a predetermined value, and then the length of penetration of the member is recorded.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on the site determination of the characteristics of an oil-pollutant containing water. The determinaton includes the use of a combination of devices designed to permit the on-site determination of the water content and specific gravity of the mixture of water and pollutant, and the initial boiling point of water-free pollutant.

Abstract: A fluid density measuring apparatus for measuring the density of a fluid in a pressurized state. The apparatus includes a balance arm, a fulcrum for supporting the balance arm, a balance weight slidably disposed on the balance arm, and a pressurizable container disposed on the balance arm for holding a fluid sample. A valve is connected to the pressurizable container for allowing pressurized fluid to flow into the container and for retaining the fluid in the container under pressure. A pump is provided for supplying pressurized fluid to the valve. The pump includes a pump body having a cylindrical bore disposed therein and an outlet port for communicating the bore with the valve. The pump also includes a rotatable piston member, threadedly engaged with the pump body, for pressurizing fluid contained in the bore of the pump body upon rotation of the piston member relative to the pump body. One alternative embodiment is suitable for both pressurized and non-pressurized fluid density measurements.

Abstract: A density measuring apparatus includes a container for holding a fluid to be tested, a balance arm having a first end attached to the container, a fulcrum for supporting the balance arm, and a balance weight slidably disposed on the balance arm. The balance arm has an inverted channel shape cross-section defined by a top portion and first and second side portions depending downwardly from the top portion. First and second tabs extend downwardly from the first and second side portions and have first and second downward opening recesses disposed therein, respectively. A knife edge of the fulcrum engages the recesses of the tabs so that the balance arm is supported thereby. Approximately one-third of the length of the balance arm adjacent the container includes a longitudinally extending rib member located intermediate of the first and second side portions and depending downward from the top portion of the balance arm.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for specific gravity measurement of an object having a known geometry and weight is provided which is particularly adaptable for determining the specific gravity of a gemstone. The apparatus includes a fluid circuit and a pump therefor with the fluid circuit having an adjustable fluid flow rate. The fluid circuit also includes a test chamber element for receiving the object and a flow measuring element for determining fluid flow rate. Preferably, the test chamber is vertically oriented and has zones of decreasing fluid velocity from its lower to upper ends for a constant fluid flow rate through the circuit. The method of measurement is made in one of two modes. In one mode, the flow rate is held constant so that the vertical position of the object of unknown specific gravity in the test chamber yields data allowing calculation of its specific gravity.

Abstract: The growth of a solid obtained by cooling a liquid solution is observed and controlled by measuring the variation in volume of the solid-liquid system at the time of solidification. The method is applicable to the control of oriented crystallization from an initial crystal seed or epitaxial growth on a substrate having a suitable crystal orientation. The rate of crystallization can be controlled by means of a furnace provided with means for producing regulated thermal gradients, temperature-measuring means, a chamber filled with an inert liquid, an open-topped container filled with the liquid to be solidified and immersed in the inert liquid, the container being suspended from one arm of the beam of an electrobalance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the density of a body which comprises: a main chamber adapted to receive the body whose density is to be measured; an auxiliary chamber; a subsonic wave generator for subjecting both of said chambers, in phase, to amplitude variations of pressure so as to generate subsonic waves; a differential manometer arranged between each of said chambers; means for equalizing the subsonic pressures of said two chambers; measurement means driven by said means for equalizing said subsonic pressures; and, weighing means for weighing said body, said weighing means being arranged within said main chamber.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the measurement of body fat which may be used to measure living objects. A pair of airtight chambers are used to measure the body volume which is determined by the change in pressure resulting from the presence of the body in an enclosed chamber and utilizing Boyle's law. The second chamber in which the object is to be placed may be of known or unknown volume and hence can be adjustable. The fat fraction of the body is computed from the known relationship between body density and fat.

Abstract: A volumeter apparatus for use in soil density determinations is described whereby direct and reproducible readings may be made visually by means of a scale on the apparatus which is based upon the inversion of a sand charge remaining in the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the density of dry fibers, mainly in the form of fiber bundles. A sample of these dry fibers is weighed. The fiber bundles of these dry fibers are fed into the suction side of an air aspirator and opened into a combination of smaller fiber bundles and individual fibers as they exit from the pressure side of the aspirator. The combination of smaller fiber bundles and individual fibers passes through a chamber and is deposited onto a screen in the bottom of an enclosure. The enclosure is supported so that there is an open space under the screen, thereby allowing the air which is transporting the combination when the combination is deposited on the screen to pass through the screen and exit from the apparatus. The volume of the combination of smaller fiber bundles and individual fibers deposited on the screen in the enclosure is measured, and the density of the dry fibers is calculated using the measured weight and volume of the sample.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pycnometer designed to measure the density of particulate porous polymer samples, particularly polymer samples having hydrocarbons and/or air absorbed in the pores thereof. The apparatus includes a sample cell of fixed volume fitted with a sample container of fixed weight, a gas reservoir of fixed volume, a valved line providing gas communication between the sample cell and the gas reservoir, a linear variable differential transducer to measure the weight of the polymer sample in the sample cell, a variable capacitance quartz crystal for measuring gas pressure in the gas reservoir, and a computer which calculates the density of the sample from the sample weight, and the volume of the sample determined by measurement of a super-atmospheric gas pressure in the gas reservoir when isolated from the sample cell and the equalized pressure established when the gas reservoir is placed in open communication with the sample cell.

Abstract: The growth of a solid obtained by cooling a liquid solution is observed and controlled by measuring the variation in volume of the solid-liquid system at the time of solidification. The method is applicable to the control of oriented crystallization from an initial crystal seed or epitaxial growth on a substrate having a suitable crystal orientation. The rate of crystallization can be controlled by means of a furnace provided with means for producing regulated thermal gradients, temperature-measuring means, a chamber filled with an inert liquid, an open-topped container filled with the liquid to be solidified and immersed in the inert liquid, the container being suspended from one arm of the beam of an electrobalance.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the dry density of a board product is monitored, preferably continuously so. The board is made by a wet forming process, which process includes preparing an aqueous slurry of at least some of the board's components, depositing the slurry upon a moving screen to form a moisture-laden sheet thereon, and removing the moisture to form the ultimate product. The dry density of this product is monitored by first simultaneously and automatically measuring the wet weight, moisture content and thickness of the water-laden sheet on the moving screen and from these measurements automatically calculating the dry density of the board product to be produced from the measured sheet.

Abstract: An accurate measuring balance for measuring forces or pressures, comprising a travelling mass for bringing a balance arm to equilibrium, which travelling mass is shaped as a body of revolution which can roll on the upper edge of the balance arm, and is mounted in a frame which is movable by an electric motor in the longitudinal direction of the balance arm. The frame comprises rotatable members contacting, in the equilibrium position of the balance, the body at both sides in the horizontal median plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided whereby a pressure vessel of known internal volume is filled with a hydrocarbon liquid at elevated pressure and a measured temperature. When filled, a valve to a connected buffer vessel is opened to prevent any risk of overpressure caused by a rise in temperature after filling. The whole assembly is weighed before and after filling. The difference in mass, divided by the known internal volume of the vessel and associated pipework, provides the density of the confined hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: A method for determining the density of coal or other bulk material in a stockpile includes boring a calibration hole into the pile and collecting at least a portion of the cuttings thus obtained into a container. A series of readings are taken within the container with a nuclear depth-density gauge, and the weight of the cuttings and container volume is measured. The measured weight and volume are compared with the gauge readings to calibrate the gauge. A test hole is then bored substantially to the bottom of the stockpile, and a section of steel casing is inserted and partially pressed into the hole. A second section of casing is attached to the first and similarly pressed into the hole. In this manner, casing is extended the full depth of the hole. Readings are then taken at various depths therein with the nuclear gauge. From the data thus obtained, average density throughout the pile is determined.