Abstract: A method and a device that determines surface characteristics of a stent to be implanted in a lumen in a body in which a wetting behavior of a stent surface serves as measure for the surface characteristics of the stent surface. In order to determine the wetting behavior, a course of a wetting force along a length of the stent surface is determined, the wetting power between the stent surface and a liquid surface being detected along the length of the stent.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring the hydration profile of seeds during Soaking. In some example embodiments, the volume change of irregular-shaped seeds during soaking is measured as the difference in the volume for a given chamber and the volume of water to fill a chamber with seeds at pre-defined time intervals. A device according to some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept includes a soak chamber to hold the seed, a water bath as a source of the input water, and a measuring tank where the water volume can be determined with a level sensor. The soaking temperature is maintained constant by water baths with a circulating tank surrounding the soak chamber to reduce heat loss.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring apparatus includes a liquid bath, a measured object receiving member which is housed in the liquid bath via a support means in a non-contact manner and into and out of which a liquid within the liquid bath can freely flow, an aerial mounting member which is supported by the support means and on which a measured object is placed in order to measure gravity thereof in the air, and a weighing apparatus receiving and supporting the measured object receiving member via the support means. The weighing apparatus 5 is provided with a sensor and a measuring section. The aerial mounting member is provided in such a manner as to cover a part of an opening O at an upper part of the liquid bath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a predetermined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a pre-determined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Abstract: A hydraulic scale for planter calibration is disclosed. The hydraulic scale includes a tube having indicia disposed thereon. The tube has a substantially closed bottom and a substantially open top. The indicia disposed on the tube include at least one scale having a zero line. The tube is configured to float substantially upright when positioned in a liquid, such that the zero line is substantially aligned with the surface of the liquid. A non-zero line portion of the scale is configured to align with the surface of the liquid when at least one of seeds and feed are placed within the tube.

Abstract: A portable underwater weighing apparatus is provided comprising a buoyant frame having sufficient buoyancy to support the apparatus and the weight of a person being weighed upon the surface of water, said frame defining a central opening therein; a support member attached to said frame and extending across said central opening; a weighing platform suspended from said support member within said central opening by means of suspension members; and load cells located along each of said suspension cables for measuring the relative load upon said cables when a person to be weighed is positioned on said weighing platform.

Abstract: An underwater weighing container for measuring specific gravity, requiring relatively a small amount of reference liquids for measurement and offering wide space for mounting specimens to be measured are provided. The underwater weighing container includes a tubular body and a circular bottom plate. The tubular body has openings on both ends. One end has an introvert circular rim formed thereon and the other end has a plurality of stoppers attached to the internal surface thereof. The circular bottom plate has a mesh or a porous structure and is inserted between the circular rim and the stoppers. The underwater weighing container is immersed in a reference liquid, and a solid specimen is placed on or inserted underneath the bottom plate. The underwater weighing container is hung by means of a hanging member 13 to measure the weight of the solid specimen and determine the specific gravity.

Abstract: A device which is used to measure the density of a liquid, includes an enclosure (1) which is impervious to the liquid to be measured. The enclosure (1) has a rigid deformation-resistant casing housing at least one reference body (3) which is suspended in the enclosure (1). The enclosure (1) can move in relation to the reference body (3) such as, in the fully submerged state, to occupy a position which is a function of the density of the liquid in which the device is submerged. In the position, the enclosure exerts a pressure or tensile force on a measuring device (2) the movement of which is limited by the reference body (3).

Abstract: The invention determines density of a sample while the sample is immersed in a gaseous medium having variable density. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing the gaseous medium and the sample, means for selectively varying the density of the gaseous medium over a range of densities, and means for producing electrical signals related to the density of the gaseous medium. In the chamber is a balance beam having a sample pan at a first end and a coil assembly at an opposing second end. Also at the second end of the beam is a first counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of sample pan, and which creates a moment that is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the sample pan. At the first end of the beam is a second counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of the coil assembly, and which creates a moment which is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the coil assembly.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprises a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output. The oscillator circuit maintains a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor by an AGC (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. The gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. The drive signal to the sensor is made substantially sinusoidal by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: Methods of determining an apparent density of a sealant used to encase a material specimen during liquid displacement evaluations include: (a) providing a plurality of material reference samples in an assortment of dimensional ranges and geometrical shapes; (b) obtaining a sealant used to encase material specimens undergoing liquid displacement evaluations; and (c) establishing a plurality of apparent density values for the sealant, one apparent density value for each of the plurality of reference samples identified in the providing step.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products determine absorption, specific gravity, and/or porosity of construction materials undergoing analysis corresponding to different measurements of material samples divided from a “parent” construction material sample. Dry and wet weights of the samples are obtained under different conditions. In certain embodiments, the material sample is an aggregate that is held in liquid in a volumetric container and the container with the liquid and aggregate is weighed. Another weight of a second sample can be obtained. The second sample is encased in an evacuated vacuum-sealed bag that is opened while immersed in a liquid bath, at which time the weight can be obtained. The weight data can be used to calculate the parameter of interest.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprising a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output, the oscillator circuit incorporates means to maintain a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor. Preferably the substantially constant drive signal is maintained by AGC means (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. Advantageously the gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. It is desirable that the drive signal to the sensor is substantially sinusoidal since this provides greater accuracy, sensitivity and stability for the apparatus. This can be achieved by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: The invention determines density of a sample while the sample is immersed in a gaseous medium having variable density. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing the gaseous medium and the sample, means for selectively varying the density of the gaseous medium over a range of densities, and means for producing electrical signals related to the density of the gaseous medium. In the chamber is a balance beam having a sample pan at a first end and a coil assembly at an opposing second end. Also at the second end of the beam is a first counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of sample pan, and which creates a moment that is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the sample pan. At the first end of the beam is a second counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of the coil assembly, and which creates a moment which is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the coil assembly.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products determine absorption, specific gravity, and/or porosity of construction materials undergoing analysis corresponding to different measurements of material samples divided from a “parent” construction material sample. Dry and wet weights of the samples are obtained under different conditions. In certain embodiments, the material sample is an aggregate that is held in liquid in a volumetric container and the container with the liquid and aggregate is weighed. Another weight of a second sample can be obtained. The second sample is encased in an evacuated vacuum-sealed bag that is opened while immersed in a liquid bath, at which time the weight can be obtained. The weight data can be used to calculate the parameter of interest.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring device can certainly and instantly measure specific gravity of various solid state substances through one measurement operation quite simply. The specific gravity measuring device includes a liquid bath, a first measuring portion supporting the liquid bath, a measuring object receptacle member arranged in the liquid bath in a condition dipped in the liquid, a second measuring portion supporting the measuring object receptacle member in non-contact condition relative to the liquid bath, an arithmetic unit deriving a specific gravity value on the basis of measured values of the first and second measuring portions and a display unit for displaying the specific gravity value derived by the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: In a method for measuring density and related properties by weighing a solid body while it is suspended in a fluid, there are significant advantages if the fluid has a) a density that is smaller than the density of water; b) a surface tension that is significantly smaller than the surface tension of water; c) a rate of evaporation that is slower than the evaporation rate of water, due to a vapor pressure that is smaller than the vapor pressure of water-by at least a factor of 2; and d) a water absorption of less than 1%. Preferably, the fluid contains at least one cyclosilane.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring device can certainly and instantly measure specific gravity of various solid state substances through one measurement operation quite simply. The specific gravity measuring device includes a liquid bath, a first measuring portion supporting the liquid bath, a measuring object receptacle member arranged in the liquid bath in a condition dipped in the liquid, a second measuring portion supporting the measuring object receptacle member in non-contact condition relative to the liquid bath, an arithmetic unit deriving a specific gravity value on the basis of measured values of the first and second measuring portions and a display unit for displaying the specific gravity value derived by the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products determine absorption, specific gravity, and/or porosity of construction materials undergoing analysis corresponding to different measurements of material samples divided from a “parent” construction material sample. Dry and wet weights of the samples are obtained under different conditions.

Abstract: Water-resistant preformed resilient bags are applied to a porous material specimen having a coarse external surface to provide for more consistent measurement results in water displacement tests. The preformed bag is configured to collapse and substantially conform to the material specimen's external surface and to provide planar collapsed portions extending away from the specimen. The preformed bags are precision manufactured and each applied to a respective specimen in a manner in which the bag consistently displaces the same volume of water when used in water displacement tests over many specimens. The volume of the bag can be accounted for when obtaining the volume of the specimen. The method of sealing the specimen includes inserting the specimen into a preformed bag and collapsing and sealing the bag such that is conformal to the external surface of the specimen.

Abstract: A wetting balance includes a load cell for suspending a specimen above a crucible containing a molten braze pool. A lift supports the crucible for vertical lifting thereof to effect an immersion cycle of the specimen in the pool. A controller operates the lift and determines first contact with the pool by measuring force changes thereat and produces a measured force log during the immersion cycle. In operation, the lift is operated for a predetermined time following first contact for immersing the specimen to a predetermined depth in the pool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the ratio of gold in carats or the ratio of other components in a cast material. The invention also relates to a method for measuring a specific weight of a cast body including a repeated flooding of the body in a tank with baskets and liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring weight, level and or volume of a volatile liquid in a sealed container, comprising: a housing, capable of sustaining high pressure; a load cell, located within the pressure housing, mounted on an external pipe flange at the top of a sealed container having known cross section and containing a liquid of a known specific gravity; a displacer weight of known weight and length passing through the pipe flange opening and suspended above the bottom of the container. The apparatus, operating on the inferential method of determining liquid quantity by weight in a sealed vessel, works on the principle that when there is no liquid in the tank, the load-cell and its meter system sense the maximum weight of a displacer cylinder which is the null or "Zero" point for measurement. The buoyancy of the displacer weight in the liquid then reflects the volume in the container via a meter/computer display.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically measuring the density an object which comprises a first weighing device for weighing the object in a first medium which is dry, a second weighing device for weighing an object in a second medium which is wet and a robotic device having a first gripper to grip the object when dry and a second gripper to grip the object when wet the device being capable of controlling the first gripper so as to place the object on and remove it from the first weighing device and for controlling the second gripper so as to place the object on and remove it from the second weighing device.

Abstract: A liquid bulk density monitoring apparatus which is particularly suitable for monitoring suspended sediment levels has a plummet suspended from one end of a balance beam and submerged in a vessel containing a liquid to be monitored. A sensor detects tilting of the beam from a reference or balance position as a result of variation in the sample bulk density, and produces an output to an output device for recording density variations. The apparatus is designed to compensate automatically for any changes in temperature, for example by making the plummet of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially the same as that of the liquid being monitored.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one physical parameter of accumulator electrode plates, such as the true plate thickness P.sub.d, the apparent density D.sub.s of the active material, the true density D.sub.w of the active material, the pore volume P.sub.a, the porosity P.sub.0 of the active material or the pore structure, is performed such that, by means of various weighings, the weight (G.sub.FP) of a liquid plate is determined instead of the weight of a real electrode plate, and, from this value, the desired physical parameter is obtained which is used for controlling the production process.

Abstract: The measuring device has bobs 10, 17 suspended from a weight 12 with wires 11, 16. The hook 13 of the weight 12 is hung from a suspensor thread 15 extending downwards from a balance 14. The weight 12 may be omitted by using the upper bob 10 for dead weight. The bobs 10, 17 and the wires 11, 16 may be coated with a coating layer unreactive to the melt 19 whose density is to be measured. The weights of the measuring device is measured by the balance 14 under the first condition that the lower bob 17 is immersed in the liquid 19 and the second condition that the bobs 10, 17 are both immersed in the liquid 19. The density of the liquid 19 is calculated from the two measured values without the influence of the surface tension of the liquid 19 applied to the wires 11, 16.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for measuring and recording as a function of time the resultant-weight of a test object immersed in a fluid medium. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for determining a change in a chemical and/or physical property of a material exposed to a fluid, and for measurements such as of the floating forces produced by buoyant pharmaceutical dosage forms. An electronic toploader balance, with a weight-transmitter device connected to an electromagnetic measuring module of the balance, is positioned above a container so that the lower end of the weight-transmitter device extends into a solvent within the container. The weight transmitter device performs the double function of holding the test object submerged in the solvent and of transmitting to the balance the reacting force, that is the resultant-weight of the test object.

Abstract: A vibrating strip transducer, wherein a vibrating strip 54 mounted between a fixed mount 52 and a moveable mount 51 and under load 53 directly responds to a change in force applied to the strip with a change in the magnitude of stress in the strip. The change in stress produces a corresponding change in the resonant frequency of vibrating strip 54 which is detected by coil assembly 55 to output a frequency based signal directly related to the force applied. Fluid level and buoyancy sensing embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method of hydrostatic weighing of a human body and a kit for use in hydrosatic weighing. The method comprises filling with water and closing a container which the person being weighed can grasp, having the person being weighed grasp the filled and closed container and sink himself in a pool of water, remove from the container a quantity of water just sufficient to suspend himself between the bottom of the pool and its surface when he has exhaled as much air as possible from his lungs, determine the weight of water needed to refill the container and determining the density of the water, e.g., by taking its temperature.

Abstract: A density measuring apparatus (densitometer) useful for rapid absolute determination of the density, the temperature dependence of density, partial volume and thermal expansivity of condensed matter, based on the hydrostatic method, employs an electronic balance enclosed in an airtight envelope which forms a weighing chamber and a measuring chamber. The balance comprises a balance beam and measuring and weighing hangdown assemblies attached to opposite ends of the beam. The balance beam and the weighing hangdown assembly are positioned in the weighing chamber. The measuring hangdown assembly extends from the weighing chamber into the measuring chamber and comprises a thin suspension wire and a sample support or a sinker which are positioned in a multi-jacket measuring vessel adapted to receive a buoyant or sample liquid. A vapor barrier is provided between the weighing and measuring chambers to prevent vapors of the buoyant or sample liquid from flowing into the weighing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a specimen while suspended in water to determine its specific gravity. A scale is mounted on a table. A rectangular frame having legs surrounding the scale is supported on the table. A liquid filled container is supported directly on the rectangular frame. A second rectangular frame having legs supported directly on the scale has its legs extending through the top of the first mentioned rectangular frame without contact with the top. A specimen is suspended by suspension means from the top of the second rectangular frame to the liquid in the container so that its weight and that of the second rectangular frame and suspension means are the only weights borne directly by the scale.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to estimate the weight of the trees and logs in a stand of trees before harvesting to maximize the efficiency of aerial logging are disclosed. A hydrometer that has a chamber which accepts a small known volume core from the tree determines the density thereof. Statistical modeling permits weight estimations for the entire stand based on this density and other conventional information about the stand of trees.

Abstract: A method for separating/classifying closed bolls of a given variety of cotton by maturity is disclosed. Harvested, unopened cotton bolls are immersed in a series of solutions having a specific gravity of less than one. The bolls of cotton are thus identified and separated by means of the different specific gravity readings. The specific gravity readings are correlated with the moisture content of the bolls and subsequently the maturity dates of the cotton. Additional steps for cleaning, washing and drying are provided as needed. Alcohol/water solutions are utilized to prepare solutions with specific gravities of 0.8379 to 0.9455.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the weight, density or volume of a solid body and the weight and density of a liquid. The apparatus comprises a capacitive transducer means and compensating means therefor, as well as electronic circuitry comprising computing means including memory means, calculating means, control means and digital display means. Methods of determining the weight, density or volume of solids and the weight and density of liquids are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for determining the dry and submerged weights of a large volume of water-bearing food material on a more or less continuous basis. The determinations enable the calculation of the density of the food material and, therefore, its solids content.

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: A specific volume determining method and apparatus is disclosed having a piston sealably engaged in a container cylinder with a precision bore sight tube sealably mounted on the piston. Fluid is filled in the closed assembly to a predetermined level on a scale with the sight tube. The piston is withdrawn from the cylinder and the article to be measured inserted on a spring biased basket lifted up out of the fluid. The piston is replaced in the cylinder and locked tight, and the assembly vibrated to establish a new measuring level in the sight tube. Readings are taken in the sight tube with a miniature cross-linked polystyrene sphere floating on the surface of a liquid having a density between approximately 1.05 and 1.18 grams per cubic centimeter and containing a surface active agent and an anti-vaporization agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for verification of declared contents in mixed solids, blended textiles, certain pure solids, and other solid substances. The apparatus is assembled from laboratory items and utilizes liquids and instruments. The method requires the measurement of changes in chain length in a chain suspended from the bottom of a float, and appliable values substituted in an equation which utilize densimetric principles to achieve a comparative presentation of values for verification.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the specific gravity of a plurality of samples of solid water-insoluble materials which apparatus comprises a means for storing samples in spaced relationship, a means for weighing samples first in air and then in water, and a means for transferring samples, one at a time, from storage to the weighing means and returning each sample to storage after the weighing is completed, in which the transfer means and weighing means retain the same relative positions but the storage means and transfer means are movable so that the transfer means selects and transfers each sample in turn to the weighing means.