Abstract: A fractionating apparatus under microprocessor control including a tumbler having a series of screens of progressively larger openings around its periphery. A sample of particulate material is passed successively through each of the screens by incremental rotation of the tumbler. To aid in classifying the fractions, a spray of fluid is projected against the screens and a rocking motion is imparted to the tumbler. The smallest fraction, not being retained, is entrained in a moving stream of fluid and passed directly to a porous weighing member. When this entire fraction is deposited and weighed, the next larger fraction is accumulated in the weighing member. These individual weights and their sum are recorded and from them size percentages are computed.

Abstract: In a method of measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the type wherein the upper level of a blood sample contained in a vertical test tube is detected by a photoelectric detection unit, the red blood corpuscles are caused to precipitate for a definite interval and the upper level of the precipitated red blood corpuscles is detected by descending the photoelectric detection unit along the test tube thereby detecting the rate of the sedimentation of red blood corpuscles, the photoelectric detection unit is stopped at a position a small distance corresponding to the air bubble or coagulated substance from the upper level. The photoelectric detection unit is descended after said definite interval for detecting the interface between the blood serum and the precipitated red blood corpuscles.

Abstract: A pulsed ultrasonic detection system particularly adapted for detection of biological tissue includes a probe for placement against the body, apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and for receiving return pulses, signal processing circuits and a cathode ray tube display for displaying the return pulses as a function of time. A gating signal is generated after a predetermined time delay from each transmitted pulse, and the time delay and the duration of the gating signal are selected to correspond to the timing of a particular expected return pulse. Return pulses are gated into an audible signal device by a switching device, but only during the time interval thus defined by the gating signal. If a return pulse of sufficient amplitude occurs during the gated interval, the audible signal device is energized.

Abstract: Ultrasonic detection of early pregnancy in sows and like animals is enhanced by basing an assumption of pregnancy upon detection of a substantially echo-free animal zone of predetermined width or greater which may occur over a substantial range of animal depths, combined with detection of a distinct echo from a greater depth than the echo-free zone.

Abstract: The initialization and preparation procedure described involves particularly ultrasonic test equipment for ultrasonic inspection of welding seams of pipes while passing through a production line. A dummy is used off line to determine suitable distances and orientation of test heads and to acquire relevant transit time and amplitude data. A standard is then used to obtain additional reference data to be related to the dummy test data. After the test heads are installed in the production line test stand, tests are repeated with the standard to obtain now the needed test reference data in conjunction with the previously related data. This way, looking windows for flaw echos as well as sensitivity data for the subsequent tests are accurately and reproducibly predetermined.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for grey-level ultrasonic imaging employing a storage oscilloscope. In medical diagnostic uses, a patient originated ultrasonically reflected wave is converted into an electrical signal which is so modulated as to result in grey-level type display on a bistable type storage oscilloscope or otherwise recorded or displayed. This display may be directly produced and immediately viewed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic nondestructive testing of workpieces include automatic compensation of echo responsive electrical signals commensurate with preprogrammed test parameters. The test parameters include at least one of the following: depth dependent correction of the individual DGS (distance, gain, size) values for each respective probe; correction for material related properties of the workpiece and coupling medium; correction for temperature affecting the testing of the workpiece. Preferably, a compensating signal generated commensurate with the sum of the correction signals is used for varying either the gain of a receiver amplifier or a predetermined level provided to a comparator circuit or both. Embodiments disclosed are applicable for processing both analog and digital echo responsive electrical signals.

Abstract: An energy reflection flaw detection system utilizes a programmable system synchronization means having high stability and resolution, to facilitate the detection of flaws within an object to be analyzed even in the presence of relatively large amplitude reflections from front and back surfaces of the object. A surface encounter attenuator is actuated by the system synchronizer to highly attenuate the front and back surface echoes and allow flaws closely adjacent to the surfaces to be resolved by the broadband apparatus. Novel means for adjusting the system gain to compensate for divergence of the interrogating energy beam with time and distance is also utilized in this novel apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanner having a housing, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within the housing and mounted for movement in a predetermined path therewithin. Magnetic means are provided for effecting movement of the transducer in a predetermined path, and electrical means are provided for energizing the transducer and receiving signals therefrom.The scanner may be servo-controlled and be provided with position sensing means for determining the position of the transducer within the predetermined path, and signal processing means for receiving feedback signals from said position sensing means and adjusting said transducer position responsive to said feedback signals indicating the existence of a departure from the desired transducer position.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the volume of the buffy coat and constituent cell sub-layers in blood. The apparatus includes a capillary tube with an insert disposed in the tube bore. The insert is formed of a material having a specific gravity which will enable it to float on the red cell layer of a centrifuged blood sample. The insert is an elongated body having a circular side wall, such as a cylinder, with a tapered upper end. The insert forms an annular free space with the tube bore into which the white cell layer settles. A small, axial channel is formed in or on the body to allow ready passage of the fluid constituent of the blood sample during centrifugation so as to minimize disruption of the cell layer interfaces which may otherwise occur during centrifugation of the blood sample.

Abstract: A system, preferably a pulse echo reflection system, for residual tire life prediction by ultrasound includes: a transmitter transducer; means to provide pulses of electrical energy to the transmitter transducer, that converts the electrical pulses into pulses of ultrasonic vibrations and transmits them into an area of the plycontaining portion of the carcass of a tire, having a number of plies in the carcass, to be tested; clock means to control the frequency of the electrical pulses; a receiver transducer mounted relative to the transmitter transducer to receive ultrasonic energy reflected by the tire; amplifier means connected to the receiver transducer to receive reflected ultrasonic energy from different levels within that portion of the carcass of the tire, including reflected ultrasonic energy from plies of the carcass of the tire; processing means having an input connected to the amplifier; and gate means responsive to the clock means to provide, after a delay following each electrical pulse, a time-g

Abstract: A residual tire life prediction system uses a clock to trigger a bang generator that provides pulses of electrical energy to a pulse-echo transducer. The transducer converts pulses of electrical energy to pulses of ultrasonic vibration. The transducer is located on the tread of a steel belted tire to transmit pulses of ultrasonic energy into the tire and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy from plies of the tire casing. The transducer converts the reflected ultrasonic energy to provide bursts of electrical signals. The transducer is connected to a time varying gain control circuit that has its output connected via a full-wave rectifier to a first gate and to an input of a voltage level detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for the ultrasonic examination of an object comprises:A linear transducer array for directing pulses of ultrasonic energy along a plurality of beams into the object and receiving echoes of the pulses reflected along the beams by acoustic impedance discontinuities within the object, the transducer array comprising a plurality of adjacent transducer elements; and eitherMeans for sequentially activating different groups of adjacent transducer elements within the array to direct a pulse of ultrasonic energy along a beam into the object and receive echoes reflected along the beam in each of a plurality of angular directions in a single plane; orMeans for activating different groups of adjacent transducer elements within the array in turn so that each group directs pulses of ultrasonic energy into the object and receives echoes reflected along beams in a plurality of angular directions in a single plane.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the grain-size of powders by measuring the changes in concentration of sedimentation liquids in a centrifugal field, wherein the displacement of two interconnected floats is measured in two separate sedimentation vessels.

Abstract: A centrifugal granulometer comprises a hollow circular horizontal plate that is driven in rotation about its vertical axis and that has a transparent peripheral zone. Particulate material is introduced into the interior of the plate at a predetermined distance radially inward of the periphery of the plate, where it becomes suspended in a liquid. Upon rotation of the plate, the particles migrate through the liquid radially outwardly in dependence on their mass and size. A light beam passing through the translucent peripheral portion is transmitted to a photoelectric receiver with an intensity that varies inversely as the concentration of particles in the peripheral zone. The plot of transmitted light versus time gives information as to the quantity and distribution of the particles according to size and weight.

Abstract: A sedimentation recorder including an optical tracking head controlled to track the liquid-solid separation boundary in a tube containing a sample of liquid-solid mixture. The tracking head is controlled by a pulse operated servomotor which responds to the output of a photodetector mounted in the tracking head. A two-pen plotter is provided to record the sedimentation behavior of the sample. One pen is connected to the tracking head and continuously records the position of the liquid-solid separation boundary to provide a settling curve. The other pen is driven by a rate of change mechanism and records the approximate rate of change of the separation boundary position. The rate of change mechanism operates by measuring the excursion of the tracking head during each of a series of successive time intervals. The difference between each excursion measurement and the preceding measurement is calculated and each difference value is converted into a corresponding number of pulses.

Abstract: A hygienic and contamination-free transfer of blood or corresponding fluids from a cylindrical collecting container, such as a test tube, to a pipette is most desirable for instance at determination of the sedimentation rate of the blood corpuscles; the invention concerns a device for accomplishing such a transfer comprising in combination a tube formed pipette of a compressible, transparent material, a cylindrical body designed to cooperate with the interior of the container as a piston/cylinder arrangement; the cylindrical body being provided at one end of the tube and having an axial through hole adapted to allow communication between the tube and the container.

Abstract: For the determination of hematocrit percent in blood samples a tubular body is provided having an annular series of elongated container holes for receiving a plurality of blood samples after which the device is subjected to centrifugal force to separate the red cells from plasma. The device is transparent and a scale is marked on it so that the hematocrit percent can be read directly.

Abstract: The method consists of passing the substance to be analyzed through a measuring circuit at a constant flow rate, the temperature therein being maintained at a value sufficiently below the assumed crystallization point of the substance. Heating means are provided along the flow path of the liquid substance in said circuit. The substance in the course of cooling is kept in contact with an isomorphous crystalline material. The heating means is automatically turned on and off respectively at two characteristic temperatures, which are detected by measuring the pressure drop or difference of pressure of the substance at the inlet and at the outlet of the measuring circuit, variations of the pressure drop being effected as a function of temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous automatic measuring of the filterability threshold temperature of a liquid such as a doped diesel oil comprising passing the doped diesel oil through a measuring circuit surrounded by a cooling liquid at a constant flow rate, providing a crystal retaining means beyond the cooled part of said measuring circuit, measuring the pressure differential before and immediately after said crystal retaining means, and providing resistance heating to said measuring circuit when the measured pressure differential exceeds a predetermined value and continuously measuring the temperature of said liquid immediately down stream of said crystal retaining means. The switch of the device is actuated in response to the pressure differential increasing beyond a predetermined level which is caused by a build-up of microcrystals, for turning on the resistance heating circuit and melting the microcrystals.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting particle contamination in a liquid and including a hydraulic cylinder for receiving the liquid and having mechanism for forcing the cylinder piston to exhaust the liquid from the cylinder and into a sensor where the particles are counted. The apparatus includes electric switches connected to the sensor and responsive to the position of the cylinder rod for setting the sensor in various positions for counting. Also, liquid lines are connected with the sensor, and valves are used for directing the liquid to the cylinder and the sensor, and a line restrictor creates the desired pressure in the fluid. The apparatus may receive the liquid from several lines, through a dispensing valve, or it may receive the liquid from a special container.

Abstract: In a device for measuring blood sedimentation rate automatically, a light-sensitive paper sheet is disposed so as to be movable relative to a blood sedimentation measuring tube, such as Westergren tube; a slit is provided between the light-sensitive paper and the measuring tube; and lamp means are provided on one side of the measuring tube opposite to the slit. Thus, the shade of the sedimented red blood corpuscles in the measuring tube formed as the light pulses from the lamp means passes through the measuring tube is projected on the light-sensitive paper through the slit with the feed of the paper and light pulses occurring in exact synchronism, and the rate of the blood sedimentation can be automatically recorded on the paper.

Abstract: A simple and rapid test, and an apparatus for use therein, is described for measuring the filtration, or drainage, characteristics of a fibrous slurry. The results obtained by this test are accurately reproduced in production size systems, e.g. a wet process for the manufacture of asbestos-cement products such as sheet or pipe. The test utilizes a portable, light-weight leaf filter and can be run in 2-3 minutes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous automatic analysis of the filterability point of liquid substances such as Diesel oil. The Diesel oil flows through a measuring circuit at a constant flow rate by means of a volumetric pump. The temperature in the measuring circuit is maintained sufficiently below the assumed filterability point of the substance. A heating element is provided along the flow path of the Diesel oil for melting microcrystals which form on the filter in the filtering chamber of the measuring circuit, or alternatively, in a tube of the measuring circuit. A differential pressure responsive device with a switch is connected between the inlet and outlet of the measuring circuit for detecting the pressure drop across the circuit. The switch of the device is actuated in response to the pressure drop falling below a predetermined level which is caused by a build-up of micro-crystals, for turning on the heating element and melting the micro-crystals.

Abstract: A sample of particulate material is entrained in a moving body of fluid and the fluid is continuously discharged through a porous weighing member. Before passing to the weighing member sized fractions within the sample, except for the smallest one, are separated and held back at different regions in the body of fluid so that only the one fraction initially deposits on the weighing member. The weight addition of this fraction is measured and then a further fraction is re-entrained to move with the fluid to pass to and deposit on the weighing member cumulatively with the first fraction. The weight increase caused by this further deposition is measured and the re-entrainment and weight increase measurement of still further fractions are effected separately and successively until all fractions are deposited on the weighing member. These individual weights and their sum are recorded either manually or automatically and from them size percentages are computed.

Abstract: A device for facilitating rapid and accurate determination or measurement of sedimentation rates of fluid suspensions, e.g. erythrocytes in blood plasma, includes a sedimentation tube having open upper and lower ends, a scale with a zero point adjacent the upper end of the tube, and means for selectively opening and closing the tube adjacent said upper end, said means having a surface portion extending across the tube when the tube is closed, which surface portion is located precisely at the zero point in the scale.

Abstract: The apparatus extracts samples of a fluid stream containing colloidal suspended solids at a detection station wherein the electrophoretic mobility (EM) of the colloidal suspended solids is determined. The detection station automatically measures the EM and provides such data to a computer, which computes the Zeta Potential. The computer also receives other information relating to the characteristics of the colloidal suspended solids, such as temperature, the percent of solids, and the flow rate of the fluid system. The computer is programmed to interpret the input data and to provide corrective signals to processing apparatus which automatically adjust and control the additives fed into the fluid stream to achieve automatic flocculation correction so that the agglomeration of the colloidal suspended solids in the fluid stream is optimized.