Abstract: A method, including ejecting irrigation fluid from a distal end of a probe so as to irrigate tissue, and receiving, over a period of time, initial signals indicative of respective temperatures of the distal end, from a temperature sensor in the distal end. The method also includes formulating from the initial signals a temperature range between upper and lower temperature thresholds and, when a further signal from the temperature sensor, received subsequent to the period of time, is indicative of a further temperature above the upper temperature threshold, raising an alarm that a bubble is present in the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: A method, including ejecting irrigation fluid from a distal end of a probe so as to irrigate tissue, and receiving, over a period of time, initial signals indicative of respective temperatures of the distal end, from a temperature sensor in the distal end. The method also includes formulating from the initial signals a temperature range between upper and lower temperature thresholds and, when a further signal from the temperature sensor, received subsequent to the period of time, is indicative of a further temperature above the upper temperature threshold, raising an alarm that a bubble is present in the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breast pump sensor network. The breast pump sensor network includes an emitter disposed within a bodily fluid capture system and a detector disposed within the bodily fluid capture system. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the breast pump sensor network which includes emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation within a bodily fluid capture system, detecting one or more drops of body fluid within the bodily fluid capture system, determining a bodily fluid flow rate based at least on the detected one or more drops of bodily fluid, and providing the determined bodily fluid flow rate to at least one user.

Abstract: A device for the analysis of urine designed to be connected in series to a catheter (12) of a patient's urine, comprises: means (14) for analyzing a sample of urine, means (13, 19) for feeding a pre-established quantity of urine coming from the catheter to said analysis means, and automatic control means (21) for controlling the feeding of the pre-established quantity of urine to the analysis means through said means for feeding, and for activating the analysis of the urine through said urine analysis means when the pre-established quantity of urine is supplied thereto.

Abstract: An example aircraft debris monitoring sensor assembly includes an aircraft conduit defining a hollow core passage extending axially from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. A sensor arrangement detects debris carried by a fluid within the hollow core passage.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and an EMR detector. A device body is employed to position the source and detector about the drip chamber so that the source and detector define an optical path across the drip chamber. A processor device is employed to detect fluid drops from differences between detector signal values separated by a lag time. The flow rate is determined from a drip factor and the detection of multiple drops. In the context of delivering intravenous (IV) fluids, a battery powered handheld monitoring device that includes the source, detector, device body, and processor device may be affixed to a drip chamber included in an infusion set. The device includes a user interface, including buttons, a display, and an audio speaker, for the input and output of information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting bubbles in gas phase present in a liquid flowing through a flow path. The sensor can include a heating element for heating the liquid, which can be provided with a predetermined level of power at least during detecting, and a transducer arrangement arranged for generating a measurement signal indicative for the temperature of the heating element. The sensor furthermore can include a comparator arrangement for comparing a measurement value of the measurement signal with a predetermined threshold level, which can correspond to a reference temperature attainable by the heating element in response to the predetermined level of power and a minimum velocity attainable by the liquid in the flow path. Based on the latter comparison, the comparator arrangement can generate an output signal indicative for a possible presence of bubbles in gas phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method comprising continuously monitoring and transmitting urine output and urine flow rates of a catheterized patient to means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system is provided for analysis of a fluid flowing in a pipe or in a pipeline. The fluid analysis system comprises a pipe portion which, when the fluid analysis system is put to use, forms a part of the pipe or the pipeline through which the fluid flows. The pipe portion is provided with a fluid sample outlet for withdrawal of fluid samples from the fluid flowing through the pipe portion and a fluid sample return outlet for returning fluid samples to the pipe portion, where the fluid sample return outlet is arranged downstream of the fluid sample outlet. The fluid analysis system further comprises a fluid analyser which is provided in fluid communication with the fluid sample outlet and the fluid sample return outlet, and a propeller unit which is provided with at least one upstream propeller and at least one downstream propeller.

Abstract: An environment providing device having a test chamber; a spraying device for receiving the supply of a gas flow to spray, into the test chamber, a fluid that contains particles; a flow meter for measuring a measured value for the flow rate of the gas flow that is supplied to the spraying device; a flow rate controlling device for controlling to a prescribed value, based on the measured value, the flow rate of the gas flow that is supplied to the spraying device; a timer for measuring a time interval over which the fluid that includes the particles has been sprayed into the test chamber; and a spraying-device-controlling device for stopping the spraying of the fluid that contains the particles after spraying a prescribed quantity of particles into the test chamber.

Abstract: A disposable real-time closed catheter urine output monitoring system. The monitoring system of the invention can measure urine outputs at both high and low urine flow in real time, using a pressure chamber in the form of a hollow body having an input port for coupling to a tube connected to a catheter for collection of urine from a patient, an exit port coupled to a collection container and a vent port, such that air may flow through the vent, but urine is blocked by the vent. A sensor measures flow from the exit port of the pressure chamber into the collection container, and a pressure sensor may be included to measure pressure in the pressure chamber. The invention also provides a method of using the apparatus in a real-time monitoring system.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device including a first electrode having one surface covered with a dielectric material; a second electrode which is disposed on the side of the one surface of the first electrode via a space where a gas including particulate matter flows and which performs one or both of the formation of a discharge and an electric field by a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode; a pair of measurement electrodes disposed on the surface of the dielectric material so as to face each other; and a protective film disposed on the surfaces of the pair of measurement electrodes and having a volume resistivity of 10 ?cm to 1012 ?cm, where the variate of the electric properties between the pair of measurement electrodes is measured, and the amount of the collected particulate matter can be obtained.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Sample flow rate is important in the jet fuel thermal oxidation test. Current practice requires manual drop counting or flow confirmation with the use of volumetric glassware. An apparatus is described to precisely measure the flow rate and automatically perform flow rate check using a drip rate method and/or volumetric method.

Abstract: A low power, low cost system and method for the detection of flow disturbances in a fluid dripping system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a light source and a light detector configured to monitor the amount of light passing through a droplet while the droplet is suspended and later falls from the tip of a tube. In another embodiment, dripping fluid is monitored from a system maintained part of the time in a sleep mode to conserve power, the system waking up at predetermined times to determine from detected light whether the monitored system is functioning properly.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.

Abstract: An incubator (10) comprising an incubator housing (14), at least one sealable incubation chamber (16) in the housing (14), means for controlling temperature, humidity and gas composition within the incubation chamber (16), a liquid container (26), and a window (24) for observing the gas flow rate and liquid level of said a liquid container (26), said container having at least one light transmissible side wall (38), at least one gas inlet conduit (28) having a gas outlet at or adjacent to the said at least one light transmissible side wall (38), a gas outlet conduit (32) having a gas inlet which is spaced above the gas outlet of the said at least one gas inlet conduit (28), and a light emitting device (34) for directing a beam of light to be incident with or adjacent to an interior surface (46) of the said at least one light transmissible side wall (38) so as to in use illuminate at least one gas bubble (44) discharged from the gas outlet.

Abstract: A controller for closed loop control of infusion devices is described. A variety of infusion systems are described that use the closed loop control architecture. In some embodiments the closed loop control may be adapted to current commonly used infusion means such as a gravity feed intravenous system. Other embodiments describe infusion pump system that use biasing or drive mechanisms of springs, elastomers, rotary and linear motors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (102, 202, 402, 502) for detecting bubbles in gas phase present in a liquid (208, 408, 527) flowing through a flow path (204, 406, 508). The sensor comprises a heating element (106, 210) for heating the liquid, which heating element is provided with a predetermined level of power at least during detecting, and a transducer arrangement (108, 112, 212) arranged for generating a measurement signal (114) indicative for the temperature of the heating element. The sensor furthermore comprises a comparator arrangement (116) for comparing a measurement value of the measurement signal with a predetermined threshold level, which predetermined threshold level corresponds to a reference temperature attainable by the heating element in response to said predetermined level of power and a minimum velocity attainable by the liquid in the flow path.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system (10) is provided for analysis of a fluid flowing in a pipe or in a pipeline. The fluid analysis system (10) comprises a pipe portion (12) which, when the fluid analysis system is put to use, forms a part of the pipe or the pipeline through which the fluid flows. The pipe portion (12) is provided with a fluid sample outlet (35) for withdrawal of fluid samples from the fluid flowing through the pipe portion (12) and a fluid sample return outlet (36) for returning fluid samples to the pipe portion (12), where the fluid sample return outlet (36) is arranged downstream of the fluid sample outlet (35). The fluid analysis system (10) further comprises a fluid analyser (16) which is provided in fluid communication with the fluid sample outlet (35) and the fluid sample return outlet (36), and a propeller unit (22) which is provided with at least one upstream propeller (29) and at least one downstream propeller (30).

Abstract: A penetration and removal efficiency calibration unit for a volatile particle remover in a solid particle counting system provides an accurate and efficient approach to calibration. The calibration unit includes an aerosol inlet, a flow meter downstream of the aerosol inlet, and a mixer. The flow meter receives the aerosol flow from the aerosol inlet and provides an output flow to the mixer. The mixer receives the output flow from the flow meter and also has a dilution gas inlet. The mixer provides a mixer output flow for reception by the volatile particle remover or particle counter. A first flow controller controls flow into the dilution gas inlet. The calibration unit also includes a bypass inlet. A second flow controller controls flow into the bypass inlet, and a control loop controls the bypass flow such that the aerosol flow tracks a reference value.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.

Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid flow sensing and control for use with a variety of different types of liquid flow measurement and control systems. The liquid flow sensor system senses a flow signal indicative of the flow rate of the liquid flowing in a sensor conduit and analyzes the flow signal to determine, by detecting characteristic changes in the signal, whether a bubble is present in the sensor conduit. Where the system determines that a bubble is present, it may generate an alarm signal indicative of the presence of the bubble. A flow control system incorporating the flow sensor as a feedback source may respond to the detection of a bubble by temporarily freezing the flow control parameters until the bubble has exited the sensor conduit. The flow control system can implement procedures for clearing a bubble from the sensor conduit where the system detects that the bubble has become stuck.

Abstract: A liquid flow control system for use with infusion sets of the type comprising a liquid supply, a drip chamber 8 downstream of the liquid supply for forming liquid drops and a flexible tube 7 connecting the drip chamber with an injection needle, the system comprising a drop sensor 4 adapted for being arranged adjacent the drip chamber for sensing the passage of drops through the drip chamber, a valve 19 adapted for controlling the flow of the liquid through the tube, valve activating means for activating the valve, electrical circuits for registering the rate of drop formation and controlling the valve activating means, and a battery for powering the drop sensor, the electrical circuits and the valve activating means, the drop sensor, the valve, the valve activating means, the electrical circuits and the battery being mounted on or in a common housing having housing attachment means for releasably attaching the housing to the flexible tube.

Abstract: A penetration and removal efficiency calibration unit for a volatile particle remover in a solid particle counting system provides an accurate and efficient approach to calibration. The calibration unit includes an aerosol inlet, a flow meter downstream of the aerosol inlet, and a mixer. The flow meter receives the aerosol flow from the aerosol inlet and provides an output flow to the mixer. The mixer receives the output flow from the flow meter and also has a dilution gas inlet. The mixer provides a mixer output flow for reception by the volatile particle remover or particle counter. A first flow controller controls flow into the dilution gas inlet. The calibration unit also includes a bypass inlet. A second flow controller controls flow into the bypass inlet, and a control loop controls the bypass flow such that the aerosol flow tracks a reference value.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing small volumes of liquid reagents is provided. The system includes a sequence of one, two, or three or more sensors, attached to a conduit, which send an electronic signal indicating the presence or lack of fluid in the conduit. The sensors can sense the leading edge of a fluid in a conduit, often called the leading meniscus. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor capable of recording the time the leading meniscus passes each sensor. The microprocessor can also calculate the time difference between the sensors, and at a constant flow rate, determine the speed of the fluid in the conduit and proportionally, depending on the diameter of the conduit, calculate the flow rate within the conduit. The microprocessor can also control the pump to cause the fluid to flow for a specific period of time so that a known discrete volume can be dispensed from the conduit.

Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. An ultrasonic measuring unit allows the odorant to be metered on a drop wise basis with drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline. The ultrasonic measuring unit also allows steady state flow conditions to be measured accurately. A sonic measuring unit can also be utilized in low flow situations.

Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.

Abstract: Method for eliminating or reducing reading errors of a non-contact microwave solids flow meter measuring solid particulate flow. The method is particularly suitable for calibration procedures prior to installation into an operating system. The flow meter is very sensitive and may pick up backscatter from dust and/or particulate clouds of the particulate product that builds up in the space above the collected particulate of the delivered product in the collecting bin. Readings that include backscatter from the dust cloud are in excess of the actual flow rate. The invention reduces or eliminates backscatter readings that include the particulate dust cloud by attaching a sheath reflective to backscatter energy and made for example from wire mesh to the delivery end of the output duct. The sheath extends toward the build up of the particulate material. During the calibration procedure, the reflective sheath is continuously moved so that it does not contact the material as it builds up.

Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.

Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed which detects and measures the volume concentration and mass flow of the airborne conductive particles, such as carbon-absorptive chaff particles. The measuring system can be used to estimate the effective conductivity of the detected airborne conductive particles. Further, if particles are not airborne, but are lying on a surface they may be made to become airborne by the vacuum source of the present invention and then detected by the measuring system of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of one or more objects in an object holder. In a first embodiment of the method, the objects are immersed in a tank containing coupling fluid and a flow of fluid is generated in the tank beneath the object holder, thereby producing a suction pressure that tends to hold the objects in the holder. Each object is insonified with ultrasound from an ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasound reflected from or transmitted through the object is sensed. In a further embodiment, the object to be inspected is moved between the upper and lower chambers of a scanning station, over a surface in the lower chamber. A coupling fluid is supplied to the upper chamber so that coupling fluid flows through one or more holes in the bottom of the upper chamber and fills the space between the ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer and the object to be scanned, thereby providing coupling for the ultrasound and tending the hold the objects in the object holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a liquid undergoing anaerobic fermentation in a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an airlock containing a fluid for sealing the vessel and an electrical circuit operatively arranged to pass a current through the fluid to detect passage of bubbles through the airlock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass-flow sensor that measures the mass flow of conveyed reflective materials, such as cotton, in a stream of air or non-opaque fluid. In particular, the mass-flow sensor of the present invention may be used with a GPS receiver as a cotton yield monitor when mounted on a cotton harvester. It can also be used to measure mass flow of the various cotton component streams in a cotton gin. The mass flow measurements may be made non-intrusively and in real time. The present invention also relates to a method for measuring mass flow using the mass-flow sensor of the present invention.

Abstract: A bubble detection system to detect bubbles in photoresist. The system includes photoresist at least one tank, a buffer tank, a pump, and a bubble sensor. The photoresist tank provides the photoresist. The buffer tank stores the photoresist from the photoresist tank. The pump pumps the photoresist from the buffer tank to an end terminal. The bubble sensor is set between the buffer tank and the pump to detect bubbles in the photoresist, and outputs an alarm signal when bubbles are detected. The nozzle is set at the end terminal to output the photoresist.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a supply container (10), a reserve hopper (18), a means for connecting said supply container (10) to said reserve hopper (18), a means for weighing said reserve hopper (18) and a means for regulating the weight of said material dispensed from said reserve hopper (18).

Abstract: A method for determining the number of contaminating particles in a process chamber is described. While the method is particularly suited for detecting particles in a metal etch chamber, the present invention novel method can be utilized in any other semiconductor process chambers as long as there is a particle contamination problem. The method is carried out by conducting at least two particle dislodging cycles each including a step of flowing at least one process gas used in the process into the chamber at a flow rate of at least 30 sccm, and then evacuating the at least one process gas from the chamber to a pressure of not higher than 1 mTorr. Typical process gas that can be utilized in a metal etch chamber includes Cl2, BCl3 and Ar. The process gas should be flown into the etch chamber until a chamber pressure of at least 6 mTorr is reached, and preferably until at least a chamber pressure of 8 mTorr is reached.

Abstract: A low-flow metering device 10 for measuring the flow of an amount of liquid exceeding 0.05 ml., in which a first chamber 12 has an inlet 14, and an outlet 16 in fluid communication with a second chamber 17, the first chamber 12 containing an element 22 creating a laminar flow 24. The outlet 16 of the first chamber is provided with a drop generator 19 leading to the second chamber 17 and is sized to release a series of droplets 18, each of the droplets forming and breaking away under its own weight from liquid in the drop generator orifice. An overflow conduit 21 extends between an upper area of the first chamber 12 and a lower area of the second chamber 17 for equalizing gas pressure between the two chambers 12, 17. An electronic system 28 is positioned in the second chamber 17 below the drop generator 19 for counting the passage of each droplet 18 exiting therefrom, and an information processing unit 32 is connected to the electronic system 28 for receiving and recording information.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a fluid system particularly suited for use with high pressure liquid chromatography systems. The apparatus monitors seal leakage as well as the general wellness of the apparatus and can thus be used to provide preventive maintenance feedback. The apparatus includes a liquid chamber, a wash chamber, a reservoir, a supply pump, a return line, and a detector. The liquid chamber includes a seal for sealing a fluid within the liquid chamber. The wash chamber is located adjacent the seal. The reservoir supplies a wash solution to the wash chamber. The supply pump supplies a unidirectional flow of wash solution from the reservoir to the wash chamber. The return line conveys a return flow from the wash chamber to the reservoir, in which the return flow includes any leakage of the fluid from the liquid chamber into the wash chamber and the portion of the wash solution that returns from the wash chamber to the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for determining a filling level and can be applied to the ascertainment of the simmering process of mineral oil products. The method is characterized that by means of at least two stationary sensors, a first filling level and at least a second filling level are defined and the number of drops required for reaching the first and second filling levels is recorded. By way of a further sensor the number of drops dropped in during the simmering process is counted and, by way of calculation, the partial volume at a specified location and the filling level are determined.

Abstract: A Coulter apparatus comprises a volumeter assembly containing a conduit through which a particle suspension is caused to pass simultaneously with an electrical current. In preferred embodiments the volumeter assembly comprises at least one traditional Coulter conduit wafer, i.e., a dielectric wafer containing a central circular conduit, and at least two electrically conductive collars. The conductive collars approximate the conduit diameter in thickness, are uninsulated, and are attached to opposite sides of the conduit wafer, the openings being congruent with the Coulter conduit. The Coulter conduit in the dielectric wafer and the openings in the conductive collars collectively form a hydrodynamically smooth conduit, in which the electric and hydrodynamic fields of the Coulter conduit are amended. The electric field is shaped to confine the particle-sensitive zone of the novel volumeter conduit within the conduit's physical boundaries, thereby decreasing the zone's coincidence volume.