Servomex Group Limited

Colin G Stocks

James D Hobby

Martin Lopez

Richard P Kovacich

Christopher R Edwards

Chris Edwards

An apparatus for the measurement of the magnetic susceptibility of a gas mixture comprises: a gas sample chamber () adapted to receive the gas mixture; a test body () rotatably suspended within the gas sample chamber; magnets () within the gas sample chamber; a compact optical system for detecting rotation of the test body () including a light source (), photodetectors () arranged to detect a light signal, and a mirror () attached to the test body (). An actuation system is arranged to keep the test body () substantially at a null position. The optical system comprises at least one photodetector positioned on each side of the light source. The light source is arranged to emit a light beam towards the test body. The photo detectors are arranged to each detect an edge of a light beam reflected from the mirror.

Compact paramagnetic oxygen sensor

Provided are apparatus and methods for compensation of mechanical imbalance in a measurement apparatus, that provides options for increased accuracy and/or less expensive manufacture of a torsion balance. Orientation measurements are taken and an imbalance torque about the torsion spring's axis of rotation is determined, and used to calculate a compensation. The measurement apparatus of one embodiment includes a test body and a set of magnets for generating a first disturbing force on the test body in response to a paramagnetic gas. A conductor element in the magnetic field receives an electrical current that generates a second opposing force to the test body, under feedback control that varies the current until the test body achieves a balanced null position. The control signal required to achieve the fixed null position is measured. Corrections are then made for an imbalance mass by measuring the orientation of the apparatus relative to an acceleration or gravitational field and determining the imbalance torque resulting from the imbalance mass. Use of the invention can improve accuracy or reduce the cost of manufacture of a torsion balance, by enabling compensation for imbalances.

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Crowborough, United Kingdom

Colin G Stocks