Other

On-line Instrumentation, Inc.

Metron Instruments, Inc.

Spencer M Lovette

Norman C Ford

William R McCandless

Michael G O'Keeffe

Fulga Inacu

Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring component concentration in a liquid containing relatively large particles and relatively small particles. The invention may be utilized for measuring fat and casein concentrations in a dairy product, but is not limited to such use. A polarized light beam is directed through a scattering cell having first and second windows and containing a sample of the liquid. A normal to an exterior surface of the second window of the scattering cell is at or near Brewster's angle with respect to the light beam to reduce or eliminate reflections. A first light detector, positioned at an angle of about 5&deg; to about 45&deg; with respect to the light beam, detects scattered light from a first component of the liquid, such as fat particles. A second light detector, positioned at an angle of about 130&deg; to about 160&deg; with respect to the light beam, detects scattered light from a second component of the liquid, such as casein particles. When the liquid is a dairy product, the detector signals are representative of fat and casein concentrations. Component concentrations of a dairy product may be measured without requiring the use of a chemical diluent.

Measurement systems and methods for determining component particle concentrations in a liquid

A method for aspirating a fluid from a sealed container and for dispensing a precise quantity of the aspirated fluid. The method involves standard steps of inserting a probe into the container through the container seal and aspirating bubbles and the selected quantity of fluid into the probe before removing the probe from the container and dispensing the fluid. The method also includes an additional step performed at at least one stage in the method to assure that, before the dispensing operation is performed, sample fluid in the probe extends to the end of the probe without any fluid extending beyond the end of the probe.

Method for liquid aspiration from a sealed container

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Katonah, NY, United States of America

Spencer M Lovette