In order to calibrate a flow rate instrument, the following is provided: introducing a fluid controlled by a flow rate control instrument to a certain set flow rate into a container via a piping member and calculating a first time rate of change in pressure in the container; introducing a fluid controlled by the flow rate control instrument to the set flow rate into a container via a piping member while making any of a capacity of the container into which the fluid is introduced, a number of containers into which the fluid is introduced, a temperature of the fluid, and a type of the fluid different, and calculating a second time rate of change in pressure in the container; and calculating a capacity of the piping member based on the first time rate of change in pressure and the second time rate of change in pressure.

A system and method for non-contact measurement of remaining spooled material. The system comprises at least one optical signal source configured to illuminate spooled material with an optical beam having an optical beam width that illuminates the material remaining in the spool. The optical beam width and spacing are such that spooled material is illuminated by each optical signal source. The system includes drive circuitry configured to drive the at least one optical signal source using pulses. The system further includes at least one optical signal receiver configured to receive light reflected from each of said light pulses. The system still further includes a processor configured to: establish a number and drive strength of the pulses; and cause measurements to be performed of the remaining spooled material.

A system and method for non-contact measurement of remaining spooled material. The system comprises at least one optical signal source configured to illuminate spooled material with an optical beam having an optical beam width that illuminates the material remaining in the spool. The optical beam width and spacing are such that spooled material is illuminated by each optical signal source. The system includes drive circuitry configured to drive the at least one optical signal source using pulses. The system further includes at least one optical signal receiver configured to receive light reflected from each of said light pulses. The system still further includes a processor configured to: establish a number and drive strength of the pulses; and cause measurements to be performed of the remaining spooled material.

A predictive methodology for the grain and grain products market, including a robust predictor of grain-based cargo loading. The method may rely on data sources, AIS and machine learning to predict cargo operation. In some cases, grains and grain products are traded using a synonym. Synonyms have been accounted for in this method wherever available via an extensive commodity hierarchy taxonomy. The method provides benchmarking information on the basis of port calls, SOFs (statements of facts) and ullage reports to select the best berth for a grain commodity. The system and method provide for improved berth selection and facilitate quality improvements in cargo management systems. The method improves the currently available business intelligence related to cargo at berth and quality of information for shipping executives, managers, charterers and traders.

A test cage and method for testing a gap formed between a wall and an insulation layer in a vehicle. The test cage includes first and second end walls and a sidewall to form an interior space. Openings extend through one or more of the first and second end walls and the sidewall. The openings are configured to allow air flow through the interior space. Two or more ports extend through the first end wall and are in communication with the interior space. Each of the ports comprises an inner end at the interior space with the inner ends spaced apart within the interior space and also spaced away from the second end wall. Hoses can be connected to the ports to provide for inputting a gas and/or testing the air within the gap.

A test cage and method for testing a gap formed between a wall and an insulation layer in a vehicle. The test cage includes first and second end walls and a sidewall to form an interior space. Openings extend through one or more of the first and second end walls and the sidewall. The openings are configured to allow air flow through the interior space. Two or more ports extend through the first end wall and are in communication with the interior space. Each of the ports comprises an inner end at the interior space with the inner ends spaced apart within the interior space and also spaced away from the second end wall. Hoses can be connected to the ports to provide for inputting a gas and/or testing the air within the gap.

Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor.

Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor.

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for imaging particles and/or cells using flow cytometry. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a light beam at a fluidic channel carrying a fluid sample containing particles; optically encoding scattered or fluorescently-emitted light at a spatial optical filter, the spatial optical filter including a surface having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern along a transverse direction opposite to particle flow and a longitudinal direction parallel to particle flow, such that different portions of a particle flowing over the pattern of the apertures pass different apertures at different times and scatter the light beam or emit fluorescent light at locations associated with the apertures; and producing image data associated with the particle flowing through the fluidic channel based on the encoded optical signal, in which the produced image data includes information of a physical characteristic of the particle.

A residual gas volume measuring device for measuring volume of residual gas in a container filled with liquid. The device includes: a puncture member having a first communication path and a second communication path formed therein and connecting a penetrating portion and a coupling portion together, the penetrating portion being located inside the container and the coupling portion being located outside the container when the puncture member is in a penetrating position where an end of the puncture member penetrates into the container; an injection section coupled to the first communication path at the coupling portion and configured to inject a liquid into the container; a discharging section coupled to the second communication path at the coupling portion and configured to discharge the residual gas purged by the injected liquid; and a measurement section configured to measure the volume of the residual gas discharged by the discharging section.