Abstract: Sample collection device (10; 20; 30) for collecting a fluidic biological sample, the device comprising a collecting member (11; 21; 31) for collecting the fluidic sample; an indicator element (12, 22, 32) for providing an indication that a desired amount of the fluidic sample has been collected; an elongated capillary element (13; 23; 33) for providing fluidic communication between the collecting member (11; 21; 31) and the indicator element (12; 22; 32) so that at least a portion of the fluidic sample may be transferred from the collecting member (11; 21; 31) to the indicator element (12; 22; 32). The invention relates also to a sample test assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the redispersion of particles into a solution by means of FTIR or other optical detection methods comprising the following steps: providing a sensor surface with dry particles; illuminating the sensor surface with light along a first optical path and detecting the light reflected by the sensor surface; providing a liquid to a volume in contact with the sensor surface; and detecting the reflected light while the dryparticles redisperse into the liquid. Therein, the angle between first optical path and sensor surface fulfils the condition of total internal reflection. The present invention also provides an FTIR cartridge for use in said method comprising a sensor surface accessible for FTIR detection, said sensor surface comprising at least one binding area, wherein label particles are situated on said surface.

Abstract: There is provided a microelectronic sensor device for the detection of target components comprising label-particles, comprising a carrier with a binding surface at which target components can collect; a light source for emitting a light beam incident at the binding surface; a light detector for determining the amount of light in a reflected light beam. In one aspect of the invention, the binding surface is provided by a plurality of aperture defining structures having a smallest in plane aperture dimension (W1) smaller than a diffraction limit, the diffraction limit defined by a medium for containing the target components. Preferentially, the sensor device is used, wherein target components are non-luminescent.

Abstract: A controllable optical lens system, comprises a chamber housing first and second fluids, the interface between the fluids defining a lens surface. An electrode arrangement controls the shape of the lens surface and has first and second electrodes. A parameter is determined by the system dependent on the electrical resistance through at least one of the lens fluids between the first and second electrodes. Thus, the series resistance through a lens fluid is used as a measure of meniscus position.

Abstract: A controllable optical lens system, comprises a chamber housing first and second fluids, the interface between the fluids defining a lens surface. An electrode arrangement controls the shape of the lens surface and has first and second electrodes. A parameter is determined by the system dependent on the electrical resistance through at least one of the lens fluids between the first and second electrodes. Thus, the series resistance through a lens fluid is used as a measure of meniscus position.

Abstract: A controllable optical lens system, comprises a chamber housing first and second fluids, the interface between the fluids defining a lens surface. An electrode arrangement controls the shape of the lens surface and has first and second electrodes. A parameter is determined by the system dependent on the electrical resistance through at least one of the lens fluids between the first and second electrodes. Thus, the series resistance through a lens fluid is used as a measure of meniscus position.

Abstract: A controllable optical lens comprises a chamber housing first and second fluids, the interface between the fluids defining a lens surface. An electrode arrangement controls the shape of the lens surface and is also for sensing the shape of the lens surface. The electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of electrode segments at different angular orientations about an optical axis of the lens. Surface characteristics are sensed at a plurality of angular orientations from the plurality of electrode segments, and in this way the local shape characteristics of the lens at different angular positions around the lens can be determined. In this way, asymmetry can be detected.

Abstract: A textile or fabric (2) comprising a first light emitting component (4) and a second pressure sensitive component (6), wherein the first component comprises an output device adapted to emit an output signal that is dependent on a parameter of an applied pressure applied to the second component via the first component.

Abstract: A device according to the invention for writing information to an information carrier (1) includes conversion means (7) for converting symbols in an information signal (SINFO) into pulse sequences in a control signal (STR). The device further includes a transducer (10) for generating a physically detectable pattern on the information carrier (1) in response to the control signal (STR). The conversion means (7) include assignment means (702) for assigning properties of the pulse sequences to symbols in the information signal (SINFO). These properties include the duration and the magnitude of pulses in the pulse sequence. The conversion means (7) further include at least one counter (711) for supplying a count signal (TC1) after a time interval, which counter is coupled to the assignment means (702). The conversion means (7) further include a controllable delay line (761) coupled to the at least one counter (711), for delaying the count signal (TC1), and to the assignment means (702).

Abstract: A device has a first operational state for writing information onto a record carrier and a second operational state for reading information from a record carrier. The device includes a phase-locked loop for generating a clock signal from a reference signal and a control unit for generating a pulsed transducer control signal in response to an information signal and the clock signal. The device also includes a generating transducer for generating physically detectable patterns in the record carrier in response to the transducer control signal and a read transducer for generating a read signal in response to physically detectable patterns in the record carrier in the second operational state that includes a radiation source. The device further includes a power supply which supplies the radiation source with an electric power. The phase-locked loop includes a memory for memorizing, in the first operational state, a memory value which is a measure of the supplied clock signal.