Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid contained within a machine, comprising the steps of providing a machine including a passage for containing a fluid; placing a sensor including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.

Abstract: A rapid throughput method for the preparation, analysis or both of libraries of material samples is provided. According to the method, a plurality of samples is provided. The plurality of samples is then formed into a plurality of films. Thereafter, the plurality of films is plastically deformed. Preferably, the plurality of films is deformed into a configuration appropriate for testing of properties or characteristics of the samples.

Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments a sensor or a sensor subassembly is ported to multiple fluidic systems.

Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements such as flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments the sensing elements comprises one or more embedded electrodes.

Abstract: A circuit for determining characteristics of a fluid under-test is provided. The circuit includes analog-to-digital processing circuitry for interfacing with a sensor and host electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.

Abstract: A circuit chip is disclosed. The circuit chip includes analog-to-digital processing circuitry that is capable of interfacing with a sensor and host electronics. The analog-to-digital processing circuitry includes a frequency generator configured for providing stimulus to the sensor and signal detection circuitry that is configured for identifying amplitude data of a response signal. Further included is analog-to-digital conversion circuitry that is configured for converting the detected amplitude data into digital form. A memory that is capable of holding data characterizing the sensor is also provided. The digital form of the response signal is capable of being processed to generate fluid characteristics of fluids under-test.

Abstract: A sensor system and method for analyzing a fluid contained within an environmental control system, comprising the steps of providing a system including a passage for containing a thermal change fluid; placing a sensor including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have at least a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.

Abstract: Oral care composition comprising a polymer obtainable by copolymerising a mixture of comonomers, from 5 to 95 mol % of the mixture of comonomers is constituted by a comonomer having the formula (I): H2C?C(R)-L-(CH2)n-Y??(I) in which R is hydrogen or a methyl group, L is a divalent organic linking group incorporating a benzyl or a carboxyl functionality, n is an integer of from 1 to 4 and Y is an amine, quaternized amine or quaternary ammonium group; and in which the balance of the mixture of comonomers is constituted by neutral and/or anionic comonomers; said composition being in the form of any one of a toothpaste, gel, foam, chewing gum, deformable strip or mouthwash and being suitable for use in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Oral care composition comprising a polymer obtainable by copolymerising a mixture of comonomers, said mixture comprising: (a) a cationic monomer selected from (ar-vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium chloride, (dimethylaminopropyl) methacrylamide, [2(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, 2-aminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one anionic or neutral monomer selected from styrene, mono-2-(methacryloyl)ethyl succinate, vinyl acetate, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-ethylhexylacrylate, vinylphosphonic acid, acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl] acrylamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, butyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethylacrylate, polyethyleneglycol methylethermethacrylate and mixtures thereof, said oral care composition in the form of any one of a toothpaste, gel, foam, chewing gum, deformable strip or mouthwash and which is suitable for use in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Oral care composition comprising a polymer obtainable by copolymerising a mixture of comonomers, in which at least 40 mol % of the mixture of comonomers is constituted by a comonomer having the formula (I): H2C?C(R)—(X)n—Y in which R is hydrogen or a methyl group, X is a divalent organic linking group, n is an integer of 0 or 1, and Y is a carboxylate or phosphonate anion, or the corresponding salt or acid thereof; and in which the balance of the mixture of comonomers is constituted by neutral and/or cationic comonomers; said composition being in the form of any one of a toothpaste, gel, foam, chewing gum, deformable strip or mouthwash and being suitable for use in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Oral care composition comprising a cationic polymer obtainable by copolymerising a mixture of comonomers, said mixture comprising (ar-vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium chloride, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and polyethyleneglycol methylethermethacrylate, said composition being in the form of any one of a toothpaste, gel, foam, chewing gum, deformable strip or mouthwash and being suitable for use in the oral cavity.

Abstract: An improved method and assembly, wherein the method generally includes the steps of providing a coated or uncoated sensor element having an exposed sensing surface; attaching the sensor element to a platform so that the exposed sensing surface is spaced from the platform; and optionally applying a protective layer over the platform while maintaining the sensing surface as exposed. The assembly includes a resonator having a free portion with a sensing surface is incorporated onto a platform, components of the sensor are physically shielded from harsh operating conditions, the requisite space is maintained between the free portion of the resonator and the platform, and the sensing surface of the resonator remains exposed for sensing.

Abstract: A sensor and methods for making and using the same in which a mechanical resonator is employed, comprising a resonator portion for resonating in a fluid without the substantial generation of acoustic waves; and an electrical connection between the resonator portion for oscillating and a source of an input signal; wherein the portion for resonating, the electrical connection or both includes a base material and a performance-tuning material that is different from the base material.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property testing of materials libraries using capacitance. The method monitors the responses of a plurality of samples on a substrate to a force induced by a capacitor.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property and bulge testing of materials libraries. A plurality of samples on a substrate are monitored for their response to a force from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for screening a library of material samples for a rheological property such as viscosity or elasticity. Accordingly, a library of material samples is can be provided in a substantially liquid form. The library is contacted with at least one probe for applying a stimulus to the material samples such as by moving the at least one probe within the samples. A response such as resistance to the motion of the probe is monitored and can be related to a rheological property of the samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides instruments and methods for screening combinatorial libraries that addresses many of the problems encountered when using conventional instruments. For example, the disclosed instruments can measure mechanical properties of library members in rapid serial or parallel test format, and can perform tests on small amounts of material, which are easily prepared or dispensed using art-disclosed liquid or solid handling techniques. Compared to conventional instruments, the disclosed instruments afford faster sample loading and unloading, for example, through the use of disposable libraries of material samples.