Abstract: A handpiece (108) of an ultrasonic scaler equipped with a closed system water delivery and an integrated in-line divided electrolytic cell (106) for generating ozone, one or more gas separators (116a, 116b), in-line dissolved gas monitoring and closed loop control over ozone concentration using one or more ultraviolet sensors (110).

Abstract: Methods and systems for capture object-based assays, including for determining a measure of the concentration of an analyte molecule or particle in a fluid sample, are described. The methods and systems may relate to high sensitivity detection of analytes, sometimes using assay conditions and sample handling that result in the capture and detection of a high percentage of the analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample using relatively few capture objects. Apparatuses and methods for immobilizing capture objects with respect to assay sites, in some instances with unexpectedly high efficiencies are also described. Some such apparatuses involve the use of force fields and fluid meniscus forces, alone or in combination, to facilitate or improve capture object immobilization.

Abstract: Method and apparatus relating to ultrasound flow probes Measurement of time of flight of ultrasound pulses comprises: transmitting the pulses across a fluid flow; detecting a waveform (200) of the pulses, generating a cross-correlation between the waveform (200) and a tone (210) and identifying a plurality of peaks (220) in the cross-correlation; fitting a curve template (310) to the waveform at locations (300) corresponding to the peaks (220) and identifying the location (330) of the minimum error; performing a further cross-correlation (420) between the waveform (200) and the tone (210) over only a portion of the waveform (200) containing the minimum error location (330); and determining the temporal location corresponding to the maximum (430) of the further cross-correlation (430).

Abstract: Method and apparatus relating to ultrasound flow probes Measurement of time of flight of ultrasound pulses comprises: transmitting the pulses across a fluid flow; detecting a waveform (200) of the pulses, generating a cross-correlation between the waveform (200) and a tone (210) and identifying a plurality of peaks (220) in the cross-correlation; fitting a curve template (310) to the waveform at locations (300) corresponding to the peaks (220) and identifying the location (330) of the minimum error; performing a further cross-correlation (420) between the waveform (200) and the tone (210) over only a portion of the waveform (200) containing the minimum error location (330); and determining the temporal location corresponding to the maximum (430) of the further cross-correlation (430).

Abstract: A holographic or diffraction device responsive to interrogation, the device comprising an image-former and an image-concealer; wherein the image-former is adapted such that light reflected from or transmitted through it forms at least one image; wherein the image-concealer acts to attenuate the image; and wherein the attenuation of the image by the image-concealer is alterable responsive to interrogation

Abstract: A holographic or diffraction device responsive to interrogation, the device comprising an image-former and an image-concealer; wherein the image-former is adapted such that light reflected from or transmitted through it forms at least one image; wherein the image-concealer acts to attenuate the image; and wherein the attenuation of the image by the image-concealer is alterable responsive to interrogation.