Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus is provided herein including (a) a flow cell, (b) a fluidic pathway having a second end coupled to a first end of the flow cell, (c) a probe coupled to a first end of the fluidic pathway, (d) a sensor configured to detect one or more properties of a fluid in the fluidic pathway and positioned between the probe and the first end of the flow cell, (e) a processor in communication with the sensor, and (f) a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein instructions that are executable to cause the processor to perform functions including: (i) receiving, via the processor, the one or more properties of the fluid in the fluidic pathway detected by the sensor, and (ii) determining, based on the detected one or more properties of the fluid in the fluidic pathway, a presence of a separation gas in the fluid in the fluidic pathway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a conductive liquid detection system. In some embodiments, the conductive liquid detection system comprises electrodes disposed in a vessel including the conductive liquid. When the conductive liquid contacts the electrodes a signal is passed from an output to an input of a processor through the conductive liquid. In some embodiments, alternative digital high and digital low are passed to eliminate asymmetry effects between the electrodes. In some embodiments, the current is reversed to control electrolysis of the electrodes.

Abstract: The wound treatment apparatus combines an internal negative pressure (vacuum) pump and an internal positive pressure (compressor) pump connectable to an external oxygen supply for providing both negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen wound therapy to a wound site. The apparatus also includes a user interface operatively connected to an electronic controller that monitors and actuates the vacuum and compressor pumps. The user interface and controller enables the apparatus to provide multiple modes of operation and the ability to selectively change between negative pressure therapy operational modes and hyperbaric oxygen operational modes.

Abstract: In some aspects of the present disclosure, methods of detecting coincident sample events are provided. The methods include receiving a first set of signal data representing detected signals from a flow cytometer system; detecting, with a peak detection module, one or more peaks within the signal data; and cancelling, with a successive cancellation module, one or more individual sample events from the signal data at corresponding time indexes, wherein the cancellation of more than one individual sample event is successive. Devices and system related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood cells in a whole blood sample obtained from a cat is provided. An electrical measurement result and an optical measurement result of the whole blood sample are acquired. The electrical measurement result is obtainable by electrically measuring blood cells in the whole blood sample and the optical measurement result is obtainable by optically measuring blood cells in the whole blood sample. On the basis of the electrical measurement result and the optical measurement result, volume of red blood cells in the whole blood sample is calculated.

Abstract: Mixtures containing homogeneously-sized particles with a minimum concentration of agglomerates or larger particles are desired in various manufacturing processes such as, for example, in the manufacture and use of chemical mechanical polishing slurries, food emulsions, pharmaceutical products, paints, and print toner. The method disclosed herein provides these industries with an accurate and efficient method of screening such mixtures for such agglomerates and large particles. The method generally includes preparing a suspension of the mixture in an electrolyte, wherein the suspension includes a specified concentration of small particles per unit of electrolyte. The method further includes passing the prepared suspension, and a plurality of the particles therein, through an aperture of a device capable of characterizing particles according to the Coulter principle to obtain data on the particles.

Abstract: A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.

Abstract: A circuit may include a source of electrical energy and a plurality of current loads. Each load may be of a different amount. For each current load, a resistance may be in series between the source and the current load. The resistance may be weighted inversely proportional to the amount of the current load with respect to the other resistances. For each resistance, an integrator may generate an integrated output representative of an integration of the current traveling through the resistance. A summer may generate a summed output which is representative of the sum of each of the integrated outputs, weighted inversely proportional to the resistance that is associated with the integrated output.

Abstract: A method of calibration of a particle characterization apparatus, and a particle characterization apparatus, in which particles suspended in a liquid are passed through an orifice one by one for characterization of the particles, for instance by Coulter counting. The calibration does not require utilization of special calibration particles or liquids. A priori knowledge of the shape of a typical size distribution of a blood sample is utilized to adjust the apparatus based on an initial relatively short counting period of the sample in question. The initially determined size distribution is compared to the corresponding known typical size distribution and the apparatus is subsequently adjusted to counteract possible differences. Upon adjustment of the apparatus, the remaining part of the sample is passed through the orifice for determination of the actual particle size distribution of the remaining sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-control unit a RC oscillator for generating a reference clock, a plurality of touch switches for generating a transition signal indicating one of the touch switches being touched by human beings, a plurality of analog switches coupled to the touch switches for controlling transmission of the transition signal and a plurality of counters for counting time, all of the counters stop counting when one of the counters overflows and content of all counters being read, wherein ON/OFF of the analog switches controlled by a software.

Abstract: A system for monitoring non-volatile residue concentrations in ultra pure water includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol composed of multiple water droplets, a heating element changing the aerosol to a suspension of residue particles, and a condensation particle counter to supersaturate the dried aerosol to cause droplet growth through condensation of a liquid onto the particles. The nebulizer incorporates a flow dividing structure that divides exiting waste water into a series of droplets. The droplets are counted to directly indicate a waste water flow rate and indirectly indicate an input flow rate of water supplied to the nebulizer. The condensation particle counter employs water as the condensing medium, avoiding the need for undesirable chemical formulations and enabling use of the ultra pure water itself as the condensing medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic process counter that detects electrical signals from fasteners and attachments fastened to devices in a hard disk drive manufacturing line and uses the signals to increment the count of the fastens. Count signals are then transmitted to a plurality of display units for visual display to monitoring operators in the manufacturing line.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide a method for the measurement and analysis of particle counts in flow cytometry and hematology instruments. In some methods for the measurement and analysis of particle counts, a corrected histogram of particle distributions is calculated and used to obtain an accurate count of particles and an accurate measurement of other particle parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to dust/particle monitors, and particularly but not necessarily exclusively to a method of monitoring fine particles harmful to humans in working environments. Equipment and methods of detection are known but which have several disadvantages such as no instantaneous warnings of excessive exposure, bulky sampling equipment, prone to errors due to poor handling of particles, and fluctuating flow rates of air borne particles. The object of the invention is to provide a method and equipment that avoids those disadvantages mentioned above, an objective met by a method of monitoring dust/particulate material concentrations in air, comprising drawing air through a monitor at a predetermined rate to enable particles to pass through a measurement section one at a time, whereby they may be individually detected and counted.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing and characterizing particles suspended in a liquid medium includes a particle-sensing structure having a continuous wall defining a hydrodynamically smooth conduit through which the liquid suspension of particles is caused to pass simultaneously with an electrical current. Particles passing through the conduit are sensed and characterized by monitoring changes in the electrical current through the conduit. According to the invention, the continuous, conduit-defining wall is made entirely of a material having an electrical resistivity less than or equal to that of the liquid medium. Thus, the apparatus of the invention is similar to the conventional Coulter aperture (conduit) except that the aperture is formed from an electrically conductive material instead of a dielectric material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the number of particles or cells in a liquid sample. The method comprises a) determining the number of particles or cells in a first volume of the liquid sample, b) determining the statistical uncertainty of the determined number of particles in said first volume, c) if the determined uncertainty is larger than a pre-determined value, determining the number of particles or cells in a further volume of the liquid sample, d) adding the numbers of cells or particles determined in steps a) and c), e) determining the statistical uncertainty of the number of particles determined in step d), f) repeating steps d) and e) with a further volumes of the liquid sample, until the uncertainty determined in step e) is lower than said pre-determined value or until a pre-determined total volume of the liquid sample in which the number of cells or particles has been determined exceeds a pre-determined volume being larger than said first volume.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (1) for resistive pulse spectroscopy comprises two flat electrodes (3) substantially equal in size and shape and supported in face-to-face, parallel relationship to one another, and a plate-like fluid-tight insulator (2) positioned between electrodes and extended beyond the periphery of the electrodes with the electrodes (3) being fixed to the insulator (2). Each electrode has a hole (4) extending through the electrode in a central region thereof (4), the holes (4) of the two electrodes (3) being aligned with one another. The insulator (2) having a preformed aperture (16) therein which is located substantially centrally with respect to the holes (4) in the electrodes (3) and has a smaller diameter than the holes, the aperture (16) being located such as to allow a flow of liquid to pass therethrough and through the holes in the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the number of particles or cells in a liquid sample. The method comprises a) determining the number of particles or cells in a first volume of the liquid sample, b) determining the statistical uncertainty of the determined number of particles in said first volume, c) if the determined uncertainty is larger than a pre-determined value, determining the number of particles or cells in a further volume of the liquid sample, d) adding the numbers of cells or particles determined in steps a) and c), e) determining the statistical uncertainty of the number of particles determined in step d), f) repeating steps d) and e) with a further volumes of the liquid sample, until the uncertainty determined in step e) is lower than said pre-determined value or until a pre-determined total volume of the liquid sample in which the number of cells or particles has been determined exceeds a pre-determined volume being larger than said first volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a minor variation of capacity via accumulation and a circuit for detecting the same. An oscillated pulse signal is generated by a delay accumulating circuit which includes a logic device having an open drain and a pull up resistance. The generated pulse signal is then sent to a microprocessor via a counter. The microprocessor will determine whether there is a variation of the frequency of the pulse signal. When a variation of capacity is detected at the detecting polar plate connected to the testing terminal of the delay accumulating circuit, the microprocessor picks up and determines this variation. The present invention can be applied to a plurality longitudinal and transverse polar plates. When a conductor is moved along the polar plates, the variation of the capacity resulting from the movement of the conductor above the static capacity detecting plate can be readily detected.

Abstract: A device and method for quantitative determination of an analyte in a biological sample utilizes a non-transparent support medium for retaining a chromatogenic reaction product with the medium being exposed to a source of light for transmitting therethrough a scattered, uniform response light signal which is collected at a photosensitive device whereby the amount of the analyte is correlated to the intensity of the response light signal. The response light signal may be converted to a time-duration signal proportional to light intensity to facilitate the quantitative determination.

Abstract: A circuit for resolving a magnetic field, including a first channel including a first magnetic field sensor, a first amplifier coupled to and receiving an output from said first magnetic field sensor, and a first three band detector coupled to and receiving an output from said first amplifier. The first three band detector provides a first two bit output. A second channel includes a second magnetic field sensor, a second amplifier coupled to and receiving an output from said second magnetic field sensor, and a second three band detector coupled to and receiving an output from said second amplifier. The second three band detector provides a second two bit output. The first and second magnetic field sensors are arranged orthogonally to one another such that said first and second two bit outputs resolve the magnetic field into eight bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting corpuscles such as blood cells. The apparatus has an aperture and a constant-current source that supplies an electrical current to the aperture for detection of corpuscles. When corpuscles to be investigated pass through the aperture, the electrical impedance changes, producing a signal (herein referred to as the corpuscle signal). The apparatus further includes a pseudo signal-generating means for producing a pseudo signal in the form of pulses. The pseudo signal has a peak value proportional to the amplitude of the input current and is equivalent to the corpuscle signal detected when the corpuscles pass through the aperture. A signal selector means is disposed among the aperture, the constant-current source, and the pseudo signal-generating means. The signal selector means assumes either a first state or a second state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and rapidly, retrieving counting and/or analyzing at least one selected population of cells or formed bodies, such as a white blood cell population and at least one subset thereof of a whole blood sample or portion thereof. A volume of a biological medium containing the white blood cells is prepared and at least one reactant specific or preferential at least to some selected biological cells is introduced thereto and rapidly mixed for a short period of time. A multipart blood cell analysis is obtained with a single sensing parameter by depleting at least one WBC subset population. The percentage of a desired WBC population subset or the overlapping of WBC subset populations also can be obtained by subtracting one or more obscuring WBC subset populations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronizing particle counts to process events provide a trigger signal related to the process events in lieu of a time-based trigger signal. In one embodiment, the controller to a particle counter further subdivides a process event into sub-intervals to allow profiling of particle counts during the process event. In one embodiment, the controller of the particle counter receives multiple trigger signals corresponding to multiple trigger signal sources, each trigger signal source being identified by a source tag. Particle counts and time-stamps are maintained for each source of the trigger signals.

Abstract: A system for sorting particles is arranged such that the presence or absence of multiple parameters is determined for each particle in a flow of particles, and a logic condition is determined based on the multiple parameters. Thereafter, particles are outputted from the system when the logic condition is present. Accordingly, multiparameter high-speed measurements of a rare subpopulation of particles (e.g. biological cells) can be made amidst a larger population of particles with differing characteristics. When attached to a multiparameter flow cytometer/cell sorter and microcomputer, the system allows multiparameter analysis of cells at rates in excess of 100,000 cells/sec. This system can be an outboard module attached to a commercially available or home-built flow cytometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring nonvolatile residue concentrations in liquid is disclosed. A plurality of fixed and adjustable flow restrictive elements are utilized and arranged in-line from a fluid supply source to provide a constant, pressure controlled flow of liquid to the measuring apparatus and allow for real-time measurements and optimal concentration detection. An atomizer atomizes the liquid into droplets which are dried to nonvolatile residue particles. The nonvolatile residue particle concentration is then determined utilizing an electrostatic aerosol detector. The invention further discloses apparatus for collecting a sample of nonvolatile residue for analysis and identification using a corona precipitator.

Abstract: A filter and filtering apparatus for measuring the deformability of a blood cell passing through a flow passage formed as a space between a surface of a groove formed in a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate with which the groove is sealed. The filtering apparatus includes electrodes mounted at the inlets and outlets of the flow passages, or optical elements to enable cell deformity measurements.

Abstract: A window defrosting grid testing apparatus which is automated to test the resistance grid for quality control relative to set automotive standards including the continuity of each line of the grid. In one preferred embodiment, the testing device includes means for automatically clamping the window in position on a support table and engaging a set of three conducting probes in conducting contact with the grid at predetermined locations associated with opposing ends of the grid lines and an intermediate position between the opposing ends. The probe in the intermediate position is mounted for lateral and transverse travel across the grid lines and is operatively connected to a voltage sensitive relay which operates to provide a signal only when the energized grid line engaged by the intermediate probe is non-defective relative to continuity.

Abstract: A device for counting the overvoltage surges discharged by a gapless overvoltage arrester contains a sensing head and a counting mechanism which follows the sensing head. In the sensing head, the discharge current carried by the overvoltage arrester in a ground return line during the occurrence of an overvoltage surge is detected. The counting mechanism records an overvoltage surge as soon as the discharge current exceeds a threshold value. During this process, an effective connection between the sensing head and a counter is established for a brief time by means of a switch. This device is intended to be characterized, with a high counting accuracy, by a dead time which is independent of the components used. This is achieved by the measure that the switch is followed by a threshold detector which responds above the threshold value of the discharge current.

Abstract: A debris detector for a particle counter, such as a blood cell counter, of the COULTER (R) type. When a particle, or transient debris, passes through the sensing orifice of the particle detector, a voltage pulse occurs; whereas, when debris lodges in or against the orifice of the particle detector, a d.c. voltage shift occurs. The voltage at the orifice is capacitively coupled to an amplifier and the output of the amplifier is integrated. The capacitor coupling the orifice voltage to the amplifier causes an undershoot voltage at the trailing edge of each particle or transient debris pulse, such that a zero average voltage is applied to and, hence, from the amplifier for each voltage pulse. The integrated voltage is applied to a voltage comparator to provide an output signal therefrom whenever the integrated voltage exceeds a reference voltage. The comparator output signal is provided to a delay circuit having a delay related to the time required for a particle to pass through the COULTER detector orifice.

Abstract: A biological microparticle inspection apparatus has a reactor in which blood containing T cells is mixed with latex-labeled antibodies and T cells are coupled with the antibodies to form complexes. A particle size measurement unit is provided for measuring the size of the particles contained in the blood, including the complexes. A signal processing unit processes the measured sizes of the particles outputting signals only when the measured sizes fall within a range of the size of the complex, and counts the number of the output signals. The number of the output signals corresponds to the number of the complexes and hence the T cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for jetting a measured volume of a suspension of particulates such as blood cells or colloids into a single fluid-primed incompletely partitioned transducer chamber in such a way that the dynamic relationship between the priming liquid and the inflowing jet imparts to the suspended particulates the properties of a stable stream line monofile which reliably traverses one or more particulate-identifying and/or analyzing sensing zones. Said transducer chamber has one or more of the following three sources of energy for moving the contained fluids: an easily maintained non-critical pressure differential between the suspension inflow port and an exit line, potential energy stored within the transducer chamber during the priming step, a pump mechanism to propel particulate-free fluid. The measurement period in all such transducers may be defined by monitoring the volume of either the inflowing or displaced outflowing liquid.

Abstract: A toner concentration monitor senses changes in the effective dielectric constant of a developer mixture whose dielectric constant changes with variations in the toner concentration in the mixture. The monitor is the type having a capacitive probe immersible in developer mixture such that the capacitance value of said probe varies with the effective dielectric constant of the mixture. Means are provided for creating an electrical pulse train signal of predetermined frequency and variable pulse width. The pulse width is adjusted in response to the capacitance value of the probe. The pulses are created by a multivibrator circuit which is turned on by clock pulses and which has a time constant determined by the capacitance value of the probe. Each pulse has a first portion of fixed duration and a second portion of duration variable with the capacitance value of said probe.

Abstract: A counting and batching device for items such as tablets, capsules or caplets is faster than the electronic radial feeder counters, and is more easily adjustable for different quantities, sizes and shapes of items than slat counters or disk counters. The device has a hopper with an adjustable feed gate and a first vibrator to cause items to flow from the feed gate. A V-guide sorting trough is positioned beneath the feed gate having a slot at its base to hold a single row of items, and a second vibrator funnels items into a single row moving along the slot. A moving belt receives items from the trough and transports them in a single row between stationary guides past an electronic counter to a diverter where a predetermined number of items are diverted into at least two diverter streams. Loading positions are provided under each diverter stream with provision for positioning and removing containers independently into each loading position.

Abstract: A system that is particularly useful in biological fluid analysis includes a face plate member and a mating flexible member, one of which has a plurality of passages. Selected motion of the flexible member provides a valving action to control fluid flow into, through, and out of the passages. An analysis chamber in a surface of the face plate member is in fluid communication with a passage and has an analyzer which, for a hematology analyzer, is preferably an impedance-type particle counter.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for the detection of non-conductive particulates in molten metals, such as aluminum, gallium, zinc and lead, that can be liquified and drawn into a suitable refractory container. The passage into the container is of very small diameter (about 300 micrometers for aluminum) and it forms part of a current path between two electrodes carrying a current of about 1 to 500 amperes. The path is surrounded by liquid metal which forms an effective Faraday cage screening the path, enabling the passage of a particulate of about 15 micrometers or larger to produce a voltage pulse between the electrodes of greater than 5 microvolts, which is detectable above the inevitable background noise, which is of about that value.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for the detection of non-conductive particulates in molten metals, such as aluminum, gallium, zinc and lead, that can be liquified and drawn into a suitable refractory container. The passage into the container is of very small diameter (about 300 micrometers for aluminum) and it forms part of a current path between two electrodes carrying a current of about 1 to 500 amperes. The path is surrounded by liquid metal which forms an effective Faraday cage screening the path, enabling the passage of a particulate of about 15 micrometers or larger to produce a voltage pulse between the electrodes of greater than 5 microvolts, which is detectable above the inevitable background noise, which is of about that value.

Abstract: An automatic lap counting device for use by swimmers and runners, for example, which depends upon the change in the magnetic line of force of the North/South magnetic field for determining the laps.

Abstract: Flat beam optical sensing performed transverse of a flow aperture, of the particles passing through the aperture, directly indicates the presence of individual particles in the aperture. The indication can be used to eliminate or otherwise modulate the coincidence errors resulting in particle measurements taken through the length of the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle analyzing apparatus having a flow cell with an elongated or tube-like aperture for receiving a liquid suspension of particles and for providing a smooth fluid flow therethrough and electric field and current, generated in and essentially limited to a relatively small portion of the aperture, for producing electrical signals when the particles pass therethrough.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit having an input circuit of resistance and capacitance which is a.c. coupled to a source of pulses, and a feedback circuit of resistance and capacitance. The RC time constants of the input and the feedback circuits are made to be approximately equal at the time of pulse input in order to insure an output pulse flat base line without undershoot or overshoot.

Abstract: Integrated circuits contained in a rail are passed through cylindrical electrodes. Two electrodes are connected to an oscillator to transmit out of phase fields. A receiving electrode's output has the residual oscillator frequency component removed by a nulling network and summation device, whose output is fed to a band pass amplifier and balanced demodulator, which receives a phase shifted input from the oscillator. Demodulator output components at and above the oscillator frequency are removed by a low pass filter. A demodulator output above the reference voltage triggers a counter.

Abstract: A tandem arrangement of sensing zones is established by alternately arranged electrodes and dielectric plates, each sensing zone has a particle sensing aperture, through which microscopic particles in an electrolyte suspension pass and electric current flows. The apertures are aligned. This tandem sensing zone arrangement improves the signal-to-noise ratio of a particle analyzing apparatus in which it is employed.

Abstract: A device and process for examining the size of particles suspended in a liquid, in particular for determining the MCV of red blood cells, having a measurement aperture traversed by the suspension and two electrodes arranged in the region of the measurement aperture and connected to evaluation circuitry, each of which electrodes producing one pulse per particle passing therethrough, the amplitude of which pulse is a measure of the volume of the particle. A differential discriminator for the pulse amplitudes and a further discriminator are connected in front of the evaluation circuitry wherein the further discriminator permits the passage of only pulses whose duration is less than the duration of a pulse coming from a single particle which has a maximum amplitude determined by the differential discriminator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an abnormal pulse detector for use with a particle analyzing apparatus of the Coulter.RTM. type for generating discrete particle pulses in response to liquid suspended particles passing through a sensing aperture, the abnormal pulse detector comprising: a bad pulse detector for generating a bad count pulse for each of the particle pulses which have a width that is either too long or too short, comparative pulse detector means for generating a comparative count pulse for each of the particle pulses or for each of the particle pulses not generating a bad count pulse, counter and comparator circuitry for counting the bad count pulses and the comparative count pulses and for obtaining the ratio of the bad count pulses to the comparative count pulses so as to indicate a alarm condition when the ratio reaches a predetermined, unacceptable level.