Abstract: A method of monitoring detection of an analyte in a liquid sample using a measuring cell, the measuring cell comprising a working electrode for excitation of electrochemiluminescence in the liquid sample, an optical detector for detecting the excited electrochemiluminescence, the excitation and detection being performed in an measurement cycle, the measurement cycle comprising transporting the liquid sample via a transport path to the working electrode using a support liquid, the method comprising: coupling light of a light source into the transport path during part of the measurement cycle, the transport path forming a light guide between the light source and the optical detector, detecting the coupled light by the optical detector, analyzing the detected light for a gas bubble in the transport path, providing a measurement state if the result of the analysis deviates from a target state regarding the presence of a gas bubble in the transport path.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a measurement object, comprising: an active unit having a light source emitting light with a wavelength spectrum and an optical detector. An optical link passes the emitted light to a at least one passive unit. Each passive unit comprises a sensor and a selector for diverting the emitted light to the sensor. The sensor comprises a luminescent material being directly or indirectly affected by the emitted light diverted by the selector. The sensor is sensitive to an external influence by the measurement object for producing a modulated signal, which is passed to said detector via the optical link. The luminescent material may be a fluorescent material, which is directly irradiated by the emitted light from the light source.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a display stack includes a set of light-emitting elements, and a display backplane that includes a set of conductors and is electrically coupled to the set of light-emitting elements. A conductor in the set of conductors has a length, and a curved edge extending along at least a portion of the length. In some embodiments, a display stack includes a set of light-emitting elements; a set of transistors, electrically coupled to the set of light-emitting elements; and a set of conductors, electrically coupled to the set of transistors. The set of transistors may be electrically coupled to the set of conductors at a set of conductive pads. A plurality of conductive pads in the set of conductive pads is coupled to a single conductor in the set of conductors. The single conductor approaches different conductive pads in the plurality of conductive pads at different angles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current disclosure are directed to systems, methods and apparatus for evaluating single cell secretion profiles. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to analyze substances expressed by a biological cell and may include a first compressible substrate, and a second substrate configured for removable sealing attachment with the first substrate. In some embodiments, upon attachment of the second substrate with the first substrate, an assembly is formed such that the open side of the plurality of chambers are covered by the second substrate, and a portion of each of the plurality of capture areas are exposed in each of the chambers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for chemiluminescent sulphur detection wherein the method comprises the following steps. (a) oxidation of a gaseous starting mixture comprising one or more sulphur compounds to obtain an oxidized gas mixture. (b) reduction of the oxidized gas mixture as obtained in step (a) to obtain a gaseous mixture of reduced sulphur compounds in the presence of a ceramic surface. (c) reacting the mixture of reduced sulphur compounds obtained in step (b) with ozone to obtain a sulphur compound in excited state and measuring a chemiluminescent emission of the sulphur compound in excited state to obtain a measure for the amount of sulphur compounds in the gaseous starting mixture. The ceramic surface in step (b) is a magnesium aluminium silicate comprising surface.

Abstract: A fluid network controls a gaseous flow, the fluid network having several pre-concentration units including at least one first series in which the pre-concentration units are linked in series and each defined by a rank j in the series, with j ranging from 1 to m and m being greater than or equal to 2. Each pre-concentration unit of the network includes a cavity filled with an adsorbent material, at least one first fluid pathway emerging in the cavity, at least one second fluid pathway emerging in the cavity. Finally, each pre-concentration unit includes a component for heating the cavity.

Abstract: A surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor may include a substrate, an electrically conductive layer having a first portion spaced from a second portion by a gap, an electrically resistive layer in contact with and extending between the first portion and the second portion of the electrically conductive layer to form an electrically resistive bridge across the gap that heats the nano fingers in response to electrical current flowing across the bridge from the first portion to the second portion and nano fingers extending upward from the bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and micro monitor apparatus, a space-, time-, and cost-efficient device to concentrate, identify, and quantify organic compounds in gas environments. The invention further relates to a method centered on gas chromatography for identifying and quantifying organic compounds in gas environments, using air as the carrier gas, without the need for a compressed pre-bottled purified carrier gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measuring chamber, a working method of the measuring chamber, a chemiluminescence measurement method of the measuring chamber and a chemiluminescence detector. The measuring chamber includes a dark chamber, a first substrate nozzle, a photomultiplier detection component, a waste liquor adsorption needle component, a reaction cup turntable and a plurality of reaction cup processing stations; the reaction cup turntable is provided in the measuring chamber rotationally; and the plurality of reaction cup processing stations are sealed in a mutually light-isolated manner. When the instrument works, reaction cups in the reaction cup turntable are moved in the dark chamber; and after the reaction cups are moved to corresponding processing stations for processing the reaction cups, the plurality of different processing stations for processing, the reaction cups may simultaneously process the reaction cups moved to the corresponding reaction cup processing stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a chemical species is disclosed. The apparatus includes an emission block configured to receive a vapor phase chemical species that is excited by chemical reaction in the emission block to provide an excited species that emits light. The emission block has an interior portion having a surface. A coating is disposed over the surface and the coating reduces adsorption of the excited species onto the surface.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings, an apparatus for conducting hot work is described and shown with an enclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; and a detector located exterior of the enclosure, the detector being in detecting communication with the interior of the enclosure, such that the detector detects the presence of a condition within the enclosure. A method of conducting hot work is also described and shown.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a device for inspecting a mask plate, a method for inspecting a mask plate, and a corresponding method for controlling light sources. The device includes: an image sensor configured to capture an image of the mask plate; and a plurality of light sources disposed on one side of the mask plate opposite to the image sensor, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources is configure to emit light when the image sensor is capturing an image of a first region of the mask plate, and the at least one light source comprises light sources within a first range, wherein the first range corresponds to the first region and an orthographic projection of the image sensor on a light source plane falls within the first range.

Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system and a flow-through cell unit (1) thereof. The flow-through cell unit (1) comprises a working electrode (12), a counter electrode (11) and a reference electrode (13), wherein the working electrode (12) and the counter electrode (11) are vertically provided, and there is a liquid flow path between the two electrodes. When an electrochemical reaction occurs, and when reactants are evenly distributed on the working electrode (12) for a test. After the flow-through cell is cleaned, the liquid flow path is unblocked, so that the cleaning effect is better. A porous structure is provided on a connection surface where the reference electrode (13) is in communication with the liquid flow path, and the porous structure makes the reference electrode (13) have a good electrical conductivity, and prevents the reference electrode (13) from early ageing, and improves the durability of the flow-through cell unit (1).

Abstract: Among other thing, the present invention provides solution to the problem, particularly, the present invention certain surfaces and certain sample holder to improve the sensitivity, speed, and easy-to-use of an optical signal based assays, such as colorimetric assays or fluorescence assays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to determine the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to various materials of interest. In one example, a method includes providing a chemical reporter of a chemical detector. The chemical reporter includes protonated 2-[5-methoxy-2-(4-phenyl-quinoline-2yl)-phenyl]-ethanol. A vapor-phase amine compound is subsequently received at the chemical reporter. The chemical detector then detects a response of the chemical reporter to the amine compound to determine whether materials of interest are present. Additional methods and related devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for contacting a metallic contact pad embedded in a printed circuit board layer sequence, comprising the steps of producing a first hole matrix having a plurality of holes in a surface of the printed circuit board layer sequence in order to partly expose the metallic contact pad, of applying a metal layer in order to at least partly fill the holes of the first hole matrix, of producing a second hole matrix having a plurality of holes in the surface of the printed circuit board layer sequence in order to partly expose the metallic contact pad, wherein the holes of the second hole matrix are arranged in a manner offset relative to the holes of the first hole matrix, and of applying a metal layer in order to at least partly fill the holes of the second hole matrix, and a correspondingly produced printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a sampling device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the sample device including a handle, a body extending from the handle, a sampling head coupled to the body opposite said handle, wherein the sampling head is configured such that, when a mechanical force is applied to the handle, the body rotates to enable a collection of the sample from the target surface by the sampling head, and a mechanical force feedback mechanism. The mechanical force feedback mechanism includes a rotational junction connecting the body to the handle and a pin rotatably coupling the body with the handle, and is configured to prevent a further rotation of the body when a threshold amount of force is applied to the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising: an information electrode; a ground electrode; a photo-resistive element configured to enable the information electrode to be connected to the ground electrode; and wherein the apparatus is configured to enable a sensor element to be positioned overlaying the photo-resistive element such that a change in optical properties of the sensor element controls the connection between the ground and information electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods for washing microtiter plates that offer advantages such as increased efficiency and decreased contamination during the washing process. In an exemplary embodiment, an automated system for washing multiwell plates comprises an arm having a metal portion and having a multiwell plate holder for holding a multiwell plate; a first rotational servo configured to rotate the multiwell plate about a first axis; a second rotational servo configured to rotate the arm about a second axis; and a controller configured to operate the system to dispels fluid in the multiwell plate.

Abstract: A system for detecting and quantifying an analyte in a liquid includes a vial including one or more pre-dosed reagents disposed in the vial. The vial is configured to hold a volume of a liquid including an analyte. The one or more pre-dosed reagents are dissolvable in the volume of the liquid to form a sample liquid solution comprising chromophores or fluorophores. The analyte and the one or more pre-dosed reagents react to yield the chromophores or fluorophores. The system further includes a detection device including a chamber configured to retain the vial, the detection device configured to quantify the analyte in the sample liquid solution.

Abstract: A gas analysis device is provided that is able to accurately measure a concentration or a quantity of methane contained in a sample gas even if there are variations in the pressure in the sample gas line. This gas analysis device has a sample gas line through which a sample gas flows, a pressure loss mechanism that is provided on the sample gas line, a pressure control mechanism that refers to the pressure on the forward side of the pressure loss mechanism and, by discharging a portion of the sample gas from the rearward side of the pressure loss mechanism, and by supplying a predetermined gas to the rearward side of the pressure loss mechanism, controls pressure differences in the sample gas line between the front and the rear of the pressure loss mechanism, and an analyzer that analyzes the sample gas flowing through the sample gas line.

Abstract: Described is an elemental analysis system and methods for use thereof that can be utilized in examination of samples in their native state. The systems utilize a liquid sampling—atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) device for ambient desorption sampling and excitation of a solid sample in combination with optical emission detection. This approach can find application across a broad spectrum of analytical challenges including metals, soils, and volume-limited samples.

Abstract: We describe a method for conducting an assay in a multi-well assay plate using an apparatus comprising a light detection subsystem, a liquid handling subsystem, and a plate handling subsystem. This is particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, it may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A convective polymerase chain reaction apparatus includes a tube, a temperature control unit, at least one light source and a sensor. The tube includes a cavity used to contain a reaction solution. The reaction solution has a liquid level measured from a bottom of the cavity to a top surface of the reaction solution. The temperature control unit is disposed adjacent to the tube for controlling the temperature of the reaction solution. The at least one light source provides a light beam passing through an incident portion of the tube to excite the reaction solution emitting a fluorescent light. The incident portion is located at a height greater than ½ of a liquid level. The sensor is adjacent to the tube for detecting the excited fluorescence. The light beam has an incident direction forming a non-straight angle with a long axis of the tube.

Abstract: A method for continuous in vitro propagation of Babesia microti and microti-like species is disclosed. The method comprises incubating B. microti in culture medium comprising host erythrocytes in the presence of a source of complement and a source of anti-B. microti IgM antibody. In one embodiment, the source of anti-B. microti IgM antibody is substantially free of IgG antibody. In one embodiment, the source of complement is a cell or cell line that secretes complement.

Abstract: A nanopore sequencing device is disclosed. The nanopore sequencing device includes a working electrode. It further includes a dielectric layer, wherein a portion of the dielectric layer is disposed horizontally adjacent to the working electrode and a portion of the dielectric layer is disposed above and covering a portion of the working electrode, and wherein the dielectric layer forms a well having an opening above an uncovered portion of the working electrode. A base surface area of the working electrode is greater than a base surface area of the opening above the uncovered portion of the working electrode.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for sensing target materials including biological or chemical molecules in a fluid. One such apparatus includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure having an electrically-insulating layer, a fluidic channel supported by the SOI structure and configured and arranged to receive and pass a fluid including the target materials, and a semiconductor device including at least three electrically-contiguous semiconductor regions doped to exhibit a common polarity. The semiconductor regions include a sandwiched region sandwiched between two of the other semiconductor regions, and configured and arranged adjacent to the fluidic channel with a surface directed toward the fluidic channel for coupling to the target materials in the fluidic channel, and further arranged for responding to a bias voltage. The sensing apparatus also includes an amplification circuit in or on the SOI and that is arranged to facilitate sensing of the target material near the fluidic channel.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved electrochemiluminescence assay methods for phosphorylated peptides or proteins employing phospho-specific antibodies and buffer compositions that are substantially free of inorganic phosphate.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.

Abstract: A cell separation and culture device having a porous substrate; and a patterned carbon powder layer having a plurality of hollow regions, formed on an upper surface of the porous substrate by a forming manner; wherein the thickness of the patterned carbon powder layer is 0.04-0.08 mm. The cell separation and culture device is able to separate, detect or culture cells with various size and shape. The cell separation and culture device of present invention also simplifies the process of cell separation, detection and culture; therefore, it is accomplished within a very short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for performing monitoring and/or cultivation of microscopic objects. Microscopic objects are in particular microscopic organisms like bacteria and cell cultures, such as cultivation objects like tissue samples and embryos, providing optimal and safe cultivation conditions for incubation during embryo development and for facilitating the selection of optimal embryos to be used in vitro fertilization (IVF) by facilitating embryo handling for automated digital imaging and time-lapse microscopy.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a sample from a patient; applying, to the sample, a reagent to cause bacterial cells to release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) when the sample includes the bacterial cells; applying another reagent that reacts with the ATP to form a colorimetric agent; detecting whether the sample changes in appearance as observed by an unaided eye of a practitioner when a concentration of the agent is greater than a threshold; identifying a time period from when the other reagent is applied to when the change in appearance is detected; and determines a severity, of a bacterial infection, based on the time period. The severity corresponds to a severity level when the time period is less than a duration of a point of care visit by a first amount, or a higher severity level when the time period is less than the duration by more than the first amount.

Abstract: A chain transfer agent composition comprises at least one branched C10 mercaptan selected from 5-methyl-1-mercapto-nonane, 3-propyl-1-mercapto-heptane, 4-ethyl-1-mercapto-octane, 2-butyl-1-mercapto-hexane, 5-methyl-2-mercapto-nonane, 3-propyl-2-mercapto-heptane, 4-ethyl-2-mercapto-octane, 5-methyl-5-mercapto-nonane, or combinations thereof. The chain transfer agent composition can be a component of an emulsion polymerization mixture and can be used in a process for emulsion polymerization for the production of polymers, for example, via free-radical polymerization.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: A contactor is positioned coaxially with and substantially within at least one separator, and otherwise is configured to receive aerosolized target particles of interest as a sample. The use of a plurality of separators that are coaxial with each other and the contactor increases the number of separations involving target particles and other constituents of air at a sampling point, whereby in some embodiments the separators are rotatably configurable relative to each other and to the contactor.

Abstract: A workpiece characterization system for obtaining simultaneous measurement of layer and photoluminescence properties of a workpiece. The workpiece characterization system includes an excitation light and an illumination light each impinging upon a surface of a workpiece whereby the workpiece emits photoluminescent light and encodes light from said illumination source with layer information. The excitation light and the illumination light are generated from a single light source. The light from the single light source is filtered to remove wavelengths of light that correlate to light wavelengths emitted from the workpiece as a result of excitation. Wavelengths that correlate to light reflected from the workpiece that may contain encoded information are not filtered.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A device for the gas analysis of a gas mixture includes a converter configured to convert a first gas component into a target gas component, a sensor system configured to detect the target gas component or another component of the gas mixture after the conversion by the converter, and an evaluating apparatus. The converter is further configured to change the concentration of a second gas component or to cause a conversion to a second target gas component. The sensor system is configured to determine the concentration of the second gas component or of the second target gas component. The evaluating apparatus is configured to determine a value for the aging of the converter on the basis of the concentration of the second gas component or of the second target gas component.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for diagnosing a condition of a component of an exhaust aftertreatment system in exhaust receiving communication with an internal combustion engine where the exhaust aftertreatment system includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. The diagnostic module is configured to determine a normalized tailpipe nitrogen-oxide NOx value based on a tailpipe NOx sensor signal and a ratio of an SCR inlet ammonia (NH3) flow rate to an SCR inlet NOx flow rate. The apparatus also includes a component condition module configured to determine a condition of the component based on the normalized tailpipe NOx value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.

Abstract: A detection kit is used for detecting compounds and includes a magnifying lens in a cap that magnifies a surface of a color-changing detection swab when placed on the body of the detection kit. For example, the cap includes a plurality of lenses that are integrally formed in a plastic cap, and each lens magnifies the surface of a different swab.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether an injector with a valve controlled by a PWM signal of an SCR system is clogged, the SCR system including a rotary positive-displacement pump driven by a motor and pressure of which is controlled by a controller that continuously measures rotational speed of the motor and pressure at an outlet of the pump. During operation of the SCR system at a given pressure: the associated average rotational speed is measured; the speed is held at the measured value; a curve of a change in pressure is compared to reference curves stored in a memory and a condition of the injector, for example whether the injector is clogged or not, is deduced therefrom.

Abstract: In embodiments disclosed herein, a diagnostic system is provided having a cartridge comprising at least one needle; at least one reservoir; at least one fluidic seal; and at least one fluidic channel of a fluidic pathway, wherein the cartridge is configured to store at least one reagent and at least one waste material on the cartridge. The diagnostic system is provided also having a diagnostic instrument comprising the fluidic pathway; an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection system; and a pump, wherein the fluidic pathway begins and ends in the cartridge and has a substantially single direction of flow in a pathway fluidically connecting the diagnostic instrument and the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample chamber for laser ablation analysis of fluid inclusions, comprising a sample cell having a sample cell through-hole extending along the vertical direction and a sample channel extending through the sample cell in a direction transverse to the vertical direction and communicating with the sample cell through-hole. A transparent element is arranged on each of the top and bottom sides of the sample cell through-hole, and is fixed to the sample cell through a fixing ring. The sample chamber further comprises a base comprising a viewing hole and a receiving portion for receiving the sample cell, wherein the viewing hole is coaxially aligned with the sample cell through-hole when the sample cell is placed within the receiving portion. According to the sample chamber of the present invention, it is only necessary to change the sample cell during replacement of the sample chamber, which leads to a convenient operation.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Moreover, the system utilizes configured wedge shaped windows to best minimize the reflections of light which cause periodic variation in transmission at different wave lengths (commonly described as “channel spectra”). Such a system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting light emanating from chemical or biochemical reactions occurring in at least one reaction vessel of a plurality of reaction vessels is disclosed. Each reaction vessel has a receptacle portion having an emitting area from which light can emanate. A plurality of light waveguides are arranged to guide light from apertures in a masking element to a light dispersing device for dispersing the light from each waveguide into a dispersed spectrum. A light detecting device detects specific spectra in the dispersed spectra of light substantially simultaneously In one embodiment, the light waveguides have a diameter that tapers from a first end substantially similar in diameter to the area of the top of the reaction vessel to a second end that is substantially smaller in diameter.

Abstract: Provided is a clinical diagnostic system that comprises a diagnostic instrument and a disposable cartridge. The diagnostic system can be used to measure assays in point of care clinical settings.

Abstract: A nanopore device includes a multi-layer structure comprising a surface defining an aperture extending through the multi-layer structure, wherein at least the surface comprising a minimal diameter comprises a monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having a silicon-oxygen-silicon bond, the monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having the following structure: wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12; R2 and R3 are each independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, or a tert-butyl group; and R4 is a chloride, a carboxylic acid group, an amine group, an amide group, a thiol group, an alcohol group, an acyl chloride group, an acyl bromide group, an acyl iodide group, an alkene group, an alkyne group, or a polyether group. Also disclosed are methods for making, wetting, and operating the nanopore device.