Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in the acceleration of binding of target analytes to capture ligands on surfaces. Detection proceeds through the use of an electron transfer moiety (ETM) that is associated with the target analyte, either directly or indirectly, to allow electronic detection of the ETM.

Abstract: A single toroidal core is wound with excitation/detection windings for reciprocal-integral eddy current driving-detection means, the pick-up coil being wound around the circumference of the toroid core. The utilized fields being orthogonal for an inherent null. The preferred excitation is ramping sine-cosine currents generating a variable angular velocity driving dipole. A rotating field torus core having an excited poloidal winding for generating concentric n-s s-n diameter-wise dipoles on the plane of the torus for shifting the hemispherical sensing field eccentric in an orbital motion.

Abstract: A diffusion-type NDIR gas analyzer with an improved response time due to convection flow created by a temperature gradient between gas located within a waveguide and gas located within a diffusion pocket of space created between the waveguide and a semi-permeable membrane which surrounds the waveguide. The temperature gradient may be created by a thermally resistive radiation source that is not thermally isolated from the waveguide. The semi-permeable membrane is made of a hydrophobic material and has a thickness sufficient to provide its own structural integrity. The semi-permeable membrane can have a porosity less than approximately 50 microns and be comprised of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or Teflon®.

Abstract: A non-contact linear position center has juxtaposed transmit and receive sections with a coupler or slider section interposed therebetween carrying a symmetrical attenuating conductive pattern. The inductive coupling of coils on the transmitter and receive sections is attenuated in accordance with the linear position of the pattern on the coupler. A unique sinusoidal signal is generated whose phase is indicative of the linear position of the coupler.

Abstract: In a method for determining the length of a light guide light of two different wavelengths or wavelength ranges is passed through a light guide whose length is to be measured. The ratio of incident light intensity to exit light intensity for each one of the wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the light passing through the light guide is determined. The length of the light guide is calculated based on wavelength-dependent attenuation coefficients of the light guide and the ratios of incident light intensity to exit light intensity for each one of the wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the light.

Abstract: Sensors for use in sensing the level and temperature of a corrosive medium contained in a container. The sensors have particular use in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, however the sensors also have applications in the biotech, pharmaceutical, plating, chemical, petroleum, etc. industries. The sensors comprise first and second elongate, conductive sensor members, each of which has a longitudinal axis and is dimensioned to extend into the medium. The first and second sensor members each include a core that is made from a non-metallic, electrically resistive material having a plurality of non-metallic conductive fibers embedded therein. Each core has opposite ends and the fibers are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first and second sensor members and extend continuously substantially between the ends of the cores. Media level can be sensed by comparing the capacitance of the sensor members, which changes as the level of the media changes.

Abstract: A position detector is provided for detecting the relative movement of first and second members which are mounted for relative movement along a measuring path. One of the members comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field and the other member comprises first and second conductors which are inductively coupled to said magnetic field generator. The arrangement of the first and second conductors and the magnetic field generator is such that output signals are generated in a first and second receive circuits whose position varies with the relative movement between the two members. In addition to carrying information relating to the relative position between the two members, the signals induced in the receive circuits also comprise information defining the relative orientation of the two movable members, and by suitable processing of the received signals the relative orientation of the two members can also be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, &lgr;, of an electron transfer process.

Abstract: A high efficiency fuzzy logic based Stirling cycle cryogenic cooler has increased efficiency by driving the system in the demand mode (near the desired set point cooling temperature) by a more efficient sinusoidal waveform. The compressor pistons of the Stirling compressor are driven by a voice coil actuator between compressing the coolant gas and then releasing and being driven against an opposing return spring. Since a square wave provides faster cool-down, this is utilized during that mode. In addition, to utilize the rebound effect of both the ambient gas pressure and the return springs, the voice coil actuator drive is turned off during one-quarter cycle rebound portions of the cooling cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to the planarization of inductive components by reducing standard coiled designs to single turn designs from which the required parameters are obtained by scaling the length. Single turn designs having magnetic material encircling the conductors along their full length enable the thinnest form. The single turn form also enables the inductive component to be routed according to any shape in the plane or on any conformal surface. The single turn inductors do not need to coil hence there is no overlap necessary in the plane. The planar form allows integration of inductive components with integrated circuits. These inductive components can be embedded in other materials. They can also be fabricated directly onto parts. The differential current transformer by virtue of its fabrication next to a capacitive pick-off enables the preservation of the purity of the signal obtained by taking signal differences close to the transducer and minimizing pick-up from leads.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids covalently coupled to electrodes via conductive oligomers. More particularly, the invention is directed to the site-selective modification of nucleic acids with electron transfer moieties and electrodes to produce a new class of biomaterials, and to methods of making and using them.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a carbohydrate in a sample. The method includes providing a low valency carbohydrate binding ligand, providing a glycoconjugate which includes a label, and a carbohydrate moiety, contacting the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand and the glycoconjugate with the sample, determining the extent of binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate, the binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate being correlated with the amount of carbohydrate in the sample.

Abstract: A retractable thermowell is formed of a fixed thermowell housing on which a movable thermowell housing is threaded. The fixed thermowell housing and the movable thermowell housing together receive a thermowell. The thermowell is secured for axial movement with the movable thermowell housing. When the movable thermowell housing is threaded onto or off the fixed thermowell housing, the movable thermowell housing is moved between respectively an extended and retracted position.

Abstract: A tank level monitoring and alarm system comprises a passive level switch, a transmitter, a repeater, and a receiver. It provides easy installation, convenient calibration, and very low maintenance. A mechanical level switch for the specific vessel is installed. The contacts of the level switch are connected to the transmitter. When the switch is activated, the transmitter immediately broadcasts an alarm signal to the receiver. A relay output at the receiver is either opened or closed thus activating the alarm or other device attached to it. The relay output may also connect to a control apparatus, such as a signal transmitter to provide for remote operation of such devices as valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids covalently coupled to electrodes via conductive oligomers. More particularly, the invention is directed to the site-selective modification of nucleic acids with electron transfer moieties and electrodes to produce a new class of biomaterials, and to methods of making and using them.

Abstract: A process whereby the olfactory response of a gas chromatograph, equipped with a focused surface acoustic wave interferometer integrating detector is converted to a visual image for the purpose of performing pattern recognition. As volatile analytes exit a gas chromatography column a Surface Acoustic Wave Interferometer is used to monitor the condensation and re-evaporation of these analytes by periodically measuring the resonant frequency of the interferometer. A time varying output parameter is then converted to a polar display. This form of electronic nose provides a recognizable visual image of specific vapor mixtures (fragrances) containing possibly hundreds of different chemical species. Because the method provides a means of adapting and learning to recognize new vapors using these images, it is a useful method for testing chemical compositions as well as the vapors associated with bacteria and human disease.

Abstract: This invention discloses an illumination device for use in image reading applications. The illumination device comprises a light guide and a light source attached to one end of the light guide, which consists of a rod-shaped body with two end light reflectors made of metal clips. The two lateral surfaces of the light guide causes total internal reflection of light rays impinging upon the surface from within the light guide. The curved top surface of the light guide serves the function of focusing. The narrow bottom surface along the light guide reflects the light with a series of highly reflective paint stripes of varying widths applied upon it. The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and at least a center of the light emitting elements is placed along a normal line passing through a center of the reflection area when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the light guide.

Abstract: A meandering winding magnetometer (MWM) includes a meandering primary winding and at least one sensing winding or coil on a membrane to be pressed against a test surface. The membrane may be supported on a flexible carrier which is translatable into a probe. Abutments in the probe press the carrier against the test surface but allow the carrier and membrane to conform to the test surface. One MWM circuit includes meandering primary and secondary windings. The return leads from the secondary winding return to connector pads in close alignment with the test array, while leads from the primary winding are spaced at least one wavelength from the array. In another MWM circuit, individual sensing loops are positioned within the meandering primary winding. The MWM circuit may be provided on an adhesive tape which may be cut to length.

Abstract: A method of manufacture and a piezoelectric transducer are provided having a housing whose interior contains a piezoelectric element having radially spaced surfaces which undergo relative shear and produce an electrical signal in response thereto, an outer radial surface of the piezoelectric element being soldered to the interior of the housing, and an inner radial surface of the piezoelectric element is soldered to the outer surface of a stress/strain transmitting element. The solder alloy used shrinks less than 2.5% at solidification. The subassembly made up of the piezoelectric element and the stress/strain transmitting element is provided with a passage to permit escape of gas from a chamber above the piezoelectric member which may be present from vapors attendant soldering.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive wire waveguide type position measuring system wherein the wire waveguide is mounted within a small diameter brass tube which, in turn, is mounted by way of resilient suspension components within a rigid outer tube affixed to a position reference frame. The suspension components isolate the waveguide from relatively high frequency shock inputs characteristic of rough environment applications. The position signal is derived from output signal quantities generated by the propagation times of sonic disturbances from a first reference magnet held in a fixed position relative to the outer housing and a second user magnet which moves relative to the outer housing with the element or quantity being monitored.