Abstract: A reconfigurable sample preparation device includes a rotary plunger device having a hollow body and a coupling device, provided above one end of the rotary plunger, and accommodating a sample. The device also includes at least one sealed reagent module. When the rotary plunger is rotated on the coupling device, a film of the reagent module is pierced, mixing the sample with a substance from the reagent module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a particular chemical in a sample, includes placing the sample in contact with a semiconductive material provided on a flow cell. An electrical characteristic of the semiconductive material is detected by an interdigitated electrode, and a first signal indicative thereof of output. An optical characteristic of the semiconductive material is detected by a photodetector and a second signal indicative thereof is output. Based on the first and second signals, it is determined by a processor as to whether or not the particular chemical is present in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fluid real-time camera control of at least one camera to at least one network user via a network including the internet. A control pad or area can be provided to camera users via an application or applet that can be calibrated to provide fluid camera control. Compressed or uncompressed analog, digital, or streaming video and audio data can also be provided to the users to allow real-time low latency continuous audio/visual feedback. Multiple camera users can obtain control of a camera using a dynamic queuing technique that can allow single user camera control for certain time intervals. An administrator can establish user camera control parameters including camera control intervals for subscriber users versus non-subscriber users, camera usurping by an administrator, elimination of camera control privileges for a user, and denial of camera control requests by a user.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample includes a strip of material, a first filter for capturing a biological particulate including a nucleic acid, and at least one reagent. Each of the first filter and the reagent are disposed and extend longitudinally on the strip.

Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provides for measuring multi-dimensional sensing information for identification purposes. The identity of one or more substances is determined through analysis of multidimensional data that can include, among others, intrinsic information as well as extrinsic information. The method for identification of a substance comprises utilizing pattern recognition to form descriptors to identify characteristics of the substance. A system and computer program for performing analysis of the multidimensional data are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid diagnosis and monitoring a patient for disease or effectiveness of treatment in real time. In preferred embodiments, the methods and devices comprise contacting an array of sensors with a sample from a mammal suspected of having a disease to generate a sensor array profile, measuring a clinical diagnostic marker for the suspected disease, and then developing a diagnosis using the sensor array profile in combination with the clinical diagnostic marker.

Abstract: A scanning device for providing a radiation scan to an article is disclosed. The scanning device includes a housing, a transport system and a radiation attenuation system. The housing has a entrance port and an exit port and encloses a radiation analysis unit. The transport system is configured to move the article from the entrance port, through the housing and to the exit port. The radiation attenuation system is supported at one of the entrance port and the exit port. The radiation attenuation system includes at least one substantially rigid panel rotatable relative to the housing and a counter balance coupled to the panel to at least partially offset the weight of the panel.

Abstract: A holder for PCR sample collection and preparation and method of using which has a buffer container housing removably connected to a plunger housing. A swab attached to an end of a plunger collects a sample of a specimen to be analyzed for biological warfare agents. The swab and plunger are inserted into the plunger housing, a buffer container is positioned inside the buffer container housing and the buffer container housing and plunger housing are attached. A buffer passes through the swab and elutes off the sample and the sample mixes with a reagent. The prepared sample loads into a reaction tube, by a whipping action, for analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and classifying biosensor and chemical sensor data includes processing data fetched from an array of sensors. A statistical analysis of the processed data is performed, to obtain statistically analyzed sensor data. A determination is made, based on the statistically analyzed sensor data, whether or not there a response signal has been generated from the array of sensors. If a response signal is determined to have been generated, a numerical pattern recognition is performed on the data collected from the array of sensors, in order to categorize the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for measuring and testing a product using artificial olfactometry and analytical data sensory to identify preferences. The system accurately facilitates a consumer's choice between products using descriptors of similar yet different products. The system and methods provide an objective recommendation based upon analytical descriptors and attributes of particular products. The system eliminates the subjective recommendations of persons familiar with many comparable and related products and thereby makes objective recommendations between products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a sensor on a substrate having a pair of electrodes. The methods are especially amenable to broad variations amongst individual sensor on a single substrate. The intra-sensor variation within the array can be achieved in various fashions. The method provide intra-sensor variation using quantitative and qualitative differences in each sensor.

Abstract: A sensor or a sensor array connected to an electrical measuring apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one sensor contains a layer of conductive modified particles which forms an electrical pathway or electrical circuit between two electrodes which are connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. In another embodiment, the first sensor contains at least one region of a nonconducting material and also a region that contains one or more modified particles. The modified particles are preferably conductive. An electrical path exists though the regions of the nonconducting material and the region containing the modified particles. The modified particles are conductive and more preferably are pigment particles such as modified carbon black, wherein the modified particles have attached at least one organic group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed sensing system in a networked environment for identifying an analyte, including a first sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a first response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; a second sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a second response in the presence of a physical stimulus; and a computer comprising a resident algorithm. The algorithm indicates or selects the most relevant sensor in the network to identify the analyte. The sensors can be separated over large spatial areas, wherein the sensor arrays are networked. Suitable networks include a computer local area network, an intranet or the Internet.

Abstract: A method and system of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents includes operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area. Concurrently a second type sensor is operated having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, where the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity. Input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor is received and analyzed, at a central location, in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising first and second sensors formed by chemically sensitive resitors, wherein the first sensor comprises a region of aligned conductive material; or where each of the sensors comprises alternating regions of nonconductive regions and aligned conductive regions with each resistor providing an electrical path through both the nonconductive region and the aligned conductive region, while each sensor manifests a different electrical resistance during contact with sample fluids having different analyte concentrations via the monitoring arrangement of having the sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. The aligned conductive particle material is aligned by exposure to either of an electric, magnetic, optical, photo-electric, electromagnetic or mechanical field, which serves to improve signal to noise ratio of vapor sensors allowing Lower Detection Limits for vapors being sensed.

Abstract: A CTD and method of using a CTD for automatic sampling and analysis of target analytes, such as explosive materials, chemical warfare agents, and narcotics present on documents or other articles is provided. The CTD comprises an article processing mechanism, a swabbing medium, a thermal desorber, and a spectrometer.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an analyte in an ion mobility spectrometer using an amide ionization reagent is provided. This method is particularly useful for the detection of peroxide-based explosives.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus and method of obtaining a sample are provided. The apparatus has a body, a head connected to the body, and a mechanism for retaining a substrate on the head. The apparatus enables an area to be sampled quickly and efficiently, while minimizing cross-contamination of a sample and incorrect placement of a sample in an analyzer.