Abstract: An apparatus and technique for extracting information carried in higher eigenmodes or harmonics of an oscillating cantilever or other oscillating sensors in atomic force microscopy and related MEMs work is described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for scanning probe microscopy. A method includes generating a band excitation (BE) signal having finite and predefined amplitude and phase spectrum in at least a first predefined frequency band; exciting a probe using the band excitation signal; obtaining data by measuring a response of the probe in at least a second predefined frequency band; and extracting at least one relevant dynamic parameter of the response of the probe in a predefined range including analyzing the obtained data. The BE signal can be synthesized prior to imaging (static band excitation), or adjusted at each pixel or spectroscopy step to accommodate changes in sample properties (adaptive band excitation).

Abstract: Device for monitoring the level of the condensate collected in the measurement cylinder of a standardized distillation apparatus for automatically distilling liquid specimens, characterized in that it comprises: on the one hand, a double optical barrier emitting a central beam centered on the measurement cylinder (1), so as to allow detection of the part below the meniscus, and an eccentric beam offset with respect to the central beam and located close to the wall of the measurement cylinder (1), so as to allow the part above the meniscus to be detected; and, on the other hand, a fixed optical barrier intended for counting the drops of condensate falling into the measurement cylinder (1) during distillation.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph-combustion apparatus and method are disclosed in which the carrier gas type and flow rate is continuously exchanged to facilitate high speed, high sensitivity compound specific isotope analysis. Samples are injected into a gas chromatograph that uses H2 as the carrier gas. The gas stream exiting the gas chromatograph is passed through a combustion system in which H2 and the samples are combusted, simultaneously and totally, to oxidize the sample to CO2 and/or N2 gas, and to convert H2 gas to water vapor. Water vapor is removed using a water separator. Therefore, combustion serves the dual purpose of preparing the samples for isotopic analysis and converting H2 to water vapor, which can be easily separated out. A second carrier gas may be used to convey the CO2 and N2 to a mass spectrometer where the isotopic composition (e.g. 14C or 15N) is determined.

Abstract: A leak detector (1) adapted to detect a leak (40) of a first material by detecting a change in a physical/chemical property of a second material. The leak detector includes a quantum cascade laser (5) and a detector (35).

Abstract: A detection device (10) includes: covers (1-3); an oscillator (4); antennas (9, 11, 12), a testing space (13), and a minute space (14). The testing space (13) and minute space (14) are formed in the covers (1-3). The minute space (14) is open to the testing space (13). The oscillator (4) is disposed in the testing space (13) such that its edge portions are inserted into the minute space (14). The antenna (9) works together with the antenna (12) to apply an electromagnetic field to the oscillator (4). The antenna (11) works together with the antenna (12) to receive a reception signal composed of a vibration signal from the oscillator (4).

Abstract: A method of analysing the hydrocarbon compounds in a bituminous material by means of comprehensive multi-dimensional gas chromatography is disclosed. The method may be used to measure the quantity of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in a bituminous material and may be used to determine the mutagenic tendency of a bituminous material.

Abstract: A sensing instrument using a piezoelectric resonator changes natural frequency when coming into contact with a liquid to adsorb a substance to be sensed in the liquid. The sensing instrument includes an oscillator circuit supplying a piezoelectric resonator with oscillation driving power for oscillating the piezoelectric resonator so as to set a driving current to 0.3 mA or less. A measuring unit measures a concentration of the substance to be sensed based on an oscillation output of the oscillator circuit. Self-heating of the piezoelectric resonator is suppressed. Consequently, a change of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator is suppressed, which as a result enables accurate detection of a variation of the frequency due to the adsorption of the substance to be sensed.

Abstract: An AFM based technique has been demonstrated for performing highly localized IR spectroscopy on a sample surface. Significant issues as to size, cost of implementation, and repeatability/robustness of results exist in commercializing the technique. The invention addresses many of these issues thereby producing a version of the analytical technique that can be made generally available to the scientific community.

Abstract: An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a gas sensing element, a housing for the gas sensing element, and an element cover secured to an axial end of the housing and composed of an inner cover covering part of the gas sensing element and an outer cover disposed outside the inner cover. The outer cover comprise an approximately cylindrical side wall body, a bottom body integral with the side wall body, and a guide having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the side wall body and the second end being separated from the side wall body and located to provide a side opening between the second end and the side wall body. The side opening introduces a gas thereinto. A discharge opening is formed through the bottom body. The second end is recessed inward in the outer cover and is closer to the bottom body than the first end.

Abstract: A cylinder sleeve surface measurement assembly for measuring a surface roughness of a cylinder sleeve, especially a cylinder sleeve formed in an engine block. The assembly includes a fixture that holds a surface profiling device. The surface profiling device is provided with a stylus that perpendicularly projects from a measuring arm, and the fixture holds the surface profiling device such that the stylus remains in perpendicular contact with the surface of the cylinder sleeve. To ensure perpendicular contact, the fixture is provided with an arcuate surface that defines an arc matching that of a portion of the cylinder sleeve. Accordingly, the arcuate surface allows the measuring arm to remain parallel to a surface of the cylinder sleeve, thereby ensuring that the stylus remains perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for processing liquid test samples are generally provided. Automated systems generally include a gas and liquid separator configured for removing at least one volatile component from the test sample, a first trapping vessel in fluid communication with the gas and liquid separator, wherein the first trapping vessel contains a trapping material capable of adsorbing at least one of the at least one volatile component to provide at least one adsorbed component, and a heat source configured to heat the trapping material to a temperature sufficient to release at least one of the at least one adsorbed component from the trapping material to provide at least one released component.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of isotope ratios, wherein at least one sample gas and/or at least one reference gas are supplied to at least one analytical device via at least one open split, the addition of a carrier gas also being possible. According to the invention, the concentration of the sample gas and/or reference gas passing into the analytical device is controlled by the supply of the respective carrier gas or by direct supply of the sample gas into the analytical device. In the device according to the invention for supplying gases to at least one analytical device, two or more capillaries are provided for sample gases, the capillaries in each case having their own drive for the movement between mixing zone and waiting zone.

Abstract: An AFM based technique has been demonstrated for performing highly localized IR spectroscopy on a sample surface. Significant issues as to size, cost of implementation, and repeatability/robustness of results exist in commercializing the technique. The invention addresses many of these issues thereby producing a version of the analytical technique that can be made generally available to the scientific community.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to scanning probes in which a cantilever contacts a stylus via an integrated stylus base pad, and methods for fabricating such probes. The probe offer many advantages over other types of scanning probes with respect to eliminating the need for a soft, reflective coating in some applications and providing for the simple fabrication of sharp stylus tips, flexibility with respect to functionalizing the tip, and minimal thermal drift due to reduced bimorph effect. The advantage of these features facilitates the acquisition of high resolution images of samples in general, and particularly in liquids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for direct and indirect measurement of the density of a fluid which exhibits sag characteristics is disclosed. The sag measurement system includes a test container for holding a fluid mixture to be analyzed and a suction port on the test container. A pump is coupled to the suction port for circulating the fluid mixture from the test container through a circulation loop. A measurement device is coupled to the circulation loop and a return port directs the fluid mixture from the circulation loop back to the test container at substantially the same vertical location as the suction port. The fluid mixture flowing through the circulation loop passes through the measurement device before returning to the test container through the return port. The measurement device is operable to monitor the particle distribution of the fluid mixture as it changes due to gravity.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: A tuning fork-type vibrator includes a tuning fork-type vibrating body including a base and legs. The tuning fork-type vibrating body includes two piezoelectric substrates, an intermediate electrode, surface electrodes and an entire-surface electrode that are laminated together. The surface electrodes are separated by separating portions extending from the base to each of the legs. The widths of the separating portions at a point of connection to the circuit board are wider than those of the separating portions at other points. The separating portions are formed by dividing an electrode provided on the entire surface of a piezoelectric substrate in the vibrating body with a dicer or by laser radiation or etching.

Abstract: A gas sensor apparatus and method of forming the same generally includes a gas sensor element comprising a heater and a plurality of electrodes. A ceramic substrate can be provided for supporting the electrodes on one side of the ceramic substrate and the heater on the opposite side of the ceramic substrate. The gas sensor element is preferably embedded in the ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate also possesses a substantially circular shape in order to prevent a breakage of the gas sensor element, avoid thermal loss, and permit the gas sensor apparatus to withstand mechanical shock and high vibrations while occupying a minimal package space.