Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously performing chemical reactions and determining molecular transport dynamics on a plurality of samples such as thin film samples. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of containing multiple samples in individual sample holding positions in a sample holder within a housing and maintaining those holding positions in chemical isolation from each other. Under control of a computerized controller, the apparatus positions the sample holder so that each sample holding position may be positioned adjacent to one or more ports connected to a distribution manifold. The apparatus exposes each sample to one or more fluids in liquid or gas phase, thereby carrying out a chemical reaction and/or determining molecular transport dynamics under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. The sample holding positions may be positioned in an analytical measurement station within the housing so that the resulting chemical compound or mixture may be characterized.

Abstract: A calibration method in which secular change in sensor output values obtained at calibration times is estimated and the next calibration date can be determined at an appropriate interval and a zirconia-type oxygen analyzer using the above calibration method is achieved. The present invention is characterized by the fact that, in a calibration method in which a standard sample having a known value is measured and the output value of a measuring instrument corresponding to a sensor output value at the time of measurement is calibrated, the sensor output value obtained in implemented calibrating operations is stored in succession as the data for calibration history and the state of secular change in said sensor output value is estimated based on the stored past data for calibration history to determine the next calibration date.

Abstract: An interlock controller provides real time monitoring of the flow of gases or fluids into a semiconductor processing chamber and interrupts the flow when the peak flow exceeds a predetermined level. The controller receives signals from a mass flow control valve, respectively representing a commanded flow rate and an actual flow rate. The difference between these two signals is calculated and if the difference exceeds a certain value, a measurement cycle is initiated during which the peak flow rate is measured. If the measured peak low rate is greater than a predetermined value, then the controller closes a shut off vale to interrupt the flow into the chamber.

Abstract: A fishing reel which displays an estimated weight of a fish caught on a hook attached to fishing line attached to the fishing reel while the fish is reeled-in that includes a line spool; a load cell for measuring an outward force pulling on the line; a processor in communication with the output of the load cell such that the processor can periodically read the outward force on the line; and a display for displaying an estimated weight of the fish to a fisherman. The processor calculates an estimated weight and updates the display which displays the estimated weight, based on forces measured between the time a fish strikes the hook and the landing of the fish.

Abstract: Inferred sensor signals are generated for uninstrumented physical parameters not among parameters measured in processes and equipment having one or more sensors in place for monitoring physical parameters. Inferential sensor signals can be advantageously used in downstream control processing or analysis. The inferred sensor signals generated accordingly may be returned to a control system or display system local to the process or machine, or located at the remote location or yet a different remote location. The system can provide expected parameter values, as well as the differences between expected and input signals; or the system can provide raw measures of similarity between the collection of input signals and the collection of acceptable modeled states. A memory for storing the representative training set, or a transformation thereof, is coupled to a processor.

Abstract: An unattended, self-calibrating, microprocessor controlled, electromechanical liquid sample acquisition, analysis and storage system is contained in a sealed evacuated housing. Liquid is drawn by suction into the sealed evacuated housing where it passes through a microfluidic manifold assembly to be brought into contact with signal producing liquid condition sensors. A marker solution is used to demarcate samples of liquid stored in an evacuated capillary. The microprocessor stores the signals produced by the liquid condition sensors and allows for cross-referencing the stored signals with the stored liquid samples in the capillary.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed is an apparatus for detecting a confined occupant in a confined space in a transportation vehicle. A transportation vehicle contains an apparatus for detecting a confined occupant in a confined space in a transportation vehicle including a minimum of one carbon dioxide sensor, a method for detecting a confined occupant in a confined space in a transportation vehicle and a computing means having an algorithm for detecting a confined occupant in a confined space based upon analysis of a carbon dioxide concentration measured in a confined space of a transportation vehicle.