Abstract: The invention is a method to detect a weak interface signal in a guided wave level measurement device. The device includes a waveguide, a signal generator and a signal receiver, the signal generator and signal receiver being operationally connected to the waveguide. The method includes the steps of transmitting an outgoing signal; monitoring the signal received at the signal receiver to detect a first signal level that exceeds or equals a first threshold level (TH1) and if such a signal level is detected, continue monitoring the received signal to detect a second signal level that exceeds or equals TH1. Finally, if a second signal level in excess of TH1 is detected, continue monitoring the received signal to detect a third signal level that exceeds or equals a second threshold level TH2.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope includes a tip (12). The tip is shifted to determine a height of a surface interval (44) of an object, wherein the surface interval is substantially sloped at an angle above the horizontal and defines a point (42a). The atomic force microscope includes a light source (31) and an analyzer (33). The light source applies a number of light beams focused onto the point of the surface interval, and the applied light beams are reflected by the surface interval. The analyzer analyzes the reflected light beams in order to determine the angle above the horizontal.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying equipment in a fluid container or fluid conduit comprises a fluid housing having an outlet aperture, the fluid housing being adapted to be secured to the container or conduit such that the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an aperture in the container or conduit. The apparatus further includes a piston in the fluid housing dividing the fluid housing into first and second fluid chambers, the second fluid chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of the container or conduit via the outlet aperture when the fluid housing is secured in fluid communication with the container or conduit. The piston is movable within the fluid housing toward the outlet aperture in response to increases of fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber. The apparatus further includes a guide means for guiding deployment of the equipment into the container or conduit.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency or effective mass coupling.

Abstract: A method for using an end effector for inspecting a structure is provided. An end effector includes a magnetically coupled attachment member for connecting the end effector to a control system bridge. An end effector also includes a telescoping arm at least partially disposed inside a tube. A force mechanism provides a force to extend the arm from the tube. A probe attachment, connected to the end of the arm opposite the tube, provides motion in at least one axis relative to the arm for an inspection probe attached to the end effector. Cut-off switches can be used to alert a control system to a separation of the end effector from the bridge and proximity of the bridge to a structure under inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for determining a transfer characteristic of welding electrodes, flux, or other welding consumable, or materials used in producing welding consumables, in which an analytical scale or other weight measurement instrument is situated within an environmental chamber to weigh welding consumable test items while the atmospheric conditions inside the chamber are controlled. A data acquisition system is located outside the chamber and is operatively coupled with the scale to obtain a number of measurements at different times while the atmospheric condition in the interior of said environmental chamber is controlled to a test condition.

Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.

Abstract: A new simulator of the human head and animal bodies mimics moisture transpiration from eyes and skin and heat emission. The present invention used to demonstrate and quantify anti-fogging performance of goggles and apparel. Thin water permeable membranes are mounted onto a container containing a thermostatically controlled, heated and stirred reservoir of water as a simulation of the moisture source of the human eyes and skin. A light source and optical mesh patterns help illuminate water condensation on the inner lens of the goggles. The simulator results in a reliable and convenient demonstration and testing system for moisture condensation in goggle lenses, and heat and moisture apparel.

Abstract: Pipetting device with a displacement device with a displacement chamber with a displaceable limiter, a attachment for connecting to a pipette tip and a connecting channel between the displacement chamber and the free end of the attachment, a drive device for driving the displaceable limiter of the displacement device with a drive member, which has a releasable cooperation with the displaceable limiter, and a bayonet connection between the drive device and the displacement device which can be established by creating the cooperation between the drive member and the displaceable limiter and can be released by releasing the cooperation between the drive member and the displaceable limiter.

Abstract: A method for determining the water resistance of glass fiber based insulation to wetting by water is disclosed. The method generally comprise the steps of placing a sample of insulation into contact with a source of water for a defined period of time; removing the insulation sample from the water containing surface; draining the sample for a prescribed period of time, and determining the water resistance according to certain formulas or observations.

Abstract: A pipette tip is provided including sidewall having a distal end and a proximal end. The sidewall extends from the proximal end to the distal end and defines a surface around a center axis. The distal portion defines a tip having an aperture. The proximal portion has a sealing member and a wall member spaced apart and defining a channel therein between. The sealing member is deflectable from a first position to a second position when receiving the shaft of a pipette tool. The sealing member is elastically deformable so as to creates a seal with the shaft.

Abstract: A sampling device and a system for testing of sample liquid are proposed. Very simple and prompt testing of the sample liquid is enabled in that the sampling device has a reservoir for the dilution liquid and that the taken-up sample liquid can be delivered by the dilution liquid directly to the testing area.

Abstract: A metal rod guide (30) supports a metal rod (1) that can be inclined at an arbitrary angle, the support is instantaneously released to produce a free fall state, and during the release period, a first end surface (2) of the metal rod is impacted by a projectile (3) at the same angle as the metal rod, generating an elastic wave pulse in the metal rod. A direct current acceleration sensor (23) detects an acceleration arising when the elastic wave pulse reflects at the other end surface (22) of the metal rod. A strain gauge (25) provided on a side surface of the metal rod and/or a laser interferometer (24) measure strain and end surface motion and the measured values are processed to obtain a frequency response of the direct current acceleration sensor and measure frequency characteristics of the direct current acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A complex pendulum system biomass sensor having a plurality of pendulums. The plurality of pendulums allow the system to detect a biomass height and density. Each pendulum has an angular deflection sensor and a deflector at a unique height. The pendulums are passed through the biomass and readings from the angular deflection sensors are fed into a control system. The control system determines whether adjustment of machine settings is appropriate and either displays an output to the operator, or adjusts automatically adjusts the machine settings, such as the speed, at which the pendulums are passed through the biomass. In an alternate embodiment, an entanglement sensor is also passed through the biomass to determine the amount of biomass entanglement. This measure of entanglement is also fed into the control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Abstract: A collection apparatus is provided for receiving a portion of a medium that flows around the apparatus and directing the portion into a collector. The apparatus includes an axisymmetric streamline receiver and a support member. The streamline receiver includes a chamber as well as at least one opening into the chamber that receives the portion. The support member includes an axisymmetric conduit for directing the portion from the chamber towards the collector.

Abstract: An impact sensor, or a method for testing the impact sensor. The impact sensor has a sensor element and a filter for filtering the signals of the sensor element. This filter is preferably a low-pass filter. Using a test signal, the filter is tested, and if there is a deviation the filter is corrected using a software filter or through a parametrization of the triggering algorithm.

Abstract: A free point tool comprises an elongated main shaft assembly and a low mass sensor assembly coaxially and slidingly disposed over the elongated main shaft. The low mass sensor assembly is adapted to be supported within the down hole casing by first and second drag spring centralizers coupled respectively to upper and lower ends of the low mass sensor assembly. The low mass sensor assembly comprises a magnetic amplifier sensor disposed in a sensor body and having a variable inductance proportionally responsive to longitudinal and rotational displacement of an adjacent sensor plate portion of a movable sensor sleeve concentric with and enclosing the sensor body, wherein the sensor sleeve is attached to the first drag spring centralizer and the sensor body is attached to the second drag spring centralizer.

Abstract: An aerosol collecting device adapted for attachment to a chemical vapor detection system is disclosed to include a chamber comprising an inlet with a collecting funnel attached thereto and open to ambient, an outlet, and a through cavity defined therebetween, wherein the outlet is adapted for fluid connection with an input port of the chemical vapor detection system; and a heating element for heating the chamber to a temperature above the boiling point of a target chemical agent of interest in the form of a droplet or aerosol, wherein the chemical agent in the form of a droplet or aerosol is converted into a vapor form as it passes through the cavity from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber, and prior to entering the intake port of the chemical vapor detection system.

Abstract: A test cell for testing a sample cement composition includes a test chamber and a variable stress system. The test chamber is configured to hold a sample cement composition for a wellbore. The variable stress system communicates with the test chamber. Performance of the sample cement composition is tested for a wellbore using the variable stress system.