Abstract: A method for determining a change in a mass of a fan impeller. The method includes inducing a torque to the fan impeller and determining a change in the angular speed of the fan impeller, induced by the torque. A value for a first parameter representing a present mass of the fan impeller is determined on the basis of the change in the angular speed and the torque. The change in the mass is then determined on the basis of the first parameter and a second parameter representing the reference mass of the fan impeller.

Abstract: A device is provided for checking a flow pressure measurement probe as well as a probe comprising the device. The probe includes an internal volume and at least one orifice for communication with the outside of the volume. The device includes: an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver that are intended to be connected to the internal volume so that the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal that propagates in the internal volume and so that the receiver picks up an observed acoustic signal; and, means for comparing the observed signal with a reference signal. The device may be a stand-alone device or may be integrated into the probe.

Abstract: Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and natural resource contexts is provided. The apparatus comprises a sampling container assembly for sampling a fluid. The container assembly comprises a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid. After collection of the sample in the sampling container assembly, hazardous fluids are converted to non-hazardous materials that can be transported without additional hazardous material restraints. Further, the flow through design of the sampling container assembly allows for the collection of gases such as H2S at low concentrations by flowing the gas over the reactant materials for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A system and a method detect contamination of a diaphragm in a capacitance diaphragm gauge wherein a contaminated diaphragm deflects less in the presence of pressure than an uncontaminated diaphragm. The system and method measure a base pressure. A DC voltage is applied between the diaphragm and a fixed electrode to cause the diaphragm to deflect to simulate an effective pressure. The system and method measure a combined pressure caused by the base pressure and the effective pressure. The system and method subtract the base pressure to determine the effective pressure caused by the static diaphragm deflection. If the measured effective pressure is less than an acceptable effective pressure, the system and method determine that the diaphragm is contaminated.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator.

Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.

Abstract: A sampling container having a bottle connected to a cap with the cap in communication with a one-way valve for the transport of fluid into the bottle; and the one-way valve configured to receive fluids there through into the opening of the bottle. Further optional embodiments also include a vacuum adapter for attaching the cap to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for performing alignment harmonization of a collection of electro-optical and/or gimbaled componentry that is to operate within a common coordinate frame. In some cases, the techniques and architecture can provide a cost- and time-efficient approach to achieving alignment harmonization that is compatible, for example, with field-test and/or operational environments. In some instances, the techniques and architecture can be used in concert with error calibration techniques to further improve the accuracy of the alignment harmonization. The techniques and architecture can be utilized with a wide range of components (e.g., sensors, armaments, targeting systems, weapons systems, countermeasure systems, navigational systems, surveillance systems, etc.) on a wide variety of platforms. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to resonating detection devices in which the sample flows through a conduit having a section in which the conduit is grouped or concentrated with the point of maximum movement. An exemplary device includes a primary conduit, at least one first flex section, at least one second flex section and at least one analysis section. The primary conduit cooperates with an energizer for inducing vibration and a programmed calculator for determining a resonant frequency to calculate a mass related parameter of the solution carried therein.

Abstract: A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.

Abstract: A specimen kit having a tiny chamber is disclosed for a specimen preparation for TEM. The space height of the chamber is far smaller than dimensions of blood cells and therefore is adapted to sort nanoparticles from the blood cells. The specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over a true distribution status of nanoparticles in blood. The extremely tiny space height in Z direction eliminates the possibility of aggregation of the nanoparticles and/or agglomeration in Z direction during drying; therefore, a specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over the dispersion and/or agglomeration of nanoparticles in a blood.

Abstract: Provided is a method for classifying a powder using a classifier, wherein the method comprises: a mixing step for mixing a powder and an auxiliary agent formed from an alcohol aqueous solution containing 10 to 50 mass % of an alcohol; an introduction step for introducing the powder mixed in the mixing step to the classifier; a heating step for heating a gas; a feed step for feeding the gas heated in the heating step to the classifier; and a classifying step for classifying the powder in the classifier on the basis of grain size.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting member having fixation surfaces inside, and at least one electronic component directly or indirectly fixed to the fixation surfaces of the mounting member, and the mounting member constitutes a part of a casing for housing the electronic component. Further, the fixation surfaces are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus comprising a motorized vehicle may be used to remove soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates and extends downwardly into the soil to collect a sample. The probe assembly is raised to dump the sample into a collection assembly, which transfers the sample to a bagging assembly, where the sample may be bagged for later analysis.

Abstract: A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a labyrinth structure and a sampling tube. The labyrinth structure includes a first baffle plate, a second baffle and a third baffle plate. The second baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate defines an inlet channel and is configured to receive a portion of oil aerosol containing liquid oil particles. A curved bend is included downstream of the inlet channel and is configured to separate the liquid oil particles from the portion of oil aerosol. The third baffle plate is relatively inclined with respect to the first baffle plate. The third baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate is configured to drain the separated liquid oil particles. The sampling tube provides the portion of oil aerosol separated of liquid oil particles to a detection device.

Abstract: Provided are a container tray in which a position and orientation of a container is hardly displaced from a predetermined position and orientation; a tray base used together with the container tray; and an observation unit. The container tray 8 includes a mounting plate 81 having a mounting surface 811 on which the container is to be mounted, an elastic body 82, and a biasing mechanism 83, 842. The elastic body 82 is arranged on the mounting surface 811 of the mounting plate 81 around a mounting region R where the container is to be mounted. The biasing mechanism 83, 842 is capable of switching states between a biased state in which the elastic body 82 is biased inward by applying a pressing force to the elastic body 82 from outside and a bias released state in which the bias on the elastic body 82 is released.

Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-flushing small volume prover apparatus, method and system for removing foreign materials. A piston can be configured with a valve arrangement located within a cylindrical object in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston travels from a downstream position to an upstream position. An inlet port and an outlet port can be located at the bottom of the cylindrical object. The outlet port can be welded at the bottom of the bore cylinder so that foreign material can flow directly out of the prover bore cylinder via the outlet port. The velocity of the piston can remove the collected foreign material from the bore cylinder via the outlet port, thus creating a self-flushing prover.