Abstract: A sensor for sensing one or more properties of a vehicle fluid has a tuning fork resonator adapted to contact the fluid. The tuning fork resonator comprises two tines and is operable to oscillate so that the two tines move in opposite phase at a frequency of less than 1 MHz while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. In another aspect, a sensor includes a substrate and a flexural resonator on the substrate and adapted to contact the fluid. Circuitry for operation of the resonator is on the substrate. The resonator is adapted to receive an input signal and to oscillate while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. One suitable application for the invention is monitoring the condition of a vehicle engine oil.

Abstract: A circuit chip is disclosed. The circuit chip includes analog-to-digital processing circuitry that is capable of interfacing with a sensor and host electronics. The analog-to-digital processing circuitry includes a frequency generator configured for providing stimulus to the sensor and signal detection circuitry that is configured for identifying amplitude data of a response signal. Further included is analog-to-digital conversion circuitry that is configured for converting the detected amplitude data into digital form. A memory that is capable of holding data characterizing the sensor is also provided. The digital form of the response signal is capable of being processed to generate fluid characteristics of fluids under-test.

Abstract: A sensor and methods for making and using the same in which a mechanical resonator is employed, comprising a resonator portion for resonating in a fluid without the substantial generation of acoustic waves; and an electrical connection between the resonator portion for oscillating and a source of an input signal; wherein the portion for resonating, the electrical connection or both includes a base material and a performance-tuning material that is different from the base material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.

Abstract: An improved method and assembly, wherein the method generally includes the steps of providing a coated or uncoated sensor element having an exposed sensing surface; attaching the sensor element to a platform so that the exposed sensing surface is spaced from the platform; and optionally applying a protective layer over the platform while maintaining the sensing surface as exposed. The assembly includes a resonator having a free portion with a sensing surface is incorporated onto a platform, components of the sensor are physically shielded from harsh operating conditions, the requisite space is maintained between the free portion of the resonator and the platform, and the sensing surface of the resonator remains exposed for sensing.

Abstract: Fluid sensor methods and systems adapted for monitoring and/or controlling distillation operations in fluidic systems, such as batch distillation operations or continuous distillation operations, are disclosed. Preferred embodiments are directed to process monitoring and/or process control for unit operations involving endpoint determination of a distillation, for example, as applied to a liquid-component-switching operation (e.g., a solvent switching operation), a liquid-liquid separation operation, a solute concentration operation, a dispersed-phase concentration operation, among others.

Abstract: Particle and multi-phase system monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments a sensor or a sensor subassembly is ported to a fluidized bed vessel such as a fluidized bed polymerization reactor.

Abstract: Circuitry for processing signals used to determine characteristics of a fluid under-test is provided. The circuitry includes a compensation device and integrated circuitry for interfacing with a tuning fork that is capable of being in contact with the fluid under-test and the compensation device. The compensation device is configured to differentially process a signal output of the tuning fork, and the differential processing of the compensation device is actively controlled by the integrated circuitry so as to produce a processed signal. The processed signal defines the characteristics of the fluid under-test, and the compensation device includes capacitive matching circuitry. Also provided are systems that incorporate the circuitry.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing one or more properties of a vehicle fluid has a tuning fork resonator adapted to contact the fluid. The tuning fork resonator comprises two tines and is operable to oscillate so that the two tines move in opposite phase at a frequency of less than 1 MHz while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. In another aspect, a sensor includes a substrate and a flexural resonator on the substrate and adapted to contact the fluid. Circuitry for operation of the resonator is on the substrate. The resonator is adapted to receive an input signal and to oscillate while contacting the fluid to generate a resonator response indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. One suitable application for the invention is monitoring the condition of a vehicle engine oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator can be covered with a coating to impart additional special detection propertied to the resonator, and multiple resonators can be attached together as a single sensor to obtain multiple frequency responses. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening. In one embodiment, the resonator is operated at a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid contained within a machine, comprising the steps of providing a machine including a passage for containing a fluid; placing a sensor including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.

Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments a sensor or a sensor subassembly is ported to multiple fluidic systems.

Abstract: Fluid monitoring methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise one or more mechanical resonator sensing elements such as flexural resonator sensing elements. In preferred embodiments the sensing elements comprises one or more embedded electrodes.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid that includes oscillating a tuning fork resonator in a fluid. The invention is particularly suitable for in-line monitoring of various physical and electrical properties of fluids flowing in a conduit.

Abstract: A circuit for determining characteristics of a fluid under-test is provided. The circuit includes analog-to-digital processing circuitry for interfacing with a sensor and host electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: A rapid throughput method for the preparation, analysis or both of libraries of material samples is provided. According to the method, a plurality of samples is provided. Providing the plurality of samples can include a variety of sample formation techniques including, but not limited to, extruding, milling, compression preparation, rotary mixing, microcentrifugation, molding and casting. Preferably, the samples are solidified into a near net shape configuration appropriate for testing of properties or characteristics of the samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.