Abstract: An optical system is provided for clinical diagnostics that include methods and apparatus for rapidly detecting and characterizing rare circulating cells such as, but not limited to, circulating tumor cells/circulating stems cells (CTC/CSCs) in a biological sample. The sample is processed for analyses, loaded onto a “capture zone” in the optical system where, and subjected to a two stage optical process for very rapid detection and detailed characterization of detected cells. The detected rare cells are characterized with regards to biomarker profiles using fluorescent tags or chromophores for detection and optical imaging. Isolation of the captured rare cells is anticipated for down-stream assessments including, but not limited to, DNA, RNA, proteomic analyses and culture.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for clinical diagnostics that include methods and apparatus for rapidly detecting and characterizing rare circulating cells such as, but not limited to, circulating tumor cells/circulating stems cells (CTC/CSCs) in a biological sample. The sample is processed for analyses, loaded onto a “capture zone” in the optical system where, and subjected to a two stage optical process for very rapid detection and detailed characterization of detected cells. The detected rare cells are characterized with regards to biomarker profiles using fluorescent tags or chromophores for detection and optical imaging. Isolation of the captured rare cells is anticipated for down-stream assessments including, but not limited to, DNA, RNA, proteomic analyses and culture.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory assembly, for use in a programmable device within a power transmission network, comprises a non-volatile reprogrammable primary memory portion and a secondary memory portion. The non-volatile memory assembly also includes a controller that is configured to direct a programmable device to access data from the secondary memory portion; refresh the data in the primary memory portion with data from the secondary memory portion; and direct the programmable device to access data from the primary memory portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for determining a fluid level. The system comprises a sensing rod assembly comprised of releasably connectable rod segments. Each rod segment carries a processor and a plurality of inductors. Each inductor generates a position signal responsive to a float signal. A float assembly comprises a housing containing a circuit having an integrally formed coil periodically energizable by a processor to emit the float signal. A control assembly receives the generated position signals and determines the fluid level. The method comprises providing releasably connectable rod segments with inductors that generate a position signal responsive to a float signal, determining a sensing rod assembly length, forming the sensing rod assembly, disposing it within a container, providing a float assembly periodically actuated to generate a float signal, generating position signals responsive to the float signal and analyzing those signals to determine the fluid level.

Abstract: An industrial sensing network includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor being configured to monitor at least one condition associated with equipment deployed in an industrial complex. The sensing network also includes at least one fixed aggregator configured to gather data collected by one or more of the plurality of sensors and relay the data to a user. The aggregator includes a local communication arrangement configured for communication with other devices deployed within the complex, an external communication arrangement configured for communication with devices external to the complex, a self-contained power source configured to power the aggregator, a processor programmed to at least partially process data, and a storage arrangement configured to at least temporarily store data. At least one sensor is configured to at least partially process sensor measurements into data prior to transmission to the aggregator.

Abstract: A monitoring device adapted to monitor a condition includes a sensor that produces an output signal representative of the condition, a filter configured to at least partially operate on the output signal, a sampling arrangement adapted to sample the output signal at a predetermined frequency to thereby collect a plurality of samples, and an analysis arrangement adapted to at least partially analyze the plurality of samples to thereby produce data. The filter has a controllable knee the knee is related to the sample frequency.

Abstract: A method of communicating among wireless devices includes providing a frequency hopping schedule to a target device. The frequency hopping schedule includes a sequence of frequencies. The method also includes, at the target device, alternately sleeping and listening on a frequency in the sequence of frequencies according to the frequency hopping schedule, exchanging time base information between the target device and the transmitting device, at the transmitting device, using the time base information to determine a current frequency of the target device, from the transmitting device, and transmitting a packet of information uniquely addressed to the target device.

Abstract: A pump monitoring system includes a monitoring device configured for attachment to a cable harness of a pump, a strain gauge configured to measure dynamic loading of at least one cable of the cable harness as the pump operates, a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the dynamic loading measurement, and an external device configured to receive the transmitted dynamic loading measurement.

Abstract: A distance measurement device includes an ultrasonic transmitter adapted to emit ultrasonic energy toward an object and a receiver positioned to receive a signal reflected from the object. The device also includes a controller that is programmed to analyze the signal. The controller includes a signal conditioner adapted to produce an output signal proportional to a logarithm of the reflected signal, a sampler adapted to periodically sample the output signal into a plurality of samples arranged time-wise, and an analyzer adapted to identify a peak sample from the plurality of samples. The peak sample has the greatest magnitude of the plurality of samples. The analyzer is further adapted to thereafter identify an intermediate sample having a magnitude approximately equal to a predetermined fraction of the magnitude of the peak sample and use the intermediate sample to determine a distance between the device and the object.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor includes a housing having first and second housing members. The first and second housing members define opposing sections of a pressure chamber. The differential pressure sensor also includes a multi-layer laminate forming a pressure sensing diaphragm. The diaphragm is positioned between the first and the second housing members such that it generally bisects the pressure chamber into first and second chamber sections such that a pressure differential between the chamber sections causes the diaphragm to deflect toward the chamber section having the lower pressure. The first and second housing members are positioned to provide an overpressure stop that limits deflection of the diaphragm beyond a predetermined deflection limit.

Abstract: An electrical monitoring device includes an attachment arrangement adapted to attach the device, non-invasively, to an electrical supply line; a current sensor adapted to sense waveform characteristics relating to current flowing through the supply line; a voltage sensor adapted to sense voltage waveform characteristics of the supply line; and a processor programmed to calculate a power component using the current waveform characteristics and voltage waveform characteristics. The device also includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the power component to a monitoring location.

Abstract: A fluid level measurement device includes a cable arranged to penetrate fluid to be measured at least to a measurement depth. The cable has first and second conductors. The fluid imposes a dielectric constant on the cable. The device also includes a signal generating arrangement configured to introduce an input signal into the cable and a signal receiving arrangement configured to receive a reflected signal from the cable. The device also includes analysis circuitry configured to analyze the reflected signal in the time domain to thereby determine a depth of at least one fluid interface.