Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus capable of actively weighing a load in a rapid and accurate manner is presented. The weighing device includes an electromechanical linear actuator coupled to a load cell, wherein the output of the load cell is received by a feedback controller that generates an input signal received by the electromechanical linear actuator. A processor receives both the output signal and a measured value of the input signal and derives therefrom a weight for the load coupled to the weighing device. By employing the load cell output for feedback, the need for a position sensor is eliminated. The response time of the apparatus is enhanced by the electromechanical linear actuator which functions to quickly bring the load being weighed to a mechanical equilibrium position. Weight values may also be obtained by forcing one of the input or output signals to zero and then measuring the other of the signals.