Abstract: A method of performing an optical analysis on multiple vessels using a single optical analysis device includes placing on and in each vessel a protective sheath that will accept a probe head of the optical analysis device. The probe head may be easily inserted into and removed from the protective sheath. A Cartesian robot may move the probe head from vessel to vessel to perform the analyses. The system for the optical analysis include at least two vessels, an optical analyzer, and a Cartesian robot.

Abstract: An integrating cavity assembly configured for applicability to optical sample measurements in a low surface gravity environment. The assembly includes features to promote sample delivery and circulation through the internal cavity so that sample positioning, analysis and flushing from the assembly may be practical in such an environment. Once more, the integrating cavity may employ a unique optical scattering monolith of fumed silica that is not only tailored to ultraviolet and visible light but is also seamless for enhanced measurements. The architecture may even present a unique capacity for both sample flushing and re-use without risk of undue damage or deterioration to the fumed silica monolith. Thus, the assembly may be of particular benefit for use and re-use in such a low surface gravity environment.

Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a liquid or pasty sample, which is provided in the form of drops, using nuclear spin resonances of the sample includes: a first plate and a second plate; a mechanism via which a measuring position and a recording position can be set, wherein the first plate and the second plate are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the measuring position, wherein a spacer sets a defined spacing between the first plate and the second plate; a sensor unit with a sensor component, which forms at least one sub-region of the first plate and/or the second plate and at least partly contacts the sample, wherein the sensor unit is designed to detect a variable which is influenced by the nuclear magnetic resonances of the sample; and an analysis unit.

Abstract: A UV module for deactivating biologically contaminated surfaces in an interior of a device includes: a carrier; a radiation source affixed to the carrier and configured to emit UV radiation; and a control unit connected to the radiation source, wherein the control unit is configured to receive and process at least one information item to activate the radiation source to emit UV radiation based on the at least one information item. A system comprises such a UV module wherein the device is configured for the handling and/or examination of samples comprising biological material and has an interior into which the UV module can be introduced. A method for deactivating biologically contaminated surfaces in an interior of a device for the handling and/or examination of samples comprising biological material includes using the device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for supporting a pair of feet of a user while the user moves a body of the user alternately up and down a staircase with the user's hands includes the staircase with a pair of stirrups for supporting the pair of feet of the user. The pair of stirrups are slidably alternately up and down the staircase, enabling the user to move the user's body up and down the staircase using the user's hands. The user may also perform push-ups and other exercises while supporting the user's feet on the stirrups.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for supporting a pair of feet of a user while the user moves a body of the user alternately up and down a staircase with the user's hands includes the staircase with a pair of stirrups for supporting the pair of feet of the user. The pair of stirrups are slidably alternately up and down the staircase, enabling the user to move the user's body up and down the staircase using the user's hands. The user may also perform push-ups and other exercises while supporting the user's feet on the stirrups.

Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.

Abstract: A system for payload delivery and drone recovery, wherein the system functions with the use of a lightweight parachute and a directional control module. The system can include a drop system for payload delivery, wherein the drop system releases the parachute and payload upon reaching a target site. The system can also include a recovery system, wherein the recovery system deploys the parachute and steers the failed drone to a target site. A lightweight ram-air parachute is used to provide a lighter steerable parachute system.

Abstract: Power supply systems and methods A power supply system (1) for a mass spectrometer. The system (1) comprises first and second optocouplers (19, 20) which are controlled by a controller (3). The controller (3) is configured to operate in at least one of three control modes to control the optocouplers (19, 20) to deliver a system output signal to a component (7) of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.

Abstract: The optical tracking module includes an optical phased array (OPA), an analog drive, an integrated photodetector, and one or more processors. The OPA includes a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters. The analog drive is configured to adjust the plurality of phase shifters. The integrated photodetector is configured to receive light from the OPA. The one or more processors is configured to extract signal information of an incoming beam via the OPA, and control an outgoing beam using the analog drive based on the signal information. The OPA, the analog drive, the integrated photodetector and the one or more processors are in an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The optical tracking module includes an optical phased array (OPA), an analog drive, an integrated photodetector, and one or more processors. The OPA includes a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters. The analog drive is configured to adjust the plurality of phase shifters. The integrated photodetector is configured to receive light from the OPA. The one or more processors is configured to extract signal information of an incoming beam via the OPA, and control an outgoing beam using the analog drive based on the signal information. The OPA, the analog drive, the integrated photodetector and the one or more processors are in an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and/or system for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Abstract: A fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample positioned within a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. Furthermore, the lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration.

Abstract: A seamless fumed silica monolithic integrating cavity device tailored to analyzing a flowed sample. The device is configured to facilitate optical measurements taken from a sample flowed through a cavity of the device. The cavity is defined by a fumed silica monolith with the added feature of a fused quartz lining on the surface of the monolith. This provides an intermediate surface that allows for cleaning and reuse of the highly effective diffuse light scattering fumed silica monolith. The lining may be placed under pressure or vacuum to structurally enhance mechanical integrity of the underlying monolith. Thus, continued or reliably repeated use of the device may be appreciated as well as use in more industrial environments that are prone to vibration. Additionally, while well suited for flow-based sample analysis, a valve of the cavity may be utilized for holding a sample in a temporarily static state for measurement.

Abstract: A security unit protects a glazing unit supported by a window frame The window frame defines a void that is in communication with an air space through external air vents. The window frame has a side panel that defines side panel holes. The security unit includes a security panel that is spaced apart from the glazing unit to define an air cavity and is secured to a vertical tubular bar that is secured to a side panel of the window frame. The vertical tubular bar defines a passage therethrough in communication with the air cavity through air cavity vents and defines passage holes aligned the side panel holes. Air circulates from the air cavity to the air space through the air cavity vents, the passage holes, the side panel holes and external air vents.

Abstract: A method, system and/or computer usable program product for managing optimization of a transportation network system including identifying a set of items for transportation between a set of origins and a set of destinations during a set of time periods, prioritizing each of the set of items, utilizing a set of network constraints and costs, utilizing a set of loading constraints for a set of transportation units, the loading constraints limiting the quantity and placement of items for each transportation unit, optimizing a quantity of the set of transportation units for transporting the set of items between the set of origins and the set of destinations during the set of time periods based on the prioritization of each of the set of items, the network constraints and costs, and the loading constraints for each transportation unit, and adjusting the optimized quantity of transportation units to a discrete quantity based on the prioritization of each of the set of items and the network constraints and costs.

Abstract: The optical tracking module includes an optical phased array (OPA), an analog drive, an integrated photodetector, and one or more processors. The OPA includes a plurality of array elements, and a plurality of phase shifters. The analog drive is configured to adjust the plurality of phase shifters. The integrated photodetector is configured to receive light from the OPA. The one or more processors is configured to extract signal information of an incoming beam via the OPA, and control an outgoing beam using the analog drive based on the signal information. The OPA, the analog drive, the integrated photodetector and the one or more processors are in an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and/or system for measuring engine oil consumption using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.