Abstract: Methods of concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and method of detecting an analyte in a liquid are disclosed. Methods of screening a liquid for the presence of an analyte are also disclosed. Processes comprising continuously collecting a sample of fluid throughout the process and analyzing the sample are disclosed as are processes comprising treating ultrafilter membranes. Devices and systems for concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and for screening a liquid for an analyte are disclosed as well as devices and systems for concentrating an analyte from a continuous sample are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for rapidly identifying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and the like that may be present in an agricultural specimen. The methods of the present invention provide a process for rapidly and accurately identifying infectious or pathogenic microorganisms without the need for culturing. In addition, the methods of the present invention provide processes for assaying harvested agricultural crops for the presence of statistically significant quantities of microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods of concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and method of detecting an analyte in a liquid are disclosed. Methods of screening a liquid for the presence of an analyte are also disclosed. Processes comprising continuously collecting a sample of fluid throughout the process and analyzing the sample are disclosed as are processes comprising treating ultrafilter membranes. Devices and systems for concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and for screening a liquid for an analyte are disclosed as well as devices and systems for concentrating an analyte from a continuous sample are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a package for holding a crystal. The package preferably includes a ceramic base, ceramic top member and a plurality of metallization bands. The ceramic base and the ceramic top member may be cofired to seal the first portion of each of the metallization bands therein. The package additionally includes a seal ring engageable with the ceramic top member and a housing engageable with the seal ring to define a sealed crystal chamber. A plurality of ribbon bands are provided within the crystal chamber to electrically couple the metallization bands with the crystal. The crystal package may include an integrated circuit chip for providing an oscillator and a heating element for maintaining constant temperature.

Abstract: A resonator heating element is attached to the surface of a crystal resonator. Resonator temperature sensing may be accomplished either by a sensor attached to the crystal enclosure, or through dual mode temperature sensing, or by both. A control system converts the sensed temperature into a series of variable-width pulses applied to the resonator heating element. Thus, the temperature sensing mechanism(s), control system and heating element comprise a temperature feedback control system which allows the crystal to stably operate at or very near its desired temperature. In an especially preferred embodiment, an integrated circuit from a switching power supply may be used in a novel manner to perform certain of the functions in the temperature feedback control loop. Plural resonators may be present in the enclosure, one of which may be directly involved in temperature sensing. In other embodiments, a ring-shaped insulative structure may additionally be disposed between the resonator and its enclosure.

Abstract: A crystal header package with a sapphire bottom plate and a method of making same. The package has a low profile design consisting of two components defining a cover and a platform that are joined together by cold welding. A KOVAR washer is used within a seal between the sapphire bottom plate and the platform.