Abstract: Apparatus for GPC/TREF and TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample. The apparatus provides for the automated and integrated use of multiple TREF columns and a GPC system employing a multiple flow through detectors. In addition, a method for TREF/GPC characterization of a polymer sample by GPC analysis of TREF fractions at increasing TREF elution temperatures from multiple TREF columns operated in a coordinated and synchronized temperature cycle for increased sample throughput. Also, a method for GPC/TREF characterization of a polymer sample by GPC fractionation followed by TREF fractionation of the GPC fractionations.

Abstract: A method for determining the water transfer in a water vapor transfer unit of a fuel cell system that employs a model based approach. The method includes determining a capacity ratio of wet streams and dry streams flowing through the water vapor transfer unit, determining the number of mass transfer units of the water vapor transfer unit, estimating a mass transfer effectiveness value given the capacity ratio and the number of mass transfer units for the water vapor transfer unit, and determining the amount of water transferred in the water vapor transfer unit using the mass transfer effectiveness value, the mass flow rates on a dry basis of the dry stream and the wet stream, and the mass flow rates of water of the dry inlet stream and the wet inlet stream.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quantitative evaluation of mar- and scratch-induced surface damage on polymeric and coating materials. The method for quantitative evaluation of scratch-induced damage on polymeric and coating materials includes: preparing a test specimen of polymeric and coating materials; inducing a scratch damage on the surface of the test specimen; representing the scratch damage formed on the test specimen as corresponding color coordinates; and calculating a quantitated scratch damage index from a combination of a load applied to the surface of the test specimen and the color coordinates corresponding to the scratch damage.

Abstract: A cylinder head compression sensor gasket assembly includes a gasket body having a sealing portion configured to be clamped between an engine block and a cylinder head. The sealing portion has a plurality of through openings configured to register with separate cylinder bore in the engine block wherein the sealing portion establishes a gas-tight seal about the through passages. A plurality of pressure sensor assemblies are attached in sealed engagement with the gasket body with at least one of the pressure sensor assemblies being configured to sense pressure within a separate one of the through openings. An electrical connector is supported on the gasket body radially outwardly from the sealing portion. The electrical connector is configured in electrical communication with each of the pressure sensor assemblies. Accordingly, the electrical connector is accessible without having to disassemble the gasket body from being clamped between the cylinder head and the engine block.

Abstract: An ECU is used in a motorcycle including an engine E, which combusts in a combustion chamber a blended fuel in which gasoline and ethanol are blended, and a fuel injection device for injecting a fuel with a predetermined fuel injection amount such that an air excess ratio in the combustion chamber is a first predetermined value when an ethanol concentration of the blended fuel is zero. The ECU executes O2 feedback control based on an O2 concentration derived from an output of an O2 sensor. Further, the ECU calculates an actual fuel compensation ratio by dividing a fuel injection amount after the O2 feedback control by a predetermined fuel injection amount, and estimates the concentration of the alternative fuel based on this actual fuel compensation ratio and a first predetermined value stored in the ECU.

Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and method for quantifying an injection event of a fuel injector, including both multiple pulse and single pulse injection events. Typically, the fuel injector is a common rail injector. The apparatus includes a pressure chamber for isolating a portion of the injection pressure for reducing pressure waves and reflections which can create “noise” in the detection of an injection pressure. The invention further includes determining the precise start and end times of injection using cavitation created by the injection event by determining the intensity of light within a spray chamber.

Abstract: A tire force detection apparatus estimates the force exerted on a tire at the contact point of the tire in a vehicle that includes: a tire/wheel assembly having a wheel and a tire held on an outer circumferential portion of the wheel; and a wheel support member that rotatably supports the wheel via a wheel support portion. The tire force detection apparatus includes: an elastic body disposed between the wheel and the wheel support portion, the elastic body having column portions that each abut, at opposite ends thereof, the wheel and the wheel support portion and a plate-shaped portion that is integrated with the column portions and extends around the column portions; stress detectors that detect stress applied to the elastic body by detecting a strain of the plate-shaped portion; and an electronic circuit device that calculates the force exerted on the tire, based on the stress detected.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire pressure indication system comprising a pneumatic pressure indicator strip containing a predetermined quantity of alcohol or glycol based low viscosity fluid that can be produced in a number of different colors. When tire pressure is at a predetermined amount (below manufacturer's specifications), the tire pressure indicator strip has a circular cross-section. At proper pressure, the strip becomes elliptical and the colored fluid is seen through the transparent side-wall of the pressure indicating strip touching the tire pressure indicator strip.

Abstract: A technique facilitates detection of water incursion in a hydrocarbon well. Well equipment is positioned in a wellbore with one or more downhole components or regions comprising a tracer material. The tracer material is released in the presence of water to indicate incursion of water at a specific location along the wellbore. A sensor system is employed to detect the released tracer material.

Abstract: A resin weathervane having a weathervane tube mounted within a resin weathervane figurine with a stabilizing support structure coupled to an exterior portion of the weathervane tube and a belt of flexible material wrapped at least partially around the tube and the stabilizing support structure wherein a resin mixture poured into a mold forms a resin weathervane of a desired configuration with the resin bonding the tube, the stabilizing support structure and the flexible wrap.

Abstract: A fluid measuring instrument carrier structure includes a carrier main body assembled from three axially connected steel pipes. The carrier main body is provided from front to back at predetermined positions with a current meter, a front current-guiding holding-down plate, and a rear current-guiding holding-down plate. The front current-guiding holding-down plate has a gravity-center adjuster connected thereto. By employing the principles of fluid mechanics, the carrier main body with the front and rear current-guiding holding-down plates and the gravity-center adjuster is able to submerge in water and slightly horizontally sway leftward and rightward in water currents to maintain at a stable and balanced state, allowing a user to easily and quickly measure river water depth and current velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses (100) for the capacitive determination of the fill level in the individual containers (5.1, 5.2) of a group (10) of regularly disposed containers of the same dimensions, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a transmitter electrode (201.1) and a receiver electrode (201.2, 201.3) as well as a circuit for carrying out a capacitive measurement. The measuring circuit comprises a transmitting circuit (57) and a receiving circuit (58) and the apparatus (100) comprises a horizontal base plate (200) having a plurality of electrodes (201.1, 201.2, 201.3) which protrude in one direction in relation to a horizontal plane defined by the base plate (200) and which are uniformly mutually spaced apart such that a plurality of working zones of the same dimensions are formed. A plurality of connections (202) are provided through which some of the electrodes (201.1) are connectable to the transmitting circuit (57) and controllable by said circuit and some of the electrodes (201.2, 201.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the switching behaviour of a tank warning device of a compensation tank, in particular for a hydraulic motor-vehicle brake system, with a housing and the tank warning device for monitoring the tank filling level of the compensation tank. The tank warning device including a switching unit with a reed contact as a switching element, which can be switched by means of a magnet at a switching point S at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit. A compensation tank including a tank warning device which has been optimized in terms of switching by means of a method according to the invention is also disclosed. The reed contact and the magnet are matched to one another in a manner optimized in terms of switching in such a way that the magnet switches at a single switching lobe of the reed contact.

Abstract: A differential resonant sensor apparatus and method for detecting relative humidity in an ambient air. The apparatus generally includes a sensing loop, a reference loop and a mixer. A hydrophilic sensing layer can be deposited on a sensing resonant beam and a corresponding hydrophobic reference layer can be deposited on a reference resonant beam for detecting water vapor concentration in the ambient air. The hydrophobic reference layer possesses similar visco-elastic properties as the hydrophilic sensing layer with no water absorption properties. A differential reading electronic circuit may be interconnected with each resonant beam for signal processing. The absorbed humidity with respect to the sensing resonant beam changes the mechanical resonance frequency, which can be detected as a change in the electric resonance frequency of the associated electronic circuit.

Abstract: A measuring cap used to fit on top of a container. The measuring cap includes the cap itself with a measurement section integrated to the cap. The cap includes a measuring scale for volume or the measurement section includes a measuring scale on the inside thereof. In operation, articles to be measure is poured or placed in the cap so that the cap and/or the measuring section can provide a reading of the articles. The articles can later removed from the cap.

Abstract: A runout measurement system is proposed for measuring the runout of a moving surface of a device having a rotating body, such as a mass storage device (100) (e.g. a hard disk drive) having a rotor which in use includes a rotating recording medium. A sensor (102) interacting with the moving surface obtains a displacement signal. The displacement signal is sampled by a sampling unit (104) controlled by a unit (109) which initiates sampling based on both a signal indicating a ZCP and the clock signal of a high frequency (e.g. 20 MHz) clock (106). Simultaneously, the same clock (106) is used by a counter 108 to measure the spacing between one or more ZCP times. This permits the correspondence between the sampling times and the angular position of the rotor to be found with a high accuracy which depends upon the clock frequency, and thereby allows calculation of repeatable runout (RRO) and non-repeatable runout (NRRO).

Abstract: A method of determining a speed of a vehicle during braking is provided. A pressure p in a braking device is determined in accordance with the ideal gas equation p·V=n·R·T. V is the volume V of the brake cylinder, n is the mole number n of the gas in the brake cylinder, R is the gas constant R and T is the temperature T. The brake force F is determined from the pressure p in the brake cylinder and from the impacted piston area A of the brake cylinder in accordance with p = F A , and the instantaneous speed v of the vehicle is determined from a known initial speed vA and from the acceleration a which is determined from the brake force F and the vehicle mass M in accordance with F=M·a.

Abstract: A vibratory sensor is fabricated as a three-dimensional batch-micromachined shell adapted to vibrate and support elastic wave propagation and wave precession in the shell or membrane and at least one driving electrode and preferably a plurality of driving electrodes directly or indirectly coupled to the shell to excite and sustain the elastic waves in the shell. The pattern of elastic waves is determined by the configuration of the driving electrode(s). At least one sensing electrode and preferably a plurality of sensing electrodes are provided to detect the precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell. The rotation of the shell induces precession of the elastic wave pattern in the shell which is usable to measure the rotation angle or rate of the vibratory sensor.

Abstract: An acoustic emissions testing device includes a pressurizable chamber, a rock sample, and one or ore acoustic sensors communicably coupled to the rock sample. The chamber includes a first chamber being pressurizable to a first pressure and a second chamber pressurizable to a second pressure. The rock sample is positioned within the pressurizable chamber such that a first portion of the sample is exposed to the first pressure and a second portion of the sample is exposed to the second pressure. The second pressure is increased to a threshold pressure, maintained at the threshold pressure for a time period, and then decreased. The acoustic sensors detect one or more acoustic events occurring within the rock sample. In certain embodiments, one or more of the intensity, the spatial location, and the propagating direction for one or more acoustic events are determinable. The system includes the testing device coupled to a recorder.

Abstract: An acoustic emissions testing device includes a testing sample including a hard surface, an acoustic sensor, an indenter coupled to the hard surface, and a load. The load is exerted on the indenter, which transfers the load to the hard surface. The acoustic sensor is communicably coupled to the testing sample and detects one or more acoustic events occurring within the testing sample. An acoustic emissions testing system includes a data recorder coupled to the testing device. The data recorder records the data from testing device. Based upon the data received, the toughness of the sample is objectively determined and can be ranked comparatively to the toughness of other samples. The load is ramped up to a peak load, held for a period of time, and then ramped down.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus performs imaging of an optical absorber. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a light source, a detector configured to detect an acoustic wave generated from the optical absorber that has absorbed energy of light emitted from the light source, and a signal processing unit configured to form an image of the optical absorber. The signal processing unit stores information indicating whether a rate of change in pressure of the acoustic wave detected by the detector is positive or negative before performing a waveform process on the acoustic wave.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing properties of a hard component. The apparatus includes a holder, a component, an indenter, a sensor holder, and an acoustic sensor. The holder includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end defines a first cavity extending towards the second end. The component is positioned in the first cavity. The indenter is positioned adjacent to a portion of the component and applies a load onto the component. The sensor holder includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a second cavity therein. The upper portion is coupled to the second end. The sensor is positioned within the second cavity. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a rod coupled to the lower portion. The rod has a lower acoustic impedance than the sensor holder, thereby allowing sound waves to pass through the sensor holder and not be reflected back into the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nondestructive ultrasonic test method in which at least one ultrasonic pulse is emitted into a workpiece under test by means of at least one ultrasonic transmitter (3), the ultrasonic pulse is reflected on boundary surfaces within the workpiece, the reflected ultrasound is received by at least one ultrasonic receiver (2), and the associated signals are evaluated, the ultrasound penetrating a damping block (4) that is arranged between the workpiece and the transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for investigating a structure and a structure for receiving and/or conducting a liquid or soft medium, the method comprising the steps of: a) exciting acoustic waves in the structure by means of at least one transmitter, b) converting at least a part of the energy associated with the acoustic waves (A) excited in the structure into volume sound waves of the medium, c) reconverting at least a part of the energy associated with the volume sound waves into acoustic wave energy of the structure thereby generating acoustic waves in the structure, d) receiving acoustic waves evoked by the transmitter by at least one receiver, and e) verifying whether a coating is present on a surface of the structure and/or if a coating is present determining properties of the coating by evaluating a signal generated by the receiver upon receipt of acoustic waves evoked by the transmitter and/or verifying whether a level of the medium (5) is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic testing method and an ultrasonic testing apparatus capable of accurately detecting flaws present in a weld zone of a test object, such as a welded pipe, regardless of the position of the flaws. An ultrasonic testing apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 which is provided with n (n?2) transducers 11 arranged along a direction orthogonal to the weld line of a weld zone P1 of a test object P and is arranged so as to face the weld zone, and transmission/reception control means 2 which selects m (n>m?1) transducers from the n transducers, causes the selected transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the weld zone, and switches the selected transducers one after another.

Abstract: A triaxial vibration composite testing apparatus including a working tabletop, wherein the second axial vibration transmission mechanism in the horizontal X axial direction and the third axial vibration transmission mechanism in the horizontal Y axial direction are both cross linear guide pairs; the first axial vibration transmission mechanism in the perpendicular Z axial direction includes an upper and a lower clamps and a central panel, the upper and the lower clamps being horizontally opposite to each other up and down, the central panel being positioned between the upper and the lower clamps, the upper and the lower clamps oppositely clamping the central panel; a gap fit between the lower surface of the upper clamp and the upper surface of the central panel forms an upper fit plane, and a gap fit between the upper surface of the lower clamp and the lower surface of the central panel a lower fit plane; and the high pressure oil is pumped into the upper fit plane gap and the lower fit plane gap to form a hy

Abstract: A dual diaphragm pressure transducer, or sensor, with compensation for non-pressure effects is disclosed. The pressure sensor can include two pressure transducers located on separate portions of a chip. The first pressure transducer can be a differential pressure transducer, which produces a signal proportional to one or more applied pressures and includes other non-pressure effects. The second pressure transducer can be sealed in a hermetic chamber and thus can produce a signal proportional only to non-pressure effects. The signals can be combined to produce a signal proportional to the applied pressures with no non-pressure effects. The first and second pressure transducers can be physically and/or electrically isolated to improve sealing between the two pressure transducers and prevent pressure leaks therebetween.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body exposed to the pressure of the process fluid. The sensor body deforms in response to the pressure. A diaphragm suspended from the sensor body has a tension which changes in response to deformation of the sensor body. A resonate frequency of the diaphragm is measured. The measured resonant frequency is indicative of the line pressure of the process fluid and integrity of the isolation fill fluid system. In addition to measuring the resonant frequency, the oscillation mode itself can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess sensor health.

Abstract: A sample having a known mass and stiffness is rigidly secured to an axially elongated beam having a mass and a stiffness that are very large as compared to the mass and stiffness of the sample. The beam is then caused to resonate in the free-free mode. This subjects the sample to cyclical unidirectional stress. Advantageously, resonance of the beam occurs at an audio frequency, permitting severe fatigue tests requiring tens of millions of cycles to be completed in a relatively short time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing pin-pull testing of a printed circuit board (PCB) are presented. The pin-pull testing generally involves the use of a standard tensile tester that is useful for performing other tests aside from pin-pull testing. In this regard, a non-specific pin may be used in conjunction with the tensile tester without the need to purchase or manufacture pins specially adapted for use with a specially designed tensile tester. Additionally, the pin-pull testing may include application of heat to the pin by way of an external heat supply such that the need of a heater integrated into the testing device to heat a pin during the testing may be eliminated. As such, a common heating element (e.g., a standard soldering iron) may be employed by applying heat to a pin directly with the external heat supply.

Abstract: A limiting switch suitable for a testing device is provided. The testing device includes a fixed frame and a clamping element pivoted to each other. The limiting switch includes a first rod, a second rod, a first switching element and a second switching element. The first and second rods are fixed to the clamping element. The first and second switching elements are pivotally connected to the fixed frame. When the clamping element is pivoted along a first direction, the second rod pushes the second switching element to pivot and the first rod is moved to contact with the first switching element. When the clamping element is pivoted along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first rod pushes the first switching element to pivot and the second rod is moved to contact with the second switching element.

Abstract: A highly portable airborne particle and microorganism collection system which includes an air flow control mechanism adapted to control the air flow volume as air is pulled through the system via a vacuum source.

Abstract: With the non-magnetic-excitation period until a specific amount of time elapses from the commencement of the transition from the positive magnetic excitation period to the non-magnetic-excitation period defined as a first period T1 and the non-magnetic-excitation period until a specific amount of time elapses from the commencement of the transition from the negative magnetic excitation period to the non-magnetic-excitation period defined as a second period T2, the sum of a voltage produced at a detecting electrode and a voltage produced at a detecting electrode, at the time of each first period T1 and second period T2, is calculated as a sum of voltages between electrodes, and a fault in an electromagnetic flow meter, such as detection of an empty state, adhesion of an electrically insulating object to an electrode, and so forth, is evaluated based on the sum of voltages between electrodes.

Abstract: In a two-phase flow exciting force evaluation method of the present invention, the surface of one of a plurality of tube bodies (3) is at least partially formed from a conductive material, displacement or stress of the tube body (3) is measured in a state of being vibrated by a shaking device (4), and a void fraction of a two-phase flow (F) flowing in the vicinity of the tube body (3) is measured based on the potential difference between an electric potential at a predetermined position on the surface of the tube body (3), and a reference electric potential.

Abstract: A coupling element for an ultrasonic, flow measuring device, wherein the coupling element has a pedestal with a bearing surface, on which bearing surface a piezoelement is applied. The pedestal is an integral component of the coupling element.

Abstract: A system for measuring flow parameters in a drain pipe which may be partially or completely filled. The system comprises wide band pulsed ultrasonic echo ranging sensor disposed in a lower portion of a pipe with a beam directed generally upward at a predetermined inclined angle. Echo information may be processed to determine contiguous particle traces from the same respective particles in a range vs. time format. Particle velocity may be determined based on trace slope or arc. Average particle velocity from a measurement subset of flow may be used to determine a subset average flow rate, which is then related to total flow rate and total flow average velocity based on one or more models. One embodiment may reflect the beam from the surface of the water to extend coverage near the bottom of the pipe and may avoid an exclusion zone at the bottom of the pipe.

Abstract: A system for measuring a flow rate of a fluid through a plurality of tubes sharing a common flow orifice, the system includes an ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of sensors in communication with a plurality of tubes sharing a common flow orifice. The system includes an electronic module coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, the electronic module connecting selected sensors to a flow rate analyzer for determining a flow rate of fluid through the plurality of tubes on which the sensors are in communication with.

Abstract: A two or three axis load cell capable of measuring axial and one or more shear forces is disclosed. The load cell can comprise a force collector connected by one or more connecting rods to one or more cross pieces. The load cell can comprise a single cross piece and can measure an axial force applied to the load cell and at least one component of shear force applied to the load cell. In other embodiments, the load cell can comprise two cross pieces, disposed at disparate angles, to enable the measurement of an axial force and both components of shear force applied to the force collector. The cross pieces are equipped with a means, such as piezoresistive elements to measure their deflection due to the applied forces on the force collector. The connecting rods can be fitted with additional piezoresistors to measure the axial forces on the force collector.

Abstract: A force sensor chip of the present invention is for detecting an external force, and comprises a base member including an action portion where the external force is applied, a support portion that supports the action portion therearound, and a connecting portion that connects the action portion and the support portion together, a plurality of strain detecting resistive elements that are formed at respective deformation producing portions of the base member which deform when the external force is applied, and a thin-film resistor that is formed at upper layers of the strain detecting resistive elements with a resistive-element wiring and an interlayer insulation film intervening between the thin-film resistor and the strain detecting resistive elements.

Abstract: A method for processing a ring type piezoelectric device comprises: providing a ring type piezoelectric embryo; printing at least a pair of electrodes to divide the ring type piezoelectric embryo into a plurality of equal sections; and immersing the divided ring type piezoelectric embryo into high temperature silicon oil with high voltage for polarization so as to make the polarization of the ring type piezoelectric device perpendicular to a cross-section thereof.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering shaft for transmitting a steering force of a steering handlebar to a wheel and an upper bearing provided at a location upward from a vehicle body frame so as to rotatably support an upper part of the steering shaft. A lower bearing is provided at a location downward from the vehicle body frame, so as to rotatably support a lower part of the steering shaft. A torque sensor detects a torsional torque applied to the steering shaft. An electric motor imparts a steering force to the steering shaft based on the torsional torque detected by the torque sensor. The electric motor is mounted to the steering shaft between the upper bearing and the lower bearing, while the torque sensor is mounted to the steering shaft at place upward from the upper bearing.

Abstract: A bending load acting on a steering shaft only with a magnetostrictive torque sensor, without separately providing a sensor for detecting the bending moment. A storage unit stores, as an initial characteristic curve formed from initial detection values, a characteristic curve formed from detection values of each of a first detection coil and a second detection coil when only twisting torque is applied to a steering shaft. A bending load detector provided in an ECU detects a bending load amount acting on the steering shaft based on a difference between each detection value of the first and second detection coils and the initial detection value on the initial characteristic curve corresponding to the detection value.

Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor including a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a strain body, and a detection element. The first rotating body is rotatable around an input shaft. The second rotating body is rotatable around an output shaft. The strain body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is separated from at least one of the rotating bodies in a first direction parallel to the input shaft, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction around the input shaft and is capable of engaging to the at least one of the rotating bodies in the third direction. The strain body transmits a rotational torque to the third direction between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The detection element is provided to the strain body to measure a strain of the strain body due to the rotational torque.

Abstract: A collision detection device which can determine in a short time a collision to each portion of a chamber member in the longitudinal direction thereof and which is highly reliable. A collision determination system (10) is provided with: a chamber member (20) which is disposed with the longitudinal direction thereof aligned with the vehicle width direction, has a pressure chamber (22) formed therein, and is provided forward of bumper reinforcement (14); a pair of pressure sensors (24) which is provided to the chamber member (20) at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction thereof and outputs a signal corresponding to a variation in the pressure within the pressure chamber (22); and a collision determination ECU (26).

Abstract: An impact sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer operatively connected to a chromic device. The chromic device includes a chromic material that changes from a first color state to a second color state in response to electric power generated by the piezoelectric transducer when exposed to a given level of impact force. The chromic material is bistable so that the chromic material remains in the second color state for a significant amount of time. An impact force to which the sensor has been subjected may be quantified by observing the chromic device. In one embodiment, the chromic material is an electrochromic material, such as a viologen, that changes through a color gradient of light transmission states from the first color state to the second color state. A printed color gradient may be used to aid in quantifying the impact force. In another embodiment, the chromic device includes a thermochromic material.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a sample vial comprising a container configured to receive a sample, the container having a top portion and a cap configured to mate with the top portion of the container, the cap having a magnetic component. In some embodiments the sample vial is configured for storage of a biological sample in an ultralow temperature environment. In other embodiments, a sample vial is provided comprising a cylindrical body, having a first and second end, the first and second ends having a narrow aperture extending through the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body has a long length relative to a diameter of the narrow aperture and a magnetic component. Further aspects are directed to retrieval of sample vials using the magnetic component, and fabrication of magnetic components for use with various sample vials. A magnetic retrieval rod can be used to couple the magnetic component.

Abstract: A headspace sample introduction device which collects a sample gas from a sample container and introduces the gas into a predetermined analyzer is provided. The device includes a sample tray 10 capable of holding at least one sample container 100 storing a liquid sample or a solid sample, a heating means 30 for heating at least one sample container 100 taken from the sample tray 10, a sample-gas collecting means 40 for collecting a sample gas from the upper space in the sample container 100 held in the heating means 30, and a cooling transfer means 20 for keeping and cooling at least one sample container 100 taken from the heating means 30 and returning the cooled sample container 100 to the sample tray 20. Since the headspace sample introduction device can return the heated sample containers 100 to the sample tray 10 after they are cooled with the cooling transfer means 20, the hot sample containers can be assuredly prevented from contacting the user.

Abstract: A method is provided which is capable of efficiently taking most of a precious sample into an extraction vessel without wasting when the sample is extracted from a collection section of a sampling rod. The method includes the steps of collecting a sample using a sampling rod formed of a rod body and a collection section attached to the rod body, inserting the sampling rod into the extraction vessel, placing the rod body in a gap formed in a grappling hook section which is disposed in an insertion path of the sampling rod, the gap having a width smaller than a diameter of the collection section and being capable of receiving the rod body, withdrawing the rod body with the rod body being placed in the gap and detaching the collection section from the rod body by hooking the collection section to the grappling hook section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locating device, particularly a handheld locating device, comprising a locating unit (12) that is provided to detect the presence of an item (16) arranged in an examination object (14) by means of an examination signal (18), and a motion sensor unit (20) that is provided to detect at least one motion parameter (BKi) along at least one direction of motion (22, 24, 26). It is proposed that the locating device comprise an evaluation unit (28), which is provided to evaluate the motion parameter (BKi) and at least one locating parameter (OKi) of the locating unit (12) together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rectilinear motion device 1 including: a linear rack 13 having a plurality of teeth 13T; a main drive pinion 24 that meshes with the teeth 13T of the rack 13; an auxiliary drive pinion 25 that meshes with the teeth 13T of the rack 13 in a position away from the main drive pinion 24; a main drive motor 22 that rotationally drives the main drive pinion 24; an auxiliary drive motor 23 that rotationally drives the auxiliary drive pinion 25; and a movable carrier 20 to which the main drive motor 22 and the auxiliary drive motor 23 are secured and that moves along the rack 13 with rotational driving of the main drive motor 22 and the auxiliary drive motor 23, wherein the auxiliary drive motor 23 is rotationally driven, in stopping the moving movable carrier 20, in a reverse direction to a driving direction of the main drive motor 22 in motion.