Abstract: To address this and/or other needs, the present inventor devised, among other things, a passive moisture detection probe that can be installed and left in place to continuously indicate whether the moisture-content in the wall-cavity of a building is below or above a desirable level. One exemplary moisture detection assembly includes a moisture-absorbent sensor element and an indicator. The sensor element, which can be placed in contact with the inner surface of a home's exterior sheathing, expands and contracts in response to the moisture content of the sheathing. The indicator, for example a rod, moves in responsive to the expansion and contraction of the sensor element, with its relative position corresponding to the moisture in the exterior sheathing and thus providing an on-going and observable sign of moisture intrusion.

Abstract: In the course of a method for the function testing of turbo-machines, preferably exhaust gas turbochargers (1, 2, 3), the test object is subjected to one or a plurality of gas pressure pulses and is operated thereby. For a simple, economic and still informative testing, the test object (1, 2, 3) is integrated in a testing device and, by means of this testing device, is subjected to at least one gas pressure pulse, preferably at least one compressed air pulse, wherein from the dynamic behavior of the test object (1, 2, 3) resulting therefrom, potential failures are determined.

Abstract: According to a method and an apparatus of the present invention for diagnosing a fault of an engine, a cranking rotation state is created by rotating a crank shaft while explosions in each cylinder are stopped; a variation of angular velocity of the crank shaft is detected for each cylinder in the cranking rotation state; a cylinder the compression pressure of which is insufficient is detected based on the variation; and if a cylinder indicated as a misfiring cylinder by a fault code is the same as the cylinder detected as being insufficient in compression pressure in the cranking rotation state, the cylinder is specified.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the force acting on the nozzle needle of a directly driven piezo injector, in which an electrical voltage is built on the piezo actuator which drives the nozzle needle by means of a charging process. After the charging process has ended, the voltage at the piezo actuator is measured again. A voltage gradient is determined from consecutive voltage values. Conclusions of the force acting on the nozzle needle are drawn from the voltage gradients.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system includes at least one magnet having an exposed face adapted to magnetically attach to an inner barrel of a vehicle wheel within a chamber created between the wheel and a vehicle tire mounted to the wheel. The magnet is connected to a tire monitoring device having a sensor contained therein. The tire monitoring device is attached to the inner barrel using the magnet and positioned in the chamber with the sensor exposed to and sensing a condition present in the chamber. The tire monitoring device can also include a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting a signal indicating the condition.

Abstract: A rock core flow test system comprises a first high pressure accumulator, a second high pressure accumulator, and a fast opening flow control device coupled to a wellbore facing end of the rock core. The fast opening flow control device opens when a pressure differential across the flow control device exceeds a predetermined threshold. The first high pressure accumulator is coupled to at least one of a pore end of the rock core and a radial surface of the rock core. The second high pressure accumulator is coupled to the fast opening flow control device. The system further comprises a pressure sensor coupled to the rock core flow test system between the fast opening flow control device and the second high pressure accumulator.

Abstract: A gauge system and method for monitoring well pressure at temperatures in excess of 300° C. used in permanent monitoring of oil and gas wellbores. The gauge system includes an analogue output transducer and a long cable which is an extruded mineral insulated multi-core cable with a seam welded corrosion resistant metal outer sheath. The transducer is enclosed in a pressure tight corrosion resistant housing and the housing is pressure sealed to the metal outer sheath. The method includes applying signal conditioning and processing to the measurements to compensate for characteristics of the transducer, the cable and the environment and thereby provide continuous monitoring of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first substrate having a sensor part for measuring a measured factor and a second substrate that is to be detachably stacked on a lower side of the first substrate, the second substrate including: a signal processing part that processes a measurement signal obtained by measurement by the sensor part; a power supply part for feeding power to the sensor part; and at least either a memory that stores measurement data obtained by being processed in the signal processing part or a communication part for transmitting the measurement data by wireless, wherein the second substrate is in common use for a plurality of kinds of first substrates different in measured factor measured by the sensor part from each other.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a base made of glass, a substrate made of glass and disposed on an upper surface of the base, a flow velocity detection unit including an electrical resistance element and disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, and an electrode that penetrates the substrate and is electrically connected to the electrical resistance element.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a flow channel body in which a flow channel is formed, and an insertion hole that is communicated with the flow channel is formed from an outer surface, a base made of glass and inserted in the insertion hole of the flow channel body, an elastic gasket disposed between the insertion hole and the base, a substrate made of glass and disposed on an upper surface of the base, a flow velocity detection unit including an electrical resistance element, disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, and positioned in the flow channel, and an electrode that penetrates the substrate and is electrically connected to the electrical resistance element.

Abstract: A system for a deep water-well gauge is used to determine the volume of the remaining water within a deep water-well. A laser rangefinder is mounted to the top of the deep water-well and allows the system to measure the distance from the top of the deep water-well to the top surface of the volume of remaining water. This distance is known as the static water level, which can be viewed by a user through a display panel. The user can then input the static water level and the known dimensions of the deep water-well into a conversion chart in order to get a value for the volume of the remaining water. Both the display panel and the laser rangefinder are powered by a portable power source such as a battery.

Abstract: Provided is a leakage detection device using siphon principle. The leakage detection device includes a water level measuring tube that has a closed lower end portion and includes a first inflow port through which leakage water flows, a water collection tank that accommodates the water level measuring tube, a discharging pipe that includes a first inducing pipe vertically disposed in the water level measuring tube, a connecting pipe extended from an upper end portion of the first inducing pipe through a sidewall of the water level measuring tube, and a second inducing pipe extended from one end portion of the connecting pipe to a lower side of the water collection tank, a lower end portion of the second inducing pipe being disposed lower in position than a lower end portion of the first inducing pipe, and a water level measurer that detects a level of the leakage water flowed into the water level measuring tube.

Abstract: A gas-tight waveguide coupling is for coupling an electromagnetic transmission signal from a high-frequency module into a waveguide. The waveguide coupling includes a planar radiator, which is arranged on a carrier and is used for emitting the transmission signal. The waveguide coupling further includes a dielectric sealing element, which seals off the waveguide in a gas-tight manner. In this way, explosion protection can be provided.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system includes a reservoir, a first temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at a full level, a second temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at an add level, and a controller. The controller is connected to both the first and second sensors. The controller receives temperature signals from the first and second temperature sensors at first and second times. The controller sends an add liquid signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times. The controller sends a full signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times.

Abstract: A capacitive liquid level sensor is provided comprising a capacitive probe having a capacitance and comprising a sensing tip wherein the capacitive probe is configured such that the capacitance of the probe changes when the sensing tip is exposed to liquid. A signal generator operates to supply an electrical signal alternating between a high and low state to the capacitive probe, the electrical signal being configured such that the probe is alternately charged and discharged when the signal is high or low respectively. A comparator operates to detect the magnitude of an electrical signal across the capacitive probe and provides a first output signal value when the detected signal magnitude is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a second output signal value when the signal magnitude is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A device comprising a laser system (13) for generating a plurality of laser bands, such laser bands being each conformant at a frequency equal to an energetic transition between a hyperfine level (F1, F2) of a fundamental state (52Si/2) and a hyperfine level (F?2,F?3) of an excited state (52P3/2) of said plurality of atoms, wherein the laser system (13) comprises a first laser source (23) stabilized in frequency which emits a first band (30), a second laser source (24), connected in phase with the first laser source (23), which emits a repumping band (37), said first (23) and second (24) laser source being coupled with means for generating secondary bands (29) capable of generating a detection band (31), a band for producing the three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (32), a thrust band (33) and a reference band (36), said laser system also comprising means for generating Raman bands (39) capable of producing two exiting superimposed Raman interferometric bands (41) starting from the reference band (36), the

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a retractable environmental detector system includes two portions, a base or retractor unit that can be attached to a ceiling and a retractable environmental detector operably coupled to the base or retractor through a flexible retractable connector that retracts and extends the retractable environmental detector from and to the base or retractor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire balance measuring device capable of minimizing the influence exerted on a measured value due to an inclination of a lock shaft even when the lock shaft (fitted shaft) is inclined in a random direction at an angle created by a gap corresponding to a fitting allowance every time a tire is supplied with gas. The tire balance measuring device of this invention comprises a sensor for measuring the inclination of the lock shaft, and a computing unit for computing an amount of change in a unbalance of the tire from an output value received from the sensor after the tire is supplied with gas, and correcting a result of measuring a balance of the tire using the computed amount of change in the unbalance.

Abstract: A method for determining an imbalance in a drum washing machine includes increasing a rotational speed of a motor of the drum washing machine to a target RPM, and then measuring an RPM for each rotation section; comparing the RPM for each rotation section to an RPM limit to obtain a comparison result; and determining whether an imbalance occurs according to the comparison result.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor (20) includes a drive mass (36) flexibly coupled to a substrate (22). A sense mass (42) is suspended above the substrate (22) is and flexibly connected to the drive mass (36) via flexible support elements (44). A quadrature compensation electrode (24) is associated with the drive mass (36) and a sense electrode (28) is associated with the sense mass (42). The drive mass (36) and the sense mass (42) oscillate together relative to a sense axis (50) in response to quadrature error. The quadrature error produces a signal error component (78) between the quadrature compensation electrode (24) and the drive mass (36) and a signal error component (76) between the sense electrode (28) and the sense mass (42). The compensation and sense electrodes (24, 28) are coupled in reverse polarity so that the signal error component (78) substantially cancels the signal error component (76).

Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor element; and a wiring substrate having a first joint surface electrically joined with the sensor element, a substrate body that contains an organic insulating material and in which an electronic component is embedded, and a regulation part that regulates the first joint surface from deforming.

Abstract: Method for determining the angular position of an electronic module fixed to the inner face of the tread of a tire fitted to a wheel of a vehicle. A sensor for measuring the radial acceleration of the wheel is integrated into the electronic module, measuring at least one measurement of the radial acceleration for determining the value of the period of revolution of the wheel, and detecting a variation of the radial acceleration representative of a position of the electronic module contacting the ground, the position of the electronic module in which the variation is detected is assigned the origin function of a frame of reference defined by the origin and a reference unit formed by an angular sector whose length is substantially shorter than the mean length of the footprint of the grounded tire, and the angular positions of the electronic module in the frame of reference are determined.

Abstract: A thermal convection type angular accelerometer includes an insulating substrate and an angular acceleration sensing device. The angular acceleration sensing device is disposed on the insulating substrate. The angular acceleration sensing device is configured to measure an angular acceleration of a rotation axis. The angular acceleration sensing device comprises a sensing group. The sensing group comprises two temperature sensing members and a heater disposed between the two temperature sensing members. The distance between two ends of the two temperature sensing members near the rotation axis is greater than the distance between the other two ends of the two temperature sensing members that are farther from the rotation axis.

Abstract: A movable part rotates about a rotation axis, which passes through a support, when an inertial force in a detecting direction is applied to an inertial sensor. The movable part includes a first region and a second region displaced in a direction opposite to a direction of the first region when the inertial force is applied. A second substrate includes first and second detection electrodes opposed to the first and second regions, respectively. The first detection electrode and the second detection electrode are provided symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis. A cavity is provided symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis. In a direction perpendicular to the detecting direction and a direction in which the rotation axis extends, a length from the rotation axis to an end of the first region and a length from the rotation axis to an end of the second region are different.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor where the accuracy of acceleration detection is unlikely to fall even when the ambient temperature changes. A piezoelectric substrate includes a polarized central portion and first and second end portions. A first electrode is formed on a first main surface of the piezoelectric substrate so as to extend from the first end portion to the second end portion. A second electrode is formed inside the piezoelectric substrate so as to extend across the second end portion and the central portion. The second electrode opposes the first electrode in the central portion in a thickness direction. A supporting member clamps the second end portion. The piezoelectric substrate is formed such that a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the second end portion is greater than a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the central portion.

Abstract: A traffic sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface. A piezoelectric structure extends from the first electrode layer. The piezoelectric structure has a top end. An insulating layer is infused into the piezoelectric structure. A first electrode layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer. A second electrode layer is disposed below the flexible substrate. A packaging layer is disposed around the substrate, the first electrode layer, the piezoelectric structure, the insulating layer and the second electrode layer. In a method of sensing a traffic parameter, a piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is applied to a roadway. An electrical event generated by the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor in response to a vehicle interacting with the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is detected. The electrical event is correlated with the traffic parameter.

Abstract: An acousto-optic imaging system includes: an ultrasonic wave source for irradiating an imaged object with an ultrasonic wave; an acoustic lens for converting a scattered wave of the ultrasonic wave to a plane wave; a light-transmitting acoustic medium provided in an area on an opposite side of the imaged object with respect to the acoustic lens; a light source for outputting a monochromatic light plane wave; an image-forming lens arranged so as to condense diffraction light of the monochromatic light plane wave which is produced in the light-transmitting acoustic medium; an image-receiving section for obtaining an optical image formed by the image-forming lens; and a distortion compensation section for correcting a distortion of the optical image or a distortion.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a scanning array mounted within a rotatable assembly having a first wheel on a first side, a second wheel on a second side and a membrane forming a drum around the array wherein a load path is provided between the wheels to divert load from the membrane such that it can be made thinner.

Abstract: The amount of time required to complete reception of photoacoustic signals and reflected acoustic signals is shortened in an image generating apparatus. Light is irradiated onto a subject. Sampling of photoacoustic signals is initiated and sampled photoacoustic signals are stored in a memory. Acoustic waves are transmitted toward the subject in a state in which sampling of the photoacoustic signals is being conducted. Reflected acoustic signals are sampled continuous with the photoacoustic signals, and sampled reflected acoustic signals are stored in the memory. A photoacoustic image and an ultrasound image based on data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device component changes a transducer with another one having the same frequency or a different frequency without adjustment inside a generator main body or a change of the generator main body. The ultrasonic transducer device component includes a connection unit for use in applying ultrasonic transducer to cleaning fluid for cleaning objects, and for connection with a generator main body that generates an ultrasonic vibration signal; and a transducer connected to a connection unit. The connection unit includes an output transformer for adjusting an output of the ultrasonic vibration signal; a coil capacitor electrically connected to the output transformer; and a current detector electrically connected to the coil capacitor.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) based thin film deposition monitor device and system for monitoring the deposition of ultra-thin films and nanomaterials and the analysis thereof is characterized by acoustic wave device embodiments that include differential delay line device designs, and which can optionally have integral reference devices fabricated on the same substrate as the sensing device, or on a separate device in thermal contact with the film monitoring/analysis device, in order to provide inherently temperature compensated measurements. These deposition monitor and analysis devices can include inherent temperature compensation, higher sensitivity to surface interactions than quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) devices, and the ability to operate at extreme temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitive transducer including an element including a plurality of cells: each of the plurality of cells including: a first electrode; and a vibrating film including a second electrode, the second electrode being opposed to the first electrode with a gap; and a vibrating film supporting portion that supports the vibrating film so as to form the gap, in which the element includes a first cell and a second cell, the first cell including the vibrating film having a first spring constant, the second cell including the vibrating film having a second spring constant lower than the first spring constant; and a voltage to be applied between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first cell is higher than a voltage to be applied between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second cell.

Abstract: A sensor device for use in a medical fluid delivery system, or an infusion pump device, comprises a fluidic chamber with a deformable cover closing at least an area of the chamber and an optical detection system comprising at least one light emitter for emitting one or more incident light beams and a sensor unit for monitoring one or more reflected light beams is presented. In a pressurized state of the fluidic chamber, the deformable cover is deformed such that it forms an inflexion point area within the deformed cover. The one or more incident light beams emitted by the light emitter are directed on the cover such that the one or more incident light beams are reflected essentially in the inflexion point area.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by measuring both axial shrinkage/expansion and radial shrinkage/expansion of a sample.

Abstract: The multi-phase flow metering system facilitates the measurement of the flow of oil, gas, and/or other materials from one or more producing petroleum wells. The system has an expansion chamber to separate liquid and as phases. The gas rises through a pipe extending from the top of the expansion chamber. Liquids flow from the bottom of the expansion chamber through a generally U-shaped line having a sediment trap therein. Separate metering devices are provided in the gas outflow line and in the liquid line for accurately measuring the flow of each phase, and in the inlet line for measuring temperature, pressure, and flow at that point. The system includes float valves at the inlet to the gas outflow line and at the liquid phase outlet to control flow through the system. The gas outflow line may continue as a separate line, or reconnect to the liquid outflow line.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter comprises: an excitation member (5) in which a plurality of magnets (5a, 5b, 5c) are arranged spaced apart from one another along an outer circumferential surface of a flow channel (1) through which liquid metal flows, and in which a magnetic field is formed in a direction perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel (1); and electrodes (6a, 6b) provided between the magnets (5a, 5b, 5c) of the excitation member (5), for measuring the voltage generated when the liquid metal crosses the magnetic field. A pulse excitation electric-current supply device (7a) for supplying a pulsed excitation current to the excitation member (5) is provided, whereby a flow speed distribution can be suppressed from being generated in the circumferential direction of the channel (1) even when the flow speed of the liquid metal is low, and the flow rate can be accurately measured.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a plurality of ultrasonic transceivers and signal processing circuitry. The transceivers are coupled to a portion of the outer surface of a duct, and each is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into a fluid, receive ultrasonic waves, and supply sensor signals representative of the received ultrasonic waves. The signal processing circuitry is configured to supply separate excitation signals to each of the ultrasonic transceivers, receive the sensor signals supplied by each of the ultrasonic transceivers, and generate, in response to the sensor signals, a flow signal representative of fluid flow in the flow passage. Each of the excitation signals has a different phase, such that the ultrasonic waves transmitted by each of the ultrasonic transceivers at least selectively combine to propagate in an adjustable direction relative to the flow direction.

Abstract: A multi-scale mechanism comprising a rotatable driving shaft; a first scale mounted along the axis of said rotatable driving shaft, said scale including first and second sets of coarse scale divisions for indicating a coarse range of magnitude in two different systems of units as a function of the position of said first scale with respect to said rotatable driving shaft; a second scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in one of said systems of units; a third scale for indicating a fine scale range of magnitude in the other of said systems of units; said third scale operatively connected to said rotatable driving shaft; and a gear assembly coupled to said rotatable driving shaft and connected to said second scale and said third scale, said gear assembly having a predetermined gear ratio such that said second scale and said third scale are each caused to move at the same time but at a different rate that is a function of their respective system of units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a tactile sensation is provided. The tactile sensation measuring apparatus may include a plurality of pressure measuring units, each to measure a magnitude of an external pressure applied, using a variable resistance material of which a resistance changes when an external pressure is applied, and a tactile sensation measuring unit to measure a three-dimensional (3D) tactile sensation corresponding to the external pressure, based on a position of each of the plurality of pressure measuring units, and the magnitude of the external pressure measured by each of the plurality of pressure measuring units.

Abstract: In a torque sensor that detects torque acting on a torsion bar on the basis of a magnetic flux density conducted to a magnetism collecting ring provided in a housing, the magnetism collecting ring is an annular member formed such that an axial direction end portion thereof is thinner than a central portion. The housing includes an annular groove formed to be capable of accommodating the magnetism collecting ring and provided as a recess in an inner peripheral wall of the housing so as to be deeper than a thickness of the end portion of the magnetism collecting ring, and a caulk portion provided in the inner peripheral wall to caulk the magnetism collecting ring by covering the end portion of the magnetism collecting ring that is fitted into the annular groove.

Abstract: A measurement device for measurement of forces in structural components, having a measurement sensor, which is embodied such that it is connected with the structural component in a force-fit and/or form-fit manner, and generates measurement signals as a function of force transfers in the structural component, the measurement device having a measurement casing upon the measurement sensor. Processing of received measurement signals can occur, and the measurement casing has connecting means, for placing in position and releasable attachment of the measurement casing on the structural component, and the contacting means of the measurement casing can establish contact with the measurement sensor for the reception of the measurement signals.

Abstract: A hail strike recording device is operable to provide quantifiable information about a hail storm event experienced by a roof. The recording device is operable to be installed on a roof and includes a panel component and a mounting assembly. The panel component presents a hail impact zone to sense one or more hail strikes, with the recording device operable to provide recorded data associated with the sensed one or more hail strikes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a large-area extensible pressure sensor for textile surfaces, of the type comprising a support on which a conductive ink is printed which can transmit a printed electrical signal by any known printing technique. More specifically, the pressure sensor is characterised in that said support is flexible, extensible and elastic, and a plurality of main tracks of extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste are printed on said support; on said plurality of main tracks a plurality of piezoresistive paste or ink depositions acting as pressure sensing points are printed, and each of these depositions are linked to a secondary extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste track, which is also printed on said support, resulting in all tracks, primary or secondary, being connected to a control system without crossing each other.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (“MEMS”) load sensor device for measuring a force applied by a human user is described herein. In one aspect, the load sensor device has a contact surface in communication with a touch surface which communicates forces originating on the touch surface to a deformable membrane, on which load sensor elements are arranged, such that the load sensor device produces a signal proportional to forces imparted by a human user along the touch surface. In another aspect, the load sensor device has an overload protection ring to protect the load sensor device from excessive forces. In another aspect, the load sensor device has embedded logic circuitry to allow a microcontroller to individually address load sensor devices organized into an array. In another aspect, the load sensor device has electrical and mechanical connectors such as solder bumps designed to minimize cost of final component manufacturing.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive transducer assembly that includes a force sensing resistor. The force sensing resistor includes: first and second substrates; at least a first and a second electrically conductive traces on the inner surface of the first substrate including interdigitated fingers defining a sensitive area; and a resistive layer facing the sensitive area. The force sensing resistor includes an auxiliary trace on the inner surface of the first substrate connecting the first trace to the second trace through a constant resistance that is not dependent on the force applied to the substrates. The constant resistance being of a value largely greater than the value of the variable resistance which can be measured indirectly between the fingers when an external force is applied to the substrates. A system and a control method are also proposed.

Abstract: Control panel including a cover mounted on a support that is provided with a tactile pressing detection zone in which a force sensor that includes a pressure-sensitive zone is arranged behind a detection zone between the cover and the support so as to produce an electrical control signal when a user applies a determined tactile pressing force to the detection zone. The tactile pressing force is transmitted axially (X1) towards the sensitive zone via a spacer made of elastically compressible material interposed between the sensor and the cover. The spacer includes at least one compressible portion that defines a transversal top surface that bears against the cover and a transversal bottom surface that bears against the sensitive zone of the sensor. The top surface has an area smaller than the area of the bottom surface.

Abstract: A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a labyrinth structure and a sampling tube. The labyrinth structure includes a first baffle plate, a second baffle and a third baffle plate. The second baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate defines an inlet channel and is configured to receive a portion of oil aerosol containing liquid oil particles. A curved bend is included downstream of the inlet channel and is configured to separate the liquid oil particles from the portion of oil aerosol. The third baffle plate is relatively inclined with respect to the first baffle plate. The third baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate is configured to drain the separated liquid oil particles. The sampling tube provides the portion of oil aerosol separated of liquid oil particles to a detection device.

Abstract: A specimen kit having a tiny chamber is disclosed for a specimen preparation for TEM. The space height of the chamber is far smaller than dimensions of blood cells and therefore is adapted to sort nanoparticles from the blood cells. The specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over a true distribution status of nanoparticles in blood. The extremely tiny space height in Z direction eliminates the possibility of aggregation of the nanoparticles and/or agglomeration in Z direction during drying; therefore, a specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over the dispersion and/or agglomeration of nanoparticles in a blood.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for processing a liquid test sample includes using a needle assembly to introduce a first flow of gas through an inlet in the needle assembly into a container containing a liquid test sample and to provide an outlet from the container through the needle assembly, separating at least one volatile component from the sample in a gas and liquid separator using the first flow of gas, adsorbing the at least one volatile component onto a trapping material to provide at least one adsorbed component, and releasing the at least one adsorbed component from the trapping material to provide at least one released component.

Abstract: A liquid collection device is provided. The device includes an input conduit, an output conduit, a plurality of product collection containers, and a valve block. The input and output conduits are connectable to a liquid processing line. The valve block has a valve block input in fluid communication with the input conduit, a valve block output in fluid communication with the output conduit, and a plurality of valves. The valves correspond in number to product collection containers and each valve places the input conduit in liquid communication with a different one of the product collection containers. An automated liquid collection workstation for use with the liquid collection device and a method of automatically collecting liquid from a processing line or vessel are also provided.