Abstract: A birefringence measurement system includes a lens mounted for selective movement into and out of use in the optical setup so that a wide range of sample types can be handled by the system without reconfiguring the primary components of the optical setup of the system (moving the detector, changing the light source power, etc.) in a manner that would sacrifice the cost effectiveness, efficiency, mechanical reliability and repeatability of measurements for such systems.

Abstract: A system for the assessment of reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine assessment for that reflective surface. In one embodiment, a virtual nighttime drive through along a roadway is simulated using a plurality of intensity values to simulate reflections from each reflective surface disposed along the roadway during the virtual drive through.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the absorbance of a substance in a solution, comprising: i) a sample cell (30) of known path length (b) for containing said solution (S), said cell being transparent to light of a predefined wavelength spectrum; ii) plural LED's each being independently operable by means of a controller (25) each for emitting light, within said predefined wavelength spectrum, along a light path; iii) a band pass filter (22) in the light path; iv) a beam splitter (24) for dividing light from said source propagating along the path into a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being directable by the beam splitter toward a reference detector (42) and said second portion being directable into the cell (30); v) a reference detector (42) for detecting the intensity of said first portion of light directed by said beam splitter; and vi) a sample detector (40) for detecting the intensity of the second portion propagating from the cell; the apparatus allowing a sample in the cell

Abstract: Detector receives optical radiation transmitted through measured object and is responsive to one or more predetermined optical absorption bands of water and cellulose and two or more separate optical bands related to spectral disturbance caused by coloring substance.

Abstract: A time-domain waveform of a terahertz wave is measured by a method based on time-domain spectroscopy by using an optical delay unit to adjust an optical path length along which excitation light propagates thereby adjusting a difference between a time at which the excitation light arrives at a generating unit configured to generate the terahertz wave and a time at which the excitation light arrives at a detection unit configured to detect the terahertz wave. The optical delay unit is driven according to a first speed pattern to acquire a first time-domain waveform. The optical delay unit is then driven according to a second speed pattern different from the first speed pattern to acquire a second time-domain waveform. The first time-domain waveform and the second time-domain waveform are averaged.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for estimating air quality is provided. The portable apparatus includes a light source unit suitable for emitting incident light having a predetermined wavelength toward air to generate scattered light which is reflected by particles in the air, a light detection unit suitable for collecting information on the scattered light, and an arithmetic unit suitable for analyzing the information on the scattered light which is collected by the light detection unit. The arithmetic unit generates information on a size and a concentration of the particles in the air. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes an illumination device including a surface light source, a detector configured to detect a light intensity distribution formed on a light-receiving surface by reflected light, and a processor configured to obtain the reflection characteristic based on first data of the light intensity distribution detected by the detector. The processor is configured to estimate, based on the first data, second data of a light intensity distribution formed by specular reflected light and third data of a light intensity distribution formed by diffuse reflected light in a case where a point light source is disposed at each position in a light-emitting region of the surface light source, and to estimate, based on the second data and the third data, a light intensity distribution formed by reflected light from the surface.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for the liberation of one or more volatile organic compounds from a test sample. The processes include exposing a sample to light of a wavelength less than 400 nm, subjecting the sample to heat, and collecting one or more volatile organic compounds produced from the sample. The volatile organic compounds are detected by any of various methods, and are optionally identified by methods such as FTIR. The processes and apparatus provide for improved detection of relevant volatile organic compounds that are otherwise undetectable by traditional processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting soiling of clothing providing a contact surface and a cavity volume in a machine for producing and/or treating a material web, in particular a fibrous web such as for example, paper, cardboard or tissue web, on which the soiling is detected and evaluated using a detection and evaluation unit. A detection and evaluation unit categorizes the soiling according to the soiling, distinguishing at least between soiling on the contact surface of the clothing and soiling within the clothing.

Abstract: A laser light source for emitting excitation light, a sample case, a photomultiplier tube, a fluorescence collecting optical system and so forth are embedded in a resin material that is transparent to the excitation light and the light including fluorescence emitted from a sample. The resin material is provided in at least part of a light path that guides the fluorescence in the fluorescence collecting optical system, and this resin forms a housing that holds the laser light source, the fluorescence collecting optical system, the photomultiplier and so forth. A pigment having wavelength characteristics for absorbing the excitation light, Raman light generated from the resin, and so forth is contained substantially in a uniform manner in a resin region that surrounds the light path through which the excitation light and the light including the fluorescence pass.

Abstract: A composition includes a quantum cluster of Agm or Aun, one or more protector molecules; and a molecular cavity partially or wholly surrounding the quantum cluster. A method for preparing the quantum clusters includes adding a first amount of glutathione to a gold salt, a silver salt, or a mixture thereof to form a mixture; adding a reducing agent to the mixture to form a precipitate; and mixing the precipitate with a second amount of glutathione and a cyclodextrin to form a composition. Devices are prepared from the quantum clusters, and the devices may be used in methods of authentification of articles.

Abstract: A scanning module (9) is disposed over a first plate (32). A first motor (39) of moving the scanning module (9) in a second scanning direction and a second motor (49) of moving the scanning module (9) in a first scanning direction are disposed under the first plate (32). In this manner, the first motor (39) and the second motor (49) being a heat source are disposed on a side opposite to a scanning module (9) side using the first plate (32) as a boundary, and thus a transferred amount of heat from the first motor (39) and the second motor (49) to the scanning module (9) decreases. As a result, accuracy of fluorescence detection is prevented from degrading due to thermal distortion of a detection optical system in the scanning module (9).

Abstract: A calibration tool and method of using the tool to calibrate a fiber optic needle oxygen sensor. The tool includes at least a vial sealingly covered by a septa and containing a supply of particulate oxygen getter within the chamber of the vial. The vial has an open top and is constructed from an oxygen impermeable material. The septa is resealing, needle-penetrable and oxygen impermeable. The supply of particulate oxygen getter is retained within an oxygen permeable sachet.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a micro-fluidic device is presented, comprising: a micro-fluidic channel having an inner surface; a sensing region inside the micro-fluidic channel configured for adsorbing at least one analyte, the sensing region comprising a plurality of pillars positioned along the length of the inner surface of the micro-fluidic channel wherein the plurality of pillars are configured for creating an electromagnetic field localization thereby making the sensing region suitable for sensing plasmonic or surface enhanced Raman signals when irradiated; characterized in that: the plurality of pillars are further configured for creating a capillary action in the micro-fluidic channel when a fluid sample is present in the micro-fluidic channel.

Abstract: An optical field enhancement device that generates an enhanced optical field on a surface of a metal film by an optical field enhancement effect of localized plasmon induced on the surface of the metal film by light projected onto a nanostructure on which the metal film is formed, the device including a transparent substrate having a transparent nanostructure on a surface, a metal film formed on a surface of the nanostructure, and a support member for supporting a subject at a position spaced apart from the surface of the metal film.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of sparks in a channel where material flows. A spark sensing device is positioned in connection with channel where material flows in a flowing direction. The spark sensing device comprises a sensor element and an optical element that transfers a radiation of a spark to the sensor element. The optical element is made of optically transparent material. The optical element is such that it shapes the collection beam of the sensor element to be asymmetrical whereby the viewing angle of the sensor element is wider in a direction transverse to the flowing direction than in the flowing direction.

Abstract: A detection device includes a xylem fiber substrate configured with a sampling portion and a reaction portion. The reaction portion includes at least one enzyme reagent. The sampling portion absorbs a test sample. The test sample moves on the xylem fiber substrate to the reaction portion and reacts with the enzyme reagent. A manufacturing method for the detection device is also disclosed. The detection device is advantageous for easy operation, safety and rapid analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentration determination using polarized light. The apparatus includes a first polarized light source having a first light source polarization axis and a second polarized light source having a second light source polarization axis generally perpendicular to the first light source polarization axis. Also, a first polarized light receiver having a first polarized light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the first light receiver polarizer and a second polarized light receiver having a second polarized light receiver polarization axis substantially perpendicular to the first light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the second light receiver polarizer, wherein the first and second light receiver polarization axes are generally +/?45 degrees relative to the first and second light source polarization axes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting the integrity of a sealed package are described. A system can include an inspection station and a control unit. The inspection station can include a scanning platform, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner can measure a first distance from the first scanner to the seal and the second scanner can measure a second distance from second scanner to the seal. The control unit can move the package to a first station or a second station based on the difference between a gap distance and combined first distance and second distance. A method of inspecting the integrity of a seal using any of the embodiments of the inspection system are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for photographing a moving image for a spill observation of carbon dioxide in a deep part of a sea floor, the system including: a mother boat; a wire connected to the mother boat; and a sea floor carbon dioxide photograph unit connected to the wire to move in a deep part of a sea floor according to a movement of the mother boat and continuously photograph a moving image of the deep part of the sea floor to observe a spill and movement of carbon dioxide generated in the deep part of the sea floor and a method of taking a moving image for a spill observation of carbon dioxide in a deep part of a sea floor using the same.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus and an X-ray measuring method which are capable of obtaining object information including information about scattering of X-rays by an object are provided. The X-ray apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an intensity of an X-ray beam passed through an object. The detector includes a first pixel and a second pixel different from the first pixel. The apparatus is configured such that when the object is not disposed in an optical path of the X-ray beam, the center of an intensity distribution of the X-ray beam applied to the detector does not coincide with a boundary between the first and second pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the retention capacity of fuel vapor filters for motor vehicles, wherein a temperature profile of the fuel is recorded on a motor vehicle in a SHED chamber during a temperature cycle. A fuel vapor volumetric flow for a temperature change is calculated from the temperature profile. In a measurement arrangement (1) fuel is evaporated by means of an evaporator (2) and is output by means of a charging pump (9) to a fuel vapor filter (4) disposed in an oven (5). The bleed emissions of the fuel vapor filter (4) are measured at least during the charging.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer is provided with: a furnace tube; a pair of sample holders; a heating furnace; a measurement chamber; and a measurement unit arranged inside the measurement chamber. The sample holders are arranged inside the furnace tube and are provided with mounting faces on which a pair of sample containers are mounted respectively. The heating furnace has an opening through which a measurement sample is observable, the opening being located at a position above the center of a virtual segment which connects centers of gravity of the mounting faces of the sample holders. The opening is formed to have a size, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the mounting faces, of 7 mm or more in the direction along the virtual segment and of 3 mm or more in the direction perpendicular to the virtual segment.

Abstract: A thermographic inspection system includes a heat source configured to be removably attached to an exterior surface of an object. A thermal imaging device obtains a thermal image of the object, and an analyzing device determines a location of a defect in the object based on the thermal image.

Abstract: A gas detector includes a gas detection element having a protection layer formed of an oxide film mainly containing tantalum oxide (Ta2O5). Since the protection layer has excellent condensed-water resistance, even when water droplets adhere thereto, the morphology thereof does not change from dense to porous. Thus, since a change in property of the protection layer, which would otherwise be caused by adhesion of water droplets, can be reduced in the gas detector, even when water droplets adhere to the outermost surface layer of the gas detection element, impurities can be prevented from entering the protection layer (the outermost surface layer), whereby a change in thermal capacity of the gas detection element can be reduced. Thus, the gas detection element of the gas detector has excellent alkali resistance and condensed-water resistance.

Abstract: A liquid sensor may comprise a outer member, an inner member, a storage space having a tubular shape defined by the outer member and the inner member, an inflow path disposed on a first side in an axis direction of the storage space, and an outflow path disposed on a second side in the axis direction of the storage space. The inflow path may comprise a center line not passing through a center axis of the storage space in a plane vertical to the axis direction of the storage space such that the liquid inside the storage space forms a spiral flow including a flow from the first side in the axis direction of the storage space to the second side in the axis direction of the storage space and a flow revolving along a circumferential direction of the storage space.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element includes a dielectric substrate, a nonporous conductive electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, a permeable conductive electrode having a thickness in a range of from 4 to 10 nanometers and permeable by water vapor, and a detection layer disposed between the nonporous conductive electrode and the permeable conductive electrode. Both conductive electrodes have respective conductive leads attached thereto. The detection layer includes a sulfonated copolymer including monomeric units comprising (I) and (II), Wherein x and y are independently integers in the range of from 2 to 6, and wherein each M independently represents H or an alkali metal. A humidity sensor including the humidity sensor element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A humidity-sensing device and a method of producing the humidity-sensing device. The humidity-sensing device is of capacitive type and includes a dielectric material with low permeability to moisture and an electrode with permeability to moisture greater than that of the dielectric material with which it is in contact.

Abstract: A method of measuring hematocrit (HCT) and a measurement device using in the method and depends on an electrode test specimen to create a capacitor charging effect and consequential change in discharge current for measurement of hematocrit. The method of measuring hematocrit comprises steps as follows: (a) Instill blood into a pair of test electrodes which is installed in the present invention and apply a voltage to the pair of test electrodes; (b) Remove the voltage applied to the pair of test electrodes and measure a discharge current value; (c) Refer to a predetermined decision rule and the discharge current to obtain a hematocrit value for blood. As such, the present invention which relies on an electrode test specimen in measurement of hematocrit corresponding to a discharge current value during electric discharge contributes to precision and reliability in contrast to conventional hematocrit tests.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gas detector with a first gas sensor having a first gas specificity and a first response time and a second gas sensor having a second gas specificity and a second response time. The first gas specificity is different than the second gas specificity, the first response time is different than the second response time, or both the first gas specificity and the first response time are different than the second gas specificity and the second response time. A readout and analysis circuit is coupled to the first and second gas sensors to read and analyze data from the first and second gas sensors, and a control circuit is coupled to the readout and analysis circuit and to the first and second gas sensors to execute logic that operates the first gas sensor, the second gas sensor, or both the first and second gas sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated type microfluidic electrochemical biosensor system for rapid biochemical analysis and the usage of the system. The system comprising: a continuous feeding unit for sequentially conveying lead eluent, sample solution, sample eluent, signal probe solution, signal probe eluent and electrochemical detection buffer solution; a microfluidic chip consists of one or more micro-channel network, the microfluidic chip covers the electrode array to form a channel system, capture probes which have interaction with the said sample solution fixed on the surface of the electrode array, said channel system is connected with the continuous feed unit; and a power system for providing power to said continuous feeding unit.

Abstract: In a biological information measurement device for measuring, for example, a blood glucose level, it is intended to improve measurement accuracy. In a voltage sweep mode A (a biological information characteristic detection mode), different voltage values are applied between a first input terminal and a second input terminal from a voltage applying unit 15 in a first period and a second period, a plurality of various factors that affect variation in the measurement of biological information are considered as changes in the current value in the voltage sweep mode A (the biological information characteristic detection mode), thereby a biological information correction value is calculated from the changes in the current value, and the biological information measurement value measured during the biological information measurement mode C is corrected by the biological information correction value. Thus, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

Abstract: A biochip for molecular detection and sensing is disclosed. The biochip includes a substrate. The biochip includes a plurality of discrete sites formed on the substrate having a density of greater than five hundred wells per square millimeter. Each discrete site includes sidewalls disposed on the substrate to form a well. Each discrete site includes an electrode disposed at the bottom of the well. In some embodiments, the wells are formed such that cross-talk between the wells is reduced. In some embodiments, the electrodes disposed at the bottom of the wells are organized into groups of electrodes, wherein each group of electrodes shares a common counter electrode. In some embodiments, the electrode disposed at the bottom of the well has a dedicated counter electrode. In some embodiments, surfaces of the sidewalls are silanized such that the surfaces facilitate the forming of a membrane in or adjacent to the well.

Abstract: A system for detecting electrical properties of a molecular complex is disclosed. The system includes an electrode electrically coupled to a molecular complex that outputs an electrical signal affected by an electrical property of the molecular complex, wherein the effect of the electrical property of the molecular complex on the electrical signal is characterized by an expected bandwidth. The system further includes an integrating amplifier circuit configured to: receive the electrical signal from the electrode. The integrating amplifier circuit is further configured to selectively amplify and integrate a portion of the electrical signal over time within a predetermined bandwidth, wherein the predetermined bandwidth is selected at least in part based on the expected bandwidth.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor (100) is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas sensor includes a sensor element (10) and a glass coating film (20). The sensor element is configured to detect an oxygen concentration or air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas sensor. The glass coating film (20) is formed on at least part of a surface of the sensor element and capable of absorbing a Mn component contained in the exhaust gas at 700° C. The internal combustion engine uses a fuel having a Mn concentration in excess of 20 ppm.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.

Abstract: Molds for casting and retaining electrophoresis gel strips are provided, along with methods, kits, and systems for performing electrophoresis, electroelution, and/or electroblotting using these molds.

Abstract: An improved staining method and system is described for staining a biopolymer such as a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, an oligosaccharide or a complex containing a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, or an oligosaccharide in a matrix. The method includes the step of moving a staining reagent into the matrix using an electric force. The staining time can be dramatically reduced relative to conventional technologies. The improved staining method can particularly be used, for example, to stain proteins after gel separation. Other related methods, related kits and related systems for carrying out the staining method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system including: a protein having a domain that binds a membranal component; an inlet for sample flow, an Isotachophoresis (ITP) system and a flow generating means connected or coupled to the aqueous parts of the ITP. The invention also provides a method for detecting and or sorting cells with this system.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a testing device of a turbine blade includes: a non-compressive elastic medium brought into close contact with a platform of the turbine blade in a state fastened to a turbine rotor; a probe which has piezoelectric elements arranged in an array and transmits ultrasound waves toward a fastening portion of the turbine blade through the elastic medium and receives echo waves; and a display portion for imaging an internal region of the fastening portion on the basis of the echo waves and displaying the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring the propagation velocity of a sound wave that may easily and accurately measure the propagation velocity of a sound wave in the horizontal and vertical directions of the sample by using the fixing unit preventing the measurement unit from vibrating and the distance measurement unit capable of accurately measuring the distance between the sound wave transmission and reception units, and a method of measuring the propagation velocity of a sound wave by using the apparatus.

Abstract: A modular inspection vehicle having at least first and second motion modules is provided. The first and second motion modules are connected to a chassis. The first motion module includes a first wheel mounted to the chassis. The second motion module includes second wheel mounted to the chassis, the second wheel being at an angle to the first wheel. The vehicle further includes a navigation module configured to collect position data related to the position of the vehicle, an inspection module configured to collect inspection data related to the vehicle's environment, and a communication module configured to transmit and receive data. The vehicle can also include a control module configured to receive the inspection data and associate the inspection data with received position data that corresponds to the inspection data collect at a corresponding position for transmission via the communication module.

Abstract: An interface inspection method according to the present invention includes a step S1 of transmitting ultrasound to a composite structure to be inspected, via an ultrasound generating unit adapted to generate ultrasound of a frequency suitable for a member making up the composite structure and acquiring a signal waveform by receiving a reflected wave from the composite structure using a receiving unit; a step S2 of performing signal processing on the acquired signal waveform and acquiring signal amplitude versus frequency characteristics; and a step S3 of determining an interface condition of the composite structure based on an amplitude in a frequency band unique to the composite structure as observed on the signal waveform subjected to signal processing.

Abstract: A fast field mud gas analyzer is presented. The fast field mud gas analyzer has a splitter system; a plurality of analytical lines composed of a micro chromatographic column and one or more detector; one or more heating element; and a computer system. The splitter system selectively applies a portion of an effluent sample flow through one or more outlets. The analytical lines are in fluid communication with the splitter system and receive at least a portion of the effluent sample flow. The micro chromatographic column separates portions of the effluent sample flow. The detector analyzes the separated portions and generates information indicative of analysis of the separated portions. The heating element heats the portion of the effluent sample flow within the analytical line. The computer system controls the splitter system and the one or more heating element and receives the information from the detectors.

Abstract: Described herein are condition change labels, methods of forming them, and methods of using them. Generally, condition change labels include a first layer including a blister laminated to a first side of a bottom layer thereby creating a container; an indicator substance located in the container; and an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of a second side of the bottom layer, wherein the condition change label has a stiffness less than about 0.06 mN·m.

Abstract: A method and system of measuring non-methane hydrocarbons in exhaust gas. The method includes sampling exhaust gas, wherein the exhaust gas includes native carbon dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and methane. The native carbon dioxide present in the exhaust gas is removed followed by oxidation of the non-methane hydrocarbons to produce carbon dioxide. The concentration of carbon dioxide is then measured and provides a direct indication of the non-methane hydrocarbon concentration.

Abstract: The invention describes software (including mathematical models implemented in software) and related electronic circuits that can be used to combine data from local, inexpensive dust sensors (particle counters) with Internet-available rich data on pollutants, weather, optional household devices, sensors, and appliances to create a rich picture of the local environment, shape that environment through non-trivial control of said household appliances and ventilation systems to reduce buildup of household dust on surfaces or reduce sensitive individuals' exposure to specific pollutants, and monitor individuals' exposure to pollutants. The software might live in a smartphone (such as the inventors' iPhone prototype), related hardware devices (such as a pollution sensor communicating via bluetooth with the smartphone) or in heating/cooling control system such as a common household thermostat.

Abstract: Methods of preparing compositions for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites are provided. The compositions may comprise a polymer with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature. Methods of identifying suitable components for such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sensing biological functions are disclosed. Sensors can be implanted in an organ, such as the brain, and a magnetic field gradient applied to the biological tissue. The field causes the sensors to have different resonant frequencies allowing their spatial localization. The sensors can harvest power from the external coils to be able to retransmit data.