Abstract: A precision measurement dispenser provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a storage container that is preferably airtight. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section that is preferably positioned within the storage container. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient by gravity to a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control, temperature control, and/or humidity control on the storage container. The dispensing section uses screw, roll, vibration, or shuttle mechanisms for precise dispensing of material.

Abstract: A dynamic scale to achieves a higher throughput, by at least one of a spring steel sheet being installed in the travel direction of the first shaft of the first transport belt, and/or the control of the motors as well as the transmission of the sensor signals taking place via ribbon cables which are arranged parallel to the transport belts, and/or an electronic evaluation of interference oscillations of the signals of the sensors of the weighing cell takes place, within at least one lowpass filter being used, and wherein at least two digital notch filters are used.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a transmission-line assembly having an electrical transmission-line parameter configured to change, at least in part, in response to reception, at least in part, of a vehicular load of a moving vehicle moving relative to a vehicular roadway to the transmission-line assembly positionable, at least in part, relative to the vehicular roadway.

Abstract: A computer-implemented case by case picking weight audit system and a method of auditing weight for case by case picking which includes weight audit controller including a case by case picking weight audit program executable to provide communication between a mobile scale and the mobile device for transfer of mobile scale weight data and comparison of an audit product weight against a picked product weight placed on the mobile scale.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to weighing scale diagnostic methods employing a comparison of like component operating parameters. In certain embodiments, the difference between any two current operating parameter values may be compared against a maximum allowable difference, and/or the deviation of current operating parameters from a calculated measure of central tendency may be determined and compared against a maximum allowable deviation. Alternatively or additionally, a standard statistical test for outliers may be employed. An outlying difference or deviation may be indicative of a problem with the associated component. In other embodiments, the current operating parameters of like components may be compared against calibrated parameters and any deviation of the current parameter for a given component may be compared against the total deviation to determine the percentage of deviation attributable to that component.

Abstract: A weighing scale may include a weighing platform, a weight measurement module, a wireless data communication module, a weight data processing and transmitting system, a display screen, and a control panel. In one embodiment, the weighing device can be a regular weighing scale, and in another embodiment, the weighing scale can be a wireless weighing scale which can store and transmit data generated by the weighing scale to external electronic devices or receive and store data coming from external electronic devices. In one embodiment, the wireless data communication module can be used to transmit data to or receive data from distant electronic devices via the wireless network data transmission system and Internet. In another embodiment, the wireless data communication module can be used to retrieve data from the onboard memory module and transmit them to distant electronic devices via the wireless network data transmission system and Internet.

Abstract: A laser scanner includes: a light source; a scanning mirror that scans laser light emitted from the light source, toward a target object by oscillating about axis C; a photodetector that generates a photodetection signal upon receiving the laser light reflected from the target object; a controller that controls emission of the laser light by the light source, and that performs sampling on the photodetection signal; and a detector that detects an amount of displacement of the scanning mirror, and calculates a resonant frequency of the scanning mirror based on the amount of displacement detected. The controller determines a time at which the laser light is emitted from the light source and a time at which sampling is performed on the photodetection signal, based on the resonant frequency calculated.

Abstract: A system is configured to discriminate amongst different environments based in part on characteristics of ambient light. Ambient light intensity is measured using a light-sensitive element configured to generate an output signal indicative of an intensity of light incident on the light-sensitive element. A controller is configured to obtain a set of ambient light measurements using the light-sensitive element, and determine that the measurements correspond to a particular ambient light profile. The particular ambient light profile can be one of multiple ambient light profiles that each correspond to a different environment and/or context.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method can include receiving a first projection pattern, where the first projection pattern is configured to violate a first parameter of a safety system of a laser projection system. The method can also include displaying the first projection pattern with the laser projection system and verifying proper implementation of the first parameter by the safety system based on visual appearance of the displayed first projection pattern. The method can further include receiving a second projection pattern, where the second projection pattern is configured to violate a second parameter of the safety system of the laser projection system and the second parameter is different than the first parameter. The method can further include displaying the second projection pattern with the laser projection system and verifying proper implementation of the second parameter by the safety system based on visual appearance of the displayed second projection pattern.

Abstract: Method for measuring shape of wavefront of optical radiation field generated by radiation source, includes: (a) setting diaphragm positions in pinhole diaphragm having diaphragm opening movable transversely to radiation source's optical axis, wherein a partial beam from radiation field passes through diaphragm opening at each diaphragm position and is imaged on optical sensor by imaging optics device; (b) recording lateral positions of partial beam relative to optical axis of imaging optics device, wherein lateral positions each with one of the diaphragm positions of pinhole diaphragm are recorded by optical sensor, and determining the shape of wavefront from recorded lateral positions of partial beam, wherein beam incidence range of the partial beam which is invariable for all diaphragm positions is set on imaging optics device with a pentaprism arrangement including at least first pentaprism and positioned between pinhole diaphragm and imaging optics device.

Abstract: Implementations described herein comprise systems, apparatus and methods for calibration of imaging, radio frequency or spectroscopic instruments that can be used to validate, calibrate or confirm the calibration thereof. In one aspect, a calibration target is provided. The calibration target has a tissue interface and an instrument interface. The instrument interface has a first storage means having a first set of calibration data encoded therein and a second storage means having a second set of calibration data encoded therein. The first storage means and the second storage means are selected to comprise different storage modalities. Both the first and second set of calibration data are necessary to perform calibration of the instrument.

Abstract: A monochromator has at least one optical grating which is rotatable in relation to incident light of a source of light, a drive unit to rotate the optical grating by a connected drive rod around a longitudinal axis, and a control unit to control the drive unit and thereby the rotation of the optical grating. The drive unit further has a first damping element with at least one electrical conductive surface, and a second damping element which provides at least one magnetic field having a magnetic axis which penetrates the electrical conductive surface. One of the first and second damping elements is fixed to the drive rod and is rotatable along with the drive rod around the longitudinal axis thereof in relation to the other one of the second or first damping element.

Abstract: Provided are an optical filter and an optical measuring device employing the optical filter. The optical filter comprises at least one pixel. The at least one pixel comprises a first reflective plate that is configured to receive the incident light and have a plurality of first holes formed therein; and a second reflective plate that is configured to transmit particular wavelength or range of wavelengths of the light transmitted through the first reflective plate, faces the first reflective plate with a gap between the first reflective plate and the second reflective plate, and has a plurality of second holes formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared absorption spectroscopy apparatus including an infrared transparent substrate comprising a first and second surface, an array of plasmonic nano-antennas arranged on the first surface of the infrared transparent substrate, a flow cell for holding a liquid to allow spectroscopy measurements in a liquid environment, the array of plasmonic nano-antennas being located inside the flow cell, an optical source providing an incident light probe signal incident on at least a part of the array of plasmonic nano-antennas via the second surface of the infrared transparent substrate, and an optical element to collect reflected light signal reflected by said part of the array of plasmonic nano-antennas.

Abstract: A thermal sensing device can include an electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate electromagnetic radiation, a first antenna configured to direct electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source toward a target, and a second antenna configured to receive microwave radiation emitted from an internal portion of the target. The thermal sensing device can also include a microwave sensor coupled to the second antenna and configured to acquire sensor data regarding the microwave radiation emitted from an internal portion of the target. A processing device, included in the thermal sensing device, can be configured to produce thermal data based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A pyroelectric sensing device includes two pyroelectric sensors and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is used for driving the two pyroelectric sensors to shift. When a human body stays motionless in an environment, the two pyroelectric sensors driven by the driving mechanism will shift with respect to the human body, such that the two pyroelectric sensors generate different sensing voltages due to the infrared radiation emitted by the human body. Accordingly, the motionless human body will be detected.

Abstract: A method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of computer executable instructions for calibrating an uncalibrated thermal imager is provided. The system includes a calibrated pyrometer for determining a first temperature of a Region of Interest under a first condition, and an uncalibrated thermal imager for determining a first average count value over the region of interest under the first condition and for determining a second average count value over the region of interest under a second condition. A temperature sensor for determining a second temperature of the region of interest under a second condition is also provided. Control electronics determine a Planck function that intersects the points (first temperature, first average count value) and (second temperature, second average count value). The uncalibrated thermal imager is calibrated using the Planck function.

Abstract: A superconducting thermal detector (bolometer) of THz (sub-millimeter) wave radiation based on sensing the change in the amplitude or phase of a resonator circuit, consisting of a capacitor (Csh) and a superconducting temperature dependent inductor where the said inductor is thermally isolated from the heat bath (chip substrate) by micro-suspensions. The bolometer design includes a thin film inductor located on the membrane, a single or/and multi-layered thin film capacitor, and a thin film absorber of incoming radiation. The bolometer design can also include a lithographic antenna with antenna termination and/or a back reflector beneath the membrane for optimal wavelength detection by the resonance circuit. The superconducting thermal detector (bolometer) and arrays of these detectors operate in a temperature range from 1 Kelvin to 10 Kelvin.

Abstract: In order to solve a technical problem of a temperature sensor for high temperature, in which platinum lead wires may be broken when used at a high temperature, an inner frame (8) made of ceramic is provided inside an outer frame (7) made of metal, the inner frame (8) is fixed, only at the upper end portion thereof, to the outer frame (7), and an insulating filler (9) made of a ceramic adhesive or a ceramic powder tightly filled at a high density is filled inside the inner frame (8) and a portion inside the outer frame (7) where the inner frame (8) is not present. According to this configuration, the occurrence of a break in platinum lead wires (6) can be significantly lowered compared with that of conventional examples.

Abstract: An approach to nanoscale thermometry that utilizes coherent manipulation of the electronic spin associated with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond is disclosed. The methods and apparatus allow for detection of temperature variations down to milli-Kelvin resolution, at nanometer length scales. This biologically compatible approach to thermometry offers superior temperature sensitivity and reproducibility with a reduced measurement time. The disclosed apparatus can be used to study heat-generating intracellular processes.

Abstract: An aluminum nitride piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer successfully operates at temperatures of up to 1000° C. and fast (>1 MeV) neutron fluencies of more than 1018 n/cm2. The transducer comprises a transparent, nitrogen rich aluminum nitride (AlN) crystal wafer that is coupled to an aluminum cylinder for pulse-echo measurements. The transducer has the capability to measure in situ gamma heating within the core of a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature distribution measuring device includes: an optical fiber as a sensor; a calculation control unit for measuring a temperature distribution along the optical fiber by using backward Raman scattered light from the optical fiber; a far-end-position dispersion characteristic calculation unit for obtaining a dispersion characteristic of the optical fiber at a far-end position thereof; a per-unit-length dispersion characteristic calculation unit for obtaining a per-unit-length dispersion characteristic of the optical fiber based on the dispersion characteristic of the optical fiber at the far-end position thereof; and a correction parameter calculation unit for calculating a correction parameter for correcting a dispersion characteristic of the optical fiber based on a dispersion characteristic at each of different positions along the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature distribution measuring device includes: an optical fiber as a sensor; a light source for outputting, to the optical fiber, signal light which has been amplified by excitation light; a temperature distribution calculation unit for measuring a temperature distribution along the optical fiber by using backward Raman scattered light from the optical fiber; an ASE light intensity variation measurement unit for measuring an intensity variation of an ASE light generated at the light source; and a temperature distribution correction unit for correcting the temperature distribution based on a measurement result of the ASE light intensity variation measurement unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to measuring an external temperature using a computing device. In one case, a model for measuring the external temperature may be derived. A solution of the model may be compared with at least one data quantity of a plurality of data quantities to determine a difference between the solution of the model and the at least one of the plurality of data quantities. One or more parameters of the model may be fit such that the difference between the solution of the model and the at least one of the plurality of data quantities is minimized. The external temperature may be measured using the solution of the model.

Abstract: A textile pressure sensor for the capacitive measuring of a pressure distribution of objects of any shape, in particular body parts, on a surface is proposed, having a first structure (30a) which is conductive at least in regions and a second structure (30b) which is conductive at least in regions, wherein the first and the second structure which are conductive at least in regions are separated from each other by a dielectric intermediate element (48), and wherein conductive regions of the first structure (30a) form capacitors with opposite conductive regions of the second structure (30b). The textile pressure sensor is distinguished in that the first and/or the second structure (30a, 30b) which is conductive at least in regions is designed as a knitted fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitive sensor sheet for use in measuring at least one of an amount of strain due to elastic deformation and a distribution of strain due to elastic deformation, and the capacitive sensor sheet comprises: a dielectric layer; a top electrode layer laminated on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer; and a bottom electrode layer laminated on the reverse surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is composed of an elastomer composition containing a urethane elastomer, and each of the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer is composed of an electroconductive composition containing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A pressing force sensor that includes a sensor element configured with a piezoelectric film, a lead terminal for connection to an external circuit, a wiring conductor which connects pressing force detection electrodes and the lead terminal, and a flexible printed circuit board which withstands solder reflow temperatures. The flexible printed circuit board has the pressing force detection electrodes formed on a first principal surface thereof, and is folded via a folding line while the first principal surface faces inward. The sensor element is deflected by a pressing force applied to a second principal surface which faces outward and is in a first area of the flexible printed circuit board which is on one side with respect to the folding line, and a signal corresponding to the pressing force is thus taken out from the pressing force detection electrodes.

Abstract: A pressure sensing cable in one embodiment includes an optical fiber having a first core and a second core. The first core extends along a length of the cable, and is sized and configured to provide propagation of light along the first core along the length of the cable. The first core has a first mode index corresponding to the speed of light propagation along the first core. The second core extends along the length, is spaced a distance from the first core, and is sized and configured to provide propagation of light along the second core along the length of the cable. The second core has a second mode index corresponding to the speed of light propagation along the second core. The second mode index is different from the first mode index, wherein light propagates along the second core at a different speed than along the first core.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for impact detection are provided herein. In one or more embodiments, one or more sensors or sensor components may be embedded in an impact strip, helmet, article of clothing, apparel, accessories, etc. A sensor component may measure or take readings such as proper acceleration. These readings may be used to calculate velocities, force of a blow, speed of impact, etc. and notifications may be provided to appropriate parties when a force is determined to place a player or athlete at risk of injury. A database may be built from readings or measurements to determine different thresholds for different players (e.g., based on age, height, weight, etc.). In this manner, impact detection is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the operation of an air cushion includes an air cushion with the inside provided with a plurality of patterns filled with air; a part for sensing the air pressure inside the air cushion so as to output a corresponding air pressure sensing signal; a part for sensing the temperature inside the air cushion so as to output a corresponding temperature sensing signal; a photographic part arranged in the lower part of the air cushion for photographing the plurality of patterns so as to output an image of each pattern; and a control unit for determining the air pressure inside the air cushion by measuring the force exerted on the air cushion in the Y-direction based on the temperature, air pressure and contact area, and by measuring the force exerted on the air cushion in the X-direction based on the displacement of the contact area.

Abstract: An article to determine a sample condition includes a substrate; a reference optical cavity disposed on the substrate and comprising a reference cavity, the reference optical cavity being configured to support a reference optical resonance and to maintain an axial length of the reference cavity; and a sample optical cavity disposed on the substrate and comprising a sample cavity, the sample optical cavity being configured to support a sample optical resonance and to maintain an axial length of the sample cavity.

Abstract: A pressure sensor calibration system comprises one or more pressures sensors for calibrating sensor parameters based on a membrane deflection or a membrane displacement from an electrostatic force. A measuring component measures capacitance values corresponding to applied voltages at the electrodes of the one or more pressure sensors. Sensor parameters are derived from capacitance measurements and a pressure measurement, which are utilized by a calibration component for calibration and recalibration of the one or more pressure sensors.

Abstract: A refrigerant leak locating device taps into and distributes a dye into a refrigerant line to facilitating locating a leak in the refrigerant line. The device includes a housing having a first section selectively separable from a second section. Each of a pair of channels extends into a respective one of the first section and the second section. The channels are aligned defining a conduit through the housing. A screw has a pointed end extendable into the conduit when the screw is fully inserted into the housing wherein the pointed end pierces a refrigerant line positioned in the conduit. A tube extends into the housing having a first end is in fluid communication with the conduit. A dye is positioned in the tube wherein the dye is introduced into the refrigerant line when the pointed end of the screw pierces the refrigerant line.

Abstract: Examples of a leak detection system are disclosed. In one example according to aspects of the present disclosure, a leak detection system includes a housing defining an interior, the housing connected to a component of a water distribution system. The leak detection system also includes a leak detection sensor contained within the interior of the housing and configured to detect a leak within the water distribution system. Additionally, the leak detection system includes a digital signal processing circuit in communication with the leak detection sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resonance generating apparatus with maximized moving mass ratio for a blade's fatigue testing, which includes a light-weighted mounting portion provided in contact with an external surface of the blade, a plurality of actuators provided on an external side of the mounting portion, and a resonance generator configured to generate bending loads in association with displacement of rods of the actuators, and to reciprocate in parallel relationship with a moving direction of the actuator rod and simultaneously to prevent the resonance generator's motions in all directions except for a direction of testing, and a fatigue testing method using the same.

Abstract: A method for extracting material and mechanical properties of a cylinder subject to expansion cause by an explosion so as to better understand the evolution of damage. The method is directed towards obtaining material and mechanical properties of the cylinder between an undeformed state and a state of deformation prior to total fracture. The method includes the steps of providing: (1) a plurality of cylinders, each of which have the same physical dimensions; (2) a plurality of charges, each of the plurality of charges having a different diameter and hence explosive force; and (3) a fluid having a shock impedance less than a shock impedance of any of the plurality of charges. The method further includes the step of placing the charges in a respective cylinders, tilling the cylinder with the fluid and detonating the charge, and recording the cylinder radial velocity during radial expansion and post-mortem material properties.

Abstract: In the field of monitoring the aging of parts subjected to a rotary movement and, more precisely, of monitoring the deformation to which a peripheral surface of a rotating part is possibly subject, an improved method is provided. The method includes: a step of emitting a light signal at a first end of an optical fibre at least one section of which runs between two points of the surface of the part; a step of measuring a characteristic of the light signal received at a second end of the optical fibre, the characteristic varying as a function of the length of the optical fibre between its ends; and a step of comparing the characteristic of the light signal to a reference signal.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a powertrain having an engine and a generator coupled to a driveshaft, an inverter configured to provide phase currents to the generator, and a controller programmed to output a fault condition based on first and second generator torques, the first generator torque being based on an engine torque and the second generator torque being based on no more than two phase currents of the generator.

Abstract: Method for detecting an air filter condition, in particular for combustion engines, comprising the following steps calculation of a linear regression over data-couples values, each comprising pressure drop value at the air filter and square of air flow value crossing the air filter, corresponding to said pressure drop value, in order to obtain an angular coefficient of the linear regression, comparison of the angular coefficient or of the function construed on the angular coefficient with at least one threshold in order to detect an operative condition of the air filter (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing the catalytic efficiency of exhaust components, particularly exhaust components used in heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust systems. The exhaust component typically has a plurality of elongate channels through which exhaust gases flow, the channels extending between a first end face and a second end face of the exhaust component. The method comprises causing an exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust component, and making measurements of a property of the exhaust gas before and after it has flowed through the exhaust component, wherein the flow of the exhaust gas through the channels is restricted such that the volume of the exhaust component through which the exhaust gas flows is reduced.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder, at least one feed conduit for combustion gas, and at least one exhaust gas conduit for carrying exhaust gas away from the internal combustion engine. A measuring device determines the gas quality of a combustion gas which can be fed to the internal combustion engine by the feed conduit. The measuring device includes at least one catalyst unit to which exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine can be fed, and at least one sensor downstream of the catalyst unit for detecting a parameter which is characteristic of the conversion rate of the catalyst unit. The gas quality of the combustion gas fed to the internal combustion engine can be determined by the measuring device for determining the gas quality depending on the parameter which is ascertained by the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and mitigating air-fuel imbalance faults specific to an engine cylinder are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises indicating a cylinder imbalance by comparing time-aligned readings from exhaust gas oxygen sensors, the exhaust gas oxygen sensors positioned symmetrically opposite each other within an exhaust passage downstream of a catalyst. In this way, an air-fuel imbalance fault may be accurately detected in a non-uniform exhaust flow so that mitigating actions can be taken, resulting in reduced tailpipe emissions.

Abstract: A method and a system for inspection of gas turbine are presented. An inspection tool is attached on a track which is permanently positioned on site with respect to the gas turbine. The inspection tool includes an extendible shaft with a proximal end attached on the track and a distal end carrying a sensor. The inspection tool moves along the track for accessing an inspection port of the gas turbine by the shaft. A control system is coupled to the inspection tool for controlling the inspection tool for the inspection of the gas turbine. The method and system enable an automated engine inspection which allows for the engine to have been inspected and reviewed by an engineer without having to send the engineer on site.

Abstract: A system and methods for testing the integrity of a tire are disclosed. The tire is tested by powering a charging/timing circuit with a single-ended voltage supply. The single-ended voltage supply, via the charging/timing circuit, provides power to at least two test heads. The timing circuit can include various components that adjust the timing of the charge supplied.

Abstract: A vibration damping system comprises a vibration applying device mounted on a frame and a control device that controls the vibration applying device, the control device comprising a voltage command producing part that produces a driving voltage command to drive the vibration applying device and a vibration failure diagnosis part that diagnoses whether there is failure based on a vibration detection signal output by a vibration detecting device, wherein the voltage command producing part produces the driving voltage command corresponding to a diagnosis frequency that is previously set at a frequency identical to a resonance frequency of the frame or the vibration applying device or at a predetermined frequency close to the resonance frequency and makes the vibration applying device generate the vibration applying force according to the driving voltage command, and the vibration failure diagnosis part diagnoses whether there is failure based on the vibration detection signal.

Abstract: A device comprising a sampling container comprising a hollow elongated structure formed by at least one sidewall, a first end being open to receive an instrument, and a second end being open to provide a fluid passageway for fluid from a reservoir to enter into or drain from the fluid passageway when the first end of the sampling container is inserted into the fluid in the reservoir, the first end and the second end being disposed at opposite ends of the hollow elongated structure, a sidearm attached to the at least one sidewall, the sidearm comprising a joint, and a valve disposed at the joint.

Abstract: A device for drawing a liquid from a process tank, in particular, a process tank to be protected from contamination, comprising: a first receptacle for receiving the liquid withdrawn from the process tank. A first liquid line, connecting the process tank with the first receptacle and having a first end that can be connected with the process tank and a second end opening into the first receptacle; and at least one first valve assembly, which is arranged between the first and second ends of the first liquid line and is designed to block or release liquid transport through the first liquid line. The device has at least one pressure sensor, which is connected with the first receptacle, in particular, for detecting a pressure prevailing within the first receptacle and/or is arranged at the second end of the first liquid line.

Abstract: A system and method for a gas collection and measurement system, the system being automated, the system being triggered by events, the system taking measurements of various meteorological conditions at the time of the sampling events, and the system sending an alert or otherwise transmitting information in real-time so that measured data may be acted upon.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for fluidic test samples is provided having a card-like base member formed from non-absorbent, non-toxic material(s), without any gelling agent in the area where the test sample is to be deposited, and a separate, thin film top piece to be applied as a manipulable cover to the base member once the test sample is deposited on the base member. The top piece contains the matrix agent(s) for securing the test sample to the base member, such that the gelling agent(s) is applied to the test sample substantially simultaneously with dispersion of the test sample over the base member, as caused by the contact with and compression by and/or through the top piece.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for using assay preparation plates comprising wells with two trenches are presented. More specifically, well plates are presented that comprising an array of wells configured to retain a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid during an assay procedure, each well in the array comprising a first trench and a second trench, wherein the working volume of each well is between about 25 uL and about 10 mL.