Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor co-located with an electronic circuit. In one embodiment, a sensor assembly may comprise a semiconductor device configured to include a sensor having a sensing element, an electronic circuit and wherein the sensing element and the electronic circuit are hermetically sealed in the same sensor assembly; and wherein the sensor assembly is capable of outputting an environmental condition signal associated with an environmental condition measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A pressure difference sensor includes a pressure difference measuring cell, which has a measuring cell platform with pressure contactable measuring chambers in its interior, a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The mounting surfaces have a variable separation under pressure loading of the measuring chambers. A first reinforcement element with a first planar reinforcement area and a second reinforcement element with a second planar reinforcement area.

Abstract: A small form factor Microfused Silicon Strain gage (MSG) sensor incorporates an offset spring and feed-in features. A pressure sensor includes a spring having first and second coiled sections offset by a coiled center section in a middle that is used to make offset contact between two electrical contact pads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-heated pressure sensor assembly and method of utilizing the same. The self-heated pressure sensor assembly regulates and maintains the temperature of the pressure sensor, regardless of the external temperature environment, without an external heater as in prior art embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the pressure sensor assembly incorporate a resistance heater that is built into the sensing chip of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor assembly also utilizes the resistance of the pressure sensing elements to monitor the temperature of the assembly, which works alongside the resistance heater to maintain a stable temperature within the pressure sensor assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a knocking sensor with a support member, a piezoelectric element, a pair of electrode parts, a resistor and a case. The resistor has a resistor body formed with a metal film and connected in parallel to the pair of electrode parts. The resistor also has an outer coating film applied to cover the metal film. The outer coating film is formed of a resin material having a higher thermal deformation temperature than that of a resin material of the case.

Abstract: A system and method of adjusting a zero reference may comprise retracting ram of an actuator coupled to a load cell from a first position to a second position. The system and method may comprise reporting a measurement by a load cell, in response to the actuator being in a second position. The system and method may comprise calculating a force being measured by t the load cell. The system and method may comprise creating a zero reference offset value based on the calculation, in response to the force calculation resulting in a non-zero force calculation. The system and method may comprise adjusting a zero reference value of the load cell by the zero reference offset value.

Abstract: A pressure controller/calibrator has multiple modules. Each module has a stage, an elongated rail fixed to chassis of the controller or the module, and resilient guides fixed to the other of the stage or the chassis. In one embodiment the rail has a proximate end at an edge of the chassis and a distal end inside the chassis. The distal end is of the rail wider than its proximate end. Between the two ends the rail has concave contours that cooperate with convex springs in the stage to hold the stage at a desired location in the chassis.

Abstract: A pipe pressure testing apparatus for failure testing a section of an elongated pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of spherical bodies disposed within and filling the section of elongated pipe and leaving a void space within the section of elongated pipe. A first end cap is attached to and seals a first end of the elongated pipe. A second end cap is attached to and seals a second of the elongated pipe. And a test fluid line is in fluid communication with the void space to fill the void space with a testing fluid.

Abstract: A system comprising an engine including a chamber; an air intake coupled to the engine; a pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with the air intake and disposed between the air intake and the chamber; and a processor configured to determine a breach in a ventilation system of the chamber in response to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a liquid leakage detection apparatus. The apparatus includes a sample cavity, a housing with an opening and a housing contact face, an indicator body with an indicator body contact face, and a expansion element cavity between said housing contact face and said indicator body contact face. A liquid sensitive, expandable element is located in the expansion element cavity and a liquid path extends between the liquid collecting portion and the expansion element cavity.

Abstract: The method enables acquiring centroid positions of light spots formed on an optical detector by multiple microlenses arranged mutually coplanarly in a wavefront sensor. The method includes a first step of estimating, by using known centroid positions or known intensity peak positions of first and second light spots respectively formed by first and second microlenses in the multiple microlenses, a position of a third light spot formed by a third microlens, a second step of setting, by using the estimated position of the third light spot, a calculation target area for a centroid position of the third light spot on the optical detector, and a third step of calculating the centroid position of the third light spot in the calculation target area.

Abstract: An aberration computing device (100) includes a fitting section (48) for fitting line profiles of a diffractogram taken in radial directions to a fitting function and finding fitting parameters of the fitting function and a computing section (49) for finding at least one of an amount of defocus and two-fold astigmatism, based on the fitting parameters.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for identifying or verifying the fiber arrangement and/or the cable type of multi-fiber array cables (such as MPO cables) which employs an OTDR acquisition device at the near end of the MPO cable, a loopback device at the far end and an array of signatures detectable by the OTDR, either at the far or the near end. The loopback device allows performing bidirectional OTDR measurements with a single OTDR acquisition device (without moving it from one end to the other) and the signature array provides fiber arrangement/cable type identification or verification.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a temperature of a clutch assembly of a machine is disclosed. The method includes determining a set of energy input parameters pertaining to the clutch assembly by one or more sensors. The method further includes determining a power output based on the lubricating oil temperature and the speed of the engine. The method includes determining a power input based on the pressure applied on the actuator and the clutch relative speed. The method further includes determining temperature at a surface of the reaction plate of the clutch assembly based on mathematical relationship between the power input and the power output. The method includes comparing the temperature at the surface of the reaction plate of the clutch assembly with a predefined temperature range. The method further includes creating an event, when the temperature at the surface of the reaction plate is greater than the predefined temperature range.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid servo actuator for a crash test, and more particularly, a hybrid servo actuator for a crash test in which an operating part including a piston and a rod, a chamber supplying an air pressure to the operating part, and a controller controlling a movement of the operating part are integrally formed, thereby increasing a moving speed in a stroke direction of the operating part more than in a general hydraulic cylinder and pneumatic cylinder. The actuator includes an oil pressure cushion type cushion part provided therein to absorb a shock generated by a shock of an operating part even at the time of a malfunction of the operating part and discharge an oil pressure generated by the shock to the outside and thus is used semi-permanently.

Abstract: A sensor unit is configured as a single body, removably mounted in its entirety to a test point location on a machine so machine vibrations propagate into the single body. Within are an accelerometer, circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery. The sensor unit transmits sensor data wirelessly in real time to a data collection unit. A technician with data collection unit in hand goes from machine to machine, along a route of multiple test point locations on multiple machines, mounting and dismounting the sensor unit and collecting machine vibration data. The sensor unit is configured to reduce frequency response impacts of the mass and volume of the circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery on dynamic behavior of the sensor unit with respect to machine vibrations to achieve a frequency response rating comparable to a wired sensor.

Abstract: A service method of gas appliances includes: Detecting the gas appliances at the client ends to generate detecting signals. Transmitting the detecting signals to a service end. Identifying which client end the detecting signals come from. Examining the detecting signals to find whether the gas appliance has an abnormal condition; and informing the client end when the abnormal condition is found. After all, the service end may monitor the gas appliances at the client end, and inform the client for repair when the gas appliance has detected an abnormal signal or has damaged parts.

Abstract: Automatic fault diagnosis is performed on vibration data sensed from a machine. A set of faults to screen for is identified from the machine configuration. For each fault there are characteristic symptoms. For each characteristic symptom, there is a corresponding indication used to diagnose the symptom. The indications are based on analyses of the current vibration data. The diagnosed symptoms have weights assigned according to a Bayesian network, and are used to derive a Bayesian probability for the fault. A fault having a Bayesian probability exceeding a threshold value is identified as being present in the machine. For each fault a confidence level is derived. The confidence level for a first fault is based on a similarity between characteristic symptoms for the first fault and characteristic symptoms for each one of the other faults being screened.

Abstract: A robotic end effector for collecting frozen aliquots from an array of frozen samples in a plurality of containers has a coring bit for taking frozen sample cores from the frozen samples and a frozen sample core extraction system adapted to extract frozen sample cores from the frozen samples. A fill level detection system is adapted to detect the positions of the surfaces of the frozen samples. A processor is adapted to receive signals from the fill level detection system and use the signals and information concerning operation of the frozen sample core extraction system to determine at least one of the following: (a) the amount of material contained in a frozen sample core obtained by the coring bit; and (b) the number of frozen sample cores needed from a particular frozen sample to obtain a predetermined amount of material from that frozen sample.

Abstract: Provided is a sample injection device for flow-type analysis including a cylindrical needle (27) which penetrates through an upper wall and a lower wall of a sample injection portion (22) of a carrier-liquid channel through ring-like sealing members (25, 26). The needle (27) includes an inner hole (41) which is closed on a side of a lower end of the needle (27) and open on an outer peripheral surface as a horizontal hole (42). The needle moving unit (44) induces the needle (27) to move downward so that the horizontal hole (42) faces an inside of a sample vessel (40) to draw the sample to the inside of the needle (27). Then the moving unit (44) induces the needle (27) to move upward so that the horizontal hole (42) faces an inside of the sample injection portion (22) to inject the sample in the inside of the needle (27). At an intermediate position, washing liquid is discharged from the horizontal hole (42) of the needle (27), and the washing liquid is recovered via a discharge path (15).

Abstract: A passive diffusion sampler and kit that includes a passive diffusion sample bag comprising a regenerated cellulose membrane to allow for sampling of a broad spectrum of contaminants and VOCs. The sample bag is disposed in a rigid housing which protects the bag from tearing and also allows the housing to be inverted to suspend the bag upside down and provide a user access to a fluid outlet means on the bag for withdrawing a sample from the bag without agitating the sample.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for monitoring, sampling, and filtering or sanitizing the air of an environment are provided. Devices and methods including air filtering units with smart features including connectivity and reporting features are provided wherein a unit is provided to communicate with a system. Based on detected values related to air contamination and particulates entrained in the air, the system and methods are capable of performing various functions including reporting and remediation functions.

Abstract: A filter device through which a fluid containing a target substance and a coarse substance larger than the target substance is passed to selectively collect the target substance from the fluid. The filter device includes a prefilter that removes the coarse substance and a collection filter that collects the target substance. The prefilter and the collection filter are arranged in series such that the fluid passes through the prefilter and then through the collection filter. The prefilter includes a cavity arrangement structure having a pair of opposing main surfaces and a plurality of cavities extending through both main surfaces.

Abstract: A method and a device, for assessing whether a drug of abuse and/or a metabolite of a drug of abuse is present in a keratin material, where the method includes extracting a drug of abuse and/or a metabolite from a subject's keratin material, by prearranging an amount of the keratin material; prearranging an extraction composition; bringing the keratin material into contact with the extraction composition in order to obtain an extract that contains the drug of abuse and/or the metabolite, wherein the extraction composition contains a compound selected among urea and urea derivatives.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A fraction-density-altering solution may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a first fraction of the sample without changing the density of the target material or the density of any other sample fraction. A collector may be inserted into the vessel to funnel the target material from the sample into the collector or into a processing receptacle included in the collector. In one implementation, the collector may include a cannula which extends into a chamber to hold the processing receptacle at a first end of the collector and a funnel at a second end that that is in fluid communication with the cannula. In another implementation, the processing receptacle may be inserted into a bore within the collector.

Abstract: A particle detection apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including a detector configured to detect particles in an inflowing solution using a first signal applied to a first electrode, the first signal including a direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage; and a signal processor configured to provide the first signal to the detector and to detect a second signal measured by a second electrode.

Abstract: A method for characterizing properties of a sample that employs a test apparatus including an isolated sample cell and pressure sensor where the isolated sample cell is loaded with the sample and gaseous test fluid to perform a number of different tests to derive properties of the sample. The tests can be performed over different parameters, such as different applied pressures of the test fluid to derive parameters related to apparent gas permeability of the sample as a function of applied pressure, different gaseous test fluids to characterize dependence of permeability of the sample on mean free molecular path or pressure, with both adsorptive and non-adsorptive test gases to characterize at least one property related to adsorptive interaction between the adsorptive test gas and the sample, and with samples of varying saturation levels to derive a measure of at least one property of the subsamples at corresponding saturation levels.

Abstract: A method of electrically measuring the electrical properties of individual particles flowing in a liquid, which method comprises: (i) providing apparatus (3) which is for electrically measuring the individual particles and which has: (a) a fluidic channel (5) for receiving a liquid (6) having the individual particles (4) in suspension in the liquid (6); (b) a first electrode arrangement (8) having at least one measurement electrode (16) and at least one signal electrode (11); and (c) at least one other electrode arrangement (9) having at least one measurement electrode (18) and at least one signal electrode (13); (ii) providing a flow of the liquid (6) through the fluidic channel (5); (iii) applying a first electrical signal through the liquid (6) and along a first conduction path between the measurement electrode (16) and the signal electrode (11) of the first electrode arrangement (8); (iv) applying an electrical signal through the liquid (6) and along at least one other conduction path; (v) comparing the e

Abstract: Apparatus (3) for electrically measuring individual particles (4) flowing in a liquid (6), which apparatus (3) comprises: (i) a fluidic channel (5) for receiving a liquid (6) having the individual particles (4) in suspension in the liquid (6); (ii) a first electrode arrangement (8) having at least one measurement electrode (16) and at least one signal electrode (11); (iii) at least one other electrode arrangement (9) having at least one measurement electrode and at least one signal electrode (13); (iv) at least one signal conditioning electrode (10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19) positioned adjacent to at least one of the measurement electrodes (16, 18) or at least one of the signal electrode (9); and (v) measuring means (20, 21) for measuring electrical signal changes; and the apparatus (3) being such that: (vi) the first and the other electrode arrangements (8, 9) are connected to the measuring means (20, 21) whereby individual particles passing between the first and other electrode arrangements (8, 9) cause a change

Abstract: Provided herein are improved cell sorter systems and methods. Such systems and methods provide a self-stabilizing sorter jet to automate calibration, and address the issue of drift in cell sorting systems. The systems and methods presented make it possible to determine and set the charge delay interval automatically with circuitry in the cell sorter. These circuits can set, monitor, and adjust the time delay continuously, allowing for a completely automatic, autonomous, turn-key, self-stabilizing sorter jet.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent for a particle analyzer used to analyze particles contained in a sample. An exemplary particle and/or intracellular organelle alignment agent includes an aqueous solution, a viscosity modifier, and/or a buffer. Embodiments also encompass systems, compositions, and methods for analyzing a sample containing particles. Particles such as blood cells can be categorized and counted by a digital image processor. A digital microscope camera can be directed, for example using certain focusing techniques, into a flowcell defining a symmetrically narrowing flowpath in which the sample stream flows in a ribbon flattened by flow and viscosity parameters between layers of sheath fluid. Blood cell images can be collected and analyzed using dynamic range extension processes and systems.

Abstract: The sensor device (100) has a sensor housing (110), to which at least two sensors from a group consisting of a black standard sensor (120), a UV radiation sensor (130), an air temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are connected.

Abstract: A method for passively monitoring corrosive factors in an environment includes locating an apparatus in an environment. The apparatus includes at least one corrosion classification coupon and a temperature and humidity logging device. The apparatus is maintained in the environment for a period of time and then removed from the environment. The at least one corrosion classification coupon and the temperature and humidity logging device are analyzed to determine whether one or more of corrosive gases, temperature changes or humidity changes were present in the environment during the period of time. The temperature and humidity logging device may be an electronic temperature and humidity logging device. The analysis may be performed by an off-site vendor.

Abstract: A system for measuring and optionally controlling the COF of moving surfaces. The system may include a component that rides on the moving surface and a controller that measures the drag force between the component and the moving surface. The system may include a linkage to hold the component so that it does not move with the moving surface and a load cell to measure the force between the component and the moving surface. The load cell may be oriented transversely to the drag force. The system may control a lubrication system based on the measurements. The system may include a component that is urged into the moving surface by a normal force, and may include one load cell to measure the tangential force and another to measure the normal force. A controller may compare the measured tangential and normal forces to obtain a representation of the COF.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of analyzing one or more properties of a sample are provided. The system includes a self-contained purging device having a sample holder and one or more analyzers for analyzing one or more properties of the sample. The purging device is configured to remove sample contained within the sample holder when an analysis is complete. In one embodiment the purging device is configured via an air pump having a tube in fluid communication with an air inlet of the sample holder, wherein the air pump is configured to deliver pressurized air to the air inlet and thereby purge the sample. The pressurized air is localized ambient air, and substantially free of contaminants. Methods and other systems are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: A state determination method is provided that is capable of determining at least one of the state of degradation of oil in a machine and the state of breakage of the machine with higher accuracy than conventional methods. A state determination method for determining the state of degradation of lubricating oil in a speed reducer and the state of breakage of the speed reducer is characterized by: transmitting white light emitted by a white LED through the lubricating oil, causing an RGB sensor to detect the color of the light transmitted through the lubricating oil by the white LED, and calculating the brightness of the color detected by the RGB sensor (S201); calculating a color component maximum difference that is the difference between a maximum value and a minimum value among the R value, G value, and B value of the color detected by the RGB sensor (S202); and determining the states on the basis of the brightness calculated in S201 and the color component maximum difference calculated in S202 (S203, S207).

Abstract: Methods that include directing an incident beam towards a substrate, the substrate having one or more features formed thereon wherein the incident beam has a wavelength from about 10 ?m to about 10 mm, and the incident beam interacts with the substrate to form a modulated beam; varying one or more characteristics of the incident beam while directed towards the substrate; detecting the modulated beam while varying the one or more characteristics of the incident beam to collect a spectrum; and determining at least one spatial metric of the at least one feature based on the collected spectrum.

Abstract: A film production method that includes inspecting the film is provided. The inspection includes a spectrum acquisition step and a physical-quantity calculation step. In the spectrum acquisition step, a film that is moved in direction A is irradiated with broadband light in a near infrared region, and diffuse reflected light emitted from the film is received by a light receiving unit, so that a spectrum of the diffuse reflected light is acquired by a spectrum acquisition unit of an analysis unit. In the physical-quantity calculation step, a physical quantity of the film is calculated from the acquired spectrum of the diffuse reflected light. Since the physical quantity can be determined by acquiring the spectrum, the characteristics of the film can be easily determined. In addition, a plurality of pieces of information can be acquired from the spectrum. Therefore, the characteristics of the film can be more accurately determined.

Abstract: An oscillation element includes an antenna for oscillation configured to oscillate electromagnetic waves, and multiple negative resistance elements electrically connected to the antenna in parallel, and the multiple negative resistance elements are disposed in only a place where the phases of electromagnetic waves oscillated therefrom are the common phase or opposite phase.

Abstract: In optical dark field defect inspection, the present invention provides including: condensing laser emitted from a light source in a line shape; reflecting the laser, with a mirror; irradiating the reflected laser via an objective lens to a sample placed on a table from a vertical direction; condensing reflected scattered light from the sample with the objective lens; shielding diffraction light occurred from a periodical pattern formed on the sample, in the reflected scattered light from the sample and scattered light occurred from the mirror, with a spatial filter; receiving the reflected scattered light from the sample, not shielded with the spatial filter, with an imaging lens, and forming an image of the reflected scattered light; detecting the image of the reflected scattered light; and processing a detection signal obtained by detecting the image of the reflected scattered light and detecting a defect on the sample.

Abstract: A metamaterial is suitable for receiving a detecting wave. The detecting wave interacts with the metamaterial. The metamaterial includes a substrate and at least one unit cell placed on the substrate. The size of the unit cell is at least less than ? of the wavelength of the detecting wave. A biological and chemical detecting system using the metamaterial is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens-free imaging system for detecting particles in a sample deposited on image sensor includes a fluidic chamber for holding a sample and an image sensor for imaging the sample, wherein the image sensor has a light receiving surface and a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed underneath the light receiving surface, and wherein the fluidic chamber formed at least in part by the light receiving surface. A method for detecting particles of interest in a sample deposited on an image sensor, through lens-free imaging using the image sensor, includes (ii) generating an image of the sample, deposited on a light receiving surface of the image sensor, by illuminating the sample, and (ii) detecting the particles of interest in the image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention describes (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structures consisting of at least one (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structure unit or at least one (bio)chemo-functional sensor location with beam guidance permitting light beam separation, as well as detection methods for parallel analysis which are marking-free or based on marking.

Abstract: A blood analyzing method comprises irradiating light on a measurement sample prepared using fluorescent dye so as to produce a difference in fluorescence intensity between reticulocytes and mature red blood cells in a blood sample, detecting scattered light and fluorescent light given off from blood cells in the measurement sample, and obtaining fluorescence data related to the fluorescent light and scattered light data related to the scattered light for each blood cell, determining the possibility of the presence of plasmodium falciparum parasites in the blood sample based on the distribution conditions of blood cells in the reticulocyte distribution range based on the scattered light data and the fluorescent light data.

Abstract: A fluorescence viewing device is configured to take a difference between one of an image of a first frame and an image of a second frame output from an imaging device and the other of the first frame image and the second frame image stored in an image storage means, whereby clear observed images can be obtained without influence of background light. In the fluorescence viewing device, an exposure time of a fluorescence image acquisition period and an exposure time of a background image acquisition period are different from each other. Since ON/OFF durations of excitation light also become asymmetric according to the asymmetry of the exposure times, the device can reduce user's feeling of strangeness due to blinking of the excitation light.

Abstract: One or more excitation optical beams are scanned or otherwise directed to a specimen volume to establish a light sheet. Fluorescence from a specimen portion in the light sheet is collected and used to form an image. An interference contrast image of the same or an adjacent specimen portion is obtained by directing an interference contrast optical beam to the specimen so as to be substantially perpendicular to the light sheet. A common imaging device can be used to capture both images, and the resulting image permits correlation of fluorescence image features with specimen structure.

Abstract: A vital stain for observation under multiphoton laser microscopy, the vital stain comprising one or more edible dye compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to identifying not easily volatilized substances, in particular hazardous material, in a gas phase. A measurement cell and gas supply installations connected to the measurement cell are heated, and a plasmonic surface arranged in the measurement cell is temperature-controlled such that the plasmonic surface has a lower temperature than the measurement cell and the gas supply installations. The gas phase is guided through the gas supply installations into the measurement cell such that the gas phase reaches the plasmonic surface. Substances adsorbed out of the gas phase on the plasmonic surface are analyzed by an optical process. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy may be used. Selectivity can be increased by combining both methods. Selectivity can be additionally increased by using a gas detector, preferably an ion-mobility spectrometer. Thus the false alarm rate is reduced without a loss of time.

Abstract: Colorimetric and/or fluorescent detectors, which include a polydiacetylene (PDA) film deposited on a polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) substrate. There are also colorimetric and/or fluorescent detectors which have a solid organic matrix comprising one or more PDAs deposited on the PMMA substrate, wherein the PDA includes polymerized units of one or more diacetylene monomers, and wherein the matrix further comprises at least one recognition element of an analyte. There are also methods for detecting analytes using this detector, uses thereof and a methods for its preparation.