Abstract: A thermal position sensor includes a collection of micro-bolometers, each having an electrical resistance and each including a substrate and an absorptive element. The absorptive element is suspended above the substrate and configured to absorb infrared radiation, including 10-micron long-wavelength infrared radiation. A change in a temperature of the micro-bolometer causes a change in the resistance of the micro-bolometer. The collection of micro-bolometers is partitioned into a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, where each of the quadrants represents a 90-degree segment of the sensor and includes at least one micro-bolometer of the collection of micro-bolometers. Each of the quadrants includes at least one output signal that provides information indicative of a temperature of the quadrant based on a resistance associated with the at least one micro-bolometer of the quadrant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature control device (1) intended to be attached inside an opening (2) of a wall (8) defining an area to be controlled, said device including: a frame (4) intended to be fitted into said opening (2), provided with a means for attachment onto said opening, and with a sealing means for ensuring that the wall (8) is sealed at the opening (2); a heat sensor (5) that is housed inside the frame (4) and is arranged so as to receive infrared waves and convert said waves into electrical signals; and an optical system (6) that is rigidly connected to the frame (4) and is intended for focusing the infrared waves, coming from the area to be controlled, toward said heat sensor (5). The invention also relates to a chamber, having an opening and at least one such temperature control device mounted into said chamber. The invention moreover relates to a method for mounting such a temperature control device into an opening of a wall defining an area to be controlled.

Abstract: A terahertz electromagnetic wave generator according to the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric material layer; a metal layer which partially covers the surface of the thermoelectric material layer; and a light source system which is configured to irradiate both a surface region of the thermoelectric material layer that is not covered with the metal layer and an edge of the metal layer with pulsed light, thereby generating a terahertz wave from the thermoelectric material layer.

Abstract: An uncooled microbolometer detector that includes a substrate, a platform held above the substrate by a support structure, at least one thermistor provided on the platform, and an optical absorber. The optical absorber includes at least one electrically conductive layer extending on the platform over and in thermal contact with the at least one thermistor and patterned to form a resonant structure defining an absorption spectrum of the uncooled microbolometer detector. The optical absorber is exposed to electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the electromagnetic radiation according to the absorption spectrum. A microbolometer array including a plurality of uncooled microbolometer detectors arranged in a two-dimensional array is also provided. Advantageously, these embodiments allow extending the absorption spectrum of conventional infrared uncooled microbolometer detectors to the terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a clamp and a thermistor. The clamp is adapted to be inserted into an opening formed in an object, and has a shaft member. A flange member is extended from the shaft member in a direction orthogonal to an inserting direction in which the clamp is inserted into the opening. An engaging member extended from an end part of the shaft member toward the flange member in a direction inclined with the inserting direction. The thermistor is provided in the shaft member and is disposed in the end part. The engaging member and the flange member are adapted to clamp the object therebetween when the clamp is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A clip includes an abutting portion abutting against an outer surface of a case; an insertion hole to which a sensor main body can be inserted; a holding tube through which the sensor main body can pass, and can internally hold an overhanging portion; a leg tube which can be inserted into an attachment hole; and elastic claws sandwiching the case between the abutting portion and the elastic claws. In the abutting portion, at least a pair of ribs is provided, which is positioned respectively in both end portions in a diametrical direction of the abutting portion; protrudes toward the outer surface of the case; and applies a force to the holding tube in a direction bending the abutting portion and narrowing an open end surface when the case is sandwiched between the pair of elastic claws and the ribs.

Abstract: An overhead conductor sensor for measuring various parameters that affect an overhead conductor is disclosed. The overhead conductor sensor includes an electronics housing having first and second opposing ends, a jaw assembly having a first jaw connected to the first end of the electronics housing and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw to allow the jaw assembly to move between an open position for receiving an overhead conductor therein and a closed position for securing the sensor to the overhead conductor, and a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor. The thermocouple assembly is adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a temperature sensor includes a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generator having a first current output configured to provide a first temperature dependent current, a first curvature compensation circuit configured to provide a first compensating current to an internal node of the PTAT current generator, and a second curvature compensation circuit configured to add a second compensating current to the first current output. The first compensating current has a first non-linearity with respect to temperature, a portion of the first non-linearity is present in the first temperature dependent current, the second compensating current includes a second non-linearity with respect to temperature, such that the second non-linearity in the second compensating current substantially cancels out the first non-linearity in the first temperature dependent current.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermocouple abnormality detection system including: a plurality of thermocouples each including a plurality of thermocouple wires housed in a sheath; a transmission signal conversion unit configured to convert a thermo-electromotive force generated by each of the plurality of the thermocouple wires to a transmission signal and to output the transmission signal; a transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission signal outputted from the transmission signal conversion unit; and an abnormality detection circuit configured to detect an abnormality of each of the plurality of the thermocouples by comparing, with each other, the transmission signals obtained from the plurality of thermocouple wires provided in each of the thermocouples.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for measuring the temperature of a strand-like material to be heated to a target temperature, including the steps: the strand-like material is guided in heat conducting contact about at least one disk, mounted so as to rotate, that is heated to a predefined temperature, and a difference is measured between the temperature of the strand-like material or a value characterizing the temperature of the strand-like material, before conveyance about the disk and after conveyance about the disk. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for common mode signal cancellation in force change detectors. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a press sensor element configured to reduce or eliminate thermally induced signals. The sensor element includes a piezoelectric layer that includes a first surface in communication with a first layer. The first layer includes a first conductive region. The piezoelectric layer includes a second surface in communication with a second layer. The second layer includes a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region.

Abstract: A modular assembly for measuring forces on a structure. The structure may contain a strain gage module that is insertable in a cavity or hole in the structure. There may be numerous structures that can contain a strain gage module. These structures may have various configurations, sizes, and shapes. Despite the various configurations, sizes and shapes, the structures may have cavities or holes of the same size that accept strain gage modules of the same size. Modules of the same size may be easier and less expensive by being produced in multiple quantities, than modules of various sizes. An electronics module may be attached to or separate from the structure. Electronics modules may also be the same items for various structures and be produced in multiple quantities. One example application of the structure may be a strain gage instrumented load pin replacing a standard connecting pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital device and a method for measuring the axial load of a torque-shear-type high strength bolt. One embodiment of the digital device of the present invention includes: a main body portion which is connected to an electromotive wrench fastening a torque-shear-type high strength bolt; a measurement portion disposed at the main body portion to measure the axial load of the torque-shear-type high strength bolt using a quantity of the electricity from the electromotive wrench; a power supply portion disposed at the main body portion and including a power lead-in portion for receiving an external power supply and a power lead-out portion for supplying power to the electromotive wrench; and a display portion displaying the axial force value measured by the measurement portion.

Abstract: A fixing force measuring apparatus including a section for applying a predetermined controlled hammering force to a wedge surface to generate a hammering sound, a section for controlling the hammering sound generated, a section for obtaining plural kinds of feature quantities such as a feature quantity due to a hammering sound energy, and a feature quantity due to a frequency of the hammering sound from the hammering sound collected by an arithmetic operation, and a section for obtaining a fixing force corresponding to the plural kinds of feature quantities by using a correlative relationship between the wedge fixing force previously obtained, and the plural kinds of feature quantities.

Abstract: A multi-component force and moment sensor includes a mounting assembly and a conducting assembly. The mounting assembly includes an upper cover and a lower cover coupled to the upper cover. The upper cover defines four concave portions. The lower cover defines four concave portions. The conducting assembly includes a cross beam and a plurality of sensors. The cross beam is positioned between the upper cover and the lower cover. The cross beam has four arms. Each arm is received in each concave portion of the upper cover and each concave portion of the lower cover. Each arm has four sidewalls. Each sidewall is inclined to a reference plane. Each sensor is attached to one of the sidewalls of each arm.

Abstract: A three-axis load sensor utilizing four piezoresistive devices on a flexible silicon membrane is provided. The load sensor further includes a mesa disposed on the membrane substantially equidistant from the piezoresistive devices. A six-axis load cell is provided by placing a plurality of load sensors disposed on a substrate, the substrate configured to attach to an object wherein forces applied to the object can be measured and/or determined. The load sensors can be manufactured using bulk microfabrication techniques on a single crystal silicon wafer, and can detect normal and shear loading applied to the membrane.

Abstract: A method of determining and utilizing an Energy Efficiency Indicator, the method initiating with a step of determining a distal or angular offset between a pair of coupled shafts provided between adjacent rotating machines. The offset is correlated to energy efficiency between the pair of coupled shafts. Correlation is referred to as an Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI). The Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) can be used to predict changes in alignment, changes in energy efficiency, and the like. Monitoring the coupled rotating machines and using the Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) can provide the operator with predictive information to enhance the reliability and extend the lifespan of the coupled rotating machines.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing transducer connected to a plurality of electrode pins via a plurality of electrode pads disposed on the transducer, an inner casing configured to hold the pressure sensing transducer including a plurality of inner casing electrode pin channels having the electrode pins disposed therein. The pressure sensor further includes an outer casing holding the inner casing therein having a capsule header with a plurality of capsule header electrode pin channels defined therein which can include a ceramic seal disposed therein such that the capsule header electrode pin channels engage the electrode pins in an insulating sealed relationship. The outer casing further includes an isolator plate including an isolator plate fluid port defined therein and a pressure isolator disposed on the isolator plate and configured to deflect in response to a change in ambient pressure.

Abstract: A testing system and method for performing integrity testing in a gas piping system include using a motorized pump to pressurize the piping system. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the pressure in the piping system, and an input device receives inputs from an operator related to a test to be performed. An output device is provided for communicating information to the operator. A control system includes at least one controller and is configured to: control the pump to pressurize the piping system to a predetermined pressure, receive inputs from the pressure sensor, and output data related to the pressure of the piping system.

Abstract: A fixture includes a base, a carrier plate, a number of pressing strips, and a cover. The base defines a base receiving chamber. The carrier plate is received in the base receiving chamber and defines a number of receiving portions in a surface opposite to the base, each receiving portion is configured for receiving a camera module, the receiving portions being arranged in a plurality of lines, the carrier plate defines a spacing portion between each two adjacent receiving portions in the same line. Each pressing strip is pressed into the spacing portions associated with one of the lines of the receiving portions to press the camera modules in the lines of the receiving portions. The cover is fixed to the base and covers the carrier plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or at least one element of a headlamp, particularly on a motor vehicle (1), using the illumination structure that is contained in the light distribution of the headlamp or of the element of the headlamp, with an image data acquisition unit (6) and a control unit (7), wherein the illumination structure of at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or of at least one element of a headlamp is formed between a dark area (9) and a light area (10), such as a dark/light boundary, and the image data acquisition unit (6) detects an, in particular retro-reflective, object (13) when changing from the dark area (9) to the light area (10), wherein also the absolute position of the object (13) upon entry into the light area (10) is determined and this is used to determine an actual setting of the at least one headlamp (2, 3) or of the at least one element of a headlamp. The invention also relates to an apparatus in this regard.

Abstract: Prism-coupling systems and methods for characterizing large depth-of-layer waveguides are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a coupling prism having a coupling angle ? having a maximum coupling angle ?max at which total internal reflection occurs. The prism angle ? is in the range 0.81?max???0.99?max. This configuration causes the more spaced-apart lower-order mode lines to move closer together and the more tightly spaced higher-order mode lines to separate. The adjusted mode-line spacing allows for proper sampling at the detector of the otherwise tightly spaced mode lines. The mode-line spacings of the detected mode spectra are then corrected via post-processing. The corrected mode spectra are then processed to obtain at least one characteristic of the waveguide.

Abstract: A comprehensive mixer performance estimation method that can be applied to each of the mixers of the rotor-stator type having the various configurations and circulation modes is provided. In accordance with the mixer performance estimation method of the present invention, the total energy dissipation rate ?a for the mixers of the rotor-stator type may be obtained, the respective sizes of the rotor-stator and the powers and flow rates during the mixer's running time may be measured, the magnitude of the values for the configuration dependent term for the entire mixer that are specific to each of the mixers and are obtained by measuring the size of the rotor-stator and the powers and flow rates during the mixer's running time may be estimated, and the mixer's performance may be estimated.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a stack detecting unit, a count processing unit, a stack value storage control unit, and an abnormality determination unit. The abnormality determination unit determines that a sensor has a stack abnormality when a count value by the count processing unit becomes equal to or more than an abnormality determination threshold. When maximum value of the detected value of the sensor detected during a determination period is lower than a value stored in a storage unit and a stack state has not been detected by the stack detecting unit during the determination period, the count processing unit does not count up a counter and does not reset the counter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting barometric pressure (BP) changes based on tire pressure changes are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting an evaporative leak detection threshold based on a change in barometric pressure, where the change in barometric pressure is based on a tire pressure change.

Abstract: When ignition is retarded in an internal combustion engine, an engine misfire detection system calculates a difference between combustion-time engine torque produced when combustion takes place in the engine, and expansion torque corresponding to non-combustion-time engine torque produced when the engine rotates without causing combustion, at intervals of a predetermined crank angle, calculates a shift amount with which a total value of the differences within a misfire determination period is maximized, and shifts the misfire determination period by the shift amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing rim sets at a testing station of a tire uniformity testing system that includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of rim set assemblies. A transfer arm is reciprocally movable and includes a gripper mechanism for gripping a rim set assembly and moving it from a storage position to a position at which rims forming part of the rim set assembly are aligned with opposed spindles at the testing station. The rim set assembly includes a bracket having structure engageable by the transfer arm and at least one of the rims forming part of the assembly includes a locking member rotatable between a first position and a second position. The bracket includes a structure for immobilizing the rim to inhibit relative rotation between the rim and the bracket and further includes a lever mechanism for moving the locking member from its first position to its second position in order to engage retaining members forming part of the bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously injecting fluids into a plurality of samples of porous media, comprising: a plurality of holders for the samples of porous media, each holder comprising a sleeve and first and second platens, the first platen having an inlet for an injection fluid and the second platen having an outlet for a produced fluid, and the samples of porous media being arranged, in use, in each of the holders such that the first platen and second platen of each holder contact a first and second end of the sample of porous medium respectively, the inlet of each first platen being in fluid communication with an injection line for injecting fluid into the sample of porous medium arranged in the holder, the outlet of each second platen being in fluid communication with a dedicated effluent line for removing fluid produced from the sample of porous medium arranged in the holder, on-line and/or off-line analytical means for analyzing the fluids injected into each of the samples of po

Abstract: A fluid treatment device (100) has a first substrate (210), a second substrate (120), and a resin film (130) located between the first substrate (210) and the second substrate (120). On the first substrate (210) are formed a first flow channel (111), a region (214) facing a valve formed at the end of the first flow channel (111), a second flow channel (112), and a barrier wall (215) located between the region (214) facing the valve and the end of the second flow channel (112). On the second substrate (120) is formed a pressure compartment (123). The region (214) facing the valve and the barrier wall (215) face the pressure compartment (123) on opposite sides of a diaphragm (131) of resin film (130).

Abstract: Sample fine particles attached to an inspection object are identified simply and with high accuracy, and an increase in operation rate and a decrease in device size are achieved. The inspection object is transported into a sampling chamber defined by a pair of side walls and an upper wall enclosing a part of a transport route of a transport unit. The inspection object is sprayed with compressed gas from an air nozzle, the peeled sample fine particles are aspirated into a collector, and the sample fine particles are separated from the aspirated gas for analysis. The air nozzle is disposed on one of the side walls defining the sampling chamber. The collector is disposed under the other side wall as a container independent from the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sample for matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging analysis by a two-step process. Firstly, a MALDI matrix is dusted on to the sample followed by a spray of a suitable solvent onto the dusted sample. The present method has been successfully applied to the detection and mapping of several analyte classes in latent fingermarks. Using the present two-step method, fingermark enhancement, recovery and analysis from different substrate surfaces is now possible enabling visual and chemical information to be obtained simultaneously via remote testing.

Abstract: A system for depositing cells on an analysis plate, the cells being contained in a cell suspension including a fixing agent and the cells, included, for receiving the suspension, a chamber (5) which is positioned above the analysis plate and whose base is open and extends opposite a cell depositing zone of the plate and a material for absorbing the fixing agent placed around the chamber and the depositing zone of the plate. The chamber is mounted so as to be able to be moved between a first position in abutment against the analysis plate in order to allow the cells to be deposited on the depositing zone of the plate via decantation and a second position remote from this analysis plate in order to place the chamber in a fluid relationship with the absorption material in order to allow this material to absorb the fixing agent.

Abstract: A punching device is provided for processing samples applied to a sample card comprising at least one punching head with a punch and a lower die, the punch being movable between a resting position and a punching position. The punching head has a receiving opening into which a sample card can be introduced by a movable gripping unit, and a punching drive, which drives the movement of the punch between the resting position and the punching position. A piece of sample punched out from the sample card can be discharged at an outlet opening of the lower die into a receiving recess of a receiving container. The gripper unit comprises a sample card gripper and a receiving container gripper which are moveable by a drive unit in three main directions that are orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: A system for generating a slicing scheme for slicing a specimen is disclosed. A parameter unit (1) is arranged for determining at least one parameter of a lesion in a specimen, based on an image dataset (14) representing at least part of the specimen. A slicing scheme unit (2) is arranged for determining a slicing scheme (15) for pathologic examination of the specimen, based on the at least one parameter. A specimen preparation unit (3) is arranged for determining a slicing preparation protocol, based on the image dataset, wherein the slicing preparation protocol comprises a representation of preparation steps relating to the specimen. A segmentation unit (5) is arranged for segmenting the lesion in the image dataset (14), wherein the parameter unit (1) is arranged for determining the at least one parameter, based on the segmented lesion.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological tissue specimen for examination, such as microscopic examination, that involves applying acoustic pressure wave/shock wave (APW/SW) energy to the tissue specimen. The APW/SW energy can be applied to the tissue specimen to augment any one or more steps of processing the tissue specimen. In one example, the APW/SW energy is applied to enhance histotechnological processing of the tissue specimen. Apparatuses and systems that include APW/SW generators and that are specifically configured for processing biological tissue specimens are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quantifying soluble LR11 in a biological sample such as serum by an immunological means conveniently and accurately without the need of carrying out any complicated separation manipulation. An immunological quantification method for soluble LR11 in a sample derived from a mammal, including a step of treating the sample with at least one surfactant selected from a group consisting of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phenyl ether, an alkyl glycoside, an alkylthio glycoside, an acyl-N-methylglucamide and a salt of cholic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for testing the strength of a bonded joint between at least two components, wherein the system includes at least one element force energizer that creates an actual mechanical stress in the bonded joint when actuated, wherein the element force energizer is coupled with the at least two components. The system further includes an energy interface that is connectable to a power source, the energy interface being in electrical communication with the at least one element force energizer, and a sensor that detects the actual mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. The system may also include a recording device that records and/or transmits the detected mechanical stress or strain in the bonded joint. In one example, the element force energizers include piezoelectric materials.

Abstract: A system for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes an absorber bag having a front facing surface with target image thereon for receiving an impact of the user's club face therewith, an anchor frame to which the bag is attached thereto, and an electronics module removably attachable to the anchor frame. The system further includes a plurality of shock mounts positioned between the absorber bag and anchor frame, and at least one accelerometer in electrical communication with the electronics module and arranged on a rear surface of the bag that measures acceleration upon impact of the club face with the absorber bag, providing a signal that is converted by the electronics module into golf swing parameter data for display to the user.

Abstract: A rotational viscometer contains a measuring shaft that can be rotated at a specified rotational speed, a measuring part that is carried by the measuring shaft and that can be lowered into a sample, and a detection unit for determining the angle of torsion of the measuring part relative to the driven part of the measuring shaft. Accordingly, a twistable element is inserted into the measuring shaft, preferably in the section of the measuring shaft close to a motor. The detection unit is moved along with the shaft and determines the relative twist or the angle of torsion (twist) between the shaft part located on the motor side relative to the twistable element and the shaft part located on the measuring-part side. The output signals of the detection unit are fed to an evaluation device as the basis for determining the viscosity of the sample.

Abstract: A method of monitoring particles in a stack comprises generating on a first side of the stack a beam of light directed towards a second, opposite, side of the stack. The beam is reflected back towards the first side of the stack and through the particles in the stack. An image is obtained of light scattered from the particles. The image is obtained using an imager positioned and oriented to have a field of view that includes unwanted scattered light. The method includes the step of blocking the unwanted scattered light from the image.

Abstract: A particle size distribution measuring apparatus having: a light intensity distribution obtaining unit for obtaining the light intensity distribution that occurs when the sample cell is irradiated with light for measurement from a light source through detection by a detector; and a particle size distribution calculating unit for calculating the particle size distribution of the particles to be measured included in the sample by using the light intensity distribution obtained by the light intensity distribution obtaining unit, the temperature adjusting member for adjusting the temperature of the sample cell is movable between a first location along the light path around the sample cell and a second location that is outside the light path, and the temperature adjusting member is moved to the second location when the sample is irradiated with the light for measurement from the light source.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a test preprocessing method includes, detecting a brightness of a specimen based on image of the specimen acquired by capturing the specimen before test processing of the specimen, and detecting a chylous state of the specimen based on the brightness, and detecting a hue of the specimen based on the image, and detecting a hemolytic state of the specimen based on the hue.

Abstract: A microorganism number-measuring apparatus includes a container holder holding container that accommodates a liquid into which microorganisms are released, power supply unit applying a microorganism-collecting voltage and a microorganism number-measuring voltage to measurement electrode that is dipped in container held by the container holder, and reuse prevention unit that makes measurement electrode burn out after a measurement operation thereof. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent improper reuse of the measurement electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the permeation rate of barrier elements and ultra-barrier elements according to an isostatic permeation measurement method. In the process, the convective mass transfer of a permeate permeated through a barrier element is replaced by a diffusion-controlled mass transfer along a diffusion path in a subsequently arranged measurement chamber with a hollow conducting element and permeate sink. The permeate sink ensures that permeate is removed continuously, and so a mass flux equilibrium of the permeate is set through the barrier element and through the diffusion path. The concentration gradient of the permeate and, from this, the permeation rate of the barrier element is then determined by non-invasive determination of the concentration of the permeate along the diffusion path.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a host structure that includes a waveguide configured to deliver measurement light to a compartment at least partially within the host structure. The compartment is configured to reversibly engage a fluidic optical cartridge. The host structure also includes a detector configured to receive and process output light emanating from the fluidic optical cartridge as well as electronics to process signals from the detector.

Abstract: Gas analyzer and method for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, wherein the wavelength of the light of a wavelength-tunable light source is varied within periodically successive sampling intervals and, in the process, additionally modulated with a frequency to perform wavelength dependent sampling of an absorption line of a gas component to be measured in the sample gas.

Abstract: A meniscus reducing member for use in a vessel for containing a liquid including a surface feature overlying at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel. The surface feature includes at least two surfaces for contacting the liquid that cooperate to reduce a width of a meniscus formed at an interface between the liquid and the surface feature by physically altering a contact angle between the liquid and the surface feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capillary microcuvette, the microcuvette comprises a body member having two plates and a cavity formed within the body, the cavity being defined by two opposing inner surfaces of the two plates of the body member, a portion of the cavity defining a detection zone, a capillary inlet being provided at one end of the body member that is communicated with the cavity, a sample slot being provided at a portion of the body member in which the capillary inlet is not formed, the sample slot being communicated with the cavity. The present microcuvette improves user convenience by providing dual application means of applying a specimen directly from a fingertip or using a pipette.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing noisy terahertz spectroscopy data transforms the measured time-dependent data into frequency space, for example, using a discrete Fourier transform, and then transforms the frequency spectrum into wavelet frequency space. The twice-transformed data is analyzed to identify spectroscopic features of the signal, for example, to identify a resonance frequency. The method may be used, for example, in a stand-off detector to identify particular chemicals in a target.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparent equilibrium constant involving a clumped isotope in a gaseous sample is measured by acquiring sample spectra of portions of the gaseous sample at different pressures. An external bulb coupled to a sample cell is filled with the gaseous sample. A first portion of the gaseous sample is transferred from the external bulb to the sample cell, where it is at a first pressure. A first sample spectrum is obtained. Then, a second portion of the gaseous sample is transferred from the external bulb to the sample cell, where it is at a second, different pressure. A second sample spectrum is obtained. An apparent equilibrium constant for the clumped isotope is calculated by determining a first isotopic ratio at the first pressure, determining a second isotopic ratio at the second pressure, and taking a product of the first isotopic ratio and the second isotopic ratio.