Abstract: A method is provided for cutting a tissue sample into sections. A blade having a first reference line is provided that extends from an attachment point of the blade to a rotation mechanism to an outermost point of the blade. Also provided is the rotation mechanism having a second reference line that extends from an axis point of the rotation mechanism to the attachment point. Further, a tissue sample is provided that remains stationary for at least a portion of a cutting process by way of a holding mechanism. By way of the rotation mechanism, the blade is caused to rotate such that a first rotation of the blade causes a first cut of the tissue sample that produces a first tissue section.

Abstract: System for taking samples of liquid slag, molten metals or similar, to analyze the quality and content of a mineral, partially deriving from the processes used to obtain minerals. This system allows to improve working conditions and the quality of life of operators and to obtain proper-sized samples and without risk, characterized because the system for the sampling of liquid slag is made up of a remote electronic mobile handling device (I). Equipped with a spoon-type probe (2), as a means to collect dangerous samples from a distance such as liquid slag or molten metals. It also has a base grill (3), as a platform for all areas of the sampling system; a support structure (4) for a rail (5) and a D bin for liquid samples of slag or molten metal (6), and a support and platform (7) for a can or bin to mix water and lime (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizer comprising: a container having an inlet; an atomization electrode having one end projecting in the container; an opposite electrode provided in the container; a tubular collection electrode provided opposite to the atomization electrode; a mask surrounding an outer periphery of the tubular collection electrode; and a cooling part for cooling the tubular collection electrode. The opposite electrode is provided between the atomization electrode and the tubular collection electrode. The mask is formed of resin. The mask comprises a mask through-hole. The tubular collection electrode is inserted in the mask through-hole. One end of the tubular collection electrode is located in the mask through-hole. The present invention provides a method for efficiently obtaining a liquid sample from a gaseous sample and an electrostatic atomizer suitable for the method.

Abstract: A portable device for collecting particles and microorganisms is provided. The device includes a cyclone enclosure for centrifuging air, external air inlet for admitting air into the enclosure, and air outlet connected by a coupling to an air inlet filter of an individual motorized respiratory protection appliance.

Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.

Abstract: A sampling point assembly for an aspirating particle detection system includes a sampling point body having a bore running from an inlet at a first end of the bore to an outlet at a second end of the bore, the inlet being configured to be maintained in fluid communication with a volume being sampled to receive an air sample therethrough, and the outlet being configured to be coupled to a conduit such that the air sample can pass through the central bore to the conduit. A fastening mechanism includes at least one surface adjacent the inlet and arranged in use to support the sampling point assembly on a first side of a mounting structure, and at least one fastening actuator for holding the surface against the mounting structure from the first side. A cap conceals the fastening mechanism and inlet from view from the first side of the mounting structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a staining methodology employing a particle contrast agent composition capable of rapidly staining cells in a single step. The particle contrast agent composition can be comprised of a combination of one or more particle contrast agents and one or more permeabilizing agents, optionally including one or more fixing agents and other components. The particle contrast agent composition can include Crystal Violet, 5PD-Lytic, and Proclin 300.

Abstract: A membrane vesicle recovery device includes: a liquid filler; and at least a fused membrane having a lipid bilayer membrane which covers at least a part of the outer periphery of the liquid filler, in which a content of a membrane vesicle is mixed into the liquid filler through fusing of the membrane vesicle and the fused membrane.

Abstract: A new impact generating equipment for dynamic loading tests, designed to be adjustable to various sizes of structures and formats, particularly for piles of construction sites, so that the dynamic loading tests can be performed more easily, more efficiently and with faster speed, leading to results with minimum error margins in less time, and with a constructiveness that facilitates its transport and handling, generating logistic gains and reducing costs in the execution of tests.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an analysis method of a tensioning process of a fine mask plate. The analysis method, based on the simulation function of ANSYS software, finds an appropriate tensile force for stretching a fine mask plate and a corresponding actual counterforce applied to a metal frame before each fine mask plate is welded onto the metal frame through establishing a finite element model of the fine mask plate and a finite element model of the metal frame.. The analysis process requires no physical tests, thereby effectively avoiding damaging the fine mask plate and further effectively saving the test cost.

Abstract: A hand-held compression-tester for golf balls applies a biasing force to the golf-ball, loads it, and then releases the load so that only the biasing force remains. Based on the evolution of a loading curve during these intervals, the compression-tester estimates a compression value.

Abstract: A falling weight deflectometer is disclosed. The falling weight deflectometer includes a load plate adapted to engage a test surface, a force transmitter adapted to transmit a force to the load plate, a buffer, and a weight adapted to impact the force transmitter via said buffer so as to provide a force to be transmitted to the load plate via the force transmitter. A guide is included for guiding the weight towards the force transmitter, and a lifting device is included for lifting the weight to a height above the force transmitter. The lifting device includes an electric motor to drive a threaded spindle in engagement with the weight.

Abstract: A method for determining hardness information of a component is disclosed. The method comprises forming at least one hole of a predetermined depth at a predetermined location on a surface of the component, measuring the hardness information of the component at the predetermined depth through the hole using one of a probe and a drill, and filling the at least one hole with a filler material.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the measurement of density of a raw material comprising at least one penetrating device, wherein said device includes at least one radiation source; at least one detector; at least one input device; and at least one output device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically testing high pressure and high temperature sedimentation of slurries is described. The method includes pumping a sample drilling fluid into a test cell. The sample drilling fluid may be subjected to a pre-determined pressure and a pre-determined temperature for a pre-determined period of time. The test cell may also be oriented at non-vertical angle. The sample drilling fluid may be pumped out of the test cell and the density of the sample drilling fluid automatically measured relative to a displaced fluid volume of the sample drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method that is stored in tangible form and accessible by a data processing system for determination of xenon propellant remaining in a tank for a defined life condition. A heater controller establishes a first stable temperature of a propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at the first stable temperature of the propellant tank. A second higher stable temperature is provided in the propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at a second stable temperature. A computer processor computes a mass based on density and volume in accordance with measurements of temperature and pressure at the first stable temperature and the second stable temperature.

Abstract: A method and system of measuring the size distribution of particles within dilute colloids, for example, through variation of the minimum ice-nucleation sizes of particles within the colloid. The system for measuring particles in fluids includes, a sample fluid inlet and an ice nuclei counter communicatively connected to the sample fluid inlet, the ice nuclei counter cooling the sample fluid and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid. The method for measuring particles in fluid includes the steps of providing a sample fluid, cooling the sample fluid, and measuring particles which form crystals in the cooled fluid.

Abstract: The present invention places in the field of the maintenance of aeration, conditioning, air-conditioning, etc. plants, and in particular the present invention relates to a method for evaluating the cleaning state of a plant, with particular reference to the atmospheric particulate.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a particulate filter in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine is presented. The exhaust gas stream downstream of the particulate filter is monitored by a downstream soot sensor having a characteristic sensor cycle; and the accumulation of soot at an upstream soot sensor is monitored over a respective sensor cycle of the downstream soot sensor. The particulate filter operating status is decided on the basis of the information of the downstream and upstream soot sensors. The amount of accumulated soot is determined based on the sensor cycles of the upstream soot sensor, and may be expressed as a soot loading level or as a number of sensor cycles. The efficiency of the particulate filter may be determined from the respective number of sensor cycles of the soot sensors.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a cabinet, a particle sensing unit coupled to the cabinet and configured to measure a particle concentration of an outside, and an inlet provided at the cabinet and configured to communicate with the outside so that particles flow into the particle sensing unit, and the particle sensing unit includes a first particle sensor configured to sense particles flowing in through the inlet, and a second particle sensor coupled to form a connection path in which particles move between the first particle sensor and the second particle sensor to sense the particles passing through the first particle sensor. The air conditioner allows the sensing of fine particles and ultrafine particles due to a plurality of particle sensors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to detect particles in dense particle fields are described. A time varying signal is partitioned into a plurality of segments. Parameters are determined from the segments. The time varying signal is parsed into a plurality of individual particle signal components based on the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Optical detection systems configured to collect and detect light emitted by a sample are provided. Aspects of the systems include a core region selective side scatter (SSC) collection module configured to allow for the selective detection SSC wavelength light from a core region of collected light. Also provided are methods of using the systems.

Abstract: A particle detector that includes an inspection light source that irradiates a flow cell with inspection light, the flow cell that allows a fluid containing a particle to flow therethrough, the flow cell including a semispherical reflective film that reflects reaction light generated by the particle irradiated with the inspection light, and a semispherical lens portion through which the reaction light reflected by the semispherical reflective film passes, an elliptical mirror that has a first focus at a position of the flow cell, and that reflects the reaction light having passed through the semispherical lens portion of the flow cell, and an optical detector that is disposed at a second focus of the elliptical mirror and that detects the reaction light reflected by the elliptical mirror.

Abstract: A device for measuring the membrane fouling index which can measure the modified fouling index (MFI) and the silt density index (SDI) at the same time and quantify the degree of membrane fouling caused by various kinds of membrane fouling materials, such as particulate materials, colloids, organic matters, and so on, in a short period of time.

Abstract: Detection of corrosion and other defects in piping is needed to prevent catastrophic pipeline failure. Sensors, systems and methods are provided to enable detection of such defects. These apparatus and methods are configured to characterize pipe protected by insulation and conductive weather protection. The sensors may utilize inductive and/or solid state sensing element arrays operated in a magnetic field generated in part by a drive winding of the sensor. Multiple excitation frequencies are used to generate the magnetic field and record corresponding sensing element responses. Relatively high excitation frequencies may be used to estimate the properties of the weather protection and sensor lift-off while lower frequencies may be used to detect internal and external pipe damage. Linear arrays may be moved to generate damage images of the pipe providing size and location information for defects. Two dimensional sensor arrays may be used to provide imaging without moving the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring friction on a cylinder-piston arrangement, wherein a reciprocating piston (3) is arranged in a cylinder liner (2) of a liner unit (23), said cylinder liner being decoupled from a cylinder head (9), and the liner unit (23) is arranged in a liner carrier (8) which is connected to a sensor carrier and which has a rotationally symmetrical receiving region (13) for the cylinder liner (2), said receiving region being concentric to the cylinder axis (21), wherein preferably at least one cooling jacket (12) is assigned to the cylinder liner (2).

Abstract: A measuring vessel in which a gas to be analyzed by spectrometry is intended to flow, the vessel being in the form of a hollow tube provided with a reflective material forming an optical-reflection layer, including: a hollow tube is produced from a non-metallic material, and a removable supple optical article is applied against the internal surface of the hollow tube, the article including a supple flexible support, one face of the support being covered with a reflective metal material, the article being inserted in the tube so that the reflective metal material forms the optical-reflection layer.

Abstract: A flow cell includes a transparent planar member having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposite to the first principal surface. The planar member has a through-hole that has a circular cross-sectional shape and that penetrates through the first principal surface and the second principal surface. The flow cell further includes a first lens element having a through-hole that has a circular cross-sectional shape. The first lens element is disposed on the first principal surface of the planar member such that the through-hole in the planar member communicates with the through-hole in the first lens element. The flow cell further includes a second lens element having a through-hole that has a circular cross-sectional shape. The second lens element is disposed on the second principal surface of the planar member such that the through-hole in the planar member communicates with the through-hole in the second lens element.

Abstract: A concentration calculation system calculates a concentration of the optically active substance based on a formula. The formula includes a first function representing wavelength dependence of an optical rotation of a first optically-active substance, and a second function representing wavelength dependence of an optical rotation of a second optically-active substance. In the first function, concentration of the first optically-active substance has an unknown value, and an inherent value for defining a characteristic of optical rotatory dispersion of the first optically-active substance is a known value or an unknown value within a certain limited range. In the second function, an inherent value for defining a characteristic of optical rotatory dispersion of the second optically-active substance is an unknown value.

Abstract: Spectrophotometer for the characterisation of receivers of solar collectors in order to determine optical properties (transmittance and reflectance). The equipment allows the evaluation of a receiver tube in real time and in any kind of light conditions, both inside and outside. The equipment also allows the detection of the eccentricity between the outer tube and the inner tube, which directly influences the reliability of the measurement. The equipment has a mechanical system for allowing a rotation of the equipment around the tube in order to find the optimum measurement position and attach itself to the tube.

Abstract: Method for calibrating an infrared spectroscopy apparatus to produce spectra to determine the concentration of a component C1 in one fluid F1 of an animal, includes: a) obtaining samples of fluid F1 and of a different fluid from each animal belonging to a group of representative animals, fluid F2 containing detectable amounts of at least one component C2 which is directly or indirectly related to a metabolic pathway of component C1; b) measuring the concentration of component C1 in the samples of fluid F1; c) producing the complete IR absorption spectrum of the samples of fluid F2; d) identifying in the absorption spectra of fluid F2 samples the spectral ranges that correlate with the concentration of component C1 in fluid F1 samples; and e) calculating, on the basis of at least one of the correlating spectral ranges, a predictive mathematical model of the concentration of component C1 in fluid F1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining both (a) the haematocrit value and (b) the fibrinogen content in whole blood of an individual in less than 5 minutes, as well as to associated portable apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting inorganic gunshot residue (GSR) particles. The method includes providing a sample comprising gunshot residue, subjecting the sample to spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, and identifying inorganic gunshot residue particles based on the spectroscopic signature for the sample. Also disclosed is a method of detecting gunshot residue particles. The method includes providing a sample comprising gunshot residue, subjecting the sample to spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, where the spectroscopic signature spans a range of wavenumbers, creating one or more spectroscopic maps from the spectroscopic signature for the sample, where each different spectroscopic map is for a different wavenumber, and identifying gunshot residue particles based on the one or more spectroscopic maps for the sample.

Abstract: A method for characterising an amorphous material involves an evaluation of a rate of change with temperature of an interaction of the amorphous material with electromagnetic (EM) radiation. The interaction is at an energy of between 6.6×10?24 J and 6.6×10?21 J, which corresponds to EM radiation in the terahertz band, between 10 GHz and 10 THz. The rate of change of the interaction is evaluated in a temperature range below a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the amorphous material. The rate of change can then be compared with a predetermined value in order to characterise the amorphorphous material. An apparatus is provided to carry out the method, and the method can produce amorphous materials having desired properties, such as stability against crystallisation.

Abstract: A system for providing active refraction feedback for devices with a variable index of refraction includes a reference beam generator and an altered reference beam sensor. The reference beam generator is configured to generate a reference beam and to apply the reference beam to a variable-index-of-refraction (VIR) device. The VIR device is configured to generate an altered reference beam based on the reference beam and based on an index of refraction for the VIR device. The altered reference beam sensor is configured to detect the altered reference beam and to sense a characteristic of the altered reference beam corresponding to the index of refraction.

Abstract: A V-block refractometer capable of enhancing measurement accuracy is provided. An incident angle of measurement light incident on a V-block prism 1 from a collimator lens 48 is changed through the rotation of a motor 7, and the measurement light from the V-block prism 1 at each incident angle is detected by a detector 2. This configuration eliminates the need to provide the detector 2 near the motor 7 as in the conventional art, whereby deterioration in measurement accuracy caused by an increase in load to the motor 7 can be prevented, and the measurement accuracy can be enhanced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying oil materials. A method of determining a refractive index of oil comprising: generating an incident beam, incident on a conductive material and at an angle of incidence to the conductive layer, between the conductive material and an oil material; monitoring the power of a reflected beam; and determining an angle of resonance by changing the angle of incidence of the incident beam; determining a refractive index of the oil material using at least the power of the reflected beam. Systems and methods may be provided for on-surface testing or downhole in situ testing.

Abstract: An electronic device for sensing air quality is provided. The electronic device includes a proximity sensor, a processor and a memory. The proximity sensor at least includes a light source and a light sensor. The light source emits light toward particulate matter in air, wherein the light is reflected by a surface of the particulate matter to form reflected light. The light sensor senses the reflected light. The processor is coupled to the proximity sensor, and the memory is operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to execute program code stored in the memory by: obtaining an air quality value corresponding to an intensity value of the reflected light according to an air quality table.

Abstract: Optopair for use in sensors and analyzers of gases such as methane, and a fabrication method therefor is disclosed. It comprises: a) an LED, either cascaded or not, having at least one radiation emitting area, whose spectral maximum is de-tuned from the maximum absorption spectrum line of the gas absorption spectral band; and b) a Photodetector, whose responsivity spectral maximum can be either de-tuned from, or alternatively completely correspond to the maximum absorption spectrum line of the absorption spectral band of the gas. Modeling the LED emission and Photodetector responsivity spectra and minimizing the temperature sensitivity of the optopair based on the technical requirements of the optopair signal registration circuitry, once the spectral characteristics of the LED and Photodetector materials and the temperature dependencies of said spectral characteristics are determined, provides the LED de-tuned emission and Photodetector responsivity target peaks respectively.

Abstract: A fluorescence and phosphorescence detection device includes a fluorescence and phosphorescence sensor, a data acquiring unit, and an emission detection unit. The fluorescence and phosphorescence sensor includes a light source that emits an excitation light of a predetermined wavelength, and a photodetection unit that detects fluorescence emission and phosphorescence emission excited from the paper sheet by the excitation light. The data acquiring unit acquires a time-series waveform of a signal outputted from the fluorescence and phosphorescence sensor in response to the detection of the emission in the photodetection unit. The emission detection unit detects the fluorescence emission from the time-series waveform of a period in which the excitation light is emitted from the light source and detects the phosphorescence emission from an attenuation curve appearing on the time-series waveform of a period in which emission of the excitation light from the light source is stopped.

Abstract: A particle detector that includes a flow cell that includes a through hole having a circular sectional shape and allowing a fluid containing a particle to flow therethrough, an inspection light source that irradiates the flow cell with inspection light in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the through hole, and an optical detector that detects reaction light generated by the particle and which exits the flow cell so as to be angled relative to a sector-shaped plane which has a vertex at an intersection point of the inspection light and the through hole of the flow cell, is parallel to an optical path of the inspection light, and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the through hole of the flow cell.

Abstract: A method of monitoring water-soluble treatment chemicals in a fluid that is immiscible with water and which may or may not contain some aqueous fluid, the method using at least one reagent that produces an optically detectable product, the detection step can take place without separation of the aqueous phase containing the treatment chemicals from the fluid immiscible with water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performing multi-photon imaging using a fiber laser. Systems and methods herein may be used for performing imaging using multi-photon excitation (e.g., using two-photon excitation or multi-color two-photon excited fluorescence). Aspects of the disclosure are applicable to a variety of multi-photon methods without being limited to CRS or multi-photon fluorescence excitation. A multi-wavelength fiber laser system and its use in multi-photon methods are provided.

Abstract: This invention concerns spectroscopy apparatus comprising a light source arranged to generate a light profile on a sample, a photodetector having at least one photodetector element for detecting characteristic light generated from interaction of the sample with light from the light source, a support for supporting the sample, the support movable relative to the light profile, and a processing unit. The processing unit is arranged to associate a spectral value recorded by the photodetector element at a particular time with a point on the sample predicted to have generated the characteristic light recorded by the photodetector element at the particular time based on relative motion anticipated to have occurred between the support and the light profile.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defect in a structure member includes exciting a structure member by applying an excitation signal to the structure member, applying an optical signal to the excited structure member and capturing a reflected optical signal formed by a reflection of the applied optical signal by the excited structure member, and processing the reflected optical signal to determine one or more defects in the structure member.

Abstract: A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.

Abstract: We describe a detection module useful with an apparatus and/or system for conducting luminescence assays, and a kit, a system, an apparatus, and a method incorporating the detection module.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the adsorption potential of fly ash. A sample of the fly ash is mixed with an optically active reagent. The mixture is irradiated with light at a given wavelength and an optical parameter of the irradiated sample, such as intensity of optical absorbance or fluorescence emission is measured by an optical measuring apparatus. The adsorption capacity of the sample is determined as a function of the optical measurement. The system comprises a controller that communicates with the optical absorption measuring apparatus and controls flow of fly ash and sacrificial agent to a reaction zone or housing wherein the fly ash is contacted by the sacrificial agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable diagnostic apparatus for capturing a medical image. The apparatus includes a cavity for accommodating a medical specimen to be detected, a white light source, and multiple digital camera units for photographing the specimen to be detected. The camera units each include optics with positive refractive power and an image sensor smaller than ? inches. The portable diagnostic apparatus can detect a change in color according to a captured digital image. The diagnostic apparatus can capture images of multiple reaction areas of a medical specimen at a time and in addition, the diagnostic apparatus is small in size and low in cost, captures images of high quality, and can provide more detailed information of the medical specimen being detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis.