Abstract: A method is provided for detecting sulphur-containing species (such as thiophosphorous esters, in particular phosphorylating agents), in which a suspected sulphur-containing species is brought into contact with a tetrazolium compound in the presence of base, typically at a pH of at least 8. A device, kit and tetrazolium compounds for use in such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of residual sterilant remaining on the surface of an object at the end of a disinfection process are described. One method of determining the amount of residual sterilant on a test piece after a sterilization regime in a sterilization space includes the steps of: placing a test piece having a predetermined surface area into the sterilization space; subjecting the test piece to the sterilization regime; collecting the residual sterilant from the test piece in a collector solution; and measuring the amount of residual sterilant in the collector solution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for measuring greenhouse gas. A calibration device receives a first sample of atmospheric gas from a first port exposed to the earth's atmosphere. The calibration device receives a second sample of atmospheric gas from a second port exposed to the earth's atmosphere. The calibration device routes the first sample and the second sample to a measurement device for greenhouse gas analysis. The measurement device determines a characteristic of a greenhouse gas present in at least one of the first sample and the second sample. The measurement device transmits data associated with the determined characteristic of the greenhouse gas to a computing device for determining sinks and sources of the gas.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to an optical gas analyzer device that includes at least one measuring chamber in the form of a tubular measuring cuvette through which measuring gas flows. The measuring chamber is illuminated longitudinally by a radiation source that is arranged at an input end thereof and the light beam of which weakened by absorption losses is detected for gas concentration analysis by at least one detector arranged at an output end. The measuring process is calibrated using a reference spectrum. A special optical filter can be inserted into the measuring process in place of the measuring cuvette. The filter material of the filter generates a plurality of strong absorptions across the entire wavelength range of the measuring spectrum in order to cause attenuations that in the particular spectral position correspond to those of the gaseous measuring medium in greater concentration.

Abstract: A gas sensor device may include a gas sensor integrated circuit (IC) having a gas sensing surface, and bond pads adjacent to the gas sensing surface, and a frame having gas passageways extending therethrough adjacent the gas sensing surface. The gas sensor device may include leads, each having a proximal end spaced from the frame and bonded to a respective bond pad, and a distal end extending downwardly from the proximal end, and encapsulation material filling the space between the proximal ends of the leads and the frame.

Abstract: A gas sensing system includes an air intake hole which comprises a plurality of micro-flow channels, a replaceable sensor for receiving an air from the air intake hole and detecting the received air, and a processing unit coupled to the replaceable sensor and doing determination for the component of the air according to a detection result of the replaceable sensor. Wherein, the replaceable sensor includes a plurality of sensing chips arranged in an array and each sensing chip is coated with a sensing thin film separately to detect a different gas.

Abstract: A method is provided that identifies the compounds contributing to fishy water odor from an air conditioner, reproduces the fishy water odor, and prepares a corresponding fishy water odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the fishy water odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The fishy water odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced fishy water odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an ultrathin micro-electromechanical chemical sensing device which uses swelling or straining of a reactive organic material for sensing. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a contact on-off switch chemical sensor. For example, the device can comprises a small gap separating two electrodes, wherein the gap can be closed as a result of the swelling or stressing of an organic polymer coating on one or both sides of the gap. In certain embodiments, the swelling or stressing is due to the organic polymer reacting with a target analyte.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing contaminants such as hydrocarbons in soil and ground water utilizes a reaction device comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material and processes that device in contact with a contaminant in an analytical device in order to generate a spectrogram indicative of the contaminants in the soil and ground water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the salt concentration of crude oil using a single solvent that allows for improved safety and accuracy. The apparatus can include a pair of electrodes, a solvent storage container, a power source, a temperature sensor, a computer, and a display device. The method includes introducing a volume of the crude oil and a solvent to a mixing zone and mixing them together to form a homogenized mixture. The temperature and conductivity of the homogenized mixture are measured in order to determine the salt concentration of the homogenized mixture, and subsequently, the salt concentration of the crude oil.

Abstract: Method for providing an assembly of an amount of used plastic material and an information carrier carrying data of at least one quality property of the amount of used plastic material, wherein providing the data of the at least one quality property comprises at least once: providing a predetermined amount of used plastic material; labelling the predetermined amount of used plastic material; and determining at least one quality property of the predetermined amount of used plastic material. A system for providing an assembly of an amount of used plastic material and data of at least one quality property of the amount of used plastic material, wherein the system comprises: a feeder for providing used plastic material; at least one quantity measuring system; a rheology measuring system; and an information carrier.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for measuring, on a digital microfluidic platform, electrical signals associated with the impedance of adherent cells. In one embodiment, a sub-droplet of cell culture media containing adherent cells is passively dispensed at a pre-selected electrode location where a local hydrophilic surface region is provided, and adherent cells are attached to the local hydrophilic surface region. The cell culture media sub-droplet is replaced with a sub-droplet of a low-conductivity medium in a passive dispensing step, retaining the attached adherent cells. An AC voltage with a suitable frequency is applied between electrodes of the device and a signal associated with the impedance of the adherent cells is obtained. One of the electrodes to which the AC voltage is applied may be a dedicated sensing electrode. The local thickness of a dielectric layer coating the pre-selected electrode may be reduced to increase the detection sensitivity of the device.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I): (wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted 2-(1-azathiaxanthone); each —R2 is independently of the formula —CH2—C(?O)—R4, wherein R4 is an amino acid or a salt thereof, attached to the remainder of R2 through the nitrogen atom of the amino group; and R3 is hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl group); or (wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted 2-(1-azaxanthone); each R2 is independently an optionally substituted glutaric or succinic acid, or a salt or ester thereof; and R3 is hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl group).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of toxicological evaluation of a candidate substance on at least one tissue or organ, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a bioartificial tissue or organ by simulation or modelling of the metabolic activity of said tissue or organ by at least one bioreactor; (b) exposure of said bioartificial tissue or organ to said substance; (c) observation of the metabolic response of the bioartificial tissue or organ and acquisition without a priori of an associated multidimensional data set; (d) identification by means of a method of multivariate statistical analysis of the components of the multidimensional data set which are quantitatively correlated with predetermined variables; (e) generation of a predictive model on the basis of the components of the data set that are actually retained; (f) testing of the predictive nature of said model by at least one statistical method of estimating reliability; (g) identification of the metabolic response of the

Abstract: Described herein are DNA primer sequences designed for the determination of gene or transcript information from Anuran species, and which may be used in studies for developmental and/or toxicity testing and for environmental toxicology or ecological assessment. Also described herein is a rapid, sensitive, high-throughput assay useful for supporting potential risk assessment across vertebrate clades, and that is also useful for evaluation of complex contaminant mixtures.

Abstract: A cell analyzing apparatus includes: a histogram acquirer which is configured to perform measurement of a number of nuclear stained cells, and which, by using a result of the measurement, is configured to acquire a histogram indicating a fluorescence intensity; and an analysis controller which is configured to apply frequency analysis on data of the histogram acquired by the histogram acquirer, and which is configured to determine existence/nonexistence of cancer cells based on a result of the frequency analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a kit for monitoring an immune status after transplant. The kit for monitoring an immune status after transplant and the method for monitoring an immune status of an individual after transplant as provided in the present invention make it easy and accurate to determine an immune status in the individual after transplant and thus have an effect of reducing overuse of an immunosuppressive agent prescribed after transplant and also have an effect of conveniently managing an immune status of each patient.

Abstract: The Inventors disclosed an inexpensive method of determining fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells of individuals with sickle cell anemia undergoing hydroxyurea treatment. The method is based on the specific elution and measurement of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) from red blood cells, wherein the amount of HbF may be determined according to the formula: HbF=Total hemoglobin?HbS. The method may also be used to determine the amount of HbF in individuals without sickle cell anemia by the specific elution of adult or normal hemoglobin (HbA) from red blood cells whereby the amount HbF may be determined according to the formula: HbF=Total hemoglobin?HbA. The method will also determine levels of HbS or HbA in individuals with sickle cell and without sickle cell respectively. The methods have the advantage of being easy to practice in underdeveloped countries.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, method, and kit for visualizing a nucleus are disclosed. A tissue sample is pretreated with a protease to permeabilize the nucleus, and then incubated with a nanoparticle/DNA-binding moiety conjugate. The DNA-binding moiety includes at least one DNA-binding molecule. The conjugate binds to DNA within the nucleus, and the nanoparticle is visualized, thereby visualizing the nucleus. Computer and image analysis techniques are used to evaluate nuclear features such as chromosomal distribution, ploidy, shape, size, texture features, and/or contextual features. The method may be used in combination with other multiplexed tests on the tissue sample, including fluorescence in situ hybridization. Kits for performing the method include a protease enzyme composition, a nanoparticle/DNA-binding moiety conjugate, and a reaction buffer.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for detecting C9ORF72 hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) (SEQ ID NO: 3) repeat expansion positive (C9+) frontotemporal lobar degeneration or C9+ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For example, methods and materials related to using anti-(GP)8 (SEQ ID NO: 2) antibodies to identify mammals (e.g., humans) having C9+ FTLD or C9+ ALS are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hapten derivative and conjugate of a natural high intensity sweetener containing hydroxyl groups. The conjugate can be used to produce antibodies specific against the natural high intensity sweetener. The present invention further provides a kit and method for detecting and quantifying the natural high intensity sweetener in a sample.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a risk for preterm delivery or miscarriage in a pregnant woman and preventing preterm delivery or miscarriage in the pregnant woman who has been determined to have the risk is provided. The method includes measuring plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity or level in plasma isolated from a pregnant woman. The method also includes determining that the pregnant woman has a risk for preterm delivery or miscarriage when the activity or the level is lower than that in the plasma of a normal pregnant woman. The method also includes administering plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 to the pregnant woman who has been determined to have the risk. A kit for the diagnosis of the degree of risk for preterm delivery or miscarriage also is provided. A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention of preterm delivery or miscarriage, comprising plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, also is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrochemiluminescence assays are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an apparatus comprises an ECL-inactive electrode surface having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon and an ECL-active microparticle having a second assay ligand immobilized thereon. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a method comprises (a) forming a mixture comprising an electrochemiluminescent label and a microparticle having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon, (b) applying electrochemical energy to an electrode surface in the presence of said mixture, and (c) measuring emitted electrochemiluminescence, where the microparticle is ECL-active and where the electrode surface is ECL-inactive when electrochemical energy is applied to it in the presence of said mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer (e.g., conductive polyanilines, polypyrroles, polythiophenes) bound to magnetic nanoparticles (e.g., Fe(II)- and/or Fe(III)-based magnetic metal oxides). The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. Methods and kits employing the particulate composition and the BEAM nanoparticle composition also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tools which allow the kinetic monitoring of hydrolase enzyme activity. The present invention also aims to provide synthetic peptides and peptide residues modified such that they can be used in assays for monitoring hydrolase enzyme activity, and preferably phosphatase activity. Also claimed are modified tyrosine amino acid derivatives of formula (IV), wherein Y is chosen from —POy2? with y equal to 2 or 3 and esters thereof, —SOZ? with z equal to 2 or 3 and esters thereof, a carbohydrate or carbohydrate derivatives; and; wherein X1 and/or X2 is selected from —N3, —NO2, —CI, or —CN, —SCN, a C1 to C8 alkyl, or H, wherein either X1 or X2 is not H.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody for detecting or capturing an exosome, selected from the group consisting of a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 113 to 195 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 104 to 202 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 36 to 54 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, and a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragments thereof that recognize amino acid numbers 113 to 201 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, each capable of detecting or capturing an exosome. The monoclonal antibody for detecting an exosome of the present invention is capable of detecting CD9, CD63 or CD81 on the exosome in a living body with an excellent sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes monoclonal antibodies specific or preferentially selective for PCBP-1 antigens, as well as methods utilizing these antibodies to determine the severity of breast cancer in a patient.

Abstract: A thiol probe for a protein, which promotes ionization in proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry and can be used even for a protein that has a high degree of hydrophobicity and quickly turns over, and is represented by the following formula (I): In formula (I), R1 represents a linker group, and R2 represents a substituted ammonium group or a substituted amino group. A mass spectrometry method for a protein, includes the steps of obtaining a modified protein by reacting the thiol probe with a protein to be subjected to mass spectrometry and subjecting the modified protein to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for treating a polypeptide including a cysteine residue for enhancing the sensitivity of detection thereof in mass spectrometry using charged particles. A mass spectrometry method for a polypeptide including a cysteine residue is provided which includes treating the polypeptide including a cysteine residue with a cyanation agent, treating the cyanated polypeptide with a base, and then desorption ionizing the base-treated polypeptides using charged particles for mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating and preventing pain. More particularly the present invention demonstrates the involvement of K2P potassium channels in the antalgic effect of morphine. The present invention therefore provides a screening method for identifying antalgics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analyzing a target compound from a biological sample. In one aspect, a method for analyzing a target compound in a biological sample can comprise delivering a biological sample through an affinity column, the affinity column having a binding ligand coupled to a stationary structural support, wherein the affinity column has a high density of the binding ligand per the stationary structural support and wherein the binding ligand has been preselected to cause weak affinity separation zonal retardation of the target compound from the biological sample forming a target compound fraction and a biological sample fraction and detecting the target compound by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a chelate color former which can measure the concentration of iron with high sensitivity and with low blank values when measuring the concentration of iron, and an iron concentration measurement method and kit that use this chelate color former. The present invention relates to: a compound represented by following formula [1] or a salt thereof wherein, R1 and R2 each independently represent —SO3H or —CO2H; an iron concentration measurement method in which the compound is used as a chelate color former, the compound is brought into contact with iron in a sample, and the concentration of iron in the sample is measured on the basis of the degree of resulting color development; and a kit to be used therein.

Abstract: A specimen transportation system is configured from linear modules, turn modules, and connection modules, wherein adjacent modules are connected to one another, and the modules form multiple paths through which specimen racks outputted from one specimen output device are transported to multiple analysis devices. Each path is associated with a node signal indicating whether said path can be used for transportation, and a node signal sequence comprising multiple node signals of the paths is configured. In the specimen transportation system, the node signal sequence is transferred from the downstream side to the upstream side, and problems such as the detention of a specimen rank in the specimen transportation system are dealt with by using said node signal sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sequential sample preparation system using a sequential centrifuge for preparing samples for analysis. Methods of more efficiently preparing discrete samples sequentially for subsequent analysis are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially preparing discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional preparation processes that use batch centrifugation systems. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample preparation system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The integrated sequential preparation system with the integrated sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical or STAT samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved by preparing discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A blood sample processing apparatus including: a container holder securing a sample container that contains a blood sample, the sample container having a lid, the container holder coupled to a rotation driver that longitudinally rotates the sample container; and a controller that commands the rotation driver to repeatedly perform an inclining-stirring operation that includes a first process and a second process, wherein in the first process, the sample container is initially held in an upright position by the container holder and then rotated to an inclined position, and in the second process, the inclined sample container is returned to the upright position, and wherein in a final inclining-stirring operation, the second process is carried out for a longer time than previous second processes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for detecting a fluid surface, comprising the following steps: providing at least one probe having an electric capacitance with respect to its surroundings; moving the probe into or out of a fluid; charging the probe by applying a periodic first electric signal to the probe for activating the probe; applying a periodic third electric signal to one or more electrically conductive regions different from the probe simultaneously with applying the first electric signal to the probe, wherein the third electric signal corresponds to the first electric signal or an amplified/damped first electric signal; at least partially discharging the probe so as to obtain a discharging current; detecting a second electric signal based on the discharging current; analyzing the second electric signal or a signal derived from the second electric signal with respect to the capacitance of the probe; identifying the fluid surface of the fluid based on a change of the capacitance of the probe

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes: a dish mounting portion having a mounting surface configured to be mounted with a dish having a bottom surface and a side surface surrounding the bottom surface; a syringe, arranged above the dish mounting portion, having a nozzle configured to discharge liquid toward an interior of the dish; and a first driving portion configured to rotate an inner bottom surface of the dish mounted on the dish mounting portion with respect to a first axis as a center of rotation, wherein the first axis is parallel to the mounting surface of the dish mounting portion.

Abstract: Motion sensors of a mobile device mounted to a vehicle are used to detect a mount angle of the mobile device. The motion sensors are used to determine whether the vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating, whether the vehicle is turning and whether the mount angle of the mobile device is rotating. The mount angle of the mobile device is obtained from data output from the motion sensors and can be used to correct a compass heading. Data from the motion sensors that are obtained while the vehicle is turning or the mobile device is rotating are not used to obtain the mount angle.

Abstract: An integrated inertial sensor and pressure sensor may include a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface; at least one or more conductive layers, formed on the first surface of the first substrate; a movable sensitive element, formed by using a first region of the first substrate; a second substrate and a third substrate, the second substrate being coupled to a surface of the conductive layer, the third substrate being coupled to the second surface of the first substrate in which the movable sensitive element of the inertial sensor is formed, and the third substrate and the second substrate are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the movable sensitive element; and a sensitive film of the pressure sensor, including at least a second region of the first substrate, or including at least one of the conductive layers on the second region of the first substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for nano-identification a sample by measuring, with the use of evanescent waves, optical spectra of near-field interaction between the sample and optical nanoantenna oscillating at nano-distance above the sample and discriminating background backscattered radiation not sensitive to such near-field interaction. Discrimination may be effectuated by optical data acquisition at periodically repeated moments of nanoantenna oscillation without knowledge of distance separating nanoantenna and sample. Measurement includes chemical identification of sample on nano-scale, during which absolute value of phase corresponding to near-field radiation representing said interaction is measured directly, without offset. Calibration of apparatus and measurement is provided by performing, prior to sample measurement, a reference measurement of reference sample having known index of refraction.

Abstract: A system, method and a non-transitory compute readable medium for evaluating a high aspect ratio (HAR) hole having a nanometric scale width and formed in a substrate, including obtaining, during an illumination period, multiple measurement results by an electrostatic measurement device that comprises a probe tip that is placed in proximity to the HAR hole; wherein multiple locations within the HAR hole are illuminated with a beam of charged particles during the illumination period; and processing the multiple measurement results to determine a state of the HAR hole.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process, the apparatus of the invention is an intelligent system configured to test the efficacy of electrostatic discharge devices that includes a touch screen display, a microcomputer, and resident persistent non-volatile memory. Preferred embodiments use the persistent resident memory to store a plurality of test data from a plurality of tests correlated as a data base. The apparatus of the invention in certain embodiments operates as a WEB host wherein remote users may view ESD test data in various ways. The process of the invention relates to the configuration of the apparatus of the invention to at least display test data from a plurality of electrostatic dissipation device tests. The process of the invention may also include the configuration of test settings, or email notification metrics.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a capacitance detection device includes a switched capacitor amplifying circuit including a variable capacitor and a reference capacitor, and a voltage applying circuit configured to apply, to the switched capacitor amplifying circuit, a reference voltage having a temperature characteristic for compensating fluctuation in an output voltage of the switched capacitor amplifying circuit due to a temperature characteristic of capacitance of the variable capacitor.

Abstract: It is intended to reduce manufacturing cost in a current sensor including a primary conductor having a U-shaped current path. A current sensor includes a primary conductor having a U-shaped current path, a support portion for supporting a magneto-electric conversion element, and a lead terminal connected to the support portion, and wherein the current path is not overlapped with the support portion in a plan view, while being formed so as to have a height different from that of the support portion in a side view.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network and utilizes a split-core transformer to harvest energy from the conductors. The monitoring devices can be configured to harvest energy from the AC power grid and apply a DC bias to core halves of the split-core transformer to maintain a positive magnetic force between the core halves. Methods of installing and using the monitoring devices are also provided.

Abstract: A current sensor based on a Rogowski coil includes a polygonal cross-section tube obtained from of one or more parts of rigid PCB. The windings that form the Rogowski coil are located on the portions of rigid PCB which form the flat faces of the polygonal cross-section tube. One or more parts of rigid PCB are joined together using flexible zones which can bend in the form of an l. The polygonal cross-section tube is designed so that, during its use, the conductor whose current is required to be measured is situated along the tube's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to distinguish proprietary, non-floating and floating chargers for regulating charging current are disclosed. In one aspect, a charger detection circuit is provided in a portable electronic device. The charger detection circuit is configured to detect whether a connected Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger is compliant with a USB battery charging specification. If the connected USB charger is non-compliant with the USB battery charging specification, the charger detection circuit is configured to further detect if the non-complaint USB charger is a non-compliant floating USB charger or a non-compliant proprietary USB charger. If the connected USB charger is determined to be a non-compliant proprietary USB charger, the portable electronic device can be configured to draw up to a maximum charging current according to the USB battery charging specification.

Abstract: A method for determining the movement time curve of an electromagnetically driven armature of an actuator that has a coil may include: (a) applying to the coil a control signal dimensioned such that the armature undergoes only a partial deviation from the armature starting position without reaching an end position defined by a stop, and reaches the armature starting position again after reaching a turnaround position, wherein the deviation of the armature over time is described at least approximately by a section of a parabola at least between the turnaround position and the starting position, (b) determining the time at which the armature reaches the armature starting position again, (c) determining the speed with which the armature reaches the armature starting position again, and (d) ascertaining the movement time curve of the armature using a mathematical equation that describes the parabola based on the detected time and the detected speed.

Abstract: A device includes a first axial ring, a first radial ring disposed below the first axial ring and a second radial ring disposed below the first axial ring. The first radial ring and the second radial ring are spaced apart in a radial direction. The device also includes an electrically non-conductive isolating ring disposed between the first axial ring and the first radial ring and a current sensor disposed between the first radial ring and the second radial ring. Further, the device includes a second axial ring disposed below the first radial ring, the second radial ring, and the current sensor. The first axial ring, the first radial ring, the second radial ring, and the second axial ring form a magnetic shield and an electrically conductive shell around the current sensor. The isolating ring disrupts the electrical continuity of the electrically conductive shell.