Abstract: An apparatus comprising a wafer substrate having a planar optical layer thereon and a plurality of adjacent pairs of sacrificial optical testing parts and optical circuit parts located on the optical layer. The sacrificial testing part includes a vertical optical coupler that is oriented to redirect a test light signal between a direction substantially non-parallel to the planar optical layer and a direction that is substantially parallel to the planar optical layer. The optical circuit part includes an optical edge coupling port oriented to permit transfer of the test light signal through the optical edge coupling port and between the sacrificial testing part and the optical circuit part. The apparatus also comprises a trench located in the planar optical layer, the trench separating the sacrificial testing part from the optical circuit part for each of the plurality of adjacent pairs such that the test light signal passes across the trench between the sacrificial testing part and the optical circuit part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of checking an alignment between a first gear and a second gear using a tool is provided. The tool includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis and an elongate portion extending from the base portion along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Further, the second gear is received in an inner bore of the first gear. The method includes inserting at least partially the base portion of the tool within an inner bore of the second gear. The method also includes inserting a first pin extending from the elongate portion within a space between adjacent teeth of the first gear. The method further includes determining that the first gear is aligned with the second gear if a second pin extending from the elongate portion is received within a space between adjacent teeth of the second gear.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a drive train of a wind power plant. The drive train including at least one component which is mechanically connected to a rotating element of the drive train and at least one acceleration sensor connected to the rotating element and located at a distance from a rotational axis of the drive train. The at least one acceleration sensor is configured to rotate about the rotational axis of the drive train at the distance. A signal of the at least one acceleration sensor is sensed in terms of its timing at least one rotational speed of the rotating element and is examined for interference frequencies which correspond to damage in the drive train.

Abstract: A method for testing the operability of a driver assistance system installed in a test vehicle and operating based on information supplied by sensors which detect a target vehicle traveling in the environment of the test vehicle, in particular a driver assistance system intervening in the longitudinal or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, includes outputting control signals via a wireless communication link to at least partially control from the test vehicle the operation of the target vehicle for intentionally performing at least one defined driving maneuver.

Abstract: Provided is a testing system which is able to reproduce road surfaces in different states between both right and left tires. A testing system is provided with: a tire speed calculation unit which calculates virtual left and right tire speed values; a vehicle speed calculation unit which calculates a virtual vehicle speed value; a vehicle drive torque calculation unit which calculates left and right vehicle drive torque values; a differential torque calculation unit which calculates left and right differential torque values; and a speed control device which outputs a torque current command signal such that a deviation between a speed command value and a value detected by an encoder is eliminated. The tire speed calculation unit calculates the tire speed value on the basis of the differential torque values and the vehicle drive torque values.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip including a flow channel, an ejection portion, and a cutout portion. The flow channel is configured to convey a fluid therein. The ejection portion includes an opening directed toward an end face of a substrate layer, and the ejection portion is configured to eject the fluid flowing through the flow channel to outside. The substrate layer is laminated to each other. The cutout portion is formed between the opening of the ejection portion and the end face of the substrate layer. The cutout portion has a larger diameter than that of the opening.

Abstract: A system for the collection and disposal of grain samples including a grain sample receptacle, a vacuum bin and a vacuum pump. A grain sample conduit extends from a discharge opening of the receptacle to the upper interior of the vacuum bin. The air inlet end of the vacuum pump is connected to the interior of the vacuum bin to create a negative pressure therein. The grain samples which have been tested are dumped into the receptacle. When the receptacle is full, the vacuum pump is operated so that the grain samples in the receptacle will be drawn into the interior of the vacuum bin. When the vacuum bin is full, the vacuum bin may be transported to a dump pit or the like so that the contents of the vacuum bin may be dumped therefrom into the dump pit.

Abstract: A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described where the sample includes water. The sample and polymeric drying agent are added to a container. The polymeric drying agent includes a cationic monomer, an anionic monomer, and a crosslinker. The polymeric drying agent is configured to sorb water from the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein is a solar powered system for a gas sampling and analysis for placement and operation remote from conventional infra-structure that utilizes a minimum of power to obtain a sample extracted from a source such as a pipeline or well-head, conditions the extracted sample, transmits the conditioned sample through vacuum jacketed tubing to an analyzer while maintaining the sample at a temperature and pressure preventing phase transition, condensation or component partitioning.

Abstract: The device has a fluid inlet; a filtering compartment, connected to the fluid inlet and accommodating a filtering matrix in presence of adsorption agents; a fluidic circuit connected downstream of the filtering compartment and including a discharge circuit and a loading circuit; a discharge chamber, connected downstream of the discharge circuit; a preparation outlet, connected downstream of the loading circuit; and suction pumps, connected to the fluidic circuit and configured so as to fluidically connect the filtering compartment alternatively to the discharge circuit or to the loading circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are collection devices for collecting and stabilizing whole blood or a component thereof, which include a first end and a second end and at least one interior wall defining a reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains a stabilization agent that includes a lysophospholipase (LysoPLA) inhibitor. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the devices.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process and related article for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a second zone for receiving an isolation fluid therein. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the isolation zone. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the isolation zone in response to the force moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method for predicting a quantity of a contaminant in a fuel tank at the end of a time period, the method comprising the steps of: determining a quantity of the contaminant in the fuel tank at the start of the time period; determining at least one operating condition of the fuel tank during the time period; using information relating to the at least one operating condition of the fuel tank to generate a predicted quantity of the contaminant accumulated in the fuel tank during the time period; and calculating, based upon the quantity of the contaminant at the start of the time period and the predicted quantity of the contaminant accumulated during the time period, a predicted quantity of the contaminant at the end of a time period.

Abstract: There is provided a meter for measuring the molecular weight of a gas, the meter comprising a housing having an inlet and an interior for receiving said gas to be measured, a sensor assembly comprising a high-frequency planar piezoelectric crystal oscillator located within said housing so that, in use, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is in contact with said gas, said sensor assembly being arranged: to drive the piezoelectric crystal oscillator such that the piezoelectric crystal oscillator resonates at a single resonant frequency; to measure said single resonant frequency of said piezoelectric crystal oscillator to determine the density of gas; and to determine from the density, determined or pre-determined pressure of the gas and determined or pre-determined temperature of the gas, the molecular weight of the gas.

Abstract: A water absorption property of a concrete surface of an actual structure is measured in situ for clarification and evaluation of causative factors and so forth related to densification of surface layer concrete. An apparatus for a water absorption test has a position-fixing device, a detecting device and a measuring device. A device for water absorption test having vent means is positionally fixed on the concrete surface by the position-fixing device, with use of negative pressure or a mechanical connection. The detecting device detects an amount of water held in a chamber, and results detected by the detecting device are input into the measuring device. A water absorption rate is measured by the detecting device and the measuring device. On the basis of the water absorption rate measured at predetermined elapsed time, identification or comparison of causative or evaluative factors related to densification of the surface layer concrete is carried out.

Abstract: A stent holder for securely holding a drug eluting stent (DES) during a real-time or an accelerated in-vitro drug release test of a therapeutic substance contained in or on the DES. The holder has a retainer portion and a wire portion separable from the retainer. The holder has a narrowed or reduced profile resulting in less disruptive flow in and around the stent during the accelerated in-vitro drug release test.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for analyzing particles from about 0.001 to about 1 ?m in diameter by controlling a gaseous medium through which the particles travel so that properties of the particles, such as diameter, electrical mobility, and charge, are measured. One embodiment of the disclosed apparatuses includes a particle source generator, a nozzle, a chamber, an electronic gate, and a detector. Resolution of the measurements made by the disclosed apparatuses is improved by use of a mathematical deconvolution of a spread in arrival times generated by particles of different sizes and charge levels and non-ideal background flow velocity variations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for estimating porosity or permeability in a region of interest. The method may receive chemical measurements for the region of interest. The chemical measurements may include an amount of silicon, aluminum, potassium and iron in the region of interest. The method may determine an amount of biogenic silica in the region of interest using the chemical measurements. The method may determine grain density of the region of interest based on the amount of biogenic silica. The method may determine the porosity or permeability in the region of interest based on the grain density.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying measured values of a complete blood count (“CBC”) parameter include displaying the measured values of the CBC parameter obtained from a plurality of samples from a first lot of a quality control composition, where the displaying includes displaying a marker corresponding to each measured value from the first lot on a plot that includes a two dimensional coordinate system, and where the two dimensional coordinate system includes a first dimension corresponding to a time at which measured values of the CBC parameter were obtained, and a second dimension corresponding to a numerical value of the CBC parameter.

Abstract: A method for measuring a dynamic viscoelasticity of a particulate material uses, as a sample to be subjected to the dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, a sheet-shaped test piece in which the particulate material to be measured is attached to an adhesion layer formed on a heat-resistant sheet base material. With regard to the measurement conditions of the dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, the measurement temperature is within a predetermined temperature range of from ?150 to 300° C., the heating rate is a constant rate ranging from 0.01 to 100° C./minute, the measurement frequency is a constant frequency ranging from 0.01 to 100 Hz, and a sine wave control tensile mode is employed. When the particulate material is attached to the adhesion layer, the particulate material crushed in advance is sprinkled on one side of the adhesion layer and then the particulate material-sprinkled surface is squeegeed and/or air-blown.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pressing and tearing apparatus and method for peeling rate tests, wherein the apparatus comprises a working table configured to place a sample; a press mechanism disposed above the working table, and being capable of synchronously rolling and translating relative to the working table; an input unit configured for inputting a preset pressing force value and a preset tearing force value; a pressure sensor and tension sensor; a controller electrically connected to the input unit, the pressure sensor, and the tension sensor respectively; and a drive mechanism configured to drive the working table to move upward or downward and drive the press mechanism to roll and translate synchronously relative to the working table under the control of the controller.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and filter assembly are housed within a cylindrical barrel that is positioned in a process gas stream such as combustion flue gas. A portion of sample flue gas is conducted through the barrel and the filter assembly past the sensor located inside the filter so that accurate humidity measurements can be taken. Unwanted flue gas particulate matter accumulated on the outside surface of the filter is ejected by pulsed purge gas admitted into the filter to reverse the flow through the filter. In one embodiment a heat exchange chamber preheats the purge gas. In another embodiment the pulsed purge is supplied by a reciprocal piston contiguous with the internal volume of the filter that reverses the flow through the filter using the process gas.

Abstract: In a single-use handheld diagnostic test device and an associated system and method, a biological and/or environmental test sample is received and reacted with reagents. The test device tests a single sample and includes a sensor to detect test data. The test device mates with, and transmits the test data to, an electronic device. A processor of the electronic device applies algorithms to the test data to generate highly sensitive and accurate quantitative test results. A presentation element of the electronic device presents the test results to a user. The test device is adapted for disposal, or for sterilization and re-use, after the electronic device receives the test data. The electronic device may be, for example, a mobile communications device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a navigation device, a digital audio player, a camera, or a gaming device.

Abstract: In a noninvasive system for detection/measurement of glucose and other analytes in a medium such as tissue, spectra from the medium are deconstructed into features. Conditioned features, which contain frequency components specific to glucose or the other analytes, are derived from one or more features by modulating a carrier kernel with the feature. The conditioned features are computationally collided with one or more Zyotons that are co-dependent with the conditioned features. One or more collisions amplify a property of the analyte e.g., energy absorbed by glucose in tissue from radiation directed to the skin. A gradient of several values of the amplified property, each value corresponding to a particular radiation pattern according to a spectroscopic tomographic sequence, is used to select a suitable projector curve, with which a representative amplified value is projected to an accurate estimate of the concentration of glucose or the other analytes, without needing personalized calibration.

Abstract: A collision-computing system detects and amplifies the energy associated with a feature signal to determine occurrences or absence of events, such as ultrasonic and/or geophysical events, or to determine presence and/or concentrations of substances such as blood glucose, toxic chemicals, etc., in a noisy, high-clutter environment or sample. To this end, a conditioned feature, obtained by modulating a carrier kernel with a feature signal, is collided with a Zyoton—a waveform that without a collision can travel substantially unperturbed in a propagation medium over a specified distance. The conditioned feature and the Zyoton are particularly constructed to be co-dependent in terms of their respective dispersion velocities and the divergence of a waveform resulting from the collision. The collision operation can transfer at least a portion of the feature energy to the resulting waveform, and the transferred energy can be amplified in successive collisions for detecting/measuring events/substances.

Abstract: A synthetic projection system determines analyte concentration, such as blood glucose concentration, from a spectral-energy change associated with an uncharacterized instance of a medium in which the analyte is likely present. The projection system is factory calibrated for different instances of the medium, without needing instance-specific training or calibration. The projection system includes a set of projector curves, each relating spectral-energy change values obtained by analyzing reference medium samples to analyte concentrations in those samples. Each projector curve also corresponds to a respective range of energy-change gradients, determined using a group of surrogate media characterized according to analyte concentrations measured using a reference system. A spectral-energy-change gradient for the uncharacterized medium may be computed to select one of the projectors curves.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method and a wavefront measuring apparatus used to measure, in one or continuous measurements, one or more ophthalmic devices directly on a forming mandrel, in non-hydrated state and in a much faster way with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to a refractometer. Using electromagnetic energy, the refractometer can accurately measure refractive index of a liquid without bulky precision optics. By empirically determining a relationship between the refractive index of a liquid sample and a measured reflected power from a resonant structure when in contact with the liquid sample, the refractive index of a liquid can be determined by measuring this reflected power. Furthermore, using multiple light sources of different frequencies, the refractive index of the liquid sample can be determined over a very broad spectral range, for example from ultra-violet to far infrared.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a solution that enables technicians or other technical professionals to obtain accurate gloss, haze and DOI values for a reflecting sample due to the surface conditions of the sample. The apparatus and method allow for the generation of a data model of the surface of a sample using a sensor array designed to detect the divergence of a collimated beam of light reflected off the surface of the sample. The same principle enables technical professionals to obtain accurate haze and clarity values for a transparent or translucent sample that is trans-illuminated by light.

Abstract: This invention enables high throughput detection of small molecule effectors of particle association, as well as quantification of association constants, stoichiometry, and conformation. “Particle” refers to any discrete particle, such as a protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, liposome, virus, synthesized polymer, nanoparticle, colloid, latex sphere, etc. Given a set of particle solutions having different concentrations, dynamic light scattering measurements are used to determine the average hydrodynamic radius, ravg, as a function of concentration. The series of ravg as a function of concentration are fitted with stoichiometric association models containing the parameters of molar mass, modeled concentrations, and modeled hydrodynamic radii of the associated complexes. In addition to the ravg value analysis, the experimental data may be fit/analyzed in alternate ways. This method may be applied to a single species that is self-associating or to multiple species that are hetero-associating.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating convenient measurement of airflow in a duct detector. The device may include a detector assembly and an airflow sensor mounted within the detector assembly. The airflow sensor may be coupled to a remote control device, such as via control circuitry. A method for testing airflow in the duct detector may be performed by measuring airflow in the detector assembly, generating a signal that corresponds to the measured airflow in the detector assembly, and determining whether the generated signal exceeds a predetermined threshold signal level. If the generated signal does not exceed the threshold signal level, alarms may be activated and/or blowers in a ventilation system may be deactivated.

Abstract: If the specific gas concentration is relatively high, controller sets 0 as the modulation amplitude in a modulation amplitude controlling voltage generator for frequency modulation of laser light, controls a switching unit to select the output of a second ADC, and causes a computation unit to compute according to the direct absorption detection method to calculate the water molecule volume concentration. If the specific gas concentration is relatively low, the modulation amplitude is set to A, not 0, controls switching unit to select the output of a first ADC, which digitizes a synchronized detection signal, and causes the computation unit to compute according to the harmonic synchronous detection method to calculate the water molecule volume concentration. The concentration calculated using either of the methods is compared against a threshold value, and if decided that an accurate result cannot be obtained, the method is switched as the measurements are continuously executed.

Abstract: Exposure to a static magnetic field changes the fluorescence intensity of a wide range of fluorophores, including small molecules (e.g., tryptophan), complex organizations of fluorophores (e.g., proteins), quantum dots, nanoparticles, and other materials. Different materials may experience different changes in fluorescence emission upon exposure to a magnetic field—for instance, some or all of a material's fluorescence emission spectrum may increase in amplitude or shift in wavelength. Different materials may also experience different changes in relaxation time, which is the time constant associated with fluorescence decay. These magnetically induced differences fluorescence emission spectra and decay can be used to identify, classify, or sort materials noninvasively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterization of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) of individual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius).

Abstract: The present invention provides for mixed metal structures that can be deposited on a substrate or free in solution that exhibit several distinctive properties including a broad wavelength range for enhancing fluorescence signatures. Further, metal surface plasmons can couple and such diphase coupled luminescence signatures create extra plasmon absorption bands. The extra bands allow for a broad range of fluorophores to couple therefore making more generic substrates with wider reaching applications.

Abstract: [Object] A method of detecting nucleic acids easily without requiring complicated operations such as mixing of liquids and cleaning within micro-scale flow channels. [Solving Means] A method of detecting nucleic acids including the steps of bringing a sample containing the nucleic acids into contact with copper, and detecting fluorescence emitted from the sample is provided. According to the method of detecting nucleic acids, only by bringing the sample containing nucleic acids into contact with copper, the fluorescence derived from the composite of the nucleic acids and copper can be easily detected.

Abstract: A sensor unit array includes a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit. The first sensor unit and the second sensor unit each include a sensor chip and a holding body adapted to hold the sensor chip. A housing chamber is formed by a holding body of the first sensor unit and a holding body of the second sensor unit when the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are disposed adjacent to each other. The sensor chip of one of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit is disposed in the housing chamber.

Abstract: A system for optically inspection one or more samples includes a sample stage, a laser system configured for illuminating a portion of the surface of the one or more samples disposed on the sample stage, and a detector configured to receive at least a portion of illumination reflected from the surface of the sample. The laser system includes an NLO crystal annealed within a selected temperature range. In addition, the NLO crystal is passivated with at least one of hydrogen, deuterium, a hydrogen-containing compound or a deuterium-containing compound to a selected passivation level. Further, the laser system includes a light source configured to generate light of a selected wavelength. The light source is configured to transmit light through the NLO crystal. The laser system includes a crystal housing unit configured to house the NLO crystal.

Abstract: Method for detecting variations in gas density within a volume surrounded by a closed metal wall opaque to optical light includes a source of x-rays positioned at a selected location outside the closed metal wall. Positioning a detector outside the closed metal wall at a location suitable to detect x-rays from the source passing entirely through a portion of the volume surrounded by the closed metal wall. Providing the detector with a plurality of sensors arranged in at least one row to capture a dimensionally distributed view of detected x-rays. Coupling a processor to an output of the detector to analyze the data which can be displayed in a suitable graphical or pictorial presentation, including processing the data to correct for any beam hardening of the x-rays as they pass through the closed metal wall, to apply the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method to generate on the display a reconstructed image of the gas density, and to use Inverse Radon Transforms for deconvolution.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system (10), such as a X-ray computerized tomographic system, may acquire a series of radiographs at different detector positions along a first translation axis or a second translation axis parallel to orientation directions of detector pixels of a radiation detector (14). In a first embodiment, the different detector positions may be separated by a distance less than a linear size of the radiation detector (14) along the first translation axis or the second translation axis, respectively. The radiographs may be assembled into a radiograph larger than each radiograph in the series of radiographs, resulting in image stitching. In a second embodiment, the different detector positions may be separated by a distance less than a pixel size of the radiation detector (14), also referred as sub-pixel shifting of the detector. The radiographs may be assembled to form a radiograph with a higher resolution than the acquired radiographs, resulting in superresolution.

Abstract: A method of identifying the material content of an object comprises: providing a radiation source and a radiation detector; irradiating a test object with radiation from the source; collecting at the detector system intensity data for radiation emergent from the test object; resolving the intensity data spectroscopically between a plural set of energy bands; numerically processing the spectroscopically resolved intensity data via the following steps: considering a material attenuation coefficient as a plural set of energy dependent polynomial equations in atomic number with a set of energy dependent coefficients across the said plural set of energy bands; determining a measured attenuation coefficient at each said energy band; calculating therefrom one or more orders of Compound Proton Number and/or effective mass thickness and/or density and for example a Compound Proton Number Set comprising plural order powers and preferably plural higher order powers of weighted compound atomic number.

Abstract: A sample temperature control chamber is described for a benchtop X-ray machine and/or full-protection X-ray machine, which comprises (a) a first chamber part (11) and a second chamber part (12) which can be connected together and are configured so as to form a closed chamber, (b) a sample holder, (c) an integrated temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a sample (P) which is provided on the sample holder, and (d) an active cooling system for dissipating heat from the sample temperature control chamber, the active cooling system comprising a heat sink and/or a fan. A system for X-ray-based analysis of a sample, in particular for X-ray diffraction measurements, is also described.

Abstract: [Object] To determine an alloyed position more precisely even in processes in which induction heating is used in a previous section of alloying, which have been becoming more common in recent years, and a steel sheet is alloyed by being gradually cooled in a heat holding zone.

Abstract: An exemplary electronic device is in a housing to be gripped by both hands, and measures the potentials of first and second fingers of respectively different hands. The device includes: a first electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the first finger, including a first main electrode and at least one first auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the first main electrode; a second electrode group provided in a position to come in contact with the second finger, including a second main electrode and at least one second auxiliary electrode provided in a position away from the second main electrode; a biological signal processor for, from potential values measured at the first and second electrode groups, determining respective contact states concerning the first and second fingers; and a transmission circuit for presenting information concerning a finger contact state based on a result of determination.

Abstract: Methods described herein may be useful in the fabrication and/or screening of devices (e.g., sensors, circuits, etc.) including conductive materials. In some embodiments, a conductive material is formed on a substrate using mechanical abrasion. The methods described herein may be useful in fabricating sensors, circuits, tags for remotely-monitored sensors or human/object labeling and tracking, among other devices. In some cases, devices for determining analytes are also provided.

Abstract: The method for chemical vapor identification using swelling-based sensors uses an apparatus that having a first gas chamber including a gas inlet port for inletting a hydrocarbon vapor to be analyzed; a second gas chamber having a hydrocarbon vapor outlet port for exiting the vapor; a chemical sensor placed inside the first and the second gas chambers; and a thermometer placed inside the first and the second gas chambers for measuring the internal temperature; wherein the second gas chamber is placed at a lower temperature compared with the first chamber; and wherein the first gas chamber is in communication with the second chamber by a pipe for transmitting the hydrocarbon vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a substrate, a heater, a dielectric layer, a sensing electrode, and a gas sensitive film. The substrate has a sensing region and a peripheral region surrounding the sensing region, and the substrate further has an opening disposed in the sensing region. The heater is disposed at least above the opening, and the heater has an electrical resistivity larger than about 6×10?8 ohm-m. The dielectric layer is disposed on the heater. The sensing electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer. The gas sensitive film is disposed on the sensing electrode.

Abstract: A moisture meter for determining the moisture content of particulate material is provided. The moisture meter comprises a frame part, a space, a measuring cup disposed within said space for receiving a sample of the particulate material which moisture is to be measured, and moisture measuring means. The moisture meter comprises a swiping means for removing at least partly a part of a sample of particulate material which moisture is to be measured, which part of the sample of particulate material extends out of the inner space of the measuring cup through the open end of the measuring cup. The swiping means are movably attached to the frame part for movement in a swiping path where a swiping member of the swiping means is configured to move essentially along the open end of the measuring cup.

Abstract: A contamination detection apparatus may include an optical element having an outer surface and an other surface opposing the outer surface, a first capacitor plate located on the outer surface at an outer periphery of the optical element, and a second capacitor plate located on the outer surface at the outer periphery of the optical element. The second capacitor plate is located adjacent the first capacitor plate and separated from the first capacitor by a gap to form a capacitor, whereby a contaminant is electrically detected based on the contaminant entering the gap and varying a capacitance value corresponding to the capacitor.