Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed heater electrodes, wherein the heater electrodes are part of a multiplex circuit including a common lead connecting the heater electrodes to a power supply, each of the heater electrodes being associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The microfluidic device also includes a control system configured to regulate power applied to each heater electrode by varying a duty cycle, the control system being further configured to determine the temperature of each heater electrode by determining the resistance of each heater electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal and a second acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, wherein the combined acoustic signal forms at least one of either a signal maxima or a signal minima; and based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal, determining a temperature of the gas path.

Abstract: A meat probe has a shaft, plug, and stabilizer for measuring a parameter (e.g., temperature) of a piece of meat and communicating the measurement to a cooking appliance. The stabilizer may have a plurality of wings. For example, two wings may be cantilevered about a proximal end that is at the shaft. As the shaft is inserted into the piece of meat, the wings are bent outwardly about the proximal end. In another example, four wings are connected on opposite ends to a first and second base, and the shaft extends through the first and second bases. As the shaft is inserted into the piece of meat, the second base is pushed upward, decreasing the distance between the first and second base and bending the wings about a middle portion.

Abstract: A method of detecting an environment vale of an electronic device is provided. The method includes measuring a state of one or more units related to the electronic device, determining a value based at least in part on the measured state of the one or more units related to the electronic device, determining an operation state of the electronic device according to the value, and generating an approximated environment value according to the operation state. Further, other various embodiments are available.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for providing flexible and repairable testing capabilities, including destructive testing, for systems that generate or absorb heat such as energy storage systems. One embodiment can include a temperature bath structure adapted to contain and maintain a fluid bath at a predetermined temperature, an outer containment structure adapted to insert into the temperature bath structure, heat sinks, thermal sensor assemblies, and an internal containment structure where the thermal sensor assemblies, heat sinks removeably attach to different sections of the inner containment structure so as to measure heat flow into or out of the inner containment structure's different sections, and a test cell enclosure which is adapted to contain forces and output from destructive testing of samples.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus includes at least two conductive elements disposed in a polymeric foam and at least two voltage detectors. Each voltage detector is coupled to a respective conductive element and configured to detect a charge generated by an impact to the polymeric foam within a sensing radius of the respective conductive element. In another general aspect, an apparatus includes a deformation sensor and a voltage detector. The deformation sensor includes a conductive element disposed in a polymeric foam, a portion of the conductive element extending beyond an outer wall of the polymeric foam. The voltage detector is coupled to the portion of the conductive element and detects a charge generated by the deformation sensor responsive to an impact to the polymeric foam.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be piezoelectric sensors in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: A sensing cable designed for distributed pressure sensing includes one or more optical fibres which have a continuous weak fiber Bragg grating permanently written inside a core of the optical fiber. The sensing cable is configured so that pressure applied to the sensing cable changes birefringence in the one or more optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock recording device, comprising: a vibration energy harvester comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the vibration energy harvester converting an energy of a shock applied thereto into a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a ferroelectric transistor comprising a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, the ferroelectric transistor further comprising a stacked structure of a ferroelectric layer and a semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode. The source electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode. This shock recording device does not need a power source used to record a shock.

Abstract: A sinkhole formation detection system includes tension members associated with sensors. The tension members are arranged in a horizontal grid in an overburden, and each of the tension members is under a longitudinal tension. The sensors are each for generating outputs in response to changes in the longitudinal tension of one of the tension members in response to a vertical displacement of the overburden.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A micromechanical pressure sensor device and a corresponding manufacturing method. The micromechanical pressure sensor device includes an ASIC wafer, a rewiring system, formed on the front side, which includes a plurality of strip conductor levels and insulating layers situated in between, a structured insulating layer formed above an uppermost strip conductor level, a micromechanical functional layer formed on the insulating layer and which includes a diaphragm area, which may be acted on by pressure, above a recess in the insulating layer as a first pressure detection electrode, and a second pressure detection electrode on the uppermost strip conductor level, formed in the recess at a distance from the diaphragm area and is electrically insulated from the diaphragm area. The diaphragm area is electrically connected to the uppermost strip conductor level by one or multiple first contact plugs which are led through the diaphragm area and through the insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pressure sensor including a tubular housing having a lid-shaped support plate formed at one end of the housing, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric element for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to pressure received by the diaphragm, and a rod-shaped transmission section for transmitting the pressure to the piezoelectric element. The method includes the steps of accommodating the piezoelectric element into the housing, and fixing the transmission section to the housing through the diaphragm in a state in which a predetermined preload is applied to the piezoelectric element in an axial direction of the housing by pressing the piezoelectric element against the support plate by the transmission section.

Abstract: Method for processing a measurement signal (x) from a pressure measurement cell in order to generate an output signal (y) with the aid of a filter unit (10), wherein the method involves generating the output signal (y) with the aid of the filter unit (10) by at least reducing, preferably eliminating, a noise signal contained in the measurement signal (x), continuously determining a difference between the measurement signal (x) and the output signal (y), and changing a characteristic of the filter unit (10) as soon as the difference becomes greater than a threshold value, wherein the changed characteristic of the filter unit (10) remains as long as the difference becomes smaller than the threshold value, and wherein the changing of the filter characteristic involves decreasing the reduction in the noise signal present in the measurement signal (x).

Abstract: A transducer structure including a carrier with an opening and a suspended structure mounted on the carrier which extends at least partially over the opening in the carrier is disclosed. The transducer structure may further include configuring the suspended structure to provide an electrostatic field between the suspended structure and the carrier by changing a distance between the suspended structure and the carrier. Alternatively, the suspended structure may be configured to change the distance between the suspended structure and the carrier in response to an electrostatic force provided between the suspended structure and the carrier.

Abstract: A gas pressure measurement system configured to indirectly measure an internal pressure of a gas containment unit includes (a) a pressure transducer connected to the gas containment unit by a conduit, the pressure transducer configured to measure the gas pressure within the conduit; (b) a gas flow detector connected to the containment unit by the conduit, the gas flow detector configured to detect a flow rate of the gas through the conduit; and (c) a flow analysis unit configured to receive a signal from the gas flow detector indicating that the flow rate of the gas, wherein when the gas flow within the conduit has fallen below a pre-determined value, the flow analysis unit is configured to transmit a signal to the pressure transducer to measure the gas pressure within the conduit, the gas pressure of the conduit being substantially equivalent to the gas pressure within the gas containment unit.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure-measuring cell comprising a measuring cell body, a measuring membrane arranged on the front face of the measuring cell body by means of a joining structure, wherein the measuring cell body and the measuring membrane each have at least one measuring electrode, which electrodes form a measuring capacitor, and at least one support element provided on the measuring membrane and/or the measuring cell body within the joining structure.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical miniaturized device 1 for pressure measurements is described, the device comprising at least one first electro-mechanical miniaturized pressure sensor member 11, configured to detect a respective first pressure value P1 and to generate a first electrical signal S1 representative of the first pressure value P1, and further comprising at least one second electro-mechanical miniaturized pressure sensor member 12, configured to detect a respective second pressure value P2 and to generate a second electrical signal S2 representative of said second pressure value P2. The second sensor member 12 is arranged within a casing 13 suitable to seal it.

Abstract: A method for operating a pressure transducer which transducer includes a pressure sensor having a measurement membrane and a base body, between which a cavity is enclosed with a reference pressure, wherein utilizing a control and calculation unit in a pressure measuring mode, the capacitance of a measuring capacitor and a reference capacitor are determined, and a measured value of the media pressure is calculated as a function thereof, where during a diagnostics mode, the capacitance is determined and evaluated for a diagnostics capacitor formed by one measuring capacitor electrode and one reference capacitor electrode arranged on the same surface such that changes in the relative humidity in the cavity and/or process medium penetrating through a tear can be detected with via the diagnostic capacitor, and a warning signal regarding an impending malfunction can thus be generated and output to a service device in a timely manner.

Abstract: A wheel service machine for a wheel having a rim and a tire includes a motor-driven shaft for supporting the wheel in rotation. The machine includes an abutment element integral with the shaft, a locking member for locking the rim against the abutment element, an engagement element movable to drive the locking member towards the abutment element, and a pneumatic actuator having a first and a second chamber rotating with the shaft and connected to the engagement element to move the engagement element automatically. The machine also includes a high-pressure source, a pneumatic circuit to selectively connect the first and second chambers of the actuator to the high-pressure source. The pneumatic circuit includes a rotary manifold having a first and a second duct, and a retaining valve configured to determine a difference in pressure between the second chamber of the pneumatic actuator and the second duct of the rotary manifold.

Abstract: An inflatable, balloon-type catheter apparatus which is conformable to fit most all intake and exhaust systems to delivery pressure (with or without smoke) to test the fluid integrity of the fluid system. The device is configured to be inserted into the canal of the intake or exhaust system and inflated to seal off the fluid system. The pressurized smoke is passed through the inflated inlet adapter to test for leaks.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an adaptor for a capless filler pipe of a fuel tank for leak detection testing of a vehicle. In one example, the system may include a threaded hollow shaft having a top end able to receive a nozzle of a leak detection machine, the hollow shaft inserted through a mouth of a filler pipe of a fuel tank, a gasket arranged on the hollow shaft, and an end cylinder having an elastic piece on the hollow shaft configured to create an airtight seal with the fuel mouth. In this way, the adaptor may restrict gas flow through a defined flow path through the adaptor, and not through any other flow paths during leak detection testing.

Abstract: A valve manifold includes a valve body carrying pairs of laterally spaced piston actuated valves controlled by control modules operative to selectively pressurize and exhaust an outlet port connected to a fluid device and configured in groupings permitting varying valve functionalities.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of monitoring the health of an abradable seal located on a piston of an actuator, the method comprising the steps of: (i) measuring an initial velocity of said actuator piston while said actuator is maintained in a passive condition at an initial time; (ii) operating said actuator; (iii) measuring a subsequent velocity of said actuator piston while said actuator is maintained in a passive condition at a subsequent time; (iv) repeating steps (ii)-(iii) and either: recording or outputting the measured subsequent velocities over time; or determining a health status of said actuator when said subsequent velocity has increased above a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A vibrating machine is provided that includes a condition-monitoring device that has a first vibrating body supported flexibly in relation to a second vibrating body or a base, a first exciter that produces a targeted vibration behavior of the vibrating machine or the vibrating body. The condition-monitoring device has at least one first micro-electro-mechanical device in the form of an inertial sensor with at least three acceleration sensors and at least three yaw-rate sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring thermo-mechanically induced reticle distortion or other distortion in a lithography device enables detecting distortion at the nanometer level in situ. The techniques described use relatively simple optical detectors and data acquisition electronics that are capable of monitoring the distortion in real time, during operation of the lithography equipment. Time-varying anisotropic distortion of a reticle can be measured by directing slit patterns of light having different orientations to the reticle and detecting reflected, transmitted or diffracted light from the reticle. In one example, corresponding segments of successive time measurements of secondary light signals are compared as the reticle scans a substrate at a reticle stage speed of about 1 m/s to detect temporal offsets and other features that correspond to spatial distortion.

Abstract: An abnormality detecting device and method for detecting a symptom of a failure of a spindle of a machine tool before the spindle malfunctions. The abnormality detecting device for detecting an abnormality or malfunction includes a spindle motor and a motor controller. The motor controller includes a time measuring part which measures a spindle stopping time from when a free-run of the spindle motor accelerated to a predetermined number of rotations is started to when the spindle motor is stopped, a storing part which stores the spindle stopping time measured by the time measuring part, and a comparing part which compares a plurality of data with respect to the spindle stopping time stored in the storing part, and judges as to whether or not an abnormality exists in the spindle or the spindle motor.

Abstract: A test apparatus for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device includes a fixture configured to support the device in a fixed starting position. The test apparatus also includes a tie-rod operatively connected to the device. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a controller configured to command the tie-rod to apply to the device at the starting position a force event defined by a mathematical function continuous in time. The force event is configured to elicit the gear-train rattle from the gear-train. A method for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exhaust ducting for a gas turbine engine includes a lower plenum, an upper plenum, an exhaust fume isolator, and an inner duct seal positioned between the upper plenum and the exhaust fume isolator. The lower plenum is in flow communication with an exhaust collector of the gas turbine engine. The upper plenum is adjacent and in flow communication with the lower plenum. The exhaust fume isolator includes an isolation chamber and mixed exhaust ducting. The isolation chamber is adjacent the upper plenum and in flow communication with the enclosure. The mixed exhaust ducting is in flow communication with the isolation chamber and extends from the isolation chamber to the enclosure exhaust.

Abstract: A test arrangement 1 for testing damper devices 2 for damping a flap 3 that is pivotable about a flap pivot axis Ar, wherein the test arrangement 1 includes a test stand 4 with a pivot axis A, which is designed as a simulation of the flap pivot axis Ar, wherein the test arrangement 1 includes a test frame 5, wherein the test frame 5 is designed as a function model of the flap 3, wherein the test frame 5 includes a connecting device 7 for the pivotable connection to the test stand 4 about the pivot axis A, wherein the test arrangement 1 includes at least two damper devices 2 for the dampened pivoting of the test frame 5 about the pivot axis A.

Abstract: A coupling device is disclosed for coupling a damping apparatus to a test frame of a test arrangement for testing the damping apparatus. The coupling device includes a receiving device configured to receive an adjustment device and for coupling the adjustment device with the test frame. The adjustment device includes a coupling interface for coupling with the damping apparatus. The coupling interface is variably configurable relative to the receiving device.

Abstract: A method and production surveillance device to perform oil and/or gas upstream surveillance that generates one or more real-time patterns from sensor data received from one or more sensors. The one or more real-time patterns are compared with one or more pre-defined patterns. A confidence prediction score is determined based on the comparison of the one or more real-time patterns with the one or more pre-defined patterns. One or more alerts are generated based on the confidence prediction score to perform oil and/or gas upstream surveillance.

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated slide stainer with a rotary carousel configured to receive a plurality of microscopic slides. The rotary carousel may position the slides in a treatment position to receive a liquid reagent on the slide surface from a dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: Trapping devices and methods are provided for capturing a medical analyte, in blood or another biological fluid. The device may include a structural substrate and a binding agent, such as an antibody, affixed to the structural substrate, wherein the binding agent is capable of binding or attaching with a medical analyte, such as a viral particle, and the device is configured for placement in a biological cavity or vessel (containing a biological fluid) in a patient. The trapping device, which may be in a twisted coil shape, is configured to trap at least some of the medical analyte, such a viral particle, present in the biological fluid. The method may include deploying a trapping device into the patient's blood vessel; after a period following the deployment, removing the trapping device from the biological cavity or blood vessel; and then analyzing the trapping device for the presence of the medical analyte.

Abstract: A device for sample processing can include at least one chamber having an egress, said chamber being configured to receive a sample for processing, a filter through which at least some sample portions in the at least one chamber flow, and a barrier member disposed in a first state to contain sample in the at least one chamber. Upon sufficient conditions, the barrier member can be alterable to a second state to permit flow of at least some sample portions contained in the chamber in a flow direction toward the egress and through the filter.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a closed apparatus for collection, filtration and concentration of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample is collected with an integrated sample collection device which introduces the sample into a transport liquid in a sample collection tube which couples to a filter unit coupled to a processing tube containing a processing liquid. The apparatus may be introduced into a centrifuge for centrifugal filtration.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring recovery rate and total recovery time of viscoelastic foam samples. This apparatus will record the change in height with time to fully define how a viscoelastic foam responds to compression. The process generally includes compressing a compression plate against a surface of the viscoelastic foam sample from a nominal height to a pre-determined compressed height, maintaining the pre-determined compressed height for a period of time; retracting the compression plate at a rate greater than a recovery rate so as to disengage the compression plate from the viscoelastic foam sample, and measuring displacement as a function of time to provide a viscoelastic response profile. Measuring the displacement may be contact based or non-contact based.

Abstract: A method for functionally testing a measuring instrument (10) for gravimetrically determining the moisture content of a material. The method includes positioning a sample to be measured (50) on a load receiver (40), heating the sample according to a predefined monotonic heating profile, determining a weight profile of the sample by measuring at least two weight values at different times, at least one of which is measured during the heating, extracting a test value from the determined weight profile, and comparing the test value with a stored reference value. The weight profile is determined by measuring a plurality of weight values at different times during the heating, and the magnitude of the gradient of a straight line segment, which is representative of a characteristic test region (160) of the weight profile, is determined as the test value. The reference value is an expected gradient value for the sample.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for studying fluid samples contains a flexural vibrator. A vibrator tube of which is fixed at at least one clamping position and forms on one side of the clamping position, in particular a carrier unit, a freely projecting vibrator section and on the other side a fluid feed tube section with a feed opening and a fluid discharge tube section with a fluid discharge opening. Accordingly, the vibrator tube is fixed or retained both at its fluid discharge tube section and at its fluid feed tube section with at least one independent holding device provided in addition to the clamping position.

Abstract: An inline multiphase densitometer. This disclosure is related to an in-line device that measures the density and phase fraction of a multiphase fluid composed of three separate phases in a mixture, typically gas, water and oil, or alternatively, gas, gas condensate and water. The device is connected to a flow line and captures dynamically a sample of the fluid mix and provides a highly accurate measurement of total mixture density, Gas Volume Fraction (GVF), and liquids mixture only density from which the Water Cut (WC) is derived. The principal measurands of the device are phase fractions GVF and WC.

Abstract: Rheological quantities, such as shear stress, can sometimes be difficult to determine under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. In contrast, the relative rheology of a fluid can often be readily determined over a range of temperature and pressure conditions. The relative rheology can then be used to scale a rheological quantity of the fluid to a given temperature and pressure condition. Methods for scaling a rheological quantity can comprise: measuring an apparent viscosity of a drilling fluid at first, second and third reference temperature and pressure conditions; determining a rate of change in apparent viscosity with respect to temperature at a substantially equal pressure; determining a rate of change in apparent viscosity with respect to pressure at a substantially equal temperature; and scaling a rheological quantity from an initial set of temperature and pressure conditions to a final set of temperature and pressure conditions using the rates of change.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer has two measurement parts which delimit a measurement gap and can be moved relative to one another in a predetermined movement direction by an adjustment device. At least one switching unit is provided, which responds to changes in a force flow in a force circuit of the rotary rheometer delimited by the measurement parts and has switching contacts for the activation of an adjustment device, which stops the adjustment device when a predetermined limit force value is exceeded for the force flow in the positive or negative direction, optionally without relative movement of the measurement parts, or with the measurement parts remaining in the same position.

Abstract: In order to introduce a sample X into a particle size distribution measuring apparatus 200 while neither using a large amount of liquid nor leaving the sample X, a sample introduction system that introduces the sample X into the particle size distribution measuring apparatus 200 that measures the particle size distribution of the sample X is adapted to include: a sample load part 20 that has a load space S into which the sample X is loaded, and a lead-out port 20a adapted to lead out the sample X loaded into the load space S; and a liquid supply mechanism 50 adapted to, into the load space S, supply liquid that is mixed with the sample X and provided in order to measure the particle size distribution. In addition, the sample introduction system is also adapted such that the liquid supplied by the liquid supply mechanism 50 is conducted to the lead-out port 20a while circulating along an inner circumferential surface 24 forming the load space S of the sample load part 20.

Abstract: A method for developing a calibration for a near infrared reflectance spectrophotometer to predict the particle score of an ingredient, the method comprising (a) sorting a plurality of plant matter samples by size by passing such samples through a screen and subsequently calculating a particle score for the samples based on the number of samples passing through the screen, (b) measuring the absorbance or reflectance of the plurality of plant matter samples using the spectrophotometer, and (c) correlating the particle score from step (a) with the measured absorbance or reflectance from step (b),

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for measuring formed blood component sedimentation rate. Some of the methods may use (1) centrifugal techniques for separating red blood cells from plasma and (2) video and/or still imaging capability. Both may be used alone or in combination to accelerate formed blood component sedimentation and to measure its rate. In one example, the method may advantageously enable rapid measurement of sedimentation rate using small blood sample volumes. Automated image analysis can be used to determine both sedimentation rate and hematocrit. Automated techniques may be used to compensate for effects of hematocrit on uncorrected sedimentation rate data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for testing a drug eluting prosthesis. A drug eluting prosthesis is placed within a conduit that is coupled at one end to a first conduit frame and at a second end to a second conduit frame. The first conduit frame is coupled to the second conduit frame using a movable shaft, such that the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame can move relative to each other. When the first conduit frame and the second conduit frame are moved relative to each other, they expose the conduit and the drug eluting prosthesis to compressive or tensile forces. While the drug eluting prosthesis is being exposed to compressive or tensile forces, a fluid flow is provided through the conduit to test the particle shed rate of the drug eluting prosthesis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for determining imbibition of hydraulic fracturing fluids into hydrocarbon-bearing formations. More specifically, the disclosure relates to laboratory methods for determining certain unconventional flow parameters to measure the imbibition over time of hydraulic fracturing fluids into a low-permeability hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the permanency of channels in an absorbent core, the method comprising the steps of: providing an absorbent core (28), optionally in an absorbent article (20), wherein the absorbent layer comprises at least one channel (26), preferably at least two channels, extending in the longitudinal direction; providing a liquid (40); pouring the liquid into the absorbent core so that the absorbent core absorbs at least some of the liquid; optionally squeezing or shaking the absorbent core; cutting the absorbent core in the transversal direction; and evaluating the presence or absence of channel bonds (27), and if channel bonds are present optionally evaluating the quality of the channel bonds.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system including dark field illumination to contrast particles in a flowing fluid. The system includes a condenser with blocking aperture and a numerical aperture of no less than 0.4. The system also includes a microscope objective for focusing dark field illuminated particles, wherein the objective has a numerical aperture of 0.3. The system further includes imaging optics, an image capturing system and a backlighting generator.