Abstract: Provided are a flexible pressure sensor using an amorphous metal and a flexible bimodal sensor for simultaneously sensing a pressure and a temperature. The sensors according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention include a conductive layer formed of the amorphous metal to have stretchable characteristics so that it may be used for an electronic skin. Therefore, these sensors may firmly maintain conductivity and sense a pressure or simultaneously sense a pressure and a temperature even in a state in which various kinds of physical external force are present. In addition, the flexible bimodal sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a novel element for an electronic skin that may simultaneously sense a pressure and a temperature using the amorphous metal.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic bonded body includes a metal member, a ceramic member, a bonding layer that is formed from a glaze and bonds the metal member and the ceramic member. A conductive layer defines an outer surface of the ceramic member and is covered by the bonding layer. The conductive layer has a higher electrical conductivity than the bonding layer. A terminal layer is located on a portion of the outer surface of the ceramic member that is separated from the metal member. The bonding layer is located between the metal member and the terminal layer. The conductive layer includes a conductive metallized layer in which metal particles are diffused in the outer surface of the ceramic member, and a conductive metal layer that covers at least a portion of the conductive metallized layer.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to stress compensation in differential sensors. In an embodiment, instead of compensating for stress on each sensor element independently, stress compensation circuitry aims to remove stress-related mismatch between two sensor elements using the sensor elements themselves to detect the mismatch. A circuit can be implemented in embodiments to detect mechanical stress-related mismatch between sensor elements using the sensor elements, and tune the output signal by a compensation factor to eliminate the mismatch. Embodiments are therefore less complicated and less expensive than conventional approaches. While embodiments have applicability to virtually any differential sensor, including magnetic field, pressure, temperature, current and speed, an example embodiment discussed herein relates to magnetic field.

Abstract: A method to measure and determine the unbalance of a rotor, by decoupling the unbalance of the balancing machine and the unbalance of the rotor, which includes the following procedures make the zero angle reference on the rotor or on the balancing machine, select two planes on the rotor, and use a balancing machine to measure the unbalances of the rotor in the two planes, these unbalances are designated as first nominal unbalances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for the detection of a leak between a container and a flexible cover secured about an opening in the container. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container, a pressure indicating sensor coupled to a controller; and a sensor support. The sensor is positioned on the sensor support wherein, in operation, the sensor is located in close proximity to the container cover such that when the container is within the vacuum chamber and subjected to a vacuum condition, gases within the container cause the cover to expand at the location of a leak between the cover and the container. Upon contact with the cover the sensor generates a signal received by the controller to indicate both the detection and the location of the leak about the opening in the container.

Abstract: Inspection methods and systems for detecting leaks in a vacuum bag assembly used in the manufacture of a composite part based on spraying helium over the vacuum bag and detecting the helium drawn by the vacuum inside the vacuum bag through a leak. The inspection methods comprise creating a local helium atmosphere in a chamber over the vacuum bag assembly by zones, following a programmed zonal sequence, for a first leak detection test of each zone and a subsequent second leak detection test if the first test gives a positive result. The inspection systems comprise a helium spraying system and helium detecting equipment arranged to implement the inspection methods.

Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring and controlling wirelessly the flow of a fluid through a piping system, said piping system having a main inlet pipe and a main inlet shut off valve, said device comprising of a fluid flow monitor located on said piping system, said monitor having a means to collect a fluid-usage data based on the frequency and the volume of the fluid flow through said piping system; and a controller having a processor to develop a fluid usage pattern based on said fluid-usage data collected by said fluid flow monitor, said processor being programed to identify a leakage in the piping system; and said controller being able to shut off said shut off valve in case of a fluid leakage.

Abstract: Described herein, are methods and systems for locating a leak in a water distribution network. According to an implementation, a leak situation in the water distribution network is detected based on a flow difference value between an actual flow value and a predicted flow value of an inlet flow meter of the water distribution network at at least one time interval. Leak signature values of demand nodes in the water distribution network at the at least one time interval are determined. A leak signature value of a respective demand node at a respective time interval is determined based on centrality metrics, the predicted flow value at the respective time interval, and static physical properties related to the water distribution network. At least one possible leak node is identified based on the flow difference value and the leak signature values of the demand nodes at the at least one time interval.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks comprises at least one pipeline element, a leak detection device, and a pre-formed, heat-shrinkable sleeve comprising at least one inlet aperture. A method of manufacturing the sleeve comprises the steps of applying a cross-linkable material around a standard-sized sleeve mold, cross-linking the material, removing the cross-linked material from the mold, heating and stretching the cross-linked material around a stretching sleeve mold, allowing the material to cool, and removing the cooled sleeve from the mold. A method of monitoring a leak comprises the steps of receiving the pipeline element in the sleeve and applying heat to the sleeve, whereby the sleeve shrinks and conforms substantially around the profile of the pipeline element and at least a portion of the leak detection device.

Abstract: A vibration source described herein may utilize spinning weights to create vibrations in one or more controlled directions. By placing the two rotating masses in a position along the axis of the tool and counter-rotating the masses, it is possible to cancel the rotational output of the individual spinning eccentric masses and yield a uni-directional linear vibration. The rotation of the masses may also be controlled by a processor to change the direction of the vibration in real-time. Thus, the vibration source may be utilized in geologic interrogation or communications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for measuring optical power that require neither alterations to the optical fiber nor physical contact with the optical fiber, the system including an optical fiber configured to propagate an optical signal, wherein the optical fiber includes a core and at least a first cladding layer, wherein a portion of the optical signal scatters out of the optical fiber along a length of the optical fiber to form scattered fiber light; a detector system configured to receive the scattered fiber light along the length of the optical fiber and to output a detection signal based on the received scattered fiber light; and a processor configured to receive the detection signal and to determine a power value of the optical signal based on the received detection signal.

Abstract: An MPO switch device that includes a first input/output port and a second input/output port, a MPO port, a plurality of switches disposed between the first input/output port and the second input/output port, and a switch control for controlling the position of each of the switches to direct light through a desired return path. The plurality of switches are arranged and connected together by non-blocking connections that allow simultaneous testing of all common 1 GB, 10 GB, and 40 GB transmit and receive fiber pair paths.

Abstract: A gear transmission error measuring apparatus for measuring a transmission error of a gear power train, the gear transmission error measuring apparatus includes a measurement jig for rotatably supporting a rotational shaft of the gear power train, an encoder installed in the rotational shaft of the gear power train for measuring rotation information of the rotational shaft, and a transmission error calculator connected to the encoder for calculating a transmission error of a gear set.

Abstract: The invention relates to an atmosphere conditioning device for testing engines, comprising an inflow conduit connected to an engine admission, an outflow conduit connected to the exhaust of the engine and expelling exhaust gases, a communication conduit which communicates the inflow conduit with the outflow conduit, a supercharging turbogenerator comprising a turbine in the inflow conduit, a bypass valve which diverts the air flow that circulates towards the turbine, a heat regenerator consisting of heat exchangers in the inflow and outflow conduits, connected by the same heat transfer fluid circuit, a bypass valve in the outflow conduit together with the heat exchanger thereof, a heat exchanger in the outflow conduit downstream from the heat regenerator, and a turbocompressor downstream from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for testing an engine includes a dynamometer coupled to the engine. The dynamometer is responsive to a control signal. The system further includes a controller that derives the control signal from an engine operation parameter.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for use in tire inspection along a bead portion of the tire. The sensor device includes a magnet array configured to provide the desired fields of magnet flux for a sensor array, which is used to detect damage to reinforcements of a body ply of the tire near the bead portion. The fields of magnetic flux are sufficient to provide for damage detection in the bead portion without overly saturating the sensor array. The sensor device also allows for positioning the sensor array proximate to the inner surface of the tire for improved detection.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a defect exists in a machine. The method includes receiving a signal from a sensor that includes data related to operation of a machine. It is determined whether the data in the signal is accurate or valid and a first input is generated therefrom. It is determined whether a defect exists in the machine by analyzing the data in the signal and a second input is generated therefrom. The first input and the second input are introduced into one or more logic gates, which generate an output that indicates whether the defect exists in the machine. A user is notified when the output indicates that the defect exists in the machine.

Abstract: A method for providing improved composite work cycle damage estimates includes constructing a damage rate basis matrix, performing a D-optimal row selection calculation on the damage rate basis matrix, selecting, based on the D-optimal row selection calculation, a finite number of strain measurement device locations on the machine, extracting a target percentile damage rate for each of the one or more strain measurement devices, and using the extracted damage rates to solve for the unknown coefficients and verify the weightings assigned to the machine operations.

Abstract: A method for aligning composite work cycle seventies to target percentile severity responses includes selecting a set of machines to be monitored for severity, applying an operation classification corresponding to one or more machine operations performed by each machine in the set of machines, applying a severity indexing system to the set of machines, constructing a distribution of severity responses associated with an operation classification, receiving data from one or more performed damage simulations or tests and mapping a selected range of test event seventies for the operation classification to corresponding target actual seventies for the operation based upon performance of the operation by the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device and method for rapid high-pressure gas sampling includes a main gas line, a sample container filled with liquid and sampling tube, a close loop sampling bypass line coupled with the said main gas line, the upper end of the sampling tube connects with a particulate filter in the sampling bypass line, the sampling tube lower end extending into inside sample container, on top of the sample container a gas outlet line is attached, condensate drain path attaches to the sample container. The fast high pressure gas sampling device significantly minimizes the process gas sampling time to a few seconds range, which will help improve a real-time gas components analysis and process control for high pressure high temperature and dust laden conditions.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for a bioassay that is an in vitro mimic of peripheral nerve generation using the sensory neurons that innervate the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the techniques may assist in detecting the bioactivity or potency of nerve grafts (e.g., processed, acellular human allografts) for fostering or supporting peripheral nerve regeneration. In various embodiments, techniques comprise affixing neurons (e.g., a DRG) to a nerve graft segment to form a test construct; culturing the test construct in a medium; analyzing the test construct to indicate the amount of outgrowing nerve structure; and determining the potency of the nerve graft from a metric derived from the analysis. In some embodiments, techniques and materials may be used to test the effect of a varied test condition on nerve growth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moiety specific sample extraction from a complex sample matrix in a flow through process is provided. The present invention relates to an integrated membrane for separation and preservation of biomolecules. Classes of biomolecules, for example, those in blood, can be separated and preserved. For blood separation, the apparatus includes a housing having a matrix portion, and a fluid collection portion disposed within an inner cavity thereof. The housing also includes an aperture permitting access to the inner cavity. The apparatus also includes a matrix disposed within the matrix portion. The matrix includes a first layer for collecting substantially all cells from the fluid, a second layer for protein adsorption, and a third layer for nucleic acid adsorption. Fluid enters the housing through the aperture, passes through the matrix, and into the fluid collection portion.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one property of a fluid and ensuring measuring surfaces of the system in contact with the fluid remain free of contaminants, includes a housing within which at least one measuring surface is located. The fluid to be measured flows through the housing and contacts the measuring surface. A signal generating device operably associated with the surface provides signals indicative of the at least one fluid property. A transducer is operably associated with the housing and causes agitation of the fluid flowing through the housing so that the measuring surface can be cleaned even during fluid measurement.

Abstract: A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described. The sample is added to a sample container. A liquid solvent and a gas are added into the sample container. The addition of the gas is controlled to establish an elevated pressure within the sample container. The liquid solvent is heated to an elevated temperature that is below the boiling temperature of the liquid solvent at the elevated pressure. A type of gas is used that does not transition to a supercritical fluid at the elevated temperature and pressure used in the extraction process. The analyte can dissolve from the solid sample into the liquid solvent. Next, at least a portion of the liquid solvent containing the dissolved analyte can be removed from the sample container for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described. The sample is added to a sample container. A liquid solvent and a gas are added into the sample container. The addition of the gas is controlled to establish an elevated pressure within the sample container. The liquid solvent is heated to an elevated temperature that is below the boiling temperature of the liquid solvent at the elevated pressure. A type of gas is used that does not transition to a supercritical fluid at the elevated temperature and pressure used in the extraction process. The analyte can dissolve from the solid sample into the liquid solvent. Next, at least a portion of the liquid solvent containing the dissolved analyte can be removed from the sample container for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A composite test coupon includes a plurality of plies. The plurality of plies include first ply layers and second ply layers. The first ply layers have first fibers and a substantially uniform matrix material associated with the first fibers. The second ply layers have second fibers and a pre-stressed matrix material associated with the second fibers. The first fibers are oriented in a first direction, and the second fibers are oriented in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The pre-stressed matrix material includes stress induced cracks between the second fibers of each of the second ply layers.

Abstract: A device for testing mixed-mode fatigue crack growth rate comprises a plate-like specimen, and a first fixture mechanism for exerting stretch, shear and torsion actions on the specimen via a second fixture mechanism; the second fixture mechanism is used for clamping the specimen and enabling the specimen to generate a mixed-mode fatigue crack in cooperation with the first fixture mechanism; the device further comprises a fatigue crack measurement instrument for measuring and recording the length of mixed-mode fatigue crack generated on the specimen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a biosensor, such as an implantable biosensor, that includes a sensor material sensitive to at least one analyte in a pressure measurement chamber coupled to a pressure sensor. In embodiments of the invention, a pressure prevailing in the pressure measurement chamber may be determined by the pressure sensor. The sensor material is coupled in the pressure measurement chamber to a compensation material, which includes a relationship between a temperature and a volume of the pressure. The relationship is opposite to a temperature-dependent change in pressure or volume of the sensor material and at least partially compensates for a cross-sensitivity-induced change in volume of the sensor material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring a rheology indicator in a rheometer utilizing a rheometer attachment including a shaft having a shaft axis, an outer surface, and a plurality of helical vanes each extending radially from the outer surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for droplet generation are suitable for use in connection with goniometers. Via preferential condensation, droplets of a variety of liquids may be formed at a variety of temperatures and pressures, eliminating the need for expensive and complex conventional droplet generation systems. Condensation and evaporation of a droplet may be controlled in order to evaluate advancing and receding contact angles in the goniometer.

Abstract: An observation apparatus (100) includes an observing optical system (101) capable of obtaining an image of a measurement target present in a gap included in a device (1). One end of the gap included in the device (1) is wider than the other end thereof, and upon light beam irradiation to the device (1), an interference fringe appears in the gap. The observing optical system (101) irradiates the gap included in the device (1) with a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths to cause a plurality of interference fringes to appear in the gap. Then the observing optical system (101) obtains an image of the plurality of interference fringes.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood samples, comprising the steps of: preparing a blood sample (1) within a respective container (2) provided with an anticoagulant substance; measuring the rate (V) at which the corpuscular components (1a) contained in the blood sample (1) sediment on the bottom of said container (2), said rate (V) being measured over a predetermined time period (T); detecting, within said time period (T), at least one sedimentation trend (A1, A2, A3) representative of steps of aggregation of the corpuscular components (1a); and comparing the detected sedimentation trend (A1, A2, A3) with at least one reference parameter (P1, P2, P3) representative of at least one given pathology.

Abstract: A system for measuring soil constituents having coulter comprising an electromagnetic radiation detector, a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a window transparent to electromagnetic radiation, the source emits radiation through said window to the soil, and the detector receives radiation through said window, reflected from the soil. Typically the source is broad band so the detector provides continuous spectra over the range. The source may be quasimonochromatic to provide Raman scattering, which will also provide continuous spectra over the range. These spectra can be subjected to multivariate analysis and compared to spectra of known constituents to identify the presence and concentration of these constituents.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a concentration measuring unit that measures a particle number concentration of a particle in gas; a humidity measuring unit that measures humidity of a surrounding to which the particle is exposed when the concentration measuring unit measures the particle number concentration; a first case in which the concentration measuring unit and the humidity measuring unit are accommodated, the first case having a first inlet and a first outlet; and a first exhausting unit that exhausts the gas in the first case from the first outlet; wherein the humidity measuring unit is disposed upstream of the concentration measuring unit in a flow path of the gas from the first inlet to the first outlet.

Abstract: A system for eliminating electrically conductive particles by detecting and destroying electrically conductive particles in a medium circulation. Electrodes are arranged by a power supply in potentials differing from each other, whereby electrically conductive particles getting drifted in connection therewith are arranged to be detected and destroyed by causing a shortcut between the electrodes. A device having a uniform frame. Inside the device there is a flow space for a flow-through of a medium circulation occurring inside thereof in its longitudinal direction. The flow space has, when viewed in a crosswise plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, adjacent narrow flow ways in one or more directions. Opposite walls of the flow ways are arranged as electrodes in potentials differing from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell assessment method characterized in including an acquisition step of acquiring an optical path length image of a small cell clump, an extraction step of extracting a cell nucleus region within the acquired optical path length image, a comparison step of comparing an optical path length of an inside and an optical path length of an outside of the extracted cell nucleus region, and an assessment step of assessing whether or not a cell is a stem cell based on the comparison results.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided. The transducer assembly includes a magnetic portion, a body, a tensile pulse transmitter, and a pulse and current control unit. The magnetic portion is configured to provide a magnetic field. The body is disposed within an opening of the magnetic portion, and has a conductive portion configured to pass electric current near a body surface oriented toward the test surface. The tensile pulse transmitter is disposed within a cavity of the body and configured to transmit a tensile pulse into the test object. The pulse and current control unit is configured to control the tensile pulse transmitted by the tensile pulse transmitter, and to provide a current that passes through the conductive portion of the body and the test object, whereby a force urging the transducer assembly and the test object toward each other is generated responsive to the magnetic field and the current.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for analyzing a sample using spectroscopy. The system includes a spectroscope, a sample vial with a swab removably sealable within a transparent enclosure, the swab including an absorbent collection substrate. The system further includes a sample vial adaptor configured to affix to the spectroscope, and a sample vial receptacle that receives the sample vial. The adaptor is configured to position the sample vial such that the transparent portion of the enclosure is between the swab and the laser of the Raman instrument, and such that the swab is positioned at the focal distance of the laser.

Abstract: A sample holder comprises a bottom and one or more arms. The bottom has an initial area for supporting a sample. The one or more arms actuate to move the sample in the initial area to a target area, wherein the one or more arms hold the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining mineralogical or geochemistry of at least one geological sample with vibrational spectroscopy combined with laser-induced breakdown spectral measurements performed on the geological sample in a time variant manner with spectral acquisitions made after each of a plurality of measurement shots, spectral pre-processing performed as necessary, and subsequent analysis is applied to the collected data to determine at least one mineralogical or geochemistry parameter of the sample. The method can provide a rapid method to estimate mineralogy or geochemical parameters of a sample, which does not require sample preparation, and which can be non-destructive with respect to portions of the sample. A system for performing the method also is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an analyte comprises two opposing housings that clamp onto a substrate. One of the housings includes passageways that deliver the analyte and optical signals to the substrate. Another one of the housings includes passageways that allow optical signals, which have passed through the substrate, to travel to photometric sensors which may be used to study the analyte or its effects. The apparatus may include a light guide that uniformly distributes light from a plurality of point emitters to multiple areas of the substrate. The apparatus may include an actuator assembly that opens and closes the two housing to allow for installation and removal of the substrate. The substrate may be carried in a cartridge that is removable from the two housings.

Abstract: A multi-component gas analysis system includes a spectrometric analysis device configured to obtain ratio of each of first components in a multi-component gas based on an absorption spectrum of light that has transmitted through the multi-component gas; a density measurement device configured to measure a first density of the multi-component gas; and a calculation device configured to calculate a ratio of each of second components in the multi-component gas using the ratio of each of the first components obtained by the spectrometric analysis device and the first density measured by the density measurement device, the second components being components that cannot be obtained by the spectrometric analysis device.

Abstract: Provided are a simple and convenient apparatus capable of analyzing carbon isotope 14C and a method of analyzing the carbon isotope.

Abstract: A device and method for determining antimicrobial resistance status of a microorganism from a positive sample bottle is provided. The device may include a housing having a chamber for receiving a vial containing a sample; a light source positioned to direct light through a side of the chamber; and a photodetector positioned such that light transmitted or scattered by the sample is sensed by the photodetector. The device may also include a heat source and/or an agitation device. The method includes providing the device, loading a sample from an automated sample culture system into the vial; interrogating the vial using the light source and the photodetector; and determining the antimicrobial resistance status of the microorganism in the sample based on the interrogating step. The method may also include heating and/or agitating the sample.

Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a fungal infection of a plant—The method comprises: emitting excitation radiation by one or more radiation sources to the plant, said radiation comprising first excitation wavelengths being within the absorption band of a compound whose content in the plant is affected by a fungal infection, in particular a phenolic compound, and second excitation wavelengths being outside the absorption band of said compound, thereby inducing chlorophyll fluorescence; detecting chlorophyll fluorescence radiation from the plant; and obtaining a value being indicative for the fungal infection of the plant, said value is dependent from the detected chlorophyll fluorescence radiation induced by excitation radiation of the first excitation wavelengths and the detected chlorophyll fluorescence radiation induced by excitation radiation of the second excitation wavelengths.

Abstract: With a spectroscopic analysis method of the present invention, by performing principal component analysis on optical spectra measured at individual positions of a specimen, principal components of a plurality of orders that constitute the individual optical spectra are calculated; for the individual orders, principal-component images in which values thereof are principal-component scores of the individual principal components corresponding to the positions are created; distribution patterns of the principal-component scores are identified in the individual principal-component images; the morphology of the specimen is identified in a morphological image in which the specimen is captured; the principal-component images that have principal-component-score distribution patterns correlated with the morphology of the specimen are identified; and the individual optical spectra are reconstructed by using the principal components of orders corresponding to the orders of the identified principal-component images.

Abstract: A technique relates to determining a presence of a known nucleic acid sequence of a known molecule in a sample. A sample surface is coated with a select segment of the known molecule. Beads are coated with a first molecule. A targeted nucleic acid sequence is attached to a second molecule that binds to the first molecule, such that the targeted nucleic acid sequence is attached to the beads via first and second molecules. The sample is placed on the sample surface. The sample includes the liquid medium, beads, and targeted nucleic acid sequence being tested. Brownian motion of beads is monitored to determine whether the Brownian motion of the beads is restricted or not restricted. When the Brownian motion of beads is restricted, the presence of the known nucleic acid sequence is in the sample, thus indicating that the targeted nucleic acid sequence is the known nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A bio-chip package comprises a substrate a first layer over the substrate comprising an image sensor. The bio-chip package also comprises a second layer over the first layer. The second layer comprises a waveguide system a grating coupler. The bio-chip package also comprises a third layer arranged to accommodate a fluid between a first-third layer portion and a second-third layer portion, and to allow the fluid to pass from a first side of the third layer to a second side of the third layer. The third layer comprises a material having a predetermined transparency with respect to a wavelength of a received source light, the waveguide system is configured to direct the received source light to the grating coupler, and the image sensor is configured to determine a change in the wavelength of the source light caused by a coupling between the source light and the fluid.