Abstract: A gemstone viewer for personal communications devices for viewing a gemstone surface on which has been formed an image or inscription such as an identification number. In one embodiment, the viewer is mounted to employ the camera and LED light source of the personal communications device. The viewer directs the light from the light source as a light beam along a path incident to the surface of the gemstone containing the inscription. The gemstone spectrally reflects the light beam along a path back toward and through a magnifying lens to the camera lens of the personal communications device thereby enhancing the magnifying properties of the camera lens to produce a viewable light image that reveals the inscription on the viewing screen of the personal communications device. In another embodiment, the viewer is aligned to the front facing camera of the personal communications device, and includes its own light source.

Abstract: An optical collection and detection system for use in a surface inspection system for inspecting a surface of a workpiece. The surface inspection system has an incident beam projected through a back quartersphere and toward a desired location on the surface, which is a scanned spot having a known scanned spot size. The incident beam impinges on the surface to create scattered light that is collected by a collector module. The collector module includes collection optics for collecting and focusing the scattered light to form focused scattered light. A collector output slit is positioned at an output of the collector module, through which the collection optics focus the scattered light. The scattered light that is associated with the scanned spot forms an imaged spot at the collector output slit.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: an imaging section for capturing a first reference image by simultaneously turning on three or more illumination sections, and a second reference image at imaging timing temporally after the first reference image; a tracking target image designating section for designating a tracking target image in the first reference image and is used for tracking a position of the workpiece; a corresponding position estimating section for searching a position of the tracking target image designated by the tracking target image designating section from the second reference image, and specifying a position including the tracking target image in the second reference image, to estimate a corresponding relation of pixels that correspond among each of the partial illumination images; and an inspection image generating section for generating an inspection image for photometric stereo based on the corresponding relation of each of the pixels of the partial illumination images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining one or more parameters of a wafer inspection process are provided. One method includes acquiring metrology data for a wafer generated by a wafer metrology system. The method also includes determining one or more parameters of a wafer inspection process for the wafer or another wafer based on the metrology data.

Abstract: An optoelectronic inspection system useful for quality assurance determinations of fluid dispensing valves, e.g., as installed on fluid storage and dispensing vessels, and associated methodology and non-transitory computer readable media storing machine-executable instructions for such quality assurance determinations, are described. The optoelectronic inspection is applicable to flow control valves used on fluid storage and dispensing packages including physical adsorbent-based and/or pressure-regulated vessels, such as are used for supply of processing fluids used in the manufacture of semiconductor products, flat panel displays, and solar panels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discovering defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes detecting defects on a wafer by applying a threshold to output generated by a detector in a first scan of the wafer and determining values for features of the detected defects. The method also includes automatically ranking the features, identifying feature cut-lines to group the defect into bins, and, for each of the bins, determining one or more parameters that if applied to the values for the features of the defects in each of the bins will result in a predetermined number of the defects in each of the bins. The method also includes applying the one or more determined parameters to the output generated by the detector in a second scan of the wafer to generate a defect population that has a predetermined defect count and is diversified in the values for the features.

Abstract: A reticle that is within specifications is inspected so as to generate a baseline event indicating a location and a size value for each unusual reticle feature. After using the reticle in photolithography, the reticle is inspected so as to generate a current event indicating a location and a size value for each unusual reticle feature. An inspection report of candidate defects and their images is generated so that these candidate defects include a first subset of the current events and their corresponding candidate defect images and exclude a second subset of the current events and their corresponding excluded images. Each of the first included events has a location and size value that fails to match any baseline event's location and size value, and each of the excluded second events has a location and size value that matches a baseline event's location and size value.

Abstract: Method for determining lithographic quality of a structure produced by a lithographic process using a periodic pattern, such as a grating, detects lithographic process window edges and optimum process conditions.

Abstract: A method of inspecting articles of transparent/translucent material with a vision system comprises illuminating the articles with a light source having an angular spectrum that is adapted to the contrast selected for refractive items presented by the articles. An image sensor picks up the light that has passed through the articles to make images of the articles. During a stage of referencing the vision system, a reference standard is in the field of view of the image sensor, the standard including at least one standard item that refracts light in a known range of angles. An image of the standard is taken to measure at least the contrast in the image produced by at least one standard item. During at least one stage of qualifying the vision system, the standard is placed once more in front of the light source and in the field of view of the image sensor.

Abstract: A device for measuring and characterizing solid-state devices or integrated circuits at RF frequencies up to 1.0 THz and beyond is provided that includes a transmitting photomixing probe structure and a receiving photomixing probe structure. The transmitting photomixing probe structure and the receiving photomixing probe structure are ac-coupled to the solid-state device or integrated circuit in a contact-free manner.

Abstract: A radiometric density profile measuring arrangement for determining a density profile of a bulk material located in a container comprising a multitude of radiation sources and a detection unit for detecting radioactive radiation with a scintillator to generate radiation-induced light flashes, a photosensitive element for generating an electrical signal based on said light flashes, and measuring electronics for processing the electrical signal, with the scintillator being embodied in an oblong fashion.

Abstract: A portable X-ray diffraction apparatus is provided which can be held by a person and on which an image of a spot to be measured can be viewed. The portable X-ray diffraction apparatus includes: X-ray irradiation means that irradiates a sample with collimated X-rays; diffracted X-ray detection means that detects a collimated portion of diffracted X-rays among X-rays diffracted from the sample by the irradiation of the X-rays with the X-ray irradiation means; and signal processing means that processes a signal outputted from the diffracted X-ray detection means. An X-ray diffraction method is used which includes: irradiating a sample with collimated continuous-wavelength X-rays; extracting a collimated portion of diffracted X-rays diffracted from the sample irradiated with the X-rays and condensing the extracted collimated portion of the diffracted X-rays; detecting, using an energy dispersive detection element, the condensed diffracted X-rays; and processing a signal detected by the detection element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to improve PGNAA substance analyzers. In one aspect, an analyzer includes: a source of neutrons; an opening to receive a substance; a gamma ray detector; and computational device(s) configured to receive spectral data of detected gamma rays, perform a regression algorithm on the spectral data using spectral responses for known atomic elements to determine coefficients of spectrum, sum effective weight values (corresponding to the coefficients of spectrum) together to form a total effective weight value for the substance being analyzed, divide effective weight values by the total effective weight value for the substance to generate effective weight-percent values corresponding to two or more respective ones of the atomic elements detected in the spectral data, and generate final weight-percent values based on a correlation of previous effective weight-percent values obtained for known samples with elemental or molecular weight-percent values obtained for the known samples.

Abstract: A phase analyzer includes a principal component analysis section that performs principal component analysis on elemental map data that represents an intensity or concentration distribution corresponding to each element to calculate a principal component score corresponding to each unit area of the elemental map data, a scatter diagram generation section that plots the calculated principal component score to generate a scatter diagram of the principal component score, a peak position detection section that detects a peak position from the scatter diagram, a clustering section that calculates a distance between each point and each peak position within the scatter diagram, and classifies each point within the scatter diagram into a plurality of groups based on the distance, and a phase map generation section that generates a phase map based on classification results of the clustering section.

Abstract: A method and system for mimicking a thermal profile of a perishable product by fabricating a thermal mimicking probe (TMP). The TMP is obtained by forming a non-perishable, substantially solid material into a predetermined mass or shape, wherein the non-perishable material, in combination with the predetermined mass or size, has a temperature retention property similar to a perishable product; sealing an entirety of the formed material with a protective covering to form a core; accommodating a temperature sensor into a sensor side of the core; forming a first insulating layer on the sensor side of the core; and forming an enclosure of a second insulating layer that covers remaining sides of the core, wherein the first insulating layer is configured as a lid to the enclosure, wherein a change in temperature of a neighboring perishable product is substantially mimicked by readings from a temperature sensor in the core.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled bath capable of swiftly changing the temperature of a sample to a target temperature and maintaining the temperature of the sample at a fixed temperature after the temperature change is provided. A temperature-controlled bath includes a temperature changing means, a temperature-controlled chamber, a sample holding chamber, and connection cut-off means. The temperature changing means is disposed in the temperature-controlled chamber, and the temperature of the temperature-controlled chamber is adjusted by the temperature changing means. The sample holding chamber is separated from the temperature-controlled chamber by a thermally conducive wall, and contains a sample therein. The connection cut-off means change a connection between the temperature-controlled chamber and the sample holding chamber to a connected state or a cut-off state.

Abstract: A thermographic inspection system includes a heat source configured to be removably attached to an exterior surface of an object. A thermal imaging device obtains a thermal image of the object, and an analyzing device determines a location of a defect in the object based on the thermal image.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a condition associated with a wheel bearing on a train car. The method may include detecting a size and a location of the wheel bearing. The method may also include detecting a temperature associated with the wheel bearing based at least in part on the size and the location of the wheel bearing. The method may further include determining a wheel bearing condition based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: A detection device, including: one or a plurality of magnetic coupling elements configured to have one or a plurality of coils; and a detection unit that measures or calculates an effective resistance values of the magnetic coupling elements or an effective resistance value of a circuit including at least the magnetic coupling elements and determines a presence or absence of a foreign substance based on a change in the effective resistance value.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling measurement of desired environmental criteria of an instrument during storage, including in some situations storage within a closely conforming instrument case. A humireader includes a planar body forming a “T” with a support face. The support face enables a user to suspend and support the body between a pair of adjacent strings allowing the body to extend through a sound hole. An environment sensing system disposed within the body collects environment data of the instrument and presents it to the user using an output system (e.g., a display) that is part of the support face.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based micron scale chemical sensor or sensor array is provided that enables the remote detection of hydrogen sulfide and other chemicals in a gas stream. The sensor is suitable for use in harsh environments of high temperature and pressure such as those encountered during petrochemical exploration and recovery. Multiplex sensor devices detect two or more chemical agents simultaneously, or they can detect conditions such as pressure, salinity, humidity, pH, or scale-forming ions. Incorporation of read out electronics and an RF signal generator into the sensor device enables it to communicate to a relay station or receiver for 3D mapping or other analysis. Methods are also provided for fabricating the chemical sensor device and using the device for detection.

Abstract: A disposable electrochemical test sensor designed to facilitate sampling of fluid samples. It has a fluid chamber having a novel extra wide sampling entrance, but no additional air escape vent. The chamber provides a reservoir from which a sample fluid can be drawn into the chamber through capillary action. The extra wide sampling entrance provided by the present invention can draw blood into the chamber through any part of the opening, thus it allows easy targeting the samples with small volume, picking up smeared samples and it is more tolerant to users who jam the tip of the sensor into users' finger.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a gas sensor is described that includes a membrane disposed between a sensing electrode and a counter electrode. The membrane is a polymer membrane, such as an ionomer, having an ionic liquid retained therein.

Abstract: An ISFET detector for determining concentration of a target ion in a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a semiconducting substrate comprising a source and a drain having source and drain electrodes respectively and a channel region between them in the substrate; an insulating material overlying the channel region; a gate electrode formed on the insulating material; a reference electrode electrifiable to establish an electric field in the channel region; an accumulator comprising a layer of material of thickness less than or equal to about 2 nm (nanometers) that accumulates a quantity of target ions responsive to concentration of the target ions in the fluid; a layer of a conducting material on which the accumulator is formed that is separate from the gate electrode; and a conducting element that electrically connects the layer of conducting material to the gate electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor control device for controlling a gas sensor, the gas sensor including a gas sensor element that includes a cell including a pair of electrodes and a solid electrolyte, the gas sensor control device including a circuit board connectable to the gas sensor. The circuit board has mounted thereon a voltage control unit mounted on the circuit board and configured to control a voltage developed across a pair of electrodes of the cell to a constant voltage; a temperature detecting unit mounted on the circuit board and configured to detect a temperature of the circuit board; and a voltage correcting unit mounted on the circuit board and configured to apply a correction voltage to the voltage control unit compensating for a temperature-dependent variation in the constant voltage based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit.

Abstract: The invention is a high sensitivity and high throughput capillary multiwavelength fluorescence detection system. The fluorescent detection system is configured to illuminate a relatively large volume of a single capillary or a plurality of capillaries, with a pixelated detection system capable of imaging an area of each capillary that differentiates the capillary walls, the space between the capillaries, and the internal liquid volume within the capillary. Only the desired pixels or image area are used for processing and generating an output signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: A magnetic signal measuring apparatus includes a first magnetic field applying unit that applies a first magnetic field to magnetic substances when a measured substance is binding to the magnetic substances, a second magnetic field applying unit that applies a second magnetic field to the magnetic substances to which the first magnetic field has been applied, and a SQUID that measures a magnetic signal derived from the magnetic substances. The first magnetic field has an intensity of such a degree that the magnetic substances do not flocculate with each other and such a degree that directions of magnetic moments in the magnetic substances can be aligned with each other. The second magnetic field has an intensity of such a degree that the magnetic substances do not flocculate with each other and such a degree that a magnetic signal can be obtained from the magnetic substances.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting air, a related system, and a related method are provided. The circuit for detecting air includes a receiver connection and an air-detection circuit. The receiver connection is configured to provide a receiver signal. The air-detection circuit is in operative communication with the receiver connection to process the receiver signal to generate a processed signal corresponding to detected air. The air-detection circuit includes one or more active-rectifying elements configured to actively rectify the receiver signal to provide the processed signal.

Abstract: A method includes: transmitting, via a signal generator, an electrical driving signal, the electrical driving signal having a mean square error; transmitting, via a wave generating component, a Lamb wave, the Lamb wave having many different modes; estimating, via an estimating component, a propagation parameter associated with the Lamb wave; and estimating, via an estimating component, a thickness of a material.

Abstract: The subject technology is directed to a CO2-based system and method for rapid determination of the levels and/or the presence or absence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Abstract: A difference between sensitivities among different solvents is preliminarily set as a device constant, using a calibration factor Ge, in a calibration-factor holding part. On the other hand, the sensitivities of gas sensors are measured for each gas sensor, but this measurement is not performed on all solvents and is performed on only a certain solvent, and a threshold value resulted therefrom is held as a reference threshold value Vtho in a reference-threshold-value holding part. A threshold value Vth for another solvent is determined from the reference threshold value Vtho for the certain solvent and from the calibration factor Ge as the device constant according to Vth=Vtho×Ge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas chromatography chip including: a substrate having an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a gas supply connecting part formed on one plane of one surface of the substrate or on one plane of an opposite surface of the substrate; a gas discharge connecting part formed another plane of the one surface of the substrate or on another plane of the opposite surface of the substrate; a micro channel continuously extending from the gas supply connecting part to the gas discharge connecting part to form a micro channel part and having a circular cross-section; at least two position alignment markers formed on one surface or an opposite surface of the opposite surfaces of the substrate; and a heat transfer part and a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a microfluidic substrate having an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample. An emitter assembly includes having a deformable end portion, an inlet near the deformable end portion to receive the sample eluent from the microfluidic substrate, and an electrically conductive outlet portion to emit a spray of the sample eluent. A force-applying unit applies a force to the emitter assembly that urges the deformable end portion into contact with the microfluidic substrate. The deformable end portion is more elastic than the microfluidic substrate so that the contact between the microfluidic substrate and the deformable end portion produces a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outlet aperture of the microfluidic substrate and the inlet of the emitter assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for identifying a molecule in a sample, the molecule comprising an electrophilic or nucleophilic moiety. The method comprises contacting the sample with a plurality of chemosensors, each of the chemosensors comprising a ?-conjugated system and a moiety having a nucleophilic property or an electrophilic property; and measuring an electromagnetic property of each of the chemosensors in the sample; whereby the pattern of changes in the electromagnetic properties of the plurality of chemosensors after chemically reacting with the electrophile or nucleophile of the molecule identifies the molecule in said sample.

Abstract: A fuel system (12) comprising a vapor trail detection sensor (20) configured to generate a first signal (28) which indicates the optical depth of a vapor trail (35). A control unit (40) is provided responsive to the first signal (28) and configured to generate a second signal (80) in dependence upon the first signal (28). The second signal (80) defines a percentage of at least one of a first fuel composition and second fuel composition required to produce a resultant fuel composition. At least one regulator (42) is provided configured to receive and be responsive to the second signal (80) and regulate the percentage of first and second fuel composition required to produce the resultant fuel composition.

Abstract: A method and test devices are used for field calibration of gas detectors. Brand new gas detectors are used as measurement standards in field calibration. The brand new gas detectors are in this case either employed directly as working standards, in which case the regular calibration by a reference standard is dispensed with, since the brand new gas detectors are always deemed to be sufficiently accurate. Alternatively, the brand new gas detectors are employed directly, namely as sufficiently accurately calibrated reference standards for the reference gas sensors acting as working standards and incorporated into the test device. In both cases the measured values of the gas sensors in the gas detectors to be calibrated are fed back to a sufficiently calibrated system, namely either directly to at least one brand new gas detector as a working standard or else to a reference sensor of a calibrated test device.

Abstract: A device and associated method can detect hydrocarbon gas with at least a control module having a plurality of different gas detection means housed in a mobile enclosure, the control module configured to activate at least two different gas detection means to provide amounts and types of gases present in a fluid.

Abstract: An in situ oxygen analyzer having an intrinsically-safe output and a heated probe is provided. The probe is extendable into a source of process gas and has an oxygen sensor and heater disposed therein. The heater is configured to heat the oxygen sensor to a temperature sufficient to operate the oxygen sensor. A housing is coupled to the probe and has first and second chambers. The first chamber is explosion-rated and includes non-intrinsically safe circuitry coupled to the heater to energize the heater. The second chamber contains only intrinsically-safe circuitry that complies with an intrinsically-safe specification. The first and second chambers are isolated from one another. The non-intrinsically-safe circuitry is coupled to the intrinsically-safe circuitry through an energy-limiting isolator.

Abstract: In order to completely decompose remaining urea contained in exhaust gas emitted from an internal combustion engine to make it possible to accurately measure an amount of the remaining urea, as well as preventing measurement accuracy and reliability from being damaged by some cause such as the attachment of powdery urea on a sensor, a gas analysis apparatus is provided with a filter part that is provided between a sampling port and a produced substance measuring mechanism in a mixed gas sampling pipe to collect urea in a solid state or in a state of being dissolved in water in mixed gas.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining the type and/or concentration a gaseous analyte from a set of analytes in a gaseous carrier. It comprises a housing having a passage to a cavity. A gas sensor with a heated metal-oxide sensing layer is arranged in the cavity. In order to gain a better understanding of the type of the analyte, diffusion effects are exploited by taking into account that the diffusion process through the passage as well as the catalytic reaction rate at the metal-oxide sensing layer depend on the type of the analyte. These material parameters can be determined by taking several measurements in a non-steady state of the concentration of the analyte within the cavity or while varying the reaction rate.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering high value gas from a process stream, material or environment containing same, e.g., xenon by contacting gas from the process stream, material or environment with a carbon adsorbent effective to sorptively capture same, free of or with reduced concentration of fluid species present with the high value gas in the high value gas-containing gas in the process stream, material or environment. Other aspects of the disclosure include a radon detection method and product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of detecting lung, gastrointestinal tract, and systemic infections by measuring 13CO2/12CO2 isotopic ratios of gaseous carbon dioxide in exhaled breath samples of a subject after administration of a 13C-isotopically-labeled compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the amount of oat flour addition in compound flours and noodles, and it belongs to the field of food detection technology. Based on the similarity of the fatty acid composition between oat and wheat, the quantitative analysis index used for measuring the oat flour addition was determined. Based on the differences of fatty acid contents in oat and wheat, the relationship between the changing trend of fatty acid composition and oat flour content in compound powders or noodles is employed to quantitatively determine the amount of oat added to these compound flours or noodles. The invention provides a highly sensitive and feasible method for safety monitoring and quality control of oat flours and oat noodles.

Abstract: A sensor system detects organophosphorus pesticide residue by inducing the aggregation of gold nanoparticles. A method comprises aggregating gold nanoparticles by a reaction between an organophosphorus pesticide and imidazole or a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and detecting the organophosphorus pesticide based on a absorption spectral change resulting from the aggregation. The system for detecting pesticide residue is useful as a biosensor for analyzing pesticide residue in situ, because the optical change of the reagent by the presence of an organophosphorus pesticide is distinct, the detection speed is fast, and the range of detection limits is broad.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition and health, particular, the present invention relates to alpha-keto-isovalerate as a biomarker urine of the efficacy of prebiotics for the prevention of diet induced weight gain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cell-based and non-cell based methods of drug screening to identify agents, or assay agents, that reduce OST-PTP or gamma-carboxylase activity or expression, or increase the level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin or adiponectin activity or expression. Such agents find use in treating or preventing a disorder related to the OST-PTP signaling pathway. Such disorders include, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, or obesity. Such agents may be used to treat disorders characterized by decreased insulin production, deceased insulin sensitivity, and decreased glucose tolerance or increased fat mass.

Abstract: Methods and microfluidic apparatus are disclosed for drug prediction. A microfluidic apparatus has (a) a plate, (b) a plurality of wells defined in the plate, (c) a plurality of closed microchannels defined in the plate, and (d) a sample platform defining a plurality of open microchannels, where the plurality of closed microchannels are each in communication with one of the plurality of wells and one of the plurality of open microchannels of the sample platform.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods to identify ?9?2T-cell receptors (?9?2TCR) that mediate anti-tumor responses. Surprisingly, it was now found that the CDR3 regions of the ?9-T-cell receptor chain and the ?2-T-Cell receptor chain (?2TCR chain) are of importance. Based on these findings, combinatorial-??TCR-chain-exchange (CTE) is proposed as an efficient method for identifying ?9?2TCRs that mediate anti-tumor responses. Using the method of the invention, specific sequences of the respective ?9TCR and ?2TCR chains were identified that mediate anti-tumor responses. Hence, the invention further provides for specific ?9?2TCRs, or fragments thereof, that may be used e.g. in diagnostics or treatment of cancer. The invention further provides for nucleic acid sequences, genetic constructs and retroviral vectors that can be used to express the ?9?2TCRs according to the invention.

Abstract: A novel assay using plated (cultured) human hepatocytes is disclosed. In this assay, cryopreserved human hepatocytes are thawed and cultured for 4 hours to allow attachment, followed by incubation with compounds for 24 hours. After the 24 hour incubation, aliquots can be collected for quantification of the remaining parent compounds. The remaining incubated media are transferred to freshly thawed and cultured cryopreserved hepatocyte and incubated for another 24 hour period. The process can be repeated daily resulting in accumulated incubation durations of multiple days. The innovation is the use of a new culture on each day, thereby overcoming the known decrease in metabolic activity of hepatocytes with time in culture.