Abstract: The invention relates to methods of assessing a patient's risk of developing Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a qualitative predictive method, to a method, use and kit applied to the early differential diagnosis of the most prevalent forms of bacterial and viral meningitis, enabling to detect and distinguish the different forms of meningitis. The invention uses a qualitative predictive method based on combined detection and sequential analysis of the presence/absence of at least three out of four specific biomarkers.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomarkers and methods of diagnosing or monitoring schizophrenia, or a predisposition thereto.

Abstract: Methods for separating, in a continuous, multizone fluid medium, cells, particles, or other molecules of interest (MOI) from associated or contaminating unwanted materials not of interest (MNOI). The invention involves forced movement of MOI into certain zones having properties which deter the entry of unwanted materials. Differential movement of MOI and MNOI occurs by active counterforces that move MNOI but not MOI. MOI are tagged with magnetic particles and moved with a magnetic field through a fluid, or zones, of higher specific gravity that prevents, by flotation counterforce, unwanted less dense materials from entering. Surfaces specifically coated with reactants are reactive with the MOI in the tagged magnetic particle complex and of buoyant or other forces are used to remove any unbound material from the surface before reading.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing or assisting in the diagnosis of iron-related pathologies are provided. The methods are based on the correlation of the degree of iron-specific hypercoagulability with clinical disease. One embodiment provides a method for diagnosing or assisting in diagnosing a subject having or suspected of having an iron-related pathology by analyzing a blood sample obtained from the subject to obtain viscoelastic parameters of the blood sample as the blood sample coagulates. A variation in the viscoelastic parameters of the blood sample relative to a blood sample from a healthy subject indicates the subject has or will likely develop an iron-related pathology. Subjects having an iron-related pathology have viscoelastic parameters that are indicative of enhanced coagulation and/or diminished fibrinolysis compared to the viscoelastic parameters of the blood sample from the healthy subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical form for combating chemical submission includes an active ingredient and at least one compound which enables immediate modification of the organoleptic characteristics of a beverage into which the pharmaceutical form is introduced. The compound is selected from the group consisting of an opacifier, a fluorescent agent, floating particles, particles that are perceptible in the mouth, effervescent microgranules, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated apparatus, wherein the automated apparatus is configured to formulate a target entity, thereby developing formulations of the target entity by using a high throughput screening (HTS) procedure and method of employing the presented automated apparatus is also disclosed herein. Other advantages that are understood from the present disclosure will further be apparent to the reader.

Abstract: The present invention lies in the field of automated analysis apparatuses and relates to a method for transferring a liquid volume from a first liquid vessel into a second liquid vessel. The method ensures increased pipetting accuracy, even from liquid vessels (1) which have foam (3) on the surface of the liquid (2).

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor which includes a substrate, a first structure which is movable relative to the substrate and a second structure which is movable relative to the substrate and relative to the first structure. The first structure includes at least one first drive device and the second structure includes at least one second drive device. The first and second drive devices are situated for the joint deflection of the first structure from a neutral position of the first structure in parallel to a drive direction and of the second structure from a neutral position of the second structure in parallel to the drive direction, due to an interaction between the first and second drive devices in such a way that the first and second structures are excitable into an oscillation in phase opposition, in each case with a motion component in parallel to the drive direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring motor speed may include: an encoder configured to output a signal based on revolution of a motor; and a control unit configured to detect a mechanical angle of the motor according to an output signal of the encoder, estimate an actual angle of the motor based on the detected mechanical angle, and calculate the speed of the motor by differentiating the estimated actual angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a display panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device comprising such a display panel. At least one sensor is integrated into the display panel through a semiconductor process that is at least partially synchronously performed with processes of forming the array substrate and/or color filter substrate of the display panel, such that an integration level of the sensor on the display panel is increased and the process is simplified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a displacement sensor device and the system including the device, wherein the device comprises a first at least partially transparent plane surface with a first diffraction pattern and a second plane surface comprising a second reflecting diffraction pattern. The diffractive patterns being adapted to diffract light within a chosen range of wavelengths, the second surface being positioned below and parallel to the first surface constituting a pair wherein said first and second diffractive patterns being essentially equal, the device also comprising displacement means for allowing u movement in a direction parallel to said surfaces, the device thus providing a movement sensitive diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A probe system comprising a probe with first and second arms and a probe tip carried by the first and second arms. An illumination system is arranged to deform the probe by illuminating the first arm at a first actuation location and the second arm at a second actuation location each with a respective illumination power. An actuation controller is arranged to independently control the illumination power at each actuation location in order to control the height and tilt angle of the probe and thus height and lateral position of the tip. The first and second arms are mirror images of each other on opposite sides of a plane of symmetry passing through the probe tip. A detection system is provided which not only measures a height of the probe tip to generate a height signal, but also measures a tilt angle of the probe to generate a tilt signal from which the lateral position of the tip can be determined.

Abstract: A method for interrogating a surface of a sample bathed in electrolyte solution using SICM, comprising: controlling the potential between first and second electrodes bathed in the electrolyte solution to induce an ion current in the electrolyte solution, a submerged portion of the first electrode being contained within a micropipette and the second electrode being external to the micropipette; recording the ion current whilst controlling the micropipette to move with respect to a stage supporting the sample; and determining, from the ion current and calibration data, the surface height profile of the sample. Said potential can be controlled according to a spread spectrum modulated signal. Said micropipette motion can be according to an AC mode pattern having a modulation frequency greater than a resonant frequency of an assembly of the micropipette, first electrode and a first piezoelectric actuator configured to control z-axis motion of said micropipette.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor testing structure. The method includes providing a substrate having a to-be-tested device structure formed on a surface of the substrate, a dielectric layer formed on the surface of the substrate and a surface of the to-be-tested structure, and conductive structures and an insulation layer electrically insulating the conductive structures formed on a first surface of the dielectric layer. The method also includes planarizing the conductive structures and the insulation layer to remove the conductive structures and the insulation layer until the first surface of the dielectric layer is exposed; and bonding the first surface of the dielectric layer with a dummy wafer by an adhesive layer. Further, the method includes removing the substrate to expose a second surface relative to the first surface of the dielectric layer of the dielectric layer and a surface of the to-be-tested device structure.

Abstract: A signal lead structured to be attached to an electrical device that comprises a signal pad, a spring housing, a spring, and a flexible conduit. The spring is carried in the spring housing, and a portion of the spring extends beyond a surface of the spring housing when the spring is unsprung. The spring is structured to touch the electrical device and carry an electrical signal between the electrical device and the signal pad when the signal lead is attached to the electrical device. The flexible conduit is coupled to the signal pad at an end of the flexible electrical conduit and extends away from the spring housing.

Abstract: Power distribution networks increasingly need to monitor the electrical power at points distributed around the network in order to cope with feed-in tariffs, etc. A unit which senses the electrical characteristics of the network can also be used to sense other environmental characteristics of the electrical network at that location. We describe an electrical sensor unit (50) attachable to an insulated electrical distribution cable (88) and comprising at least one electrical sensor for at least one of current, voltage, and phase angle of electrical power being transmitted in the cable (88), a source of electrical power for driving the electrical sensors, and a socket for receiving an environmental sensor and comprising connections for the source of electrical power.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sensing current carried by one or more planar conductors is described. A plurality of sensing coils may be fabricated adjacent to one or more planar, current-carrying conductors. The sensing coils may detect a magnetic field generated by time-varying current flowing through the one or more planar conductors. The sensing coils may be arranged to cancel uniform and linear-gradient magnetic fields.

Abstract: An averaging unit includes: a plurality of sensor connectors to which current sensors are detachably connected; an averager that generates an averaged signal for at least two detection voltage signals outputted from the current sensors connected to the sensor connectors; and an outputter that outputs the averaged signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments are disclosed that are configured to provide on-chip current sensing by employing a power distribution network voltage de-convolution technique. A voltage signal on a voltage plane of a system-on-chip device is measured during operation of the system-on-chip device. The voltage signal derives from a power distribution network. The voltage signal is de-convolved, based at least in part on inverse convolution coefficients derived from the power distribution network, to recover a current signal being drawn by the system-on-chip device from the power distribution network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a device for monitoring electric power at the distribution level. The device may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert an input signal into digital samples at time intervals, a receiver to generate a pulse-per-second (PPS) signal, an oscillator to generate an oscillator signal, and a data processor coupled to the ADC, the receiver, and the oscillator. The data processor may include a counter to measure an oscillator frequency of the oscillator signal at each pulse of the PPS signal, an adjuster to adjust a timer period register value, and a timer to adjust the time intervals based on the adjusted timer period register value. Based on the digital samples, the data processor may generate a plurality of metrics, which may include one or more measurements of frequency, magnitude, phase, harmonic level, signal-to-noise ratio, sag, and swell of the input signal.

Abstract: A power detector (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising a first (110) and a second (115) bipolar junction/FET transistor. The first transistor (110) is arranged as a common base/gate transistor with its base/gate being biased by a bias voltage (Vb1) and the second transistor (115) is arranged as a common emitter/source transistor with its emitter/source being grounded. The power detector also comprises a diode or current source connected to ground from the emitter/source of the first transistor (110), in which power detector an input port (105) is connected to the emitter of the first transistor (110) and to the base/gate of the second transistor (115), and an output port (125) is connected to the collectors/drains of the first (110) and second transistor (115), said collectors/drains also being connected to a DC supplier (Vc) via a first resistor (130).

Abstract: Embodiments of an electric power measuring system capable of computing accurate electric power information using a low voltage measuring instrument in a small-scale electric power system are provided. The electric power measuring system may include a first measuring instrument for measuring and detecting a current and a zero-cross point from a distribution line and for generating and outputting current information of the distribution line from the current and the zero-cross point, and a second measuring instrument for computing electric power information of the distribution line according to a voltage thereof and the current information output from the first measuring instrument.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of electricity meters and a control station. Each of the plurality of electricity meter includes a memory storing temperature information regarding the electricity meter, and a communication device. The control station is configured to receive temperature information from each of the plurality of electricity meters, for example, by way of the communication device of the electricity meters. The control station is also configured to process the temperature information from the plurality of electricity meters to generate at least one diagnostic value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thermal testing of an antenna. Embodiments enable positioning a unit under test having an antenna in an anechoic chamber and, manipulating a RF transparent heat chamber over the antenna. A system can raise a temperature in the heat chamber to a selected temperature and obtain antenna performance information while the antenna is heated in the heat chamber. Temperature affects on antenna performance can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for generating signals for ESD stress testing an electronic device are disclosed. In an embodiment the apparatus is configured to receive a source signal including a source pulse, delay the source pulse to generate a test signal including a test pulse with a pulse width in an ESD time range and generate an auxiliary signal including an auxiliary pulse with a pulse width in the ESD time range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting sensor wiring faults. A difference is determined between a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage and the low voltage are both related to a sensor that includes a high-voltage wire and a low-voltage wire. A determination is made whether the difference has dropped based on a low-voltage threshold. After determining that the difference has dropped, a fault in the high-voltage wire is indicated. A determination is made whether the difference has risen based on a high-voltage threshold, where the low-voltage threshold is less than the high-voltage threshold. After determining that the difference has risen, a fault in the low-voltage wire is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing a leakage current along a primary conductor are provided. A first fault detection module is deployed at a first location along the primary conductor and a second driver module is deployed at a second location along the conductor, where the conductor passes through current sensors at each of the modules. The modules are further linked by a safety cable, which also passes through the current sensors. The driver module drives a compensation current in the safety cable to drive the net current passing through the driver current sensor to zero. The fault sensing module senses the net current passing through its current sensor. When the sensed current deviates significantly from zero, the fault sensing module generates a leakage current indication signifying a potential ground fault between the two modules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting faults in excitation wiring. A first sum of a first high voltage and a first low voltage related to a first sensor is determined, where the first sensor is further related to an excitation voltage. A second sum of a second high voltage and a second low voltage related to a second sensor is determined, where the second sensor is further related to the excitation voltage. The excitation voltage is provided to both the first and second sensors using excitation wiring. A determination is made whether each of the first sum and the second sum changes beyond a threshold amount during a first time interval. After determining that each of the first sum and the second sum has changed beyond the threshold amount during the first time interval, an indication of a fault in the excitation wiring is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing measurements on a utility power device that shares a common ground with the apparatus selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the corresponding first lead and the second lead of the apparatus remain electrically coupled to the corresponding first and the second terminal of the utility power device. The apparatus selectively sends a second high voltage signal via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and measures a second corresponding signal returned via the first lead of the apparatus from the first terminal of the utility power device.

Abstract: Quality control testing for a batch of electronic modules. A series of tests are performed on manufactured electronic modules, including tests sensitive to the failure rate of previously tested modules. Specifically, a first test comprised of two phases is performed on the module batch. Further screening is then performed responsive to detection of a wire sweep failure in a subset of failed modules from the first test phase. The further screening is on modules that passed the first test phase and excludes modules that failed the first test phase.

Abstract: Disclosed are insulation resistance measuring device and method that are capable of rapidly and accurately calculating insulation resistance, despite parasitic capacitor components present in a battery pack.

Abstract: A fixture for connecting a printed wiring assembly (PWA) to an acceleration table for subjecting the PWA to highly accelerated stress screen (HASS) testing. The fixture comprises a member and multiple spacers. First openings extend through the member for receiving fasteners to connect the member to the acceleration table such that the member is spaced from the acceleration table. Second openings extend into the member for receiving fasteners to connect the PWA to the member. A third opening extends through the member to expose a substantial portion of a surface of the PWA. Also disclosed is a method comprising selecting a PWA for HASS testing, determining which one of a plurality of predetermined PWA categories includes the selected PWA, and conducting the HASS test on the selected PWA utilizing HASS testing parameters associated with the determined PWA category.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic measurement device and a method for operating the electronic measurement device. The electronic measurement device comprises a signal generating unit which is configured to generate a signal that is applied to an input node of a device under test. The electronic measurement device comprises a controlling unit which is configured to control the signal generating unit in that the generated signal is at least adjustable in its signal frequency. Furthermore, the electronic measurement device comprises at least a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit retrieves a signal from an output node of the device under test in time domain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing semiconductor wafers using a wafer translator are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for testing semiconductor dies on a wafer includes a wafer translator having a wafer-side facing toward the wafer, and an inquiry-side facing away from the wafer-side. The wafer has an active side facing the translator. The apparatus includes a peripheral seal configured to seal a space between the wafer translator and the wafer, and a valve in a fluidic communication with the space between the wafer translator and the wafer.

Abstract: A multi-bit flip-flop includes a plurality of multi-bit flip-flop blocks that share a clock signal. Each of the multi-bit flip-flop blocks includes a single inverter and a plurality of flip-flops. The single inverter generates an inverted clock signal by inverting the clock signal. Each of the flip-flops includes a master latch part and a slave latch part and operates the master latch part and the slave latch part based on the clock signal and the inverted clock signal. Here, the flip-flops are triggered at rising edges of the clock signal. Thus, the multi-bit flip-flop operating as a master-slave flip-flop may minimize (or, reduce) power consumption occurring in a clock path through which the clock signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Testing of die on wafer is achieved by; (1) providing a tester with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, (2) providing die on wafer with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, and (3) providing a connectivity mechanism between the bidirectional transceiver circuitry's of the tester and a selected group or all of the die on wafer for communication of the JTAG signals.

Abstract: A Scan-BIST architecture is adapted into a low power Scan-BIST architecture. A generator 102, compactor 106, and controller 110 remain the same as in the known art. The changes between the known art Scan-BIST architecture and the low power Scan-BIST architecture involve modification of the known scan path into scan path 502, to insert scan paths A 506, B 508 and C 510, and the insertion of an adaptor circuit 504 in the control path 114 between controller 110 and scan path 502.

Abstract: A motor driving device includes, a DB current calculation unit which calculates a DB current flowing through a DB circuit, based on the motor rotational speed and intrinsic parameters for a motor and the DB circuit, a Joule heat calculation unit which calculates a Joule heat resulting from a DB current, based on the DB current, a storage unit which stores a table defining the relationship between the DB current at the start of DB and the Joule heat resulting from an arc generated in a relay depending on the DB current, an integration unit which integrates the Joule heat resulting from an arc at the start of DB, the Joule heat resulting from a DB current, or the sum of these Joule heats, every time DB is performed, and a comparison unit which outputs the comparison result between the resultant integration value and a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A monitoring system is applied to an electrical system, which includes a DC power source and an electrical apparatus that is connected to the DC power source by a pair of electric power leads incorporating respective switches. To detect leakage current from the DC power source, a low-frequency AC signal is applied via a large-capacitance capacitor to a specific connection position, between a first terminal of the DC power source and the corresponding switch, and the resultant voltage of that signal is measured. To detect a short-circuit failure of one or both of the switches, a high-frequency AC signal is applied via a low-capacitance capacitor to the specific connection position, and the resultant signal voltage is measured. Judgement as to occurrence of leakage current and/or short-circuit failure is based on the measured signal voltage values.

Abstract: A method of determining a fault condition in a synchronous machine. The method includes a) obtaining a field current signal and a shaft voltage signal of the synchronous machine, b) transforming the field current signal and the shaft voltage signal to obtain a field current frequency spectrum and a shaft voltage frequency spectrum, and c) determining whether a fault condition is present, and in case a fault condition is present identifying a type of the fault condition, based on harmonic content of the field current frequency spectrum and harmonic content of the shaft voltage frequency spectrum, wherein c) includes comparing the harmonic content of the field current frequency spectrum with fault condition field current signature spectra and comparing the harmonic content of the shaft voltage frequency spectrum with fault condition shaft voltage signature spectra.

Abstract: A method assesses a state of charge of a battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells connected in series that each have a state of charge held between a minimum allowable state of charge value and a maximum allowable state of charge value. The method includes determining, at a given moment, the minimum cell voltage and the maximum cell voltage from the voltages at terminals of the cells, calculating a minimum state of charge of the cell having the minimum cell voltage and a maximum state of charge of the cell having the maximum cell voltage, and adjusting the minimum allowable state of charge value and the maximum allowable state of charge value of each cell depending on at least one physical quantity representative of a state of health of the cell and/or depending on a temperature of the battery.

Abstract: A secondary battery state detecting device (1) that detects a state of a secondary battery (14) installed in a vehicle, the device including: a learning means (control unit (10)) that learns element values of an equivalent circuit of the secondary battery (14) on the basis of a voltage and a current of the secondary battery (14); and a determination means (control unit (10)) that compares the element values obtained through learning at different timings by the learning means and, when at least one of the element values has changed more than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, determines that the secondary battery (14) has been replaced.

Abstract: A conductivity distribution derivation method for deriving a conductivity distribution within a battery having an electrode plate that is flat includes: obtaining magnetic field information indicating a magnetic field; and deriving, based on a plurality of relational expressions which (i) an x component of a magnetic field vector in an x direction parallel to the electrode plate, (ii) a y component of the magnetic field vector in a y direction parallel to the electrode plate and perpendicular to the x direction, (iii) the conductivity distribution on a two-dimensional plane parallel to the electrode plate, and (iv) an electric potential distribution on a two-dimensional plane parallel to the electrode plate satisfy, the conductivity distribution that satisfies the plurality of relational expressions with respect to the magnetic field information.

Abstract: A method and system for re-using the electrical energy of an electronic component under test. The method and system includes combining a first direct current voltage output of an electronic component under test with a second direct current voltage of a device. The combined first direct current voltage and second direct current voltage are regulated to create a power. The power functions a system application. At least one metric of the electronic component under test is monitored.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming a magnetic field sensor having a first magnetic field sensing element. In embodiments, trimming includes the use of a curve for normalized sensitivity of the first magnetic field sensing element derived from a first curve corresponding to current through a coil in a first direction at a first time to produce a field affecting the first magnetic field sensing element versus an external field and a second curve corresponding to current through the coil in a second direction opposite to the first direction at a second time to produce a field affecting the first magnetic field sensing element versus an external field.

Abstract: An improved two-wire hall-effect speed sensor circuit includes two separate voltage regulation circuits. The voltage regulator circuits, hall plates, signal processing circuits, and output stage are implemented on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition to a supply terminal and a return terminal, the ASIC includes an intermediate terminal. Both voltage regulation circuits may be aided by capacitors, one between the supply terminal and the return terminal, the other between the intermediate terminal and the return terminal. The speed sensor circuit is suitable for use with non-twisted wires, enabling use of a common supply wire for multiple sensors, thus reducing the number of terminals required on the controller and on connectors.

Abstract: A system for magnetic characterization of an induction heating wire including a conductor having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposed from the first end, wherein the induction heating wire extends along a portion of the conductor and is electrically isolated from the conductor, an alternating current power source electrically coupled with the conductor to pass an electric current between the first end and the second end, a current sensor positioned to sense the electric current, a sensing wire including a first lead and an opposed second lead, wherein the sensing wire defines a first loop having a first polarity and a second loop having a second, opposite polarity, the second loop being connected to the first loop at a crossover, and wherein the induction heating wire extends through the first loop, and a voltage sensor positioned to sense a voltage across the first lead and the second lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power magnetic field generation for atomic sensors using electro-permanent magnets are provided. In one embodiment, a method for magnetic field generation for an atomic sensor comprises: laser cooling a sample of atoms in a chamber; and trapping the sample of atoms in a magneto-optical trap within the chamber by applying an atom trapping field across the sample of atoms using at least one pair of electro-permanent magnet units.