Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting first and subsequent drops of follicle fluid falling into a test tube during an aspiration process. A pair of optical devices (emitter and detector) is positioned at opposite side of the test tube. The emitter emits a beam of light towards the detector. As soon as a drop of the follicle fluid falls into the test tube, a signal processing circuitry detects a change in intensity of the light received by the detector. Further, the intensity of beam is compared with a pre-defined intensity. Based on the comparison, if the difference between the pre-defined intensity and intensity is greater than a pre-defined threshold value, the signal processing circuitry generates an electrical signal indicating the detection of the first drop of the follicle fluid falling into the test tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a presence of predetermined material within a sample, comprises signal generation circuitry for generating a first signal having an applied first orbital angular momentum signature and applying the first signal to the sample. A detector receives the first signal after the first signal passes through the sample and determines the presence of the predetermined material within the sample based on a detected second orbital angular momentum signature within the first signal received from the sample. The detector provides an output of an indication of the presence of the predetermined material responsive to the determination.

Abstract: The number of stimulated spots and/or the area of a stimulated spot is easily increased or decreased while keeping the irradiation power for each stimulated spot constant.

Abstract: An optical field enhancement device that generates an enhanced optical field on a surface of a metal film by an optical field enhancement effect of localized plasmon induced on the surface of the metal film by light projected onto a nanostructure on which the metal film is formed, the device including a transparent substrate having a transparent nanostructure on a surface, a metal film formed on a surface of the nanostructure, and a support member for supporting a subject at a position spaced apart from the surface of the metal film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting a surface are disclosed. A source, detector, a base, a controller, and a processing device are used to collect image data related to the surface and information relating to the location of the image data on the surface. The image data and information relating to location are correlated and stored in a processing device to create a map of surface condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a stream of matter including: a first and a second light source for emitting a first and a second light beam; a first and a second detector; a first scanning element adapted to redirect the detection area of the second detector from side to side across said stream, and a beam splitting element arranged to receive said first and second light beams, after they have been reflected against said matter, wherein said beam splitting element is adapted to guide said reflected first light beam towards said first detector and to guide said reflected second light beam towards said second detector.

Abstract: A method, computing system and computer program product are provided to facilitate the inspection of an air separation module and to determine the degradation of an air separation module tubesheet. In the context of a method, an air separation module tubesheet is subjected to infrared spectroscopy by exposing the air separation module tubesheet to a spectrum of infrared radiation and collecting a spectrum of return signals. The method also includes providing a regression model based upon a multivariate regression of a representation of the infrared spectra collected from a plurality of air separation module tubesheet samples having different predefined conditions. The method further includes determining a condition of the air separation module tubesheet based upon a representation of the spectrum collected from the air separation module tubesheet and the regression model.

Abstract: A route examination system includes a thermographic camera configured to be logically or mechanically coupled with a vehicle that travels along a route. The thermographic camera is also configured to sense infrared radiation emitted or reflected from the route and to generate a sensed thermal signature representative of the infrared radiation that is sensed. The system also includes a computer readable memory device configured to store a designated thermal signature representative of infrared radiation emitted from a segment of the route that is not damaged. The system also includes an analysis processor configured to determine a condition of a first portion of the route relative to other portions of the route at least in part by comparing the sensed thermal signature and the designated thermal signature.

Abstract: The invention teaches a new apparatus and method to photograph glasses in multiple layers for taking high quality photo images with scratch, crash, black/white defect, lack, crack, pin-hole, concave edge and raised edge, bubble and smudge defects on the surface-layer, backside-layer or/and mid-layer of the glasses. The invention also introduces flexible and expendable photographing hardware architecture that will meet various customers inspecting defects requirements and speed requirements.

Abstract: The present description relates to a remote connection system suitable for being incorporated in an aircraft (1A, 1B, 1C) comprising at least one engine propeller (50A, 50B, 50C) having a plurality of blades (52A, 52B, 52C) suitable for rotating relative to a stationary module (10A, 10B, 10C) of the aircraft about an engine axis (X). The remote connection system comprises: a light emitter device configured, when the remote connection system is incorporated in the aircraft (1A, 1B, 1C), to emit a light beam that emerges to the outside of the propeller (50A, 50B, 50C), from at least one emission surface (54A, 54B, 54C) of said propeller (50A, 50B, 50C).

Abstract: An inspection object is supported by a table. Light is emitted from a light source to illuminate the inspection object. An optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is transmitted through the inspection object. Another optical unit illuminates the inspection object with light, wherein the light is reflected by the inspection object. Light transmitted through the inspection object is incident to a first sensor. Light reflected by the inspection object is incident to a second sensor. A defect of a pattern of the inspection object is detected using optical image data output from at least one of the sensors. A line width error is obtained by comparing line widths obtained from design data and optical image data of the pattern. A polarized beam splitter is disposed, movable between the inspection object and the first sensor, and between the inspection object and the second sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring a two-dimensional image of an external surface of a three-dimensional object is described. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and displacing the object, a camera for capturing images of portions of the object surface, and a friction member for rotating the object. The camera is configured to capture images corresponding to successive exposed portions of the object surface, and to sequentially capture the images as respective single frames. The apparatus further includes an electronic control unit adapted to read out a sub-frame from the single frame, store the sub-frame, and assemble successive sub-frames into an assembled frame corresponding to a two-dimensional image of an unpeeled surface area of the object.

Abstract: In semiconductor fabrication processes, one or more wafers are often exposed to processes such as chemical vapor deposition to form semiconductor components thereupon. Often, some of the wafers exhibit flaws due to contamination or processing errors occurring before, during, or after component formation. Inspection of the wafers is often performed by direct visual inspection of humans, which is prone to errors due to flaws that are too small to view directly; to particles naturally arising in the human eye; and to fatigue caused by inspection of large numbers of wafers. Presented herein are inspection techniques involving positioning the wafer in a dark chamber exposing the surface of the wafer to a light source at a first angle, and capturing with a camera an image of the light source reflected from the surface of the wafer at a second angle. Wafers identified as exhibiting flaws are removed from the wafer set.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a manufactured part at an inspection station are provided. A supported part is rotated about a measurement axis so that the part moves at predetermined angular increments during at least one rotational scan. A backside beam of collimated radiation is directed at and is occluded by the supported part at each of a first plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of unobstructed portions of the backside beam in rapid succession passing by and not blocked by the supported part. A frontside beam of radiation is directed at and is reflected by the supported part at each of a second plurality of consecutive increments of movement to create a stream of reflected portions of the frontside beam in rapid succession. The streams of reflected and unobstructed portions are detected at the inspection station to obtain electrical signals which are processed.

Abstract: A material-discerning device is arranged to include an antenna, a proximity sensor, a band pass filter and a processor. The antenna radiates a radio-frequency signal and a material object is located in the field created by the antenna and near the proximity sensor. Change in the amplitude of the radio-frequency signal due to the presence of the material object is detected by the proximity sensor. The change in amplitude of the radio-frequency signal is stored. The frequency of the radio-frequency signal is changed and the process is repeated until a range of frequencies have been swept and stored. After the range of frequencies has been swept and stored, the processor determines the type of material of the material object using the results of the changes in amplitude of the radio-frequency signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing x-ray phase-contrast imaging using a conventional x-ray source and detector are provided. An array of x-ray focusing elements it provided and used to focus x-ray onto a pattern of multiple different focal spots. When an object is introduced into the beam path, the focal spots will be displaced based on the x-rays being refracted by the object. A refraction angle map is produced and used to generate a phase contrast image, such as an image that indicates the electron density distribution in the object. Multi-spectral imaging can be achieved by utilizing the chromatic aberration of the array of x-ray focusing elements and sweeping the detector through different focal planes associated with different x-ray energy levels or sweeping the peak voltage of the x-ray source for a fixed object-to-detector distance.

Abstract: A projection method of three-dimensional imaging includes the steps of respectively projecting a radiation field emitted from a radiation source with respect to one specific detector of a plurality of detectors and a three-dimensional sub-voxel onto two two-dimensional planes; rotating the specific detector to one specific axis of the two dimensional plane; performing a calculation for obtaining a sub-geometric factor corresponding to each specific detector and each voxel; and, finally, forming a geometric factor by combining each sub-geometric factor defined by each detector and each voxel.

Abstract: An assembly for Kratky collimator is provided. The assembly may be used for a small angle x-ray camera or system requiring such filtering. The assembly may include a first block with a first working surface and a second block with a second working surface. The first and second blocks may be aligned with the first working surface pointing an opposite direction of the second working surface and the first working surface being aligned in a common plane with the second working surface. In some implementations, the first block may comprise a crystal material. In some implementations, an extension may of the first block may be configured position a beamstop.

Abstract: A method of testing for impurities includes directing an x-ray source toward a surface at an angle ? relative to the plane of the surface, the surface defined by a ceramic coating over a crystalline substrate; detecting x-ray fluorescent radiation emitted from the ceramic coating at an angle ? different from the angle ? and its supplementary angle; and comparing characteristics of the detected x-ray fluorescent radiation to characteristics associated with impurities.

Abstract: A method of detecting hazardous materials in containers utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The presence of precursors (e.g., H202) and/or nitrogen in the liquid in the container is determined by placing the container in a static magnetic field, exciting the container with electromagnetic pulses having a frequency corresponding to proton NMR and 14N NMR, and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals through a probe. The excitation pulses are configured to enable detection of the presence of precursors and nitrogen in the container, and may comprise a sequence of short RF pulses. The presence of nitrogen and/or explosive precursors is determined by detecting and evaluating NMR measurement signal amplitudes and relaxation times from the received RF signals. An apparatus comprising a magnet that generates a magnetic field and a probe that generates RF pulses and receives NMR measurement signals from the sampled container in accordance with the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A heat generation point detection method comprises steps S01, S02 of applying a low frequency bias voltage to an integrated circuit S and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected from the integrated circuit S in response thereto, steps S03, S04 of supplying a high frequency bias voltage to the integrated circuit S and acquiring a heat generation detection signal detected from the integrated circuit S in response thereto, steps S05 to S07 of detecting a phase shift between the low frequency bias voltage and the heat generation detection signal and a phase shift between the high frequency bias voltage and the heat generation detection signal, and a step S08 of calculating a change rate of the phase shift against a square root of the frequency of the bias voltage, based on those phase shifts, and acquiring depth information of a heat generation point from the change rate.

Abstract: A method of forming extremely small pores in a substrate may be used to produce, for example, an apparatus for the study of biological molecules, by providing a small pore in a piezoelectric substrate having electrodes, the latter that may be energized to change the pore dimensions.

Abstract: An electronic indicator includes artificial soil and sensor. An electrical characteristic of the electronic indicator can vary due to a change in the volume of the artificial soil. In some embodiments, the electrical characteristic of the electronic indicator can be measured by an electrical characteristic reader and used to determine efficacy of a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus and measuring method for detecting ferromagnetic particles which are movably arranged in a liquid volume, characterized by a magnetic means for generating a magnetic field in the liquid volume, a measuring means for the total electrical resistance of the liquid volume with the ferromagnetic particles therein and a means for checking the function of the measuring apparatus with at least one low-value resistor of between 50 and 500? for carrying out a resistance measurement. The invention also describes a magnetic means with an electromagnet which, when in need of cleaning, can be demagnetized by means of correct energization (measured using the normal resistance measurement) and can be magnetized again when started up again.

Abstract: A decoder unit for determining a substance or material structure of a detected object based on signals of a capacitive sensor comprises a distribution determination device arranged to determine a detected distribution relation based on signals of the at least one capacitive sensor; a comparison device arranged to compare the detected distribution relation with at least one predetermined distribution relation, the at least one predetermined distribution relation corresponding to a substance or a material structure and an output device arranged to indicate the result of the comparison carried out by the comparison device.

Abstract: There is provided an electrolyte solution including a solvent formed from a sulfone, and a magnesium salt dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.

Abstract: A transistor includes at least one conductive layer, at least one gate dielectric layer and at least one semiconducting film deposited on top of a receptor molecule layer previously deposited or covalently linked to the surface of the gate dielectric. The layer of biological material includes single or double layers of phospholipids, layers made of proteins such as receptors, antibodies, ionic channels and enzymes, single or double layers of phospholipids with inclusion or anchoring of proteins such as: receptors, antibodies, ionic channels and enzymes, layers made of oligonucleotide (DNA, RNA, PNA) probes, layers made of cells or viruses, layers made of synthetic receptors for example molecules or macromolecules similar to biological receptors for properties, reactivity or steric aspects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for digitally controlling an oxygen sensor. The apparatus comprises a computer and digital circuitry coupled to the oxygen sensor to convey information between the oxygen sensor and the computer. The oxygen sensor includes a pump cell and at least one Nernst cell configured to indicate the difference in oxygen content in a test medium relative to a reference medium. A pump control circuit operates the pump cell according to signals received from the computer based on output signals from the Nernst cell. A reference voltage circuit enables the computer to determine impedances of the oxygen sensor as a function of sensor temperature and pressure. A Nernst read circuit transmits output signals from the oxygen sensor digitally to the computer. Digital signals received by the computer are compared with stored reference information so as to determine the oxygen content of the test medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for concentrating, detecting and/or isolating a plurality of charged analytes contained in a sample by depletion zone isotachophoresis.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides an accurate, fast, and cost effective method for determining the additive concentrations of at least two inhibitors simultaneously in an electroplating bath by using different electrical load conditions. The method of the present invention is able to determine additive concentrations of different inhibitors effectively during on-line feedback control for adjusting the amount of additives in the electroplating bath to maintain the additive concentrations within pre-defined limits during device production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating an object having a wrinkle. Energy is sent into the object at a plurality of locations using an array of transmitting elements. Reflected energy is received at an array of receiving elements in response to a portion of the energy being reflected off a plurality of layers in the object. A three-dimensional model of the wrinkle in the object is created based on the reflected energy received at the array of receiving elements.

Abstract: Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.

Abstract: A vibronic measuring device for determining at least one process variable of a medium. Included are: an oscillatable unit; a transmitting/receiving unit, which, by means of a transmission signal, excites the oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and receives the mechanical oscillations and converts such into an analog, electrical, received signal; and a control/evaluation unit (MC), which receives the analog, received signal, digitizes such and determines the process variable therefrom and which produces the transmission signal.

Abstract: Described are methods of determining free hydrophobic active in aqueous formulations including the steps of encapsulating a hydrophobic active, preparing a formulation containing encapsulated hydrophobic active, adding a cyclodextrin to the formulation, thereby entraining any free hydrophobic active; and quantifying the amount of free hydrophobic active.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to detecting gaseous analytes and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods related to detecting gaseous analytes by monitoring changes in liquid crystals upon exposure to the gaseous analytes.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a biological detector can include training a biological detector to detect a calibration compound, wherein the calibration compound comprises an odor that is detectable by the biological detector and is not used in an environment for which the biological detector is trained to detect odors, presenting the biological detector with a device comprising the calibration compound, and determining whether the biological detector will alert to the calibration compound.

Abstract: A curved gaseous particle detector includes a stack of two layers that are curved and maintained together by a frame formed of two spars defining a plane. The two spars are connected together by at least two curved bars outside of the plane and the frame being placed between the two layers of the stack.

Abstract: A corrosion sensor includes a plurality of metal strips having different thicknesses. A first metal strip with the least thickness is first employed to provide sensitive corrosion detection. After an exposed portion of the first metal strip is consumed, a second metal strip having a second least thickness can be employed to provide continued sensitive corrosion detection employing a remaining un-corroded portion of the second metal strip. The plurality of metal strips can be sequentially employed as exposed portions of thinner metal strips become unusable through complete corrosion and un-corroded exposed portions of thicker metal strips become thin enough to provide sensitive corrosion detection.

Abstract: A gas cross-sensitivity analysis method is provided. The method includes, an injection frequency signal is generated from a first gas. A second gas sensing signal is captured from a second gas. Then, the second gas sensing signal is converted to a second gas sensing frequency signal by using Fast Fourier Transform. Further, a sensing peak frequency signal is determined from peak frequency of the second gas sensing frequency signal. The injection frequency signal and the sensing peak frequency signal are analyzed. A gas cross-sensitivity effect can be direct interpretation by a singular indication between the injection frequency signal and the sensing peak frequency signal.

Abstract: Provided is an organic ligand-bound metal surface that selects one gaseous species over another. The species can be closely sized molecular species having less than 1 Angstrom difference in kinetic diameter. In one embodiment, the species comprise carbon monoxide and ethylene. Such organic ligand-bound metal surfaces can be successfully used in gas phase separations or purifications, sensing, and in catalysis.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device for detecting and warning users of unhealthy levels of a given substance is disclosed having more than one sensor for each substance to be detected. Each sensor for each substance detected may be positioned in more than one plane or surface on the device. The device may be capable of auto or self calibration. Methods for reading substance levels and auto calibrating are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assessing the disintegration of a dosage form in the gastrointestinal tract, comprising a wall surrounding a cell for being filled with a fluid and for receiving the dosage form, further comprising a pressurizable compartment arranged exterior to the wall for repeatedly deforming the wall between a first state and a second state wherein the volume of the cell in the first state is larger than in the second state, wherein the device also comprises controlling means for quantitatively controlling a fluid flow from and into the cell, and/or for quantitatively controlling a contact force that the wall exerts on the dosage form.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to signal processing methods and systems for identifying a material on a body of a person using electromagnetic radiation. A radar system may measure a first reflection of radiation incident on a body of a person. The first reflection may be from a surface of the body. The radar system may measure a second reflection of the radiation. The second reflection may be from a first material residing on or proximate to the surface of the body. An analyzer may determine, relative to the first reflection, a delay in the second reflection due to propagation of a portion of the radiation through the first material. The analyzer may determine, based on the delay, at least one of: the first material and a dielectric constant of the first material.

Abstract: Explosive reagent detecting compositions are provided for detecting explosives containing chlorate and hydrogen peroxide. Such compositions include Ru-EDTA complexes, binuclear aromatic hydroxyl (BAH) and an optional lanthanide salt. Embodiments of these compositions may be combined with a compact and flexible packaging as an easy-to-use kit for detecting the presence of explosives.

Abstract: A method of evaluating stabilization fluids for use in a subterranean formation having a clay composition is disclosed. The method features providing a plurality of replicant core samples representative of the composition of a subterranean formation. A plurality of stabilization fluids are introduced to the plurality of replicant core sample such that an eluted mixture is extracted from a second end of each replicant core sample. Afterwards, at least one property of the eluted mixture from each replicant core sample is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring at least one yarn quality parameter and/or a parameter of a sensor by an electronic cleaner of yarn by means of an optical detector comprising a sensor with one or two rows of individual optical elements. The individual optical elements provide at their outputs an analog signal proportional to the intensity of its irradiation, the value of which is monitored during each measurement cycle. In the first and/or the second row of optical elements of the sensor, for each monitored parameter, individual optical elements of the sensor, are selected constituting an active zone for monitoring a particular parameter. The number of the optical elements in one active zone in one row is lower than the overall number of the optical elements in the corresponding row, and the output analog signal of the individual optical elements of the corresponding active zone is included in the evaluation of the particular parameter.

Abstract: A method for accurately testing yarn hairiness through stretching one-directionally, belonging to a technical field of textile testing, is provided. A suction pipe is provided on an external side of a laser and connected with an exhausting fan through a sleeve connector and a hose. An air inlet of the suction pipe generates a negative pressure under an effect of the exhausting fan to laterally suck the yarn running at a tension state among the laser, a projection receiver and the suction pipe. The hairiness on a yarn surface stretches straight one-directionally towards an airflow direction at a height of a center of the air inlet of the suction pipe. The one-directional straight stretched hairiness on the yarn surface is accurately projected to the projection receiver of a testing head at an equal length for accurately testing a hair amount and a hair length.

Abstract: Flow cytometer systems that include a sample manipulation chamber having an access hole that is adjustably sealed by a slider tape sealing cartridge are provided. Also provided are methods of using such systems, as well as components for use in such systems.