Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress an error in the value detected by a pressure sensor, which may be caused when environmental temperature varies. A semiconductor substrate has a first conductivity type. A semiconductor layer is formed over a first surface of the semiconductor substrate. Each of resistance parts has a second conductivity type, and is formed in the semiconductor layer. The resistance parts are spaced apart from each other. A separation region is a region of the first conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer, and electrically separates the resistance parts from each other. A depressed portion is formed in a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, and overlaps the resistance parts, when viewed planarly. The semiconductor layer is an epitaxial layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.

Abstract: A pressure detector includes a passage casing, a fixing body, a sensing member, a sealing member, and a power supply member. The passage casing and the fixing body form a receiving space where the sensing member is disposed in. The sealing member is filled into the rest of the receiving space and separates the sensing member from the fixing body, and prevents a fluid to be measured coming from the chamber from leaking to outside space. The circuit board of the sensing member is protected from contacting the fluid to be measured directly. Thus, the accuracy of measuring pressure is improved, and the lifetime of the pressure detector is lengthened.

Abstract: A measuring cell having a measuring cell body and a measuring diaphragm mounted on the measuring cell body, with the measuring diaphragm in direct contact with a measurement environment, so that when the measuring cell is used, as intended, in at least one measurement section of a top surface of the diaphragm that is covered in an anti-stick coating and faces the measurement environment.

Abstract: A device is disclosed including a substrate; an infrared detector coupled to and thermally isolated from the substrate; and a heat shield coupled to the substrate by a plurality of contacts, the heat shield disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the infrared detector. The heat shield is configured to receive a current through the contacts to heat the heat shield to a first temperature, and the infrared detector is configured to detect the first temperature and provide an output signal that is related to a vacuum pressure within the device. Methods for using and forming the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining an error in a pressure, which is measured by means of a pressure sensor in a pressure accumulator for accumulating fuel that can be let out of the pressure accumulator via an injection valve and injected into a cylinder, wherein the method comprises: determining at least two 3-tuples of a first pressure, a period of time, and a second pressure, wherein each first pressure is measured by the pressure sensor; wherein after measuring each first pressure, the valve is opened for a period of time; and wherein after the opening of the valve for the period of time, the second pressure is measured by the pressure sensor; and determining the error of the measured pressure from the at least two 3-tuples.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks or weaknesses in a flexible package. The device includes a first member having a non-conductive surface, a second member secured in a position adjacent the first member, and a control system. The second member has an electrically conductive first portion and an electrically conductive second portion. The electrically conductive first portion of the second member is normally electrically insulated from the electrically conductive second portion of the second member. The control system is arranged to detect an electrical current between the electrically conductive first portion and the electrically conductive second portion. The second member may be positioned relative the first member to compress a flexible package between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A wind tunnel balance, with a tunnel wall adaptor configured to fasten the wind tunnel balance to a wall of a wind tunnel, an actuator housing connected to the tunnel wall adaptor, a plurality of force sensors arranged between the actuator housing and the tunnel wall adaptor and which are configured to detect forces acting on the actuator housing, a pivot coupling, by means of which an airfoil model of an aircraft can be pivotably coupled to the actuator housing, and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators arranged in the actuator housing and which are configured to controllably deflect an airfoil model mounted on the pivot coupling in three spatial directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of evaluating optical characteristics of a transparent substrate that is disposed on a display device, wherein the optical characteristics of the transparent substrate are evaluated by selecting two values among a quantified resolution index value (T), a quantified reflection image diffusiveness index value (R), and a quantified sparkle index value of the transparent substrate. According to the present invention, a transparent substrate and an anti-glare process that is to be applied to it can be properly selected, depending on purpose and use. The present invention can be utilized, for example, for evaluating optical characteristics of a transparent substrate that is installed in various types of display devices, such as an LCD device, an OLED device, a PDP device, and a tablet type display device.

Abstract: Optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) circuitry to perform tasks on an optical fiber to generate calibration or correction data for calibrating or correcting a reference OFDR data set. A segmented technique is used which permits precise and accurate determination of the correction data for even initial and long fiber lengths. Correction information for each segment is stitched together to generate the correction data for the fiber.

Abstract: Diagnosing equipment coupled to a generator. A condition of the equipment is diagnosed based on information provided by signals from a generator operationally connected to the equipment or other signals associated with an engine. Different types of degradation are distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the information. Thus, a degraded equipment component can be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether an injector with a valve controlled by a PWM signal of an SCR system is at least partially clogged, the system including a pump, or a positive-displacement pump, driven by a motor and pressure of which is controlled by a controller that continuously measures the pressure and/or another parameter characteristic of energy transmitted by the motor to the pump. According to the method, during normal operation of the SCR system, specific portions of one of the measurements are compared with equivalent portions stored in a memory.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first structure and a second structure disposed radially outwardly of the first structure. Also included is a sensor body extending through the first and second structures, the sensor body having first and second ends, the second end disposed in an ambient environment. Further included is a sensor mounted to the sensor body proximate the second end, the sensor configured to detect a characteristic of a target disposed within the first structure. Yet further included is a first sealing assembly configured to operatively couple the sensor body to the second structure and to accommodate movement of the sensor body. The first sealing assembly includes a mounting body, a radial seal, a slider plate and a slider plate retainer disposed in a recess of the mounting body and in abutment with the slider plate.

Abstract: A sample feeding apparatus includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a sealing section. The first cylinder is configured to be mounted with a sample tube. The second cylinder is configured to move the first cylinder between a first position and a second position, the first position being for mounting of the sample tube, the second position being for feeding of a sample in the sample tube. The sealing section is configured to cover the sample tube, the sample tube being mounted to the first cylinder being at the second position, the first cylinder applying pressure to an inner space of the sealing section at the second position.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology is used for specimens (6) of different sizes. To maintain optimized cutting conditions, an adaptation to different specimen sizes is required without incurring disadvantages in terms of operation. An adjustment possibility is provided for the length of the vertical cutting movement (10). However, the moment that is generated by the vertical carriage (7) and that acts on the drive shaft (12) then changes. To maintain balanced moments of the drive movement, the counterweight has to be accordingly adapted by an adjustment weight (31). For this purpose, means are provided which, in an ergonomic and effective manner, permit the adjustment of the cutting stroke and also the necessary adaptation of the counterweights in one operation step.

Abstract: A container consists of two external cylinders: bottom and top, between which a middle cylinder, designed for a sample, is situated. A method of collecting, preparing and analyzing undisturbed soil samples to define soil hydraulic conductivity generally bases on measurement of volume of water flowing through the sample as a function of time and temperature at a defined hydraulic drop. An equipment consists of a base (6) with a perforated socket (7) to which a pressure column (10) is fitted disconnectedly. A lower edge of the column (10) turns into a flange (11) with holes for screws (12) corresponding to openings made in the base (6). In the base (6) there are horizontal deaeration ducts (8) connected to a vacuum pump. The ducts (8) reach the first grooves of the socket (7). The whole is situated in the external cylinder (17).

Abstract: In one aspect, a vehicle includes an aerial propulsion system, an altitude sensor system, a water sampling system, and a control system. The water sampling system includes a water sampling extension configured to extend away from the vehicle, one or more water sample receptacles, and a water pump. The control system is configured to perform operations including: guiding, using the aerial propulsion system, the vehicle over a water source; causing, using sensor data from the altitude sensor system, the vehicle to descend towards the water source so that the water sampling extension contacts the water source; and causing, using the water sampling system, the water pump to pump water from the water source into the one or more water sample receptacles through the water sampling extension while the vehicle is in flight over the water source.

Abstract: Repeated simultaneous concentration measurements at spatially separated points are used to provide information on the lateral spatial extent of a gas plume. More specifically the spatial correlations in this data provide this information. Fitting a gas plume model directly to this multi-point data can provide good estimates of total plume emission. The distance between the plume source and the measurement points does not need to be known to provide these estimates. It is also not necessary to perform any detailed atmospheric modeling. These estimates of the lateral spatial extent of a gas plume can also be used to provide a distance estimate to the source of the gas plume.

Abstract: A method for detecting a crystal defect in a silicon single crystal wafer doped with nitrogen, the silicon single crystal wafer whose initial oxygen concentration is 8 ppma (JEIDA) or lower. The method further includes the steps of: making a crystal defect of defect size of 25 nm or smaller apparent and detectable by implanting oxygen into the crystal defect by performing heat treatment on the silicon single crystal wafer in an oxygen atmosphere; and detecting the crystal defect of the silicon single crystal wafer after the heat treatment temperature is set such that, when the ratio between the oxygen solid solubility and the initial oxygen concentration of the silicon single crystal wafer heat treatment is set at ?=the oxygen solid solubility/the initial oxygen concentration, ? falls within a range from 1 to 3.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transfer of tissue samples from a substrate to a vessel, for subsequent processing (e.g., focused acoustic treatment) within the vessel. A transfer apparatus, having a transfer end and a handle end, may be used to collect a sample material from the substrate. When the sample material is collected from the substrate, the transfer end may be placed within a vessel for treatment of the sample material while the transfer end is also located within the vessel. In some embodiments, the transfer end may be decoupled or otherwise separated from the handle end so that only the transfer end portion of the transfer apparatus is located within the vessel during treatment.

Abstract: A sampling device comprising a body that defines a fluid flow path from an inlet opening, wherein the flow path includes a bed of a porous polymer monolith selected to adsorb bioparticles from a matrix drawn or dispensed through the inlet opening and the bed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of an autosampler, a sample rack provided with a thermal conductive plate holder on whose upper surface a sample plate is to be set is set on a rack setting section. A cooling device for cooling the plate holder is provided. A plate detection section for detecting whether a sample plate is set on the plate holder of the sample rack that is set on the rack setting section is provided, and when a sample plate is not set on the plate holder of the sample rack that is set on the rack setting section, the output of the cooling device for cooling the plate holder is turned off.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining geomechanical parameters of a rock sample, including a searching step, during which the horizontal and vertical forces provided to a blade advancing at a constant speed and at a constant cutting depth along the sample are measured, in order to destroy a constant volume per unit of length at the surface of the rock sample; a micro-indentation step, during which mechanical features of the rock are determined by micro-indentation; a step of determining the geological parameters of the sample, during which at least one parameter chosen from the uniaxial compressive strength, the angle of friction, internal cohesion, Brinell hardness and Young's modulus of the rock is estimated by means of measurements taken during the scratching and micro-indentation steps.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: A particle count measurement device includes a preprocessing section configured to place an aerosol introduced into a measurement region in an electrical state of any of a neutralized state, a positively charged state or a negatively charged state, a unipolar charging section configured to place the aerosol which has been introduced in an electrical state different from at a time of introduction, an ion trap arranged on a downstream of the unipolar charging section in terms of a flow of the aerosol for generating an electric field that draws only gas ions in the aerosol, an exhaust mechanism configured to discharge the aerosol from the measurement region at a constant flow rate, and an ammeter for detecting, as a measurement value corresponding to a particle count concentration, a difference between current supplied by the unipolar charging section and current flowing into the ion trap.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system suitable for characterizing multicellular aggregates during culture and before implantation combines a low shear flow channel with a multiphoton laser scanning microscope, the latter permitting the characterization of interior and exterior cells in optical isolation from other cells for a representative sampling of fluorescent activity. Imaging capabilities permit sophisticated statistical measurements reflecting individual cell characteristics.

Abstract: A sensor controller is applied to a particulate matter detection sensor that includes an attachment portion to which conductive particulate matter contained in gas is attached, and a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other at the attachment portion. The particulate matter detection sensor is adapted to output a detection signal corresponding to a resistance between the pair of opposed electrodes, and the sensor controller is adapted to calculate an amount of attached particulate matter based on a sensor detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor. The sensor controller includes a heater for heating the attachment portion so as to burn and remove the particulate matter attached to the attachment portion, and an abnormality diagnosis portion for obtaining the sensor detection value during a heating of the heater and for performing diagnosis of abnormality of the particulate matter detection sensor based on the obtained sensor detection value.

Abstract: Provided is a novel particle adsorption probe (1000) for picking up a particle by adsorbing the particle. The particle adsorption probe (1000) can selectively pick up a particle having a specific particle diameter from a group of particles having a wide particle diameter distribution without requiring the application of a physical stress in picking up the particle and without contaminating a foreign matter surface in picking up the particle, and allows the particle to be analytically evaluated in an analysis apparatus directly after picking up the particle. The particle adsorption probe (1000) of the present invention includes a carbon nanotube aggregate (100) including a plurality of carbon nanotubes (10).

Abstract: Flow cytometer systems are provided having intermediate angle scatter detection capability. In some aspects, systems are provided that include an intermediate angle scatter (IAS) light detector positioned to measure intermediate angle scatter emitted from a flow cytometer. The system further includes a mask disposed across a portion of the IAS light detector and positioned between the flow cell and the IAS light detector to cover at least a central portion of the IAS light detector so as to block a diffraction pattern observed at the detector. In some instances, the diffraction pattern is created by a flat beam profile irradiating the sample. Methods are also provided for configuring a flow cytometer to block a diffraction pattern created by (1) a flat laser beam profile irradiating a flow cytometer liquid sample, or (2) a mismatched index of refraction between a sheath fluid and a liquid sample in a flow cytometer.

Abstract: Techniques for testing a component for compatibility with a depressurization profile associated with a launch vehicle payload fairing during ascent are disclosed. A pressure of air or other gas within a pressure vessel containing the component is raised to a first value substantially higher than one atmosphere absolute pressure. The air/gas pressure within the pressure vessel is lowered, by venting into the ambient atmosphere, at a rate simulating or demonstrating margin with respect to the launch vehicle payload fairing depressurization profile. The component is inspected for damage. The component may be a panel including a honeycomb core sandwiched between two faceskins, the panel having a planar area in excess of twenty five square feet.

Abstract: A progressive, or graded, passive moisture detector is configured to provide an indication of the amount of moisture to which a moisture-sensitive substrate has been exposed, a duration of time that a moisture-sensitive substrate has been exposed to moisture or the effectiveness of one or more protective coatings at preventing moisture-sensitive components from being exposed to moisture. A progressive passive moisture detector includes a plurality of different passive moisture detectors with different properties. The passive moisture detectors may be arranged in a manner (e.g., a sequence, etc.) that correlates to information the progressive passive moisture detector is intended to provide.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating images of biological samples having a surface, the system comprising: a sample support for supporting a biological sample in use; a plurality of illumination sources, the plurality of illumination sources being arranged around the sample support and each adapted to illuminate the biological sample, in use, from a different direction; an image capture device for capturing illumination which has impinged on the biological sample to thereby form an image of the sample; wherein at least one of the illumination sources direction is not perpendicular to the surface of the sample.

Abstract: A waveguide structure for evanescent wave microscopy and/or spectroscopy, comprising an optically transparent core layer, a lower dielectric cladding layer and an upper dielectric cladding layer arranged on opposite sides of the core layer. The core layer has a refractive index higher than the refractive indices of the cladding layers. The upper cladding layer is made of an organic material. A sample well is arranged on an upper surface of the core layer formed by a cavity in the upper cladding layer, the sample well being adapted to contain a sample medium with one or more sample objects. The core layer is made of a first dielectric inorganic material, and the upper cladding layer has a refractive index which closely matches the refractive index of the sample medium. A method for manufacturing such waveguide structure, and a measurement system comprising the waveguide structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the weight of a passivation coating composition on a moving substrate with minimal interruption. The method of present invention is especially useful for effective quality control in an industrial setting.

Abstract: Gas detector devices, systems, and methods using a Golay cell are described herein. One device includes a microphone having a front surface with an sound collecting aperture for receiving sound, a substrate, a gas cavity formed in the substrate such that the gas cavity is in gas communication with the sound collecting aperture and the front surface forms a side surface of the gas cavity, and a window abutting the substrate to form a side surface of the gas cavity.

Abstract: Compensating for amplitude drift in a spectrometer may include making successive performances of a standardization process to generate, at each performance, a mathematical transform to compensate for amplitude drift for application by an arithmetic unit to a spectrum obtained by the spectrometer in an interval between the performances. The compensating may include modifying the mathematical transform with a function dependent on spectral data from a zero material measured in association with the standardization process and the single beam zero spectrum measured in an interval between performances. The compensating may include applying the modified mathematical transform to a spectrum from an unknown sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for performing a light-absorption measurement of a specified amount of sample. A method for performing a light-absorption measurement of a specified amount of sample includes placing the sample on the surface of an apparatus including the surface and a light reflector, the light reflector being mechanically coupled with the surface and separated from the surface by a separation distance, changing the separation distance, while the light reflector remains mechanically coupled with the surface, to a first separation distance, and performing a first light-absorption measurement of the sample via the apparatus, while the separation distance is equal to the first separation distance, and while the sample is subject to pressure force.

Abstract: The present invention is provided to remove scattering from other parts, except for an end part of a nano-probe, in a near-field microscope, and to enable a spectral analysis by delaying the generation of multiple reflections caused through the shaft of the nano-probe. A first characteristic of the present invention is to temporally delay generation of multiple reflections by manufacturing a probe portion to have a predetermined length or more in a tuning-fork based near-field probe. A second characteristic of the present invention is to provide a near-field microscope which includes a tuning-fork based near-field probe having a structure as above, and can measure a time-domain transient reaction of a scattered wave. A third characteristic of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a spectral analysis on a time-domain signal measured by the near-field microscope.

Abstract: A concentration of a chosen molecule in a liquid phase in a sample space is determined through use of a signal channel output/reference channel ratio obtained by use of an NDIR absorption technique in which scattering noise attributable to the liquid phase is reduced by alternately and successively pulsing infrared radiation from signal and reference sources which are multiplexed and collimated into a pulsed beam directed through the sample space containing the liquid phase and the pulse frequency is sufficiently fast so that a given molecule of the chosen molecule will not pass in and out of the sample space within the pulse frequency.

Abstract: A holder and apparatus for terahertz imaging and/or spectroscopy of beads, particles or microparticles, and methods for terahertz imaging and/or spectroscopy of beads, particles or microparticles and making the holder are disclosed. The holder includes a tray having a substantially planar upper surface, and one or more offsets above or below the substantially planar upper surface. Each offset is configured to hold one of the beads, particles or microparticles, and has a height or depth configured to minimize or eliminate interference between reflections of the terahertz radiation from the tray and reflections of the terahertz radiation from the bead, particle or microparticle in or on the offset.

Abstract: A computer implemented method. The method includes obtaining, using a processor, spectral reflectance data from a coated surface having a target coating theron; and determining, using the processor, whether the data includes any outlier data points. The method also includes removing, using the processor, at least one of the outlier data points to produce final spectral reflectance data; and calculating, using the processor, a characteristic of the target coating based at least in part on the final spectral reflectance data.

Abstract: Material classification using multiplexed illumination by broadband spectral light from multiple different incident angles, coupled with multi-spectral narrow band spectral measurement of light reflected from the illuminated object of unknown material, wherein selection of spectral bands for illumination or for narrow-band capture may comprise analysis of a database of labeled training material samples within a multi-class classification framework, captured using a relatively large number of spectral bands (such as 32 spectral bands), so as to select a subset of a relatively fewer number of spectral bands (such as 5 spectral bands), wherein the selected spectral bands in the subset retain a significant aptitude for distinguishing between different classifications of materials.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising, obtaining an infrared (IR) spectrum of a Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) sample by analyzing the sample by infrared spectroscopy; and based on the infrared spectrum, generating an output indicative of the presence of a solid tumor or a pre-malignant condition. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a photodetection region configured to receive incident photons. The photodetection region is configured to produce a plurality of charge carriers in response to the incident photons. The integrated circuit also includes at least one charge carrier storage region. The integrated circuit also includes a charge carrier segregation structure configured to selectively direct charge carriers of the plurality of charge carriers into the at least one charge carrier storage region based upon times at which the charge carriers are produced.

Abstract: A phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer having an excitation light source capable of emitting a pulse of light that will induce fluorescence in an external object. A photo detector for detecting the pulse and a circuit to synchronize a pulse of light from the excitation light source with a pulse of light from an external light source.

Abstract: A device and method are described in which the lifetime of a fluorescent species or fluorophores is detected in the absence of any optical filter. Based on the measured fluorescent lifetimes, molecules or compounds attached to a fluorophores such as small organic molecules, polymers, peptides, saccharides and nucleic acids can be identified or assayed.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a buffer solution having a desired pH value is disclosed. The method uses two known buffer solutions, each with predetermined pH values, and determines a mathematical relationship which defines the amount of each known buffer solution needed to create the buffer solution with the desired pH. This method can then be used to create one or more denaturation graphs, which demonstrate the stability of a protein at a given pH level.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of hazardous chemicals in a non-metallic container. The method comprises of irradiating the sample at a predefined location with an electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelength; selectively capturing a certain component of the scattered electromagnetic radiation to obtain a plurality of profiles; and filtering the profiles to obtain a signature specific to at least one hazardous chemical present in the container. The invention provides a system for obtaining a signature specific to the hazardous chemicals in the container.