Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A fraction-density-altering solution may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a first fraction of the sample without changing the density of the target material or the density of any other sample fraction. A collector may be inserted into the vessel to funnel the target material from the sample into the collector or into a processing receptacle included in the collector. In one implementation, the collector may include a cannula which extends from a funnel into a chamber to hold the processing receptacle. In another implementation, the processing receptacle may be inserted into a bore within the collector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described to use real-time measurement systems to detect the onset of compression induced micro-fracturing of fiber-reinforced composite materials. Measurements are described to detect the onset of compression induced micro-fracturing of fiber-reinforced composite materials to prevent catastrophic failures of aircraft components containing such materials. Methods and apparatus are described to prevent fluids and gases from invading any compression induced microfractures by coating surfaces of fiber-reinforced materials to reduce the probability of failure of such fiber-reinforced materials.

Abstract: A method of impact testing an article of protective equipment includes mounting the article of protective equipment on a deformable member. The method also includes impacting the article of protective equipment with an impact object. Moreover, the method includes detecting an effect of impact on the deformable member due to impacting the article of protective equipment with the impact object.

Abstract: A measuring head, intended to be fitted to a dynamic penetrometer, and attached to a drill string provided with a tip, includes a driving head intended to receive an impact to be transmitted, via the rest of the measuring head, to the drill string; and a central rod for transmitting the impact from the driving head to the drill string, the central rod having a first end turned towards the driving head, and a second end opposite the first end, and suitable for engaging with the drill string, the central rod being provided with at least one deformation sensor. It includes at least one absorption member interposed between an impact receiving end portion of the driving head and the second end of the central rod and which is suitable for filtering the wave transmitted to the drill string when the end portion of the driving head receives an impact.

Abstract: The current application discloses a non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system, comprising a curved tube containing an oilfield fluid, a mass measuring device connected to the curved tube, and a data acquisition system connected to the mass measuring device. The mass measuring device measures the mass of the curved tube and the data acquisition system calculate the density of the oilfield fluid in the curved tube. In one embodiment, the non-contact, non-radioactive densitometer system further comprises an antilog amplifier that is connected between the mass measuring device and the data acquisition system, where the antilog amplifier transforms the mass of the curved tube into an exponential value which is then fed into the data acquisition system.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a solution includes first and second tanks, a sampling element, a flow control element, a mixing assembly, first and second air-intake systems, and first and second air-exhaust systems. The first tank has a first chamber. The second tank has a second chamber. The sampling element has an extraction port located in the first chamber. The flow control element connects and communicates with the first chamber. Two opposite ends of the mixing assembly connect and communicate with the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively. The first air-intake system and the first air-exhaust system connect and communicate with the first chamber. The second air-intake system and the second air-exhaust system connect and communicate with the second chamber.

Abstract: The sensor for sensing at least a physical property of an environment generally has a microwave resonator having a top conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer and a substrate layer therebetween, the substrate layer being made of a first dielectric material, a fence electrically connecting the top conductive layer to the bottom conductive layer across the substrate layer, and enclosing at least one resonance cavity, at least one microwave signal port across the fence, at least one sensing portion of a second dielectric material functionalized to the physical property of the environment, extending in the at least one resonance cavity and being exposed to the environment across at least one of the top conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer, the microwave resonator having at least one resonance frequency being dependent of the exposure of the second dielectric material with the environment to affect a microwave signal resonating therein.

Abstract: In flow cytometry, particles (2) can be distinguished between populations (8) by combining n-dimensional parameter data, which may be derived from signal data from a particle, to mathematically achieve numerical results representative of an alteration (48). An alteration may include a rotational alteration, a scaled alteration, or perhaps even a translational alteration. Alterations may enhance separation of data points which may provide real-time classification (49) of signal data corresponding to individual particles into one of at least two populations.

Abstract: An optical assembly for a system for inspecting or measuring of an object is provided that is configured to move as a unit with a system, as the system is pointed at a target, and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the system. The optical assembly comprises catadioptric optics configured to fold the optical path of the pointing beam and measurement beam that are being directed through the outlet of the system, to compress the size of the optical assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating polychromatic polarized light with the polarization ellipse orientation determined by the wavelength. The proposed polychromatic polarization state generator can be used in various configurations of polarized light microscope (called “polychromatic polscope”) for imaging birefringent samples. The polychromatic polscope produces a spectral-modulated visual scene, in which birefringent structures are evident because their appearance is different from the background. New polarized light microscope can subtract the background and produce video-enhanced color image of birefringent structures. The obtained picture can be also mathematically processed in order to obtain a map of quantitative distribution of specimen retardation and orientation of the principal axes.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for determination of a spectral profile of a sample. A microscope with spectroscopic capability may include a multitude of light sources, one or more photo detectors, and an analysis module. The microscope may be a table-top microscope or a hand-held microscope. The light sources may be configured to illuminate at least one portion of the sample, the photo detectors may be configured to detect returned light from the sample in response to the illumination, and the analysis module may be configured to analyze the detected light to determine a spectral profile of the sample. In some examples, the spectral profile of the sample may be compared to a spectral profile of a reference sample to evaluate the sample, where the sample may be evaluated to determine an identity, a quality, an authenticity, a composition, a density, a reflectivity, and/or an amount of the sample.

Abstract: Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a sample gas for a presence of a trace gas, such as ozone, is provided. The solution uses an ultraviolet source and an ultraviolet detector mounted in a chamber. The chamber can include reflecting walls and/or structures configured to guide ultraviolet light. A computer system can operate the ultraviolet source in a high power pulse mode and acquire data corresponding to an intensity of the ultraviolet radiation detected by the ultraviolet detector while a sample gas is present in the chamber. Using the data, the computer system can determine a presence and/or an amount of the trace gas in the sample gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for spectroscopic analysis which includes a tunable diode laser spectrometer having a digital output signal and a digital computer for receiving the digital output signal from the spectrometer, the digital computer programmed to process the digital output signal using a multivariate regression algorithm. In addition, a spectroscopic method of analysis using such apparatus. Finally, a method for controlling an ethylene cracker hydrogenator.

Abstract: An optical sensor system includes a source module and a detection module. The source module includes a source housing unit having a source window member and a source shielding member. The source module emits a detection signal through the source window member. The detection module includes a detection housing unit having a detection window member and a detection shielding member. The detection module is spaced apart from the source module. The detection module detects the detection signal emitted from the source module at the detection window member.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the concentration of water isotopes in a gas sample loaded with water vapor, includes an analyzer; a vaporizer including a circuit that connects to the analyzer to transmit a vaporized calibration liquid to the analyzer and an output circuit for discharging the overflow of the vaporized calibration liquid, the output circuit arranged such that the overflow is discharged without passing through the analyzer and a purge circuit connected to the input of the vaporizer for sucking said vaporized purge fluid through the vaporizer during a purge operation, the purge circuit arranged such that the vaporized purge fluid does not pass through the analyzer; a selector for selectively establishing a first state establishing the circulation of the calibration liquid through the connection circuit and the circulation of the overflow through the output circuit and a second state establishing the circulation of the purge liquid through the purge circuit.

Abstract: A system (102) for determining properties of a sample (114) comprises a LIBS detector (104,106) and an infra-red absorption detector (108,110) for interrogating a sample (114) to generate LIBS spectral data and infra-red absorption spectral data respectively; and a data processor (112) adapted to apply at least one chemometric prediction model, each constructed to link, preferably quantitatively link, features of both LIBS and absorption spectral data to a different specific property of the sample, to a combined dataset derived from at least portions of both the LIBS and the absorption data to generate therefrom a determination, preferably a quantitative determination, of the specific property linked by that model.

Abstract: An analyser and related methods for characterising a sample. The analyser includes an integrated laser for emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one beam at a sample. The electromagnetic radiation can include at least two different wavelengths. A sample detector detects affected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the emitted electromagnetic radiation affected by the sample and provides output representing the detected affected radiation. The analyser also includes a processor for characterising the sample from the detector output representing the detected affected electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids through a channel and the interrogation region, and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to move a fluid boundary separating the analyte and reference fluids across the interrogation region. A controller generates control signals to (1) cause the fluid boundary to be moved across the interrogation region accordingly, (2) sample an output signal from the optical detector at a first interval during which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a second interval during which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, and (3) determine from samples of the output signal a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a gas sensor on a substrate and a gas sensor fabricated on a substrate that includes optical and electronic components are described. The method includes fabricating a laser to output light over a range of wavelengths within a waveguide, fabricating a splitter to split the light output by the laser to a reference waveguide and to a detection waveguide, fabricating a reference cell to house the reference waveguide and a reference gas. An output of the reference waveguide is coupled to a first optical detector and an output of the detection waveguide is coupled to a second optical detector to identify or quantify an ambient gas.

Abstract: There is provided an optical tomographic observation device which has a resolving power which is higher than those of a conventional optical tomographic observation device and a confocal microscope by a simple configuration by applying a homodyne phase diversity detection technology and designing so as to satisfy the following formula when ? is a wavelength of a laser light source, ?? is a wavelength half width at half maximum, NA is a numerical aperture of an objective optical element, S is an effective area of a photodetector, and M is a detection magnification of a detection surface relative to a condensing surface. 1 NA 2 ? k 1 0.886 ? ? ?? ? ( NA ? 1 - NA 2 ) ? 0.901 ? S M 2 0.441 ? k 1 ? 0.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor having a nanostructure as a sensing element and a fabrication method thereof. The sensor includes a nanostructure as a sensing element for sensing a marker over a substrate, wherein the nanostructure includes: a linker layer, including linkers, bonded to the substrate; and metallic nanoparticles grown from metal ions bonded to the linkers.

Abstract: An apparatus of measuring a small scale property of a sheet, the apparatus includes: a first light source for illuminating the sheet moving with respect to the illumination; a detector for forming a total intensity of reflection of the light illuminating the moving sheet by each detection; a detected dimension of the reflection on the sheet in the direction of the movement being limited the same as or shorter than a lowest acceptable spatial resolution of the measurement; a duration of each detection being equal to or shorter than the lowest acceptable spatial resolution divided by a speed of the moving sheet; and a processing unit for forming information about a small scale variation of gloss of the sheet on the basis of the detections by the detector.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for determining a concentration of a substance in an open sample in the presence of an interfering material is disclosed. The sensor arrangement comprises a first light source emitting pulsed light at a first wavelength being absorbed by said substance, a second light source emitting pulsed light at a second wavelength being transmitted through said substance, optical means for directing at least a part of the emitted pulsed light of said first and second wavelengths through the open sample along the same optical path, and a sample detector arranged at an end of the optical path for receiving the emitted light of said first and second wavelengths being transmitted through the sample. The interfering material is formed as deposits on at least one of said optical means being exposed to said substance, and said first wavelength and said second wavelength are absorbed by said interfering material.

Abstract: A dryness fraction measuring device, including a variability quantity measuring portion that measures the amount of variability in intensity of light that has been transmitted, or amount of light that has been absorbed, by moist steam that is the subject of measurement; and a dryness fraction measuring portion that measures the dryness fraction of the moist steam based on a correlation relationship between the dryness fraction and the amount of variability in the optical intensity or in the amount of light absorption.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to photothermal spectroscopy apparatuses and systems for offset synchronous testing of flow assays. Methods of using and operating such photothermal spectroscopy systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: a first lighting device for irradiating an imaging target object with visible light; a second lighting device for irradiating the imaging target object with near-infrared light; and an image sensor for photodetecting visible light caused by the visible light and coming from the imaging target object and fluorescence caused by the near-infrared light and coming from the imaging target object during a predetermined shutter open period every frame of a predetermined period. The image sensor outputs photodetection signals corresponding to photodetection amounts of the visible light and the fluorescence. The imaging system also includes a controller that generates a composite image of a visible image and a fluorescence image based on the photodetection signals, and has a lighting controller that turns on the second lighting device with optical power corresponding to the shutter open period in synchronism with the shutter open period.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for analyzing tissue specimens. In one implementation the method involves obtaining a tissue sample and exposing the sample to one or more fluorophores as contrast agents to enhance contrast of subcellular compartments of the tissue sample. The tissue sample is illuminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light having a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 400 nm, with the wavelength being selected to result in penetration to only a specified depth below a surface of the tissue sample. Inter-image operations between images acquired under different imaging parameters allow for improvement of the image quality via removal of unwanted image components. A microscope may be used to image the tissue sample and provide the image to an image acquisition system that makes use of a camera. The image acquisition system may create a corresponding image that is transmitted to a display system for processing and display.

Abstract: A cell analysis apparatus that can accurately distinguish between an aggregating cell and a non-aggregating cell is provided.

Abstract: To measure a surface state, reflective CARS is suitable in terms of the signal intensity. However, with the reflective CARS, it has been difficult to identify the surface position because the shape information is not acquired. Thus, a reflective CARS microscope is combined with a high-resolution phase sensor. The surface position is identified with the phase sensor, and reflected CARS generated from the surface is detected, so that composition analysis is performed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining weight percent of solids in a suspension using Raman spectroscopy. The methods can be utilized to acquire Raman spectral data from the suspension and to determine weight percent of solids in a process being carried out, for example, in a vessel, without the need to remove samples for analysis. The weight percent of the solids can be determined with a desired accuracy in a relatively short time, typically 10 minutes or less. The acquired Raman spectral data may be processed by chemometric software using, for example, a partial least squares algorithm and data pretreatment to provide a predicted value of weight percent solids. In some embodiments, the invention is used to determine the weight percent of microparticles of a diketopiperazine in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a special LIBS measurement tube focusing unit, referred to simply as LIBS measurement tube, for vertically dipping into a material to be analyzed, which material is moved in a horizontal flow, characterized in that the measurement tube extends vertically and is internally hollow and open at least at the bottom end, such that a bottom edge is formed at the bottom end, the measurement tube has an inlet for coupling in a laser beam and an outlet for coupling out an emission spectrum at the upper end, the measurement tube is constructed in such a way that, in the measurement tube, the laser beam is focused at the material to be analyzed, specifically bulk material, in particular raw, intermediate, and end products from the processing of potash, magnesium, rock salt, or evaporated salt, but without additional scattering and deflection occurring, such that a plasma of the material to be analyzed is produced within the measurement tube by the laser radiation and the emission spectrum of

Abstract: A composition including at least one strong oxidant, a color indicating system, and one or more thickening agents is provided. A method of using the composition on an aqueous basis includes detecting any contaminants on a surface with organic substances by visual control after superficially applying the composition to the surface. The composition is not flowable for a predefined period after the superficial application due to the effect of the thickening agent. The one or more thickening agents are stable in the composition during the predefined period, and are selected from synthetic sheet silicates, pyrogenic silicic acid, fatty alkyl (benzene) sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, phosphates and aminoxides and mixtures thereof. A color change in the composition applied to the surface during the predefined period indicates that organic contaminants are present on a portion of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing images of a gemstone is described. The apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting the gemstone at an observation position. An illumination structure comprises a plurality of directional light sources directed towards the observation position so as to illuminate the gemstone. The support structure and illumination structure are relatively rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis. An imaging device is arranged to obtain images of the gemstone at the observation position at a variety of relative rotational positions between the illumination structure and support structure: the imaging device has an imaging axis passing through the observation position. The support structure is arranged so that the gemstone can be placed at the observation position in such a way that the normal to a selected facet of the gemstone is within a range of tilt angles from the rotation axis.

Abstract: The origin of a gemstone often governs its value. Traditional jewelry appraisals attempted the recognition of the origin of a gemstone based on criteria of its physical properties include, but not limited to color, refractive indices, and microstructure. However, these criteria, in addition to its inclusions, are generally failed to resolve the locality and origin of a gemstone without doubt. Through careful examination and compilation of Raman spectroscopic data, Argyle pink diamonds can be classified as two types according to their characteristic Raman spectra. The method of the present invention provides sound basis for the rapid determination of the authenticity of the Argyle pink diamonds by Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electronic residual spectroscopy for atomic-scaled surface and sub-surface information purification. The method comprises collecting at least one reference spectrum and a plurality of spectra under various conditions. The background of all the plurality of spectra is then subtracted and the plurality of spectra are normalized. Subtracting the reference spectrum from the normalized plurality of spectra will give atomic-scaled, meaningful information at selected zones.

Abstract: A method for generating cross-sectional profiles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) includes scanning a sample with an electron beam to gather an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum for an energy level to determine element composition across an area of interest. A mesh is generated to locate positions where a depth profile will be taken. EDS spectra are gathered for energy levels at mesh locations. A number of layers of the sample are determined by distinguishing differences in chemical composition between depths as beam energies are stepped through. A depth profile is generated for the area of interest by compiling the number of layers and the element composition across the mesh.

Abstract: The application relates to a device based on the electrothermal method for determining thermal conductivity, which allows the examination of various phenomena, with a high level of reliability, through the study of the thermal behavior of materials. The device is constituted by a sample-carrying cylinder surrounded by a resistance element that creates a radial heat flow in the sample, a cooling system based on a spiral-form heat exchanger incorporated into the thermal device, means for the storage of a fluid and a data-storage device. Furthermore, the present application describes the use of the device in processes for determining the productive potential of the soil (“PPS”) and the examination of the nutritional quality of agro-ecological produce and foods.

Abstract: A method for setting a temperature of a sensor element, which is heatable with the aid of a heating device, for detecting at least one property of a gas in a measuring gas chamber includes at least one regulation of the heating device, the regulation including: (a) detecting at least one actual value of at least one controlled variable of the sensor element, (b) ascertaining a setpoint value of the at least one controlled variable, (c) generating at least one manipulated variable of the heating device with the aid of a comparison of the setpoint value and the actual value, and (d) in a monitoring step, checking at least one parameter used to set the temperature, and the at least one manipulated variable being influenced as a function of the check.

Abstract: Analysis instruments and sensors, particularly micro-electro mechanical sensor (MEMS) devices, for molecular analysis of chemicals and other materials, including, for example, polymers, drugs, nanomaterials, biological samples including proteins, and environmental samples including water suspected of contamination, and the like in vapor, liquid, and/or solid form.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for detecting defective brakes are disclosed. For example, the method detects that a wheel of a vehicle is in a position to be read by an infrared (IR) thermometer, signals the IR thermometer to take a temperature measurement of a brake of the wheel, receives the temperature measurement of the brake and determines that a defective brake condition exists when the temperature measurement of the brake is outside a temperature range.

Abstract: The method of ascertaining fully grown passive film formation on steel rebar embedded in concrete utilizes electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine, in situ, the degree of passive film formation on steel rebar embedded in concrete. A length of steel rebar and a counter electrode are both embedded in a concrete slab. A reservoir is supported on an external face of the concrete slab and filled with an electrolytic solution. A reference electrode is then positioned in the electrolytic solution, and the length of steel rebar, the counter electrode and the reference electrode are electrically connected an EIS test instrument to perform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The quality of passive film formation on the length of steel rebar is determined based on comparison of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results with known passive film formation data.

Abstract: A method for single-molecule detection is provided and uses a carbon nanotube having a probe entity attached thereto to define a first state of the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube is introduced to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube. The electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states is compared to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity. A system for single-molecule detection including a carbon nanotube is also provided.

Abstract: An ozone water concentration measurement apparatus that is capable of measuring ozone concentrations with high accuracy and without using an electrolyte brings at least a counter electrode and a working electrode into contact with ozone water, which is a sample solution (S), applies voltage between the counter electrode and the working electrode, and measures the current value at that voltage, to thereby calculate the ozone concentration in the ozone water. In the ozone water concentration measurement apparatus, the working electrode is a conductive diamond electrode, and the surface area that contacts the ozone water of the working electrode is within the range of 628 to 392,500 ?m2.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes at least a first sensing element comprising a first conductive element having, for example, an average diameter less than 20 ?m in electrical connection with electronic circuitry. The combustible gas sensor further includes a first support element having a first anchored end, a second anchored end and an extending intermediate section between the first anchored end and the second anchored end, the extending intermediate section providing support for the first conductive element. Another combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m. The second sensing element includes a second catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m.

Abstract: A catalysis combustion type gas sensor that detects an inflammable gas includes a heat-insulating portion; a heater that is formed on the heat-insulating portion; a gas reaction film that is formed on the heater on the heat-insulating portion and includes a carrier carrying a combustion catalyst for the inflammable gas; a temperature-measuring element that is formed in the vicinity of the gas reaction film on the heat-insulating portion; and a soaking portion that is formed on the heat-insulating portion and is arranged between the heat-insulating portion and the gas reaction film. The soaking portion is configured so as to decentralize heat transferred to the soaking portion in the entire soaking portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical detection of a finger print has a reduced number of interconnect signals between a sensor area and a substrate and an electronic circuit for excitation and detection of the finger print compared to a single-chip finger print sensor. The individual signals are connected internally at the sensor substrate in such a way that the response from the individual sensor elements can be separated from each other. Cross-talk is reduced by keeping the sensor outputs at a constant potential, thus eliminating the effect of capacitive coupling between different sensor outputs and also between sensor outputs and a ground or reference potential.

Abstract: An exemplary biosensor sensor for detecting the presence of a biological material includes an SOI substrate, a lateral BJT formed on at least a portion of the substrate, and a sensing structure formed on at least a portion of an upper surface of the BJT. The BJT includes an emitter region, a collector region and a base region, the base region being formed between the emitter and collector regions and laterally adjacent thereto. The sensing structure includes at least one dielectric layer contacting at least a portion of the base region. The dielectric layer forms a receptacle for confining a biological molecule being tested and is configured to respond to charges in biological molecules, the charges being converted to a sensing signal by the BJT.

Abstract: Devices and methods are employed to detect substances in a medium. The device comprises an electrogenic bacterium that selectively interacts with a substance to produce electrons. A portion of the electrons provides power to the device and a portion of the electrons generates a signal as an indication of the presence of a substance in the medium. The method comprises contacting the electrogenic bacterium of the device with a medium suspected of containing the substance and measuring the signal generated by the electrons.