Abstract: Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus including a scale and external circuitry. The scale includes a platform, and data-procurement circuitry for collecting signals indicative of the user's identity and cardio-physiological measurements. The scale includes processing circuitry to process data obtained by the data-procurement circuitry, therefrom generate cardio-related physiologic data, and to send user data to the external circuitry. The external circuitry identifies a risk that the user has a condition based on the reference information and the user data provided by the scale and outputs generic information correlating to the condition to the scale that is tailored based on the identified risk.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to a weighing scale including a platform, data-procurement circuitry, processing circuitry and foot-controlled user interface (FUI). The processing circuitry is electrically integrated with the data-procurement circuitry to process data obtained by the data-procurement circuitry while the user is standing on the platform and therefrom generate cardio-related physiologic data. The FUI provides data to the user while the user is standing on the platform and receive a foot-based user input from the user for the user to interact with the weighing scale.

Abstract: A device is provided for use by a user having a transmitter operable to transmit a data signal corresponding to previously recorded activity of the user. The device includes: a standing surface for supporting the user, a weight scale operable to output a weight signal based on the weight of the user supported by said standing surface; a receiver operable to receive the data signal; and a memory operable to store user data based on the received data signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an acoustic sensor includes a base and a first strain sensing element. The base includes a support and a first film unit supported by the support. The first film unit is flexible. The first strain sensing element is provided on a first surface of the first film unit. The first strain sensing element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. An angle between a magnetization of the first magnetic layer and a magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable by an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is transmitted to a first film unit by a first transmitting material in contact with the first film unit.

Abstract: A window function calculator applies a Hann window function to Vd (n) to obtain a numeric value Vw (n). For twenty successive numeric values Vw(n) for every twenty numeric values (N=20), each of the Fourier calculators to executes Fourier calculation. Further, the SRSS calculators to calculate square root of sum of squares of SIM and COS components of respective orders of the results of Fourier calculation as numeric values A2, A3, A4, A5. A subtractor calculates a numeric value Ci=A3?A5, while a subtractor calculates a numeric value Si=A4?A2. A Frequency calculator calculates a numeric value Fi=(m+1+2*ATAN2 (Ci, Si)/?)/(NT), which indicates the frequency identified. An amplitude calculator doubles the square root of the sum of squares of the numeric values Ci and Si, and calculates a numeric value Ai that indicates the amplitude of the frequency identified.

Abstract: A ceiling-embedded sensor has a shell, a microprocessor inside the shell and electrically connected to an environmental light source sensor, an infrared sensing module, and a switch module. The microprocessor determines whether to activate the infrared sensor based on a detection result of the environmental light source sensor, thereby generating and outputting a trigger signal. The switch module is disposed on a reachable surface of a wall and near the infrared sensing module, and is used to turn on and off of the microprocessor and the power. The ceiling-embedded sensor is time-saving and convenient for shortly granting passage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a detection system with quantum light source, it includes a quantum light source module and a detection module, wherein the quantum light source module is composed of plural quantum light sources and illuminating an object under test to generate an object image, while the detection module detects the object image and performs detection or analysis. With the implementation of the present invention, low implementation cost is made possible by dispensing with a complex production process and complicated manufacturing equipment; relatively small space taken up by the quantum light sources allows the detection system to be used in a variety of applications; accurate and high-intensity light output facilitates identification of the characteristics of a to-be-tested object, lowers the error rate of detection, and enhances detection efficiency substantially; and can be used to detect, identify, or discriminate physiological signals correctly.

Abstract: A sensing device comprising an electromagnetic sensor having a surface with a plurality of different electromagnetic radiation interception areas arranged one above the other, one or more controllable flaps adapted to cover one or more of the different electromagnetic radiation interception areas preventing the electromagnetic sensor from intercepting electromagnetic radiation on the covered electromagnetic radiation interception areas, at least one control mechanism adapted to maneuver the controllable flaps so as to change the covered electromagnetic radiation interception areas and a plurality of lenses located in front of the electromagnetic sensor, each having a different focal length. One of the lenses has a certain focal length and focuses electromagnetic radiation to at least one of the different electromagnetic radiation interception areas, and another of the lenses has a different focal length and focuses electromagnetic radiation to another electromagnetic radiation interception area.

Abstract: An integrating sphere for a spectrometer, including: an integrating spherical body with a light entrance window for allowing an entry of light emitted from a sample, a first light detection window, and a second light detection window; a first detector attachment section located on the outside of the first light detection window; and a second detector attachment section located on the outside of the second light detection window in such a manner that the detection field of a detector to be attached to the second detector attachment section coincides with the detection field of a detector to be attached to the first detector attachment section.

Abstract: A system for providing illumination to a measurement head for optical metrology is configured to combine illumination beams from a plurality of illumination sources to deliver illumination at one or more selected wavelengths to the measurement head. The intensity and/or spatial coherence of illumination delivered to the measurement head is controlled. Illumination at one or more selected wavelengths is delivered from a broadband illumination source configured for providing illumination at a continuous range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An interferometer system comprising an optical detector including a substrate and a two-dimensional array of pixels disposed on the substrate is provided. The interferometer system may further comprise an interferometer disposed proximate the optical detector without an optical element between the interferometer and the optical detector. The interferometer may include a first plate positioned proximate the substrate and extending over the two-dimensional array of pixels, a second plate spaced apart from the first plate, the first and second plates defining an optical gap between them, and at least one actuatable spacer positioned between the first plate and the second plate and configured to space apart the first and second plates from one another and to selectively alter a thickness of the optical gap.

Abstract: A method for determining spectral calibration data (?cal(Sd), Sd,cal(?)) of a Fabry-Perot interferometer (100) comprises: forming a spectral notch (NC2) by filtering input light (LB1) with a notch filter (60) such that the spectral notch (NC2) corresponds to a transmittance notch (NC1) of the notch filter (60), measuring a spectral intensity distribution (M(Sd)) of the spectral notch (NC2) by varying the mirror gap (dFP) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer (100), and by providing a control signal (Sd) indicative of the mirror gap (dFP), and determining the spectral calibration data (?cal(Sd), Sd,cal(?)) by matching the measured spectral intensity distribution (M(Sd)) with the spectral transmittance (TN(?)) of the notch filter (60).

Abstract: A system for determining a spectrum includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a sample set of intensity data for an array of spatial locations and a set of spectral configurations. The processor is configured to determine a region of interest using the sample set of intensity data and determine a spectral peak for the region of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining the presence of a target material in a sample. In general terms, the system and method disclosed herein provide collecting interacted photons from a sample having a target material. The interacted photons are passed through a tunable filter to a VIS-NIR detector where the VIS-NIR detector generates a VIS-NIR hyperspectral image representative of the filtered interacted photons. The hyperspectral image of the filtered interacted photons is analyzed by comparing the hyperspectral image of the filtered interacted photons to known hyperspectral images to identify the presence of a target material in a sample. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide easy identification of the presence of a target material in a sample.

Abstract: A portable analyzer determines composition of a sample and includes excitation means for invoking an optical emission from a surface of the sample, detector means for observing a selectable wavelength in said optical emission and for recording a detection signal that is descriptive of at least one characteristic of said optical emission at a selected wavelength, analysis means for determination of elemental composition of the sample on basis of one or more detection signals; and control means for carrying out a spectral analysis by operating the excitation means to generate the optical emission for recording respective detection signals at predefined wavelengths, operating the detector means to record the respective one or more detection signals at said one or more predefined wavelengths, and operating the analysis means to determine elemental composition of the sample on basis of said recorded detection signals.

Abstract: A microcomputer equally divides the circumference of a RGB circle into 6×n (n is an integer of 1 or more) parts, and calculates a RGB value of each divided color. (255, 0, 0) is stored as a reference RGB value of a reference color in a ROM in the microcomputer. The microcomputer 3 converts the reference RGB value depending on an angular difference on the RGB circle between a designated color whose RGB value is to be found and the reference color, and assumes the converted RGB value as a RGB value of the designated color.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a yellowish level of a screen caused by pressing are provided. The method includes: acquiring chromaticity coordinates of a plurality of test points of the screen during a pressing test; processing the acquired chromaticity coordinates, so as to acquire a chromatic aberration between the test point with a maximum value of X or a maximum value of Y in the chromaticity coordinates and the test point with a minimum value of X or a minimum value of Y in the chromaticity coordinates; and comparing the chromatic aberration with a predetermined standard chromatic aberration, so as to determine whether the screen is qualified after the pressing test.

Abstract: A photon entanglement router comprises a modified birefringent spectral filter followed by a polarization beam splitter (PBS). Frequency degenerate or non-degenerate entangled photons, generated by a collinear laser source and incident on one input port of the photon entanglement router, are comprised of congruent photons and/or incongruent photons. The invention adds a plurality of additional filter stacks at each output port such that they invert the action of the first birefringent stack at the input port. Intermediate output photons from the invention is input to two ports of an additional PBS where they are spatially projected according to their frequencies and polarizations. Two congruent photons of an entangled photon pair exit as an entangled pair in one direction, while two incongruent photons exit as an entangled pair in the orthogonal direction. If one photon is congruent and the other photon incongruent, the photons remain entangled but are spectrally divided into orthogonal directions.

Abstract: An optical cored wire includes an optical fiber and a cover laterally surrounding the optical fiber, The cover surrounds the optical fiber in a plurality of layers. One layer is a metal coat, also called a metal jacket or a metal tube. An intermediate layer, also called filler, is arranged beneath the metal tube. The intermediate layer is formed from a thermal insulating material having a melting point in the temperature ulnae of 1000° C. to 1500° C., such that the pieces of the intermediate layer are fluid upon exposure to the molten metal temperatures and a portion of the intermediate layer, the entire intermediate layer and/or the cover laterally surrounding the optical fiber can melt immediately upon immersion into the molten metal or immediate exposure to the molten metal.

Abstract: A distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system is connected to a buried fiber optic cable that is used to monitor a structure. The DTS system is operated to obtain temperature measurements along the length of the fiber cable. The temperature measurements are then used to calculate a measure of diurnal temperature variability at each point along the cable. This calculation is used to identify points at which the diurnal temperature variability changes rapidly over a short length of the cable. These points can be identified with features along the cable, such as splice chambers, where the cable burial conditions change. The known geographic location of these features can then be identified with specific distances along the fiber.

Abstract: A magnetic load sensor is provided which is high in axial rigidity. The load sensor includes a pair of parallel plate coupled together by coupling pieces. The coupling pieces are inclined relative to the axial direction such that when an axial load is applied to the parallel plates, the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, due to deflection of the coupling pieces. A magnetic target is mounted to the parallel plate, and a magnetic sensor element is mounted to the parallel plate such that when the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the magnetic target and the magnetic sensor element are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a component is provided. The system may include a strain sensor configured on the component, an electrical field scanner for analyzing the strain sensor, and a processor in operable communication with the electrical field scanner. The processor may be operable for measuring an electrical field value across the strain sensor along a mutually-orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis to obtain a data point set. The processor may further be operable for assembling a field profile of the strain sensor based on the data point set. Methods of using the system are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive responsive laminate excellent in durability at the repeated use, and further which can ensure change in resistance values at the unloaded time and at the time of applying a load with a large width, a coating layer which can be used for the pressure-sensitive responsive laminate, and a pressure-sensitive responsivity-imparting material which imparts pressure-sensitive responsivity to a conductive substrate, and the object can be solved by a pressure-sensitive responsive laminate which comprises a coating layer being laminated onto a conductive substrate, and unevenness derived from non-conductive particles included in the coating layer being formed onto a surface of the coating layer; a coating layer which comprises non-conductive particles, unevenness derived from the non-conductive particles being formed onto a surface thereof, and pressure-sensitive responsivity being imparted by being laminated onto a conductive substrate; and a pressure

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive safety device for monitoring a technical installation, comprising a sensor having first and second sensor cells, and first, second and third electrodes for making contact with the first and the second sensor cells. A pressure-sensitive material within the first and second sensor cells is configured, under local loading, to change an electrical property of the cells at the site of loading. An evaluation unit is configured to provide an output signal depending on an actuation of the first and second sensor cells. The first and second electrodes are connected to the first and second sensor cells, respectively, and the third electrode is connected to both the first and the second sensor cells. The first, second and third electrodes are connected to the evaluation unit by a first sequentialization element, and the first, second and third electrodes are connected to a defined first potential by a second sequentialization element.

Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a flexible trim element, a rigid supporting member, a piezoelectric sensor arranged between the trim element and the supporting member, and a flexible element arranged between the piezoelectric sensor and the rigid supporting member.

Abstract: A cylinder internal pressure sensor configured to be subjected to heat of combustion inside a combustion chamber and a pressure inside the combustion chamber, and including: a housing; a diaphragm joined to one end of the housing and being configured to deflect according to the pressure inside the combustion chamber; a sensor element housed inside the housing, being coupled to the diaphragm; and being configured to change a signal to be output according to a temperature inside the combustion chamber and the pressure inside the combustion chamber; a heating element configured to heat the sensor element; and a control unit configured to control the amount of heat generated by the heating element such that the temperature of the sensor element becomes higher than a first predetermined temperature that is the temperature of the sensor element when subjected to the heat of combustion is provided.

Abstract: A simply constructed and cost effectively manufacturable pressure difference sensor, comprising first and second counterelectrodes, a conductive disk arranged between the two counterelectrodes, a first insulating layer, via which an outer edge of the disk is connected with an outer edge of the first counterelectrode to form a first pressure chamber, a second insulating layer, via which an outer edge of the disk is connected with an outer edge of the second counterelectrode to form a second pressure chamber, an opening provided in the first counterelectrode, via which opening the first pressure chamber is contactable with a first pressure, and an opening provided in the second counterelectrode, via which opening the second pressure chamber is contactable with a second pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a temperature compensated pressure gauge for downhole use based on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). The described apparatus and method results in FBG measurements that can be interrogated with higher resolution and higher accuracy than from previous methods with the additional benefit of being less sensitive to error-inducing drift factors such as FBG thermal degradation and hydrogen.

Abstract: A differential pressure measuring cell comprises a measuring membrane; two opposing bodies; and one converter. The measuring membrane is arranged between the opposing bodies and is connected in a pressure-tight manner to the two opposing bodies, forming in each case one measuring chamber. The opposing bodies each have a pressure duct through which a pressure can be made to act upon the respective measuring chamber. The converter is provided in order to convert a deformation of the measuring membrane, which deformation is dependent upon a difference between the pressures, into an electrical signal; wherein the opposing bodies each have a chamber section oriented toward the measuring membrane and a rear wall section oriented away from the measuring membrane with, between these, a decoupling chamber.

Abstract: A pressure indicator: a body having a pressure chamber which has an inlet for communication with a fluid; a resilient diaphragm having a periphery sealed against the body and having one side thereof exposed to the fluid within the chamber; an indicating arm having an inner end which is integrally formed with the other side of the diaphragm and an outer end arm which is adjacent to a scale, the arrangement being such that pressure of the fluid within the chamber causes resilient deformation of the diaphragm which in turn causes the outer end of the arm to move relative to the scale thereby indicating the pressure of the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: An ionization gauge to measure pressure, while controlling the location of deposits resulting from sputtering when operating at high pressure, includes at least one electron source that emits electrons, and an anode that defines an ionization volume. The ionization gauge also includes a collector electrode that collects ions formed by collisions between the electrons and gas molecules and atoms in the ionization volume, to provide a gas pressure output. The electron source can be positioned at an end of the ionization volume, such that the exposure of the electron source to atom flux sputtered off the collector electrode and envelope surface is minimized. Alternatively, the ionization gauge can include a first shade outside of the ionization volume, the first shade being located between the electron source and the collector electrode, and, optionally, a second shade between the envelope and the electron source, such that atoms sputtered off the envelope are inhibited from depositing on the electron source.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure detection device (10) including: a pressure detection element (21) which receives pressure (P) so as to output a detection signal (Qi) corresponding to the pressure (P); and a processing circuit (30) which processes and outputs the detection signal (Qi) output from the pressure detection element (21), where on a circuit board (40) on which a conductor pattern is formed, an integrated circuit (IC1) including an analog circuit which uses a reference voltage (Vr) set to a predetermined voltage value as an operation reference and converts the detection signal (Qi) into a voltage waveform is mounted, and the processing circuit (30) includes an input circuit 50 which feeds the detection signal (Qi) to the integrated circuit (IC1) and a shield pattern (SHP1) which surrounds the region of at least a part of the input circuit (50) and to which the reference voltage (Vr) is applied.

Abstract: An angle-measuring device includes a housing and a position sensor configured to generate angle values indicating an angular position of a shaft with respect to a reference position. An interface is configured to communicate with subsequent electronics via a data channel. At least one imbalance sensor is configured to generate an imbalance signal from imbalance-induced excursions of the shaft. An imbalance analyzer is configured to generate imbalance values from the imbalance signal. A signal processor is configured to generate imbalance information from the angle values and the imbalance values. The imbalance information is transmittable through the interface to the subsequent electronics.

Abstract: A distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system is operated to detect fluid leaks from a pipeline. The DTS system obtains temperature profiles from a sensing element that is deployed along the pipeline, where the profiles are temperature measurements as a function of distance. The temperature profiles are examined to identify the presence of a characteristic temperature signature expected to occur in the presence of a leak. A leak condition signal for a particular distance point is generated based on a determination that the energy of the temperature signal exceeds a threshold energy for that point.

Abstract: A gas injector apparatus and method for use with a tracer gas airflow measurement system that allows for large, continuous tracer gas flow rates while avoiding operation at very cold temperatures that will damage equipment. The controlled and variable heating of high pressure tracer gas flow before a gas regulator allows all points in the system to remain above freezing, and within a safe temperature range. The system has a tracer gas source and a heater that heats the gas isobarically at high pressure (>100 psi) and the hot gas is expanded across a pressure regulator to a lower working pressure to ˜30 psi. The gas flow is modulated using a mass flow controller with a high turndown ratio and injected into a bulk fluid flow with an injector.

Abstract: Test flange assemblies comprise a flange body and a piston. The piston is configured to translate relative to the flange body and has an outer surface facing away from the flange body and an inner surface facing toward the flange body. The outer surface defines a circular seal channel for receiving a seal structure between the piston and a flange surface of a flanged component. The outer surface radially inward from the circular seal channel has a surface area that is less than a surface area of the inner surface. Methods of testing pressure containing structures comprise operatively positioning the test flange assembly, positioning a seal structure within the circular seal channel of the piston, coupling the flange body to a flanged component, and pressurizing a volume between the piston and the flange body so that the piston compresses the seal structure between the piston and the flanged component.

Abstract: An inter-flap space 36 between an outside flap 24 and an inside flap 44 of a filler pipe 16 is placed in communication with the inside of a fuel tank 14 using a communication pipe 62, and an open and close valve 64 is provided to the communication pipe 62. Further provided are a pressure reduction pump 82 that depressurizes the fuel tank 14, an internal tank pressure sensor 68 that detects an internal tank pressure of the fuel tank 14, and a controller that controls opening and closing of the open and close valve 64 and driving of the pressure reduction pump 82, and that determines an outside flap seal state of the outside flap 24 based on the internal tank pressure.

Abstract: In an optical wavefront measuring device, a SLM generates a plurality of different through holes, so that light beams pass through the through holes and form a plurality of light patterns. The distance between an infinite objective lens module and a test lens is adjusted so that the light patterns enter into a wavefront sensor in the form of approximately parallel light after passing through the infinite objective lens module and the test lens. The wavefront sensor captures a plurality of WS images which do not have a fold-over phenomenon according to the light patterns. Computer by using an algorithm to obtain wavefront change information, and then reconstructs a wavefront on the basis of the wavefront change information.

Abstract: Methods of selecting, from a set of like optical fibers, a subset of optical fibers that can meet both short-wavelength and target-wavelength bandwidth requirements are disclosed. The method includes obtaining short-wavelength bandwidth data from DMD measurements, and determining a peak wavelength for each optical fiber. A target-wavelength bandwidth is then calculated using the determined peak wavelengths. The calculated target bandwidth is then compared to the short-wavelength and target-wavelength bandwidth requirements to identify which of the optical fibers satisfy these requirements.

Abstract: Provided is a portable diagnosis data measurement transmission device that assuredly allows a server to perform malfunction diagnosis based on measurement data without influence of a communication status. The portable diagnosis data measurement transmission device (1) includes: a portable information terminal (2) connected to a server (6) via a communication line network (7); a physical quantity measuring equipment (3) configured to measure a physical quantity of a diagnosis object (4) including a mechanical component; and an A/D converter (5). Whether transmission of a block of measurement data has been completed is confirmed. The measurement data is temporarily stored until completion of the transmission is confirmed. The measurement data is caused to be retransmitted when a communication status shifts to a set allowable state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter (PM) sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a PM sensor assembly may include rows of flow guides separated from each other by a gap where each of the flow guide includes a positive and negative electrode formed on opposite side surfaces. By aligning projections in the gap between successive flow guides, exhaust PM may be circulated in the gap between the electrodes for a longer time, thus increasing the probability of capture across the electrodes, and thereby increasing the sensitivity of the assembly to detection of exhaust PM.

Abstract: A dynamometer includes a dynamometer chassis configured to support a vehicle thereon. A roller load test unit is mounted in a load supporting surface of the dynamometer chassis, and a chassis to chassis load measurement device is attached between the dynamometer chassis and a chassis of the vehicle positioned on the dynamometer chassis. A load sensing mechanism is attached within the chassis to chassis load measurement device between the dynamometer chassis and the chassis of the vehicle supported on the dynamometer chassis such that a longitudinal axis of the vehicle extends therethrough, and the load sensing mechanism is configured to measure force in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A breakdown measuring method and a breakdown measuring device are disclosed. The breakdown measuring method includes the following steps: capturing a plurality of process flows, each of the process flows includes at least one recipe step; analyzing a flow attribute corresponding to each of the process flows; capturing sensing data corresponding to the at least one recipe step; generating a local feature in a time interval corresponding to each of the process flows according to the corresponding flow attribute, the corresponding at least one recipe step and the corresponding sensing data; generating a trend distribution according to the local features of the process flows; determining whether to send an alarm information based on the trend distribution.

Abstract: Provided is a fault isolation method in industrial process based on regularization framework, including the steps of: collecting and filtering sample data in industrial process to obtain an available sample data set; establishing an objective function for fault isolation in industrial process with local and global regularization items; calculating the optimal solution to the objective function for fault isolation in industrial process by the available sample data set; obtaining a predicted classification label matrix according to the optimal solution to determine the fault information in the process. The method uses the local regularization item to make the nature of the optimal solution ideal, and uses the global regularization item to correct problem of low fault isolation precision caused by the local regularization item. Experiments show that the method is not only feasible but also provides high fault isolation precision and mining the potential information of labeled sample data.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis is disclosed. The cartridge includes one or more parallel preparation units, each preparation unit includes one or more chambers enclosed between seals and connected in series. Each chamber is configured for receiving an input fluid, performing a procedure affecting the fluid thereby generating an output fluid, and releasing the output fluid. A first chamber of the one or more chambers is a pressable chamber coupled to a first opening, while a last chamber of the one or more chambers is coupled to a second opening. The input fluid of the first chamber is the sample fluid. The one or more preparation units are coupleable to a compartment for performing analysis of the respective output fluids convey able via the second openings.

Abstract: A method of removing and detecting the presence of substances from at least one of a body of water (20) and the air. The method includes placing into the body of water (20) or into the air an open-cell foam material (12, 14, 16), removing separate portions of the open-cell foam material (12, 14, 16) from the water (20) or air at different exposure times after the open-cell foam material (12, 14, 16) was placed into the water (20) or air, and determining the presence in the removed separate portions of one or more substances that were removed from the water (20) or air by the open-cell foam material (12, 14, 16).

Abstract: A method of removing a floatation liquid from between a microscope slide and a paraffin embedded biological specimen including position the microscope slide with the paraffin embedded biological specimen floated thereon onto a slide support element. The slide support element is rotated to cause the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to move in a way that causes the floatation liquid disposed between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to be removed from between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biological sample for analysis is provided that includes moving a continuous substrate film past a sample applicator unit including one or more sample applicators and applying at least one trace of a biological sample to be analyzed onto the continuous substrate film by the sample applicator unit.

Abstract: Method for determining volatile thio-ether compounds in offensive odorous sediment including: pre-treating a sediment sample, extracting volatile thio-ether compounds, separating and purifying the extraction supernatant in a solid phase extraction column, eluting with ethyl acetate, and finally collecting the eluent, which is then concentrated and used for determination by gas chromatography.

Abstract: A low-profile shear-sensing unit includes a floating plate surrounded by a frame and a displacement sensor that measures in-plane movement of the floating plate. Covered with a surface sample, the floating plate is displaced by the friction drag (i.e., shear) on the surface caused by the flow of fluid and the in-plane displacement is measured by the displacement sensor. The shear force on the sample surface is then obtained by multiplying the measured displacement and the spring constant of the flexure beams, which suspend the floating plate. The floating plate and the flexure beams are formed out of one plate or substrate to achieve monolithic construction with a beam geometry that leads to a high-resolution measurement.