Abstract: A flexible sensor for monitoring operating parameters, including pressure and temperature, of a flexible structure, such as a tire, provides electrodes and an active area that are formed of flexible materials. In particular, the active area may be formed from an elastomeric piezoresistive material, such as an ionic liquid-polymer. The flexible properties of the sensor allow it to be readily incorporated into the body of a tire during manufacture. This allows the operating parameters of the tire to be monitored, such as in real-time, while the tire is in operation. Furthermore, the sensor is formed of materials that allow the sensor to be formed using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D (three-dimensional) printing. As such, the sensor may be 3D printed together with another structure, such as a tire tread, so that the sensor is integrated therein.

Abstract: A method of reading and quantifying pressure points or bumps or a product outline to extract a pattern that, when decoded, uniquely defines a product or class of products by defining the theoretical centers of applied pressure, determining the spatial relationship between more than one center or a product outline to define which pattern belongs to which product, and correlating each pattern with templates of stored patterns to determine what product is represented by each respective pattern.

Abstract: An electrical circuit includes an SG full bridge circuit, a first resistor series connection connected between the terminals of an energy supply gate of the SG full bridge circuit and having a first tap between two resistors, and a second resistor series connection connected between the terminals of a signal gate of the SG full bridge circuit and having a second tap between two resistors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a pressure measurement signal in a capacitive pressure measurement cell which comprises a main body and a measurement membrane that is arranged on the front of said main body. Electrodes are arranged on said main body and measurement membrane and form a measurement capacitance in a region of the measurement membrane which has a high degree of pressure sensitivity, and form a reference capacitance in a region of the measurement membrane which has a lower degree of pressure sensitivity, said measurement capacitance and reference capacitance being determined independently of one another, the pressure measurement signal being determined in a first measurement range from the measurement capacitance and the reference capacitance, in accordance with the first evaluation, and said pressure measurement signal being determined in a second measurement range from the reference capacitance in accordance with a second evaluation.

Abstract: [Object] Provided are a pressure detection unit and a pressure sensor using the same capable of preventing a decrease in detection accuracy of a semiconductor type pressure detection device even when a high voltage is accidentally applied. [Solving Means] A pressure detection unit includes a pressure receiving structure including a ring-shaped ring member, a receiving member facing the ring member, and a diaphragm interposed between the ring member and the receiving member, a base made of ceramic joined to the ring member to form a pressure receiving space between the base and the diaphragm, a semiconductor type pressure detection device installed on a side of the pressure receiving space of the base, and a terminal pin which is electrically connected to the semiconductor type pressure detection device and penetrates the base.

Abstract: [Object] Provided are a pressure detection unit and a pressure sensor using the same capable of performing a trimming operation using a simple structure during an assembly operation, and reducing a decrease in detection accuracy of a semiconductor type pressure detection device. [Solving Means] A pressure detection unit includes a base formed in a lid shape and made of ceramic, a receiving member formed in a plate shape, a diaphragm interposed between the base and the receiving member, a semiconductor type pressure detection device installed on a side of a pressure receiving space formed between the base and the diaphragm in the base, and three terminal pins electrically connected to the semiconductor type pressure detection device, the terminal pins penetrating the base, wherein the three terminal pins include an earth terminal pin, a power input terminal pin, and a signal output terminal pin.

Abstract: [Object] Provided are a pressure detection unit and a pressure sensor using the same capable of suppressing an increase in manufacturing man-hours due to use of an additional member, and ensuring insulation of a semiconductor type pressure detection device. [Solving Means] A pressure detection unit includes a base formed in a lid shape and made of ceramic, a receiving member formed in a plate shape, a diaphragm interposed between the base and the receiving member, a semiconductor type pressure detection device installed on a side of a pressure receiving space formed between the base and the diaphragm in the base, and terminal pins electrically connected to the semiconductor type pressure detection device, the terminal pins penetrating the base, wherein a metal layer is provided in a region around the semiconductor type pressure detection device on a surface of the base on the side of the pressure receiving space.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a housing, a diaphragm wafer, and an isolator configured to absorb lateral stress. The diaphragm wafer includes a fully exposed diaphragm, a fluid contact surface, a sensing element, and a support portion, where the support portion and the contact surface define a cavity. The isolator extends laterally from the support portion to the housing. The pressure sensor is easily drainable, eliminating the buildup of particulates, and the diaphragm can be directly wire-bonded to printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for extensive electrical feedthrough.

Abstract: A pressure sensing assembly includes: a substrate; a pressure sensor on the substrate; a package, the substrate and the pressure sensor being embedded in the package; and a pressure adapter, with a first interface, external to the package and having a first area, and a second interface, coupled to the pressure sensor and having a second area, different from the first area. The pressure adapter is configured to transfer a force between the first interface and the second interface so that a pressure on the second interface is different from a pressure on the first interface.

Abstract: A waterproof member includes a laminated body including a second silicon layer and a second silicon oxide layer, and a through hole that is provided in the laminated body, prevents passing of liquid, and allows passing of gas, the through hole includes a first through hole that passes through the second silicon layer, and a second through hole passing through the second silicon oxide layer and communicating with the first through hole, and a width of the second through hole is smaller than a width of the first through hole.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes an output torque sensor that relies upon magnetization of a section of the output shaft. The sensor produces an electrical current that varies as the torque transmitted by the shaft varies. However, the relationship between output torque and electrical current is impacted by part-to-part variability of the shaft and of the sensor. Conventional methods of compensating for this variability are hampered because the sensors and shafts are not paired until they are assembled into the transmission. A portable test may be used to characterize each shaft and each sensor. This characterization data includes average zero torque current and variability of zero torque current with respect to shaft position. A mapping is selected based on the shaft characterization and the sensor characterization and programmed into the controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for calibrating a pressure sensor associated with a mobile device. The reference pressure information may be obtained from an associated device and then be used to calibrate the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A gas leakage treatment method includes detecting a target gas concentration of a target gas in an environment at a corresponding position of a gas delivery pipeline in a process of moving along the gas delivery pipeline. The method further includes, if the target gas concentration is greater than a preset concentration threshold, determining that gas leakage occurs and performing a gas leakage treatment operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leak detection method for GIS based on vibration signals and belongs to the technical field of apparatus for detecting or reacting mechanical or electrical troubles. The method is carried out by the following steps: 1) Installing a vibration sensor on each connecting flange of each gas-tight chamber of the GIS; 2) Starting the GIS; 3) Acquiring the vibration signals of sensors when the GIS operation is stable after starting; 4) Doing de-noise processing on the collected vibration signal; 5) Doing 4-layer wavelet packet decomposition of the vibration signal after noise reduction to obtain the energy proportion of the vibration signal in each frequency band; 6) Analyzing the energy proportion of the vibration signal in each frequency band in step 5), Then alarm to notify the relevant personnel. Return to step 3) until the fault has been solved.

Abstract: Compliant leak detection system. The system includes structure adapted to support at least two rows of leak detection leaves, each leak detection leaf supported by an arm pivotally attached to the structure and urged outwardly by a torsion spring into contact with a pipe wall so as to adjust for changes in pipe diameter. The leak detection leaf includes a rigid support and a flexible member such that suction from a leak will cause the flexible member to contact the pipe wall and put a drag force on the structure. An axial force transmitting drum measures the drag force to indicate presence of a leak.

Abstract: A test system and a corresponding method for testing the seal of a glove which is installed in a port of an isolator, including a test disc which can be connected in a hermetically sealed fashion to the port. The glove and test disc define a sealed glove volume which can be placed under excess pressure. The test disc has a pressure-measuring device with a microprocessor and a memory for recording and storing a pressure profile in the glove volume and a data interface. The glove and port have identification elements which are read by a reading device of the test disc and information concerning the pressure profile along with the identities of the glove and port are transmitted wirelessly to an evaluation unit which estimates and records a residual period of use of the glove. A plurality of gloves in ports can be tested simultaneously.

Abstract: A handheld-sized, single-hand-holdable, single-hand-operable battery-powered gas leak detector that draws in a sample of ambient air for detecting the presence of a gas by sensing changes in infrared (IR) energy between an IR emitter and an IR sensor when the gas is in the space between the IR emitter and the IR sensor. An algorithm is used that triggers detection of a gas when the change in IR energy between the IR emitter and the IR sensor is more rapid than the thermal drift of the IR sensor, and the detector design allows for IR energy within a wide range of approximately 0.4 micrometers to approximately 20 micrometers to pass into the air being sampled.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leakage oil with a high degree of accuracy while avoiding the complexity of the system and the influence of noise light comprise: ultraviolet light sources arranged to irradiate an oil-filled device from a plurality of different incidence angles, and are switched on and off at the respective incidence angles in sequence, and include a wavelength exciting oil; an imaging device to photograph the oil-filled device irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light sources when the ultraviolet light sources are switched on; a recorder to record respective images photographed by the imaging device; and a display to display the respective images. The respective images are compared, a site where a light emitting position does not change always is judged as a leakage oil site, and a site emitting light or not emitting light occasionally is judged as a noise light site.

Abstract: A device for testing a flow field state within a high-speed train bogie cabin; the periphery of a bogie consists of apron plates and end plates; the test device comprises: a plurality of test points evenly distributed on the inner walls of the apron plates and end plates, a plurality of image pickup devices installed in the bogie cabin, a smoke generator communicating with an inner cavity of the bogie via pipes, and one or more smoke exits provided on top of the bogie; each test point is connected to a test tape, and the distance between the test points is more than twice the test tape length. The test device monitors and records in real time the air flow direction at the end plates and apron plates by means of viewing of a fluorescent test tape. Also provided is a method of testing a flow field state within a high-speed train bogie cabin.

Abstract: A wind tunnel for stable sustained human flight for research or recreation, including a tunnel including first and second portions having first and second central axes, respectively, and a fan to create an air flow in the test section. The second portion is a test section. The first and second central axes are arranged at a first angle with respect to each other. The second central axis is at a second angle of 5°-85° with respect to a horizontal plane. A safety system for an inclined wind tunnel for stable sustained human flight is provided, including an inclined test section of the wind tunnel that is arranged at an angle of 5°-85° with respect to a horizontal plane, a fan to create an air flow in the test section directed from an upstream end towards a downstream end thereof, and a delimiting arrangement arranged at the test section for preventing a person using the test section from leaving it.

Abstract: A method of determining a modulation transfer function (MTF) for an image includes receiving an image captured through the optical system, performing edge detection on columns or rows in the image to calculate a plurality of edge points, calculating a plurality polynomials to fit to the calculated edge points, each of the plurality of polynomials varying in degree, selecting a polynomial from the plurality of polynomials to represent the detected edge, and estimating the MTF based on the selected polynomial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coolable optical table with a table top and at least three table legs. Securing means for securing objects such as optical elements are provided in a table surface of the table top. The table legs are equipped with a damping device for damping vibrations.

Abstract: There is provided a system and a test instrument for identifying or verifying the fiber arrangement and/or the cable type of multi-fiber array cables (such as MPO cables) which employs a light source and a polarity detector at the near end of the multi-fiber array cable under test, and a loopback device at the far end. The polarity detector comprises light presence detectors used to detect which one of the optical fibers of the multi-fiber array cable returns light looped back at the far end and thereby determine the fiber arrangement and/or the cable type of the multi-fiber array cable.

Abstract: Optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) systems, methods and integrated circuits are presented for locating defects in an optical cable or other optical cable, in which a first optical signal is transmitted to the cable and reflections are sampled over a first time range at a first sample rate to identify one or more suspected defect locations, and a second optical signal is transmitted and corresponding reflections are sampled over a second smaller time range at a higher second sample rate to identify at least one defect location of the optical cable for relaxed memory requirements in the OTDR system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the geometric properties of optical fiber preforms, which methods include: providing an optical fiber preform having a longitudinal axis, an outer diameter and a circumference; providing a two-dimensional pattern having a length parallel to the longitudinal axis of the preform and a width greater than the outer diameter of the preform; providing an image capturing device disposed such that the preform is aligned between the pattern and the image capturing device; rotating the preform about its longitudinal axis and acquiring a first plurality of images of the pattern viewed through the preform at at least two different points along the circumference of the preform; and determining at least one geometric property of the preform from the first plurality of images.

Abstract: A solenoid testing system for testing a solenoid is provided. The solenoid testing system includes a housing member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The solenoid is positioned on the outer surface. The solenoid testing system includes an armature adapted to move towards the solenoid upon generation of the magnetic field by the solenoid. The solenoid testing system includes at least one measuring device connected to the armature for measuring a value of a displacement parameter and a value of a load parameter associated with the armature. The solenoid testing system also includes a controller in communication with the measuring device. The controller is configured to determine an operational state of the solenoid, based on comparison of the value of the displacement parameter and the value of the load parameter with a first predefined set of values and a second predefined set of values, respectively.

Abstract: A temperature display device of a vehicle is provided, which includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of coolant of an engine, the coolant being switched in circulation state by opening and closing a thermostat, between a first state where the coolant is circulated through a radiator and a second state where the coolant is circulated bypassing the radiator, a display unit for displaying a temperature of the coolant, and a controller for controlling a display mode of the display unit based on the detected temperature by the temperature sensor. When the detected temperature changes within a first temperature range where the thermostat is in an open state, the controller changes the displayed temperature on the display unit by less than the change of the detected temperature.

Abstract: A turbine engine having an optical imaging system with a housing configured for mounting to a wall of the turbine engine, a camera located in the housing, a hollow probe extending from the housing and having a longitudinal axis, an image receiving device at an end of the hollow probe and communicably coupled with the camera, and method for operating same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automated system and method of analyzing performance of engines in a test cell. The method includes electronically accessing engine operational data in a stored database of the test cell. Another step includes electronically retrieving operational data corresponding to the new test if at least one new test is detected in the stored database for an engine. Further, the method includes inputting the operational data corresponding to the new test into a performance model specific to an engine type for the engine. The method also includes electronically analyzing an output of the performance model. An additional step includes electronically generating at least one summary report of engine health of the engine based on the analyzed output. Thus, the method also includes providing the summary report as electronic output to a user.

Abstract: A tire uniformity tester having: a spindle capable of rotating while holding a tire; a drum; a pressing mechanism that rotatably supports the drum and makes it possible to press a tire attached to the spindle into the drum through the relative movement of the drum and spindle; a uniformity measurement unit for measuring the uniformity of the tire during forward rotation and reverse rotation; and a control device. The control device controls the driving of the rotation of the spindle and the relative positions of the spindle and drum so that when the rotation direction of the spindle is reversed, the spindle and drum are separated from each other such that the spindle rotation speed reaches zero in a state in which the outer peripheral surface of the drum and the tire tread surface are not in contact with each other.

Abstract: A wear measurement system for a component is disclosed. The wear measurement system may include an imaging device configured to obtain a plurality of two-dimensional images of the component. The wear measurement system may also include a controller. The controller may be configured to generate a three-dimensional point cloud representing the component based on the two-dimensional images. The controller may also be configured to overlay a computer model of the component on the three-dimensional point cloud. Further, the controller may be configured to project the computer model on the two-dimensional images. The controller may also be configured to select at least two reference points appearing in each of a subset of images selected from the two-dimensional images. The controller may be configured to determine locations of the two reference points in the three-dimensional point cloud, determine an image distance between the locations, and determine an amount of wear based on the image distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to method and device for determining performance of an intermittently used refrigerator. Performance measuring device receives time stamped temperature data from temperature sensor configured in the intermittently used refrigerator. The received time stamped temperature data is used to determine values for each of one or more predefined parameters associated with the intermittently used refrigerator. The performance measuring device determines temperature variation of the intermittently used refrigerator at predefined time intervals. Based on the determined temperature variation, additional service windows in a site comprising the intermittently used refrigerator are identified i.e. the intensity of sales in the site are identified. The determined values of each of the one or more predefined parameters and the determined temperature variation, helps in determining the performance of intermittently used refrigerator.

Abstract: A modular sample conditioning system formed for in-situ sampling installation, referenced herein as “source mounted”. The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a docking platform or substrate configured to receive multiple, diverse sampling components in various flow configurations, coupled with a unique housing/enclosure formed to engage the docking platform so as to further strengthen and stabilize the mount, the enclosure also formed to engage one or more of the mounted sampling components, so as to provide access outside of the enclosure for visibility and/or manual access of same, providing an easily installed and maintained, user-accessible, on-site modular sampling conditioning/monitoring system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a specimen collection device comprising ventilation means for drying a collected specimen. The device further comprises a cassette into which the specimen collected is secured to maintain evidentiary chain of custody requirements while providing unobstructed access to a collected specimen for automated analysis. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary tissue array, and a method for producing the same, can be provided which can include providing an accepter biological structure(s), providing a donor tissue(s), removing a portion(s) of the donor tissue(s), and removing a portion(s) of the accepter biological structure(s). The removed portion(s) of the accepter biological structure(s) can have a size that is substantially similar to a size of the removed portion(s) of the donor tissue(s). The removed portion(s) of the donor tissue(s) can be inserted into the accepter biological structure(s) at a location substantially corresponding to the removed portion(s) of the accepter biological structure(s).

Abstract: Methods for preparing a biological sample for testing by Maldi where such methods are selected based on sample parameters. Maldi scores are obtained for a range of sample parameters (e.g. McFarland, dispense volume and number of dispenses). From the data, sample preparation parameters can be selected for a biological sample being prepared for Maldi testing. One sample preparation strategy uses multiple dispenses of sample with an intervening drying step, which yields more accurate Maldi scores, particularly for samples at the low range of McFarland values (e.g. below about 2).

Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying one or more microbial cells and/or viruses from a biological sample are provided. The biological sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the microbial cells and/or viruses in the well. The microbial cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the microbial cells and/or viruses are retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded microbial cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating an analyte preparatory to analysis thereof include processing the effluent of an analyte concentrator to produce an eluent for eluting an analyte retained in the same or separate concentrator, and systems implementing the same. The analyte concentrator system connects the effluent outlet of an analyte concentrator column to an eluent generation module such that the substantially analyte-free effluent discharged from the analyte concentrator column passes fluidly into the eluent generation module. Eluent generated from the substantially analyte-free effluent in the eluent generation module is likewise substantially free of the analyte. The systems and methods can minimize and/or (substantially) eliminate background signal during analysis of the concentrated analyte.

Abstract: A biological substance extraction device includes an adsorption container that includes a first flow channel, and seal-tightly holds an adsorbent and a fluid within the first flow channel, and a washing container that includes a second flow channel, and seal-tightly holds a washing liquid and a fluid within the second flow channel, the adsorption container and the washing container being joined to form a flow channel through which a biological substance is moved. The first flow channel and the second flow channel communicate with each other in a state in which an insertion section is inserted into a reception section. The insertion section includes a guide member that extends from the first flow channel to the second flow channel. The guide member forms part of the flow channel between a first inner wall of the first flow channel and a second inner wall of the second flow channel.

Abstract: A coating bond test method includes, attaching with an adhesive a pull-off bar to a coating on a planar surface of a substrate for which a normal bond strength between the coating and the substrate is sought, reducing a first area defined by an interface between the substrate and the coating to a value less than a second area defined by an interface between the adhesive and the coating, urging the pull-off bar away from the substrate in a direction normal to the planar surface until failure occurs, and recording a load at which failure occurred.

Abstract: A device for evaluating working surface fretting wear characteristics comprises a bottom holder with a sample secured thereto, springs displacing in the X and Y direction, multilayer piezo elements moving in the X, Y, and Z directions, a housing, a top plate/holder, a linear air bearing housing, a spherical upper sample, a linear air bearing shaft, a three-way force sensor, a moving support of the flat air bearing and the flat air bearing housing, a high frequency generator, an amplifier, a controller, an electrical filter, a computer, a force sensor signal amplifier, and a flat air bearing. Instead of springs, it can comprise additional multilayer piezo elements moving in the X and Y directions. The device performs testing surface wear under conditions nearer to actual fretting wear conditions, continuously observing friction pair condition changes during testing and evaluating wear characteristics of the tested material more accurately.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting response time of a particulate matter (PM) sensor and resetting the PM sensor upon completion of response time prediction, independent of actual or predicted soot load on PM sensor. Soot accumulation data collected during steady state vehicle operation may be fitted with a time-based polynomial function and sensor output and regeneration schedule may be estimated from the curve fit even if the overall signal is noisy.

Abstract: A porous medium extraction system has an access tube, an impact head and a porous medium extracting screw. The access tube has an access tube wall defining an open-ended channel extending along a longitudinal axis. A lower end of the access tube wall includes a cutting edge bevelled towards an inner surface of the access tube wall. The impact head is engageable with an upper end of the access tube wall. The porous medium extracting screw is insertable in the open-ended channel of the access tube and is engageable with the porous medium located inside the open-ended channel upon insertion of the access tube in the porous medium. The porous medium extracting screw is rotatable to extract the porous medium from the open-ended channel. A porous medium infiltrometer and a porous medium sensor assembly include the access tube of the porous medium extraction system.

Abstract: A system for deforming and analyzing a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet; and a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyte detector with a light blocking assembly. The light blocking assembly includes a light blocking cartridge positioned within the bore of a sampling tip. The light blocking assembly provides fluid communication between the environment and a sensor assembly in an analyte detector while substantially precluding the passage of light.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus includes a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate a subject with light a plurality of times; a driving unit configured to move a supporting member so that relative positions of the supporting member and the subject differ at each of the plurality of times; a plurality of transducers configured to receive acoustic waves generated through the plurality of times of irradiation and output a plurality of groups of reception signals corresponding to the plurality of times of irradiation; the supporting member configured to support the transducers such that directional axes of at least some of the transducers converge; a first memory configured to store the groups of reception signals; and a processing unit configured to obtain subject information at a target position by assigning, to each of the groups of reception signals, a weight corresponding to relative positions of the supporting member and the target position.

Abstract: A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount ?; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.

Abstract: The inspection apparatus includes: a stage that retains the inspection sample; a light irradiator that irradiates the inspection sample with light having a predetermined wavelength to cause the inspection sample to emit a terahertz wave; a detector that detects electric field intensity of the terahertz wave emitted from the inspection sample; and a comparator that compares the electric field intensity of the terahertz wave emitted from the inspection sample to an evaluation reference value. The evaluation reference value is a value (for example, 90% of a saturation value) smaller than an absolute value of the saturation value of the electric field intensity of the terahertz wave, the terahertz wave being generated by irradiating a reference sample, which is a reference of the inspection sample, with the light while different voltages are applied to the reference sample.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling an instrument to measure a fluorescence emission spectrum of a sample including a first peak emission wavelength and at least a second peak emission wavelength, emitted in response to an excitation wavelength and controlling the instrument to measure an absorbance obtained at the excitation wavelength of the sample. The method may include determining, using the computer, a ratio of the measurements at either the second peak emission wavelength, or a sum of measurements at a plurality of peak emission wavelengths including at least the first peak emission wavelength and the second peak emission wavelength, to the first peak emission wavelength, and calculating, using the computer, a value for a quality parameter based on a combination of at least the ratio and the absorbance measurement. The method may include controlling an associated process based on the quality parameter.

Abstract: A sample analyzer has a support for an assay sample vessel, a detector, and a shutter assembly. The assay sample vessel contains an assay sample within an assay sample reservoir. The detector has an optical axis aligned with the assay sample reservoir, so as to detect luminescence from the assay sample. The shutter assembly includes an illuminator and is positioned between the detector and the support, intersecting the optical axis, such that the illuminator causes luminescence of the assay sample. Thus both illumination and detection occur on the same side of the assay sample vessel.