Abstract: At least one light source is configured to emit at least one beam into a sample volume of an absorbing medium. In addition, at least one detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the at least one light source. Further, at least one beam modification element is positioned between the at least one detector and the at least one light source to selectively change at least one of (i) a power intensity of, or (ii) a shape of the beam emitted by the at least one light source as detected by the at least one detector. A control circuit is coupled to the beam modification element. Related apparatus methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.

Abstract: An optoelectronic module includes a light guide arranged to receive light, such as ambient light or light reflected by an object. The light guide has a diffractive grating that includes multiple sections, each of which is tuned to a respective wavelength or narrow band of wavelengths. The module further includes multiple photosensitive elements, each of which is arranged to receive light diffracted by a respective one of the sections of the diffractive grating. The module can be integrated, for example, as part of a spectrometer or other apparatus for optically determining characteristics of an object.

Abstract: A system for wide-range spectral measurement includes one or more broadband sources, an adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon, and a detector. The one or more broadband sources is to illuminate a sample, wherein the one or more broadband sources have a short broadband source coherence length. The adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon is to optically process the reflected light to extract spectral information with fine spectral resolution. The detector is to detect reflected light from the sample, wherein the reflected light is comprised of multiple narrow-band subsets of the illumination light having long coherence lengths and is optically processed using a plurality of settings for the adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon, and wherein the plurality of settings includes a separation of the Fabry-Perot etalon plates that is greater than the broadband source coherence length.

Abstract: The invention is a method for estimating a cardiac frequency via the detection of radiation backscattered or transmitted by a bodily zone. The part is illuminated, simultaneously or successively, by light radiation extending over a first spectral band and a second spectral band. A photodetector detects radiation emitted by the bodily zone under the effect of its illumination, in each of the spectral bands. A first detection function and a second detection function are formed from the radiation detected in each spectral band, respectively. The method allows the cardiac frequency to be determined via the determination of characteristic instants that are identified from the first detection function and the second detection function simultaneously.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating output of a display device includes a light source, an integrating sphere, a filter, a narrowband instrument, a wideband instrument, and a data processing unit. The light rays emitted by the light source passing through the filter and enter the integrating sphere. The narrowband instrument and the wideband instrument are configured to measure the color measured data. The data processing unit is configured to receive the color measured data to generate a calibration matrix based on the color measured. The calibration matrix is used to calibrate the output from the wideband instrument.

Abstract: Spherical detector array devices are provided, which are implemented using passive detector structures for thermal imaging applications. Passive detector structures are configured with unpowered, passive front-end detector structures with direct-to-digital measurement data output for detecting incident photonic radiation in the thermal IR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes optical radiation sensors and detection techniques that facilitate assigning a specific wavelength to a measured photocurrent. The techniques can be used to determine the spectral emission characteristics of a radiation source. In one aspect, a method of determining spectral emission characteristics of incident radiation includes sensing at least some of the incident radiation using a light detector having first and second photosensitive regions whose optical responsivity characteristics differ from one another. The method further includes identifying a wavelength of the incident radiation based on a ratio of a photocurrent from the first region and a photocurrent from the second region.

Abstract: A system for determining when an electrical contact or other component reaches a predetermined temperature. In operation, a trace material is dispersed into a surrounding environment (e.g., head space within a compartment above insulating oil), where the trace material is detected. A barrier may be ruptured or broken by temperature-induced gas pressure, or pierced by a spring-loaded member that is located within the same section that contains the trace material, and devices may be provided for moving the trace material through the foil barrier as the barrier is ruptured. The barrier may be opened solely by internal gas pressure. According to another embodiment, improved fail-safe operation may be achieved by providing a spring-loaded member and configuring the barrier to be ruptured by the pressure of the detectable gas material before the barrier is ruptured by the spring-loaded member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless cooking thermometer system, comprising: a food temperature indicator configured to provide a temperature reading, and a wireless transmitter unit operably connected to the food temperature indicator to receive a temperature reading therefrom and to wirelessly transmit an information representing the temperature reading.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a mobile sensing system comprising a sensing device for measuring a thermal property of an object, comprising an RF circuit and an antenna electronically coupled to the RF circuit, a sensor electronically coupled to the RF circuit, and a thermal source thermally coupled to the sensor and electronically coupled to the RF circuit, a mobile device having a processor, an RF reader connected to or integrated with the mobile device, wherein the RF reader is configured to interrogate the sensing device; wherein the sensing device receives power when the RF reader interrogates the sensing device and provides at least a portion of the power to the thermal source.

Abstract: A RTD measurement device comprises a current splitter connected to a single current source. The current splitter splits the current from the current source into two currents and continuously monitors the two currents and adjusts them to be the same value.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor nanocrystal or quantum dot comprising a core made of a material and at least one shell made of another material. Also there is provided a composite comprising a plurality of such nanocrystals or quantum dots. Moreover, there is provided a method of measuring the temperature of an object or area, comprising using a temperature sensor comprising a semiconductor nanocrystal or quantum dot of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the human body temperature. It comprises of an infrared temperature sensor for performing temperature sampling on a plurality M×N of sampling points, M?3, N?3. The temperatures of the sampling points with temperatures within the effective temperature range of the human body are averaged to obtain the body temperature of the human body. By collecting the temperatures of a plurality of sampling points of the measured object, the invention effectively avoids the errors that measurement of single point may produce (as may be caused by factors such as the environment); by screening for temperatures within the effective temperature range of the human body, the invention effectively avoids errors or interference produced by factors such as clothing or the environment. The improved accuracy and real-time measurement of body temperature bring convenience to people's lives.

Abstract: A package having a recessed section, a sensor element arranged in the recessed section and having a piezoelectric material, a lid joined to the package and sealing the recessed section of the package are provided. The package has a first hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with, on an inner bottom surface of the recessed section. The lid has a second hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with.

Abstract: A serial weak FBG interrogator is disclosed. The serial weak FBG interrogator may include a CW tunable laser or pulsed laser utilized as a laser source and an EDFA. The serial weak FBG interrogator may also be an interrogation of a single sensor system by utilization of a DFB laser which utilizes a single sensor, which may be an interferometer sensor, an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer or a wavelength-modulated sensor. The serial weak FBG interrogator may also include a computer system or CSPU.

Abstract: An apparatus for an imbalance test includes a strain measurement module that measures a strain voltage across terminals of a strain gauge. The strain voltage is representative of an amount of force on the strain gauge. The apparatus includes a test measurement module that measures a test voltage across the terminals of the strain gauge while a test resistor is connected in parallel with a resistor of the strain gauge. The test resistor is connected while the test measurement module measures the test voltage and is disconnected while the strain module measures strain voltage. The apparatus includes an average module that calculates an average strain voltage from two strain voltage measurements. The strain voltages are measured preceding and after the test voltage measurement. The apparatus includes a difference module that determines a difference voltage. The difference voltage is a difference between the average strain voltage and the test voltage.

Abstract: A plate-like supporting body (200) is arranged below a plate-like force receiving body (100) and a deformation body (300) is connected between them. The deformation body (300) is provided with an elastically deformed portion (310) arranged along a connection channel (R1) which connects a first force receiving point (P1) with a second force receiving point (P2), a first base portion (320) and a second base portion (330) which support the elastically deformed portion (310) from below. The upper end of the first base portion (320) supports the vicinity of a first relay point (m1) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely, and the upper end of the second base portion (330) supports the vicinity of a second relay point (m2) on the connection channel (R1) so as to sway freely.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for selectively configuring an impedance of a transducer. A configurable transducer system is provided that can include a first region configured for receiving an applied stress and one or more sensing branches in communication with the first region. Each sensing branch can include an active piezoresistive area; three or more conduction paths configured in electrical communication with the active piezoresistive area; one or more trimmable links configured in parallel communication with at least two of the three or more conduction paths; and two or more connection terminals in electrical communication with the three or more conduction paths. The trimmable links are configured to be selectively opened to set a value of nominal impedance associated with the active piezoresistive area based on a desired impedance of the configurable transducer.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an SOI substrate which has a first silicon layer, a second silicon layer placed on one side of the first silicon layer, and a silicon oxide layer placed between the first and second silicon layers, and a concave section which opens to the surface on the first silicon layer side of the SOI substrate, wherein in a plan view of the SOI substrate, a portion overlapping the concave section of the SOI substrate becomes a diaphragm which is flexurally deformed by receiving a pressure, and the second silicon layer is exposed on the bottom surface of the concave section.

Abstract: In the present invention, a pressure measurement device for determining the vacuum level within the evacuated housing of a vacuum electrode device is provided that includes an electrically conductive enclosure secured to an interior surface of the housing, an electrically conductive electrode extending through an aperture in the housing, the electrode having a tip at one end positioned within the interior of the housing inside the enclosure to define a gap between the tip and the enclosure and a conductive lead at a second end disposed outside of the housing, and a voltage source connected to the conductive lead to supply a voltage potential to the tip of the electrode. A voltage difference produced between the electrode and the enclosure ionizes gas within the enclosure causing a measurable current to flow between the electrode and the enclosure which can be used to determine the vacuum level in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for generating, presenting, transferring, and tracking personal, product, organizational information or the like as a microsite that mimics the look and feel of a business card in a manner that is adaptive to the platform on which the microsite displays. A microsite may be associated with a product, person, organization or other entity, and may be grouped together with other microsites in various associations. Share activity of the microsites between users may be tracked to generated share analytics on the shared microsites.

Abstract: To enable early detection of abnormal states including accumulation on a pressure sensor, a characteristic measuring portion obtains a change in an output of a pressure sensor in a state in which the temperature of a sensor chip is changed by operation of a temperature controlling portion and thereby obtains a sensor characteristic indicating the change in the output. A state determination portion determines an abnormal state of a diaphragm by comparing the sensor characteristic obtained by the characteristic measuring portion with a reference characteristic, used as a reference, stored in a reference value storing portion.

Abstract: A wheel-balancing weight application apparatus comprising a supplying module including a first strip of wheel-balancing weights and a second strip of wheel-balancing weights, the first and the second strips of wheel-balancing weights including a different characteristic, and an application module for securing a portion of one of the first strip of wheel-balancing weights and the second strip of wheel-balancing weights to a wheel, wherein a selection of wheel-balancing weights from the first strip of wheel-balancing weights and the second strip of wheel-balancing weights is selected on a basis of a characteristic of the wheel to match the wheel-balancing weights characteristic with an identified characteristic of the wheel. A method of using the balancing weight application apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a pipe system includes a housing, a housing fastener, and a strap assembly. The housing is configured to mount on an exterior surface of a pipe element of the pipe system. The strap assembly is coupled to the housing with the housing fastener, and the housing fastener is received within the housing to secure the strap assembly to the housing. The strap assembly includes a first strap and a second strap, each of the first strap and the second strap including a mounting end, an adjusting end, and an intermediate portion. The first strap includes an insert tab proximate to the first adjusting end, and the second strap includes a plurality of adjustment slots sized to lockably receive a portion of the insert tab. The insert tab is lockably coupled to the second strap when the monitoring device is tightened.

Abstract: A device includes at least one antenna, a power supply that generates a voltage using electrical energy contained in a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated by an RF scanner, at least two ports to which respective ends of at least one electrical conductor are attached, an impedance meter to which the at least two ports are conductively linked and a transmission controller configured to communicate to the RF scanner, via the antenna, a second RF signal containing data indicating the measured electrical impedance. The impedance meter and the transmission controller are powered by the voltage generated by the power supply using the electrical energy contained in the first RF signal generated by the RF scanner. The device can be configured to be embedded into at least one structural material of a physical structure, or embedded into a structural wrap configured to be attached to the physical structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the measurement of temporal characteristics of optical pulses. Embodiments may be used for single-shot characterization of picosecond optical pulses. The optical pulse may be split into a plurality of ancillary pulses. Amounts of distortion may be added to the plurality of ancillary pulses. An instantaneous power of the plurality of ancillary pulses may be measured. Thereafter, an experimental trace with the measured instantaneous powers may be constructed and the experimental trace may be outputted. The experimental trace may be processed to calculate temporal characteristics of the input optical pulse. A fiber assembly may be used to split the pulse into the plurality of ancillary pulses. The fiber assembly may include one or more splitters. The one or more splitters may direct the ancillary pulses along different optical paths having different lengths to temporally separate the ancillary pulses and to add amounts of distortion.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods for indicating degradation in a component having None or more elastomeric elements. For example, a degradation indicator can include an indicator element in communication with at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric elements, wherein the indicator element is configured to show visible degradation or damage when a specific and predetermined condition of the one or more elastomeric elements is reached.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the health of one or more bearings of a journal assembly is provided. The system includes a split spacer, one or more vibration sensors, a speed sensor, and a controller. The split spacer is configured to be disposed on a shaft of the journal assembly, the shaft is configured to support the bearings. The vibration sensors are configured to detect vibrations emitted by the bearings. The speed sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the bearings. The controller is configured to electronically communicate with the vibration sensors and the speed sensor and calculate a health status of the bearings. The split spacer includes two portions that define a cavity configured to abut the shaft so as to allow the vibration sensors to be disposed inside the split spacer and next to the one or more bearings.

Abstract: An emissions measurement system capable of providing an accurate, real-time estimate of particle number (PN)/particulate matter (PM) within exhaust is disclosed. The system is capable of accurately differentiating the size and composition of PM/PN by synchronizing dissimilarly configured sensors. The exhaust may be generated by an internal combustion engine, in which case the system may be sequentially connected to the exhaust from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature distribution measurement system includes a temperature difference calculator configured to calculate a temperature difference between corresponding spatial resolution zones based on a first temperature distribution obtained by a return light from a first optical fiber part and a second temperature distribution obtained by a return light from a second optical fiber part, and an abnormality detector configured to calculate a temperature difference for evaluation for each spatial resolution zone, the temperature difference for evaluation being a sum of a temperature difference of each spatial resolution zone and a temperature difference of a spatial resolution zone adjacent thereto, and to determine that an abnormality has occurred in a roller near the spatial resolution zone when the calculated temperature difference for evaluation exceeds a reference value.

Abstract: A testing device for testing an electronic device includes a base, a testing mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and a fastening mechanism. The testing mechanism is rotatably fastened to the base and can be rotated from a first position to a second position. The fastening mechanism is mounted on the base. The pushing mechanism is rotatably mounted on the testing mechanism. When the testing mechanism is rotated from the first position to the second position, the pushing mechanism is rotated and pushes against the testing mechanism. The testing mechanism is connected to an electronic device. The testing mechanism is positioned in the second position via the fastening mechanism.

Abstract: Sensors monitor parameters of a machine and generate sensor signals that are transmitted to a plurality of signal analyzers. A microprocessor in each signal analyzer analyzes a sensor signal and generates an event signal when the sensor signal meets predetermined criteria indicating that the machine is operating abnormally. A circular buffer is connected to receive and record data corresponding to a sensor signal. When the signal analyzer generates an event signal and a capture trigger is created, the data from the circular buffer is transmitted and stored in the nonvolatile memory. Both pre-event data and post-event data are stored in the nonvolatile memory in a selected ratio of pre-event and post-event data. Data lines connect each signal analyzer in a group of signal analyzers, and data corresponding to each signal analyzer in the group is stored into the nonvolatile memory when an event signal is created by a signal analyzer in the group.

Abstract: A swab canister (101) is provided which includes a container (103) equipped with a first opening (105) and having a removable sample collector (117) disposed therein. A membrane (111) which is permeable to both moisture and a sanitizing agent such as ethylene oxide is disposed between the sample collector and the first opening. A desiccant (113) disposed between the membrane and the first opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sampling apparatus having one or more support structures and two or more sampling molds operatively coupled to the one or more support structures. The two or more sampling molds may be sealed or unsealed. The sampling apparatus is pressurized with a gas and immersed in the molten metal. The two or more sampling molds become unsealed when the mold stops at least partially melt. When the sampling apparatus is depressurized the one or more unsealed sampling molds capture one or more molten metal samples. The sampling apparatus is removed from the molten metal and the samples are removed from the sampling molds and analyzed.

Abstract: Determination of Analytes in a Sample Matrix by Solvent Extraction A method for the assay of one or more analytes in a sample matrix comprising the steps of: performing analyte extraction on the sample matrix, said analyte extraction comprising combining the sample matrix with a solvent for an extraction period which is less than that required for reaching equilibrium; and separating the analyte containing solvent from the sample matrix; next measuring a level of analyte present in the separated solvent; and then applying in a computer a calibration by which is established a mathematical relationship between levels of analyte extracted from each of a plurality of reference samples by means of the process employed above in the extraction for the sample matrix and a reference value of the levels of analyte for each reference sample to thereby derive a measure of the level of analyte in the sample matrix.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling the determination of kinetic rates within a fluid of interest including directing fluid flow exiting a test bed to a multi-port switching valve. The multi-port switching valve to switches the fluid to a number of channels connected to in in-flow extraction cartridge. Analytes of interest from the fluid flow our concentrated and captured on an extraction medium. Rates are determined by (i) sequentially channeling the fluid through the each of the plurality of channels for a preselected time duration, (ii) analyzing the extraction cartridges, and computing the kinetic rate of interest.

Abstract: A sampling module of a fluid processing apparatus includes at least one multi-configuration device connected to a filtration module. The invention relates to an area of non-disruptive sampling from any flow stream including the ones containing solids. The fluid processing apparatus remains in fluid communication with a sample processing module in all configurations of the sampling module and the parameters deemed critical for a chemical process remain unaffected during the sampling event. The entire event is controlled from a computer and the results are collected to make decisions on analytical and process controls.

Abstract: Kits and systems for isolating microorganisms from a sample, the sample including sample matrix and microorganisms, the kit including concentration agent; and a system for isolating microorganisms from a sample.

Abstract: A same-time-domain multi-frequency band hydraulic system, comprising a high-frequency data processing system, a control system, an executive system, a load, a static measuring system, and a dynamic measuring system, wherein the high-frequency data processing system processes the input command signals, data from the dynamic measuring system, and data from the static measuring system, and automatically generates, displays, and saves same-time-domain multi-frequency band test result data, wherein part of input signals are converted into input signals of the control system by the high-frequency data processing system and executed by the executive system, wherein the frequency response and measurement accuracy of the dynamic measuring system and the front-end data processing system meet the requirements of both the test and the hydraulic testing system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wear and/or failure of a ball joint. The system having a ball housing which retains a ball head of the ball joint therein. A ball race is received within the ball housing and receives the ball head of the ball joint. An inwardly facing surface of the ball race engages the bail head such that the ball head can pivot in relation to the ball housing. A detection component is supported by the ball race and is spaced from an exterior surface of the ball head by a set distance. The detection component issues an indicator signal to alert a driver when the detection component detects at least one of a worn or a failure condition of the ball joint.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are apparatuses and methods related to coreflood testing apparatuses and methods for determining key physical properties of core specimens. More particularly, disclosed herein are coreflood inlet end-piece designs, coreflood testing systems and coreflood testing methods to enable simultaneous testing to obtain necessary data for determination for determining key physical properties of core specimens, which include the relative permeability and the capillary pressure, as well as, optionally the wettability of the core sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for analysis of samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The invention provides methods and devices in which individual ablation plumes are distinctively captured and transferred to the ICP, followed by analysis by mass cytometry.

Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and methods that can separate and concentrate particles in a sample.

Abstract: An airborne particle-measuring device quantifies and qualifies contaminants of an air environment in clean-rooms, open spaces, and enclosed spaces such as homes, offices, industrial environments, airplanes in flight, cars and others. The device may include a sensor system, an electronics system, communications and information storage. The sensor system may include a high-power low-wavelength single-frequency continuous laser, an open-cavity high-efficiency mirror having an optical surface tuned to the laser frequency and a flow system that includes a vacuum pump to sample the air. The electronics system may be mounted on a single multilayer PC board with a microprocessor, firmware, electronics and a touch-screen LCD display. Innovations in light source, flow control, analog and digital signal processing, components integration and software allow provision of equipment in a wide range of high-complexity settings that require precise particle measurements.

Abstract: A device for characterizing particles dispersed in a liquid medium includes a fibered light emission source, a fibered optical detector, and a measurement probe intended to be hermetically submerged in the liquid medium. The measurement probe includes: a confinement tube intended to pass through at least one wall of the probe in a sealed manner and suitable for receiving a sample of the liquid medium, as well as an optical measurement head including a focusing optics for the focusing of an illumination light beam in the confinement tube and a collection optics for the collection toward the optical detector of a beam of light backscattered by the dispersed particles. The characterization device also includes a processing unit suitable for the characterization of the particles based on the backscattered-light beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using the same for sorting cells are provided. The systems may include a cell sorter including a deflector capable of deflecting an analyzed droplet to a deflected droplet receiving location, a support stage including a container and configured to continuously move in two dimensions. The systems and methods of using the same find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A system and method for the label-free analysis of cells includes a purification device configured to receive a heterogeneous population of cells, the purification device temporarily trapping therein a subpopulation of cells from the heterogeneous population of cells and a cell analysis device positioned downstream of the purification device and configured to measure one or more cellular parameters including cell count, measured cell size, and/or cell morphology. In an alternative embodiment, the subpopulation of cells is analyzed while they are trapped within the purification device.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for detecting and characterizing particles in a fluid. The sensor has a microfluidic channel for receiving the fluid sample, an acoustic transducer module configured to generate a standing wave for concentrating the particles in a region of the microfluidic channel; an optical detection module configured to detect optical signals scattered by the particles upon illuminating the region of the fluid sample with a light source; and a data processing module configured to characterize the particles of the fluid sample based on the optical signals using a classifier.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods, systems, devices and applications for use in relation to the detection of chemical vapours. A particular embodiment relates to a device for chemical vapour sensing. The device comprises a housing of a size to be manually portable, the housing defining a plurality of receptors adapted to receive a respective plurality of manually replaceable chemical vapour sensing components. The device further comprises at least one signal receiver to receive data signals from each chemical vapour sensing component when the chemical vapour sensing component is positioned in one of the receptors.

Abstract: Flow cytometer flow cell cuvettes are provided. Aspects of the flow cell cuvettes include a narrowing region having a wide end opposite a narrow end and a flow channel extending from the narrow end of the narrowing region. Aspects of the invention further include flow cytometers including the flow cell cuvettes, and methods of using the same, e.g., in sample analysis.