Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods useful for detection of amyloid related disorders in samples, such as human tissue, cell or body fluid. Use of the compositions and methods herein allows for the rapid, in vitro detection of amyloid accumulation, often before amyloid disorder symptoms are manifest or without introduction of foreign fluorophore molecules into a subject.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of predicting response of a human subject to Interferon beta, (IFN-?), wherein the subject is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and wherein the method comprises using, as an indicator, the percentage of CD5+ CD19+ CD45+ B cells over the total count of lymphocytes (CD45+ cells) in a biological sample originating from the human subject and the percentage of CD8+ CD45+ perforin+ T cells over the total count of lymphocytes (CD45+ cells) in a biological sample originating from the human subject, wherein if the percentage of CD5+ CD19+ CD45+ B cells over the total count of lymphocytes (CD45+ cells) is lower than or equal to 3% and/orthe percentage of CD8+ CD45+ perforin+ T cells over the total count of lymphocytes (CD45+ cells) is greater than or equal to 1%, is indicative of response.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and methods that enable the quick and reliable detection of hemolysis in a sample such that a sample which exhibits an unacceptable level of hemolysis can be flagged or disregarded in an associated diagnostic test.

Abstract: Fish sexual characteristics are determined by measuring the concentration in fish serum, plasma or whole blood of one or more peptide hormones of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily (TGF-?superfamily). The disclosed method and an accompanying field test kit may be used in sturgeon aquaculture to cull out young male fish so that increased time and resources may be devoted to the further rearing of female fish for caviar production. The method and test kit may also be used for wild fish life history studies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method and system for heating and/or inspecting a portable microfluidic assay cartridge for performing an assay includes receiving the assay cartridge on a receiving region of a translatable table under automated control, heating the cartridge, during performance of the assay, with a planar radiant heater plate, the heater plate having an aperture through which an inspection axis extends, and/or inspecting the cartridge using an optical system constructed to inspect the cartridge along the inspection axis by reading a fluorescent light signal which passes through the aperture in the heater plate. In addition, the cartridge moves with movement of the translation table, and the heater plate and optical system may be stationary, and the inspection axis may be fixed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting molecules of interest within a collected sample are described herein. In certain embodiments, self-contained sample analysis systems are disclosed, which include a reusable reader component, a disposable cartridge component, and a disposable sample collection component. In some embodiments, the reader component communicates with a remote computing device for the digital transmission of test protocols and test results. In various disclosed embodiments, the systems, components, and methods are configured to identify the presence, absence, and/or quantity of particular nucleic acids, proteins, or other analytes of interest, for example, in order to test for the presence of one or more pathogens or contaminants in a sample.

Abstract: A sample container carrier for transporting sample containers, for example test tubes and/or vials, in a laboratory automation system is presented. The sample container carrier comprises a body having a hollow center with a central axis. The hollow center accommodates a lower end of a sample container. The sample container carrier also comprises three resiliently deformable and/or displaceable first retaining elements mounted to the body. The first retaining elements, distributed about the central axis, clamp a sample container inserted in the hollow center. The sample container carrier also comprises three resiliently deformable and/or displaceable second retaining elements mounted to the body. The second retaining elements, distributed about the central axis, clamp the sample container inserted in the hollow center underneath the three first retaining elements. The second retaining elements are arranged at least partly inside the hollow center.

Abstract: A sample container carrier for transporting sample containers, for example test tubes and/or vials, in a laboratory automation system is presented. The sample container carrier comprises a body having a hollow center with a central axis (A). The hollow center is adapted for receiving a lower end of a sample container. The sample container carrier also comprises at least three resiliently deformable and/or displaceable upper retaining elements. The upper retaining elements are distributed about the central axis (A) and adapted to clamp a sample container inserted in the hollow center of the body. The upper retaining elements are made of plastic. A method for manufacturing a sample container carrier is also presented. At least the upper retaining elements are formed by injection molding. A laboratory sample distribution system having a number of sample container carriers and a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system are also presented.

Abstract: A device for mounting a plurality of actuator modules in a grid pattern to a support frame with support bars is provided. Each actuator module has a regular polygonal basic shape with three, four or six corners. The device comprises a plurality of support brackets mountable to the support bars. Each support bracket is provided with a support structure arranged at a node of the grid pattern and having a cross element adapted to support corner regions of neighboring actuator modules at the node. A transport device comprising a plurality of actuator modules and a device for mounting the plurality of actuator modules in a grid pattern to a support frame is also provided. A laboratory sample distribution system and a laboratory automation system comprising a laboratory sample distribution system are also provided.

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path and a swab within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be unprotected without the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated. In some embodiments the fluid path comprises a fill needle that can removably and aseptically be sealed with a disposable monolithic injection moulded polymeric fill needle sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring airflow in an airstream includes a generally planar panel adapted to be placed in the airstream so that air passes over opposite surfaces of the panel. The panel includes at least one slot that extends through the panel. A hot-point element is mounted on one of the panel surfaces adjacent the at least one slot. The at least one slot is configured to permit air passing over the opposite surfaces to pass through the slot and become mixed together. The hot-point element is positioned on the panel so that the mixed air passes over the hot-point element.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic device comprising a first and second MEMS device and a semiconductor substrate disposed upon a mounting substrate includes subjecting the first MEMS device and the second MEMS device to physical perturbations, wherein the physical perturbations comprise first physical perturbations associated with the first MEMS device and second physical perturbations associated with the second MEMS device, wherein the first physical perturbations and the second physical perturbations are substantially contemporaneous, determining in a plurality of CMOS circuitry formed within the one or more semiconductor substrates, first physical perturbation data from the first MEMS device in response to the first physical perturbations and second physical perturbation data from the second MEMS device in response to the second physical perturbations, determining output data in response to the first physical perturbation data and to the second physical perturbation data, and outputting the output data.

Abstract: A method for operating a micromechanical z-accelerometer. The method includes applying a test signal to an electrode in order to induce a defined displacement of a rocker of the z-accelerometer during operation of the z-accelerometer; detecting the displacement of the rocker and converting the displacement into an acceleration value; and evaluating the acquired acceleration value by determining a difference between the acquired acceleration value and an initial acceleration value acquired in a manufacturing process, a difference between the acquired acceleration value and the initial acceleration value being compared to a defined threshold value and assessed.

Abstract: A socket includes: a contact probe; and an insulating support body supporting the contact probe. The contact probe includes: a first plunger to be connected with an object to be inspected; a second plunger to be connected with an inspecting board; and a spring configured to urge the first plunger and the second plunger in a direction apart from each other. In a state where a tip end of the first plunger is released, a projecting amount of the second plunger from the insulating support body is zero with a natural length of the spring.

Abstract: A probe or accessory for use with an electrical test and measurement instrument can include an input to receive an input signal from a device under test (DUT), a clamp control unit or oscilloscope to apply a clamping/limiting level to the input signal to generate an output signal, and/or a control unit output port to provide the clamped/limited output signal to an oscilloscope.

Abstract: An example test system includes a test head and a probe card assembly connected to the test head. The probe card assembly includes: a probe card having electrical contacts, a stiffener connected to the probe card to impart rigidity to the probe card, and a heater to heat to at least part of the probe card assembly. A prober is configured to move a device under test (DUT) into contact with the electrical contacts of the probe card assembly.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided that performs a trigger data acquisition algorithm. When the measurement system performs the trigger event data acquisition algorithm, it causes a preselected number of digital data samples acquired during a first time window that includes a trigger event and during a second time window that is specified by the user and that is subsequent in time to the first time window to be stored in memory. Digital data samples acquired after the end of the first time window and before the beginning of the second time window are not stored in memory. By not storing digital data samples acquired after the end of the first time window and before the beginning of the second time window, the possibility of overwriting samples that surround the trigger event is prevented and the memory is used very efficiently.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided that performs a qualified store algorithm. When performing the algorithm, the measurement system stores in memory digital data samples acquired during a time window while a qualification signal is valid, a preselected number of digital data samples acquired prior to and adjacent in time to the time window, and a preselected number of digital data samples acquired subsequent to and adjacent in time to the time window.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains correcting linear interpolation errors. In one embodiment, a system comprises an input configured to receive the periodic signal at a first sampling rate and an output configured to provide an interpolated representation of the periodic signal at a second sampling rate. A linear interpolation subsystem may establish a ratio between the first sampling rate and the second sampling rate to determine a slip frequency. The linear interpolation subsystem creates an interpolated representation of the periodic signal based on the ratio. The interpolated representation of the periodic signal includes a deterministic error attributable to interpolation. A linear interpolation correction subsystem may correct the deterministic error attributable to the linear interpolation subsystem and create a corrected interpolated representation. An application interface subsystem may provide the corrected interpolated representation to an application.

Abstract: The current sensor arrangement according to the compensation principle has a primary conductor, designed to generate a primary magnetic field dependent on a current to be measured flowing through it, a first secondary winding, designed to generate a first secondary magnetic field dependent on a first compensation current flowing through said winding, a second secondary winding designed to generate a second secondary magnetic field dependent on a second compensation current flowing through said winding, a magnetic field sensor designed to generate a measurement signal that represents a magnetic field detected by it; a magnetic core of soft magnetic material designed and arranged to magnetically interconnect a primary conductor, a first seconding winding, a second secondary winding, and a magnetic field sensor; a first evaluation circuit; and a second evaluation circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are power detectors and methods for detecting the average power level of an RF input signal and the voltage envelope of the RF input signal. Also disclosed herein are linear envelope detectors and methods for detecting the voltage envelope of an RF input signal.

Abstract: A test measurement system configured to be applied or otherwise coupled to an energized low-voltage receptacle or to live terminals of a feeder/branch circuit to detect the presence of potentially hazardous conditions. The test measurement system can be configured to indicate to a user if a ground-fault, which could occur at a load supplied by that energized low-voltage receptacle or live terminals of a feeder/branch circuit, would cause unsafe touch potentials to an individual.

Abstract: Building automation systems, energy meters, and associated methods. A method includes receiving a plurality of voltage inputs and a plurality of current inputs from a multiphase power source. The method includes selecting a first voltage input from the plurality of voltage inputs. The method includes performing a signed power factor computation between respective pairs of the first voltage input and each of the plurality of current inputs. The method includes identifying a pair with a greatest positive power factor value. The method includes designating the identified pair with the greatest positive power factor value as an associated phase pair.

Abstract: An example device includes a magnetic film, two or more spin wave generators, and one or more detectors. The magnetic film is capable of supporting spin waves. The two or more spin wave generators are operable to create a diffraction pattern of the spin waves in the magnetic film. The two or more spin wave generators generate the spin waves based on a source signal. The one or more detectors are operable to measure an amplitude of the spin waves in the diffraction pattern. The amplitude measured by a particular detector is indicative of a property of the source signal.

Abstract: A device for determining impedance at a data pin of a communication interface. In one embodiment, the device includes a current source configured to selectively inject a test current to the data pin. The device also includes a sensing circuit for sensing a first test voltage corresponding to a voltage at the data pin without the test current injected, and a second test voltage corresponding to another voltage at the data pin with the test current injected. The sensing circuit determines the impedance at the data pin based on the first test voltage and the second test voltage.

Abstract: A near-field antenna measurement method and a measurement system using the same is disclosed. The measurement method chooses a measurement block to measuring an antenna signal emitted by an antenna under test on the measurement block. Firstly, a plurality of initial measurement points is chosen on measurement block and initial electric field values of the antenna signal at the initial measurement points are measured. Then, a plurality of initial interpolation points cooperating with the initial measurement points on the measurement block is chosen to comply with the sampling theorem. Interpolation is performed on the initial electric field values to obtain initial electric field interpolation values respectively corresponding to the initial interpolation points. Finally, the initial electric field values and the initial electric field interpolation values are processed to obtain electric filed convergence values of the antenna signal at the initial measurement points and the initial interpolation points.

Abstract: A sump, ejector, or other pump monitor configured to monitor the amperage of electric current power supplied through the pump monitor to a pump and communicate one or more signals regarding the amperage or variations in amperage to a remote signal receiving device which indicate a predicted failure or actual failure of the pump. In various embodiments, the pump monitor operates with a remote pump failure warning system. The remote signal receiving device or remote pump failure warning system provides suitable warnings to one or more user access devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for detecting a partial discharge from electrical equipment. The system includes a vest dimensioned for wear by a user. An antenna is associated with the vest, and a receiver is coupled to the antenna and associated with the vest. At least one indicator device is associated with the best. Circuitry is associated with the vest and coupled to the receiver. The circuitry is configured to monitor ambient radiofrequency energy in real time, and determine that the partial discharge has occurred as a function of the ambient radiofrequency energy. The circuitry actuates the at least one indicator device as a function of the determination that the partial discharge has occurred, and transmits the determination that the partial charge has occurred to a control station via the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided, which detect a short circuit condition related to a semiconductor switch. A short circuit condition may be determined when a control signal of the switch exceeds a first reference, and a change of load current of the switch exceeds a second reference.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided, which detect a short circuit condition related to a semiconductor switch. A short circuit condition may be determined when a control signal of the switch exceeds a first reference, and a change of load current of the switch exceeds a second reference.

Abstract: A method of testing a receptor of a wind turbine includes a step of moving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) close to the receptor of a wind turbine blade mounted to a hub of the wind turbine, and performing an electric continuity test on the receptor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting failures in an assembly that uses a variable differential transformer sensor. In one embodiment, a signal processor receives an excitation signal applied to the sensor, and detects a zero-crossing of the excitation signal. The signal processor receives an output signal of the variable differential transformer sensor in response to the excitation signal, and detects a zero-crossing of the output signal. The signal processor detects a fault in the assembly responsive to a determination that the zero-crossing of the output signal is separated from the zero-crossing of the excitation signal by more than the detection threshold.

Abstract: A method is provided for real-time monitoring the operational state of a capacitive sensor capable of being mounted on a rotating machine, and connected to an electronic measuring module via a high frequency transmission line, the method comprising the steps of: generating within the electronic module a signal for compensating in capacitance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor; generating within the electronic module a signal for compensating in conductance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor; extracting a signal representative of the capacitance compensation and of a signal representative of the conductance compensation so as to determine an operating point of the sensor; and analyzing the operating point so as to check if it is located in a predetermined area.

Abstract: A testing device of a data collecting chip (10) and control method thereof, and the testing device (10) includes: a data collecting module (200) for receiving multiple frames of sampling data sampling data collected by the data collecting chip; a storing module (300); a processing module (400) for calculating noise of a plurality of data sampling points to obtain a noise test result; a data transceiving module (500) for uploading the noise test result; and a control module (600). The testing device (10) only uploads the noise test result by calculating the noise of the plurality of data sampling points, so that the efficiency of a chip test is improved, the cost of the chip test is reduced, and the test reliability is ensured better.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizer which can be inspected at low cost. The electrostatic atomizer includes: a PWM signal generating section (27) which generates a PWM signal for controlling a high voltage generating device (22); an identifying section (28) which identifies an on-time of a PWM signal during a certain time; and a reporting section (33) which causes a report to be sent out of the electrostatic atomizer in a case where the on-time identified by the identifying section (28) is larger than a certain value.

Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.

Abstract: A sensor head of a test and measurement instrument can include an input configured to receive an input signal from a device under test (DUT), an optical voltage sensor having signal input electrodes and control electrodes or one set of electrodes, wherein the input is connected to the signal input electrodes, and a bias control unit connected to the control electrodes and configured to reduce an error signal or the input signal bias control signal are electrically combined and applied to a single set of electrodes.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data communication system includes: a data transmitting device that transmits a test pattern; and a data receiving device that receives the test pattern. The data receiving device receives the test pattern with every change in a threshold for determining whether received data is High or Low, compares the test pattern to an expected value for the respective changed thresholds, and selects the threshold based on the result of comparison between the test pattern and the expected value.

Abstract: A microcontroller includes a data memory configured to store test signal data. The microcontroller further includes a signal generator configured to process the test signal data in order to provide at least one test signal. The microcontroller also includes a circuit under test configured to process the test signal. The test signal data includes at least one pattern snippet and an associated pattern descriptor. The pattern snippet includes data concerning a content of a part of the test signal. The associated pattern descriptor includes data concerning a pattern formed by the pattern snippet within the test signal.

Abstract: Scan architectures are commonly used to test digital circuitry in integrated circuits. The present disclosure describes a method of adapting conventional scan architectures into a low power scan architecture. The low power scan architecture maintains the test time of conventional scan architectures, while requiring significantly less operational power than conventional scan architectures. The low power scan architecture is advantageous to IC/die manufacturers since it allows a larger number of circuits (such as DSP or CPU core circuits) embedded in an IC/die to be tested in parallel without consuming too much power within the IC/die. Since the low power scan architecture reduces test power consumption, it is possible to simultaneously test more die on a wafer than previously possible using conventional scan architectures. This allows wafer test times to be reduced which reduces the manufacturing cost of each die on the wafer.

Abstract: A power generation characteristic estimation device for fuel cell includes a reference characteristic setting unit for setting a reference power generation characteristic of a fuel cell, a current detection unit for detecting an actual current of the fuel cell, a voltage detection unit for detecting an actual voltage of the fuel cell, and a characteristic estimation unit for estimating an actual power generation characteristic of the fuel cell based on a voltage difference between a voltage on the reference power generation characteristic and an actual voltage at the actual current. The characteristic estimation unit estimates the power generation characteristic during a warm-up operation of the fuel cell when a pressure of a gas supplied to the fuel cell is not lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A charger system for battery starting current test, comprising: a battery equivalent circuit comprising a battery internal resistance R0 and an electromotive force E connected in series, two ends of the battery equivalent circuit are connected to a first signal and a second signal, respectively; a signal drive circuit, comprising a first DC output signal and a second DC output signal, and a first load circuit and a second load circuit configured between the first DC output signal and the second DC output signal, each load circuit is connected to the battery equivalent circuit and controlled by a first drive signal and a second drive signal; an intermediate resistor R28, configured between the signal drive circuit and the battery equivalent circuit. This invention uses the above technical solution to test the internal resistance of the battery, and find out the CCA value of the battery via the internal resistance correspondingly.

Abstract: A charge and discharge test probe for a secondary battery includes: an inner plunger moved up and down by elastic force of a spring; a head having a central through hole through which the inner plunger passes to protrude from an upper end of the head; and a first conductive elastic member mounted to the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a defect of an electric power system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first state signal output unit for outputting a first state signal corresponding to a magnetic force generated at a periphery of a line, a second state signal output unit for outputting a second state signal based on a magnitude of a line current and an increase ratio thereof, and a determination unit for determining whether the electric power system is defective or not based on the first state signal and the second state signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an angle sensor and a method of measuring an angle of a magnetic field. The angle sensor is configured to measure a direction of a magnetic field in a plane, comprising a first magnetic field sensor having a first sensitivity direction and delivering a first voltage, a second magnetic field sensor having a second sensitivity direction and delivering a second voltage, a first current source supplying a first biasing current to the first magnetic field sensor, a second current source supplying a second biasing current to the second magnetic field sensor (2), and electronic circuitry configured to adjust the first biasing current and the second biasing current in such a manner that a sum of the first voltage and the second voltage equals 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing magnetic field strength with a pair of Hall effect sensors includes sampling a sensed voltage for the Hall effect sensors during a first phase and combining the sensed voltage. During a second phase, obtaining sensed voltages for the Hall effect sensors and combining the sensed voltages. The sensed voltages from the first phase and the second phase are combined to obtain a summed voltage and remove the Hall effect sensor and amplifier offset error value. In one arrangement, the summed voltage corresponds to the sensed Hall voltage of the first Hall effect sensor added to the Hall voltage of the second Hall effect sensor. In another arrangement, the summed voltage corresponds to the sensed Hall voltage of the first Hall effect sensor subtracted by the sensed Hall voltage of the second Hall effect sensor. Changes in the summed voltage with respect to a reference voltage are counted to determine the speed of a rotating shaft having magnets or a similar arrangement.

Abstract: Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for magnetic sensing are described and depicted. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least one magnetosensitive element, and a magnetic body with an opening, the magnetic body comprising magnetic material, the magnetic body having inclined surface sections shaped by the opening, wherein the sensor is arranged within the opening such that the magnetosensitive element is in lateral directions bounded by the inclined surface sections.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to simulating an electrical stimulation during an examination of an examination object, in which the examination object is examined in a MR system to create a MR image using an imaging sequence, where a time characteristic of at least one magnetic field gradient used during the imaging sequence is determined, a time derivative of the time characteristic of the at least one magnetic field gradient is determined, and change time points at which the value of the time derivative changes are determined. The simulation of the electrical stimulation for the imaging sequence is performed, wherein the simulation is restricted to the determined change time points.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a mobile device relative to a B0 field magnet along a z-coordinate axis, and a device and a magnetic resonance tomography unit for performing the method are provided. The device includes a magnetic field strength sensor arranged in a fixed relative position. A characteristic magnetic field strength Bref of the B0 field magnet that emerges for a plurality of x-y coordinate pairs with a same reference z-coordinate zref is ascertained. The device is moved along the z-coordinate axis until the magnetic field strength sensor measures the characteristic magnetic field strength Bref.