Abstract: A method for localizing restrictions in a fuel system during refueling, comprising: monitoring fuel tank pressure, fuel vapor canister temperature, and evaporative leak check module pressure during a refueling event; and responsive to a premature shutoff event, indicating a location of a restriction among a plurality of locations based on whether monitored pressure and temperature changes during the refueling event are greater than respective thresholds. In this way, the cause of a premature shutoff event may be diagnosed without requiring additional sensors within the fuel system.

Abstract: An assembly, system and method is disclosed for measuring fatigue and durability of a bicycle frame by applying and measuring a precise input of force to a frame. The system of the present invention is configured to measure failure points of different constructions and size of bicycle frames including carbon fiber, aluminum and steel frame constructions.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting a filter lifetime include building a filter effectiveness history based on contaminant sensor information associated with a filter; determining a rate of filter consumption with a processor based on the filter effectiveness history; and determining a remaining filter lifetime based on the determined rate of filter consumption. Methods and systems for increasing filter economy include measuring contaminants in an internal and an external environment; determining a cost of a corrosion rate increase if unfiltered external air intake is increased for cooling; determining a cost of increased air pressure to filter external air; and if the cost of filtering external air exceeds the cost of the corrosion rate increase, increasing an intake of unfiltered external air.

Abstract: Provided is a microtomic system and process for the preparation of sections for microscope examination. A cutting edge in the system can cut through a sample block and produce a section one end of which remains attached to the cutting edge. A voltage generator can generate a voltage and apply the voltage between the cutting edge and a section receiver such as a semiconductor chip grid. Through electrostatic force caused by the voltage, another end of the section can anchor to the section receiver. The section is then spread on the receiver. The system is automatable, highly efficient, and does not need liquid to float sample sections, and can therefore maintain the integration of the sample sections.

Abstract: A probe for monitoring electrical conductivity of ground water in soil is provided. The probe includes a hollow tube that includes (a) an upper tube section with an apertured stopper, (b) a lower tube section, aligned with the upper tube section and having a porous ceramic cap for inserting into soil, and (c) a T-fitting connecting between the tube sections and having an apertured T-fitting stopper. A vacuum tube is inserted through the T-fitting stopper aperture; and a conductivity sensor electrode is inserted through the upper tube section stopper aperture. The conductivity sensor electrode includes a pair of electrode poles that are spaced apart at a distance of 3-5 mm and the distance between the conductivity sensor electrode and the hollow tube is greater than 3 mm, whereby interference by air bubbles in the ground water is mitigated.

Abstract: A breath analysis system that includes a handle assembly with an analysis cartridge on an upper end thereof. The handle includes a main body portion with a pressure opening and a pressure transducer therein. The analysis cartridge includes a main body portion with an upper portion that defines a breath chamber, a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber and a filter assembly that is movable between a breath capture position and an analysis position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the breath capture position, the opening partially defines the breath chamber and in the analysis position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber. The system also includes an analysis device with a case, a door, a controller that controls the motor and a fluorescence detection assembly and a rotation assembly positioned in the case interior. The rotation assembly includes a shroud with a funnel portion for receiving the analysis cartridge.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for facilitating an analysis of a sample(s) can be provided. For example, using a first arrangement(s), it can be possible to receive the sample(s) thereon. Further, for example, using a second arrangement(s), it can be possible to cause a force to be applied on a portion(s) of the sample(s) such that a surface(s) of the sample(s) can be flattened against a section(s) of the first arrangement(s).

Abstract: Sandwich separation is based on forming a sandwich complex with a magnetic bead, buoyant bead, and a target. Once a sandwich formation is created, the sandwich can be separated using its dual physical properties, namely magnetism and buoyancy. Sandwich separation is highly specific, allows for removal of the beads that do not have any attached target, and reduces the number of background beads. Sandwich separation can also be used to allow for target detection in raw specimen. Also, improvement of detection capability is accomplished by performing AMBR measurements on a solid interface, where the rotational period speeds up and allows for dramatically reduced time-to-result.

Abstract: A testing device for testing seals, in particular tubbing seals, which seals have at least one anchoring foot. The testing device can be easily and cost-effectively adjusted to various seals by using plates with a recess, in which correspondingly configured plate elements are detachably inserted, so that different groove shapes scan be reproduced. The recess thus acts as a kind of “universal groove”, which can be adjusted to the respective geometry of the sealing profile to be tested by means of the plate elements, if necessary with the assistance of a curing or curable material.

Abstract: A device includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a detected first force. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a detected second force. The first force and the second force has a substantially common direction. The device includes a processor configured to determine a measure of tension using the first signal and using the second signal. The measure of tension corresponds to displacement of an elongate member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electro-mechanical fuse-type configuration built into the probe that contacts the specimen during materials testing. The design includes an internal pre-loaded compression spring and an electrical contact switch. The coil spring preloaded to the desired safety load results in the probe assembly directly passing the load from the probe tip to the load cell for loads under the point where the spring additionally compresses. Upon deflection of the spring in excess of safety preload, the spring internally compresses within the probe coupling rather than the probe tip continuing to displace into the specimen, thereby switching the state of the electrical contact switch and stopping operation of the materials testing device. In a further configuration, excessive travel of the load cell coupling is detected, and, in response, operation of the materials testing device is stopped.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing a helmet that uses a risk function that incorporates both linear and rotational acceleration to predict the helmet's ability to prevent a concussion. In certain embodiments, the testing matrix includes 3 impact energy levels and 4 impact locations, for a total of 12 testing conditions per helmet.

Abstract: An NIR analyzer with the optical probes across a pipe, or in a bypass configuration, after a stabilizer in an oil or condensate production plant. Prior to use, liquid samples from the plant are analyzed in a chemical lab to obtain reference vapor pressure or compositional values. A chemometric model using known techniques is then built with the captured absorption spectra and the reference lab results. Preprocessing methodologies can be used to help mitigate interferences of the fluid, instrument drift, and contaminate build up on the lenses in contact with the fluid. The chemometric model is implemented through the NIR analyzer as the calibration curve to predict the vapor pressure or other values of the flowing fluid in real time.

Abstract: A purified water manufacturing device monitoring system includes: a detecting device that illuminates, with an inspection beam, water either that is in a process of being manufactured or that has been manufactured by a purified water manufacturing device, detects light in a region illuminated by the inspection beam, and detects a microorganism or a non-microorganism particle included in the water; a measured value specifying portion that specifies a measured value for a number of microorganisms detected and specifies a measured value for a number of non-microorganism particles detected; and a state evaluating portion that evaluates that a problem has occurred in the purified water manufacturing device when either or both the measured value for the number of microorganisms and the measured value for the number of non-microorganism particles are greater than a prescribed value.

Abstract: A method whereby one or more fluorescent dyes are used to bind and stain nucleic acids in certain blood cells, such as, for example, white blood cells, nucleated red blood cells, and reticulocytes, and to induce fluorescent emissions upon excitation of photons from a given source of light, such as, for example, a laser, at an appropriate wavelength. More particularly, this invention provides a method whereby a fluorescent trigger is used in a data collection step for collecting events that emit strong fluorescence, in order to separate white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells from red blood cells and platelets without the need for using a lysing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical computing devices that employ birefringent optical elements configured for use in optical computing devices. One optical computing device includes a polarizer configured to generate at least x polarized light and y polarized light, a birefringent integrated computational element configured to optically interact with a substance and the polarizer, thereby generating optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the substance.

Abstract: An optical filter 4 is placed in an optical path between a light source unit 1 using a deep ultraviolet LED as a light source and a sample cell 2. The optical filter 4 is a shortpass filter that allows passage of light of a main peak located within a deep ultraviolet region while blocking light of an unwanted peak located within a visible region. The temporal change in the amount of light of the unwanted peak is considerably greater than that of the main peak. The optical filter 4 blocks the former light whose amount considerably changes with time. As a result, the influence of the noise and drift originating from the LED on the detection signal obtained in a detector 3 is dramatically reduced, so that the analytical accuracy is improved.

Abstract: A display is provided for an automatic analyzer to display statistics such as measurement results. A width of a display in a window that displays statistics may be adjusted and the amount of information to be displayed on the display is changed according to a level of detail of the information which the operator wants to confirm. Sample information, measurement results, and detailed information related to the measurement results are simultaneously displayed without a subwindow being displayed in overlapped form in the limited display area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the concentration of a photoresist in a stripping liquid. In the method for measuring the concentration of a photoresist in a stripping liquid, a plurality of standard photoresist samples are prepared at first, then the spectrum of the standard photoresist samples and the spectrum of the test photoresist sample are collected, and the nth derivative of the spectrum of the standard photoresist samples and the spectrum of the test photoresist sample are taken, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, a standard curve based on the nth derivative curves and calculating the concentration of the test photoresist sample is established, the concentration of a photoresist in a stripping liquid can be measured accurately according to the standard curve.

Abstract: A method for assessing damage to a composite material covered with a polyurethane-type paint is provided. Two separate criteria are measured on a spectrogram obtained by infrared spectrometry, thereby characterizing thermal ageing of the paint, each separate criteria being a measurement on a curve of a spectrum of the spectrogram of a height of a particular peak, thereby giving two independent assessments of the thermal ageing. Then, the two separate criteria are combined together in order to obtain a result of a level of the damage.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: The present invention intends to reduce a measurement error in the concentration of a component due to the effect of the grain concentration of grain dispersion liquid. Also, the present invention is one that calculates the concentration of a predetermined component added into grain dispersion liquid in which grains are dispersed in liquid, with use of a light absorption spectrum obtained by irradiating the grain dispersion liquid with light and a preliminarily prepared calibration curve representing the relationship between a light absorption spectrum and the concentration of the predetermined component. Further, the calibration curve is prepared on the basis of multiple light absorption spectra obtained by measuring light absorption spectra of multiple grain dispersion liquids having mutually different grain concentrations for each of mutually different multiple concentrations of the predetermined component.

Abstract: Method and gas analyzer for measuring the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, wherein to measure the concentration of a gas component in a sample gas, a laser diode is actuated by a current and light generated by the laser diode is guided through the sample gas to a detector, the current is simultaneously varied within periodically successive sampling intervals for the wavelength-dependent sampling of an absorption line of interest of the gas component, and the current can be additionally modulated sinusoidally based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy with a low frequency and small amplitude, such that a measuring signal generated by the detector is evaluated to form a measurement result, where to improve the measuring signal-noise ratio and achieve a much lower detection limit with the same measuring distance, the current is modulated with a high (RF) frequency in the GHz range so that no wavelength modulation occurs, and an RF modulation amplitude is selected at the maximum level using the

Abstract: A method for determining a refractive power of a large-surface-area transparent object, such as a windshield, a visual aid, a cockpit glazing, a helmet visor, or the like, includes detecting a first imaging of a first line grating through the transparent object at at least one predetermined point of the object using a camera and determining a line spacing of the first imaging, the rotation of the lines relative to the first line grating or both through use of a computing unit on the basis of the first imaging at the at least one specified point and using the line spacing or rotation of lines to determine the refractive power at the at least one predetermined point of the transparent object.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor or an arrangement for optically measuring one or more physical, chemical and/or biological, process variables of a medium. The medium is located in a pipe. The arrangement includes a housing and the housing is embodied for securement in the pipe. The housing is embodied for accommodating at least one light source for sending light through a window region into the medium and at least one light receiver for receiving light through the window region from the medium. The light is scattered by the medium and the light intensity received by the light receiver is a measure for the physical, chemical and/or biological, process variable, characterized in that the light source is so arranged that the light propagates in the medium in the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

Abstract: An in-situ on-line detection device and detection method for a long-distance metallurgical liquid metal component. The detection device comprises a front-end high-temperature resistant probe, a middle-end optical sensing device and a back-end control platform, wherein the head of the front-end high-temperature resistant probe is placed in a liquid metal, the tail thereof is coaxially connected to the middle-end optical sensing device, and an optical window is arranged in the connection position; and the middle-end optical sensing device is connected to the back-end control platform through a signal line. The detection device and detection method can provide a timely and valid message for quality control and a melting end, so that the detection time is greatly shortened, the detection distance can he adjusted extensively, the measurement result is accurate, and it can be achieved to measure components that are difficult to measure such as carbon, sulfur, phosphorous, etc.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer can acquire high-resolution hyperspectral images of particles, such as biological cells, flowing through a microfluidic system. The hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer can provide detailed spatial maps of multiple emitting species, cell morphology information, and state of health. An optimized system can image about 20 cells per second. The hyperspectral imaging flow cytometer enables many thousands of cells to be characterized in a single session.

Abstract: There are provided a detector and a detection method capable of detecting a biological sample with high sensitivity. A detector is provided with a microchamber array including a plurality of storage sections to be filled with a hydrophilic solvent containing a biological sample; and an image sensor in which picture elements are disposed corresponding to the storage sections, wherein the microchamber array includes a flow channel in communication with openings of the storage sections; a hydrophobic solvent supply unit arranged in continuity with the flow channel; and a through-hole which allows the hydrophilic solvent to enter and exit the flow channel, and the hydrophobic solvent supply unit flows a hydrophobic solvent into the flow channel by an externally-applied force.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a screening method for rapidly identifying the hybridomas upon cell size and the expression of an exogenous label such as fluorescence labeling. This method of this present invention can largely shortens the time cost for antibody development by saving the time period with comparison of traditional methods using cell culture with media such as HAT medium.

Abstract: An optical system of an optical analysis device is easily evaluated with high accuracy. There is provided a method of evaluating an optical analysis device including an optical system A capable of forming a confocal volume C at a focal position by condensing excitation light B, the method including the steps of: placing, at the focal position of the optical system A, a phantom sample in which two or more types of solid members having different fluorescent substance concentrations are arranged adjacent to each other; irradiating the phantom sample 1 with excitation light through the optical system A while relatively moving the confocal volume C formed by the optical system A and the phantom sample in an arrangement direction of the solid members; detecting fluorescent light generated in the solid members placed in the confocal volume C; and evaluating the optical system A based on the detected fluorescent light.

Abstract: Fluorescent nanoparticles are provided. The nanoparticles are formed from poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-(1-cyanovinylene-1,4-phenylene)]. Also provided are methods for imaging a target to which the nanoparticles are bound.

Abstract: Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method allowing a trace amount of a target substance to be detected. A metallic nanoparticle assembly structure is formed of metallic nanoparticles assembled together and modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. A metallic nanorod is modified with a host molecule allowing the target substance to specifically adhere thereto. The metallic nanorod is conjugated to the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure by the target substance. An extinction spectrum of localized surface plasmon resonance or a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum induced in the metallic nanoparticle assembly structure and the metallic nanostructure is measured with a spectroscope. The target substance is detected based on that spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics, and in particular to diagnostics based on a liquid crystal assay format. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystal assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal assay format.

Abstract: A chemical indicator element for use in an aquatic environment water parameter testing system. The chemical indicator element includes a chemical indicator and a thin film material having particular optical characteristics tied to the light from a light source, such as a light source of an optical reader element of a water parameter testing system. The chemical indicator element may also include at least one of a backing material that absorbs one or more wavelengths of the light of the light source and a holder including a material that absorbs one or more wavelengths of the light of the light source.

Abstract: This invention addresses technical problem of optimizing output of a melt cascade, which is used in production of mineral fiber (so called mineral wool as known in state of the art being stone wool, slag wool or other type of mineral wool). These technical problems are solved by steps of determining (a) trajectory of movement of a melt stream, (b) melt concentration relative to surrounding air between the first and the second rotating wheels, and (c) movement vector, and further by regulating of movement of melt stream (i.e., drop mass), said regulation mostly achieved through variation in point of contact of melt and rotating wheel or plurality thereof. This is achieved by determining three key parameters: (a) trajectory of movement of melt stream, (b) melt concentration relative to surrounding air between the first and the second rotating wheels, and (c) movement vector, and further by analyzing these three key.

Abstract: An inspection method for inspecting a substrate by using an optical image obtained by irradiating the substrate with light from a light source through an optical unit, and causing the light reflected by the substrate to be incident to a sensor, includes adjusting a focus offset value such that a focal distance for setting the signal-to-noise ratio of a programmed defect to the maximum level, is obtained by acquiring the optical image while changing a focal distance between the surface in which a first pattern is provided and the optical unit. The substrate includes the first pattern, a second pattern on the same plane as the first pattern, the programmed defect in the second pattern, and a third pattern on the same plane as the first pattern. The existence of a defect is detected by acquiring the optical image of the first pattern after the focus offset is adjusted.

Abstract: A device for the imaging of an object to be studied, combines: a prism made from a material with no losses (non-absorbent) for radiation in the microwave range; a sample holder on a front face of the prism for receiving the object to be studied; and a mobile emitting antenna on a rear face of the prism in order to emit radiation in the microwave range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photon detector (10), in particular an x-ray detector, in the form of a measurement finger, which extends along a detector axis (23) and has a detector head (11) at a first end of the measurement finger, wherein the detector head (11) comprises a plurality of at least two detector modules (22), each comprising a sensor chip (12) sensitive to photon radiation (14), in particular x-radiation, said sensor chip having an exposed end face (13) and a face facing away from the end face (13), wherein the detector modules (22) are arranged around the detector axis (23) in a plane (24) extending orthogonally to the detector axis (23).

Abstract: A process combustion transmitter is provided. The transmitter includes a process probe extendible into a flow of process combustion exhaust. The process probe has a measurement cell with an operating temperature that is above a flashpoint of process combustion fuel. The process probe includes a heater configured to heat the measurement cell to the operating temperature. Electronic circuitry is coupled to the measurement cell and to the heater. The electronic circuitry is configured to disengage power to the heater once process combustion heat is sufficient to maintain the measurement cell at the operating temperature and thereafter to maintain the heater in a de-energized state.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprising: an insulating substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a conductive electrode formed on said top surface of said insulating substrate; an insulating wear lining material having a first side secured to said top surface of said insulating substrate and conductive electrode, an opposite second side that will be worn down by relative motion between the wear sensor and a moving component; and one or more contact points where the electrical properties between the electrode and the moving component can be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting wear particles in a fluid includes an inlet channel and an outlet channel. An ultrasonic transducer creating an acoustic wave that defines an acoustic focal zone is located between the inlet and outlet channels. A flow path located between the inlet and outlet channel is shaped to restrict the flow of the fluid to be within the acoustic focal zone. An inductive pulse sensor includes a plurality of flow channels receiving the fluid and a plurality of planar coils wound around the flow channels. The inductive pulse sensor includes a detection system for the detection of wear particles passing through the flow channels based on a change in an electrical property of the planar coils. A single combined excitation signal is sent to all the planar coils at once and the detection system measures one single output measurement for the plurality of flow channels.

Abstract: An applied voltage control device is used for a sensor, in which a direct current corresponding to an oxygen amount flows when a DC voltage is applied to the sensor, and an alternating current corresponding to a sensor impedance flows when an AC voltage is applied to the sensor. The applied voltage control device includes: a filtering unit that sets a cutoff frequency of the AC voltage applied to the sensor variable.

Abstract: During measuring an insulation resistance for an inverter having at least one half-bridge including two active switching elements for driving an output current, and a DC link voltage, a center point of the half-bridge positioned between the switching elements is connected to a grounding point by closing a grounding switch, and the center point connected to the grounding point is connected, one after the other, to a first ungrounded terminal and a second ungrounded terminal of the DC link voltage of the inverter present at the half-bridge by means of the two active switching elements of the half-bridge to establish a connection between the first and second ungrounded terminals, respectively, and the grounding point. A current flowing via the connection to the grounding point is measured using a measuring device.

Abstract: The RF Probe is a radiofrequency device designed to determine the composition of multilayer media by transmitting pulses which are reflected at medium boundaries and received by the device. The device consists of a signal transmitter which synthesizes the probing pulses and a receiver which receives the pulses and performs processing to determine the radiometric composition of the media or objects by analyzing the phase shift of reflected pulses. The RF Probe uses a method to identify medium composition in terms of conductivity, permittivity, permeability and impedance by calculating the phase shift of reflected pulses.

Abstract: A method for the determination of pollen viability and/or maturation grade of a pollen population, comprising mechanically removing pollen grains from flowers; re-suspending pollen grains in an electrically conductive buffer for keeping the plant cells to remain viable; passing the pollen suspension through an appropriate filter with a pore size suitable for a microfluidic device being adapted to perform impedance flow cytometry (IFC); An advantage of the present invention is that a plant cell does not have to be stained for viability analysis, the method is non-invasive and a high number of cells can be analyzed in a short time frame in real-time and on-site. It is possible to follow developmental processes of plant cells, and that it is applicable to all plant species. In particular, the method allows a standardized measurement independent of the location and all over the world.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts. Each of the plurality of electrical contacts are arranged to sequentially contact a contact device as the contact device moves through the housing. The contact device comprises a first end configured to couple to a bolt, a second end opposite the first end, and a conductive region between a first insulated region and a second insulated region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical probe system and an electrical excitation method, configured in a handheld sorting system, and used to identify the composition of metals and alloys.

Abstract: A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltages to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply.