Abstract: A technique for automated online inspection of manufacture of a fibre reinforced polymer composite part during automated ribbon placement (e.g. ATL or AFP) uses interferometric inspection (e.g. OCT) to detect deviations from a planned lay-up for the part, to identify defects. On line, real-time inspection (i.e. on-the-fly) is demonstrated, and edge type defects and whole surface defects are identifiable. A sensor is demonstrated that does not extend a working envelope of the robotic head used for rib bon placement.

Abstract: A device including an integrated computational element (ICE) positioned to optically interact with electromagnetic radiation from a fluid and to thereby generate optically interacted radiation corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid, and a method for using the system are provided. The device includes a detector positioned to receive the optically interacted radiation and to generate an output signal proportional to an intensity of the optically interacted radiation. And the device further includes a processor positioned to receive the output signal and to determine the characteristic of the fluid. The device is coupled to a controller configured to provide instructions to a transfer system for storage and readout.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surface inspection for imaging an object via an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging modality are provided. The system includes an OCT imaging module for generating imaging data from a surface under inspection, including: an electromagnetic radiation source for interrogating the object with light; an optical system having an interferometer for generating an interference pattern corresponding to the light backscattered from the object; and a detector for detecting the interference pattern and generating imaging data therefrom; a motion controller device for moving at least one component of the OCT imaging module relative to the object, the motion controller device moving the OCT imaging module such that a surface of the object is within a depth of field of the OCT imaging module; and a computational module for: aggregating the imaging data; and determining the presence or absence of surface defects in the imaging data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection device that is capable of detecting foreign matter with high accuracy, the inspection device including: a light source; an electro-optic element on which light from the light source is incident and which changes a phase of the light into at least two states; and a controller. The controller corrects a phase fluctuation of the electro-optic element itself, using intensity modulation characteristics of the eletro-optic element which are obtained by changing an applied voltage that is input to the electro-optic element.

Abstract: A surface defect inspecting device for hot-dip coated steel sheets comprising: an illuminating unit for illuminating an imaging target portion on a hot-dip coated steel sheet; a specular reflection light imaging unit for imaging specular reflection light from the imaging target portion; a diffuse reflection light imaging unit for imaging diffuse reflection light from the imaging target portion; and an image signal processing unit for processing specular reflection image and diffuse reflection image signals, the specular and diffuse reflection light imaging units simultaneously imaging light reflected from the imaging target region, the image signal processing unit extracting a portion having brightness level lower than a predetermined threshold, as a defect portion, from the specular reflection image signal, and threshold processing the diffuse reflection image signal, with respect to a portion corresponding to an extracted defect portion, to determine a defect type by classifying the extracted defect portion

Abstract: A vessel inspection device for examining a vessel for damage in a filling region or opening region having a bead or a bulge, which bead or bulge forms an undercut, has a camera, an objective associated with the camera, and a further optical element, which can be adjusted and fixed in place in terms of their distances from and their orientation relative to one another and relative to an image recording axis, and the optical element is a mirror in the form of a ring mirror that widens toward the camera, the longitudinal section of which, containing the image recording axis, has the form of an ellipsis portion that is inclined relative to the image recording axis and displaced radially outward, wherein the ellipsis portion has two semi-axes that deviate from one another, and the device can be moved into an inspection position relative to the vessel to be inspected for inspection of the filling region or opening region of the vessel, during every inspection procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for internally inspecting a tubular composite part so as to identify and measure adhesive flow therewithin are provided, along with an endpoint adapter assembly of a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The system includes an end point adapter that fits within and maintains a consistent cross-sectional position within the tubular composite part. The system also includes a plurality of optical fibers extending radially outward from the end point adapter. The end point adapter moves longitudinally through the tubular composite part and receives light with the plurality of optical fibers following interaction of the light with the tubular composite part. The system further includes a NIR imaging spectrometer configured to disperse the light being collected by the plurality of optical fibers across an NIR spectrum and a NIR camera configured to generate images of the tubular composite part based on dispersed light.

Abstract: A detection system (S) for detecting and determining an integrity of pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles includes a conveyor device (1), for conveying and advancing articles having an advancement section (10) along which the articles are advanced on a flat plane, in a line one after another in an advancement direction (A). The system (S) has a processor (E) for data processing; at least one colour matrix video camera (2) for acquiring images of the articles advancing along the advancement section, a laser projector (P) able to emit and project a laser beam (L) so that the laser beam (L) crosses the advancement section (10) and a high-speed linear three-dimensional video camera (3) for acquiring the images of the cut profiles of the articles crossing the laser beam.

Abstract: A method includes processing an object in a cavity by applying radio frequency (RF) energy to the cavity. A first plurality of frequencies is identified, characterized in that a time derivative of a value indicative of a dielectric response of the cavity to RF energy at frequency of the first plurality of frequencies is larger than a first threshold. More energy is applied at frequencies of the first plurality of frequencies than at other frequencies.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system operate to include transmitting a plurality of electromagnetic waves, over a range of frequencies, into a plurality of pipes. The secondary electromagnetic field responses, associated with the electromagnetic waves, from the plurality of pipes are measured. Selective ones of the secondary electromagnetic field responses are canceled or reduced based on a selected pipe for inspection of the plurality of pipes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating an identifier include detecting emissions from a phosphor pattern with a sensor grid comprising one or more sensors when the phosphor pattern is stimulated with radiation. An output signal of each sensor in the sensor grid is compared to a threshold value to generate respective identifier bits. An identifier is generated from the identifier bits.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting respirable participles in a bulk material comprising particles. The method comprises: analyzing morphology of the particles; analyzing chemical composition of the particles; creating a profile of the particles, wherein each particle in the profile is characterized by its shape, size and chemical composition; selecting particles from the profile which match the size and chemical composition of a respirable particle; and calculating a percentage of the respirable particles in the bulk material.

Abstract: This method, which is aimed at determining a quantity representative of the thermal resistance of a dividing wall between a first environment and a second environment, comprises steps in which over at least two successive time periods Dk corresponding to distinct heating powers Pk of the first environment, there is undertaken a campaign of measurements of the heat flow rate through the wall qk and of the temperature in the first environment T1k at closely spaced time intervals, as well as the determination of the temperature in the second environment T2k at closely spaced time intervals; the value of the quantity representative of the thermal resistance of the wall is determined by bringing into convergence: on the one hand, a thermal model expressing the temporal variation of the temperature in one environment divided off from another environment by a wall, as a function of the heat flow rate through the wall, of the temperature in the other environment and of physical parameters of the wall, on the basis of

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices (tags), systems, and methods to determine structural integrity and other states of materials-of-interest, such as dental fillings, implants, and root canal posts, to name a few, in a non-invasive and contactless way; and using comparatively safe and/or low energy electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves. Negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors are implanted in such materials-of-interest. Using backscatter imaging technology, the structural integrity and other states of the materials-of-interest may be monitored; which may allow non-invasive and contactless detection of problems such as cracking, bending, excessive pressure, improper temperature, and/or the like. Additionally, initially unknown locations of the implanted negligible-sized backscatter-tags with sensors may be readily determined upon a given scanning (reading) session; and thus mapped to provide an effective image of the material-of-interest.

Abstract: A miniature gas analyzer capable of detecting VOC gases in ambient air as well as sensing relative humidity and ambient temperature can be used to monitor indoor air quality. The VOC gas sensor is thermally controlled and can be tuned to detect a certain gas by programming an adjacent heater. An insulating air pocket formed below the sensor helps to maintain the VOC gas sensor at a desired temperature. A local temperature sensor may be integrated with each gas sensor to provide feedback control. The heater, local temperature sensor, gas sensor(s), relative humidity sensor, and ambient temperature sensor are in the form of patternable thin films integrated on a single microchip, e.g., an ASIC. The device can be incorporated into computer workstations, smart phones, clothing, or other wearable accessories to function as a personal air quality monitor that is smaller, more accurate, and less expensive than existing air quality sensors.

Abstract: A gas sensor element with suppressed response deterioration even when poisoned with S when fuel or exhaust gas contains ethanol and the ethanol content is high. The element includes a detection portion, which includes a solid electrolyte layer having a pair of electrodes on opposite sides thereof, a shielding layer defining a measurement target gas space with a porous diffusive resistance layer, and a reference gas space protective layer; a heat-generating portion stacked on the detection portion; and a porous protective layer surrounding the detection portion and heat-generating portion. The porous protective layer includes a first porous protective layer surrounding at least the porous diffusive resistance layer, and a second porous protective layer surrounding the first porous protective layer, the detection portion and the heat-generating portion. The first porous protective layer contains none of La, Ca, or Mg, while the second porous protective layer contains at least one of them.

Abstract: As a receptor layer, a film of a composite material of a base material such as a polymer and particles that adsorb an analyte is used. When the present invention is applied to a surface stress sensor or the like, the Young's modulus of the receptor layer, which significantly affects detection sensitivity, can be preset with a high degree of freedom, by independently selecting particles that adsorb a desired analyte and a base material that disperses said particles therein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to doped, metal oxide-based sensors, wherein the doped-metal oxide is a monolayer, and platforms and integrated chemical sensors incorporating the same, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A portable analytical device includes a housing, a measuring facility and a processor in the housing, and an electrical connector having one end electrically connected to the processor and an opposite end operatively connectable to an external electronic device. The measuring facility is configured to analyze a change in a test element resulting from receipt thereon of a liquid sample of a body fluid and to generate measuring values resulting from the analysis. A memory has instructions stored therein executable by the processor to process the measuring values to generate analytical measuring data based thereon and to output the generated analytical measuring data onto the electrical connector. The analytical device does not include an intrinsic user interface for displaying the generated analytical measuring data. Display of the generated analytical measuring data is implemented exclusively by the external electronic device having received the generated analytical measuring data via the electrical connector.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assays are provided by electrodepositing metallic nanoparticles onto the working electrode for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The metallic nanoparticles provide improved assay sensitivity. Electrodeposition of the metallic nanoparticles firmly affixes them to the working electrode, thereby making it easier to clean the working electrode from one assay to the next assay without undesirably removing the metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A refrigerant analyzer including a pump, a filtering device, a temperature/humidity regulator, an electrochemical sensor, and a control device, wherein the refrigerant analyzer is configured to circulate conditioned air through the sensing chamber for an initialization duration of time to obtain an initial output value, determine whether the initial output value is stabilized below a predetermined initial limit, circulate a refrigerant through the sensing chamber for a sensing duration of time, operate the control device to measure a sensed output value, and operate the control device to determine a measured concentration of at least one contaminant within the refrigerant based on the sensed output value.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element. The sensor element includes; a solid electrolyte body that has oxygen ion conductivity and includes a first main surface exposed to a gas to be measured and a second main surface exposed to a reference gas; a sensor electrode that is provided on the first main surface and detects a specific gas component in the gas to be measured; and a reference electrode that is provided on the second main surface. The sensor electrode is made of a Pt—Rh alloy that contains 30 mass % to 70 mass % Pt and 70 mass % to 30 mass % Rh, when an overall noble metal component is 100 mass %. A variation amount of the Rh content of the Pt—Rh alloy from an outermost surface to a depth of 350 nm in a thickness direction of the sensor electrode is within a range of up to 10 mass %.

Abstract: A semiconductor-based gas sensor assembly for detecting a gas includes a gas-sensitive structure with a gas electrode, an electrode, and a dielectric layer, and also includes a readout transistor and a substrate. The dielectric layer is positioned between the gas electrode and the electrode, and is at least partially polarized. The readout transistor is positioned in or on the substrate, and includes a gate. The gas-sensitive structure is configured to form a capacitance that is coupled to the gate of the readout transistor.

Abstract: Methods of maintaining accuracy in the measurement of one or more parameters of industrial water in industrial water systems are provided. The methods include the use of physical and/or chemical procedures to prevent and/or remove deposition from one or more surfaces utilized in measurement of the one or more parameters. The deposition may be caused by, for example, corrosion, fouling, or microbiological growth.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanogap includes forming a knockoff feature on a dielectric layer and forming a trench in the dielectric layer on opposite sides of the knockoff feature. A noble metal is deposited in the trenches and over the knockoff feature. A top surface is polished to level the noble metal in the trenches with a top of the dielectric layer to form electrodes in the trenches and to remove the noble metal from the knockoff feature. A nanochannel is etched into the dielectric layer such that the knockoff feature is positioned within the nanochannel. The knockoff feature is removed to form a nanogap between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions, including, without limitation, algorithms, computer readable media, computer programs, apparatus, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, data obtained from sequencing by synthesis methods. A plurality of smaller flow cells is employed, each with a relatively small area to be imaged, in order to provide greater flexibility and efficiency.

Abstract: A fluid testing system can be used to measure the levels of contaminants in a fluid system. The system can utilize anodic stripping voltammetry or some other chemical, electrical, or electrochemical process to measure the contaminant levels. Wire electrodes may be used to facilitate the tests. Unused portions of the electrode wires can be fed into the test chambers between tests to ensure clean and reliable electrodes for subsequent testing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for dynamically creating and annihilating subsurface electric dipoles having variable strength and variable alignment. The ability of various embodiments to create, annihilate, and control subsurface dipoles may be a useful technology for wide variety of applications including the nondestructive testing of materials and structures, for generating and receiving directed and omni-directional variable amplitude and frequency transmission waves without the need for conductive antennas, for phonon to electromagnetic power conversion, for materials and manufacturing process control, atomic and nanoparticle alignment, and for control and utilization as medical therapies.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods to identify and characterize remote objects by use of electric charge distributions generated by charge tunneling, charge injection, and charge induction. Various embodiments may use selective electrostatic charging to change the electrostatic potential throughout volumes for identification and characterization. In various embodiments, objects of interest may be selectively charged by tunneling, injection, and induction of electrical charges or free carriers. Tunneled, injected, and induced charges may migrate to sites or locations internal to volumes to yield electrostatic potential differences and electrostatic fields. In various embodiments, variations in the electrostatic potential created by the presence of the tunneled, injected, and induced charges may be quantitatively measured to identify and characterize remote objects.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting organophosphorus compounds and illicit drugs using an ion detector. A vapor sample containing at least one analyte and at least one dopant is ionized. A proton-bound adduct ion is formed between the analyte and the dopant in a reaction region defined between the ionization source and the ion detector.

Abstract: The device for the ultrasonic inspection of fasteners, such as screws, bolts or studs, the fastener comprising a head, the device comprising a probe, the probe comprising at least one piezoelectric multi-element matrix sensor, is characterized in that the piezoelectric multi-element matrix sensor has an active part having a surface area substantially equal to that of the head of the fastener and divided into one or more zones arranged in the form of a matrix, each zone comprising one or more elements, the device comprising a controller programmed to implement one or more successive control configurations, in the course of each configuration the controller activating one or more areas as transmitters and activating one or more areas as receivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of testing the mechanical integrity of a cartridge (10) containing a medicament and being arranged inside a drug delivery device (20). The invention also relates to a testing arrangement and to a respective drug delivery device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: acoustically stimulating the cartridge (10), measuring of the cartridge's (10) acoustic response (60) to the acoustic stimulation (32), comparing the acoustic response (60) with a standard response (62) of an intact cartridge (10), and determining the mechanical integrity of the cartridge (10) on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing of a train wheel by ultrasound. The method is based on a pulsed ultrasonic field in the train wheel to be tested by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic transmitting transducers acoustically coupled to the train wheel each controlled with a specific analog transient excitation signal. Each analog transient excitation signal generated based on an ultrasonic transmitting transducer-specific stored digital transient excitation function. The resulting echo signals from the train wheel to be tested are recorded by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic receiving transducers. Each ultrasonic receiving transducer can provide an analog, time-resolved echo signal. The received echo signals can be digitized in a transducer-specific way and stored in a set. A plurality of different reception processing rules can then be applied to the latter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: It is described an apparatus for inspecting a pipeline, said apparatus including a cylindrical body (15) adapted to be transported inside said pipeline, an array of acoustical transducers (Tx,y) installed in the surface of the cylindrical body (15), the acoustical transducers being organized in columns and rows in a belt around the cylindrical body, a controller adapted to initiate a transmission of an acoustical signal from a first transducer (T2,2) and a reception of said acoustical signal from other transducers in said array surrounding the first transducer, the controller further being adapted to determine the direction to a flaw in the wall of said pipeline from the received acoustical signals.

Abstract: An electrospray emitter assembly for interfacing a separation column to a mass spectrometer is disclosed. An emitter capillary includes an inlet end and an outlet end. A fitting is coupled to the inlet end of the emitter, configured to be removably connected to the separation column. A stop with a defined through hole is integrated proximate the inlet end of the emitter to produce a path for liquid to flow from the separation column to the emitter via the through hole where a voltage is applied to the liquid entering the emitter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ion generation using modified wetted porous materials. In certain aspects, the invention generally relates to systems and methods for ion generation using a wetted porous substrate that substantially prevents diffusion of sample into the substrate. In other aspects, the invention generally relate to ion generation using a wetted porous material and a drying agent. In other aspects, the invention generally relates to ion generation using a modified wetted porous substrate in which at least a portion of the porous substrate includes a material that modifies an interaction between a sample and the substrate.

Abstract: A microelectronic device capable of detecting multiple gas constituents in ambient air can be used to monitor air quality. The microelectronic air quality monitor includes a plurality of temperature-sensitive gas sensors tuned to detect different gas species. Each gas sensor is tuned by programming an adjacent heater. An insulating air pocket formed below the sensor helps to maintain the sensor at a desired temperature. A temperature sensor may also be integrated with each gas sensor to provide additional feedback control. The heater, temperature sensor, and gas sensors are in the form of patternable thin films integrated on a single microchip. The device can be incorporated into computer workstations, smart phones, clothing, or other wearable accessories to function as a personal air quality monitor that is smaller, more accurate, and less expensive than existing air quality sensors.

Abstract: A method for operating a probe having a pumped reference cell. A pulse-width-modulated pump current is applied to the reference cell at a first point in time. In accordance with the first point in time, a first voltage characteristic value (representing the voltage applied to the reference cell) is determined within a first time frame. The pulse-width-modulated pump current applied to the reference cell is switched off at a second point in time. A third point in time is determined, at which a pulse-width-modulated pump current applied to the reference cell is switched off. In accordance with the third point in time, a second voltage characteristic value (representing the voltage applied to the reference cell) is determined within a second time frame. The first and second voltage characteristic values are used to determine a diagnostic characteristic value, which is representative of an error in determining the nitrogen oxide concentration.

Abstract: An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a controller, and an injector. The sensor is to provide sensor output regarding fluid chemistry of a fluid of a cooling system. The controller is to identify attributes of the fluid. The injector is to inject at least one additive into the fluid to bring at least one attribute into a threshold range.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the compatibility of coals used in coke production and to produce cokes with desired strength by blending coals in consideration of the compatibility, the invention provides a technique which evaluates the adhesion strength obtained when two kinds of coals are carbonized based. on properties of the coals. Surface tensions of two kinds of semicokes obtained by heat treating two kinds of coals are measured. Based on the difference between the two measured values of surface tension, the quality of the adhesiveness between the two kinds of coals is evaluated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating a site specific model for predicting TPH concentration in soil. The method includes dividing a plurality of soil samples taken from a field site into two sets of samples. One set is analyzed using GC-FID, and the other set is analyzed using a handheld FTIR spectrometer with an ATR window to obtain FTIR-ATR absorbance data. Partial least squares regression analysis is used to correlate the GC-FID TPH concentration data with the absorbance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with soil samples having unknown TPH concentration. The model is used to predict the TPH concentration of soil samples taken from the field site analyzed using the handheld Fourier transform-infrared spectrometer to obtain FTIR-ATR absorbance data for the soil samples.

Abstract: An ion concentration measurement system is provided. The system includes an oil mixture comprising an oil potentially containing at least one ion and at least one photo-responsive chemical that changes optical properties in the presence of at least one ion in the oil mixture, photo-detector circuitry configured to receive an optical property from the oil mixture, electronic conversion circuitry configured to convert the optical property into a value representing an ion concentration in the oil mixture, and electronic transmission circuitry configured to transmit a signal or data indicating the value. A method of measuring concentrations of at least one ion in an oil mixture is provided, including receiving at least one optical property from at least one photo-responsive chemical, converting the at least one optical property into a value representing an ion concentration in the oil mixture, and transmitting a signal or data comprising the value.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a dialysis system having a reservoir module with a reservoir housing defining an internal space, a surface located within the internal space for supporting a container that contains dialysate, and a conductivity sensor located within the internal space, where the conductivity sensor has a coil, a capacitor in electrical communication with the coil, and an energy source in electrical communication with the circuit.

Abstract: A nanopore based sequencing system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanopore sensors, each nanopore sensor having a top portion for receiving a fluid. The system further includes an inlet delivering the fluid into the nanopore based sequencing system and an outlet delivering the fluid out of the nanopore based sequencing system. The system includes a fluid chamber that comprises one or more fluid flow channels above top portions of the nanopore sensors; wherein the fluid chamber includes at least one divider that limits the width of the one or more fluid flow channels. In some embodiments, the at least one divider limits the width of the one or more fluid flow channel based on whether the surface tension and adhesive forces between the fluid and the fluid flow channel surfaces are sufficient to prevent the fluid from collapsing within the fluid flow channel.

Abstract: Certain implementations have a main body case having a contact face of a biological information measurement device on its surface, and a first non-contact charging portion composed of a charging coil disposed opposite the contact face with the biological information measurement device inside the main body case. In addition, some may have a controller that is connected to the first non-contact charging portion, and a display section that is connected to the controller. Upon completion of the charging of the biological information measurement device via the first non-contact charging portion, the controller connected to the display section may display on the display section that the biological information measurement device will be incapable of measurement for a specific length of time.

Abstract: An evaluating method includes an evaluating step of evaluating a future risk of relapse of ulcerative colitis for a subject to be evaluated having ulcerative colitis in a remission phase using a concentration value of histidine, albumin, hemoglobin, or glutamic acid in blood of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for treating hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and for optimizing and adjusting nitrogen scavenging drug dosage for subjects with HE.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of quantifying intracellular metabolite effluxes in permeabilized cancer cells for selecting cancer patients responsive for a cancer treatment, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample of cancer cells taken from a patient; b) permeabilizing said cancer cells; c) incubating said permeabilized cancer cells in a reaction medium for a period of time allowing biological activity of intracellular organelles and accumulation of metabolites produced by said activity into the reaction medium in the presence of a substrate or substrates relating to a metabolite efflux or effluxes of interest, wherein said substrates used are at least glutamine and pyruvate; d) determining the quantity of metabolites relating to said metabolite efflux or effluxes of interest accumulated in the reaction medium during step c); and e) comparing the amounts of metabolites determined in step d) to equal measurements performed on control samples of the same tissue type and assessi

Abstract: Apparatus for performing an assay to detect the presence of an analyte in a test sample. A housing defines a slot for receiving a sample collector, and a capsule contains a buffer liquid, the capsule being sealed by an openable lid, and being connected to the housing such that insertion of a sample collector into the slot causes the lid to open releasing the buffer liquid into the slot. The housing further defines an incubation chamber containing or configured to receive a reagent, and an aperture permitting liquid communication between the slot and the incubation chamber. The apparatus comprises one or more test elements, a substantially liquid tight sealing member separating the incubation chamber and the test element(s), and an activation mechanism operable to open the liquid tight sealing member thereby bringing at least a portion of the or each test element into liquid communication with the incubation chamber.