Abstract: A system for calibrating sensors in a wafer is provided. The system includes a container for containing liquid and configured to accommodate the wafer in the liquid; a temperature controller for controlling a temperature of the liquid; and an electrical connection mechanism for receiving electrical signals to the sensors when the temperature of the liquid reaches a preset level during operation. The system also includes a device that receives the signals from the sensors and calibrates the sensors based on the temperature of the liquid and the received signals from the sensors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor device including a temperature detection circuit and a test circuit. The temperature detection circuit is configured to detect a temperature by comparing potential of a reference block and reference potential. The test circuit is configured to test, in a test mode, an operation of the temperature detection circuit by serially switching a value of the reference potential to a value selected from a plurality of values, which is different from each other, while a temperature of the semiconductor device is kept at a first temperature.

Abstract: A strain sensor assembly is configured to detect one or more of forces applied to a structure having a recess. The strain sensor can include at least a pair of opposed strain gauge members that extend from the support member. Each strain gauge member defines a support portion carried by the support member and a biasing portion. The support portion includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The biasing portion is configured to bias against a wall of the recess of the structure when the strain sensor assembly is disposed in the recess. The strain sensor assembly is configured such that the at least a pair of strain gauge members form an interference fit with the wall of the recess when the strain sensor assembly is inserted in the recess.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity sensor containing cracks is provided. The high-sensitivity sensor is obtained by forming microcracks on a conductive thin film, which is formed on top of a support, wherein the microcracks form a micro joining structure in which the microcracks are electrically changed, short-circuited or open, thereby converting external stimuli into electric signals by generating a change in a resistance value. The high-sensitivity sensor can be useful in a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, artificial skin, a voice recognition system, and the like.

Abstract: A motion base for displacing a force measurement assembly is disclosed herein. The motion base includes a base assembly; a support structure configured to be coupled to the force measurement assembly; a rotatable coupling device, the rotatable coupling device rotatably coupling the support structure to the base assembly; and an actuation system, the actuation system including one or more actuators operatively coupled to the support structure, the one or more actuators configured to displace the support structure relative to the base assembly. In one or more embodiments, greater than 50% of the weight of the support structure is supported by the rotatable coupling device. Also, in one or more embodiments, the motion base may be used for displacing objects other than a force measurement assembly, such as for displacing a flight simulator or a virtual reality simulator.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device is disclosed in the present disclosure. The pressure sensing device includes a bottom plate, a flexible shell and a MEMS pressure sensor. The flexible shell covers the bottom plate for forming a hermetical cavity, and the MEMS pressure sensor is accommodated in the hermetical cavity. Air in the hermetical cavity is compressed when the flexible shell is pressed, the MEMS pressure sensor is configured for detecting variation of an air pressure within the hermetical cavity when the flexible shell is pressed, and convert the variation of the air pressure into an electric signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an encapsulant housing an electronic member. The electronic member includes a proof body, which has two opposite sides facing away from each other. On a first side of the proof body is a reference-pressure chamber. On a second side of the proof body facing away from the first side is a pressure-to-be-measured chamber in communication with outside of the encapsulant. Delimited between the electronic member and the encapsulant is a housing for gel. An orifice enables the housing for gel to be in communication with outside of the encapsulant.

Abstract: A sensor unit including a measuring cell with a section-wise heat-conducting surface, a housing in which the measuring cell for the most part is contained, and an access channel to the measuring cell. The sensor unit includes a cavity that is confined for the most part by an outer surface of the measuring cell and by a wall of the housing facing towards the surface of the measuring cell. The cavity is closed in itself.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) chip for measuring a pressure in a pressure space includes a MEMS substrate having a measuring region, a contact-making region connected to the measuring region via lines and having contacts, and a bushing region disposed between the measuring region and the contact-making region. The MEMS substrate defines a cavity formed as a blind hole that defines an opening through one side of the MEMS substrate, the bottom of the blind hole forming a membrane. A measuring bridge includes piezoresistive elements disposed on that side of the membrane which faces away from the cavity's opening. A carrier substrate is disposed over the cavity's opening and bonded to the MEMS substrate in a two-dimensional manner to form a rod, with the result that the carrier substrate forms a bottom wall of the cavity spaced apart from the membrane.

Abstract: Devices and corresponding methods are provided to operate a hot cathode ionization pressure gauge (HCIG). A transistor circuit can be configured to pass the electron emission current with low input impedance and to control cathode bias voltage. Emission current and cathode bias voltage can be controlled independently of each other, without a servo settling time. HCIGs can be calibrated with respect to leakage current.

Abstract: A sensor system with performance compensation testing capability includes a sensor device, a resistance bridge, a signal conditioning circuit, a first test connector, and a second test connector. The resistance bridge circuit is disposed on the sensor device and includes an excitation terminal, a circuit common terminal, and two output terminals, and is configured, upon being energized, to supply a bridge output voltage across the two output terminals. The signal conditioning circuit is electrically coupled to the excitation terminal, the circuit common terminal, and the two output terminals, and is configured to supply a sensor output signal representative of bridge output voltage. The first test connector is electrically coupled to one of the two output terminals and is configured to be coupled to an impedance test device. The second test connector is electrically coupled to the circuit common terminal and is configured to be coupled to the impedance test device.

Abstract: A method which determines aircraft Center of Gravity independent of measuring the aircraft weight. The method is used in monitoring, measuring and computing the Center of Gravity of an aircraft utilizing pressurized, telescopic landing gear struts with axles. Pressure sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear strut loads by way of pressure. Axle deflection sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear axles to monitor, measure and record aircraft landing gear axle loads by way of deflection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the rate of leakage on a non-rigid specimen, wherein the specimen is introduced to a film chamber which can be evacuated, having at least one wall region made of a flexible material and the pressure in the film chamber is reduced outside of the specimen. The pressure gradient within the film chamber outside of the specimen is measured. In order to increase the accuracy of the leak detection, an outer over-pressure is exerted on the flexible wall region during pressure measurement which exceeds the pressure in the film chamber and outside of the specimen and the pressure inside the specimen.

Abstract: A rotorcraft actuator monitoring system to monitor leakage past dynamic rotorcraft actuator seals of a rotorcraft actuator includes a body member and a fluid level indication housing attached to the body member. The body member is mounted to surround a dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal that seals fluid in a rotorcraft actuator, where the body member captures fluid that leaks past the dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal. The fluid level indication housing collects the fluid captured by the body member and indicates that a predetermined volume of fluid that leaked past the dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal has been collected.

Abstract: Placement of structural health monitoring sensors within a coupled bearing assembly. An exemplary structural health monitoring system comprises first and second bearings configured for rotatable positioning along a structure, and a spacer positioned between the first and second bearings. The first and second bearings are placed against opposing sides of the spacer, and have a preload force engaging the respective first and second bearings against the opposing sides of the spacer. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the spacer so as to be positioned between the spacer and at least one of the first and second bearings, the sensors further coupled to at least one of the first and second bearings so as to be configured to monitor a structural health of the at least one of the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A method for testing a life of a radial rolling bearing and a radial rolling-bearing testing device. According to the method for testing the life of the radial rolling bearing and the radial rolling-bearing testing device, a portion of the radial rolling bearing is immersed in lubricant, and a bearing life is tested by rotating an outer ring and an inner ring relative to each other in a state where a radial load is applied to the radial rolling bearing. The radial load is applied in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Techniques for determining temperature and velocity in a space inside a gas turbine engine (100) include mounting acoustic sensors (150) in the engine. The sensors are mounted to detect acoustic signals in a space (108) of fluid flow without extending into the space. A first sensor (350a) is displaced a first distance (351) from a different second sensor (350b) in a first direction parallel to fluid flow through the space. First and second signals are detected at the first and second sensors, respectively. A travel time difference between the first and the second sensors is determined by control system (170) module (180) based on the first and second signals. Velocity of fluid flow in the space is determined by the module based on the travel time difference. Temperature of fluid flow in the space is determined by the module based on either the first or the second signals or both.

Abstract: A device is provided for placing one or more sensors along the inside surface of a tire. The device can accommodate tires of different shapes and sizes as well as projecting features along the inside surface of the tire. In one embodiment, sensors can be inserted into the interior of the tire and simultaneously deployed along the inside surface of both sidewalls. This embodiment of the device allows for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the sensors over a range of tire sizes so as to automate steps in the inspection process.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for collecting thin tissue samples for imaging. Thin tissue sections may be cut from tissue samples using a microtome-quality knife. In one example, tissue samples are mounted to a substrate that is rotated such that thin tissue sections are acquired via lathing. Collection of thin tissue sections may be facilitated by a conveyor belt. Thin tissue sections may be mounted to a thin substrate (e.g., by adhering thin tissue sections to a thin substrate via a roller mechanism) that may be imaged, for example, by an electron beam (e.g., in an electron microscope). Thin tissue sections may be strengthened before cutting via a blockface thinfilm deposition technique and/or a blockface taping technique. An automated reel-to-reel imaging technique may be employed for collected/mounted tissue sections to facilitate random-access imaging of tissue sections and maintaining a comprehensive library including a large volume of samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of separating beads in a fluidic chip comprising an internal fluid circuit through which various reactants, in which at least one of the reactants are beads, may be moved by use of centrifugal force, the method comprises the steps of: providing at least a first set of beads (8a) having a density m1 and a second set of beads (8b) having a density m2 in a section (7, 15, 18) of the fluid circuit, the section comprising at least a first outlet (16, 13, 17); providing a first liquid medium in the section, the liquid medium having a density d3, such that m1<d3<m2; and applying a first centrifugal force (G) such that the first set of beads (8a) and the second set of beads (8b) migrates in opposite directions within the section.

Abstract: A device (201) is provided for collecting signatures from an ambient fluid. The device includes a housing (205) equipped with an (207) inlet and an outlet (209) which are in fluidic communication with each other, and a signature collector (203) which has a plurality of spaced-apart layers (213). The signature collector is disposed in a fluidic flow path between the inlet and the outlet such that a flow of fluid passes through adjacent layers of the signature collector. Each of the layers includes a substrate (217) having a sorbent or adherent (219) disposed thereon, and a plurality of embossments (215) which maintains the layers in the spaced-apart configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically filling wells of plates with biological material from a laboratory automation system for conveying biological samples or reactants contained in test tubes, and automatically routing said plates towards processing modules of said biological material. Said apparatus contains a platform interposed between said laboratory automation system and a handling system of consumable products, which includes a horizontal crosspiece whereon a first robot and a second robot are sliding mounted, the first robot being provided with gripping means of pipettes adapted to collect and release the biological material or the reactant, and a second robot being provided with gripping means of consumable products.

Abstract: Described is a biological sample carrier based on a rigid hydrophilic object fabricated from a non-absorbing inert porous material. A biological fluid sample applied to the surface of the object is absorbed into the pores and constituents of the biological fluid sample remain in the pores after drying. Unlike a disc punched from a conventional dried blood spot (DBS) card, the object is easily handled. In contrast to DBS cards containing glass fiber structures that interact with basic analytes and other DBS card having adsorbing fibers that tend to separate blood constituents as the sample spreads through the fibers, the biological sample carrier is substantially inert to drug analytes.

Abstract: A slide transport system for an automated slide treatment apparatus having slide treatment modules for receiving slides and a fluid dispensing robot configured by a controller to dispense reagents to the slides is disclosed. The slide transport system includes a slide transport robot configured by the controller to move the slides to and from the slide treatment modules and a slide transport device disposed on the slide transport robot and configured by the controller to releasably hold the slides. A slide handling head on the slide transport robot moves a closure body of a slide treatment module from a normally closed to an open position to move slides in the slide treatment module. The slide transport device is configured by the controller to release a slide when located in the slide treatment module, when the closure body is in the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a sample for chromatographic separation processes, in which a sample vessel (1) is partially filled with a substance to be examined and is closed, the substance to be examined is subjected to a thermo-chemical reaction in which at least one sample component is converted into another substance, and in which by means of a removing device samples are removed from the sample vessel (1) for analytical examination, characterized in that the sample vessel (1) forms a cavity, into which the substance to be examined is introduced as a core and a heating section for indirect heat transfer is applied along the filling of substance to be examined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrogel compositions and methods of making hydrogel compositions. Furthermore, methods of specifically capturing and releasing biological materials from a sample using the disclosed hydrogel compositions are disclosed, including methods of utilizing the compositions in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample holders that can be used to retain a sample support effective for use in direct sample analysis. In some embodiments, the sample support can include a first and a second plate with apertures to permit a sample to be analyzed using direct sample analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at low (cryogenic) temperatures for determining the structure of and changes in the structure of proteins, DNA, RNA, and other biological molecules and biomolecular assemblies and structures. A cryogenic, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) application sample holder, includes a sample cell including a base portion and at least two parallel walls disposed on the base, wherein the sample cell has a liquid volume capacity defined by the walls and the base portion of 0.001 to 10 microliters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for determining adhesive strength of a sample label. For example, the present invention relates to a novel approach for examining the resistance to peel force required to remove a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) label from its intended substrate. This approach is encompassed by systems and methods which rely on the creation of one or any combination of at least four test strip types traced and cut from a label adhered to its intended substrate. The test strips may be oriented in at least three ways: along the machine direction of the label's face stock, along the cross direction of the label's face stock, and along an angle diagonal to the intersection of the machine and cross directions of the label's face stock, where the angle does not equal 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360°. The test strips may be peeled in reference to the position along the label and to and from which they extend.

Abstract: A method includes exciting a work piece, measuring a dynamic response of the work piece with an optical imaging system and calculating a damping factor and a Q factor from said dynamic response. The method links two processes: an optical imaging system to output dynamic motion response data, and using the data to obtain a damping factor and a Q factor.

Abstract: A connector, an associated dynamic testing system and method for testing rock bolts or rock anchors in situ. The connector is attached to a rock bolt/anchor and supports a hanging load via a shaft. The connector has a body of two halves retaining upper first and lower second connectors having respective curved surfaces. Each of the two halves has a curved inner surface allowing limited relative rotational movement of the first and second connectors relative to the two halves when a load is applied. A load cell and accelerometer register the load applied to the rock bolt/anchor through the connector and any resulting movement of the rock bolt/anchor.

Abstract: A process for vibration analysis, including the steps of: receiving synchronized motion measurements of particle motion in two or three orthogonal dimensions over a selected period of time at a plurality of different measurement locations; and determining one or more strain waveforms in the orthogonal dimensions in regions spanning the plurality of measurement locations using the motion measurements.

Abstract: A vibrating member (412) adapted for use in a vibrating densitometer (400) includes a base (407) and a vibrating tube portion (405) affixed to the base (407). The vibrating tube portion (405) includes a first arcuate portion (430a), a second arcuate portion (430b), a first non-arcuate portion (432a), and a second non-arcuate portion (432b). The first and second non-arcuate portions (432a, 432b) are located between the first and second arcuate portions (430a, 430b). The vibrating tube portion (405) is formed with an oblong cross-sectional shape having a major axis dimension that is greater than a minor axis dimension. The oblong cross-sectional shape increases a frequency separation between vibration modes in the vibrating tube portion (405).

Abstract: Disclosed is a two station system for a flow cytometer that includes a sample station and a wash station. During washing, the user has access to the sample station to insert a new sample. This increases the efficiency of the workflow process. Rotary clamps are used to automatically clamp the sample station and wash station to the system. A low volume pressurized cavity is used to bring the pressure of the sample to a desired pressure, which further increases productivity of the system. A transparent body is provided in the sample station so a user can view the sample during the sampling process. A backwash process is used to clean the sample injection tube and the sample uptake tube. In addition, the wash station is designed to rinse the outer surface of the sample uptake tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a size of particles in a spray jet includes a substantially square frame. A first emitter unit and a first detection unit, and a second emitter unit and a second detection unit, are respectively provided at opposite corners of the frame. Two light beams that cross each other in a focus are generated by the respective emitter units. Passage of a particle through the focus is detected based on light intensity signals from the first and second detection units. Using another set of light beams that cross each other and that are separated from the above-noted light beams in the direction of flight of the particle, passage of the particle through a second common focus can be detected. Particle velocity and particle size can be obtained based on the time difference between the passage of the particle through the two foci.

Abstract: A method for characterizing properties of a sample that employs a test apparatus including an isolated sample cell and pressure sensor where the isolated sample cell is loaded with the sample and gaseous test fluid to perform a number of different tests to derive properties of the sample. The tests can be performed over different parameters, such as different applied pressures of the test fluid to derive parameters related to apparent gas permeability of the sample as a function of applied pressure, different gaseous test fluids to characterize dependence of permeability of the sample on mean free molecular path or pressure, with both adsorptive and non-adsorptive test gases to characterize at least one property related to adsorptive interaction between the adsorptive test gas and the sample, and with samples of varying saturation levels to derive a measure of at least one property of the subsamples at corresponding saturation levels.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is disclosed. The nozzle assembly may include a nozzle outlet and enclose a nozzle cavity. A sample inlet formed in the nozzle housing may provide fluid communication to an injection tube mounted in an injection stem formed in the nozzle housing. One or more sheath inlet may provide fluid communication with the nozzle cavity and a downstream exit orifice.

Abstract: A flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer, an autosampler and a system integration structure to accommodate interconnection and interface of the flow cytometer and autosampler for operation together and providing for convenient interface with equipment for handling process liquids.

Abstract: Pneumatic ram road surface coefficient of friction measuring device is a stationary device that measures the coefficient of friction of a particular spot on a road surface using a known and precise amount of resistance force supplied from a pneumatic ram and a calibration valve. Pneumatic ram road surface coefficient of friction measuring device comprises a testing tire and wheel mounted to a carriage plate that is slideably attached to a framework that pivots around the front end of the framework and is supported by a jack mechanism at the rear end. Pneumatic ram provides resistance to the sliding action of the carriage plate that may be varied using the calibration valve. Pneumatic ram road surface coefficient of friction measuring device further comprises a sliding gauge indicator and coefficient of friction graduations that provide the coefficient of friction reading.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: a computing device configured to monitor a gas turbine (GT) by: determining a moisture content and/or an oxygen content of inlet air entering the inlet of the GT compressor section; determining a corresponding one of the moisture content and/or the oxygen content of exhaust gas from the GT turbine section; calculating a flow rate of the exhaust gas from the turbine section and a flow rate of the inlet air entering the inlet of the compressor section based upon the moisture content and/or the oxygen content of the inlet air and the exhaust gas; and calculating a temperature of the exhaust gas and an energy of the exhaust gas from the turbine section based upon the flow rate of the exhaust gas from the turbine and the flow rate of the inlet air entering the inlet of the compressor section.

Abstract: In a method of producing a device in which an element structure is provided on a substrate including a through wiring, a through hole is formed so as to extend from a first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate disposed on an opposite side of the substrate to the first surface, the through wiring is formed by filling the through hole with an electrically conductive material, and the element structure is formed on a first surface side. In the step of forming the through hole, a degree of surface irregularities of an inner wall of the through hole is larger on the first surface side than on a second surface side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) imaging of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties of a sample. A method comprises measuring the amplitude and/or phase of a beam of radiation reflected from a sample surface, while a heat source applied to the sample is modulated at at least two modulation frequencies simultaneously. Such measurement can be reiterated as a probe beam is scanned across the sample surface or a portion thereof. A 2D image or map of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties can be generated from data processing. Also provided herein is an apparatus for performing FDTR imaging.

Abstract: A sample test method, microfluidic device, and test device efficiently and accurately compensates for interference of an interfering substance present in a sample using optical measurement without addition of a separate reagent for detecting the interfering substance. The sample test method includes: measuring an optical characteristic value of a target substance present in a sample; measuring an optical characteristic value of an interfering substance present in the sample; and determining a concentration of the target substance for which interference of the interfering substance is compensated for based on the optical characteristic value of the interfering substance.

Abstract: Methods are described herein and termed Microbial Community Screening and Profiling (MCSP) for multi-dimensional analysis and non-destructive and label-free detection and analysis, which allow for complementary analytical techniques to be performed on the same sample for such multidimensional analysis.

Abstract: An infrared detection device can be used to detect coal mine polar gas. The detection device can include a central processor and a gas pool assembly having a moveable optical window. The moveable optical window can include a stationary pool body and a moveable pool body inserted into the stationary pool body.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for identifying a target object of a pipe wall, including: positioning a pipe inspection robot within a pipe; emitting, using a terahertz (THz) beam source of the pipe inspection robot, a laser beam towards a target object; receiving, using a THz receiver of the pipe inspection robot, THz data related to the target object; analyzing, using a processor, the THz data; and determining, based on the analyzing, an identity of the object. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A single-shot terahertz imaging system including an interferometer and a terahertz spectrometer. The interferometer includes a beam splitter configured to receive input terahertz radiation and output first terahertz radiation and second terahertz radiation, a sample configured to reflect the first terahertz radiation, and a mirror configured to reflect the second terahertz radiation. The beam splitter is further configured to receive the reflected first terahertz radiation and the reflected second terahertz radiation, and output interfered terahertz radiation. The terahertz spectrometer is configured to measure the interfered terahertz radiation and includes a frequency dispersive element configured to receive the interfered terahertz radiation and output spatially dispersed terahertz radiation, and a terahertz radiation detector configured to determine the intensity of the spatially dispersed terahertz radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting gases, airborne compounds, and other particulates, are provided. The system detects materials of interest, including but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, aerosols, particulates, and biological and other pathogens in a three dimensional volume over an area of interest. The system detects the concentration of analytes of interest in the presence of atmospheric contaminants. Data points form a three-dimensional “point cloud” to which particle swarm optimization and feature extraction algorithms are applied, providing leak detection, mapping of chemical plumes, and short-term and long-term flux measurements, among other functions.

Abstract: A process gas analyzer and method for analyzing a process gas carried in a plant section, wherein light from a light source is passed through the process gas and detected via a detector, evaluated in an evaluation unit to produce an analysis result with respect to the absorption in the process gas, where chambers or purging pipes, present between the light source and the plant section and also between the detector and the plant section, are flushed with a purge gas to analyze the process gas, and where the volume flow rate of the purge gas is periodically modulated and the effect of the purge gas on the analysis result is determined based on changes in the detected absorption caused by the modulation and removed from the analysis result to enable a high degree of compensation for measurement errors caused by the purging.

Abstract: Calibration device for calibrating an operation wavelength characteristic of a refractometer for determining an information which is indicative for a refractive index of the sample, wherein the calibration device comprises an itself traceably calibratable determination unit, which is preferably at least partially external of the refractometer, which is adapted for determining an information which is indicative for a discrepancy between a pre-givable set-point-operation wavelength characteristic and an actual-operation wavelength characteristic of the refractometer, on whose basis the refractometer is calibratable.