Abstract: System, method, and apparatus embodiments characterize potential air emissions during the pig receiver depressurization. The mass flow rate, pressure, and temperature of exhaust gas released from the pig receiver are ascertained using a mass flow meter, pressure gauge, and temperature gauge, respectively. A flow meter and control valve regulate flow of exhaust gas through a sampling line and into a grab sample collection train. The grab sample collection train includes grab sample containers (e.g., piston cylinders, double-ended cylinders, and evacuated canisters) that collect exhaust gas samples over a range of pressures. The exhaust gas samples are used to determine the concentrations of gas components in the exhaust gas over the range of pressures. These concentrations are interpolated and/or extrapolated to provide a concentration versus pressure curve for each identified component in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A diffusive sampling device (1) comprises a porous hollow diffusion body (3) removably held on a support body (2), an adsorbent body (4) located inside said diffusion body (3), wherein the hollow diffusion body (3) has a cylindrically shaped wall with an upper section comprising a closed upper end and a distal lower section comprising an open lower end and wherein the diffusion body (3) is held on the support body (2) by means of one or more o-rings (7) fixed to its lower section, wherein the adsorbent body (4) is kept in a predetermined place inside the upper section of the diffusion body (3) by way of an elastic means, such as a spring (6). The use of such devices as well as a method for air sampling and monitoring.

Abstract: The invention discloses a gas autosampler comprising a propeller, a transmission device, a sample chain and a sample feeding cone. As the injector of the present invention is directly used as a sample feeding bottle, the transfer times can be reduced and the pollution possibility can be reduced. Meanwhile, the sample chain can increase and reduce the position number according to the requirements, and the motor controlling can feed the samples for multiple times, so that the samples can be automatically fed.

Abstract: A portable, self-cleaning aggregate mixture analysis device that accepts a sample of an aggregate mixture, separates the sample into particles, analyzes the compositions of the sample, displays results to a user and washes away sample residue, so as to prepare the device for analysis of a subsequent material sample.

Abstract: A device and method for applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical object, such as a test cylinder, utilizing an expandable cylinder and upper and lower conically shaped rams. The device is inserted into a test cylinder, and when a compressive force is applied to the upper and lower conically shaped rams, the rams move vertically into upper and lower conically shaped cavities of the expandable cylinder. The sloped inner surfaces of the conically shaped upper and lower cavities convert the vertical motion into an outward radial motion, applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to the cylindrical object.

Abstract: A test structure includes a frame, a shear reduction plate configured to couple to a first end of a test asset, and multiple rockers. Each rocker includes a first end that has a curved contact surface configured to contact the shear reduction plate and a second end having a connector movably coupled to the frame and configured to pivot, responsive to a bending moment applied to the test asset, such that the curved contact surface rocks in contact with the shear reduction plate.

Abstract: A hardness tester includes a memory storing, as a parts program, definitions of measurement conditions including a coordinate system and test position defined with respect to an image of a standard reference sample; a pattern searcher performing a pattern searching process, with reference to a plurality of samples to be measured, using a pattern image based on the image of the standard reference sample, and detecting a number of samples having a shape identical to that of the standard reference sample, as well as a position and angle of the samples having the identical shape; a pattern definer defining a coordinate system and test position for each of the samples having the identical shape based on the position and angle of each of the samples having the identical shape; and a measurer measuring the hardness of the samples for which the coordinate system and test position have been defined.

Abstract: A method for determining the abrasion properties of a coated flat product is described. A corresponding method is proposed in which an adhesive strip is stuck to the coating of the flat product, the flat product is bent in the region provided with the adhesive strip or to be provided with the adhesive strip, the adhesive strip after bending is peeled off together with abrasion material of the coating adhering to the adhesive strip, the grey tones of the adhesive strip are determined stripe by stripe crossways to the width of the abrasion, and on the basis of the grey tones determined stripe by stripe the grey width is determined as the width of the abrasion and/or the representative grey tone is determined as the representative grey tone of the grey tones determined stripe by stripe.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-line testing and surface analysis of a sample contains a base which stationarily supports a column and moveably supports an optical microscope, an interferometer, and at least test unit such as a scratch and abrasive wear tester that are moveable on the column in the Z-axis direction. A sample secured on a sample table, which is supported by a replaceable tribology drive unit on an X-stage that may position the sample under the microscope, interferometer, or test unit. Depending on the type of the test, the replaceable tribology unit may impart to the sample either a linear reciprocating movement or a rotating movement. The apparatus may operate in an automatic mode and is provided with a central processing unit that control movements of all moveable units through respective drivers via controllers connected to the central processing unit.

Abstract: A test method and test apparatus is provided that employs a microfluidic device to characterize properties of a fluid. The microfluidic device has a first inlet port, an outlet port, and a microchannel as part of a fluid path between the first inlet port and the outlet port. While generating a flow of the fluid through the microchannel of the microfluidic device, fluid pressure at the first inlet port of the microfluidic device is measured and recorded in conjunction with varying the controlled temperature of the microchannel of the microfluidic device to characterize the properties of the fluid that flows through the microchannel of the microfluidic device. The properties of the fluid can relate to the clathrate hydrate formation condition of the fluid at the pressure of the flow through the microchannel of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation, a sample chamber comprising a fluid sample inlet for introducing a solids-laden fluid sample therein, and a detector that receives a backscattering signal and generates an output signal corresponding to a concentration of solids in the solids-laden fluid sample. The electromagnetic radiation transmits through the sample chamber and optically interacts with the solids-laden fluid sample to generate a backscattering signal. The sample chamber may include one or more of a shear bob for applying a shear rate to the solids-laden fluid sample, the shear bob suspended in the sample chamber and rotatable about an axis, a sealable fluid pressurizing inlet for pressurizing the sample chamber and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the sample chamber when pressurized, and/or a temperature source for heating the solids-laden fluid sample.

Abstract: A sample measuring apparatus of an embodiment includes: a laser diode that applies laser light to a measurement specimen prepared from a sample; a detection unit that acquires optical information from a particle in the measurement specimen to which the laser light is applied; a drive circuit that supplies a direct-current drive signal to the laser diode; and a high-frequency conversion circuit that generates a potential that switches between a high level and a low level in a predetermined cycle to guide the drive signal outputted from the drive circuit to a second signal path which is different from a first signal path connected to the laser diode in the predetermined cycle, thereby converting the drive signal to be supplied to the laser diode into a high-frequency signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for detecting events in a flow cytometer. Also provided are methods of detecting cells in a flow cytometer. Other aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a level of contamination in a flow cell. Computer-readable media and systems, e.g., for practicing the methods summarized above, are also provided.

Abstract: A stress corrosion crack test method for evaluating the stress corrosion crack susceptibility of a steel material in alcohol. The method includes filling a cell containing a uniaxial tensile test piece of the steel material with an alcohol solution containing carboxylic acid: 0.1 mmol/L or more and less than 40 mmol/L, chloride ions: 0.05 mg/L or more and less than 300 mg/L, and water: 0.1 vol. % or more and less than 5 vol. %. Additionally, the method includes applying a fluctuating stress at a frequency of 2.0×10?5 Hz or more and 2.0×10?2 Hz or less to the uniaxial tensile test piece in the tensile direction. The maximum stress being equal to or more than the yield strength and less than the tensile strength at a test solution temperature, and the minimum stress being 0% or more and 90% or less of the yield strength.

Abstract: A smoke detecting enclosure which is impervious to interference from outside light sources includes a smoke detecting housing and an upper cover. The smoke detecting housing has an receiving space with openings on one side, an opposite side defines two opposite installation parts carrying a light emitter and a light receiver. A peripheral surface of the smoke detecting housing is a first terraced wall and the upper cover when coupled with the opening comprises an open-ended cavity and a light barrier. The light barrier is opposite to the opening and is on an open path to the opening. A smoke detector is further disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining optical properties of an object (50) includes a light source (10) and an optical system for illuminating at least one point of the object with light from the light source, and collecting light reflected from the object. A biaxial birefringent crystal (30) intercepts a beam of light reflected from the object and propagates the beam along an optical axis of the crystal and transforms the beam of reflected light to a ring of light having a periphery, each point of which has a different polarization plane. A detector array (40) detects respective points along the periphery of the ring and a processing unit (45) is coupled to the detector and is responsive to signals thereby for determining optical properties of the object.

Abstract: A vitreous silica crucible used to pull up silicon single crystal includes: a cylindrical straight body portion, a corner portion formed at a lower end of the straight body portion, and a bottom portion connected with the straight body portion via the corner portion, wherein the vitreous silica crucible further comprises: an opaque outer layer enclosing bubbles therein; and a transparent inner layer from which bubbles are removed, wherein the residual distortion's distribution obtained by measuring the silica glass's inner surface in a non-destructed state has an optical path difference which is 130 nm or less, which residual distortion's distribution is measured using a distortion-measuring apparatus which converts a linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light and then irradiates the crucible's wall.

Abstract: Novel biophotonic phantoms are provided herein that can accurately mimic the optical properties of living tissue. The disclosed biophotonic phantoms comprise hemoglobin (Hb) in a native conformation that is distributed in a solid polymer matrix. Methods of producing the disclosed biophotonic phantoms are also provided. The biophotonic phantoms can be used, for example, to calibrate or test an optical imaging system, such as a near infrared spectroscopy imaging system.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an optical fluid sensor, the method including providing a calibration element having defined properties similar to those of a fluid to be measured; simulating optical characteristics of the fluid to be measured, with the aid of the calibration element, a measuring radiation being routed onto the calibration element, and evaluating the measuring radiation modified by the calibration element, at least one calibration point of the fluid being ascertained with the aid of the calibration element.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a gas mixture at a first pressure including at least a primary gas and a secondary gas and changing a pressure of the received gas mixture from the first pressure to a second pressure. Further, the method includes determining a spectra of the gas mixture at the second pressure, wherein at least the first spectral line of the primary gas is spectrally distinguished from at least the second spectral line of the secondary gas, identifying a peak wavelength associated with the spectrally distinguished first spectral line of the primary gas based on at least two wavelengths of the secondary gas corresponding to at least two peak amplitudes in the spectra of the gas mixture, and determining a concentration of the primary gas based on the identified peak wavelength associated with the spectrally distinguished first spectral line of the primary gas.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a light source configured to emit a beam along a beam path through a sample volume comprising an analyte. Also included is at least one detector positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source, and at least one reflector positioned along the beam path intermediate the light source and the at least one detector having a surface roughness greater than a predefined level such as 20 ? RMS.

Abstract: A differential refractometer including a measurement section for measuring the diffractive index difference between a sample cell and a reference cell by radiating light on a measurement cell and detecting light which has sequentially passed through the sample cell and the reference cell includes a mobile phase supply section for delivering a mobile phase in a sample introduction channel that is connected to the sample cell. The mobile phase supply section includes a mobile phase container for containing the mobile phase. The inside of the mobile phase container is continuously stirred by a stirring mechanism, and the composition of the mobile phase inside the mobile phase container is made uniform.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, comprising a first photon emitter configured to emit photons into an article from a circumferential edge of the article, and a photon detector array configured to detect photons scattered from features of the article.

Abstract: A cylindrical optical tomography system includes a light emitting array having a plurality of light emitting elements, a cylindrical sample holding element, and a light sensing array including a plurality of light sensing elements, wherein the light sensing array is configured to sense light emitted from the light emitting array which has passed through the sample holding module.

Abstract: There is provided a removable chromatic witness assembly, system, and method to monitor thermal events and impact events on a surface of a composite structure. The removable chromatic witness assembly has a plurality of chromatic witness geometric configurations separately coupled in an arrangement to one or more portions of a polymeric film layer. Each chromatic witness geometric configuration has a plurality of chromatic probes of a same type incorporated into an adhesive material. At least two of the geometric configurations have a different type of chromatic probes with a different sensing capability for thermal events and impact events on the composite structure. The polymeric film layer and the geometric configurations form the removable chromatic witness assembly in a form of a removable chromatic witness applique configured to be removably applied directly and continuously to the surface of the composite structure, and configured to monitor the thermal and impact events.

Abstract: A three-dimensional high-resolution localization microscopy method including illuminating a sample by excitation radiation to excite fluorescence markers in the sample to luminesce, and imaging the sample in an image frame via imaging optics along an imaging direction, wherein the image frame contains images of the luminescing fluorescence markers, and the imaging optics have a plane of focus and an optical resolution. The excitation step and imaging steps are repeated multiple times to generate a plurality of image frames, wherein the excitation steps are performed to isolate the images of the luminescing fluorescence markers in each image frame for at least some of the luminescing fluorescence markers. The location of the corresponding fluorescence marker is determined in each instance in the generated plurality of image frames from the isolated images of the luminescing fluorescence markers, and a highly resolved total image is generated from the locations determined in this way.

Abstract: Nickel, iron and palladium thin films thermally evaporated onto glass supports are used to demonstrate surface plasmon coupled fluorescence (SPCF) and surface plasmon couple chemiluminescence (SPCC) over a broad wavelength range (400-800 nm) for potential assays or other detection systems. Nickel, iron and palladium thin films used in SPCF and SPCC convert otherwise isotropic emission into highly directional and polarized emission, an attractive concept for surface assays. The emission angles of detected emissions occur over a 10 degree range for tested emitted wavelengths.

Abstract: Provided is a method of monitoring a vesicle in a sample, including contacting a vesicle in a sample with a membrane permeable marker that is converted into a detectable marker in the vesicle, measuring a signal of the detectable marker, and monitoring the vesicle based on the measured signal.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, barcode probes comprised of transiently or stably fluorescently labeled nucleic acid nanostructures that are fully addressable and able to be read using standard fluorescent microscope and methods of use thereof including methods of use as detectable labels for probes.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are biosensing systems that measure lactose concentration in a solution.

Abstract: A hyperspectral Raman imaging system having the ability to focus on excitation laser beam over a relatively wide field of view due to the use of a lens array, in particular a microlens array. Hyperspectral selection is provided in one embodiment through the use of dual-axis controlled dielectric filtration. Methods for analyzing materials with the system are disclosed. The device or system can be used in generally any application where investigation of materials is required.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for chemical signature resolved detection of a concealed object within a system. The method includes irradiating the system at a plurality of positions with aplurality of electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelength; capturing a certain component of the scattered electromagnetic radiation from the object at a plurality of locations along various 3D planes around the system; obtaining a plurality of profiles from the captured component of the scattered electromagnetic radiation; filtering the profiles to obtain a chemical signature specific to the object; and resolving the chemical signatures to detect the concealed object, wherein, the step of detection includes determination of the shape, size and location of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to Raman spectroscopy-based sensing technique. More particularly, the invention relates to a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite and methods of its use and fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analysis system capable of online transferring an analysis sample and promptly acquiring an analysis result. The analysis system capable of analyzing the analysis samples supplied from at least two sites, with one analysis apparatus, and requiring no cleaning process for a nebulizer and a spray chamber, is provided. The present invention relates to analysis system including at least two sample individually transferring units. Each sample transferring path of the sample individually transferring units is coupled to a plasma torch of a common analysis unit including the one analysis apparatus with inductively-coupled plasma or microwave plasma. Each sample transferring path has a main flow path, a makeup gas supply path, and a drain flow path. The plasma torch has a sample introducing pipe that introduces the atomized analysis sample, provided at a substantially center.

Abstract: A method for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) calibration or LIBS assay comprises providing a plurality of reference samples, each having a respective, known concentration of an analyte, assaying each reference sample to obtain a respective LIBS spectrum, and for each reference LIBS spectrum, measuring an intensity of at least one spectral analyte line that varies with concentration of the analyte, and measuring a peak amplitude of at least one saturating line of a reference element. The ratio and known concentrations define a calibration curve for the analyte.

Abstract: A method for determining an analyte of a liquid sample in a cuvette includes providing a cuvette, a reagent, a barcode, an icon on the cuvette and a liquid analysis device comprising a photometer, a rotation device, a camera, a calibration data memory storing first calibration data, and an input device which manually inputs second calibration data. The cuvette is inserted into the liquid analysis device and is rotated to align the icon with the camera. The icon is read with the camera and the icon read compared with an icon model stored in the liquid analysis device to determine whether it corresponds thereto. The liquid sample is subjected to photometry based on the first calibration data if the icon read corresponds to the icon model. If not, the input apparatus is activated and the liquid sample is subjected to photometry on the basis of the second calibration data.

Abstract: A system for assessing a structure and the tools and processes used to form the structure is described. 2D images of the structure are captured and processed to obtain 3D information concerning the structure. Both 2D and 3D information is then used to identify and analyze selected characteristics of the structure. This analysis allows for a quality assessment of the structure. The selected characteristics are correlated with information relating to the operation of the tool that carried out the process that at least in part created the structure. The correlation of tool/process information to structure characteristics allows for the generation of feedback that may be used to modify the tool or processed used to form the structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identifying inorganic particles which contaminate loads containing organic particles, characterized by including the steps of collecting a sample of the load of organic particles, magnetizing the sample, illuminating the sample, capturing images of the sample and sending the images to a computer for processing, analyzing, and evaluating the images, and finally diagnosing whether the load is contaminated, retaining or releasing the load. The device for identifying inorganic particles which contaminate loads containing organic particles, characterized in that it comprises at least one magnetic field source, at least one lighting source, at least one photographic camera, and a computer.

Abstract: A sensor comprising: a dielectric waveguide for guiding a microwave signal; and a dielectric reflector at an end of the dielectric waveguide to cause formation of a sensing field beyond an outer surface of the dielectric reflector.

Abstract: Frame data of tomographic planes that are parallel in the scan direction and between an X-ray tube and an X-ray detecting unit is generated based on detected frame data. The generation of frame data is based on the fan-shaped spreading of an X-ray beam and the differences in position in a height direction between the tomographic planes from a detection surface. Tomographic images are respectively generated from the frame data of the tomographic planes based on laminography technique. Edge information based on the changes in pixel values in each tomographic image is calculated for each pixel. A three-dimensional distribution of the edge information is generated and the edge information is searched in a direction passing through the tomographic planes and pixels indicating a maximum value in the edge information are detected. Only pixels in the tomographic images that positionally correspond to detected pixels are combined into a single composite image.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for collecting Tomographic inspection data of objects using Compton scatter radiation. The apparatus is of size and weight for portable use within industrial facilities and may be used for assessing integrity of infrastructures in terms of material density, missing materials, thickness of materials, and identification of foreign materials.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one instance, a group III nitride wafer sliced from a group III nitride ingot, polished to remove the surface damage layer and tested with x-ray diffraction. The x-ray incident beam is irradiated at an angle less than 15 degree and diffraction peak intensity is evaluated. The group III nitride wafer passing this test has sufficient surface quality for device fabrication. The invention also provides, in one instance, a method of producing group III nitride wafer by slicing a group III nitride ingot, polishing at least one surface of the wafer, and testing the surface quality with x-ray diffraction having an incident beam angle less than 15 degree to the surface. The invention also provides, in an instance, a test method for testing the surface quality of group III nitride wafers using x-ray diffraction having an incident beam angle less than 15 degree to the surface.

Abstract: An analyzer system including an on-belt analyzer having a housing adapted to be positioned across a path of a conveyor belt which carries material to be analyzed, wherein the housing defines a tunnel dimensioned to allow the belt to travel therethrough in suspended relation in order to allow analysis of the material without the belt contacting the analyzer.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an x-ray florescence (XRF) test system which comprises an XRF test instrument used for testing a test target's responses to X-rays, the instrument including a test window allowing the X-ray and its responsive energy to pass through, and a window protecting film assembly allowing X-rays to pass through and providing protection to the window, the film assembly being configured to be coupled with the window in a fashion to be removed from or applied or reapplied over the window. The corresponding calibration mode can be manually or automatically applied according to the specific film assembly presently in use. An embodiment of the film assembly comprises a thin film fixed with an adhesive layer to a supporting frame having a closely spaced array of apertures.

Abstract: A test apparatus for thermal energy measurement of disk-shaped test specimens has a cold mass assembly locatable within a sealable chamber with a guard vessel having a guard chamber to receive a liquid fluid and a bottom surface to contact a cold side of a test specimen, and a test vessel having a test chamber to receive a liquid fluid and encompassed on one side by a center portion of the bottom surface shared with the guard vessel. A lateral wall assembly of the test vessel is closed by a vessel top, the lateral wall assembly comprising an outer wall and an inner wall having opposing surfaces that define a thermal break including a condensable vapor pocket to inhibit heat transfer through the lateral wall from the guard vessel to the test vessel. A warm boundary temperature surface is in thermal communication with a lower surface of the test specimen.

Abstract: A gas detection apparatus (1) which includes a gas detection element (3) including a heat generation resistor (34); an energization control section (7) which switches the energization state of the heat generation resistor to alternately assume one of two resistance values corresponding to one of two set temperatures set in advance; and a casing member (90) which accommodates the gas detection element and has a gas inlet opening (92h). The gas detection apparatus further includes a humidity computation section (7) which computes the humidity of the object atmosphere based on a ratio of a high-temperature-time voltage VH to a low-temperature-time voltage VL; and a clogging determination section (7) which determines the degree of clogging of the gas inlet opening based on a change in the humidity computed by the humidity computation section.

Abstract: A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for sensing a target molecule includes (a) a polymer film that is molecularly imprinted with the target molecule and includes a conductive polymer having resistance sensitive to binding with the target molecule and a structural polymer providing porosity to the polymer film, and (b) interdigitated electrodes, located on a surface of the polymer film, for measuring a change in the resistance to sense said binding.

Abstract: A PH value detection device for detecting a PH value of a solution includes first and a second electrodes to be inserted into the solution; and a power source configured to apply a bipolar rectangular potential pulse signal to the first and second electrodes. A current detector is connected between the first and second electrodes and is configured to detect a current flowing through the first and second electrodes. A calculator is configured to calculate the PH value of the solution, based on the detected current.

Abstract: A personal blood glucose meter and a method for sensing abnormal measurement using the same are disclosed. A personal blood glucose meter includes: a sensor strip for collecting and applying a blood sample, wherein the sensor strip includes a reagent; an electrode unit including a plurality of electrodes for receiving the blood sample from the sensor strip to generate electric current based on potential differences; an MCU for measuring currents value generated from the electrode unit to determine whether a glucose value of the blood sample is normal or abnormal; a potential supply unit for applying a predetermined potential to the electrode unit; and a display unit displaying resultant output from the MCU.

Abstract: Electrochemical biosensing devices and methods detect the activity of proteases and active infection in biological samples. The devices and methods utilize distance constraints between a redox reporter and an electrode to create a change in current that is detected. The distance constraints are released when an analyte containing a specified protease or proteases reacts with a protein substrate sequence in the analyte. The particular protease or proteases to be detected can be selected by using biosensors with particular substrate sequences. The devices and methods are not only qualitative, they can be used to quantitatively evaluate protease content in samples.