Abstract: A first electrode is provided to a side wall of a container, and has a width that increases according to an increase in the depth. A second electrode is provided to the side wall of the container, and has a width that reduces according to an increase in the depth. A capacitance sensor measures a first electrostatic capacitance Cs formed by the first electrode and a second electrostatic capacitance Cs formed by the second electrode. A calculation processing unit generates water level data S2 that represents the water level, based on the measurement values S1 that represent the respective first and second capacitances Cs.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use a differential spectral liquid level sensor to measure the level of liquid in a reservoir (e.g., a fuel tank or other storage container). The use of a differential spectral liquid level sensor solves the problem of common-mode intensity variations (i.e., intensity variations not due to the level of the liquid) by having two different wavelengths propagate through the same optical path but have different spectral attenuations in the liquid. By determining the ratio of the received optical powers, common-mode intensity variations can be neutralized, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the received power reading and the resulting liquid level indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use a passive differential optical sensor to measure the level of liquid in a reservoir (e.g., a fuel tank or other storage container). More specifically, the passive differential optical liquid level sensor solves the problem of common-mode intensity variations by employing three optical fibers that will be disposed vertically in the reservoir. The system comprises a side-emitting optical fiber having one end optically coupled to an optical source, a side-receiving optical fiber optically coupled to a first optical detector, and a total internal reflection optical fiber having one end optically coupled to the other end of the side-emitting optical fiber and another end optically coupled to a second optical detector. A computer or processor is configured to perform differential processing of the detected light and then determine the liquid level based on the differential processing results.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a communication transmitter configured to transmit a sensor device identifier. The sensor device includes a communication receiver configured to receive a sensor configuration associated with the sensor device identifier. The sensor device includes an interrogation signal transmitter configured to transmit an interrogation signal based at least in part on the received sensor configuration to determine an identifier associated with an amount of content included in a container engaged by the sensor device.

Abstract: A method for verifying the accuracy of a custody meter having a custody flow capacity with a displacement prover having a prover flow capacity includes providing a first master flow meter and a second master flow meter operating in parallel. The displacement prover is in series with the master flow meters and has a prover flow capacity that is less than the custody flow capacity. A fluid flow is diverted through the custody meter so that a portion of the fluid flow passes through each of the master flow meters. Each of the master flow meters are proved individually with the displacement prover. The custody meter is proved with both of the master flow meters operating simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for identifying characteristics of an antenna through detection of vibrational movement of the antenna.

Abstract: A distributed fiber optic cable including an elongate body and optical fibers longitudinally housed in the elongate body. The optical fibers lie in in sinusoidal paths along longitudinal surfaces of a prism. The distributed fiber optic cable can be used for sensing an acoustic wave by measuring backscattered light from a laser pulse input into the optical fibers in the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lens module. The lens module includes a lens barrel with an accommodation space; a lens group accommodated in the accommodation space; a filter, a bracket and a sensor set in turn by an image side of the lens group and located outside the accommodation space. The bracket includes a top wall forming an optical aperture. The top wall includes a first surface facing an object side, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a third surface connecting the first surface to the second surface for forming an optical aperture. The third surface is a curved surface.

Abstract: A system which may be used to which may be used to increase the number of available spectrum bands in an inspection system is provided. The system may include an illumination source configured to emit broadband illumination. The system may also include a filter assembly including two or more filter units. The two or more filter units may include two or more filters with one or more varying filtering characteristics. The system may also include two or more motors configured to selectively actuate selected filters of the filter units into the beam of illumination. Using the system, the number of available spectrum bands to be used in an inspection system may be increased.

Abstract: A color capture arrangement and a method for correcting a captured brightness of an object are disclosed. In an embodiment the color capture arrangement includes a directed light source configured to direct light towards the object to be identified, evaluation electronics and a color capture device including at least three color identification sensors configured to receiving radiation reflected by the object and funnels as light-guiding elements, wherein each funnel is disposed upstream of a color identification sensor, and wherein at least one of the color identification sensors is a distance sensor.

Abstract: Infrared detection systems according to embodiments include an infrared detector, a storage, and a correction calculator. The infrared detector is configured to detect infrared light by absorbing and photoelectrically converting infrared light of a specific wavelength range. The infrared detector is capable of sweeping an absorption peak wavelength of an absorption spectrum of infrared light. The storage is configured to store a plurality of correction coefficients for correcting a detection value from the infrared detector in accordance with the absorption peak wavelength of the infrared detector with respect to a wavelength range of an atmospheric window. The correction calculator corrects the detection value from the infrared detector for each absorption peak wavelength using corresponding correction coefficients stored in the storage.

Abstract: To provide a plant sensor device capable of obtaining a parameter to determine a growth status other than a spectroscopy vegetation index without increasing its configuration. The plant sensor device includes a light emission part for emitting a measurement light to irradiate a target plant, a light receiving part for receiving a reflected light from the target plant, and a control section for controlling the light emission part and light receiving part. The control section determines a spectroscopy vegetation index of the target plant by obtaining a reflection rate of the target plant based on the measurement light and reflected light. The control section calculates a distance from the target plant to the light emission part in accordance with the measurement light and reflected light, and determines a plant height of the target plant based on the distance.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system (10) for analyzing in-elastic scattered electromagnetic radiation from an object being irradiated by electromagnetic radiation is provided. The system comprises a tunable lens assembly (13) having a tunable lens provided in the beam path between an electromagnetic radiation source (11) and the object (0) and arranged to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation source onto an area of the object and receive and collimate the in-elastic scattered electromagnetic radiation from the object. Based on electromagnetic radiation detected by at least a first detector (121) a control unit (14) is capable making a decision to change the operational settings of the tunable lens.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing solar damage, and other heat-related damage, to uncooled microbolometer pixels. In certain examples, at least some of the pixels of an uncooled microbolometer are configured with a bimetallic thermal shorting structure that protects the pixel(s) from excessive heat damage. In other examples a thermochroic membrane that becomes highly reflective at temperatures above a certain threshold is applied over the microbolometer pixels to prevent the pixels from being damaged by excessive heat.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to electromagnetic radiation detector devices, systems, and methods using a planar Golay cell. One device includes a cell body forming a cavity therein, wherein the cavity includes a wavelength selective absorber having a predetermined absorption spectral range and the cavity is filled with a gas and a pressure sensing element fluidly connected to the cavity to measure a change in pressure within the cavity. One device may include a plurality of planar Golay cells, wherein the cell bodies of the Golay cells are stacked against one another, wherein the pressure sensing elements of the Golay cells are located adjacent to the stacked sides of the cell bodies, and wherein radiation from a single light source is directed through the plurality of Golay cells.

Abstract: In a system that includes a wire grid polarizer, the polarizer is positioned between a thermal illuminator and a thermal emitter such that energy from the thermal illuminator traveling towards the thermal emitter is transformed into linearly polarized energy. In the system, the thermal emitter is configured to reflect at least a portion of the linearly polarized energy towards a millimeter-wave camera and there is a motor coupled with the wire grid polarizer and configured to rotate the polarizer in a manner that varies an apparent temperature of the thermal emitter based on the reflected portion of the linearly polarized energy.

Abstract: The temperature sensor circuit includes a diode that is connected to a first potential at a cathode thereof. The temperature sensor circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit that is connected to an anode of the diode at a second end thereof and outputs a divided voltage. The temperature sensor circuit includes a second amplifying circuit that receives the first signal at a first input end thereof, receives the divided voltage at a second input end thereof, is connected to a first end of the voltage dividing circuit at an output end thereof and outputs a second signal so as to make the divided voltage equal to the first signal. The temperature sensor circuit includes a measuring circuit that calculates a voltage difference between the first signal and the second signal and outputs an output signal based on the result of the calculation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for measuring temperature accurately by measuring Johnson noise.

Abstract: A pressure sensor and a method for measuring a pressure are disclosed. In an embodiment the pressure sensor includes a main body comprising a piezoelectric material and at least two internal electrodes arranged in the piezoelectric material, wherein the at least two internal electrodes are arranged such that a voltage arises between the at least two internal electrodes when a pressure acts on a side surface of the main body that is provided for an application of pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a sensor. In particular, the present invention is related to a MEMS strain gauge die and its fabrication process. The MEMS strain gauge die comprises a handle, a device layer and a cap all connected together. A silicon oxide layer is formed between the handle and the device layer. Another silicon oxide layer is formed between the device layer and the cap. Recesses are respectively formed on the handle and the cap and face each other. The handle recess and the cap recess are connected to form a cavity. The device layer, which spans the cavity, further comprises a bridge on which a plurality of piezoresistive sensing elements are formed. The present strain gauge die is more immune to temperature effects. It is especially suitable for operating in a high temperature environment and is capable of delivering accurate and reliable strain measurements at low cost.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a single mode fiber, a Bragg grating, and a polarization controller to generate additional polarization states from an input polarization state of light injected into the fiber. The sensor utilizes logic to detect a uni-axial pressure applied to the fiber that shifts a reflection wavelength of a first Bragg grating polarization state relative to a Bragg reflection wavelength of a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a MEMS pressure sensor having a micromechanical structure envisages: providing a wafer having a substrate of semiconductor material and a top surface; forming a buried cavity entirely contained within the substrate and separated from the top surface by a membrane suspended above the buried cavity; forming a fluidic-communication access for fluidic communication of the membrane with an external environment, set at a pressure the value of which has to be determined; forming, suspended above the membrane, a plate made of polysilicon, separated from the membrane by an empty space; and forming electrical-contact elements for electrical connection of the membrane and of the plate, which are designed to form the plates of a sensing capacitor, the value of capacitance of which is indicative of the value of pressure to be detected. A corresponding MEMS pressure sensor having the micromechanical structure is moreover described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor includes a supporting portion, a film portion, and a strain detecting element. The film portion is supported by the supporting portion. The strain detecting element is disposed on a part of the film portion. The strain detecting element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer. A magnetization direction of the first magnetic layer is variable according to a deformation of the film portion. The first magnetic layer has a first facing surface. The second magnetic layer has a second facing surface. The second facing surface faces the first facing surface. The intermediate layer is disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. An area of the first facing surface is larger than an area of the second facing surface.

Abstract: Provided is a monitoring apparatus configured to monitor the pressure state of a fluid in a target apparatus having a chamber in which at least one of compression and expansion of the fluid is performed. The monitoring apparatus includes a heat flux sensor provided for the target apparatus and configured to measure a heat flux between inside and outside of the chamber. The monitoring apparatus includes a determining unit configured to determine the pressure state of the fluid based on a measurement result of the heat flux sensor.

Abstract: A pressure transfer module for transfer of pressures, less equals 100 mbar, and suitable for high temperature applications, comprising an isolating diaphragm outwardly sealing a first pressure chamber; a transfer diaphragm outwardly sealing a second pressure chamber; and a pressure transfer path connecting the first pressure chamber with the second pressure chamber. The first and the second pressure chambers and the pressure transfer path are filled with a pressure transfer liquid, via which a pressure acting externally on the isolating diaphragm is transmitted to the transfer diaphragm. The pressure transfer liquid is under a pre-pressure, especially a pre-pressure of greater than or equal to 30 mbar, especially greater than or equal to 50 mbar.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for sensor diagnostic monitoring and detection of an imbalance of a rotating machine (1) has steps of (a) detecting acceleration signals (Sb) of the housing (2) or of a non-rotating component of the rotating machine (1) by a sensor (20); (b) detecting signals (Sd) for the determination of the rotation speed of the rotating machine (1) by a second sensor; and (c) supplying and evaluating of sensor signals (Sb, Sd) by an evaluation unit (40, 50, 60). An acceleration component that is acquired occurs with the rotation speed of the rotating machine. This component is compared with a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A pinch valve including a tubular valve member, which extends in a valve housing between two connecting pieces having a fluid port each and which has a flexible circumferential wall, and further including a pressurisation chamber, which is arranged in the valve housing around the circumferential wall of the valve member and which can be pressurised by compressed air which can act on the circumferential wall of the valve member as a pinching means in order to pinch it for changing the flow cross-section made available by the valve member for the passage of process medium, and further including a leakage detection device for detecting a leakage causing the escape of process medium at the pinch valve.

Abstract: A method for leak detection of a packaged sealed product according to the steps: feeding liquid nitrogen to a vaporizer thereby forming gaseous nitrogen; mixing the gaseous nitrogen with multifunctional particles; feeding the mixture of gaseous nitrogen and multifunctional particles to a chamber wherein a packaged sealed product is present in the chamber; and transmitting a signal when the multifunctional particles contact a component leaking from the packaged sealed product. Typically, the packaged sealed product is a pharmaceutical or other medicinal product.

Abstract: A portable handheld gas leak detector that draws in a sample of ambient air for detecting the presence of a gas by sensing changes in infrared (IR) energy between an IR emitter and an IR sensor when the gas is in the space between the IR emitter and the IR sensor.

Abstract: An inspection unit (10) for photochromic lenses (84) has a housing (12) defining an interior (14). At least one ultraviolet light source (32a, 32b) provides ultraviolet radiation into the housing interior (14). An inspection platform (54) is movable into and out of the housing interior (14) via at least one slide assembly (56). The inspection platform (54) includes a light table (58) having a translucent viewing area (62) and at least one inspection light source (64) located under the translucent viewing area (62).

Abstract: According to examples, a temperature or strain distribution sensor may include a photodiode to acquire a beat frequency between a first laser beam and a second laser beam. A modulator may modulate the first laser beam that is to be injected into a device under test (DUT). A coherent receiver may acquire a backscattered signal from the DUT, and use the second laser beam as a local oscillator to determine a Brillouin trace with respect to the DUT. The Brillouin trace may be used to determine a Brillouin frequency shift and a Brillouin power for the DUT to implement an absolute referencing of a Rayleigh reference trace. The coherent receiver may determine, relative to the Rayleigh reference trace, a further Brillouin frequency shift and a Rayleigh frequency shift to determine a temperature or a strain associated with the DUT.

Abstract: A clutch test stand (1) for testing disk clutches (5, 5?). The clutch test stand has a first drive unit (20) and a second drive unit (21). The first drive unit (20) is drive-connected to a first shaft (22) and the first shaft (22) is arranged to rotate inside a first hollow shaft (23) which, for its part, can also rotate. The second drive unit (21) is drive-connected to a second shaft (24). The second shaft (24) is arranged to rotate in a second hollow shaft (25) which, for its part, can also rotate. The first and second hollow shafts (23, 25) can also be drive-connected to one another by a coupling (26).

Abstract: A sensor dome arrangement has a sensor dome and a housing wall, which is particularly a transmission wall. The sensor dome includes a sensor, dome contacts which are electrically connected to the sensor, and a dome housing. The dome housing has a first dome housing section in which the sensor is arranged, and a second dome housing section on or in which the dome contacts are arranged. A through-opening is made in the housing wall, and the sensor dome is attached to the housing wall such that at least one outer surface of the first dome housing section faces a first chamber which is adjacent to the sensor dome and an inner side of the housing wall, and such that the dome contacts face a second chamber which is adjacent to the sensor dome and an outer side of the housing wall.

Abstract: A system includes an engine block having a plurality of cylinder-piston combinations. At least one of the cylinder-piston combinations includes a cylinder, a piston positioned in the cylinder and coupled to a connecting rod, the piston having an internal cooling gallery about a circumference of the piston, an oil jet for introducing coolant into the cooling gallery, and at least one pressure sensor positioned within the piston to detect pressure fluctuations within the cooling gallery. The system includes a processor having a program coupled thereto. The processor is configured to detect cyclical pressure fluctuations within the cooling gallery, via the at least one pressure sensor, during a linear motion of the piston within the engine block, determine pressures that occur during the detected cyclical pressure fluctuations, and determine a fill ratio of coolant within the cooling gallery based on the determined pressures.

Abstract: In a type of vehicle restraint device where a vehicle is restrained on rollers of a vehicle testing device by using wire ropes, etc., it was necessary to provide the vehicle with hook portions for engaging the wire ropes, etc. and difficult to reproduce the vehicle pitching movement behavior due to pressing the vehicle against the rollers by the wire ropes, etc. Thus, vehicle restraint device 11 that restrains vehicle 1 placed on rollers 7 of a vehicle testing device is equipped with a pair of vehicle restraint jigs 12 each having one end side rotatably coupled to vehicle 1 and the other end side rotatably coupled to left or right pole 10 on floor surface 9, and second link mechanism 501 that couples the other end side of this vehicle restraint jig 12 to pole 10 to allow a yawing movement of vehicle restraint jig 12.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the reliability of data supplied by multi-function WFC sensors of tires of wheels of a vehicle for targeted applications, on the basis of the irregularities of the road, which use displacement data sent from the road handling adaptation equipment of the vehicle, enabling the variations in the road condition to be reflected. The system includes equipment for monitoring the wheel displacement data for adapting it to the variations of profile of the road on which it is traveling, in order to maintain a stable body position. The monitoring equipment is linked to the WFC sensors via a central processing unit which is capable of correlating data supplied by the WFC sensors and values of wheel displacement data supplied by the monitoring equipment for the purpose of weighting the values of at least one parameter obtained from the data delivered by the WFC sensors.

Abstract: The condition of a tyre (5) on a wheel (2) is assessed while the wheel (2) is mounted on a vehicle (1) and while the vehicle (1) is moving. As the vehicle (1) moves, the tyre (5) rotates and moves longitudinally along a path of movement. An imaging device (3, 4) captures images of a plurality of different portions (7) of the periphery of the tyre (5), which has tread portions (10) separated by tread gaps (11), whilst the tyre (5) revolves. While the images are being captured, longitudinally spaced flash units (F1, F2, F3, F4) are activated to illuminate portions (7) of the periphery of the tyre (5). The flash units (F1, F2, F3, F4) are positioned to one side of the path of movement of the tyre (5) and direct light at an acute angle to the path of movement of the tyre (5) so that the light causes shadows to be cast in the tread gaps (11) between tread portions (10).

Abstract: Device and method for analysis of tyres are presented. The device includes a support frame, a flange, and first/second image acquisition systems. According to one aspect, the first acquisition system is two-dimensional and includes a first camera having a first optical axis, a first focal plane, a first focal point, and a first depth of field, and a first illumination system that illuminates around the first focal point. According to another aspect, the second image acquisition system is three-dimensional and includes a second camera having a second optical axis, a second focal plane, and a second depth of field, and a second illumination system. A translation plane, substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis, is defined by the first focal point, and an intersection between the second optical axis and the second depth of field.

Abstract: An assistive sample collection and storage assembly for collecting, transferring and storing a biological sample includes a sample collection device having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to receive a sample collection member. The assembly includes a sample storage device comprising a sample substrate configured to receive at least a portion of the biological sample from the sample collection member. The assembly is configured to exist in a first state and a second state. The sample collection member is disposed at a determined distance from the sample substrate in the first state. At least a portion of the sample collection member is in physical contact with at least a portion of the sample substrate in the second state. The sample collection member is configured to apply a determined amount of contact force between the collection member and the sample substrate in the second state of the assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-program products for fluid analysis and monitoring are disclosed. Embodiments include a removable and replaceable sampling system and an analytical system connected to the sampling system. A fluid may be routed through the sampling system and data may be collected from the fluid via the sampling system. The sampling system may process and transmit the data to the analytical system. The analytical system may include a command and control system to receive and store the data in a database and compare the data to existing data for the fluid in the database to identify conditions in the fluid. Fluid conditions may be determined using machine learning models that are generated from well-characterized known training data. Predicted fluid conditions may then be used to automatically implement control processes for an operating machine containing the fluid.

Abstract: A sampler apparatus is disclosed. The sampler apparatus comprises an impactor assembly comprising a nozzle plate, an impaction plate, and a filter unit. The nozzle plate comprises a plurality of nozzles for channelling an air stream through the sampler apparatus. The impaction plate is adapted to collect particulate matter having size equal to or greater than a threshold size. The filter unit is adapted to collect particulate matter having size less than or equal to the threshold size. The sampler apparatus further comprises a control assembly coupled with the impactor assembly. The control assembly comprises one or more flow control devices to maintain a predetermined air-flow rate of the air stream within the sampler apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of silicic acid to transform biological materials, including cellular architecture into inorganic materials to provide biocomposites (nanomaterials) with stabilized structure and function. In the present invention, there has been discovered a means to stabilize the structure and function of biological materials, including cells, biomolecules, peptides, proteins (especially including enzymes), lipids, lipid vesicles, polysaccharides, cytoskeletal filaments, tissue and organs with silicic acid such that these materials may be used as biocomposites. In many instances, these materials retain their original biological activity and may be used in harsh conditions which would otherwise destroy the integrity of the biological material. In certain instances, these biomaterials may be storage stable for long periods of time and reconstituted after storage to return the biological material back to its original form.

Abstract: A chewing gum has absorbent material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), for absorbing or adsorbing volatile and non-volatile chemicals from an oral cavity or breath of a user. While the gum is being chewed, chemicals in the breaths and saliva of the user absorb or adsorb into the absorbent material. The absorbent material is then analyzed to determine the amount of chemicals absorbed or adsorbed into the absorbent material over time. Based on such analysis, various diseases or conditions can be detected or diagnosed.

Abstract: A test feature is disclosed that is formed during metal powder additive manufacturing of a production part. The test feature may include a metal powder sample capsule including a chamber for capturing unfused powder from the metal powder additive manufacturing, and a removable cap closing an end of the chamber. Alternatively, a test feature may include a quality control (QC) part, and at least one additional test element including a metal powder sample capsule integrally coupled to the QC part and including a chamber for capturing unfused powder from the metal powder additive manufacturing. The QC part is identical to the production part excepting the at least one test element. The QC part and the at least one test element are formed during the same metal powder additive manufacturing as the production part.

Abstract: Provided is a method for selectively analyzing biological samples. The method includes: preparing a substrate on which biological samples are arranged; dividing the substrate into areas where one or more target specimens are located and areas where one or more non-target specimens are located; forming a masking structure to selectively mask the areas where the non-target specimens are located; introducing a biochemical reaction reagent into the areas where the target specimens are located, such that the biochemical reaction reagent reacts with the target specimens; and analyzing the reacted target specimens on the substrate or recovering the reacted target specimens from the substrate and analyzing the recovered target specimens.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro-rheometer (1) with a microchannel (2) and a sensor array arranged along the microchannel to measure rheological properties of a fluid. The sensor array comprises a plurality of pairs of electrodes (8, 8?), each pair being placed face to face to function as an electronic switch when the fluid flows through them. It further comprises a data acquisition system (10) with an electronic circuit in which each pair of electrodes is connected to an amplifier electronic circuit (11) to ensure an ultra-low electrical current flow through the short-circuit created by the fluid and the pair of electrodes, to avoid damaging the fluid. The invention may be used as a small portable device for medical diagnosis in diseases associated to changes in blood viscosity, operating in a wide range of shear rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flowing particles, such as biological entities, in a fluidic channel(s) are generally provided. In some cases, the systems described herein are designed such that a single particle may be isolated from a plurality of particles and flowed into a fluidic channel (e.g., a microfluidic channel) and/or collected e.g., on fluidically isolated surfaces. For example, the single particle may be present in a plurality of particles of relatively high density and the single particle is flowed into a fluidic channel, such that it is separated from the plurality of particles. The particles may be spaced within a fluidic channel so that individual particles may be measured/observed over time. In certain embodiments, the particle may be a biological entity. Such article and methods may be useful, for example, for isolating single cells into individual wells of multi-well cell culture dishes (e.g., for single-cell analysis).

Abstract: A system for building a gas processing apparatus includes a compressed gas source, a pressure modulator in communication with the gas source, and a chamber configured to receive a gas permeable material. The chamber is further configured with a first chamber area on one side of the material and with a second chamber area on a second side of the material. A sensor is configured to measure over time a pressure differential between the first and second chamber areas. A memory stores performance characteristic data for a plurality of gas processing apparatus. A processor converts the pressure differential to a material characteristic of the gas permeable material, and compares the material characteristic to at least one selected performance characteristic of the gas processing apparatus.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a probe beam (14) having undergone dispersive Fourier transformation by a dispersive Fourier transformation unit is spatially mapped, an inspection object (18, 20) is irradiated with the probe beam (14), and transmitted light (15) from the inspection object (18, 20) is detected, whereby an image is generated on the basis of the intensity of the transmitted light (15). Accordingly, an imaging apparatus can be provided which can irradiate the inspection object (18, 20) with the weak probe beam (14) having an intensity attenuated by the dispersive Fourier transformation unit, which can generate an image only by detecting the transmitted light (15) from the inspection object (18, 20), and which has a high throughput of generating images while an influence on the inspection object (18, 20) is suppressed.

Abstract: In the case of a cytometer unit (1) comprising a receptacle (2), which is configured for the insertion of an exchangeable sample carrier (3) and in which an optical path (4) for carrying out a cytometric measurement is implemented, it is proposed to bleach the sample carrier (3) in a region (10) around a sensitive region (18) predefined by a detector arrangement (8) and/or to alter a position of the optical path (4) on the inserted sample carrier (3) using an alteration means (16).