Abstract: A differential measurement circuit (1) is implemented in a balance with electromagnetic force compensation. The circuit receives input from two photo currents (I1, I2) generated by photodiodes (D1, D2) and generates an output signal proportional to their difference. A switch (SW) controls the flow of current through a node (K?) to which the two photo currents are directed, by flipping between two states (zt1, zt2) within two phases (t1, t2) of a time period T. The switch is controlled so a reference current (IRef) from a voltage or current source (URef) is superimposed alternatingly within the time phases on one of the two photo currents which continuously flow into the node. The node lies at the input of an integrator (INT) whose integrator signal (sINT) can be compared in a comparator (CMP) to a cyclically recurring ramp signal (sRAMP) which conforms to the time period.

Abstract: A device with weighing capability (or “scale feature”) and also anvil capability (or “tapping feature”) allows accurate and precise filling of an espresso portafilter with coffee grounds for use in beverage preparation. Some versions switch between a protected mode for anvil use, and a weighing mode for accurate weighing of the portafilter and its grounds, by pivoting the entire load cell into and out of a protected location wherein tapping/shocks do not flex/strain the load cell free end. In other versions, one or more stop(s)/limit(s) are near the load cell free end or associated elements, and the free end/elements move during said tapping/shocks but only to the stop(s)/limit(s), corresponding to a safe amount of strain for the load cell. Also, this way, weighing the portafilter and its contents may continue between taps without switching to a separate protected mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maritime infrasound detection can include at least one waterborne platform. A microbarometer, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and heave cancellation component (HCC) can be mounted on the waterborne platform. The HCC can receive a pressure input from the microbarometer and the IMU to generate an output pressure that can be indicative of an infrasound signal of interest (SOI). The HCC can further include a filter and an adaptive algorithm. The filter can receive IMU pressure and environment noise pressure as inputs. An error signal from the HCC output can also be supplied through a closed feedback loop that includes a Recursive Least Squares adaptive algorithm, which can further include a weighted, tapped delay line. The system can further include a remote data center for receiving the HCC output from the waterborne platform(s), which can be buoys, vessel or USV's.

Abstract: A vibration visualizer comprising an optical member including a fixed section to be fixed to a measurement object; and a movable section movably supported by the fixed section such that a first positional relationship between the fixed section and the movable section is changed by application of an acceleration to the fixed section in a predetermined direction. The optical member changes a reflection intensity of light or electromagnetic wave reflected in a retroreflection direction according to a change of the first positional relationship. The first positional relationship in a stationary state where the acceleration is not applied to the fixed section and the first positional relationship is maintained constant, is different from the first positional relationship most suitable for retroreflection.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the vibrations of a test object, such as a machine shaft or other rotating equipment. The system includes a probe sensor fitting having an ultrasonic speaker and an ultrasonic microphone. The probe sensor fitting includes a temperature and relative humidity sensor. The system further includes a probe analyzer circuit with a microcomputer that generates vibration analysis data and probe health diagnostics.

Abstract: A safety control system includes: a first control unit arranged to control a controlled system, a second control unit arranged to detect a fault with the controlled system and arranged to transmit messages wirelessly to the first control unit, wherein the second control unit includes: a first controller and a second controller, each of the first and second controllers being arranged to detect a condition of the controlled system and output messages indicative of whether or not the condition has been detected; a transmitter arranged to transmit wirelessly to the first control unit; and a multiplexer arranged to connect each of the first and second controllers in turn to the transmitter so that messages from each of the first and second controllers can be transmitted to the first control unit.

Abstract: An infrared projector and an infrared observation system by which unevenness of wavelengths in a projection pattern is reduced are provided. An infrared projector (100) is provided with infrared semiconductor laser elements (11a to 11d) that emit near-infrared laser light beams (L1a, L1b, L1c, and L1d), a scattering member (51) that receives and scatters the near-infrared laser light beams, and a projecting member (61) that projects the near-infrared laser light beams scattered by the scattering member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source configured to generate light, and a modulator coupled to the light source and configured to modulate the light above a predetermined frequency. A slider is configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording and to receive the modulated light. A resistive sensor is integral to the slider and subject to heating by absorption of electromagnetic radiation and conduction of heat. Measuring circuitry is coupled to the resistive sensor and configured to measure a response of the resistive sensor due to absorbed electromagnetic radiation and not from the heat conduction. The measuring circuitry may further be configured to determine output optical power of the light source using the measured resistive sensor response.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a measurement planned position for electromagnetic waves in a three-dimensional space in a simple and easy manner is provided. A position of a measuring unit 200 that is carried by an operator 100 is measured by a position measuring device that is configured to measure a position by laser light. A positional relationship between the measured position and the position of a measurement planned position 601 is displayed on a terminal 300 that is carried by the operator 100. This display guides the operator 100, and the operator 100 identifies the measurement planned position 601 and measure illuminance thereat.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting the surface of an object such as a wafer having tridimensional structures, using a confocal chromatic device with a plurality of optical measurement channels and a chromatic lens allowing optical wavelengths of a broadband light source to be focused at different axial distances defining a chromatic measurement range. The method includes a step of obtaining an intensity information corresponding to the intensity of the light actually focused on an interface of the object within the chromatic measurement range at a plurality of measurement points on the object by measuring a total intensity over the full spectrum of the light collected by at least some of the optical measurement channels in a confocal configuration.

Abstract: Provided in one example is an apparatus, including a microfluidic channel supported by a substrate. An optical spectrometer includes a waveguide supported by the substrate. The waveguide includes a coupler and outcouplers. A light source directs light to the coupler of the waveguide. Optical sensors are supported by the substrate. Each of the optical sensors is optically coupled to one of the outcouplers.

Abstract: A pulse generator generates high voltage discharge pulses in a manner that may be controlled and monitored. Pulse generator operation may be monitored to measure characteristics associated with pulse generator operation and to produce pulse generator data representative of those characteristics. Pulse generator operation may be monitored by monitoring the discharge pulses produced by the pulse generator and/or the charging of energy storage elements within the pulse generator in preparation for a subsequent discharge pulse. The pulse generator data may be used, for example, to identify pulse generator wear or degradation, to identify problems with pulse generator operation, and/or to control pulse generator operation for improved performance. The pulse generator may also be configured and controlled to generate a high-voltage initiation pulse to initiate a subsequent discharge pulse while being contained within a relatively small form factor.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a spectral image includes a filter to receive incident light. The filter has a variable refractive index. The apparatus also includes a modulator, operably coupled to the filter, to modulate the variable refractive index of the filter so as to generate a plurality of optical patterns from the incident light. The plurality of optical patterns represents the spectral image and each optical pattern in the plurality of optical patterns corresponds to a different modulation of the variable refractive index. The apparatus further includes a detector, in optical communication with the filter, to detect the plurality of optical patterns.

Abstract: A system comprising a light source configured to illuminate a sample under measurement. The system includes a detector configured to receive reflected light from the sample, and the detector generates a signal representing the reflected light. A spatially variable filter (SVF) is positioned in the optical path. The SVF is configured to have spectral properties that vary as a function of illuminated position on the SVF.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes an illumination unit configured to illuminate a measurement object with use of a plurality of point light sources configured to emit light based on illumination images modulated according to periodic functions out of phase with one another, an imaging unit configured to image the measurement object illuminated based on the illumination images, a first calculation unit configured to calculate phase information of a change in a luminance value at each of pixels based on a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit, and a first acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the phase information, a maximum reflection direction where a reflection direction is maximized on the measurement object.

Abstract: A method of estimating a junction temperature of a converter for a vehicle includes: calculating, by a vehicle controller, an IGBT power loss value of the converter using an input current and an input voltage between a battery and the converter, an output voltage output from the converter to an inverter, and a duty ratio and an IGBT characteristic value of the converter.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a sensor that comprises a heater is provided. The method includes the steps of applying a voltage to the heater and measuring the voltage applied to the heater and the current through the heater during a first time interval, and removing the applied voltage from the heater and leaving the heater unpowered for a second time interval. The method further includes the steps of calculating the resistance of the heater using the measured voltage and current, and determining the temperature of the sensor from the resistance using a predetermined relationship. The first time interval is selected to be sufficiently short in duration and the second time interval is selected to be sufficiently long so as to not significantly raise the temperature of the heater. The sensor temperature so determined can be used to perform diagnostic functions for a system that includes the sensor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an overheat bleed air detector includes providing a first elongate member having an inner surface that defines a plurality of grooves that extend from the first elongate member first end towards a first elongate member second end. The method further includes providing a second elongate member made of a ceramic based material and inserting the second elongate member within the first elongate member. An outer surface of the second elongate member is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first elongate member. The method still further includes inserting a center wire within the second elongate member.

Abstract: A system includes a thermographic temperature sensor that may measure a temperature of a fluid. The thermographic temperature sensor includes a probe, an optical source coupled to the probe, and a detector coupled to the probe. The system also includes a housing of the probe; and a light pipe of the probe disposed within the housing and including a thermographic phosphor that may phosphoresce in response to absorbing light from the optical source. The phosphorescence by the thermographic phosphor is representative of a temperature of the fluid within a flow path of the fluid, and the detector may detect the phosphorescence by the thermographic phosphor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the temperature of at least one electronic component (2) using a sensor (4) that supplies a temperature-dependent voltage. The method comprises the following steps in which: a signal representative of the voltage delivered by the sensor (4) is made to pass through an isolated differential amplifier (13), and the signal output from said isolated differential amplifier (13) is used to determine the temperature measured by the sensor (4).

Abstract: A method of calibrating transceiver positions inside an acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel that contains a plurality of transceivers, includes determining (40) a speed of sound in the acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel from a temperature and gas composition of a gas inside the acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel, acquiring (41) time-of-flight (TOFs) ?ti,j measurements from a plurality of pairs i,j of transceivers inside the acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel, estimating (42) a radius of the acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel from an average of the acquired TOF measurements, and using (43) an estimated radius of the acoustic pyrometry measuring vessel to estimate errors ??j of displacement angles of the transceivers.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic sensor. The magnetoelastic sensor uses strain-induced magnetic anisotropy to measure the tension or compression present in a plate. During construction, an annular region of the plate is magnetized with a circumferential magnetization. Magnetic field sensors are placed near this magnetized band at locations where the magnetization direction is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the axis of tension. The strain-induced magnetic anisotropy caused by tension or compression then produces a shift in the magnetization direction in the plate regions near the field sensors, thereby causing magnetic field changes which are detected by the magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensors are connected to an electronic circuit which outputs a voltage signal which indicates the tension or compression in the plate.

Abstract: An electronic ink cartridge includes, in a direction of a central axis within a cylindrical body, a core body extended out from a distal end of the cylindrical body, a coupling member disposed on a side of a proximal end of the cylindrical body, a coil housed between the core body and the coupling member and having a predetermined inductance, and a pressure sensitive element whose capacitance changes according to pressure applied to the core body. Two terminals of the coil are electrically connected respectively to two terminals of the pressure sensitive element to thereby form two terminals of a resonance circuit formed by the coil and the pressure sensitive element. A connecting terminal electrically connected to at least one of the two terminals of the resonance circuit is disposed on a proximal end surface side of the coupling member to be accessible thereon from outside.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising at least one sensing capacitor and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensing capacitor indicative of a change of charge of the sensing capacitor, and wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of force applied to the sensing capacitor, an acceleration of the sensing capacitor, a torsion of the sensing capacitor, a vibration of the sensing capacitor or a pulling force applied to the sensing capacitor based on the change of charge of the at least one sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A system for taking a measurement at a connection element. The system has a force sensor having a first side and a second side. The force sensor is configured to provide a measured value representative for a force acting between the first and the second side of the force sensor. The system also has an ultrasonic sensor and a positioning bushing The positioning bushing has a positioning bushing recess, which is configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor, at least in part. The system also has a separate sensor bushing, mechanically coupled to the first side of the force sensor, and having a sensor bushing recess. The sensor bushing recess is configured to receive, at least in part, the positioning bushing and the first end of the connection element. A second end of the connection element can be mechanically coupled to the second side of the force sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for recording a pressure of a fluid medium in a measuring cell. The pressure sensor includes a sensor housing, at least one first pressure sensor element for measuring a pressure of the medium, and a drive and/or evaluation circuit for outputting a signal indicative of a pressure acting on the first pressure sensor element. The drive and/or evaluation circuit is configured on or in a circuit substrate disposed within the sensor housing. The first pressure sensor element is configured on or in the circuit substrate and is separated from the fluid medium by at least one first separating membrane.

Abstract: A sensor includes two coaxial RF shielding members arranged to create a coaxial RF shielding structure that is electrically open and is formed from partially enclosed cylindrical shells. The RF shielding members are spaced from one another. The sensor also includes one or multiple electrically conductive coaxial coils between the coaxial RF shielding members. This configuration creates an LC circuit without requiring a separate capacitor electrically connected to the inductor. The RF shielding structure minimizes the surrounding tissue effects (e.g., parasitic capacitance), which improves the overall accuracy of the sensor. The LC circuit also can be remotely interrogated by external reader.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors, and data storage configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform functions. In one example, the functions include receiving logs of data, wherein respective data in the received logs of data are collected by one or more sensors of a device over one or more locations and over a time period. In the present example, the functions also include determining location estimates of the device by performing a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) optimization of the location estimates using barometer data and GPS elevational data available in the logs of data, wherein the location estimates indicate elevational locations of the device over the time period.

Abstract: A motor vibration cause determination system includes: a vibration sensor unit capable of detecting vibration of the motor in a driving state, the vibration sensor unit detecting a first vibration which is vibration of the motor in a stand-alone state before shipping, a second vibration which is vibration of the motor in a stand-alone state and in a non-connection state in which the motor is not connected to the main shaft after shipping, and a third vibration which is vibration of the motor in the connection state; a vibration information storage unit that stores information on the vibration of the motor detected by the vibration sensor unit, the information including information on the first, second, and third vibrations; and a vibration cause determination unit that determines the cause of vibration occurring in the connection state on the basis of the vibration information stored in the vibration information storage unit.

Abstract: An assembly to detect fluid leaks is provided herein. For example, the assembly includes a plug, a gasket, and a sensor member. The plug is connected to a first electronic module. The gasket surrounds the plug to provide a fluid-tight seal around the plug. The sensor member is connected to the gasket to detect fluid loss that exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A process for determining a location and size of a gas source within an area with a spectrometer gas monitor includes: providing the spectrometer gas monitor; performing fence line monitoring of the area with the spectrometer gas monitor; collecting spectroscopic data over multiple open paths around the area with the spectrometer gas monitor; measuring atmospheric conditions along gas inflows and gas outflows of the area; subtracting a background for a selected gas from the spectroscopic data; applying a boundary constraint to the spectroscopic data; determining an atmospheric concentration of air entering the area; applying bootstrapping to the spectroscopic data; applying zero minimum elimination to the spectroscopic data; and producing inversion data from the spectroscopic data to determine the location and size of the gas source within the area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a wave velocity of negative pressure wave in a fluid transportation pipeline. The method including: receiving a plurality of pressure signals from a plurality of sensors; determining time differences produced by the negative pressure wave reaching the adjacent sensors based on the received pressure signals; determining a wave source sensor segment where a wave source of the negative pressure wave is located; and estimating the wave velocities of the negative pressure wave in a non-wave source sensor segment and the wave source sensor segment.

Abstract: A method for checking the plausibility of detected features of a light distribution of a headlamp of a motor vehicle includes irradiating, by the headlamp, a scene in surroundings of the motor vehicle; capturing, by a camera of the motor vehicle, the irradiated scene in an image; dynamically seeking and identifying at least one initial optical feature in the image, adaptively producing and analyzing local surroundings of the at least one initial optical feature; dynamically extracting at least one further optical feature from the local surroundings; and carrying out, using a learned algorithm and on the basis of the at least one initial optical feature and the at least one further optical feature, an adaptive check as to whether the at least one initial optical feature and the at least one further optical feature are plausibly arranged in the local surroundings.

Abstract: There are provided an antifog property evaluating apparatus and an antifog property evaluating method capable of quantitatively and objectively evaluating an antifog property in a more realistic situation. The antifog property evaluating apparatus includes: fogging generation devices configured to generate the fogging of a surface of a sample; an object disposed at a position different from that of the sample; an imaging device configured to image the object via the sample; and an evaluation device configured to evaluate the antifog property of the sample on the basis of object images acquired by imaging the object.

Abstract: An optical fiber test apparatus includes an optical power meter operable to detect light at a predetermined wavelength, and a laser source operable to generate a visible laser beam. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes an optical fiber extending between a first end and a second end, and a diplexer which includes a first optical connector and is coupled to the optical power meter, the laser source, and the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber test apparatus further includes a second optical connector coupled to the second end of the optical fiber and including a test port. The diplexer is operable to transmit light at the predetermined wavelength from the second optical connector to the optical power meter and transmit the visible laser beam from the laser source to the second optical connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring time delays with respect to differential mode delay of a multi-mode fiber or a few-mode fiber for at least two different wavelengths. The time delays for each wavelength are measured before the single mode fiber is translated to a next radial offset.

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 a two-point lambda sensor includes, changing a composition of an air/fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine from a predefined lambda value to lambda=1, determining a delay time of the voltage value reaching a value corresponding to the lambda=1, again changing the composition of the air/fuel mixture from the predefined lambda value to lambda=1, determining a characteristic of the changing performed in the second regulation based on the delay time, determining an actual value of lambda on an actual voltage-lambda characteristic curve of the two-point lambda sensor that corresponds to the predefined lambda value which is in reference to a reference voltage-lambda characteristic curve based on the determined characteristic, and identifying a voltage offset between the characteristic curves based on a deviation of the actual value from the predefined value.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a gas turbine is provided, in which component vibrations are detected during the operation of the gas turbine by an acceleration sensor arranged on the component, a plurality of signal sections being determined by a plurality of frequency bands fb from the signal forwarded and processed by the acceleration sensor. To avoid an unnecessary shutdown of the gas turbine to perform an inspection which subsequently proves unnecessary, thereby increasing the availability of the gas turbine, a total vibration period is determined by adding together the vibration periods of signal sections during which the amplitudes of the signal sections concerned are greater than a frequency band-specific threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index using environmental monitoring is disclosed. The system and method may comprise: capturing a fuel temperature data; determining a fuel quality rating; calculating a volumetric fuel flow; calculating a fuel filter differential pressure; and calculating a fuel lacquer index. The fuel lacquer index may be calculated as a percentage value based upon the fuel temperature data, the fuel quality rating, the volumetric fuel flow, and the fuel filter differential pressure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reproduce vehicle behavioral frequencies during a vehicle test that are close to those on a road. Vehicle restraining devices 1 restrain a vehicle 3 provided on a chassis dynamometer 2 and are each provided with a first attachment member 4, a support post unit 5, a second attachment member 6 and a buffer unit 7. The first attachment members 4 are attached to right and left front end portions and rear end portions of the vehicle 3. The second attachment members 6 are attached to the support post units 5. The buffer units 7 are provided between the first attachment members 4 and the second attachment members 6. Further, the buffer units 7 are filled with air and can be compressed freely.

Abstract: A manually operated portable device for comparing tire to pavement skid resistance under different tire to road contact conditions, wherein such device can be used at any location on any pavement type without the need for initial settings. The device can test various parameters, including the effect of tire material on skid resistance, the effect of pavement material, the effect of pavement surface roughness, and the effect of pavement surface conditions, as well as the coefficient of friction. The device may include a plurality of rotating arms, a plurality of shoe assemblies, a central shaft, a stabilizing weight, a square-sectioned shaft, a spring, a handle, and an angular scale.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the collection, transportation, and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental, and natural resource contexts is provided. An isolating container for removing a component from a fluid sample includes a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end; a first valve assembly coupled to the first end; a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the component; and a second valve assembly coupled to the second end, wherein the fluid sample enters the sampling chamber through the first valve assembly and exits through the second valve assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for preparing frozen vitrified samples for transmission electron microscopy. By reducing the volume of sample from microliter scale to picoliter scale, the requirement for blotting of excess fluid is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for separating plasma in a minute amount of a blood sample diluted with a blood dilution buffer is provided. When a blood dilution buffer is added to a minute amount of blood (about 20 to 100 ?L) so as to assay the biological blood components in the resulting diluted plasma, it is necessary to separately store and transfer the diluted blood cell component and the diluted plasma component. The present inventors found that it is possible to separate diluted plasma from diluted blood cells using a polymer gelling agent for plasma separation by means of putting a polymer gel for plasma separation in the container with a blood dilution buffer. In such case, diluted blood cells are transferred to the lower portion of the polymer gelling agent and dilute plasma is transferred to the upper portion of the same. Assay of the biological blood components using a minute amount of blood can be utilized for early detection of health status, diseases, and presymptomatic states.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inline and automatic dilution of chemicals of interest for speciation and subsequent analysis by ICP spectrometry are described. A system embodiment includes a first valve to receive a sample into a holding loop; a plurality of syringe pumps coupled to the first valve to deliver an inline diluted sample from the first valve; and a second valve coupled to the first valve to receive the inline diluted sample from the first valve into a sample holding loop coupled to the second valve, the second valve configured to couple to at least one of an eluent source or a carrier fluid source to receive at least one of an eluent fluid or a carrier fluid to transfer the inline diluted sample from the sample holding loop to a speciation column to separate one or more species from the inline diluted sample.

Abstract: An instrument for extraction based molecular sample preparation and related processes is disclosed. The instrument includes a thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber and a thermally conductive sample cup positioned in the thermally conductive pressure resistant healing chamber for heating liquids and solids together in the thermally conductive sample cup. A liquid delivery inlet fixture in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber delivers liquids (solvent) from a supply to the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber, and a chiller in liquid communication with the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber receives heated liquids from the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber when the chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and a cryogenic sample positioning system are provided which include: a sample holder cassette that is vertically coupled to a carousel gear through a first shaft. Each sample holder cassette has a first degree of rotation about the first shaft. A first planet drive gear underlies and is vertically coupled to the carousel gear through a second shaft that extends from the carousel gear through the first planet drive gear. The carousel gear has a second degree of rotation about the second shaft that is different from the first degree of rotation. A planet gear that is laterally connected to a second planet drive gear is interposed between each of the carousel gear and the first planet drive gear. Each of the planet gear and the second planet drive gear selectively define the first degree of rotation, without affecting the second degree of rotation of the carousel gear.

Abstract: A cell grabber has a unitary structure including a transparent grabber head at a terminus thereof and an elongated mounting portion extending therefrom for attachment to a force transducer. The grabber head has a planar or concave bonding surface which is coated with an adhesive film to secure the specimen, especially single cells, for tensile measurements. The cell grabber may be used in connection with auxotonic, isometric or isotonic force measurement systems.

Abstract: A sample gripping and heating assembly includes an assembly housing and first and second heating grips coupled with the assembly housing. The first and second heating grips each include a gripping surface, and the gripping surfaces of the first and second heating grips are opposed to each other. Each of the first and second heating grips further includes a heating element adjacent to the gripping surface. Optionally, the sample gripping and heating assembly is included in a heating system including a probe heater having a probe heating element for heating of a probe. The heating system is included with a testing assembly having a stage coupled with the sample gripping and heating assembly, and a transducer assembly coupled with the probe heater.