Abstract: According to an embodiment, a detection device is used for a structure. The structure includes: a first member; a second member provided on an opposite side of the first member; and a welded portion that is provided along an end of the second member facing the first member and fixes the first member and the second member. The detection device include: a plurality of acoustic emission sensors that are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the welded portion extends and are configured to detect an elastic wave transmitted to the second member, each acoustic emission sensor being attached to the second member; and an outputter that outputs information, obtained from outputs of the plurality of the acoustic emission sensors.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for acquiring object information, the apparatus including: first and second laser output unit outputting first and second pulsed laser; a laser controlling unit configured to control each laser output unit; a first or second detecting unit configured to detect an emission timing of laser and output a first or second detection signal; a probe configured to receive an acoustic wave from an object being irradiated with the laser; and a signal processing unit configured to acquire specific information of the object, based on the acoustic wave. The laser controlling unit controls output of at least one of the laser output units so as to decrease a time difference between subsequent first and second pulsed lasers to be output.

Abstract: There is provided a method for sensing a sample. The method includes the following steps: first a light beam is directed onto the sample. The sample transmits at least a portion of the light beam to form a transmitted light beam. Next, the transmitted light beam is received at an acoustic transducer. The acoustic transducer absorbs at least a portion of the transmitted light beam and in response generated an acoustic wave. Subsequently, an electrical signal is generated at the acoustic transducer. The electrical signal is generated based on at least a portion of the acoustic wave.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is used for an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint. The outer joint member includes a cup section having track grooves formed in an inner periphery of the cup section, which are engageable with torque transmitting elements, and a shaft section formed at a bottom portion of the cup section. The outer joint member is constructed by forming the cup section and the shaft section as separate members, and by welding a cup member forming the cup section and a shaft member forming the shaft section to each other. The manufacturing method at least includes welding the cup member and the shaft member by irradiating a beam to joining end portions of the cup member and the shaft member, and inspecting a welded portion formed in the welding by a plurality of ultrasonic flaw detection methods with one probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using an optical coherence elastography (OCE) under acoustic radiation force (ARF) excitation includes the steps of inducing an excitation wave in a blood sample by use of an ultrasound beam from an ultrasonic transducer; measuring an elastic property of the blood sample by use of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) beam transverse to the ultrasound beam to dynamically measure the elastic property of the blood sample during coagulation and assessing the clot formation/dissolution kinetics and strength.

Abstract: A vibration analysis device calculates a vibration cycle which occurs during a period in which a workpiece is processed by a machine tool, and includes a tangential velocity calculation unit which calculates a velocity in a tangential direction of a movement path of a processing point by using positional information of a drive axis. The vibration analysis device comprises a movement distance calculation unit which calculates a first movement distance of the processing point on the movement path by using the velocity in the tangential direction. The vibration analysis device comprises a vibration cycle calculation unit which calculates a vibration cycle corresponding to streaks on the basis of previously measured streak intervals on the workpiece and the first movement distance of the processing point.

Abstract: A flexible, foldable light-weight gas chromatography transfer line suitable for connecting a gas chromatograph (GC) to a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer or optical spectrometer, in particular to the ion source of the spectrometer, such as an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ion source. The transfer line has a heating arrangement that allows maintaining an even temperature profile, which improves quality of spectra. The transfer line has low thermal mass and the heating can be controlled with the control unit of the GC.

Abstract: A battery includes a first power generating element including a first electrode layer and a first counter electrode layer, a first current collector that is in contact with the first electrode layer, a second current collector that is in contact with the first counter electrode layer, a first sealing portion that seals a gap between the first current collector and the second current collector, a first void disposed between the first sealing portion and the first power generating element, and a first gas detection unit that detects gas. The first gas detection unit detects “the gas in the first void”.

Abstract: A method for determining the hydrocarbon (HC) oxidation performance of an oxidation catalyst device (OC) includes communicating gas to the OC inlet over a time frame, measuring the NOx content of the OC outlet gas using a NOx sensor over the time frame, wherein the temperature of the OC increases over the time frame, and correlating an increased NOx measurement over the time frame to an increased OC HC oxidation performance. The NOx sensor can be operated in a low temperature mode during the time frame. The method can further include determining the temperature of the OC over the time frame and correlating the HC oxidation performance to the OC temperature, and/or correlating a maximum NOx concentration measured during the time frame to the OC temperature measured at the same time. HC slip through the OC can be identified when the measured NOx content of the OC outlet gas decreases.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a metal oxide layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a bulk area and a local area; a first insulation film covering the first electrode, the second electrode, and the metal oxide layer and having an opening reaching the second electrode; and a second insulation film being in contact with the second electrode in the opening.

Abstract: A method incorporating the steps of a display of a gas detection system depicting a map of a predetermined geographic area and a plurality of portable gas detectors on the map via a respective gas detector icon, a programmed processor of the gas detection system identifying a number of gas detectors of the plurality of portable gas detectors within a predetermined portion of the area depicted on the display, the number exceeding a threshold value and a programmed processor of the gas detection system replacing the icons of the identified gas detectors within the portion with a group icon.

Abstract: An integrated stratigraphic method for determining total organic carbon (TOC) in a rock formation is provided, The method includes performing a geochemical analysis method to create a geochemical dataset; performing a chronostratigraphic method to create a chronostratigraphic dataset; performing a graphic correlation of the chronostratigaphic dataset from at least one location in the rock formation; determining a sequence stratigraphic model based on the graphic correlation; and generating a palaeogeographic reconstruction at one or more time periods by integrating the sequence stratigraphic model with the geochemical dataset to construct a predictive depositional model and determine a location and areal extent of total organic carbon within the rock formation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a parameter of a hydrocarbon well, pipeline or formation is provided. The method comprises introducing a tracer into the hydrocarbon well, pipeline or formation; producing a fluid from the hydrocarbon well, pipeline or formation; and analyzing the fluid to determine if the tracer is present in the fluid. The tracer comprises a halogenated alkoxylated-benzoic acid, an alkoxylated benzene sulfonic acid, a salt of a halogenated alkoxylated-benzoic acid or a salt of an alkoxylated benzene sulfonic acid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting crude oil blend compatibility and optimizing blends for increasing heavy crude oil processing are described. The method includes receiving ratios of physical parameters of crude oils for optimization of crude oil blend. The physical parameter ratios are based on Kinematic Viscosity (V), Sulphur (S), Carbon Residue (C), and American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity. The crude oil blend compatibility (K model) is determined and generated using the physical parameter ratios. The K model is developed by coefficients obtained by regression analysis between the ratios of physical parameters of known crude oils and composite compatibility measure determined from multiple compatibility test results of the known crude oils. The predicted crude oil blend compatibility can be used for optimizing heavy crude oil processing.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus relates to a contractile ability of a spontaneously pulsating myocardial tissue. The measuring apparatus includes a measurement table and a pressure sensor. The measurement table includes a storage section having an opening and configured to hold liquid inside the storage section, and an attaching portion on which the myocardial tissue is attached around the opening. The pressure sensor is disposed inside the storage section.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a method for testing a biological sample, including (a) obtaining a biological sample from a mammal, (b) acquiring at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the biological sample, (c) detecting the at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the extract, (d) determining a pattern on the basis of the presence or the mass ratio of the at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products, (e) comparing the pattern with the pattern from a retention sample.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes methods and kits for the removal of white blood cells from samples of immunomagnetically enriched rare cells by treating the sample with a leukocyte marker conjugated to a hapten which adheres to the white blood cells and treating the resulting product with a second medium that adheres to the hapten of the white blood cells that are labeled with the leukocyte marker conjugated to hapten and removing the labeled white blood cells.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and assays relating to the inhibition of sepiapterin reductase and measuring said inhibition by measuring the level of sepiapterin. In some embodiments, the methods can further relate to treating a subject with BH4 and/or BH2.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to modulate key elements along the DAG signaling pathway as well as a diagnostic assay, device and methods of using the same to diagnose bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods to identify diagnostic markers and drug targets for BD and ADHD. Methods of identifying effective compounds responsible for membrane potentials and excitabilities influencing bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods of identifying an effective compound that modulates the activity of Ca2+/CaM enzyme and compounds involved in changing the K+ gradient across the plasma membrane thereby increasing or decreasing the membrane potential ratio (MPR™) values. The invention provides methods of identifying a compound that modulates the activity of PKC which is an important protein of the DAG signaling pathway.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a cell genetically modified to detect ribosome inhibition in the cell and methods involving such a cell. Generally, the genetically-modified cell includes an aminoglycoside-sensitive orthogonal 16S rRNA (O-16S) coding region bearing a mutated anti-Shine-Dalgarno (O-ASD) sequence, a repressor/operator system, and a polynucleotide encoding a detectable reporter under transcriptional control of the repressor/operator system. The repressor/operator system includes a coding region that encodes a transcriptional regulator and having an orthogonal SD (O-SD) sequence complementary to the 16S rRNA O-ASD sequence. The operator sequence, which is repressable by the transcriptional regulator, is operably linked to the polynucleotide encoding a detectable reporter.

Abstract: A method and an ejection device are provided for discharging contaminants out of a seal chamber of a rotating-fluid machine driving a main flow of contaminated fluid. The ejection device incorporates an obstacle for arresting a portion of the flow in the seal chamber to stagnation pressure, whereby a zone of fluid at stagnation pressure is created. A discharge passage is disposed in the seal chamber adjacent to a region of concentration of contaminants and in the zone of stagnation pressure created by the obstacle, whereby contaminants are pumped out via the discharge passage into the main driven flow. The discharge passage is disposed upstream of the obstacle and provides fluid communication between the seal chamber and a process side of the machine. The method and the ejection device are operative with a machine driving fluid in clockwise direction, in counterclockwise direction, and in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: Light harvesting luminescent multichromophores that are configured upon excitation to transfer energy to, and amplify the emission from, an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith are provided. Also provided are compositions for labelling a target. The labelling composition may include a donor light harvesting multichromophore and an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity to the donor light harvesting multichromophore. Also provided is an aqueous composition for labelling a target, including: a donor light harvesting multichromophore; an acceptor signaling chromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith; and a sensor biomolecule. Methods for using the subject compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of immunoassays for Gram negative bacteria, in particular N. meningitidis. The disclosure provides a simple and affordable immunoassay to quantitate polysaccharides in meningococcal vaccines for the evaluation of antigen content and lot-to-lot manufacturing consistency. The inventors have found a Sandwich ELISA that can be applicable for the quantitation and identification of N. meningitidis serogroup X polysaccharide in a multivalent meningococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine as well as in a multivalent meningococcal plain polysaccharide vaccine. Said assay employs a polyclonal antibody as capture antibody and a novel monoclonal antibody against serogroup X polysaccharide as detection antibody. Further the assay is rapid, robust and reproducible.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorescence immunoassay sensor chip and a fluorescence immunoassay method, which are capable of measuring, at the same time, a marker requiring high sensitivity due to its low content in a sample solution and a marker not requiring high sensitivity due to its high content in a sample solution. The fluorescence immunoassay sensor chip for use in fluorescence immunoassay for detecting and measuring markers contained in a sample solution includes: a dielectric member; a metal thin film formed on part of a main surface of the dielectric member; a first sensor part formed in a predetermined position on the metal thin film; and a second sensor part directly formed in a predetermined position on the dielectric member, wherein a ligand immobilized in the first sensor part and a ligand immobilized in the second sensor part capture different types of markers.

Abstract: The immunochromatographic kit includes an inspection strip which includes an insoluble carrier spreading the specimen liquid, a label-holding pad including a label substance modified with a first substance bondable to a test substance, a liquid-sending pad sending a first amplification liquid to the insoluble carrier, and an absorption pad disposed in contact with the other end of the insoluble carrier and sequentially has an inspection region including a second substance being bonded to the test substance, a confirmation region including a substance bondable to the first substance, and an amplification index region including a substance being reacted with the first amplification liquid between the label-holding pad and the absorption pad of the insoluble carrier, a first pot being disposed below the liquid-sending pad and enclosing the first amplification liquid, and a second pot being disposed above the absorption pad and enclosing a second amplification liquid in a housing case.

Abstract: Disclosed are immunomodulatory polypeptides that behave as weak TLR2 and TLR4 agonists and as potent competitive antagonists of natural pathogenic ligands for human and murine TLR2 and TLR4, that identify a subset of neutrophils in human peripheral blood leukocytes, and that elicit an unusual induced cytokine profile. Also disclosed are compositions comprising such polypeptides, compositions comprising antibodies that specifically bind to such polypeptides, and methods of using the same, including for treating sepsis or reducing the severity or likelihood of occurrence of sepsis, in cancer treatment, in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, in organ transplantation and for reducing graft rejection, for promoting fertility, and for identifying a neutrophil subset and/or other cellular subset including by flow cytometry. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits, and treatment methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of particles. In particular, the invention relates to devices for the detection of particles, comprising a reaction chamber formed within a chamber body between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and one or more displacers, wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable via the one or more displacers at least in one or more parts of the surface area of the first surface and/or second surface. The invention also relates to corresponding methods for the detection of particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for measuring haemagglutinin of an influenza virus, which can construct an assay system in a shorter period of time than a sandwich immunoassay method using two kinds of anti-haemagglutinin antibodies. The method for measuring haemagglutinin of an influenza virus is achieved by a sandwich immunoassay method comprising sandwiching the haemagglutinin between a lectin which binds to the haemagglutinin but does not bind to an antibody, and an anti-haemagglutinin antibody which undergoes antigen-antibody reaction with the haemagglutinin.

Abstract: Light-generating fusion proteins having a ligand binding site and a light-generating polypeptide moiety and their use as diagnostics, in drug screening and discovery, and as therapeutics, are disclosed. The light-generating fusion protein has a feature where the bioluminescence of the polypeptide moiety changes upon binding of a ligand at the ligand binding site. The ligand may be, for example, an enzyme present in an environment only under certain conditions, e.g., ubiquitin ligase in a hypoxic state, such that the light-generating fusion protein is “turned on” only under such conditions.

Abstract: Systems and kits are provided which are capable of determining the oncogenicity of a cancer, tumor progression, and effectiveness of a cancer treatment. Such systems and kits utilize assays to examine the levels of apoptotic markers, angiogenesis markers, immunomodulation markers, and cell cycle markers and can compare samples from a patient taken at different times to determine the oncogenicity of a cancer, tumor progression, and effectiveness of a cancer treatment. Methods for determining the oncogenicity of a cancer, tumor progression, and effectiveness of a cancer treatment with such systems and kits are also provided.

Abstract: Provided by the invention are methods for identifying therapeutic agents for treating multiple myeloma or another hematological malignancy, as well as methods for determining the prognosis of a patient with multiple myeloma or another hematological malignancy. The methods are based in part on the inventors' discovery that an extracellular form of cyclophilin A binds to CD147 expressed on multiple myeloma cells.

Abstract: Methods and kits for identifying rapidly progressing lung cancer in a subject are provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject and assaying a level of a biomarker in a biomarker panel in the biological sample where the panel includes at least one biomarker selected from Table I or Table II. The method further includes determining with the subject is treatment naive or has received at least one treatment; and comparing the level of the biomarker in the subject's sample to a cutoff value listed in Table I for treatment naive subjects or Table II for previously treated subjects. The method further includes determining whether the subject's level is above or below the cutoff value to determine whether the subject has rapidly progressing lung cancer.

Abstract: A method for assessing sarcoma metastasis comprising obtaining a biological sample of the subject, detecting a level of a N-terminal segment of moesin in the biological sample, wherein the level of the N-terminal segment of moesin detected in the biological sample of the subject is indicative of the subject developing or with an increased probability of developing metastasis of sarcoma. The present application also provides a biomarker and a kit for assessing metastasis of sarcoma, and uses of such biomarker. The present application also provides a method of treating sarcoma metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the activation level of Receptor Tyrosine kinases, e.g. phosporylated HER3, for the selection of patients for disease treatment. Methods are also provided for the evaluation of the biological and pharmacodynamic effects of an active substance and/or its efficacy in disease treatment, utilizing a tissue sample from a test subject, for example tumor material or normal tissue such as skin or hair follicle. Further, methods for the treatment of HER receptor-associated diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for detecting a target material and a method of detecting a target material using the same.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Abstract: The present application discloses novel lanthanide chelate designs (Formula (I) and Formula (III)) having fluorenyl-, fluorenylethynyl, 9H-carbazolyl-, 9H-carbozolylethynyl-, dibenzothiophenyl-, dibenzothiophenylethynyl-, dibenzofuranyl or dibenzofuranylethynyl pyridine chromophores around an emitting lanthanide ion, e.g. an europium(III) ion. The three-membered ring chromophores exhibit high molar absorptivity and luminescence with lanthanide ions. The application also discloses a detectable molecule comprising a biospecific binding reactant useful in bioaffinity based binding assay, luminescent lanthanide chelating ligands, as well as a solid support conjugated with the chelates.

Abstract: Although analysis can be very quickly conducted at a low cost by a method for measuring a biopolymer using a nanopore, the accuracy of distinguishing the individual monopolymers constituting the biopolymer is low. To both ends of a biopolymer through a nanopore, molecules which are larger than the nanopore are attached and then the biopolymer is reciprocated by an external force to thereby perform repeated measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injury or neurodegeneration. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing brain injury in a patient comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the patient; (b) determining the ratio of citrullinated to unmodified arginine residues at one or more arginine residues of one or more brain injury biomarker proteins; and (c) correlating the ratio to a patient having brain injury or to a patient not having brain injury, thereby providing the diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying substances that modulate GA action through targeting its receptor or acting as a GA functional analog, sensor peptides especially designed for that methods as well as a strain of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing such a sensor peptide.

Abstract: Multifunctional molecular weight protein ladders and methods of making thereof are disclosed herein that are useful for determining the molecular weight of a test protein and/or the relative mass or amount of the test protein in a protein separation assay, such as gel electrophoresis or western blotting. Also included are compounds of Formula I (e.g., mono acetylated MP-11 NHS ester) that may be used to label purified proteins of the protein ladder. The MP-11 label protein ladder can be detected on a blotting membrane by exposing the microperoxidase to a suitable substrate, such as a chromogenic substrate or a chemiluminescent substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of automated analyzers and relates to a method for transferring a liquid volume in an analyzer. This involves the tip of a pipetting needle touching a wall of a tilted reaction vessel during the dispensing of liquid.

Abstract: A speed sensor system for measuring rotational speed includes a magnetic sensor and a cylindrical drum rotatable around the magnetic sensor. The cylindrical drum includes several axially extending members disposed circumferentially around a first edge of the cylindrical drum. The magnetic sensor is configured to generate an electrical output that indicates each passage of each of the axially extending members around the magnetic sensor as the cylindrical drum rotates around the magnetic sensor. The axially extending members are adapted to deflect radially outwards away from the magnetic sensor in response to an increased rotational speed of the cylindrical drum. The deflection of the axially extending members provides voltage regulation functionality that maintains voltage outputs of the magnetic sensor within a desired operational range.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a column or a stock of columns or a column or columns within that stock is disclosed in the application. The apparatus comprises a microcontroller located on the or each column which includes an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes means for connecting said microcontroller to a source of power, and means operable to transmit said measured data to a central data hub and from there to a remote server for analysis using bespoke software.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring turbulence in a high temperature fluid flow, comprising: applying different levels of cooling at different times to a region of a substrate in the high temperature fluid flow; and/or applying different levels of cooling at the same time to different regions of a substrate in the high temperature fluid flow and/or to regions on different substrates in the high temperature fluid flow, wherein the method further comprises: measuring fluctuations in the temperature of the region or regions of the substrate or substrates at each of the different levels of cooling; and using the measured fluctuations to determining an amount of turbulence in the high temperature fluid flow and/or the size of temperature fluctuations in the high temperature fluid flow.

Abstract: An accelerometer is included within the confined space and limited volume of a distal portion of a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end component, a joint coupled to the end component, a shaft coupled to the joint, and a force transducer and accelerometer apparatus. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus is coupled between the joint and the shaft. The force transducer and accelerometer apparatus includes a force sensor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer includes an optic fiber having a Fiber Bragg Grating. Information acquired from the Fiber Bragg Grating is used to drive a vibro-tactile haptic feedback output device coupled to a master control arm surgeon grip.

Abstract: Methods and systems for compensating for the absence or loss of a sensor measurement in a heading reference system such as an aircraft attitude and heading reference system, integrated standby unit, or vehicle inertial system, provides an estimate of the lost sensor measurement by estimating the bank angle after a detected vehicle turn. The estimate of the bank angle may also be used to estimate the vehicle's speed. Additionally, when the lost sensor measurement is a temperature measurement, the described methods and systems offer an improvement over estimating air temperature using a standard (e.g., ISA) model. The methods and systems also allow for the refinement of computed estimates using filtering techniques, such as low-pass or Kalman filtering. The methods may be iteratively repeated for each detected turn in order to maintain an accurate estimate of the lost sensor measurement or other estimates, such as vehicle speed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a tachometer signal from a vibration sensor is disclosed in which an approximately idealized band pass filter is used along with a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to create a sufficient analytic signal to derive the tachometer signal for a shaft or other rotating component. In addition, jitter in the generated tachometer signal, or any tachometer signal, can be reduced by using an approximately idealized low pass filter and then transforming the filtered signal using a real FFT. These processes can be performed using a smart vibration sensor, which facilitates improved vibration analysis on rotating equipment where in the past the addition of a tachometer would be prohibitive due to cost, weight, certification requirements, or physical impracticality.

Abstract: A detection arrangement and method for directing the sensitivity of an optical knife-edge detection system to its optimal operating point. This is referred to as an increase in the detection dynamic range of the system with advantageous applications for detecting motion of a surface such as for Atomic Force Microscopy as well as detecting acoustic vibrations on unstable surfaces. A pair of parallel reflecting surfaces, such as an optical slab waveguide, serve to reflect the sensing beam back onto the knife-edge detector once it is shifted off its sensing range. Allowing multiple reflections, the sensing beam is maintained on the knife-edge detector even at large angular offsets from the optimal operating point of the basic knife-edge detector. Use of a modified arrangement, with two knife-edge detectors at quadrature ensures near-optimal sensitivity at a detection dynamic range up to forty-fold larger than that of the basic knife-edge system.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semi-finished product that includes a plurality of contact for a testing head of electronic devices comprises the steps of: providing a substrate made of a conductive material; and defining each contact probe by removing material from the substrate, each contact probes being anchored to the substrate by at least one bridge of material. The step of defining the contact probes includes a step of laser cutting, in correspondence with a contour of the contact probes and of that at least one bridge of material.