Abstract: An A/D converter converts an output from a temperature sensor into a digital signal. A service life diagnostic unit diagnoses a service life of a power module based on a signal indicating a temperature outputted from the A/D converter. An output unit generates a signal representing a diagnostic result and outputs the generated signal from an output terminal to outside.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; and determine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a monitoring device for detecting when an object may be subjected to a condition includes a processor, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a configuration circuit. A first sensor is polymer monolayer adapted to detect if the object is subjected to a magnitude of a first condition. A second sensor is a polymer bilayer adapted to detect if the object is subjected to a magnitude of a second condition. The resistance across the first sensor and second sensor are compared to determine whether an ambient/environmental condition has been detected. Indication of detection of an ambient/environmental condition, magnitude of the condition, and the time may be stored.

Abstract: A composite-material pressure vessel (1) has a wall (4) with a reinforcing layer (11) containing one or more reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing layer is an electrical conductor, wherein the wall (4) forms an electrical capacitor (13) having a first plate formed of the reinforcing layer (11), a second plate formed of an electrically conductive layer (15) overlapping the dielectric layer (11), a dielectric layer (14) interposed between the reinforcing layer (11) and the electrically conductive layer (15), as well as electrical terminals (19, 20) connected to the first and the second plates. The vessel control method and system perform electrical tests on the capacitor to derive information about the wall (4) structural condition.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of parallel interdigitated sensor electrode fingers disposed over the substrate, a peripheral shield disposed over at least some of a periphery of the substrate, and a sensing material disposed in gaps formed by surfaces of the sensor electrode fingers and the peripheral shield. In some embodiments, an area shield is also disposed over the electrode fingers.

Abstract: A sample collection device includes two substrates and a spacer. The two substrates are disposed oppositely. Each substrate has a first surface, a second surface opposing to the first surface, a first recess and at least one second recess. The two substrates are arranged with the first surfaces facing each other, and the first and second recesses are respectively located on each first surface. The first recesses of the substrates jointly form a first channel, and the second recesses of the substrates jointly form a second channel connected to the outside of the sample collection device. The first channel and the second channel are interconnected. The spacer is disposed between the two first surfaces for bonding and fixing the two substrates. A sample containing space is formed between the two substrates and the spacer. The sample containing space includes the first chancel and the second channel. In addition, a manufacturing method of the sample collection device is also provided.

Abstract: A gas sensor, characterized by having an electrode formed of a conductive oxide sintered body which contains a primary phase formed of a perovskite oxide containing at least La, Fe, and Ni; and a secondary phase formed of an La4M3O10 phase or an La3M2O7 phase (M=Co, Fe, Ni), wherein the conductive oxide sintered body has a conductivity of 300 S/cm or higher at room temperature.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a main body having a solid electrolyte body on which a measurement gas-side electrode and a reference gas-side electrode are provided, a trap layer covering an outer peripheral surface of the main body to trap poisoning substances contained in a measurement gas, and a waterproof protective layer covering an outer peripheral surface of the trap layer. In the protective layer, there is formed at least one measurement gas introduction port for introducing the measurement gas to the measurement gas-side electrode via the trap layer.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a transistor and a reactive electrode. The transistor has a source, a drain and a gate surface disposed therebetween. The reactive electrode is spaced apart from the gate surface of the transistor, has a receptor immobilized thereon for specific binding with an analyte in a liquid sample, and is configured to contact the liquid sample together with the gate surface of the transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, comprising a first field effect transistor (FET) connected in series to a second FET, and a third FET connected in series to the first FET and the second FET. The semiconductor device further includes bias circuitry coupled to the first FET and the second FET, and an output conductor coupled to a terminal of the second FET, wherein the output conductor obtains an output signal from the second FET that is independent of the first FET.

Abstract: Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a magnetic moment application unit configured to apply a magnetic moment to a particle system defined in a virtual space, a magnetic field calculation unit configured to calculate a magnetic physical quantity related to the particle system including particles, to which the magnetic moment is applied by the magnetic moment application unit, and a particle state calculation unit configured to numerically calculate a governing equation, which governs the movement of each particle, using the calculation result in the magnetic field calculation unit. The magnetic field calculation unit numerically calculates an induction magnetic field using induced magnetization induced in each particle due to a time variation in an external magnetic field and a magnetic field obtained by interaction between magnetic moments based on the induced magnetization.

Abstract: A system for monitoring machine fluids is provided. The system includes a fluid handling unit configured to pump the fluid and the fluid handling unit includes at least one fluid handling element. A magnetic material on the at least one fluid handling element is configured to generate a magnetic field. A sensing element located within the magnetic field is configured to measure fluctuations in the magnetic field.

Abstract: This invention relates to identification of organic or nonorganic molecules dissolved in liquid solutions based on their internal dipole moment. These molecules include and are not limited to viruses, microbes, bacteria, and in general pathogens. The liquid solution provides a specific dielectric constant, which is directly related to the internal dipole moment of the dissolved pathogen. An electronic device namely PtSi-Porous Si schottky junction is proposed as the pathogen detector. This device, which is made of PtSi alloy covering the pores of an n-type Silicon substrate, is a sensitive indicator of the dielectric constant of the material filling its pores. In particular, such a device has a unique reverse biased current-voltage (IV) relation that is sensitive to changes in electric fields around its surface, which change its breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A turbidity measurement device for measuring turbidity of a fluid flowing in a flow tube. A first transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the fluid in the turbidity measurement section so as to provide a first ultrasonic standing wave between the first and second section ends. A receiver transducer receives the ultrasonic scattered response from particles in the fluid flowing through the turbidity measurement section. A control circuit operates the transducers and generates a signal indicative of the turbidity of the fluid in response to signals received from the receiver transducer. Preferably, the device may comprise a second transducer for generating a second ultrasonic standing wave with the same frequency, and further the two transducers may be used to generate a measure of flow rate by means of known ultrasonic techniques. This flow rate may be used in the calculation of a measure of turbidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for nondestructive material testing with which shear waves are emitted and detected in elastic surfaces of components or workpieces, in which piezoelectric transducer elements are arranged above one another in multiple planes and the piezoelectric transducer elements arranged in adjacent planes can each be operated oppositely to one another. The piezoelectric transducer elements can be piezoelectric fibers and/or piezoelectric plate-like elements that are connected to or embedded in an elastically deformable material.

Abstract: The invention provides embodiments of an apparatus and for improved, higher quality and higher resolution acoustic impedance scanning of an object through a barrier. Such acoustic impedance scanning can be employed to obtain biometric information of a person via fingerprint pattern.

Abstract: A sample injector for chromatography 10 where air or moisture can be prevented from getting mixed in when a sample is injected is provided with a syringe 11, a syringe drive unit 13, a turret 12 in which sample vials 4 are placed, a turret drive unit 14, and a control unit 30 that controls the syringe and turret drive units 13 and 14. The configuration includes a housing 15 having a gas introduction port 15a and a gas discharge port 15b that communicate with the inner space, where the syringe 11 sucks a sample from a sample vial 4, the sucked sample is injected into the sample vaporizing chamber 23 in a chromatograph 20, and a predetermined gas is introduced through the gas introduction port 15a, and at the same time, a predetermined gas is discharged through the gas discharge port 15b when a sample is analyzed.

Abstract: A rotary valve used in chromatography includes a stator with a plurality of stator ports arranged on the stator. The stator further includes a stator groove connected at one end to a first stator port and terminating between the first stator port and a second stator port adjacent to the first stator port. A rotor, rotatably fitted to the stator, has a plurality of arcuate channels arranged in an asymmetrical pattern on the rotor. Each rotor channel connects to one or more of the stator ports. Different connections of the rotor channels to the stator ports produce at least three different positions for the injection valve. The three different positions provide a complete chromatography sample injection sequence using only a single valve.

Abstract: Certain configurations described herein are directed to gas chromatography devices. In some instances, the gas chromatography devices may comprise at least one heating device which can be moved along a chromatography column to provide a thermal gradient to the chromatography column. In other instances, the gas chromatography devices may comprise a heating device that can receive a moving chromatography column to provide a thermal gradient to the chromatography column. The gas chromatography devices may be configured as portable devices which can be used to perform remote analyzes.

Abstract: An ion exchange chromatographic packing material is described that includes a copolymer grafted to support resin particles. The copolymer includes an ion exchange group, an ionic crosslinking group configured to ionically bind to the ion exchange group, and an adjustable ionization state group having at least a first net charge at the first pH and a second net charge at the second pH. An overall first net charge of the chromatographic packing material at the first pH is opposite in polarity to the overall second net charge of the chromatographic packing material. This allows impurities to be removed from the chromatographic packing material at the second pH.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to continuous methods quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution. These methods are continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes.

Abstract: An electronic sensing unit is used to receive an odorant sample and generate an electronic signature characterizing the sample received therein via a guiding unit that guides a first portion of the sample into an electronic sampling unit and a second portion of the sample towards an outlet. A control unit is used to receive data indicative of the signature generated by the sensing unit and data from user(s) indicative of olfactive descriptors characterizing the sample to which the users are exposed, thereby enabling creation of a data record including first and second characterizing data corresponding to the same sample. The database includes such data records, each being associated with a specific odorant sample, which may then be used to characterise, formulate, and/or create, a desired scent based on comparison of an electric signature generated for the scent and data records which signatures comply with some best compliance criterion.

Abstract: A dual quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor is disclosed for use in a hand-held detection device (10) for detecting the presence of an odorant in hydrocarbon gaseous fuels. The odorant is a thiol-based compound, such as ethanethiol. One QCM (16) is coated with a coating typically containing a reagent that specifically reacts with the thiol of the odorant and alters its oscillation frequency as a result of mass gained in the reaction. A second QCM (16?) serves as a control and the two frequency signals may be heterodyned (26) to produce a delta-frequency representative of the mass change. Circuitry and signal processing (32) are used to produce a final result correlated to the level of thiol in the hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: A contamination control method includes: a wafer loading step for loading a monitor wafer in a chamber of a vapor deposition apparatus; a heat-treatment repetition step for consecutively repeating a heat-treatment step for thermally treating the monitor wafer for predetermined times; a wafer unloading step for unloading the monitor wafer from the chamber; and a wafer-contamination-evaluation step for evaluating a metal-contamination degree of the monitor wafer unloaded out of the chamber. The heat-treatment step includes a first heat-treatment step for thermally treating the monitor wafer in an atmosphere of a hydrogen-containing gas and a second heat-treatment step for thermally treating the monitor wafer in an atmosphere of a hydrogen-chloride-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas.

Abstract: Described herein are devices for detecting the concentration of acetone gas. Some gas sensor devices comprise: a gas sensor element that includes a boron-doped the polycrystalline n-type semiconductor epsilon WO3. In addition, multi-detector gas sensor elements are also described including at least one based on the aforementioned gas sensor element where the other elements differ in material properties. In addition, methods for detecting acetone gas based on the disclosed elements are also described.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes a detecting carrier and a detecting device. The carrier can be moved into a charging frame or anyone of storing frames of a stock room. The detecting device is installed in the detecting carrier and includes a power module, a detecting module, and a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module can emit an electricity signal according to the power module. The detecting apparatus is selectively operable in a detecting mode and a charging mode. When the detecting apparatus is in the detecting mode, the detecting carrier randomly enters into one of the storing frames, so that the detecting module is operated to detect surroundings. When the detecting apparatus is in the charging mode, the detecting carrier enters into the charging frame, so that the power module is charged.

Abstract: A method for visualizing historical pathogen sampling in a facility includes the following steps: (1) populating a plurality of sampling locations as a plurality of icons on a map of the facility; (2) receiving sampling data specifying a plurality of pathogen levels at the plurality of sampling locations; (3) assigning one of a plurality of colors to each of the plurality of sampling locations according to the plurality of pathogen levels; (4) coloring the pathogen sampling locations on the map with the assigned colors to form a frame; (5) repeating steps (2), (3), and (4) on at least three different occasions to form a sequence of frames; and (6) sequentially displaying the sequence of frames and an identification of the respective occasion at a constant rate.

Abstract: A rating evaluation method for groundwater pollution source intensity, including: determining pollution source characteristic indices, and weights and scores thereof, according to the type, the discharge mode, the existence time, and the like of a groundwater pollution source; determining an vadose zone antifouling property index and an vadose zone vulnerability index and scores thereof according to vadose zone characteristics; determining a rating evaluation index system for groundwater pollution sources by combining the pollution source characteristic indices with the vadose zone antifouling property index and the vadose zone vulnerability index; and establishing a rating evaluation method for groundwater pollution source intensity and evaluating the groundwater pollution source intensity.

Abstract: A lubrication detection method includes a first step is a lubricator provides an information to a processor, a second step is to detect temperature information within a predetermined time period and then to create a temperature curve and then to determine whether or not the recess in the temperature curve faces upward, and a third step of detecting a start point temperature value to form Value A, and averaging temperature values within ? time period in front of the lowest point to form Value B, and average temperature values after ? time period in back of the lowest point to form Value C, and determining whether or not Value B is smaller than Value A, and then determining whether or not Value B is smaller than Value C, and then generating an information of “Normal” indicative of normal lubrication.

Abstract: A method for determining the asphaltene content of oil includes obtaining an oil sample, determining an optical spectrum of the oil sample and removing asphaltenes from the oil sample by precipitating asphaltenes using a first alkane precipitant. The method also includes determining an optical spectrum of maltenes of the oil sample and subtracting the optical spectrum of the maltenes of the oil sample from the optical spectrum of the oil sample to yield an optical spectrum of asphaltenes of the oil sample. The method further includes using the optical spectrum of asphaltenes of the oil sample to determine asphaltene content of the oil sample using a second alkane precipitant.

Abstract: A biochip for detecting or sequencing biomolecules and a method of making the same. The biochip comprises a base member; a dielectric layer being deposited on the base member and having at least two rows of discrete recesses being formed thereon; and two or more electrodes being sandwiched between the base member and the dielectric layer and running under respective row of discrete recesses, the two or more electrodes are separated from each other along length by a portion of the dielectric layer; wherein the dielectric layer defines a continuous operation surface above the electrodes and on which the discrete recesses are deposited for detecting or sequencing of biomolecules, when an electric field is applied through the electrodes, a field gradient is created to draw biomolecule towards a preferred part of the operation surface.

Abstract: A single molecule sensing or detecting device includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a gap. The first electrode and the second electrode have an opening formed therethrough. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is functionalized with a recognition molecule. The recognition molecule has an effective length L1 and is configured to selectively bind to a target molecule having an effective length L2. The size of the gap is configured to be greater than L2, but less than or equal to the sum of L1 and L2.

Abstract: A urine sample testing apparatus may include a urine qualitative measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and a urine sediment measuring section configured to acquire a measurement result for each of a plurality of urine sediment measurement items. The apparatus may also include an operation part that can specify a combination of one of the plurality of urine qualitative measurement items and one of the plurality of urine sediment measurement items. An information processing unit may also be included.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for carrying out in vitro experiments with biological test systems, which are perfused with an exposure medium, forming an exposure atmosphere, includes an exposure cap, which is dimensioned in such a manner that it can be set onto a standard multiwell plate and connected with the standard multiwell plate using suitable connecting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibody which binds to aripiprazole, which can be used to detect aripiprazole in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of aripiprazole, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for in vitro testing of specimens, such as biomaterials, to obtain history-dependent, time-invariant functional materials properties using time-convolution and idempotent analysis. The purpose of the method is to measure these properties using a data processing without limitations of materials models, the properties linearity or material homogeneity.

Abstract: A method for preparing a topographically structured hydrogel microarray is described comprising the steps of a) providing one or more types of biomolecule(s) on top of micropillars of an array of micropillars, preferably by means of robotical spotting, b) providing a partially crosslinked hydrogel on a substrate, preferably attached to a substantially rigid and/or planar substrate, c) simultaneously soft-embossing a hydrogel microwell array and transferring the biomolecule(s) from the micropillars to the microwells by pressing the micropillars of the array of step a) onto the partially crosslinked layer of hydrogel of step b) until substantial completion of crosslinking and d) demolding the array of micropillars of step a) from the hydrogel microwell array of step c).

Abstract: Discloses are a method for detecting Norovirus using a Norovirus animal model, a method for screening an antivial agent against Norovirus, and a composition for neutralizing the infection with an enteric virus, containing concanavalin A as an active ingredient, so that the method for detecting Norovirus can allow the distinction between infectious Norovirus and non-infectious Norovirus, and the composition can neutralize a virus causing food poisoning.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of imaging are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a multiplex assay, comprising: adding a calibration reagent to a solid phase on which a plurality of capturing agents are immobilized, adding a detection molecule which has a capacity to bind to the calibration reagent, detecting bound detection molecule, thereby creating a calibration curve, wherein the calibration reagent comprises at least two different binding molecules, wherein each binding molecule has a capacity to bind specifically to a capturing agent immobilized on the solid phase and a capacity to bind to a detection molecule. Further provided is a multiplex assay system comprising such a calibration reagent.

Abstract: A target substance capturing device includes a reflection surface on which a plurality of non-flat portions is arrayed, the reflection surface capturing a target substance, and reflecting irradiated light. The plurality of non-flat portions are arranged in an array, the array includes a plurality of unit arrays in which the plurality of non-flat portions are arranged such that each one center of the non-flat portions superposes a position of a vertex in an M-time symmetrical figure, and the plurality of unit arrays is arranged such that each one center of gravity of the M-time symmetrical figure superposes a position of an intersection of an N-time symmetrical lattice pattern, where M is an integer of two or more, and N is an integer of two or more and different from M.

Abstract: A method of providing a droplet in contact with a magnetically responsive bead and having a reduced quantity of a substance.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.

Abstract: A method for determining a radius of elements suspended in a medium includes binding the elements to nanoparticles to form bound element-nanoparticle aggregates, superposing first and second Doppler-shifted optical waves having a variable frequency shift between them in the medium such that there is a gain in energy of the first optical wave with respect to the second optical wave, varying the frequency shift and measuring the gain while varying the frequency shift to determine the value of the frequency shift at which there is a peak in the gain, determining the radius of the bound element-nanoparticle aggregates based on the value of the frequency shift at which there is a peak in the gain, and determining the radius of the elements based on the radius of the bound element-nanoparticle aggregates.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a virus-like particle in which a small molecule-protein complex is entrapped, ensuring the formation of the small molecule-protein complex under physiological conditions, while protecting the small molecule-protein complex during purification and identification. The disclosure further relates to the use of such virus-like particle for the isolation and identification of small molecule-protein complexes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for measuring a fluorescent signal in a fluorescent assay. The system comprises a probe having a small sensing surface bound with a fluorescent label, and a light source and a detector both mounted at the proximal side of the sensing surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to a method for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample using a probe tip having a small surface area (?5 mm) and a high molecular weight polymer (?1 MD) having multiple binding molecules and multiple fluorescent labels. The binding reaction is accelerated by flowing the reaction solutions laterally and moving the probe tip up and down in the reaction vessels. The invention furthers relates to a fluorescent labeling composition comprising a cross-linked FICOLL® molecule having a plurality of binding molecules and a plurality of fluorescent labels.

Abstract: Device for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest from a biological by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. The device provides a biosensor which is more accurate, reliable and the results of which are more reproducible. Analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample are also provided.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method for quantifying cellular antigens that is independent of specially prepared calibration beads and antibody reagents. The described method can be applied to both low and high affinity antibodies, under both saturating and non-saturating binding conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to lateral flow immunoassay systems, devices and methods, for detecting analytes in biological samples. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to synthetic thread based lateral flow immunofluorescent assay systems, devices and methods.