Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided herein for measuring a junction temperature of a transistor. A system includes a power inverter configured to supply power to a load, the power inverter including the transistor that is configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state and generate a load current during the on-state; a current sensor configured to measure the load current; a voltage transit slope detection circuit configured to determine a voltage transit slope corresponding to a voltage across the transistor during a turn-off period of the transistor during which the transistor is in the off-state; and a processing unit configured to determine the junction temperature of the transistor based on the measured load current and the determined voltage transit slope.

Abstract: A method of sensing a temperature includes providing a voltage to reverse bias a PN junction of a junction diode. The PN junction has a junction capacitance. The method includes providing a reverse bias voltage change across the PN junction and detecting a value of the junction capacitance in response to the reverse bias voltage change. The value of the junction capacitance is a function of a temperature of the PN junction. An output signal is generated based on the detected junction capacitance, where the output signal indicates a temperature of an environment containing the junction diode.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring apparatus configured to monitor a temperature of a portion of a vehicle's electrical energy distribution network is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first optical fibre including one or more temperature sensing sections, each temperature sensing section being for thermal contact with a portion of a vehicle's electrical energy distribution network. Each temperature sensing section is arranged to produce, in response to an optical input signal, an optical output signal indicative of the temperature of the temperature sensing section. The apparatus is arranged to determine a temperature of the portion of the vehicle's electrical energy distribution network based on one or more of the output optical signals in use.

Abstract: A heat flux sensor module includes: a first film including a first surface; a plurality of sensor chips which are disposed spaced apart from each other on the first surface and detect heat flux; a second film stacked on the first surface of the first film so that the plurality of sensor chips are sandwiched between the first film and the second film; and a heat conducting member which is disposed between adjacent sensor chips and has higher heat conductivity than air. The heat conducting member is in contact with both the first film and the second film.

Abstract: Shape sensing with a multi-core fiber can achieve high accuracy as well as accommodate small bend radii by measuring signals with peripheral waveguide cores placed at multiple different radial distances from the center axis of the fiber, and computing strain metrics from signals of cores selected based on the respective radial distances and a determination of whether the waveguide cores have strained out of range.

Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor which enables the allowable torque and sensitivity of a strain sensor to be independently set, or for which the mechanical strength can be independently set. The torque sensor comprises a first region, a second region, and a plurality of third regions which connect the first and second regions, wherein the torque to be measured is transmitted between the first and second regions through the third regions. A first strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region, and is equipped with a first resistor. A second strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region at a location separated from the first strain generation part, and is equipped with a second resistor.

Abstract: A dynamometer (5) in a dynamometer device (1) is assembled on the top of a dynamometer-side bed (6), and the dynamometer-side bed (6) is removably attached to a tank-side bed (15) located on the top part of a bed tank (3). Consequently, at the time of the disassembling of the dynamometer device (1) for maintenance or the like, it is possible to easily separate a dynamo body (4) and the bed tank (3) from one another by simply taking down the dynamometer-side bed (6) from the tank-side bed (15).

Abstract: A stretchable lanyard has a stressed lanyard indicator assembly. The stretchable lanyard includes a lanyard tool attaching end portion, a lanyard anchoring end portion, a stretchable lanyard body between the lanyard tool attaching end portion and the lanyard anchoring end portion, and the stressed lanyard indicator assembly connected to the stretchable lanyard to at least one of the lanyard tool attaching end portion and the lanyard anchoring end portion. The stressed lanyard indicator assembly extends over a portion of the stretchable lanyard body where the stress lanyard indicator assembly indicates when a falling tool arresting event with sufficient force has occurred.

Abstract: An operation lever includes: a pair of rods disposed at point-symmetrical positions with respect to an operation axis; magnets disposed on the respective rods; and a pair of magnetic sensors disposed at line-symmetrical positions with respect to a second straight line perpendicular to a first straight line connecting centers of one of the rods and the other rod, on a plane perpendicular to the operation axis.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a fluid flow application is provided. The sensor includes an inlet chamber configured to receive a fluid flow from a first conduit, an outlet chamber configured to provide the fluid flow to a second conduit, and a membrane separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber, the membrane including a fluid passage to allow the fluid flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. The sensor also includes a circuit component disposed on the membrane, having an electrical property configured to change according to a deformation of the membrane, and a conductor formed on a substrate and coupled with the circuit component, to provide an electrical signal based on a change in the electrical property of the circuit component. The membrane includes an epitaxial layer formed on the substrate. Methods for fabricating and using the above sensor are also presented.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including a housing extending along an axial line, a diaphragm fixed to a front-end side of the housing, a piezoelectric unit disposed in a hole in the housing and including a piezoelectric element, a transmission member that transmits deformation of the diaphragm to the piezoelectric unit, and a guide member having a through hole extending along the axial line and surrounding the piezoelectric unit in the through hole. (SL/AL)?0.26 is satisfied in the cross section perpendicular to the axial line passing through the piezoelectric element, where SL is the maximum value of the distance in the radial direction between the center of the through hole and the center of the piezoelectric element and AL is the maximum value of the distance in the radial direction between the outside surface of the piezoelectric element and the center of the through hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring force exerted by an object moving in a fluid or force of a moving fluid on a stationary object. Embodiments may be configured to measure power exerted by an object moving in a fluid. At least one sensor disposed on the object outputs at least one sensor signal corresponding to a pressure differential between first and second surfaces of the object. Data derived from one or more sensor signals may be processed according to a model to output a measure of the force and/or power of the object moving in the fluid or the force of the moving fluid on the stationary object, as a function of time. Embodiments may be configured for applications such as providing feedback for control of actuators in electromechanical systems for liquid or gaseous media, and providing performance metrics during water sports, such as swimming and paddling.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device with a tubular pressure port including an internal chamfer adjacent to a deflectable diaphragm, and/or a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating applied to at least a portion of the tubular pressure port, the internal chamfer, and/or the deflectable diaphragm. The internal chamfer and/or the hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating are configured at least in part to reduce adhesive forces between condensation and the surface of the tubular pressure port, to reduce the tendency for capillary action to draw condensation towards the deflectable diaphragm, and/or to increase the tendency for capillary action or gravity to draw condensation away from the deflectable diaphragm and out of the tubular pressure port.

Abstract: Examples provide for an apparatus, method, and computer program for comparing the output of sensor cells in an arrangement of sensor cells in an area A, including a set of at least two measurement units. A measurement unit includes at least two sensor cells, wherein at least one sensor cell of at least one measurement unit includes a sensitive sensor cell, which is sensitive with respect to a measured quantity. The sensor cells are intermixed with each other. The apparatus further includes means for selecting output signals of sensor cells of the arrangement and means for determining a measured quantity or determining an intact sensor cell by comparing output signals of different measurement units.

Abstract: In order to inspect deterioration such as a crack generated in a pipeline efficiently, a pipeline inspection information managing device obtains a position where a movable body is input into a pipeline as GPS absolute position information in a positioning portion, receives movement information relating to a movement state of the movable body and inspection information obtained by the movable body in a communication portion, specifies a position of the movable body on a piping map on a basis of the GPS absolute position information and the movement information in the control portion, and generates and manages pipeline inspection information which associates a specified position on the piping map with the inspection information from the movable body for each section set on the piping map so that at least one joint portion which connects a pipe and a pipe configuring the pipeline is included.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydrostatic testing of openings in items surrounded by a flange, such as flanged pipe sections, flanged pipelines, flanged hose assemblies, as well as other flanged equipment requiring initial and/or periodic pressure testing.

Abstract: A sensor terminal includes: a vibration sensor; an L-shaped attachment main body portion on which the vibration sensor is mounted and that is detachably attached to a truncated quadrangular pyramid structure portion of a valve cap attached to an opening/closing shaft portion of a water regulating valve provided in a water service pipe; side surface magnets that are provided in the attachment main body portion; and an upper surface magnet that is attached to a lower surface of a base on which the vibration sensor is mounted. Further, the truncated quadrangular pyramid structure portion includes a quadrangular upper surface and four side surfaces, and the attachment main body portion of the sensor terminal is fixed using magnet to each of the upper surface of the truncated quadrangular pyramid structure portion and at least one side surface among the four side surfaces.

Abstract: A seal integrity verification system includes a pressure source, a valve, and a pressure sensor. The pressure source is fluidly connected to a housing having at least one sealing member. The valve is fluidly connected to the pressure source and the housing. The valve is movable between a first open position and a closed position. The pressure sensor is arranged to provide a first signal indicative of a pressure within the housing.

Abstract: A method of identifying a type of plumbing system of a building is provided. The method includes determining a spectral energy ratio as a function of first pressure data acquired during a first time period in which a water flow through a plumbing system of a building is below a threshold. The method also includes determining a multimodal test value as a function of second pressure data acquired during a second time period that includes at least some time during which the water flow through the plumbing system is greater than or equal to the threshold. Further, the method includes identifying a type of the plumbing system of the building as a function of the spectral energy ratio and the multimodal test value.

Abstract: A testing rig has a fixed supporting structure, a motor device controlled to drive a shaft portion about a rotation axis, and a misalignment applying unit for applying a parallel offset to a portion of a transmission element that, in use, is under test. The misalignment applying unit is provided with a connecting member, designed to be fastened to the portion of the transmission element in a coaxial position along an axis, and with an eccentric bushing which is connected to the connecting member by an inner bearing in a rotational manner about such axis. The bushing is connected to the fixed supporting structure by an outer bearing in a rotational manner about a further axis which is parallel and eccentric. An actuator device is controlled to rotate the bushing with respect to the fixed supporting structure.

Abstract: A monitoring method and monitoring apparatus for the remaining life of a bearing are provided. The monitoring method comprises: during the operation of a bearing, determining a position where a defect of the bearing is located, and determining a size of the defect (S10); according to the position where the defect is located and a set condition, determining a failure mode of the bearing as well as an expansion rate and a failure value of the defect in the failure mode (S20), the failure value being a maximum value that the defect can reach when the bearing fails; and based on the size, expansion rate and failure value of the defect, obtaining the remaining life of the bearing (S30). The monitoring method and monitoring apparatus determine the remaining service life of a bearing, so that maintenance personnel can arrange a maintenance plan and counter measures in advance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fault diagnosis and life testing machine for a flexible precision thin-wall bearing (16), including a rack, and an axial loading device, a main driving device, a bearing mounting device, a clamping tooling, a data acquisition device, a hydraulic and a pneumatic auxiliary device which are provided on the rack. The main driving device is connected to a rear side of the axial loading device, and the clamping tooling is arranged at a front side of the axial loading device, for clamping the thin-wall bearing (16) onto the bearing mounting device. The data acquisition device is arranged in the axial loading device and at a side of the rack, the hydraulic and pneumatic auxiliary device is arranged at a side of the rack, and the axial loading device and the main driving device are connected by a pipeline.

Abstract: A method for measuring a corner travel index for a vehicle. The method includes elevating a first tire on the vehicle and a second tire on the vehicle from a horizontal plane defining a ground level, where the first tire is opposite the second tire. The method further includes ceasing to raise the first tire and the second tire at the highest point at which any non-elevated tires remain on the ground level and measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the first tire. The method additionally includes measuring the vertical clearance between the ground level and the lowest point of the second tire and calculating a corner travel index.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the operating condition of a wheelset on a railcar comprising a sealed unit mounted on or near a wheelset of the railcar for collecting data from the wheelset and performing AI analyses on the collected data to determine the operational condition and predict failure modes for the wheelset. Results are communicated off-railcar wirelessly via one or more of several different methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device for screening pre-filled syringes configured to determine whether a stopper position within each syringe falls within an acceptable tolerance prior to final assembly of a syringe into a corresponding autoinjector device, thereby ensuring proper fit of the syringe within the autoinjector device and further ensuring accurate delivery of a desired dose of fluid from the syringe during operation of the autoinjector.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.

Abstract: An encased soil auger apparatus is provided. The encased soil auger apparatus comprises an auger casing forming a hollow cylindrical body. A wall of the auger casing has a plurality of openings having a predetermined size for enabling passage of particles therethrough. A soil auger having a helical screw blade is disposed in the auger casing in a coaxial fashion. A soil engaging end portion of the auger protrudes a first end of the auger casing.

Abstract: An aseptic sampling flow path kit to be applied to an isolator having a liquid delivery port includes a sampling section, a first flow path that communicates with the sampling section, and that connects an inside of the isolator to an outside of the isolator through the liquid delivery port, and at least one one-way valve which is disposed in the first flow path, and that limits flow of fluid in the first flow path to a direction from the sampling section toward the liquid delivery port. In the kit, at least a part of the first flow path is a germicidal flow path to which a germicidal unit is applicable.

Abstract: A water sampling device has a rigid body, a top lid, extension members, a horizontal member, a spring, a rod, at least one polymer membrane and a bottom lid. The top lid has a shaft attached to it and the shaft traverses through the horizontal member. The bottom lid is connected to the rod upon which the at least one polymer membrane is attached perpendicularly. The water sampling device undergoes two different stages of lid opening and closing while in operation of collecting water sample to concentrate diversified bacteria from different water depths. The top lid, the shaft and the spring co-operate with the rigid body and the horizontal member such that in a first state, the top lid seals the top end opening while in a second state allows fluid to flow to an inside portion of the rigid body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting and detecting liquid samples comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is used for collecting liquid samples for initial detection, and the second chamber is used for collecting liquid samples for second confirmatory detection. The first chamber and second chamber of the apparatus are detachable. When a second confirmatory detection is necessary, the second chamber can be separated from the first chamber, and then sent to a detection agency for confirmatory detection. It can avoid the contamination of liquid samples caused by contacting with test strip of a traditional apparatus; thus, it can effectively reduce the space required for storing liquid samples and greatly reduce the risk of leakage of liquid sampled during transportation.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for sampling particles from air. In one implementation, an inlet opening is defined in a proximal end of a cassette top, and the inlet opening has an inlet diameter. An internal surface extends along an airflow curve from the inlet opening to an internal cavity. A sampling substrate is formed by at least one grid attached to a filter. The sampling substrate is disposed in the internal cavity at an internal distance from the inlet opening. The inlet opening and the airflow curve of the internal surface generate an airflow of the air to the sampling substrate. The sampling substrate collects a set of the particles from the air, and the inlet diameter, the airflow, and the internal distance dictate a cutoff diameter of the set of particles collected from the air by the sampling substrate.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a sensor that detects a first component, a first flow channel to supply a sample fluid to the sensor, and a second flow channel to supply a reference fluid to the sensor. The reference fluid includes a second component different from the first component included in the sample fluid. The second flow channel includes a first filter that reduces the amount of the first component in the reference fluid.

Abstract: Method for preparing a sample, wherein the sample is provided as a thin film on a support structure; the temperature of the support structure is adjusted to a value above the dew point temperature of the environment to decrease the film thickness, light is directed at the support structure, an intensity value of the transmitted light is measured, and the support structure is automatically inserted into a liquid cryogen dependent on the measured intensity value. The application further relates to a system comprising a support structure, a temperature-controlled stage for keeping the support structure at a pre-defined temperature, a transfer mechanism for moving the support structure into a container containing a liquid cryogen, a light source, a photodetector for measuring an intensity value of the transmitted light, and a control device for triggering the transfer mechanism dependent on the measured intensity value.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the simulataneous capture and release using micropattern surfaces for tissue and cell microdissection. In one example, a patterned thermoplastic film has a first surface and a plurality of projections attached to and extending outwardly from the first surface. The projections form a pattern on the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying haloether contamination in aqueous samples. A flow state is artificially induced upon an aqueous sample and a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, upon which an electric potential is applied, is exposed to the flowing aqueous sample in direct immersion mode. Halide ions liberated from electrophoretically dehalogenated haloether compounds contained in the aqueous sample are absorbed upon the SPME fiber, then later desorbed at a gas chromatograph, separated into individual halide ions and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of various parameters such as absorption time, sample pH, salt content, applied voltage, SPME fiber type, flow rate and background matrix are also described.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying haloether contamination in aqueous samples. A flow state is artificially induced upon an aqueous sample and a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber, upon which an electric potential is applied, is exposed to the flowing aqueous sample in direct immersion mode. Halide ions liberated from electrophoretically dehalogenated haloether compounds contained in the aqueous sample are absorbed upon the SPME fiber, then later desorbed at a gas chromatograph, separated into individual halide ions and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Effects of various parameters such as absorption time, sample pH, salt content, applied voltage, SPME fiber type, flow rate and background matrix are also described.

Abstract: A device for capturing biological particles in suspension in a liquid medium. The device includes a container that is open via a lower opening, and a filter membrane fixed on the container in such a way as to close the lower opening. Inside the container are: a buffer made of a porous foam and having a planar face resting on the filter membrane, an absorbent block resting on the buffer and able to absorb said liquid medium when it is in contact with said liquid medium, and a spring designed to impede the expansion and/or movement of the absorbent block away from the lower opening of the container. Also, methods for capturing biological particles in suspension in a liquid medium using a capture device, and preparation a sample intended for biological analysis. Further an analysis apparatus that has a capture device.

Abstract: Provided is a system and apparatus for preparing multiple samples for chemical analysis. The apparatus includes a housing having a heating compartment, a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment, and an insulating region located between the heating compartment. The apparatus has an infrared system including a least one infrared heating tube within the heating compartment for heating a sample within a crucible portion of a sample container while the sample container is received within the housing. The infrared heating tube includes an elongated tube positioned below the crucible portion. The apparatus includes a cooling mechanism for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container while the sample container is received within the housing.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprising: a plurality of first electrodes, each of the first electrodes being spaced apart by at least a first predetermined spacing; a plurality of second electrodes, each of the second electrodes being spaced apart by at least a second predetermined spacing less than the first predetermined spacing; an energisation source arranged to energise at least one of said first electrodes so as to cause an electric field to be established between at least one pair of said first electrodes, and to energise at least one of said second electrodes so as to cause an electric field to be established between at least one pair of said second electrodes; a monitor arranged to monitor an electrical parameter at at least one of said first electrodes in response to said energisation of at least one of said first electrodes and to monitor an electrical parameter at at least one of said second electrodes in response to said energisation of at least one of said second electrodes; and a controller arranged

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing flowability of a multiphase fluid are provided. The method includes agitating a sample of the multiphase fluid contained in a container while controlling an agitation force applied to the sample; pouring the sample, after it has been agitated, into a viscosity cup having an opening at its upper end and an orifice at its lower end and thereby causing the multiphase fluid to flow out of the viscosity cup through the orifice; weighing an amount of the multiphase fluid that has flowed through the orifice and into a receiving vessel over a period of time; and assessing flowability of the multiphase fluid sample using the weight of the multiphase fluid sample in the receiving vessel as a function of time.

Abstract: A method and a device for the online determination of the viscosity of a polymer in pasty to liquid form undergoing processing, such as extrusion is disclosed. It is provided that for the online determination of the viscosity of the polymer, at least a portion of the polymer undergoing processing is diverted and conveyed to the measurement volume of a measuring module, a predetermined volume of the respective batch is expelled from the measurement volume through a measurement nozzle by subjecting the batch to a predetermined pressure, the time required for expelling the predetermined volume of the batch is measured, the measured values are used for calculating the viscosity of the polymer, and prior to the filling of the measurement volume with the polymer to be measured, the measurement volume is flushed at least once with a quantity of the polymer being processed.

Abstract: A fluid is received into a sample tube. A processor causes an energy to be applied to the sample tube to induce vibration in the sample tube at a resonant frequency of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor stops the supply of energy to the sample tube. The processor monitors an amplitude of the vibration of the sample tube as the amplitude of the vibrations diminish over a period of time. The processor uses the monitored amplitude to calculate an RF of the sample tube containing the fluid. The processor uses the calculated RF to calculate the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: Dynamic light scattering (DLS)-based particle testing is used for screening to predict drug-induced complications with heparin and other compounds known to lead to thrombocytopenia in many patients. The measurement of particle content is used to both predict as well as confirm drug-induced thrombocytopenia (“DIT”).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the permeability and/or porosity of ultra-low permeable rock samples. In some embodiments, the methods utilize fluid pressure perturbation.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining soil properties comprising a probe including at least a liquid injection port and a pressure transducer. The probe is pushed into a soil and one or more pumping tests are carried out, wherein during a pumping test infiltration liquid is pumped through the liquid injection port of the probe. By means of the pressure transducer a pressure response in the soil resulting from the injection of liquid through the liquid injection port is measured for each of the one or more pumping tests.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining permeability, as a function of pore pressure, and porosity of a subsurface formation. The method includes positioning a sample in a sample assembly comprising of a gas and a pressure gauge, inside a pressure vessel comprising gas or liquid and a pressure gauge, measuring a first gas pressure, pi, of the sample inside the pressure vessel, applying a second gas pressure, po, to the pressure vessel, the second gas pressure being greater than the first gas pressure, measuring a third gas pressure, p, at time, t, at location, x, from the inlet of sample inside the pressure vessel, determining a total gas mass per unit volume of the subsurface formation, m, and determining the permeability, k, of the subsurface formation as a function of pore pressure based at least in part on the first gas pressure, the second pressure, the third gas pressure, and the gas density, with a single test run.

Abstract: A system for deforming and analyzing a plurality of particles carried in a sample volume includes a substrate defining an inlet, configured to receive the sample volume, and an outlet; and a fluidic pathway fluidly coupled to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for assessing biological particles for use in cell immunotherapy. By utilizing a microfluidic chip device together with optical force measurement and cell imaging, the methods enable comprehensive assessment and characterization of biological particles with regard to morphology, motility, binding affinities, and susceptibility to external forces, including but not limited to, chemical, biochemical, biological, physical and temperature influences. The methods enable the selection and production of biological particles, such as engineered T-cells, for use in immunotherapy and biomanufacturing.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus, method, and system are described herein. An example inspection apparatus includes an optical system and an imaging system. The optical system may be configured to output an illumination beam incident on a target including one or more features, the illumination beam polarized with a first polarization when incident on the target. The imaging system may be configured to obtain intensity data representing at least a portion of the illumination beam scattered by the one or more features, where the portion of the illumination beam has a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. The inspection apparatus may be further configured to generate image data representing an image of each of the feature(s) based on the intensity data, and determine a measurement of a parameter of interest associated with the feature(s) based on an amount of the portion of the illumination beam having the second polarization.

Abstract: Polarized light characteristics are detected and mapped to an application, such as product identification. A process of reflecting a directed light emission through a polarizing filter, and sensing the processed light emission having particular characteristics is provided. The characteristics of the sensed light emission is associated with a “color code” that is cross-referenced within a database of color codes.