Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnosis of a disease or a risk for the development of a disease, in particular a disease which is mediated via the alternative pathway of the complement system. It further relates to a novel diagnostic marker and methods for identifying active agents.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome using peptide arrays, and providing a prognosis to patients.

Abstract: An immunoassay method is described which detects O-desmethyltramadol only. This enables an assay of high sensitivity and specificity avoiding false positive results. The unique antibodies incorporated in the immunoassay method can be combined with antibodies which detect mitragynine to provide an assay which increases the possibility of detecting the commonly found drug combination of O-desmethyltramadol and mitragynine.

Abstract: Processing specimens in an automated histological staining system comprising robotically moving a slide carrier into a stainer of the system, the slide carrier carrying slides which respectively carry the specimens, and the specimens being at least partially embedded in paraffin. Liquids are automatically dispensed onto the slides according to a predetermined recipe for at least deparaffinizing, staining, and counterstaining the specimens. The slide carrier can be robotically moved out of the stainer after automatically dispensing the liquids. In some embodiments, a total of all liquid dispensed onto the slides after moving the slide carrier into the stainer and before moving the slide carrier out of the stainer has a greater volumetric concentration of polyol than of monohydric alcohol.

Abstract: The invention provides for an analysis system (100, 300, 400) for analyzing a biological sample (108) comprising an analyzer (102) with an analytical unit (106) for analyzing the biological sample to obtain an analysis result (140). The analyzer is configured for receiving a cartridge (110) comprising an identifier (114) and containing at least one reagent for analyzing the biological sample. The analyzer comprises an identification unit (116) for reading the identifier. The analyzer accepts the cartridge if the identifier is valid. The analysis system further comprises a protocol creation system (150, 104).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing a biological sample. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a sample vessel containing the sample; retrieving information from an information storage unit associated with the sample; using said information for selecting at least one cartridge from at least two or more different cartridges, each configured for use with a sample processing device; loading at least one or more reagents onto the cartridge, wherein the one or more reagents to be added are selected based at least in part on the information or instructions derived from the information; and placing the sample vessel in the cartridge.

Abstract: A high-throughput automatic analyzer integrates a biochemical analysis section and a blood coagulation analysis section. The analyzer is capable of achieving a reduction in size, system cost, and lifecycle cost. The automatic analyzer includes: a reaction disk; a first reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses a reagent to reaction cells on the reaction disk; a photometer that irradiates a reaction solution in the reaction cell with light; a reaction cell cleaning mechanism; a reaction vessel supply unit that supplies a disposable reaction vessel for mixing and reacting a sample and a reagent with each other; a second reagent dispensing mechanism that dispenses a reagent to the disposable reaction vessel; a blood coagulation time measuring section that irradiates a reaction solution in the disposable reaction vessel with light to detect transmitted or scattered light; and a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses a sample to the reaction cell and the disposable reaction vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.

Abstract: Cradles for draining liquid from containers are described herein. An example apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open top. The housing is to receive a container having liquid. The example apparatus includes a probe extending upward from the bottom wall toward the open top and is to drain the liquid from the container when the probe is inserted into the container. The example apparatus also includes a sliding lock slidably disposed within the housing that receives a cap or top of the container when the container is inserted into the housing. The sliding lock includes a key slot. The sliding lock is movable when a cap or top of the container has a matching key that engages the key slot, which enables the sliding lock to move downward to expose the probe and drain the liquid from the container.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes a laser triangulation system that locates the position of a lower end of a pipette tip. When the laser triangulation system identifies a discrepancy between the actual position of the lower end and the proper position of the lower end, the sample processing apparatus may undergo a compensating action to compensate for the discrepancy.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The system comprises a number of sample container carriers to carry one or more sample containers. Each sample container carrier comprises at least one magnetically active device. The system also comprises a transport plane to support the sample container carriers and a number of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move the sample container carriers on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carriers. The system also comprises a rotating device comprising a rotating surface and a rotating drive to cause a rotational movement of the rotating surface. The system also comprises a control device to drive the electro-magnetic actuators, such that a sample container carrier to be rotated moves on the rotating surface, and to control the rotating drive such that a rotation of the sample container carrier is caused.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pretreatment device for a sample for analysis that makes it possible to send a sample liquid to an arbitrary treatment module connected to a sample liquid conveyance flow route, and an analysis system using the same. A pretreatment device for a sample for analysis according to the present invention is at least provided with a plurality of sample liquid treatment modules for introducing a sample liquid or carrying out prescribed pretreatment on the sample liquid, a first flow path for conveying the sample liquid or the pretreated sample liquid between the plurality of sample liquid treatment modules, and a conveyance direction switching part for switching the conveyance direction of the sample liquid or the pretreated sample liquid in the first flow path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating temperature compensated acceleration data in both analog and digital format from a torque balance accelerometer (TBA). During manufacture of the TBA, a calibration process is used consisting of cooling and heating the TBA to discrete temperatures within a range and at each discrete temperature measuring the TBA scale factor and offset. After collecting scale and offset data, said data is loaded into the memory of the TBA. During field operation, sensing a current temperature, retrieving the closest scale and offset correction factors from memory of the TBA, and performing linear interpolation to generate a temperature-compensated output for the TBA.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining bicycle pedaling may include a sensor that detects the angular velocity and position of a drivetrain or rear sprocket assembly of the bicycle and a processor that is configured to compare the detected values against values indicative of at least one pedaling state. The apparatus may be configured to be housed within a component of the bicycle, such as within a hollow opening of the spindle or crank axle. The apparatus also may include a wireless transmitter to communicate with another component, such as a suspension controller.

Abstract: An electromagnetic speedometer for a boat having hull containing an opening includes an electromagnetic coil supported by the hull for establishing an electromagnetic field in the water adjacent the hull opening. A plurality of electrodes are supported by an arrangement that both closes the hull opening and supports the electrodes in engagement with the water adjacent the hull opening. The electrodes are connected by conductors with a velocity measuring circuit arranged above the hull interior surface. Preferably, the electrode support arrangement includes guide tubes supporting the electrodes for removal relative to the boat hull, thereby to permit cleaning of the electrodes. The guide tubes are closed by valves when the electrodes are removed from the assembly. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is of the end-fired type, and in another embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is annular and is arranged above and below the hull.

Abstract: An air data probe includes a probe body and an air data sensing port disposed in the probe body. The probe body includes a barrel region, a tapered head region extending forward from the barrel region, and a tip at a forward-most end of the tapered head region. The air data sensing port is disposed in the probe body at a port location aft of the tip. The probe body has a turbulence-producing geometry originating at the tip that produces a turbulent boundary layer of airflow that extends from the tip to the port location.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a stationary electrode, an X-axis displaceable movable member, and a movable electrode. The stationary electrode includes first and second movable electrodes arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction. The first and second stationary electrodes respectively include first and second stationary electrode fingers extending from first and second trunks in the ±Y-axis directions. The movable electrode includes first and second movable electrodes arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The first and second movable electrodes respectively include first and second movable electrode fingers located on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the first and second trunks, and opposed to the first and second stationary electrode fingers.

Abstract: A modular Atomic Force Microscope that allows ultra-high resolution imaging and measurements in a wide variety of environmental conditions is described. The instrument permits such imaging and measurements in environments ranging from ambient to liquid or gas or extremely high or extremely low temperatures.

Abstract: A method for the validation of a fuse head in an electronic detonator is disclosed, the method including measuring at least once a first charge time; activating a switching means to a second position to replace a reference resistor in an RC circuit with the fuse head; measuring at least once a second charge time; and determining the deviation of the second charge time from the first charge time.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compliant probe structures for making temporary or permanent contact with electronic circuits and the like. In particular, embodiments are directed to various designs of cantilever-like probe structures. Some embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating such probe or cantilever structures. In some embodiments, for example, cantilever probes have extended base structures, slide in mounting structures, multi-beam configurations, offset bonding locations to allow closer positioning of adjacent probes, compliant elements with tensional configurations, improved over travel, improved compliance, improved scrubbing capability, and/or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing common mode noise in the case of measuring a biosignal using a capacitive coupling active electrode (CCE) is provided. A frequency band of a common mode signal may interact with a shield voltage and thus, a frequency band of a biosignal may be compensated for.

Abstract: A circuit adapter board has a film circuit board, a spring probe assembly, a space, and a filler. The film circuit board has a film body and multiple conductors. The film body has multiple first contacts and multiple second contacts. A density of distribution of the second contacts is higher than a density of distribution of the first contacts. The conductors are respectively connected to the first contacts. The spring probe assembly is disposed out of the first outer layer and has a plate and multiple spring probes. The spring probes are respectively disposed in the plate. Each spring probe has a base, a connecting portion, and a contacting portion being retractable. The space is formed between the film body of the film circuit board and the plate. The filler is disposed between the film body and the plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved Rogowski-type current sensor. In order to allow the sensing coil and the compensation wire to overlap, the sensor is produced using two boards. The current sensing coil is provided on one board, and the compensation wire is provided on another board. The coil and the wire are arranged such that they at least partially overlap, and ideally the compensation wire is formed entirely within the area defined by the coil, albeit in a different plane. This arrangement makes the current sensor far better at rejecting interference than prior art PCB arrangements. In addition, the coil may be formed on a two-sided board. The board has upper radial elements formed on an upper surface, and lower radial elements formed on lower surface. The radial elements are connected using vias formed in the board. The upper radial elements are arranged in a first plane, and the lower radial elements are formed in a second parallel plane.

Abstract: A current sensor of Rogowski type including two layers of coils surrounding a current conductor, each layer of coils including a plurality of windings wound on a plurality of axes forming the contour of polygons of identical forms, arranged on parallel planes, and placed facing one another such that each corner zone of the first polygon is situated facing a corresponding corner zone of the second polygon and such that, in each corner zone, turns of the winding of the first layer of coils have different orientations from those of the turns of the winding of the second layer of coils in the facing corner zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an electric current in an electrical conductor, wherein the apparatus comprises a detection apparatus for detecting the electric current, wherein the apparatus comprises a shielding apparatus for shielding a coupling between the electrical conductor and the detection apparatus, wherein the shielding apparatus is designed in such a way that the shielding of the coupling can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of a gas-tight compartment and an optical voltage sensor that further comprises a module. The module comprises an electro-optic crystal and electrodes, wherein the electro-optic crystal is the only element of the module to mechanically connect the two electrodes and to bridge the potentials of the two electrodes. The assembly is particuarly suited to measure direct current voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring flux, current, or integrated charge of a beam are provided. The apparatus and method include a cup on which the beam is incident. The cup includes an inner cylinder, a coaxial cylinder, and an aperture. The coaxial cylinder surrounds the inner cylinder and is electrically insulated therefrom. An offset current source is in electrical communication with the inner cylinder. An electrometer, a charge integrator, or a counter may be electrically connected to the cup and the offset current source. When the beam is incident on the cup and aligned with the aperture, the electrometer can measure the beam current and the charge integrator can measure the integrated charge of the beam.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a bus bar through which an electric current to be measured flows, a first magnetic sensing element including a first magneto-sensitive portion including a magneto-resistive element, and a second magnetic sensing element including a second magneto-sensitive portion including a magneto-resistive element. Strength of a magnetic field generated by the electric current sensed by the first magneto-sensitive portion is different from a strength of the magnetic field sensed by the second magneto-sensitive portion. A first bias magnetic field is applied to the first magneto-sensitive portion and a second bias magnetic field in a direction opposite to a direction of the first bias magnetic field is applied to the second magneto-sensitive portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for estimating an RMS current (Ic,rms) of an intermediate circuit capacitor (CZWK) for a complete system of a battery (1), an inverter (9) and an N-phase electrical machine (6), wherein, in the complete system, the inverter (9) converts a DC power received from the battery (1) for the purpose of energizing the electrical machine with N phase currents, and wherein the RMS current (Ic,rms) of the intermediate circuit capacitor to be estimated is calculated according to a calculation rule which is supplied with predefined switching times (tLow,off, tHigh,off) of the N phases of the electrical machine, measured phase currents (ISu, ISv, ISw) of N-1 phases or N phases of the electrical machine and a predefined battery direct current (IBatt) as input variables. This makes it possible to exactly estimate the RMS current (Ic,rms) of an intermediate circuit capacitor for any desired pulse patterns for controlling the inverter.

Abstract: A system comprises a power provider and a plurality of power consumers. The power provider has a plurality of power outlets. The power consumers are coupled with the power outlets via corresponding power cables. The power provider and power consumers may communicate via the power cables using powerline communication as the power provider provides operational power to the power consumers. Powerline communication may be provided using radio frequency integrated circuits in the power provider and in the power consumers. The power provider may provide power event notifications to the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also provide equipment identification of the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also monitor and regulate power consumption by the power consumers. An adapter may be used to retrofit a conventional computer system to provide powerline communication between a computer and a power supply.

Abstract: A test and measurement system for testing a device under test comprises a logic probe with a first probe tip for contacting the device under test, a logic receiver unit connected to the first probe tip for receiving a digital signal from the device under test via the first probe tip, and a DC voltage measuring unit connected to the first probe tip for measuring a DC voltage at the device under test via the first probe tip.

Abstract: A device for measuring voltage across a remote load includes a power supply configured to output a first output voltage to the remote load. A switch is selectively movable from a closed position to an open position. A measuring circuit measures a load voltage across the load when the switch is in the open position and determines a voltage difference between the first output voltage and the load voltage. The measuring circuit adjusts the first output voltage to a second output voltage to compensate for the voltage difference. A second A/D converter can also be coupled to the power supply. The second A/D converter measures a voltage across a resistor such that a change in the voltage indicates a change in the load voltage. The power supply is then adjusted to output a second output voltage to compensate for any change in load voltage.

Abstract: An automated environment can monitor its resource consumption at the environment level and detect anomalies. Resource consumption can be monitored using a sparse set of sensors that provide information about the total resource consumption of the automated environment. The sensor data can be analyzed together with information about a behavioral routine of users in the automated environment to define a baseline resource consumption pattern. Once a baseline resource consumption pattern is established, anomalies in resource consumption can be detected and reported to users.

Abstract: A method of evaluating an optimization system is disclosed. The system is transitioned from an on state to an off state. Data is collected at time intervals for a time period before and after the system is transitioned from the on state to the off state. The transitioning occurs while a load of a particular type is active. In one embodiment, the optimization system is a Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO) system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electric energy information provision method includes measuring electric energy, analyzing the measured electric energy to generate electric energy information, and displaying the generated electric energy information in response to a request of a user. The electric energy information may include a variation status, a standard deviation analysis result, a dispersion deviation analysis result, trend line information, past accumulative electric energy variation information, anticipated future accumulative electric energy variation information, an electric energy usage status diagnosis, and electric energy reduction plan information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting, from a smart plug, an electronic device connected to the smart plug, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for detecting a change in an electronic device connected to a smart plug. A method, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is the method for detecting a connected electronic device from the smart plug and comprises the steps of: inspecting whether pre-trained data is present when the an electronic device is connected; inspecting whether the connected electronic device and the pre-trained data match when the pre-trained data is present; a training step of obtaining information on valid power, invalid power, and power factor when the connected electronic device and the pre-trained data do not match; and saving trained data after the training is complete.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining the power loss of a transformer. The method includes measuring voltage and current at the primary side of the transformer, calculating input power by multiplying the measured current and voltage on the primary side of the transformer; measuring voltage and current at the secondary side of the transformer, calculate a nominal error ratio, calculating output power by multiplying the measured current and voltage on the secondary side of the transformer. The method further involves calculating a first corrected power loss by means of multiplying the input power with the nominal error ratio and subtract the output power.

Abstract: A method for measuring a measurable flow of energy includes measuring, by ways of a measuring device belonging to a distribution network, a first “time-driven” or TDM measurement component obtained at predetermined time intervals, the first TDM measurement component including data related to physical parameters of said measurable flow of energy; measuring, by way of the measuring device, a second “event-driven” or EDM measurement component consolidated upon the occurrence of a significant change in at least one physical parameter of the flow of energy, the second EDM measurement component including data related to the physical parameters of the measurable flow of energy; combining the first TDM measurement component and the second EDM measurement component into a time sequence in order to control and manage an energy trend of the flow of energy in the distribution network in accordance with business logics.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating power consumption, includes: a receiving section that receives consumer power consumptions of a plurality of days in the past; and a determining section that determines an estimated value of the consumer power consumption by using power consumption on conforming days that conform to a predetermined range from a reference value, among the plurality of days.

Abstract: A test point circuit includes a main RF signal path (e.g., transmission line, lumped-element network, etc.), a test point RF signal circuit, a test point structure having a center conductor and corresponding grounded sleeve and being configured for connecting to a test probe for monitoring the RF signal carried through the main RF signal path, and a switch between the main RF signal path and the test point RF signal circuit. In the open position of the switch, the signal in the main RF signal path is prevented from propagating to the center conductor of the test point structure. In the closed position of the switch, the RF signal can propagate from the main RF signal path to the center conductor of the test point structure. The test probe mated to the test point structure can then measure or monitor the RF signal carried through the main RF signal path.

Abstract: A sensor includes a hollow enclosure, an antenna disposed external to the hollow enclosure and configured to collect emission of electromagnetic energy, a circuit disposed within the hollow enclosure and comprising a low noise amplifier (LNA) connectable to the antenna, and an analog to digital converter (ADC) in a connection with the LNA, circuit connections connecting, during use of the sensor, the circuit to each of the antenna, a source of electric energy and a signal processing component, a connection between the enclosure and an enclosure of an integrated circuit (IC), whereby the antenna id disposed between the sensor and the IC, and the sensor configured to at least measure a low-level electromagnetic energy emitted from the IC.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system for testing a wireless terminal and a method for controlling the same. The system includes: a reflecting surface, configured to totally reflect one or more first wireless signals emitted by the wireless terminal; a test antenna, configured to receive the one or more first wireless signals reflected by the reflecting surface; and an absorbing screen, configured to absorb one or more second wireless signals emitted by the wireless terminal. The device under test, the test antenna and the reflecting surface correspond to a same ellipsoid, the device under test and the test antenna are arranged at two foci of the ellipsoid respectively, the reflecting surface is arranged on the ellipsoidal surface and the absorbing screen is arranged on a straight line between the device under test and the test antenna.

Abstract: This disclosure is focused upon electrostatic discharge (ESD) control programs and more particularly an ESD testing device that performs electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification in real time as it is being used. The results in some embodiments can be recorded for an ESD auditing program. The real time verification of the calibration of the unit includes circuitry for verification of the accuracy of the ESD device. The unit also includes a conically shaped guide to assist a user in plugging their wrist strap band connector into the device and also prevents a user from bypassing the testing unit by inserting digits into the ESD testing device rather than the wrist strap band connector.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns photonics and in particular the addressing of individual targets in solids. In aspect one there is provided a device comprising a solid substrate with one or more atomic scale targets in the substrate. A laser light is focused on a region of the substrate that contains a single target to selectively cause photoionization of the target. A charge sensor with sub-electron charge sensitivity is focussed on measuring the charge in the region of the substrate that contains a single target. In use, the device operates such that the laser is turned on to cause photoionization of the target, and the charge sensor detects the change in charge in the region of the substrate that contains the single target. In another aspect is the method for optically investigating individual nuclear spin states of single atoms by investigating both the Zeeman effect and the hyperfine interaction of the single atoms.

Abstract: Embodiments include a test circuit to test one or more magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) of a magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The test circuit may measure a 1/f noise of the MTJ in the time domain, and determine a power spectral density (PSD) of the 1/f noise. The test circuit may estimate one or more parameters of the MTJ and/or MRAM based on the PSD. For example, the test circuit may determine a noise parameter, such as a Hooge alpha parameter, based on the PSD, and may estimate the one or more parameters of the MTJ and/or MRAM based on the 1/f parameter. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A testing system is described, wherein said testing system is configured to perform a multipaction test on a device under test. Said testing system comprises a signal generation unit being configured to stimulate an input of said device under test, a receiving unit being configured to receive and measure at least one output signal of said device under test in order to obtain data related to a multipaction occurrence. Said signal generation unit and said receiving unit are controlled such that both units are operated simultaneously. Said signal generation unit is configured to generate a testing signal for stimulating said input, said testing signal comprising at least two carriers simultaneously. Further, a method for testing a device under test is described.

Abstract: A system and method of electronic component authentication or component classification can reduce the vulnerability of systems (e.g., satellites, weapons, critical infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, medical systems) to counterfeits. Intrinsic deterministically random property data can be obtained from a set of authentic electronic components, processed, and clustered to create a classifier that can distinguish whether an unknown electronic component is authentic or counterfeit.

Abstract: Even when parts having individual differences among identical parts or differences in deterioration speed between parts, or a part that does not have a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM in a chip of the part itself, are mixed, there is no deterioration diagnosis device that can appropriately diagnose a state of deterioration due to temporal change or the like, because of which a mechanism (correction methodology) for evaluating and correcting deterioration in the precision or performance of an electronic part that has low precision or considerable temporal deterioration, and does not have a correction function, is incorporated in a deterioration diagnosis device, and a deterioration state is diagnosed using incorporated deterioration determination means when using a product after shipping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for current for fault identification in a transmission line and an apparatus thereof. The method comprises the following steps: measuring the real-time values of the currents and the voltages of the other unbroken healthy phase conductors when a single-phase fault occurs; calculating the inductive voltage and the capacitive coupling voltage according to the measured currents and voltages respectively; comparing the capacitive coupling voltage with the inductive voltage multiplied by a factor, in which the multiplication result is used as a self-adjusted threshold based on the real time load condition of the transmission line; and identifying the fault type based on the maximum of the capacitive coupling voltage and the multiplication.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting a pantograph-catenary electric arc based on a train power supply system are provided. The method includes: boosting, by a booster transformer, a voltage of alternating current transmitted via an electric network, to generate high voltage electrical energy, where a high voltage and a great current are generated in a gap between a catenary wire and a pantograph in a discharging circuit with the high voltage electrical energy; and collecting an electric arc generated in the gap between the catenary wire and the pantograph in a case of the high voltage and the great current.