Abstract: A device for measuring superfine particles masses includes an exposure system with at least two measurement chambers having an identical geometry. Each measurement chamber has a deposition surface for the superfine particles which each have an aerosol feed line. The aerosol feed line has an outlet region to feed an aerosol onto the deposition surface, a means for generating a potential difference between the superfine particles in the aerosol and the deposition surface, and a grid arranged above the deposition surface. The outlet region has a widened outlet cross section having a constant distance from the deposition surface. At least one deposition surface is arranged on a piezoelectric crystal as a superfine balance. A first potential corresponding to a ground potential is present at each deposition surface. A second potential having a potential difference of at least 200 V in relation to the first potential is present at each grid.

Abstract: A system (1) dispenses dosages of a powdery substance. It has a robotic handler (2), a weighing module (8) with a weighing pan (9), at least one storage rack (4) for holding a plurality of dispensing heads (3) and at least one storage rack (6) for holding a plurality of vials (5), a dosage dispenser unit (11) with a dispensing head receiver (12), a vial handling tool (17) and a dispensing head handling tool (18), a tool-docking station (19) for the handling tools, and a controller terminal unit (20). Different weighing pan adapters (15) adapt the weighing pan to different shapes and sizes of vials. Relative to a vertical working orientation, tlower portions of the weighing pan adapters are identical, to fit the weighing pan, but upper portions are different, to accommodate different shapes and sizes of vials. A station (16) is provided for storing the weighing pan adapters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart diaper changing pad for weighing an infant or toddler and communicating the recorded information wirelessly to a mobile computer. The diaper changing pad incorporates force or mass sensors for measuring weight. The changing and cleaning pad and a separate computing system are wirelessly connected, either directly or through a network capable of both internal and external communication. An application installed on the mobile computer can track measurements from the diaper changing pad and keep a historical record, which may provide peace of mind and insight into a baby's health and development. The key components of the product are a soft pad, a rigid platform, one or more sensors capable of measuring force or weight, a power source, a memory, a processor, and a wireless communication method. The invention can optionally include a display and a number of user inputs such as buttons or switches.

Abstract: A weighing device includes at least one weighing cell (3) disposed in a weighing cell housing (5) and a control cabinet (1). The control cabinet (1) includes a gas pressure control (7) to which can be connected a source with gas overpressure (9). The control cabinet (1) includes an outlet opening (11) through which the gas can exit. The control cabinet (1) is connected with the weighing cell housing (5) through a first connection (13) for supplying gas into the weighing cell housing (5), and through a second connection (15) for gas removal from the weighing cell housing (5). The gas pressure connection (7) is connected with the first connection (13) through a flow guide means (17), so that at least one part of a supplied gas first flows through an interior of the weighing cell housing and subsequently it exits through the outlet opening (11) of the control cabinet (1).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to weighing scale diagnostic methods employing a comparison of like component operating parameters. In certain embodiments, weighing scale component output signals may be analyzed to calculate the difference between any two current weighing scale component operating parameter values, and the calculated difference may be compared against a maximum allowable difference for determining if a problem exists. Alternatively, a statistical analysis may be performed that considers the output signal of a given weighing scale component relative to the output signal of another weighing scale component or to the collective output signals of all of the other weighing scale components, and the comparison may be used to determine if a problem exists.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly-sensitive, high-frequency, soft-polymer vibrations sensor that is integrated with the artwork and logo's currently utilized in equipment to make the sensor(s) unobtrusive. Low-power electronics with the ability to capture and analyze specific signals of concern are utilized as to increase the operational lifetime of the system and decrease the number of re-charge or battery changes per match. High-frequency vibration data is captured and stored locally on the equipment where user-defined code can analyze data and pick specific parameters of concern to send via the wireless communications link to a receiver. The receiver is able to capture the data and re-construct events of interest. This architecture reduces the power and bandwidth requirements of the device while maintaining functionality and the ability to transmit and report parameters and incidents of interest.

Abstract: An optical detecting device has gas emission and pressure reduction function and includes a holder, a light penetrating component, a light detecting component, a hole structure, and a. The light penetrating component is disposed on the holder to form an accommodating space whereinside the light detecting component is disposed. The hole structure is formed on the holder to connect with the accommodating space. The waterproofing and ventilating component is disposed on the holder and covers the hole structure to prevent liquid from leaking into the accommodating space via the hole structure. While an inner gas pressure of the accommodating space is decreased, part of the gas is exhausted from the accommodating space via the hole structure and the waterproofing and ventilating component.

Abstract: A light-receiving optical system includes a rotating mirror configured to rotate around a rotation axis and having a reflection plane arranged at an angle with the rotation axis; an imaging optical system having an optical axis that coincides with the rotation axis; a multifocal Fresnel lens having sections formed concentrically around the optical axis; and light-receiving elements, wherein the imaging optical system is configured such that rays of light that enter the rotating mirror are converged onto one of the sections depending on an angle of the rays with the optical axis, and the multifocal Fresnel lens is configured such that the rays reach one of the light-receiving elements, which corresponds to the one of the sections so that a light-receiving element that the rays reach is determined depending on the angle of the rays with the optical axis independently of a rotational position of the rotating mirror.

Abstract: System and methods for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure for management of ultraviolet dose. The systems can include a wearable device and a mobile device, the system performing accurate measurement of UV exposure.

Abstract: Charging systems for wearable UV sensing devices. The charging systems include a wearable housing including a UV sensor, a central conductor, and at least one annular conductor extending around the central conductor. The system also includes a charger that has at least first and second conductive contacts, where the first and second contacts are spaced from each other and the central conductor and annular conductor are spaced from each other such that the first and second contacts are aligned with the central conductor and the annular conductor, respectively, when the housing and charger interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling optical feedback in an optical system having a radiation source optically coupled via mode matching optics with a resonant optical cavity. The cavity includes at least two cavity mirrors, one of which is a cavity coupling mirror, and has a plurality of optical resonance cavity modes, wherein the radiation source emits a beam of continuous wave radiation and is capable of being scanned whereby a mean optical frequency of the continuous wave radiation beam is adjustable over a range of frequencies, wherein the radiation source is responsive to optical feedback radiation emerging from the cavity, and wherein the mode matching optics couples the beam of continuous wave radiation to the cavity via the cavity coupling mirror. The radiation source and the mode matching optics are aligned so that a mode fill ratio is reduced relative to a maximum mode fill ratio, wherein for the maximum mode-fill ratio the laser beam is coupled with a fundamental cavity mode.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric device is disclosed having a plurality of spectral measurement bands including a single telescope and a single spectrophotometer. The plurality of spectral bands is obtained by placing pupillary separating prisms at an entrance pupil of the telescope, and by using spectral band selection filters. Such a device has a lower weight, smaller dimensions, and a lower price. In particular, it may be integrated into a satellite, in particular for a mission to characterize flows of carbon compounds that are produced on the Earth's surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a substrate with multiple nano-gaps and a manufacturing method therefor, and more particularly to a multiple nano-gaps substrate with high absorption and capable of using light sources in a wide range, and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: A compact, portable Raman spectrometer makes fast, sensitive standoff measurements at little to no risk of eye injury or igniting the materials being probed. This spectrometer uses differential Raman spectroscopy and ambient light measurements to measure point-and-shoot Raman signatures of dark or highly fluorescent materials at distances of 1 cm to 10 m or more. It scans the Raman pump beam(s) across the sample to reduce the risk of unduly heating or igniting the sample. Beam scanning also transforms the spectrometer into an instrument with a lower effective safety classification, reducing the risk of eye injury. The spectrometer's long standoff range automatic focusing make it easier to identify chemicals through clear and translucent obstacles, such as flow tubes, windows, and containers. And the spectrometer's components are light and small enough to be packaged in a handheld housing or housing suitable for a small robot to carry.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a detector assembly for use in analysis of elemental composition of a sample by using optical emission spectroscopy is provided, the detector assembly comprising a rotatable element that is rotatable about an axis and that has attached thereto a laser source for generating laser pulses for invoking optical emission on a surface of the sample, which laser source is arranged to generate laser pulses focused at a predefined distance from said axis at a predefined distance from a front end of the detector assembly, and an optical receiver for capturing optical emission invoked by said laser pulses.

Abstract: The present specification generally relates to the field of imaging device and particularly discloses an imaging device for detecting infrared radiation. The imaging device comprises a first set of detectors responsive to infrared electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength band, a second set of detectors and a filter disposed above the second set of detectors to prevent registration of electromagnetic radiation outside a second wavelength band at the second set of detectors. The second wavelength band is a subset of the first wavelength band. The imaging device is configured to detect a deviation from an expected value of a level of electromagnetic radiation in a third wavelength band based on signals obtained from the first set of detectors and the second set of detectors. The third wavelength band is within the first wavelength band and outside the second wavelength band.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor element detecting a temperature of an attachment member to which the sensor device is attached. The sensor device includes a flexible substrate that includes a base having a first surface and a second surface and made of an electrically insulating material, and a land disposed adjacent to the first surface and electrically connected to the sensor element. The sensor device further includes: a rigid member adhered to the second surface; a flexible member that has a thermal conductivity and a flexibility higher than those of the base, is stacked on the rigid member to be in contact with the rigid member on a side opposite to the flexible substrate, and is to be in contact with the attachment member in an attached state; and a pressing member that presses the flexible substrate toward the attachment member in the attached state.

Abstract: A thin-film device for generating a blackbody spectrum is disclosed. The device includes first layer configured to generate heat in response to an applied voltage and a second layer configured to generate the blackbody radiation spectrum in response to the heat from the first layer. A thermocouple is disposed between the first layer and the second layer for measuring a temperature at the second layer. The thermocouple measures temperature at the second layer in order to control temperature at the second layer. The thermocouple can be a copper-carbon nanotube thermocouple.

Abstract: A thin-film device for generating a blackbody spectrum is disclosed. The device includes first layer configured to generate heat in response to an applied voltage and a second layer configured to generate the blackbody radiation spectrum in response to the heat from the first layer. A thermocouple is disposed between the first layer and the second layer for measuring a temperature at the second layer. The thermocouple measures temperature at the second layer in order to control temperature at the second layer. The thermocouple can be a copper-carbon nanotube thermocouple.

Abstract: A resistor which is able to have a reduced thickness for an insulating substrate and in which occurrence of cracking is able to be suppressed during production of the insulating substrate, the production of the resistor and mounting of the substrate, and in which the safety of a medical device is increased by forming the insulating substrate using a biocompatible material; and a temperature sensor are provided. This resistor is provided with: an insulating substrate that has a bending strength of 690 MPa or more and a thickness of 10 to 100 ?m; a resistive film that is formed on the insulating substrate; at least a pair of electrode layers, that are electrically connected to the resistive film; and a protective film that covers a region where the resistive film is formed, while forming exposure portions so that at least parts of the electrode layers are exposed therein.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (1) has a pressure sensor (10), the distal end of which is inserted in a sealed chamber (2) filled with a liquid. The pressure sensor has a light guide (4), a cavity (14) at a distal end of the light guide, a diaphragm (11) forming a wall of the cavity and being configured to deflect with applied pressure, and a detector to detect changes in light reflection due to deflection of the diaphragm. The liquid (3) which changes volume in response to temperature changes and this volume change is sufficient to change the pressure applied on the diaphragm (11), and the a interrogation system processes pressure data and/or light reflection data to generate an output indicating temperature of the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: Reference center circuitry for a metrology system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a reference sensor having a topology and characteristics identical to a number of sensors throughout an IC. The both the reference sensor and the sensors on the IC may be used to perform voltage and temperature measurements. The reference sensor may receive a voltage from a precision voltage supply, and may be used as a sensor to provide a basis for calibrating the other sensors, as well. Thereafter, temperature readings obtained from the other sensors may be correlated to the readings obtained by the reference sensor for enhanced accuracy. The reference center circuitry also includes analog process monitoring circuitry, which may be coupled to some, if not all of the transistors implemented on an IC.

Abstract: A transparent pressure sensor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The transparent pressure sensor includes several layers of transparent electrodes, at least one pressure-sensitive deformation layer between the transparent electrodes, and a metal oxide layer. Each layer of the transparent electrodes is composed of nanowires, and the metal oxide layer is disposed in a space among the nanowires.

Abstract: A method for sensing. The method includes the steps of transmitting mechanical forces to one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of sending prompting signals associated with the mechanical forces to a computer in communication with one or more printed diodes and the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. There is the step of reconstructing with the computer the mechanical forces that were applied to the one or more printed mechanical sensing elements. An apparatus for sensing. The apparatus includes a computer. The apparatus includes one or more printed electronic diodes and printed mechanical sensing elements connected to the computer, the one or more printed electronic diodes detect mechanical signals applied to the one or more mechanical-sensing elements and that provide corresponding values to the computer.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a base including an outer surface partially or entirely composed of a curved surface; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the base with spaces therebetween and including at least one signal electrode and at least one ground electrode; and at least one variable resistor made from conductive foam elastomer material and configured to be elastically compressed upon application of pressure and such that electric resistance between the signal electrode and the ground electrode decreases as the amount of the compression increases.

Abstract: An elastic strain sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin that can sense flexing by the underlying support structure of the skin to detect and track motion of the support structure. The unidirectional elastic strain sensor can be formed by filling two or more channels in an elastic substrate material with a conductive liquid. At the ends of the channels, a loop port connects the channels to form a serpentine channel. The channels extend along the direction of strain and the loop portions have sufficiently large cross-sectional area in the direction transverse to the direction of strain that the sensor is unidirectional. The resistance is measured at the ends of the serpentine channel and can be used to determine the strain on the sensor. Additional channels can be added to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensors can be stacked on top of each other to increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A force measurement system is disclosed herein. The force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly and a data processing device operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly. In one or more embodiments, the data processing device is configured to reference a stored global calibration matrix for the force measurement assembly, to determine a location of an applied load on the surface of the force measurement assembly using the stored global calibration matrix, to assign the applied load to one or more of a plurality of different load regions based upon the location of the applied load, and to compute one or more output forces or moments of the applied load using stored local calibration information for the one or more of the plurality of different load regions. A method of calibrating a force measurement system is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A sensor such as a load cell includes a metal body containing the sensor electronics and flexure elements. Power is brought into the electronics and signals are taken out via header pins arranged in any of various groupings so as to extend through holes in the body. The pins are fixed by means of fused glass or ceramic material and the body is sealed to tolerate harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, embodiments including a system, probe and method are disclosed for accurately measuring the strain or extension of a fastener that occurs as the nut on the fastener is tightened and the fastener is put under load. The measurement technique is based on measurement of the time for an ultrasonic wave generated on one end of the fastener to travel a round trip through the fastener. As the fastener is tightened, the applied stress causes an associated increase in length. This length can be determined from a measurement of the increase in transit time. In various embodiments, the disclosed device and method uses laser ultrasonic testing (LUT), in which a pulsed laser generates the ultrasonic wave and a type of laser vibrometer detects the wave when it returns to the position of generation following a combination of longitudinal and shear wave reflections.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical transducer comprising a semiconductor body, four cavities buried within the semiconductor body and four membranes, each membrane being suspended over a respective cavity and being capable of being deflected by the action of a pressure external to the microelectromechanical transducer; the microelectromechanical transducer further comprising four transducer elements housed by a respective membrane and electrically coupled to one another in a Wheatstone bridge configuration to convert said external pressure into an electrical signal.

Abstract: A pressure sensor with double measuring scale includes: a flexible body designed to undergo deflection as a function of a the pressure; piezoresistive transducers for detecting the deflection; a first focusing region designed to concentrate, during a first operating condition, a first value of the pressure in a first portion of the flexible body so as to generate a deflection of the first portion of the flexible body; and a second focusing region designed to concentrate, during a second operating condition, a second value of said pressure in a second portion of the flexible body so as to generate a deflection of the second portion of the flexible body. The piezoresistive transducers correlate the deflection of the first portion of the flexible body to the first pressure value and the deflection of the second portion of the flexible body to the second pressure value.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip and a resin portion. The sensor chip extends in a lengthwise direction and includes a membrane whose length in a thickness direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction is smaller than another part, and a piezoelectric element provided in the membrane. The sensor chip includes a fixed end that is covered with and fixed to the resin portion, and a free end opposite from the fixed end in the lengthwise direction. The free end is spaced away from the resin portion in the lengthwise direction, and the membrane is located in the free end. A shortest separation distance between the membrane and a part of the resin portion covering the sensor chip is equal to or larger than a length of the sensor chip along a crosswise direction of the sensor chip perpendicular to both the lengthwise direction and the thickness direction.

Abstract: A system and method remotely measure in real time through sound waves, geometric parameters of a pipeline in the launch step. An acoustic transceiver positioned in a pipeline includes an acoustic transmitter emitting an input acoustic signal into the pipeline, based on an electric pilot signal. An acoustic receiver detects the input acoustic signal and generates a first electric measurement signal, dependent on the input acoustic signal. The acoustic receiver receives an input return signal dependent on the input acoustic signal and on pipeline geometric parameters, and generates a second electric measurement signal based on the return acoustic signal. A control unit generates an electric pilot signal and connects to the acoustic transceiver and receives the first electric measurement signal and the second electric measurement signal. The control unit measures the geometric parameters of the pipeline based on the first and second electric measurement signals.

Abstract: The use of ultrasonic transducers installed in utility meters is provided for the detection of fluid leaks in a conduit. Such transducers are normally used to transmit acoustic waves in order to measure the velocity of fluid flow, but it is disclosed that such transducers are also capable of detecting leak noises in addition to such transmitted acoustic waves.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting small leaks in a plumbing system is disclosed. A temperature sensor coupled to the water in the plumbing system is used to determine if there is a leak. During times of inactivity for fixtures in the plumbing systems, a flow sensor might measure usage of water that would indicate a leak. For very small leaks, the flow is below a minimum measurable flow of the flow sensor. Embodiments of the invention measure temperature of water within a pipe coupled to the plumbing system. Temperature will generally decay in a particular predicable way when there is flow as the temperature of water upon entry to the building is lower than the air temperature within the building. Signal processing, machine learning and/or statistical approaches are used to analyze the temperature and optionally flow and/or pressure over time to determine when a leak is likely.

Abstract: In some examples herein relate to a system for testing an axial fan, the system comprising a V-shaped seat to allocate the axial fan, the V-shaped seat comprises a first surface established on a top side of the V-shaped set, a second surface established on the top side of the V-shaped set. An intersection between the first surface and the second surface forms a V-shaped surface of 90 degrees to allocate the axial fan on the V-shaped seat and the V-shaped surface has sticky and resilient properties to fix the axial fan on the V-shaped surface.

Abstract: A light source system (26) illuminating an optical system to be inspected (3) and making light fluxes of a plurality of wavefront measurement visual fields be emitted from the optical system to be inspected; a single wavefront sensor (28) calculating wavefront aberration on a basis of measurement of the light fluxes of the plurality of wavefront measurement visual fields emitted from the optical system to be inspected (3); and an optical path optical system (31) are included. The optical path optical system selectively makes the light fluxes of the plurality of wavefront measurement visual fields emitted from the optical system to be inspected (3) be incident on the wavefront sensor (28).

Abstract: A system for aiming a headlamp of a vehicle includes a displaceable aiming surface and an imaging system. The imaging system includes a translatable aim box carrying at least one headlamp imager oriented to capture images of a single headlamp and/or one or more vehicle features adjacent to the single headlamp. At least one fixed imager is oriented to capture one or more images of the displaceable aiming surface. The translatable aim box may be configured to translate between the single headlamp and another headlamp. One or more computing devices are configured to perform methods for headlamp aim correction using the described system. Methods for headlamp aim correction are described.

Abstract: A method for predicting remaining useful life of a wind or water turbine or component determines in step 116 an EOH for the turbine or component and compares this in step 118 to an EOH limit obtained in step 114. This provides a simple approach to estimating remaining useful life, giving the turbine operator an indication of the condition of turbines or farms under management.

Abstract: The invention provides a railway condition monitoring sensor device attached to a railway bearing of a railway vehicle including at least one vibration sensor; means for detecting movement of the railway vehicle; a control unit for processing at least the signals obtained by the vibration sensor to determine a health parameter indicating the bearings state of health. The control unit triggers measurements based on at least one predetermined condition; and a wireless communication device for communicating the health parameter to a monitoring and control server. The control unit configured to be operated in an energy-saving sleep mode and in at an activated mode. The control unit is configured to switch from the sleep mode to the activated mode upon detecting that a predetermined set of conditions is met. The predetermined set of conditions includes the condition that the means for detecting the movement detects that the railway vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A misfire determination device of an internal combustion engine, includes an angular velocity obtaining section which obtains two crank angular velocities corresponding to two crank angular positions, respectively, which are set between a range which is around a first compression top dead center and a range which is around a second compression top dead center, in which the first compression top dead center is a compression top dead center of a determination target cylinder, and the second compression top dead center is the compression top dead center of a next ignition cylinder in which ignition is performed next to the ignition performed in the determination target cylinder; and a misfire determination section which determines whether or not misfire has occurred in the determination target cylinder based on a result of comparing a deviation between the two crank angular velocities to a predetermined misfire determination threshold.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing extending from an insertion end to an opposite coupling end, from a sensor end to an opposite back end, and from a top end to an opposite bottom end. The assembly also includes a sensor dish outwardly projecting from the sensor end of the housing and configured to hold one or more sensors. The assembly also includes a radio frequency (RF) transparent sensor cap configured to be secured to the sensor dish to secure the one or more sensors within the sensor dish. The housing also can be secured to a vehicle for the sensors to measure operational conditions of the vehicle. The housing of the sensor assembly may be connected to a drive train of the vehicle by inserting a fastener through a channel in the housing and into a jacking hole of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the quality of a surface on a component comprises the steps of (a) contacting a surface of a component with a media and imprinting qualities of the surface with the media; and (b) evaluating the imprint to determine the quality of the surface of the component.

Abstract: A method and a system for fast inspecting a vehicle based on a length measuring device, including: when a subject vehicle enters an inspection region, measuring a first length and a second length of the subject vehicle; determining whether the first length and the second length is respectively larger than or equal to a preset second length threshold; if so, determining whether a gap portion of the subject vehicle between a first portion and a second portion of the subject vehicle appears in a beam emitting region formed by a beam of radiation rays emitted by the system for fast inspecting a vehicle; and when the gap portion appears in the beam emitting region, emitting a beam of radiation rays of a first radiation dose to the subject vehicle according to the gap portion, wherein the subject vehicle moves with respect to the system for fast inspecting a vehicle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing a sample for immunological staining are provided. Compositions include kits comprising a first solution comprising a surfactant and a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. Methods comprise contacting a sample, such as cells or tissues, with a first solution comprising a surfactant and then contacting the sample with a second solution comprising a chaotropic agent. The method does not require extreme heat for antigen retrieval and therefore, maintains the cellular morphology of the sample.

Abstract: A papaver from rhoeas' cell and tissue stain is formulated incorporating a new one bioflavonoid which specifically stains the nucleus for microscopic evaluation in histopathology, microbiology and cytology. It appears to be an alternative to hematoxylin for routine usage. Biochemical name of this compound is hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxy-3-(((2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3.4.5-trihydroxy-6-((((2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3.4.5-trihydroxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)methyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2- yl)oxy)phenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one. NMR analysis shows the biochemical structure of molecule is a bioflavonoid. (FIG. 4,5) Molecule within Papaver rhoeas along with the synergistic and other molecules penetrates the biologic and nonbiologic samples. Combining with the other synergistic mechanisms the stain formula is prepared. The amount and type of Mordant and pH are the parameters that affect the quality and timing of the staining results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control.

Abstract: A venting cap is disclosed for pressure vessels for microwave-assisted chemistry. The venting cap includes a flexible circular cover for closing the mouth of a reaction vessel, a flexible annular wall depending from the circular cover, and a flexible annular ring at the bottom of the annular wall and parallel to the circular cover for positioning the cap on a reaction vessel. At least one indentation in the circular cover minimizes distortion when any contents of a reaction vessel exert pressure against the cap, and at least one opening in the annular wall provides a ventilation path through the cap when gas pressure in a reaction vessel flexes the cap sufficiently to partially disengage at least a portion of the cap from the mouth of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A ball drop iris is provided for use in a ball drop testing apparatus. Included on the iris is a lower housing having an upper mounting flange having a ball opening and a body depending from the flange, the body defining a passage through which a test ball passes. A control ring is disposed on the upper mounting surface for sliding, rotating action relative to the lower housing. A plurality of iris petals is provided, each operationally connected to the control ring and to the upper mounting flange to pivot between a closed position in which the ball opening is blocked, and an open position in which the petals are simultaneously retracted and the opening is clear for passage of a test ball.