Abstract: A misfire detection device includes an electronic control unit that calculates, based on a crank signal, a first component that is a first integer multiple frequency component of a combustion cycle related to a rotation change value and a second component that is a second integer multiple frequency component of the combustion cycle related to the rotation change value. The electronic control unit determines whether the second component has a maximum value or a minimum value in at least one of two phases of a phase where the first component has a maximum value and a phase where the first component has a minimum value. The electronic control unit determines that an interval between compression top dead centers of cylinders has continuous misfire based on a determination result of whether the second component has a maximum value or a minimum value.

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: Devices and methods for yielding lymph nodes from fatty tissue, the device including a fenestrated sample chamber configured to receive a sample of fatty tissue having lymph nodes; a lockable gate switchable between a closed position that is locked and an open position; a pusher configured to push the sample against the gate when locked in the closed position to compress the tissue, and configured to push the compressed tissue out of the sample chamber when the gate is subsequently opened; and a cutting chamber aligned distal to the sample chamber for receiving compressed tissue from the sample chamber, the cutting chamber comprising sets of opposing through slots aligned to permit slicing of the compressed tissue into sections, thereby yielding lymph nodes from the fatty tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatuses, and methods for grinding of samples. A method includes securing a sample vial in a holder attached to a connecting linkage, the sample vial having a grinding media in the sample vial. The method includes rotating a crank that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the connecting linkage at a proximal pivot point so that the proximal pivot point undergoes rotational motion. The method includes restricting a distal pivot point of the connecting linkage to a linear path, the distal pivot point near a distal end of the connecting linkage. A result being that the sample vial undergoes a combination of rotational and linear motion.

Abstract: A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be evaluated. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The monitoring can detect movement of fluid with the sample and cross-linking. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy.

Abstract: It has surprisingly been discovered that it is possible to stabilize biomolecules such as RNA, DNA and proteins in biological samples such as cells, tissues, biopsies and blood using deep eutectic solvents (DES). It has also been discovered that DES mixtures can be used to fix and preserve cell morphology in biological samples such as tissue blocks, cancer biopsies and whole blood. This invention describes methods to stabilize and preserve biomolecules, whole cells, tissues, blood and biological samples using DES mixtures.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sample that includes milling an initial deep lamella within a wafer using a focused ion beam. The initial deep lamella includes at least one internal structure within an upper portion of the initial deep lamella. The method further includes lifting the initial deep lamella out of the wafer, placing the initial deep lamella on an upper surface of the wafer on a lateral side of the initial lamella, milling a planar shallow lamella out of a portion of the initial deep lamella and the wafer beneath the initial deep lamella to include at least substantially an entire length of the at least one internal structure of the initial deep lamella, lifting the planar shallow lamella out of the wafer, and placing the planar shallow lamella on a carbon grid.

Abstract: An apparatus of ultrafast particle dynamics measurement based on photon ensemble correlation spectroscopy include steps of: dispersing a particle sample to be detected; establishing a plurality of sampling volumes, and collecting dynamic scattered light signals in parallel; and constructing sample ensembles based on scattered signals of the sampling volumes, analyzing time correlations between the sample ensembles, and detecting particle dynamic characteristics. A period for a single measurement of particles according to the method can be in the range of several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds, which is conducive to real-time detection. More accurate and reliable correlation characterization can be obtained by combining the detected complex-valued scattered signals with both amplitude and phase information. Furthermore, the particle detection is able to be spatially resolved, so as to achieve spatially resolved particle dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring an erythrocyte sedimentation rate based on a change in conductivity of blood over time. The apparatus for measuring an erythrocyte sedimentation rate may include: a chamber for holding blood; a pair of electrodes being partially or completely brought into contact with the blood; and a conductivity meter measuring the conductivity through the pair of electrodes. The apparatus and method according to the present invention are less time-consuming than the Westergren method and can acquire a variety of information (for example, hematocrit, dynamics of the sedimentation rate and aggregation of erythrocytes, a relationship between the sedimentation rate and aggregation of erythrocytes, and the like).

Abstract: A device for determining a concentration of particles in a gas flow, e.g., soot particles in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, includes a carrier and a sensor, which is situated on a surface of the carrier and can be exposed to the gas flow, the sensor including an electrode structure including at least two measuring electrodes that are of different polarity and that are formed as an interdigital comb structure including finger electrodes. In first areas of the interdigital comb structure, the finger electrodes have a first mutual distance in relation to each other, and in second areas of the interdigital comb structure, the finger electrodes have a second smaller mutual distance in relation to each other, the first areas and the second areas in the interdigital comb structure each at least partially adjoining each other alternately, occupying respective surface areas on the sensor.

Abstract: The particulate matter detection sensor includes a conductive part, and the pair of electrodes that are arranged at specified spacing so as to face each other. The conductive part is formed into a plate shape using a conductive material having electrical resistivity that is higher than particulate matter. One major surface of the conductive part functions as an accumulation surface on which particulate matter accumulates. The pair of electrodes are formed on this accumulation surface.

Abstract: A particulate matter emission monitor for monitoring concentration of particulate matter concentration in a fluent stream passing through an industrial stack is tested and/or calibrated using apparatus which is scaled down in size from the much larger industrial stack.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a probe beam (14) having undergone dispersive Fourier transformation by a dispersive Fourier transformation unit is spatially mapped, an inspection object (18, 20) is irradiated with the probe beam (14), and transmitted light (15) from the inspection object (18, 20) is detected, whereby an image is generated on the basis of the intensity of the transmitted light (15). Accordingly, an imaging apparatus can be provided which can irradiate the inspection object (18, 20) with the weak probe beam (14) having an intensity attenuated by the dispersive Fourier transformation unit, which can generate an image only by detecting the transmitted light (15) from the inspection object (18, 20), and which has a high throughput of generating images while an influence on the inspection object (18, 20) is suppressed.

Abstract: Devices for detecting particle sizes and distributions using focused light scattering techniques, by passing a sample through a focused beam of light, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the devices include one or more lasers, whose light is focused into a narrow beam and into a flow cell, and dispersions are passed through the flow cell using hydrodynamic sample injection. In another embodiment, a plurality of lasers is used, optionally with hydrodynamic sample injection. Particles pass through and scatter the light. The scattered light is then detected using scatter and extinction detectors, and, optionally, fluorescence detectors, and the number and size of the particles is determined. Particles in the size range of 0.1 to 10 ?m can be measured. Using the device, significantly smaller particles can be detected than if techniques such as EQELS, flow cytometry, and other conventional devices for measuring biological particles.

Abstract: A method and a flow cytometer system in which a light path is aligned to optimally direct light from a light source to a flow cell of a flow cytometer instrument are provided. The flow cytometer may include an orientable mirror disposed in the light path between the light source and the flow cell. By changing an orientation of the mirror through a sequence of different orientations, an optimal orientation of the mirror may be determined, and the mirror may be oriented accordingly before proceeding to conduct a flow cytometry investigation.

Abstract: A system for measuring corrosion and corrosion-erosion rates in a high temperature, high pressure multiphase dynamic environment includes a plurality of ring-shaped test coupons disposed within a test vessel in a vertical arrangement relative to one another. A test fluid mixture is added to the vessel and the temperature and pressure are maintained such that the mixture exists in a multiphase condition that has a vertical stratification such that each test coupon is exposed to a different phase and/or combination of phases of the fluid. Impellers can be used to stir the fluid to provide a dynamic environment. The fluid can include particulate matter to simulate real world test conditions. Separator plates can be disposed at different vertical locations within the vessel to maintain separation between various phases of the fluids and further restrict particulate matter from migrating between sections of the test system.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fault in a robot joint includes the steps of: performing a first torque measurement at the robot joint to thereby obtain a first set of torque values; calculating a first distribution characteristic reflecting a distribution of the first set of torque values; performing a second torque measurement at the robot joint to thereby obtain a second set of torque values; calculating a second distribution characteristic reflecting a distribution of the second set of torque values; and comparing the first and the second distribution characteristics to determine whether a fault is present or not. A difference in the distributions of torque measurements is a robust fault indicator that makes use of the repetitive behavior of the system.

Abstract: An integrated approach for cleaning an active surface of a petrochemical sensor. Sensors in the petrochemical industry are often deployed in locations where they are prone to fouling. By heating the active surface fouling substances may be removed from the active surface. Heating the surface above a supercritical point of a fluid being sensed may create a fluid that may serve to clean the active surface. Limiting the duration of the applied heating and/or pulsing the heating may mitigate adverse effects of use of high temperatures. A doped active surface, such as a doped diamond window may be designed to have conductive areas in the window that may be used for resistive heating of the window.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for measurement devices and methods to obtain physical parameters and thermal images associated with a scene in an integrated manner. In one embodiment, a measurement device includes an infrared (IR) imaging module configured to capture thermal images of a scene; a moisture sensor configured to detect a moisture parameter associated with an external article; a housing configured to be hand-held by a user and at least partially enclosing the IR imaging module; a display fixed relative to the housing and configured to display user-viewable thermal images; and a logic device configured to freeze a user-viewable thermal image on the display, overlay information to indicate a first detection of the moisture parameter onto the frozen user-viewable thermal image on the display, and update the overlaid information to indicate a second detection of the moisture parameter.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a solid component of a reactor feed stream in a polymer production system, comprising (a) measuring a turbidity of the reactor feed stream, wherein the reactor feed stream comprises a solid component of a polymerization catalyst system, and (b) translating the turbidity of the reactor feed stream into a concentration of the solid component in the reactor feed stream. A method of monitoring a solid component of a reactor feed stream in a polymer production system, comprising (a) measuring a turbidity of a precontactor feed stream, wherein the precontactor feed stream comprises a solid component of a polymerization catalyst system, and (b) translating the turbidity of the precontactor feed stream into a concentration of the solid component in a precontactor effluent stream, wherein the precontactor effluent stream comprises the reactor feed stream.

Abstract: An ATR scanning system and a method for positioning a specimen against the reflective surface of an ATR objective are disclosed. The scanning system includes an ATR objective, a controller, a stage, and a height profiler. The controller forms an image of the reflective surface. The stage moves a specimen in a direction toward the reflective surface at a speed determined by the controller. The height profiler measures a minimum distance between the specimen and the reflective surface as the z-axis stage moves the specimen at a first speed. When the specimen is a predetermined distance from the reflective surface of the ATR objective, the controller causes the z-axis stage to move toward the reflective surface at a second speed while forming approach images of the reflective surface to determine if the specimen is in contact with the reflective surface.

Abstract: In a method for creating a digital fluorescent image, the light emitted per pixel from an object plane is converted into a sequence of amplitudes, each of which is associated with one specific measurement time, the sequence of amplitudes is auto-correlated in a manner that is delayed by at least one time offset, and a specific correlation amplitude, from which a total amplitude is determined, is formed for each of the time offsets.

Abstract: A microscopy imaging system is disclosed.

Abstract: An analyte detection package includes a chamber, a surface-enhanced luminescence analyte stage within the chamber, and a tunable lens integrated with the package to focus radiation onto the analyte stage.

Abstract: A portable device for colorimetric or fluorometric analysis comprises a linear array of optically-responsive chemical sensing elements; an image sensor in optical communication with the linear array for determining a spectral response of the optically-responsive chemical sensing elements, where the image sensor comprises at least one light emission source; and electronics connected to the image sensor for analyzing spectral response data. A method of conducting colorimetric or fluorometric analysis comprises exposing a linear array of optically-responsive chemical sensing elements to a fluid comprising an analyte; impinging light on the linear array and detecting a spectral response of the chemical sensing elements; and determining an exposed color of each of the chemical sensing elements.

Abstract: A display system which has: a display device configured to be able to display an image superimposed on a reality space; and a managing device configured to manage the image the display device displays, wherein the display device has a display processor configured to read at least one of a qualified image and a disqualified image for an inspection target existing in the reality space from a memory and to display the read image superimposed on the reality space seen through an optical see-through displayer, on the displayer.

Abstract: A multi-functional precious stone testing apparatus includes a portable housing, a testing unit, and an indication unit. The portable housing includes a hand-held casing and a probe casing extended from a front end of the hand-held casing. The testing unit includes a conductive probe having a testing end portion extended out of a tip end of the probe casing for contacting a testing object to determine a conductivity of the testing object. The indication unit includes a LED light unit received in the hand-held casing for illuminating the testing end portion of the conductive probe during testing, wherein the LED light unit is positioned away from the tip end of the probe casing for preventing heat generated from the LED light unit being transmitted toward the conductive probe to affect an accurate measurement for the conductivity of the testing object.

Abstract: A detection method, an inspection method, a detection apparatus, and an inspection apparatus capable of preventing an error in a luminance unevenness correction and thereby accurately inspecting an object to be inspected are provided. A detection method according to the present disclosure includes illuminating an object to be inspected by using illumination light including pulsed light, acquiring image data of the object to be inspected by concentrating light from the object to be inspected illuminated by the illumination light and detecting the concentrated light by an inspection detector, acquiring image data of a luminance distribution of the illumination light, the luminance distribution being detected by illuminating a correction detector by using part of the illumination light, and detecting inspection image data by correcting the image data of the object to be inspected based on the image data of the luminance distribution.

Abstract: Block-to-block reticle inspection includes acquiring a swath image of a portion of a reticle with a reticle inspection sub-system, identifying a first occurrence of a block in the swatch image and at least a second occurrence of the block in the swath image substantially similar to the first occurrence of the block and determining at least one of a location, one or more geometrical characteristics of the block and a spatial offset between the first occurrence of the block and the at least a second occurrence of the block.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for waste object detection. For example, a waste alert component is configured to emit ultraviolet light towards a waste detection zone, such as a bathroom floor or countertop. If a waste object, such as a paper towel or other object with a fluoresce property, exists within the waste detection zone, then the waste alert component may detect an increase in light due to the waste object fluorescing visible light in response to the ultraviolet light. If the increase in light intensity exceeds a detection threshold, then the waste alert component may provide a waste detection alert that the waste object exists within the waste detection zone (e.g., a message may be sent to a housekeeper that paper towel waste in on the bathroom countertop).

Abstract: A method of inspecting a substrate to be repeatedly treated along a predetermined transfer way in a plurality of kinds of different treatment apparatuses, includes: imaging a substrate that has been treated in one of the treatment apparatuses, to acquire a first substrate image; imaging a substrate that has been an object for imaging the first substrate image and further treated in another treatment apparatus different from the one treatment apparatus after treated in the one treatment apparatus, to acquire a second substrate image; then performing defect inspection, based on the first substrate image and the second substrate image; and identifying, depending on whether or not a defect detected from the second substrate image is not detected from the first substrate image, whether or not the defect is caused by a treatment after the first substrate image is acquired and a treatment before the second substrate image is acquired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for calibration or verification of accuracy specification of a computed tomographic system. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a base structure, a first set of test objects arranged along a first axis and coupled to the base structure, and a second set of test objects arranged along a second axis and coupled to the base structure. The first set of test objects and the second set of test objects have a first geometry. The apparatus can also include a third set of test objects and a fourth set of test objects. The third set of test objects, and the fourth set of test objects have a second geometry different from the first geometry. Locations of the first, second third and fourth set of test objects are spatially fixed with respect to the base structure. The apparatus is a test specimen adapted for calibration or accuracy verification of computed tomography system.

Abstract: Frame data of tomographic planes that are parallel in the scan direction and between an X-ray tube and an X-ray detecting unit is generated based on detected frame data. The generation of frame data is based on the fan-shaped spreading of an X-ray beam and the differences in position in a height direction between the tomographic planes from a detection surface. Tomographic images are respectively generated from the frame data of the tomographic planes based on laminography technique. Edge information based on the changes in pixel values in each tomographic image is calculated for each pixel. A three-dimensional distribution of the edge information is generated and the edge information is searched in a direction passing through the tomographic planes and pixels indicating a maximum value in the edge information are detected. Only pixels in the tomographic images that positionally correspond to detected pixels are combined into a single composite image.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to check a target object highly accurately and quickly. In a sensor having an electromagnetic wave reception region, suitability of portions for capturing an image of a subject which moves fast is heightened as a distance from a center increases in a plan view of a circular profile surface.

Abstract: Using an X-ray diffractometer, a processing device, and memory, a database models estimates of a number of cycles to failure for each of a plurality of materials. The model estimates are performed on the material at a plurality of applied fatigues up to a failure point and are based on parameters including residual stress, the micro-strain, and the ratio between X-Ray peak intensity and background intensity of the component material. To inspect a component, the material of the component is selected in the database, and measurements are obtained at two or more different depths of at least a portion of the component. Information about current residual stress, micro-strain, and ratio between X-Ray peak intensity and background intensity are determined from the obtained measurements. Then, a fatigue life of the portion of the component is estimated by matching the information to at least one of the modelled estimates of the number of cycles to failure in the database for the selected material.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an x-ray diffractometer including a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being rotatably connected to the second arm at a first rotation point. A sample holder is mounted onto the first arm at an outer end of the first arm away from the first rotation point. An X-ray source is configured to emit a divergent X-ray beam so as to irradiate a surface of the sample. The second arm is rotatably connected to the X-ray source at a second rotation points. A detector is configured to detect scattered beams coming from the sample, the detector being rotatably arranged around the first rotation point. A guiding device is provided to guide the sample along a main axis of the X-ray beam thereby varying an angle between the first and second arm.

Abstract: Provided is a sample-analyzing system used for identifying a target sample from its measurement data obtained using a plurality of analyzing devices including at least one device selected from a fluorescent X-ray analyzer, atomic absorption photometer and inductively coupled plasma emission analyzer as well as at least one device selected from an infrared spectrophotometer and Raman spectrophotometer.

Abstract: In a method and a system for authenticating an object marked with XRF marking, a wavelength spectral profile is provided of a detected portion of an X-Ray signal arriving from an object in response to X-Ray or Gamma-Ray radiation applied to the object and the wavelength spectral profile is filtered to suppress trend and periodic components from the wavelength spectral profile to obtain a filtered profile with improved signal to noise or signal to clutter ratio. The object can be authenticated by processing the filtered profile and identifying one or more peaks therein, which satisfy a predetermined condition, whereby the wavelengths of the identified peaks are indicative of the signatures of materials included in the object.

Abstract: A method for analysis of hydrocarbons in water, the method comprising the steps of: extracting the hydrocarbons from a water sample; introducing the extracted hydrocarbons to a solvent system; determining the relative concentrations of the hydrocarbons in the solvent system and at least one solvent in the solvent system by 1H NMR analysis, wherein the solvent system comprises at least one solvent with a 1H NMR signal distinguishable from a 1H NMR signal of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for monitoring excitable cells, such as cardiomyocytes, on microelectrode arrays that couple the electro-stimulation of excitable cells to induce or regulate cardiomyocyte beating and the simultaneous measurement of impedance and extracellular recording to assess changes in cardiomyocyte beating, viability, morphology or electrophysical properties in response to a plurality of treatments.

Abstract: A sensing system includes a sensor and one or more processors. The sensor includes a sensing region in contact with an industrial fluid. The sensing region includes electrodes and a sensing region circuit electrically connected to the electrodes. The sensing region circuit generates an electrical stimulus having multiple different frequencies that are applied to the industrial fluid via the electrodes. The one or more processors receive one or more electrical signals from the sensor representative of an impedance response of the sensing region to the electrical stimulus. The one or more processors analyze the impedance response and determine at least one of a contaminant concentration of an external contaminant in the industrial fluid, an acid concentration of acidic components in the industrial fluid, or a base concentration of basic components in the industrial fluid based on the impedance response.

Abstract: A method for operation of an electronic device and an electronic device are provided. The method includes determining if an object is detected at a first terminal and a second terminal among a plurality of terminals of an ear jack. If the object is detected, the impedance of the second terminal is calculated, and a type of the object is determined according to the calculated impedance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro sensor. Particularly, disclosed is a micro sensor capable of changing a resistance value of a resistance unit connected to a sensor electrode depending on a sensing material, the resistance unit having at least two resistors.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for sensing target materials including biological or chemical molecules in a fluid. One such apparatus includes a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure having an electrically-insulating layer, a fluidic channel supported by the SOI structure and configured and arranged to receive and pass a fluid including the target materials, and a semiconductor device including at least three electrically-contiguous semiconductor regions doped to exhibit a common polarity. The semiconductor regions include a sandwiched region sandwiched between two of the other semiconductor regions, and configured and arranged adjacent to the fluidic channel with a surface directed toward the fluidic channel for coupling to the target materials in the fluidic channel, and further arranged for responding to a bias voltage. The sensing apparatus also includes an amplification circuit in or on the SOI and that is arranged to facilitate sensing of the target material near the fluidic channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a stacked nanofluidic sensor are described. The stacked nanofluidic sensor and methods for forming a nanosheet stack of at least two alternating layers of a first nanosheet material and a second nanosheet material on a substrate. Additionally, a gate structure is formed on the nanosheet stack. Further, nanofluidic channels are formed within the gate structure, including removing each layer of the first nanosheet material within the gate structure to form a channel configured to receive a nanofluidic sample.

Abstract: A method for determination of an unknown analyte using quantitative electrochemical generation of a detectable species, which provides specified quantities of the species, is described. As an example, free chlorine concentration measurements may be performed using N,N-Diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD), or N,N-bis(2,4-di-sulfobenzyl)toluidinetetrasodium salt (SBT), for obtaining an in-situ calibration curve, whereby matrix effects are eliminated.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a content of a sample material is presented. The system includes a fiber sensitized to a first substance, and at least one electrode configured to expose the fiber to an electric field. The system includes an optical sensor configured to detect a displacement of the fiber when the fiber is exposed to the electric field, and a processor configured to use the displacement of the fiber to characterize a content of the sample material.

Abstract: A detection apparatus and a detection method are disclosed. In one aspect, the detection apparatus includes a sampling device for collecting samples to be checked. It further includes a sample pre-processing device configured to pre-process the sample from the sampling device. It further includes a sample analyzing device for separating samples from the pre-processing device and for analyzing the separated samples. The detection apparatus is miniaturized and highly precise, and is capable of quickly and accurately detecting gaseous phase or particulate substances, and it has applications for safety inspections at airports, ports, and subway stations.

Abstract: Methods of detecting carburization, nitriding or chromium depletion in a non- or weakly ferromagnetic test object using a permanent magnet having a magnet pull force equal to or greater than about 75N and measuring either the adhesive force to detach the magnet from the test object or the attractive force in which the magnet is being pulled towards the surface of the test object.