Abstract: Spectroscopic probe light shields coupled to the end of an optical probe improve user safety, reduce unwanted stray light and enhance signal collection from a liquid or gaseous sample. Apertured inner and outer baffles with offset perforations allow a sample to flow through the baffles and past a counter-propagating focused or collimated excitation/collection beam. The spectroscopic probe may be a Raman or fluorescence probe, operating in the UV-visible or mid-IR region of the spectrum. The inner shield may include a retro-reflector to amplify light collection from the sample, or the inner shield may include a light absorber to reduce the intensity of a scattered excitation beam. One or both of the inner and outer shields may be cylindrical, and the apertures in the baffles may be slots, circles or other shapes. The baffle(s) may be adapted for temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent attachment to the distal end of the probe optic.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying repeatability of a spectroscope may verify repeatability of spectrum data, measured by a spectroscope, based on repeatability verification criteria, and control the spectroscope whether or not to remeasure spectrum data.

Abstract: The present disclosure resides in a spectrometer arrangement including a first dispersing element for spectral separation of radiation in a main dispersion direction, and a second dispersing element for spectral separation of radiation in a cross-dispersion direction, which is at an angle to the main dispersion direction, so that a two-dimensional spectrum is producible. The spectrometer arrangement also includes a collimating optics, which directs collimated radiation to the first and/or second dispersing element, a camera optics, which images a two-dimensional spectrum in an image plane, a two-dimensional detector for detecting the two-dimensional spectrum in the image plane, and an off-axis section of a rotationally symmetric, refractive element, which is arranged between the camera optics and the detector. The present disclosure resides likewise in an optical module comprising such a spectrometer arrangement.

Abstract: An optical detector is provided with multiple light sources having distinct spectral characteristics, which are controlled on/off across a range of lighting intensity combinations. A measurement sensor receives radiated light that is reflected from a target surface via confined optical channels, and generates representative output signals. A local controller or a remote computing device receives the output signals or corresponding messages from the optical detector, and generates a low resolution spectral data set based on the signals for each of the lighting intensity combinations. The low resolution spectral data set is interpolated based on machine learning algorithms trained with high resolution data from a reference device to generate a high resolution spectral data set associated with the target surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for Raman spectroscopy and context imaging are disclosed. One or two lasers can be used to excite Raman scattering in a sample, while a plurality of LEDs can illuminate the sample at a different wavelength. The LED light is collected by a lenslet array in order to enable a high depth of field. Focusing of the image can be carried out at specific points of the image by processing the light collected by the lenslet array.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an integrated miniature polarimeter and spectrograph (IMPS) and associated methods for using an IMPS to determine Stokes parameters to describe a source beam. In one embodiment an IMPs is provided comprising a spectropolarimeter module. The spectropolarimeter module comprises a miniature optical bench; a slit component; a birefringent wedge; a dichroic prism; a spectral disperser; and a focal plane array. The slit component, birefringent wedge, dichroic prism, spectral disperser, and focal plane array are mounted to the miniature optical bench such that a beam incident on the slit component will be incident on (1) the birefringent wedge, (2) the dichroic prism, (3) the spectral disperser, and (4) the focal plane array, in that order.

Abstract: A polarimeter includes a Polarization Maintaining (PM) coupler with an input configured to receive input light and split the input light to a first output and a second output; a first PM fiber coupled to the first output; a second PM fiber coupled to the second output; a first polarization device coupled to the first PM fiber; a second polarization device coupled to the second PM fiber; and a plurality of detectors coupled to the first polarization device and the second polarization device, wherein outputs i1, i2, i3, i4 are determined based on outputs of the plurality of detectors, the outputs i1, i2, i3, i4 are linear projections of corresponding Stokes Parameters of the input light.

Abstract: An optical device, operating according to the time-of-flight principle, particularly for obtaining 3D spatial information and/or for detecting polarization-changing materials, comprising: a light-producing device comprising at least one light emitter for emitting light into a spatial area; a light-receiving device comprising at least one light detector that can be, or is, oriented towards the spatial area; a polarisation manipulator comprising at least one first optical modulator for influencing a polarisation of a light passing through the modulator and at least one polarization filter optically connected downstream of the modulator, where the first optical modulator is designed to generate at least three different polarisation states and/or where a superposition device is provided and designed such that at least three polarisation states can be generated, by time-division multiplexing; and an evaluation device for successive evaluation of the at least three polarisation states of the light passing through t

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring temperature of turbine blades, including: a radiation collection device, a data processing module; a master control unit (MCU); a calibration module; and a motion servo. The radiation collection device includes a scan reflector, a collimator lens, a first dichroic mirror, a first focus lens, a visible and near-infrared (VNIR) detector, a second dichroic mirror, a second focus lens, a short-wave infrared (SWIR) detector, a third focus lens, and a medium-wave infrared (MWIR) detector. The calibration module includes a calibration reflection mirror and a blackbody furnace. The scan reflector, the collimator lens, the first dichroic mirror, the second dichroic mirror, the third focus lens, and the MWIR detector are disposed successively along a first optical axis; the first dichroic mirror, the first focus lens, and the VNIR detector are disposed successively along a second optical axis that is perpendicular to the first optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual efficacy measuring method for objects in different light environments, which comprises: (a) setting a light environment; (b) measuring a relationship between color temperature and time; (c) a driver visually recognizing a target object; (d) resetting the light environment, and repeating the step (c); (e) processing the visual recognition information data collected by the experiments so as to establish a relationship of the visual recognition time in relation with the light environmental parameters of color temperature, color rendering index and brightness; (f) performing visual efficacy analysis according to the processing results of the visual recognition information data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement and to a method for wavefront analysis comprising a radiation source (8) that emits an electromagnetic wavefront of electromagnetic radiation (1) to be analyzed; a spatially resolving detector unit (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) for detecting the electromagnetic wavefront; and an electronic evaluation unit (5, 7) connected to the detector unit (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The at least one beam guidance unit (3) for guiding the electromagnetic radiation (1), that is only diffractive and/or reflective, has at least one opening (3a, 3b, 3c) and the detector unit (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) is arranged behind the at least one opening (3a, 3b, 3c) of the beam guidance unit (3) in the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic radiation (1) for detecting a diffraction pattern of the electromagnetic radiation (1) diffracted at the at least one opening (3a, 3b, 3c).

Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.

Abstract: A system for obtaining temperature measurements. The system includes a photoluminescent target. The photoluminescent target includes a photoluminescent coating and a thermally conductive skeleton. The photoluminescent coating, when exposed to excitation light received from an interrogation unit, reemits light in a temperature-dependent manner, and the interrogation unit obtains a temperature measurement based on the reemitted light. The thermally conductive skeleton structure is configured to establish an even temperature distribution across the photoluminescent target, and to provide a support matrix for the photoluminescent coating that surrounds the skeleton structure. The photoluminescent target thermally interfaces with a target body from which the temperature measurement is to be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch type thermometer containing a polymer that can be phase changed from a solid phase to a liquid phase. The patch type thermometer provided in an aspect of the present invention demonstrates high precision since it does not include conductive particles which have been a reason of disadvantage of the conventional temperature sensor, and has the effect of no temperature deviation in repeated temperature measurements because it is composed of such a single polymer material that is phase changed in a specific temperature range so that the polymer material can be reversibly changed in the volume and shape.

Abstract: A safety circuit for temperature tripping with redundancy is disclosed. The safety circuit comprises a first temperature evaluation module comprising a first input arranged to receive a first input signal derived from a temperature by means of a temperature-dependent element; the first temperature evaluation module further comprising a first output arranged to provide a first output signal corresponding to said determined first temperature state. The safety circuit further comprises a second temperature evaluation module comprising a second input arranged to receive a second input signal derived from said temperature by means of said temperature-dependent element, the second input signal being different from said first input signal; the second temperature evaluation module further comprising a second output arranged to provide a second output signal corresponding to said determined second temperature state.

Abstract: A strain gauge sensor includes a substrate, at least one resistor comprising a magnetoresistive material on the substrate. The magnetoresistive material exhibits a magnetostriction coefficient ? that is greater than or equal to () |2| parts per million (ppm) and an anisotropic magnetoresistance effect with an anisotropic magnetoresistance of greater than or equal to () 2% ? R/R. The strain gauge sensor consists of a single layer of the magnetoresistive material. At least a first contact to the resistor provides a sensor input and a second contact to the resistor provides a sensor output.

Abstract: A printed stretchable strain sensor is provided. The printed stretchable strain sensor has a stretchable substrate and a composite ink coupled to a surface of the stretchable substrate to form a strain-sensitive conductive structure. The composite ink includes both a nanowire and a metal flake. The capability of the fabricated strain sensor, printed in two design configurations: straight line and wavy line, was investigated by studying its electro-mechanical response towards varying elongations of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm.

Abstract: A high-precision fiber Bragg grating dislocation sensor, including a fiber Bragg grating, a loose tube, a tension spring, a sliding rod, a positioning piece, a sheath, a stainless steel tube, a transmission rod and a fastener. The sliding rod, the tension spring, the positioning piece, the fiber Bragg grating and the sheath are connected in series, and are provided in the precision stainless steel tube successively. The mechanism of the dislocation sensor is that an elastic force, converted from the local uneven settlement of the settlement joint, is applied on the bare fiber Bragg grating, so that the bare fiber Bragg grating suffers an axial stress and a strain is generated by itself, and the central wavelength of the fiber Bragg grating is further changed, allowing for the monitoring of settlement.

Abstract: A stretchable multimode sensor and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The stretchable multimode sensor may include a substrate which is formed of a flexible material and includes a pressure sensor area, an optical sensor area, a temperature sensor area and a switching element area, a pressure sensor which is disposed on the pressure sensor area and includes an amorphous metal, an optical sensor which is disposed on the optical sensor area and includes an amorphous metal, and a temperature sensor which is disposed on the temperature sensor area and includes an amorphous metal, and a switching element which is disposed on the switching element area and includes an amorphous metal.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetizing a ferromagnetic element is disclosed. Electrodes are positioned on opposite surfaces of the ferromagnetic element and a current is applied to the electrodes, resulting in the formation of a magnetically conditioned region on the ferromagnetic element. Magnetic field sensors may be placed proximate the magnetically conditioned region. Output signals from the magnetic field sensors may be indicative of a load or torque applied to the ferromagnetic element.

Abstract: A temperature management apparatus comprising: a temperature management furnace having a space in which an article placed and for which temperature management is carried out; rod members that include magnetic material; opposing members that respectively oppose portions of the lateral sides of the rod members and include magnetic material; drive apparatuses, which rotates the rod members around the central axis axes thereof and changes the relative positions of the rod members and the respective opposing members; and a coupling degradation monitoring unit 301 for predicting or detecting degradation in the respective coupling between the rod members and the respective opposing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement transducer feed device for process automation technology that is configured for the energy supply of a measurement transducer and for forwarding measurement signals of the measurement transducer to a control unit, wherein the measurement transducer feed device has at least two connecting contacts that are configured for coupling the measurement transducer feed device to the control unit, with a current loop being formed between the two connecting contacts, and with the current loop comprising a power tap that is configured to supply the measurement transducer with electrical energy. The measurement transducer feed device is characterized in that the current loop comprises a current regulation module that is connected or connectable in series to the power tap and to the measurement transducer.

Abstract: A load measuring device is provided with load sensor, data logger, and measurement start switch on body. When switch section is pressed down by a suction nozzle, load sensor outputs detection voltage to data logger in accordance with the size of the pressing load. Data logger records detection voltage for a specified time only from the time it starts receiving high level start recording signal from measurement start switch. By this, data logger does not record detection voltage until high level start recording signal is received from measurement start switch, thus does not incorrectly record vibrations and the like during conveyance as the load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force measurement device that includes mechanical amplification of linear elastic deformation along the axis of loading by estimating the quasi-linear incremental displacement between two points on arcs inscribed due to angular movements of a pair of cantilever arms located on opposite quadrants on a closed contour load sensing element to improve the sensitivity, and hence the resolution, of the force measurement device.

Abstract: A pressure measure sheet having a sheet shape and having a pressure measure surface, the pressure measure sheet being adapted to be arranged on a surface of a measured object, includes: a plurality of pressure measure ports provided through the pressure measure surface; at least one connection port adapted to be connected to a side of a pressure measure device; and a coupler part including a plurality of through-tubes penetrating the plurality of pressure measure ports and the at least one connection port, in which the pressure measure sheet includes a region in which the plurality of through-tubes are arrayed in nonparallel.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system includes a pressure transducer, a pressure manifold, and a heater assembly. The pressure transducer is configured to measure pressures at one or more locations of a vehicle engine. The pressure manifold is configured to cover a face of the pressure transducer and provide an interface for transferring air or gas generated at the one or more locations of the vehicle engine. The heater assembly is configured to heat one or more portions of the pressure transducer and one or more portions of the pressure manifold and maintain a temperature of each of the pressure transducer and the pressure manifold above a predetermined temperature level.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a pressure sensor of an SCR system between a delivery pump and a dosing valve, with which the delivery pump is switched off during a switch-off phase of the SCR system and a pressure (pm) measured by the pressure sensor is detected at least during a section of the switch-off phase in which the delivery pump is switched off, and the adjustment of the pressure sensor is carried out by using the measured pressure (pm) as the reference pressure for the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A wheel clamping system, for reversibly clamping a motor vehicle wheel with a rim onto a wheel servicing machine, includes a handle for acting on a rim of the wheel mounted on a rotatable spindle. The handle has a coupling surface for engaging with clamping jaws of a pull rod when the clamping jaws are open. The handle includes a force detecting device for determining an amount of force exerted by the handle on the rim of the wheel, and a signal emitter operatively connected to the force detecting device. The signal emitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to a signal receiver of the wheel balancer operatively connected to an actuator causing axial movement of the pull rod when the determined amount of force reaches a predefined threshold, such that the actuator is actuated and the wheel clamping system performs a reversible clamping operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the root mean square value of a vibration variable that is measured on a machine. A test measurement is carried out in order to obtain a test signal of the vibration variable with a test signal length; the influence of shortening the signal length of the test signal on the associated root mean square value is estimated and the relative deviation of the root mean square value emerging for a shortened signal length from the root mean square value emerging for the full test signal length is estimated therefrom as a function of the signal length to obtain a root mean square value error function; and a measurement of the vibration variable is carried out for determining the root mean square value. The measurement duration of this measurement is selected on the basis of the root mean square value error function.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of monitoring a structural object includes performing a first set of radar measurements using a first millimeter-wave radar sensor to produce a first set of radar data, extracting a first interferometric phase from the first set of radar measurements, and determining a structural integrity of the structural object based on the extracted first interferometric phase.

Abstract: A vibration testing system (VTS) including a vibration testing apparatus, which includes a power amplifier operatively coupled to an electrodynamic shaker. The shaker includes a vibrateable armature mechanically coupled to a payload support structure. A data logger measures and records respective values of operational parameters of the shaker over time during mechanical excitation of the payload. A controller of the VTS reads and processes logged values of the operational parameters and determines an accumulated number of armature force cycles based on the recorded values of the operational parameters. The controller computes a remaining service-life or a consumed service life of the electrodynamic shaker based on the accumulated number of armature force cycles and a predetermined service-life of the vibration testing apparatus. The controller indicates on a display of the VTS the remaining service-life or the consumed service life of the vibration testing apparatus.

Abstract: Wind tunnel test stand for motor vehicles convertible into multiple configurations including a one-belt, three-belt and/or five-belt configuration. The wind tunnel test stand includes force sensors for sensing forces between a weighing platform and a test stand frame, a belt unit with a conveyor belt, and a carriage accommodating at least one belt unit, where the carriage is supported relatively movably with respect to the test stand frame in X- and Y-directions.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a method of measuring optical parameters of a polarizer and a measuring device. The polarizer includes a compensation film and a PVA layer. The measuring method includes the following steps. In the first state, providing an incident linearly polarized light sequentially to pass through the compensation film and the PVA layer, acquiring a first measurement parameter and a second measurement parameter when the brightness of the light emitted from the polarizer is lowest and is highest. In the second state, providing the incident linearly polarized light sequentially to pass through the PVA layer and the compensation film, acquiring a third measurement parameter and a fourth measurement parameter when the brightness of the light emitted from the polarizer is lowest and is highest; and acquiring optical parameters of the compensation film and/or the PVA layer in the polarizer according to one or more of the above measurement parameters.

Abstract: An inspection device of an optical fiber unit, including a plurality of binding materials wound in an SZ shape on a plurality of optical fibers, includes: a measurement sensor that measures a width of the optical fiber units in a first direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction in which the optical fiber unit extends; and a determination circuit that determines a presence or an absence of an abnormality in a binding state, based on a measurement result of the measurement sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and/or method for performing single-shot network analysis of electrical, electronic and electro-optical elements (e.g., components, circuits, modules, sub-systems and/or systems) on a device, or devices, under test (DUT). A pulsed optical source is directed through a first dispersion element to an modulator, while a delayed version of the pulsed optical source is directed to the DUT (pulsed optical source converted to electrical signal if DUT has electrical input), whose electrical output is fed to the modulator whose modulated optical pulse output is stretched through a second optical dispersion element, then converted to an electrical signal and processed to provide analysis and/or display of DUT response.

Abstract: A method for estimating parameters of a DC machine by the least-squares method is performed by a computer system. The method includes establishing a transient model of the DC machine; expressing discrete values of the terminal voltage, the armature current and the rotational speed of the DC machine by the polynomial regression after the DC machine is started; obtaining estimated values of an armature resistance, an armature inductance and a back electromotive force constant by the least-squares method; calculating a torque based on the back electromotive force constant and the armature current; obtaining estimated values of a moment of inertia and a viscous friction coefficient by the least-squares method; and outputting the estimated values of the armature resistance, the armature inductance, the back electromotive force constant, the moment of inertia and the viscous friction coefficient.

Abstract: A system for sampling of plant product is provided that comprises a mobile platform, at least one primary bin, and a harvesting subsystem connected to the mobile platform. The harvesting subsystem harvests the plant product as the system traverses a plot and projects it across the length of the primary bin(s) against a back wall of the primary bin(s), whereby the separated plant products collides with the back wall and falls into the primary bin. The system additionally includes at least one sample volumizer connected to the back wall of each primary bin. Each sample volumizer has a specified fixed volume and receives and collects a sample of the plant product, wherein each collected sample collected has the specified fixed volume. The system further includes at least one sample receiving subsystem structured and operable to receive and collect a sample from a respective sample volumizer.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue slicing device having a first motor, a filling assembly, a filter, a pipe, and a cutter. The filling assembly includes a tube and a piston rod movably inserted through the tube. One end of the piston rod abuts against the first motor. The filter is located at an end of the tube opposite the first motor. The pipe is located at a common side of the first motor and the filling assembly, and includes a nozzle located at an end of the pipe and proximal to an end of the filter opposite the filling assembly. The cutter is proximal to the filter. The guiding body is located at the end of the tube opposite the first motor. Provided is an apparatus having the tissue slicing device, such that manpower and time can be saved, and the tissue slicing degree can be unified.

Abstract: An atmosphere sampling system includes: an unmanned rotary-wing aircraft platform including: an airframe capable of lifting a selected payload mass; at least one motorized rotor; and, a flight control system including an on-board controller; an atmosphere sampling unit having a total mass no greater than the selected payload mass, and including: a blower preferably having backward-facing blades, an inlet structure to draw in air to be sampled, and an outlet to discharge air after sampling; a plurality of sample containers; and, an indexing mechanism to move selected sample containers, one at a time, into contact with the inlet structure so that samples may be collected; and, a power supply with sufficient capacity to operate the motorized rotor(s), the onboard portion of the flight controller, the blower, and the indexing system.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a process solution is provided. In this method, a process solution is disposed on a surface of a substrate. A liquid of the process solution is removed to form an inspection sample by a spinning method. The surface of the substrate of the inspection sample is inspected by the surface inspection device to identify whether a residue of the process solution is left on the surface of the substrate after removing the liquid of the process solution. Further, an apparatus for inspecting a process solution and a sample preparation apparatus in inspection are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preparing a layer of biological cells on a deposition surface of a slide, the device including a body provided with a channel, the body including a first end forming an inlet tip intended to enter inside a container containing a biological liquid, closed by a cap and a second end forming a depositing tip intended to deposit a drop of the liquid on the deposition surface, the second end including a spreader with a blade arranged in a plane forming an angle of inclination ? with the plane of the deposition surface and elastic return interposed between the blade and the second end.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method for retrieving at least one molecular recognition element in a fixed tissue. In some embodiments the method comprises preparing a solution comprising at least one aldehyde-scavenging agent. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting the fixed tissue with the solution. In some embodiments, the tissue is fixed with an aldehyde-based cross-linking agent. In some embodiments, a reaction of the aldehyde-scavenging agent with the aldehydes comprising the cross-linking agent retrieves the at least one molecular recognition element. In some embodiments, the at least one molecular recognition element comprises of amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A direct method for manufacturing a large model fractured core and maintaining original oil-water saturation, including the following steps: (1) determining the volume V, porosity ?, permeability K, oil saturation So, water saturation Sw and the like of a fractured core to be manufactured; (2) preparing simulated oil, and determining the used oil mass mo=Vo×?o; (3) under the circumstance of no consideration of oil saturation, acquiring the mass of the used water, cement and quartz sand; (4) while establishing oil saturation, acquiring the mass mw of water for manufacturing the core as mw=a?Vo×?w; (5) mixing oil, water and an emulsifier evenly to prepare an oil-in-water emulsion; (6) adding cement and quartz sand into the emulsion and stirring evenly to obtain cement slurry; (7) when a cement sample is in a semi-solidified state, cutting the cement sample with a steel wire; and (8) solidifying the cement sample to the end.

Abstract: A method of extracting an analyte from a sample is described. The sample is added to a sample container. A liquid solvent and a gas are added into the sample container. The addition of the gas is controlled to establish an elevated pressure within the sample container. The liquid solvent is heated to an elevated temperature that is below the boiling temperature of the liquid solvent at the elevated pressure. A type of gas is used that does not transition to a supercritical fluid at the elevated temperature and pressure used in the extraction process. The analyte can dissolve from the solid sample into the liquid solvent. Next, at least a portion of the liquid solvent containing the dissolved analyte can be removed from the sample container for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: There is a method of making a tubular specimen with a predetermined wrinkle defect including providing a layup tool with a cavity forming member having a cavity which resembles a desired shape of the at least one wrinkle; orienting a composite material around the mandrel at a wrap angle to form a closed loop; positioning a wrinkle tool on the closed loop; and/or generating at least one wrinkle with a predetermined characteristic in a portion of the closed loop to form a tubular specimen. The predetermined characteristic is at least one of the following: wrinkle location, an outward wrinkle, an inward wrinkle, a wrinkle width, a wrinkle height, and a wrinkle length. In another aspect, there is a method of offset load testing a tubular composite specimen. In a third aspect, there is a method of determining allowable defects for a composite component.

Abstract: Methods to accurately determine the maximum bending moment Mb for a spot weld are provided. The methods include subjecting a test coupon including a spot weld, to a coach peel test and monitoring the test coupon using digital image correlation in order to determine the bending moment arm length at peak force. The bending moment arm length at peak force is multiplied by the peak force value to provide an accurate maximum bending moment for the spot weld. The calculated maximum bending moment Mb is used in a combined force based spot weld failure calculation to predict failure of a spot weld under a combined loading condition.

Abstract: A closed-loop control method based on a testing machine for accurately controlling the loosening of a bolt transverse load is disclosed. The testing machine for accurately controlling the loosening of the transverse load comprises a load generating motor, a load transfer mechanism, a load control motor and a load control mechanism. The control method of the present invention controls the load generating motor to drive the load transfer mechanism based on control commands, displacement signals collected by the displacement sensor and force signals collected by an S-shaped column type pressure sensor. The testing machine for the looseness of the bolt transverse load is essential in the aspect of exploring a looseness law of a bolt, and can be used to simulate load bearing conditions of the bolt. However, under the condition that some bolts bear constant force load transversely, the testing machine is not used or is inaccurate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the accuracy and precision of drop impact sensing data utilized for testing the impact-absorbing capacities of surfaces, especially playground surfaces used by children, for compliance with relevant standards. A head form missile is equipped with onboard sets of high-g and low-g accelerometers for timing a period of free-fall of the missile, as well as for measuring acceleration due to impact at the end of the fall. Optimized results are obtained in a preferred embodiment by exploiting at least four accelerometers. Three of the accelerometers are sized for “high-g” measurements in each axis (X-, Y-, and Z-axes). At least one “low-g” accelerometer for (measuring in the Z-axis), or three accelerometers sized for “low-g” measurements in all axis (X-, Y- and Z-axes) are employed. Accelerometer readings obtained during the “zero g” free-fall period is used to cancel bias drift on all accelerometers.

Abstract: The invention refers to an in vitro method and apparatus for analysing the behaviour of substances in simulated physiological environment. The method comprises the steps of providing a first fluid, a gel matrix and a second fluid, separating the first fluid and the gel matrix by at least one first semi-permeable membrane and separating the gel matrix and the second fluid by at least one second semi-permeable membrane. The method further comprises the steps of injecting a substance into the first fluid, letting the substance migrate from the first fluid through the at least one first semi-permeable membrane, through the gel matrix, through the at least one second semi-permeable membrane and into the second fluid, and determining clearance of the substance from the first fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting engine performance are provided herein. A fluid sample having particles suspended therein is received from a first engine. A plurality of particles are extracted from the fluid sample. Features of the plurality of particles extracted from the fluid sample and features of particles of reference fluid samples from a plurality of reference engines are obtained. A plurality of correlation indices indicative of a level of correlation between the first engine and each one of the plurality of reference engines is determined. The correlation indices are compared to a threshold to determine a subset of the plurality of reference engines. Performance history for the engines in the subset is obtained. From the performance history, the first engine is determined as having a similarity in performance with the engines in the subset. An output is generated indicating a predicted performance for the first engine.