Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed. The sensor device includes a monitor thin film transistor, a reference thin film transistor, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine a value measured from a sample based on a differential degree between output current of the reference thin film transistor and output current of the monitor thin film transistor.

Abstract: Provided is a gas sensor system with a gas sensor, and a microprocessor programmed to control the gas sensor with at least two operational modes. The first operational mode controls the gas sensor from a baseline level through analyte detection. Upon initiation of the recovery phase after analyte withdrawal, the gas sensor system switches to the second operational mode, which changes conditions of the gas sensor to (i) accelerate removal of the analyte from the gas sensor and (ii) accelerate recovery of the gas sensor output towards the baseline level. When no further analyte is detected, the gas sensor switches back to the first operational mode or to an additional operational mode to complete recovery.

Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein relate to an electrochemical gas sensor. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a sensor cap having one or more solid features disposed on a surface of the sensor cap. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a counter electrode configured to generate a gas during use of the electrochemical gas sensor. The electrochemical gas sensor can include a vent assembly adapted to release at least a portion of the gas generated at the counter electrode out from the electrochemical gas sensor. The vent assembly can include a vent conduit and a vent membrane that defines a passage for the gas to flow from an extended portion of the counter electrode, to the vent conduit, via the vent membrane, so as to be vented from the electrochemical gas sensor.

Abstract: Nanozymes capped with a radical-scavenging capping agent are disclosed for use in biosensing assays with improved sensitivity. The radical-scavenging capping agent facilitates the capture and retention of one or more radicals for enhancing a catalytic reaction. In some example embodiments, the nanozyme capped by the radical-scavenging capping agent is capable of catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or molecular oxygen. The capped nanozymes may be incorporated with an electrode, such as the working electrode of an electrochemical sensor, for achieving enhanced catalytic activity and a lower limit of detection. In some example embodiments, the radical-scavenging capping agent is or includes thiocyanate.

Abstract: A photo-interruptor unit includes a photo-interruptor and a supporting portion to detachably support the photo-interruptor. The supporting portion includes a hole which is formed on an attaching surface and through which a hook portion is inserted, and a guide portion to protrude from the attaching surface and guide the hook portion so that it deforms in a deformation direction when the photo-interruptor is moved in a movement direction intersecting an insertion direction. A regulating portion protrudes from the attaching surface and forms continuously with the guide portion to regulate a position in the movement direction of the photo-interruptor. The guide portion includes a first rib portion and a second rib portion that oppose one another in the deformation direction, and a distance between the first rib portion and the second rib portion in the deformation direction narrows toward a downstream direction of the movement direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems for measuring pH. In particular, the present invention relates to a continuous flow system having one or more solid state pH sensors positioned within a fluid pathway of the system to provide continuous pH measurement.

Abstract: Flexible transistors and electronic circuits incorporating the transistors are provided. The flexible transistors promote heat dissipation from the active regions of the transistors while preserving their mechanical flexibility and high-frequency performance. The transistor designs utilize thru-substrate vias (TSVs) beneath the active regions of thin-film type transistors on thin flexible substrates. To promote rapid heat dissipation, the TSVs are coated with a material having a high thermal conductivity that transfers heat from the active region of the transistor to a large-area ground.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to conduct a zero calibration even though an interference gas exists in a measurement area of a detector, a light absorbance analysis apparatus includes a detector that detects an intensity of light that transmits a gas, a total pressure sensor that measures a total pressure of the gas, an absorbance calculating part that calculates an absorbance based on an output value of the detector and a previously set zero reference value, a partial pressure—absorbance relation storing part that stores a partial pressure—absorbance relational data that indicates a relationship between a partial pressure of an interference gas that exists in a measurement area of the detector and an absorbance calculated by the absorbance calculating part, and a partial pressure calculating part that calculates an interference gas partial pressure as a partial pressure of the interference gas.

Abstract: A potentiostat circuit for controlling a work electrode voltage and for measuring a work electrode current is disclosed. The disclosed potentiostat circuit implementations have a topology and include elements to provide a plurality of benefits. The plurality of benefits includes an enlarged range of controllable work electrode voltages and bidirectional work electrode current measurements, high immunity from temperatures variations and process mismatch. The disclosed potentiostat circuit implementations can be used in applications requiring accuracy, low power consumption, and small size. The applications can include portable and/or multichannel electrochemical applications.

Abstract: A tactile sensor including a first insulating layer, an intermediate layer of conductive soft polymer material, and a second insulating layer. The intermediate layer includes first and second electrically conductive strips located therein and the intermediate layer is positioned above the first insulating layer. The first and second electrically conductive strips are located within the same horizontal plane within the intermediate layer and the first and second electrically conductive strips are connected to an impedance measuring device.

Abstract: A three-electrode array local electrochemical information testing system and a testing method, the testing system comprising: a concentric ring three-electrode array, a high-speed switch and an electrochemical workstation, which are electrically connected in sequence; the concentric ring three-electrode array comprises a plurality of concentric ring three-electrode units, adjacent concentric ring three-electrode units being separated by an insulating material; a concentric ring three-electrode unit comprises a ring-shaped auxiliary electrode, a solid-state reference electrode and a wire-shaped working electrode; the ring-shaped auxiliary electrode and the solid-state reference electrode are both formed in an ring-shaped shape; the wire-shaped working electrode is located within the solid-state reference electrode, the wire-shaped working electrode being separated from the solid-state reference electrode by means of the insulating material; the solid-state reference electrode is located within the ring-shaped

Abstract: The invention provides the present invention provides a faecal detection sensor for an absorbent article. The sensor includes a faeces-sensitive material that reacts to the presence of a constituent of faecal matter, wherein the sensor exhibits an electrical property that changes following the reaction of the faeces-sensitive material. In embodiments of the invention the faeces sensitive material is a material that reacts due to the presence of a sulfur-containing compound in faecal matter, such as metallic faeces-sensitive materials, or is a material that reacts with a faecal enzyme and/or other constituents of faecal matter, such as organic faeces-sensitive materials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for amplifying selected polynucleotides, including DNA and RNA, particularly in multiplex amplification reactions using common primers amplification. Generally, methods of the invention employ multiple steps such as template-specific hybridization, a linear amplification, partial degradation of nucleic acid, and ligation. At the end of the process the sequences of selected polynucleotides are flanked by the common sequences which can be used for exponential amplification using common primers. In some aspects the polynucleotides are associated with a barcode and the presence of the barcode is detected to measure the amount of the polynucleotide.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes a housing comprising a gas inlet, an electrolyte within the housing, a working electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte, a counter electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte and a secondary electrode in ionic contact with the electrolyte. Reaction of target gas at the secondary electrode is less than reaction of target gas at the working electrode. Electronic circuitry of the gas sensor is configured to measure an output from the working electrode and an output from the at least one secondary electrode. A correction factor is determined for correcting the output from the working electrode on the basis of the working electrode output and the secondary electrode output during an assessment in which the electrochemical sensor is exposed to the target gas for a determined period of time.

Abstract: A voltage application detection unit detects an impedance of an oxygen sensor, which outputs a signal corresponding to a concentration of oxygen, based on a current change amount in the oxygen sensor caused by application of a voltage to the oxygen sensor. A current application detection unit detects the impedance based on a voltage change amount generated across the oxygen sensor caused by application of a current to the oxygen sensor. A detection switching unit switches between the voltage application detection unit and the current application detection unit to detect the impedance based on a state of the oxygen sensor.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided having a housing with an opening therein. The housing defines a chamber. The sensor includes a primary cell having a primary working electrode aligned with the opening in the housing so that the primary working electrode is exposed to an environment outside of the chamber. A primary counter electrode is sealed within the chamber. The sensor includes a secondary cell having a secondary working electrode sealed within the chamber, and a secondary counter electrode sealed within the chamber.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a microfluidic channel including an electrode placed at opposite ends of the microfluidic channel to create an electrical field within the channel and an ejection device to eject at least one cell porated within the electrical field. A cassette may include a substrate, a die coupled to the substrate, a microfluidic channel defined within the die, the microfluidic channel including a necked portion to receive a cell therein and at least two electrodes each placed at a first and a second end of the microfluidic channel to apply an electric field to the cell above a proration threshold and a cell ejection device to eject the cell from the die.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for diagnostic purposes, and particularly point-of-care diagnostic purposes, is capable of detecting quorum sensing molecules, such as AHL, within a biological sample with high precision. The device includes at least one reference electrode (RE), at least one counter electrode (CE), and two or more working electrodes (WEs). Each working electrode differs from the other working electrode(s) with respect to at least one of the following characteristics: surface area, size, material, and coating. The device also has a sample receiving area for receiving a biological sample, wherein the electrodes and the sample receiving area is fluidly connected, and a means for transferring the sample to the electrodes for measurement, and a means for displaying a result of the measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a glass electrode including an analyte-sensitive glass membrane, an electrically conductive lead, and an intermediate layer which conductively connects the lead and the glass membrane to one another. According to the present disclosure, the intermediate layer is made of an electron- and/or ion-conducting polymer.

Abstract: The systems and methods of this disclosure enable evaluation, verification, and testing of toxic gas sensors without the need for a target gas cylinder. The systems and methods for testing toxic gas sensors over a broad range of frequencies facilitates evaluation and diagnosis of mechanisms underlying sensor performance. The systems and methods of this disclosure may be incorporated into portable gas sensing equipment for in field diagnostics.

Abstract: A gas sensor element including: a first ceramic layer (300) including a solid electrolyte (320); a pair of electrode portions (330) and (333) at least partially disposed on opposing surfaces of the solid electrolyte; a support member (341) surrounding a part of an outer peripheral edge of at least one electrode portion (330) of the pair of electrode portions and having a notch (341N), a part of the electrode portion extending in the notch; and a second ceramic layer (242) disposed on a side where the at least one electrode portion (330) is present, so as to be in contact with a surface of the support member, the gas sensor element being obtained by stacking the first ceramic layer (300), the support member (341) and the second ceramic layer (242), wherein the second ceramic layer covers at least a part of the notch.

Abstract: Devices that include a substrate; a source region and a drain region formed within the substrate and having a channel region provided therebetween; a first insulating layer formed over the channel region; a first floating gate formed over the first insulating layer, the first floating gate configured to respond to an analyte in a target material; and a second gate formed over the first floating gate, the second gate capacatively coupled but not electrically connected to the first floating gate.

Abstract: An actuating and sensing module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an actuating device and a sensor. A gas flow channel is formed by stacking the first substrate and the second substrate. The gas inlet, the gas flow channel and the gas outlet are in communication with each other to define a gas flow loop. The actuating device is disposed in the gas inlet of the second substrate and electrically connected to a control circuit to obtain a driving power. The sensor is disposed in the gas flow loop and electrically connected to a control circuit of the first substrate to transmit sensed data. While the actuating device drives outside gas from the outside, the gas is transported into the gas flow loop and sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor system including devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including amperometric and voltammetric duty cycles of excitations and relaxations may provide a shorter analysis time and/or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. The disclosed system may reduce analysis errors, thus improving measurement performance, by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The disclosed system also may determine the concentration of more than one ionizable species in the sample by adjusting the potential and/or scan rate in response to output currents obtained from voltammetric scans. The multiple, determined concentrations may be used to determine the concentration of multiple analytes or to correct the concentration determined for an analyte, thus improving the measurement performance of the system.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for measuring a process variable includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable and provide a sensor output. Measurement circuitry receives the sensor output and provides a measured output related to the process variable. Output circuitry provides a device output on a two-wire process control loop based upon the measured output. The output circuitry has a transfer function that is a function of an adjustable analog circuit component. A motorized actuator is configured to adjust the adjustable analog circuit component to thereby change the transfer function of the output circuitry. An optional calibration controller is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to components prepared by additive manufacturing (AM) methods, along with methods of preparing such components by AM. More especially, there is provided a process for the production of a component of an ignition device using an AM method by forming a layer of metal or alloy on a surface of a metal or alloy substrate; fusing the layer to the substrate; and repeating the addition of such layers upon one another to form a deposited metal or alloy attachment on the substrate.

Abstract: A measurement circuit may include a transistor having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a first reference voltage. The measurement circuit may further include a first operational amplifier including a first input coupled to the second terminal of the transistor and an output coupled to the third terminal of the transistor. The first operational amplifier may further include a second input configured to receive a second reference voltage. The measurement circuit may also include a first unity-gain voltage follower including a second operational amplifier having a first input coupled to the first input of the first operational amplifier. Methods of measuring a threshold voltage, semiconductor devices, and electronic systems are also described.

Abstract: A system includes a system housing including an inlet, at least one gas sensor responsive to a first analyte gas other than oxygen within the system housing and in fluid connection with the inlet, and a sensor responsive to oxygen within the system housing and in fluid connection with the inlet. The sensor responsive to oxygen is formed to be chemically separate from the at least one gas sensor responsive to the first analyte gas other than oxygen. The sensor responsive to oxygen is responsive to a change in the concentration of oxygen arising from creation of a driving force in the vicinity of the inlet to provide an indication of a state of a transport path between the inlet of the system and the at least one gas sensor responsive to the first analyte gas other than oxygen.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a first portion having a first material and a first interface surface. A second portion having a second material that is different than the first material is included. The second portion has a second interface surface that is connected to the first interface surface of the first portion. A method of manufacturing an apparatus is described. The method includes adhering a first portion of the apparatus to a second portion of the apparatus to create a combined portion. After adhering the first portion of the apparatus to the second portion of the apparatus to create the combined portion, the combined portion of the apparatus is treated.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation and/or conversion system and method wherein an electrical power generator is controlled to periodically alternate between a contact-mode, during which elements of the generator are brought into contact to induce a state of charging, and a non-contact mode, during which plates of the generator are separated from one another and electrical energy is generated through electrostatic induction. Timing and duration of contact and non-contact modes are controlled by a controller, or by user commands, in dependence on a charge state of the elements of the generator: In this way elements are controlled to come into contact only when surface charge has fallen below a certain level, and re-charging is necessary; contact time between the elements may hence be minimised—thereby minimising incurred noise and surface wear—whilst still maintaining a given desired threshold power output.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor may include a common reference electrode, at least one counter electrode, and a work electrode platform including a plurality of respective work electrodes. Each respective work electrode of the plurality of respective work electrodes may be electrically coupled to the common reference electrode and include a respective reagent substrate configured to react with a respective analyte to produce a signal indicative of a concentration of the respective analyte.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing gaseous chemicals includes a substrate, a variable resistance nanocrystalline ITO thin film formed on the substrate, and electrodes electrically coupled to the thin film. A sensor array assembly includes a sensor slide and a perforated interface circuit. The interface circuit abuts and electrically couples the sensor slide. The sensor slide includes several spaced apart ITO film strips formed on a slide substrate. A common electrode is electrically coupled to a common portion of each ITO film strip providing an electrically conductive path across the common portions of each of the plurality of spaced apart ITO film strips. A discrete electrode is electrically coupled to a discrete portion of each ITO film strip. The interface circuit is configured to abut and electrically couple to the sensor slide. A conductive discrete electrode pad electrically couples each of the plurality of discrete electrodes of the sensor slide to discrete terminals on the interface circuit.

Abstract: An electrochemical metal alloy identification device employing electrolytes to measure and identify different potentials of alloys is presented. This includes physical structure, disposables, electrical systems, control circuitry, and algorithms to identify alloys.

Abstract: There are provided a sensor substrate and a sensor device which have high detection accuracy. A sensor substrate includes an insulating substrate; sensing electrodes disposed in the insulating substrate, the sensing electrodes being columnar and being composed of at least one pair of positive and negative sensing electrodes, in the at least one pair of positive and negative sensing electrodes, part of a positive electrode and part of a negative electrode being each exposed from one surface of the insulating substrate; and innerlayer wiring lines embedded within the insulating substrate, the innerlayer wiring lines corresponding to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, in the at least one pair of positive and negative sensing electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for assessing the integrity of electrical connections between elements of interfacing electronic devices. In some aspects, a system includes an analysis device having electronics that interface with an assay cartridge inserted into the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to conduct a preflight test in which impedance values for each circuit between the assay cartridge and analysis device are rearranged and assessed to determine the electrical connection integrity of the assay cartridge to the analysis device prior to implementing the assay.

Abstract: Compensator circuitry is provided for an oxygen sensor which includes a pump cell and a reference cell. The compensator circuitry includes a feedback control loop which maintains the reference cell at a reference voltage. The feedback control loop includes a digital compensator which determines and outputs a compensation current to the pump cell dependent on a reference voltage measured from the reference cell. The digital compensator also suspends the determination and output of the compensation current for a set time which is dependent on detection of edges in an oxygen sensor heater Pulse Width Modulation signal.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor control apparatus comprises a voltage control part configured to control a voltage Vo1 applied to a cell of an air-fuel ratio sensor in accordance with a sensor current flowing in the cell and a current detection part configured to detect the sensor current as a physical value, which indicates the air-fuel ratio. In the air-fuel ratio sensor control apparatus, a voltage varying time point, at which the voltage control part varies the voltage Vo1, and a current detecting time point, at which the current detection part detects the current, are shifted from each other. A time period Ta from the current detecting time point, which is immediately before the voltage varying time point, to the voltage varying time point and a time period Tb from the voltage varying time point to the current detecting time period, which is immediately after the voltage varying time point, are set to satisfy Ta<Tb.

Abstract: A control device of a nitrogen oxide sensor comprises a voltage control part configured to control voltage applied to the pump cell, and a temperature estimation part configured to estimate a temperature of the pump cell. The voltage control part is configured to make the voltage applied to the pump cell a voltage of a starting voltage of decomposition of water or more when the estimated temperature of the pump cell estimated by the temperature estimation part is within a predetermined temperature region of less than an activation temperature of the pump cell as control suppressing evaporation.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to point-of-care analytical devices that accurately determine the volume of test samples using image analysis to improve the accuracy of test results performed on the sample. Most preferably, the image analysis is based on rate changes in optical saturation that parallels sample saturation in a porous structure containing the sample.

Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may comprise a column of chemically-sensitive pixels. Each chemically-sensitive pixel may comprise a chemically-sensitive transistor, and a row selection device. The chemical detection circuit may further comprise a column interface circuit coupled to the column of chemically-sensitive pixels and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the column interface circuit. Each column interface circuit and column-level ADC may be arrayed with other identical circuits and share critical resources such as biasing and voltage references, thereby saving area and power.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus for a gas sensor which detects a particular gas component contained in a gas under measurement. In the case where humidity detection is performed using an electromotive-force-type gas sensor, a sensor control apparatus changes a target voltage of an electromotive force cell to a second target voltage for humidity detection and then to a third target voltage which is lower than a first target voltage which is a target voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component. In the case where humidity detection is performed using a limiting-current-type gas sensor, the sensor control apparatus changes the voltage applied to a pump cell to a second application voltage for humidity detection and then to a third application voltage which is lower than a first application voltage which is an application voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component.

Abstract: A method of verifying operation of a meter for reading electrochemical test devices, includes obtaining a reference output signal indicative of a response generated at an electrochemical test device when the electrochemical test device reacts with a reference test fluid; applying with the meter an algorithm to the reference output signal so as to obtain a reference test result, wherein the algorithm is for use in estimating an unknown concentration of an analyte in a sample of the reference test fluid; and determining whether the reference test result is valid so as to verify operation of the meter.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes applying an alternating current having a frequency at a selected voltage to a sensor, wherein the voltage is applied between a reference electrode and a working electrode of the sensor, varying the frequency of the alternating current between a lower frequency and an upper frequency, measuring an impedance of the sensor between the reference electrode and the working electrode as a function of the frequency of the alternating current, analyzing the measured impedance to determine a total impedance of the sensor and the real and imaginary components of the total impedance at each applied frequency of the alternating current, and characterizing the sensor based on the total impedance at the low frequency end of the sensor and on the real and imaginary components of the total impedances.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a system for analyzing a molecule. The system may include a device. The device includes a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer may be tapered in a direction to reach a minimum thickness at a first end of the device. The insulating layer is disposed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The device may include a voltage source in electrical communication with the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The device may also include an electrical meter in electrical communication with the voltage source, the first conductive element, and the second conductive element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive concept include a portable ion concentration apparatus including a controller, a storage section to store one or more data samples, an amplifier circuit, and a chemical field effect transistor (CHEMFET). The CHEMFET and the amplifier circuit can indicate a quantity of nitrate levels in a sample media or a reference media. The controller can process the indication of the quantity of nitrate levels, and generate the one or more data samples based at least on the indication of the quantity of nitrate levels. The portable ion concentration apparatus can include an in-field analysis apparatus, an in-field measurement apparatus, or an in-soil monitoring apparatus. A measurement logic section can determine an ion concentration based on a sensitivity slope M or a polynomial fit. Also disclosed is a method for measuring ion concentration with a standard deviation correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing release of undesired emissions to atmosphere at a start event of an engine configured to propel a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises providing an alternative heat source and actively routing heat from the alternative heat source to a heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor for which a heating element configured to raise temperature of the sensor is known to be degraded. In this way, a desired air-fuel ratio may be attained during engine start events where the heating element for raising temperature of the sensor is degraded, which may thus reduce tail-pipe emissions which may otherwise be released in the absence of such mitigating action.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus for a gas sensor which detects a particular gas component contained in a gas under measurement. In the case where humidity detection is performed using an electromotive-force-type gas sensor, a sensor control apparatus changes a target voltage of an electromotive force cell to a second target voltage for humidity detection and then to a third target voltage which is lower than a first target voltage which is a target voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component. In the case where humidity detection is performed using a limiting-current-type gas sensor, the sensor control apparatus changes the voltage applied to a pump cell to a second application voltage for humidity detection and then to a third application voltage which is lower than a first application voltage which is an application voltage used for detecting the concentration of the particular gas component.

Abstract: A smart dosimeter coupled to a legal dosimeter and used as if they were incorporated into one structure. A sensor, provided in the smart dosimeter, detects a worker is wearing the legal dosimeter. An instantaneous exposed dose value can be checked, in real time, to assist a worker with performing an operation or task. A motion detection unit detects a motion; a legal dosimeter detection unit checks whether the legal dosimeter is coupled to the smart dosimeter; a wearing check unit checks whether the worker is wearing the legal dosimeter based upon motion information; a G-M detection unit detects a real-time exposed dose of the worker; and a data communication unit transmits the exposed dose, detected by the G-M detection unit, to a management server and receives warning situation information from the management server.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for sensing. One example apparatus for sensing includes a sensor configured to supply a current indicative of a parameter and a bipolar transistor having a base coupled to the sensor to receive the current, the bipolar transistor being configured to generate an amplified current based on the current. The apparatus may also include a measurement circuit coupled to the bipolar transistor and configured receive the amplified current.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering gel-mass from a gel-mass-containing waste material. The process comprises retrieving the gel-mass-containing waste material from an encapsulation process; melting the retrieved waste material to provide an oil phase and a non-oil phase; retrieving the non-oil phase to produce a recovered gel-mass; and recycling the recovered gel-mass for combination with fresh encapsulating material to provide a combined encapsulating material for use in encapsulating a same lot of the same product which was being encapsulated in the step that produced the gel-mass-containing waste material from which the gel-mass was obtained. The system comprises a heated accumulator for receiving and melting the gel-mass-containing waste material to provide an oil phase and a non-oil phase; a pumping system; an optional mixer; and a control system.