Abstract: A particle measuring apparatus comprising: a detection device with an aperture through which pass particles contained in a particle suspension liquid, for detecting a signal generated when a particle passes through the aperture; and a detection device supporting part comprising an elastic body, for supporting the detection device through the elastic body is disclosed.

Abstract: This is a method for analyzing the purity of water at the outlet from a purification device. It comprises the following steps: a) sending the liquid at the outlet from the filter means (1) to a resistivity measuring cell (4) to determine its resistivity PUPW; b) establishing a reference mode by exposing a portion of the liquid to said oxidation means (2) during a given number of significantly different time periods; c) determining by regression the resistivity at infinity p?REF of said liquid in this reference mode; d) establishing an analysis mode by causing said liquid to be analyzed to pass through the resistivity measuring cell (4); e) determining the resistivity at infinity p? of said liquid in this analysis mode by successive iterations; and f) calculating the quantity of organic compounds contained in said purified liquid from this resistivity at infinity p? and at least the values PUPW and P?REF.

Abstract: A test system for taking a sample of a constituent on a surface utilizing a fluid source includes a transition region having a capillary layer for delivering a fluid from said fluid source, an extraction region having a collection material in contact with said surface, and a collection region having a sensor reservoir therein for collecting the fluid for analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing particulates within an exhaust flow are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize a soot sensor that includes opposed electrodes separated by an insulator. Preferably, a gap is formed between the electrodes and the insulator to prevent electrical current from flowing therebetween. The soot sensor, when positioned in an exhaust flow, will accumulate a layer of particulates on an outer surface thereof. As the layer of particulates increases the particulates will bridge the two electrodes permitting current flow. The sensor is configured with a proper geometry and potential difference between the electrodes to generate currents in the milli-amp range. Further, the sensor is configured to have a regenerative effect that causes the bridge to be broken when particles sees to impinge the soot sensor.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for testing a porous medium using time-domain reflectometry. The sensor includes an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a ceramic material interposed there-between. The inner conductor runs along a longitudinal axis of the sensor. The outer conductor has a hollow axial interior and is oriented around the inner conductor. The ceramic material is solid, porous, exhibits a known liquid release curve and fills an axial gap between the inner and outer conductors. A dielectric substance can be applied to an exterior surface of the inner conductor to enable the testing of a porous medium which is highly dissipative. The inner conductor can be permeable and have a hollow axial interior. A hydrophobic material can also be interposed between the inner and outer conductors.

Abstract: Various methods, devices and systems are described in which certain analyte test strip are identified for use in an analyte test meter or identified as unsuitable for use in the meter.

Abstract: The invention is defined as a method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection including detection, quantification, and location of a surface or subsurface crack in a body made of advanced technical ceramics. The method and apparatus can detect all cracks in a ceramic body, including microscopic cracks, with a high sensitivity, accuracy and reliability, by measuring changes in electrical resistances through a plurality pairs of electrodes affixed on surfaces of the ceramic body. The extent of the cracks can be quantified and expressed as numerical data, and the location of the cracks can be identified. An automated inspection process enables a convenient, real-time, cost-effective crack inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to eliminate undesired parallel conductive paths of nanogap devices for aqueous sensing. The method involves the electrical insulation of an electrode pair, except for the nanogap region wherein electrical response is measured. The magnitude of undesired ionic current in a measurement is reduced by two orders of magnitude. The process to accomplish the present invention is self-aligned and avoids fabrication complexity. The invention has a great potential in nanogap device applications.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of simplifying apparatus configuration and avoiding a requirement for calibration. The present invention achieves the above object by forming a detection sheet element that retains in a predetermined array pitch a plurality of conductive detection lines that are lead lines formed by etching or the like on a non-conductive thin film that can be exposed in a space environment. A detection circuit connected to each detection line of the detection sheet element is provided. When an object flying in space collides with the detection sheet body, since a detection line on the detection sheet element is ruptured, constant monitoring of the conductivity of the detection line by the detection circuit enables detection of the object flying in space that has collided with the detection sheet element when a detection line is ruptured.

Abstract: A sensor device, method of fabricating the same, and a method of sensing a physical quantity. The sensor device comprises a substrate; a flexure member, one end of the flexure member being attached to the substrate, and a free end of the flexure member having an edge surface; a counter surface formed on the substrate such that the counter surface faces the edge surface of the flexure member and such that a separation distance between the counter surface and the edge surface remains substantially constant for movement of the edge surface as a result of flexure of the flexure member, each of the edge surface and the counter surface including one or more conductor layers disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a flexure direction of the flexure member; and means for applying an electrical potential difference between the conductors of the edge surface and the conductors of the counter surface for detecting a quantum tunnelling current therebetween.

Abstract: Non-destructive method for detecting zones with non-conductive materials, such as materials that include glass fibers, in a part made of a conductive composite, such as a composite whose reinforcing fibers are carbon fibers, provided with an organic coating, that includes the following stages: a) providing a device for applying an electric potential on the surface of said part; b) determining the dielectric breakdown potential Pr corresponding to the thickness E of the coating; c) applying said dielectric breakdown potential Pr with said device to the part for the purpose of identifying those zones that have non-conductive materials when dielectric breakdown does not occur in them.

Abstract: The invention relates to reducing signal distortions occurring when a potential is applied to an electrochemical cell. Electrochemical measurements are obtained in the presence of a specific chemical entity which is an aminoglycoside, an organic polyamine and/or a substance capable of raising the ionic strength of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a fluid holder (8), an optical detection system (3, 9) for carrying out an optical detection at the fluid holder (8) and an electrical detection system (4) for measuring electric conductivity or resistance inside the fluid holder (8) and to a method comprising the use of such a sensor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a quality inspection method for obtaining a specifying factor which can more reliably indicate powder characteristics of a core material for an electrophotographic ferrite carrier. The method includes measuring an impedance of the core material for the electrophotographic ferrite carrier to obtain a Cole-Cole plot in which a real number impedance is arranged in an X-axis and an imaginary number impedance is arranged in a Y-axis, and evaluating characteristics of particles of the core material for the electrophotographic ferrite carrier using the Cole-Cole plot.

Abstract: A sensor device and a method of making a sensor device. The sensor device includes a coil arrangement including a primary coil and a secondary coil. A conduit that is traversable by a flow in a figure-8 pattern is disposed as a yoke about the coil arrangement such that the coil arrangement is disposed in a vicinity of an intersection of the figure-8 pattern. The conduit includes at least two parts. A parting plane of the two parts is configured so as to enable the coil arrangement to be slip-fit mounted on the conduit before the two parts are joined together.

Abstract: A test device for measuring permeability of a barrier material. An exemplary device comprises a test card having a thin-film conductor-pattern formed thereon and an edge seal which seals the test card to the barrier material. Another exemplary embodiment is an electrical calcium test device comprising: a test card an impermeable spacer, an edge seal which seals the test card to the spacer and an edge seal which seals the spacer to the barrier material.

Abstract: Sulfur sensors are formed by coating a conductive substrate with ZnO microstructures that are reactive with sulfur in liquids, such as fuel, using MOCVD. The ZnO is changed to ZnS over time and causes the voltage across the sensors to change under a constant current by at least about 25%. The time required for such saturation to occur can then be correlated to a sulfur concentration in the liquid.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus for controlling a gas sensor includes a resistance detection unit and a heater control unit. The resistance detection unit detects a resistance of an object cell of the gas sensor. When the resistance of the object cell is lower than a predetermined threshold, the heater control unit controls energization of a heater such that the resistance detected by the resistance detection unit is a first predetermined resistance. Subsequently, after elapse of a predetermined time, the heater control unit further controls energization of the heater in such a manner that the resistance detected by the resistance detection unit is a second predetermined resistance of a resistance value that is higher than that of the first predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A system, method and structures employing proportional variable resistors suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. In an example embodiment, there is a structure (10, 20) that comprises at least one proportional variable resistor (24) suitable for electrically measuring unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks in etched interconnect layers. The structure (10,20) comprises at least a first mask (10) and a second mask (20) that when superimposed comprise at least two test pads (14, 16) and interconnects (12, 22) the resistance between (24) which can be measured.

Abstract: Method and device for monitoring a zone of a metal structure in terms of its electrical resistance in order to detect possible defects in the structure, by periodically passing current through the zone in different directions while measuring and recording voltage drops in a number of selected unit areas (aij) within the zone, and by combining, for each unit area (aij), at least two measured values recorded during at least two measurements made with current passing in different directions, and by comparing values obtained by at least one similarly obtained value made earlier.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of an organic liquid. The sensor includes an a elongate substrate having a first and second opposed surface, and a first sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate and a second sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bridging electrode electrically coupling the first and second sensor surfaces, a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the first sensor surface, and a second electrode disposed the second surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the second sensor surface.

Abstract: A method for shielding a substrate from electromagnetic interference is provided including providing an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composition to the substrate. The EMI shielding composition comprises a reactive organic compound and a conductive filler that, during the cure of the organic compound, is capable of self-assembling into a heterogeneous structure comprised of a continuous, three-dimensional network of metal situated among (continuous or semi-continuous) polymer rich domains. The resulting composition has exceptionally high thermal and electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive and highly durable electrode which is capable of causing hydrogen peroxide to generate a current output in the same manner as those of platinum or iridium. A working electrode (9) (electrode for electrochemical measurement apparatus (1)) for use in an electrochemical measurement apparatus 3 according to the invention is made of an alloy containing iridium and niobium, and the alloy has such a composition as to enable measurement of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Devices including strip connectors in measurement devices are provided. Also provided are systems, kits and methods.

Abstract: A system to measure thickness of a shroud is provided. The system includes at least one resistive element embedded within the shroud. The at least one resistive element is embedded within a thermal barrier coating layer deposited on a base portion of the shroud and an abradable coating layer deposited on the thermal barrier coating layer or directly into the shroud. The system also includes an impedance measurement device that measures a total resistance associated with the at least one resistive element.

Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for gas sensing with single-walled carbon nanotubes are described. The methods comprise biasing at least one carbon nanotube and exposing to a gas environment to detect variation in temperature as an electrical response.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for determining the composition of fluids, and particularly for describing the identity and concentration of one or more components of a medical fluid such as intravenous fluid. These devices, systems and methods take multiple complex admittance measurements from a fluid sample in order to identify the identity and the concentration of components of the fluid. The identity and concentration of all of the components of the solution may be simultaneously and rapidly determined. In some variations, additional measurement or sensing modalities may be used in addition to admittance spectroscopy, including optical, thermal, chemical, etc.

Abstract: A method of testing light metal parts, in particular aluminum components, which have been coated by anodizing, in particular by TSA anodizing, to determine whether they have been coated is described. According to the invention, the surface resistance of the surface of the component is measured and the surface coating of the component is classed as good when the surface resistance is higher than a prescribed high resistance value.

Abstract: A handheld sensor device is provided for measuring an ion concentration in a solution. The solution is in an electrochemical cell that includes a counter electrode, a working electrode, and a reference electrode. The sensor includes a control amplifier configured to provide a current through the counter electrode and the working electrode so as to maintain a predetermined voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The sensor also includes a current amplifier configured to measure the current provided through the counter electrode and the working electrode. In one embodiment, the sensor also includes a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) including a phase accumulator. The DDFS is configured to selectively generate a waveform specified by an electrochemical technique such as square wave voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, differential-pulse polarography, normal-pulse polarography, or other known electrochemical techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting ionic materials includes a sensing electrode which contacts a liquid sample and detects a sensing voltage corresponding to a surface potential which is changed by a concentration of ionic materials in the liquid sample, a first switching transistor having a first terminal connected to the sensing electrode and a second terminal connected to a first node, a second switching transistor having a first terminal connected to a reset voltage and a second terminal connected to the first node, and a sensing transistor having a gate connected to the first node.

Abstract: A fluid characterization sensor comprising a plurality of sensor segments is disclosed. Each segment comprises two electrodes, spaced apart so the fluid in the corresponding interval of depth for that segment is positioned between them. Complex current or impedance is measured by exciting one electrode with an AC signal, and measuring the amplitude and phase of the current in the other electrode. After automatically measuring and accounting for pre-determined gain, offset, temperature, and other parasitic influences on the raw sensor signal, the complex electrical impedance of the fluid between the electrodes is calculated from the measured phase/amplitude and/or real/imaginary components of the received electrical current signal and/or the variation of the measured response with variation in excitation frequency. Comparison of measured results with results taken using known fluids identifies fluid properties.

Abstract: A method for solid material detection in a medium includes receiving an exhaust gas downstream with respect to a workpiece from which a photoresist material is removed. An electromagnetic circuit is configured to include the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is excited with electromagnetic energy and an impedance value of the electromagnetic circuit is determined, wherein the impedance value corresponds to an amount of solid material within the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method for determining a heating characteristic of a glow plug, wherein pulse-width-modulated voltage pulses are applied to the glow plug and an electric variable is measured repeatedly during a voltage pulse with the heating characteristic of the glow plug determined by evaluating the difference of successive measurement results of this variable.

Abstract: A method for operating an MOX gas sensor is provided for measuring a gas concentration present in the environment. The MOX sensor is heated by an electric current source, and an electric output quantity of the sensor representing a gas concentration being detected and analyzed is generated. The MOX sensor is discontinuously heated at discrete measuring times by the electric current source, and a measured value representing the gas concentration is generated from the electric output quantity of the sensor detected during the discrete measuring times. A device for operating the MOX gas sensor is additionally is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of distinguishing between a specimen and a control solution in a system for analyzing a specific component within the specimen using an analysis tool. The distinguishing method includes a first step (S2) of measuring a response value when a voltage is applied between first and second electrodes of the analysis tool, a second step (S3) of comparing a maximum value of the response value or a value associated with the maximum value to a predetermined threshold value, and a third step (S4) of distinguishing between the specimen and the control solution based on the result of the comparison between the maximum value or the associated value and the threshold value.

Abstract: A system for processing reusable gloves comprising a conveyor means (15) to convey a plurality of the reusable gloves to a plurality of processing stations (3); said processing stations including; a loading station for mounting the gloves to the conveyor means; an inspection station for inspecting the gloves for pre-determined criteria; a washing station for washing the gloves; an interrogation station for interrogating identification means of the gloves so as to receive data from said identification means; a testing station for testing the integrity of the gloves; an unloading station for unloading the gloves.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC) and electrical (E) signals. The device introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a voltage across a device and permitting measurement of a current through the device includes a sense impedance in series combination with, the device, a sensed voltage measured across the sense impedance being representative of the current through the device; a capacitive stability element in parallel combination with the sense resistance, the capacitive stability element being virtually absent by connection to a virtual version of the sensed voltage when the device has a first capacitance and being present when the device has a second capacitance, the second capacitance being larger than the first capacitance.

Abstract: A diagnostic test device comprises means for sampling a liquid biological sample and means for reacting the sample with at least one reagent to provide one or more visible indicia. The device also comprises an optical detector for detecting the presence of the one or more indicia. The device also comprises means for causing at least part of the optical detector to move over the one or more indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the percentage of fat trim and of saleable yield of cattle and their carcasses including providing power to a transmitting circuit to transmit a signal to electrodes resulting in a potential difference across the electrodes causing a flow of current between the electrodes reflecting the impedance encountered and sending a signal reflecting such information to receiving circuits which pass that data to processing circuits which process that data with other external inputs to produce an output display reflecting an indication of the state of hydration of the animal, comprising: means for providing a voltage difference across two or more penetrating electrodes; means for maintaining said electrodes in a fixed spatial relation and in good electrical contact with the tissue on which said measurements are to be made; means for measuring the impedance in the region of or between the electrodes; means for transmitting the measured data to processing circuits which process that

Abstract: An electrode holder comprising a deck member with handle supporting a pair of penetrating electrodes to which a hypodermic syringe or needles may be connected and which may act as electrodes in a BIA system and/or in connection with making other electrical measurements.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides sensors and methods for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by determining the conductivity of a chemiresistant film upon exposure to VOCs, including for example chemiresistant films comprised of surfactant-coated metal alloy nanoparticles.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of an organic liquid. The sensor includes an a elongate substrate having a first and second opposed surface, and a first sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the first surface of the substrate and a second sensor surface disposed on at least a portion of the second surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bridging electrode electrically coupling the first and second sensor surfaces, a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the first sensor surface, and a second electrode disposed the second surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the second sensor surface.

Abstract: Method for the measurement of particles in a fluid stream by measurement of the electric resistance of a measuring element as a function of the erosion of the measuring element caused by the particles. It is advantageous to use an alloy with a—in comparison with a temperature coefficient of the resistivity (specific electric resistance) of about 1.9*10??3 K??1 (Monel® 400 or a similar alloy)—considerably lower temperature coefficient of the resistivity. It also comprises a probe (2) with such a measuring element (3).

Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances.

Abstract: Method for establishing and possibly locating leaks in pipelines (1) for transporting liquid or gaseous media using at least one electrical conductor (2) running along the longitudinal extension of the pipeline (1) from a starting point to an end point. Accordingly, a defined test voltage (Um, UL) is applied between two electrical conductors (2) or between one electrical conductor 92) and the pipeline (1), and the resistance and/or impedance behavior between starting point and end point of the two conductors (2) or the conductor (2) and the pipeline (1) is ascertained with intact pipeline (1), and at later times, the resistance and/or impedance behavior is ascertained at the same test voltages (Um, UL) and compared to the resistance and/or impedance behavior known for the intact pipeline (1), the presence of a leak being thusly ascertained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the determination of diffusion coefficients and/or exchange coefficient of a material having electronic and ionic conductivity. The material is permeable to at least one gas. It is the object of the invention to provide a cost-effective, accurate method for the determination of the diffusion coefficient and of the surface exchange coefficient which can be carried out in a short time and can thus be used for a screening of materials, in particular for application in the field of permeation membranes. The procedure is followed in accordance with the invention such that a sample of the material is arranged in a measurement chamber and has an electric current passed through it for a determination of the electric resistance. In this respect, a gas mixture in which the respective gas is contained is conducted through the measurement chamber as a gas flow and the partial pressure of the respective gas in the gas mixture is changed periodically at regular intervals.

Abstract: A nanopore device includes a membrane having a nanopore extending there through forming a channel from a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane. The surface of the channel and first side of the membrane are modified with a hydrophobic coating. A first lipid monolayer is deposited on the first side of the membrane, and a second lipid monolayer is deposited on the second side of the membrane, wherein the hydrophobic coating causes spontaneous generation of a lipid bilayer across the nanopore orifice. Sensing entities, such as a protein ion channel, can be inserted and removed from the bilayer by adjusting transmembrane pressure, and adapter molecules can be electrostatically trapped in the ion channel by applying high transmembrane voltages, while resistance or current flow through the sensing entity can be measured electrically.

Abstract: One or more electroactive polymer fibers are coupled to a structure. Electroactive responses of the fiber(s) are monitored.