Abstract: A metal identifying device precisely identifies a metal material in a metal member having a plurality of through-hole portions penetrating through the metal member. The metal identifying device of the present invention includes a measurement unit that obtains a measurement value by measuring an electrical property and/or optical property of a test object, a threshold value determination unit that determines a threshold value with use of a reference value obtained by measuring the property of a metal member having a metal composition to be identified and information indicating a ratio of the through-hole portions to a measurement area in the test object and/or information indicating a configuration of the through-hole portion, and a comparison/identification unit that identifies a metal composition of the test object by comparing the measurement value and the threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining overlay includes an array of electronic devices having structures formed in a plurality of layers and such that a device on a first end of the array includes an offset from a position of a device on a second end of the array. A measurement device is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the devices in the array to determine a transition position between the electrical characteristics. A comparison device is configured to determine an overlay between the layers based on a device associated with the transition position.

Abstract: A smartcard or other media that detects the presence of chemical and/or biological compounds or other items of interest on individuals handling by using chemical-selective devices. These chemical-selective devices can include non-linear (e.g., diode and/or transistor) and/or time non-linear (e.g., controlled resistor) electrical components and can indicate exposure to an item of interest through a change in one or more electrical characteristics. The exposure of the chemical-selective devices to items of interest is stored such that, when the smartcard or other media is presented to a card reader, the detection data can be transmitted to the card reader for appropriate processing by the system.

Abstract: The present invention related to methods and systems for simultaneously sensing two or more environmental parameters of a sample. Included is an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor and a pick up coil in operative association with the LCR resonator sensor wherein viscoelastic changes in the sensing film cause displacement of the antenna relative to the pick up coil.

Abstract: Accelerometers have a number of wide-ranging uses, and it is desirable to both increase their accuracy while decreasing size. Here, millimeter or sub-millimeter wavelength accelerometers are provided which has the advantage of having the high accuracy of an optical accelerometer, while being compact. Additionally, because millimeter or sub-millimeter wavelength signals are employed, cumbersome and awkward on-chip optical devices and bulky optical mediums can be avoided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: A method of calibration of a particle characterization apparatus, and a particle characterization apparatus, in which particles suspended in a liquid are passed through an orifice one by one for characterization of the particles, for instance by Coulter counting. The calibration does not require utilization of special calibration particles or liquids. A priori knowledge of the shape of a typical size distribution of a blood sample is utilized to adjust the apparatus based on an initial relatively short counting period of the sample in question. The initially determined size distribution is compared to the corresponding known typical size distribution and the apparatus is subsequently adjusted to counteract possible differences. Upon adjustment of the apparatus, the remaining part of the sample is passed through the orifice for determination of the actual particle size distribution of the remaining sample.

Abstract: An in-situ method for monitoring the health of a composite component utilizes a condition sensor made of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The sensor is bonded or otherwise formed on the matrix surface of the composite material. Age-related shrinkage of the sensor matrix results in a decrease in the resistivity of the condition sensor. Correlation of measured sensor resistivity with data from aged specimens allows indirect determination of mechanical damage and remaining age of the composite component.

Abstract: A detector is provided that detects a detection signal corresponding to a driving vibration, which excites a vibrator in an oscillation loop, and a physical quantity to be measured. The detector includes an amplifying circuit, a synchronous detection circuit, an impedance conversion circuit, a first low pass filter, and a second low pass filter, wherein each of the first and second low pass filters is formed by a switched capacitor filter circuit, a gain of the first low pass filter is different from that of the second low pass filter.

Abstract: A method of detecting the occurrence of impact or collision between a cylinder (2) and piston (1) driven by a linear motor of a gas compressor includes the steps of i) obtainment of a reference signal (Sr) associated to an electrical output of the linear motor before the piston attains the upper dead center; ii) obtainment of a detection signal (Sd) associated to said electrical output of the linear motor after the piston attains the upper dead center; iii) comparison between the reference signal (Sr) and the detection signal (Sd); and iv) record of occurrence of impact when the result of comparison of step iii indicates that the detection signal (Sd) presents a variation deriving from impact between the cylinder (2) and the piston (1), considering a pre-established tolerance. Also disclosed is an electronic detector device capable of executing the methodology described above. A gas compressor (100) and a control system including the above-mentioned detector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for characterization of an electron beam or an ion beam includes an electrical conducting disk of refractory material having a circumference, a center, and a Faraday cup assembly positioned to receive the electron beam or ion beam. At least one slit in the disk provides diagnostic characterization of the electron beam or ion beam. The at least one slit is located between the circumference and the center of the disk and includes a radial portion that is in radial alignment with the center and a portion that deviates from radial alignment with the center. The electron beam or ion beam is directed onto the disk and translated to the at least one slit wherein the electron beam or ion beam enters the at least one slit for providing diagnostic characterization of the electron beam or ion beam.

Abstract: Effective fillability and the uniformity electrodeposition of a copper electroplating solution is judged by determining the time-dependent potential change thereof at a cathode current density of 0.1-20 A/dm2. The potential change is determined at a working electrode rotation of 100-7500 rpm, and the fillability with the solution is judged from the curve profile. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fillability is judged by obtaining the potential change speed in the initial stage of electrolysis and the potential convergent point from the time-dependent potential change curve for a predetermined period of time after the start of the electrolysis.

Abstract: A method of evaluating material volatility characteristics. A pulse of current flux is delivered through a material sample to simulate a lightning strike. A pressure produced by the sample during the pulse is measured. The measured pressure is used to measure volatility of the material. An apparatus for evaluating the volatility of materials includes a pulse power supply and a test cell through which a pulse is delivered and in which pressure produced by a sample during the pulse is measured. This apparatus and method can reduce the costs of material selection and can shorten development time for new products.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a reference position of a locking part moved by an electric motor, the locking part is moved in the direction of the closed state thereof, until the same reaches a stop position. At that location the meter reading of a position meter describing the stop position is detected and buffered. Subsequently a movement of the locking part is carried out in the direction of the opened state thereof. The locking part is then moved again in the direction of the closed state thereof, until it again reaches a stop position. At that location a meter reading describing the stop position is detected, and compared to the buffered meter reading. If both meter readings agree, the first stop position is determined as the reference position. The method and device can be utilized, for example, for power window lifts and sunroofs of motor vehicles.

Abstract: Sensor devices and sensing methods are provided. A sensor device is provided two flow channels, each comprising a sensor, and analyte flow is alternated between the two channels such that the sensors alternately serve as a sensor and a reference, thereby increasing accuracy of the sensors. The device is useful, for example, in chemical sensing using a variety of sensor types including without limitation: chemiresistors, gravimetric sensors, optical sensors, among others. Related sensing methods also are provided.

Abstract: A plasma measurement device used for measuring plasma characteristics of radio frequency plasma is disclosed. The plasma measurement device comprises a probe, a connector electronic wire, and a power supply device. The probe is used for entering the radio frequency plasma to measure the plasma characteristics. One end of the connector electronic wire is electrically connected to the probe. The power supply device is electrically connected to another end of the connector electronic wire, and the power supply device is used for providing a voltage to the probe. Wherein the connector electronic wire is in a specific length, and the connector electronic wire and the radio frequency plasma would generate a standing wave effect, such that according to the standing wave effect, the plasma measurement device could eliminate high-frequency interference generated by the radio frequency plasma while measuring the plasma characteristics.

Abstract: A micro-electrode array is described comprising an insulating substrate and a plurality of conductive paths defined therein, each of which includes an electrode area with microscopic dimensions, a connection area with macroscopic dimensions, and a buried interconnection region, wherein the insulating substrate is made of a first polymeric material, such as PDMS, and the conductive paths are made of a second polymeric material, such as PEDOT. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing such micro-electrode array is described, based on the configuration of an insulating substrate volume by replica molding on the first polymeric material through a prearranged master mould, bearing a configuration of microstructures adapted to define a plurality of cavities; successively filling the cavities with a second conductive polymeric material so as to constitute the electrode areas, the connection areas, and the interconnection regions; and arranging an insulating material sealing layer for the filled cavities.

Abstract: A solid state molecular sensor having an aperture extending through a thickness of a sensing region is configured with a sensing region thickness that corresponds to the characteristic extent of at least a component of a molecular species to be translocated through the aperture. A change in an electrical characteristic of the sensing region is measured during the molecular species translocation. The sensor can be configured as a field effect transistor molecular sensor. The sensing region can be a region of graphene including an aperture extending through a thickness of the graphene.

Abstract: A RF resonator for sensing a physical or an environmental parameter includes a substrate having a substrate surface. A polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) element is positioned on or within the substrate surface. The RF resonator has a resonant frequency that changes as a function of the physical or environmental parameter. A system for wirelessly sensing at least one physical or environmental parameter includes at least one RF resonator and a wireless RF reader located remotely from the RF resonator for transmitting a wide-band RF interrogation signal that excites the RF resonator. The wireless RF reader detects a sensing signal retransmitted by the RF resonator and includes a processor for determining the physical or environmental parameter at the location of the RF resonator from the sensing signal.

Abstract: A substrate characterization device is provided which includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module has at least one contact surface configured to contact the substrate, the sensor module configured to measure a variance of capacitance in at least two dimensions of the substrate, the sensor module further configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured variance. The processor is in operative communication with a memory module and configured to execute a series of programmable instructions for making a comparison of the signal generated by the sensor module with at least one reference signal. The processor is further configured to generate at least one characterization signal based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating measurement of thermo-optically induced material phase change response in a thin planar or a grating film stack is disclosed. The method may include using small-spot visible and ultraviolet spectra (ellipsometric or reflectance) for measuring a material phase change response. The device may include a measurement system platform, at least one electrical resistor, at least one external electric probe, and ohmic contact circuitry.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously detecting a size and concentration of ionic materials includes measuring voltage drop values of at least three ionic materials of which sizes and concentrations are known using each of at least two FET-based sensors having different electrical characteristics, determining at least three points in a three-dimensional plot from the known sizes, concentrations and the measured voltage drop values, approximating the at least three points into a single plane, measuring a voltage drop value of an ionic material of which size and concentration are unknown using the at least two FET-based sensors, determining equipotential lines existing on the plane using the voltage drop value of the unknown ionic material and determining a cross point between each of the equipotential lines.

Abstract: A detection and containment system for detecting and containing a breach in a container includes a first containment layer and a first sensor layer coupled to the first containment layer. The first sensor layer includes at least one signal path extending across substantially an entire area of the first sensor layer. The first sensor layer may be provided by either a fiber optic carrying a light signal or a wire carrying an electrical signal. A second containment layer is coupled to the first sensor layer such that the first sensor layer is between the first and second containment layers. An inability of the at least one signal path to conduct a signal from a first end to a second end represents either a breach, or an attempted breach, from outside the container or a failure of the container.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating the length of elongated elements in a sample. The disclosed systems and methods may include using a direct current stimulus to determine a direct current base length region corresponding to at least a portion of the sample. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include using an alternating current stimulus to determine that the direct current base length region corresponds to a first set of elongated elements and a second set of elongated elements. The first set of elongated elements may have a first base length and the second set of elongated elements may have a second base length. The elongated elements may comprise, for example, chain molecules, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), or proteins. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include measuring an ion current through a nanopore, the ion current produced by the alternating current stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention disposes a membrane between two electrical conductive walls having a height at least as great as the thickness of the membrane. The conductive walls are fabricated on an electrically insulative chip base. The chip base has one or more through hole between the electrically conducting walls. The chip is placed inside a container having a well below the through hole of the electrically insulative base. At least one passageway extends from the well to the periphery of the container. This invention probes changes of the membrane as an in-plane electric field is applied between the conductive walls. The well may include various compounds while-other compounds can be placed in contact with the top of the membrane. The passageways are used to introduce substances into and out of the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for remote detection of a targeted substance by the appropriate application of a probing signal that induces molecular resonance in the target substance to create an identifiable signature or response. In the preferred embodiment, signals transmitted are an Infrared laser beam, amplitude modulated in the range of 100 kHz frequency. The probing signal stimulates molecular resonance of the target substance which produces characteristic electron signal responses that are detected by IR detectors. A software program is used to process the electrical response signals and to compare them with electrical response signals stored in a database of known substances, thus allowing the target substance to be identified. The system may also be used to locate targeted substances. Also disclosed is an artificial ground device that provides a positive ground that provides consistent responses.

Abstract: A system for measuring a voltage differential in a current-carrying pipe using a propulsion vehicle for conveying the system inside the pipe, the system including a first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe; a second contact positioned in a spaced apart relationship from the first contact for maintaining electrical contact with the pipe as the vehicle moves through the pipe; and an AC voltage reading device connected to the first contact and the second contact for measuring the AC voltage between the first contact and the second contact as the vehicle moves through the pipe.

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: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a gas sensor and method for sensing one or more gases. An embodiment incorporates an array of sensing electrodes maintained at similar or different temperatures, such that the sensitivity and species selectivity of the device can be fine tuned between different pairs of sensing electrodes. A specific embodiment pertains to a gas sensor array for monitoring combustion exhausts and/or chemical reaction byproducts. An embodiment of the subject device related to this invention operates at high temperatures and can withstand harsh chemical environments. Embodiments of the device are made on a single substrate. The devices can also be made on individual substrates and monitored individually as if they were part of an array on a single substrate. The device can incorporate sensing electrodes in the same environment, which allows the electrodes to be coplanar and, thus, keep manufacturing costs low.

Abstract: A method for estimating cable length includes steps of generating a detection signal to a cable, wherein the detection signal includes a first pulse and a second pulse with opposite voltages in sequence; receiving a refection signal of the detection signal from the cable; and determining length of the cable according to a superposed waveform of the detection signal and the refection signal.

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: The present invention is directed to various methods and systems for detecting at least one impurity in a bulk fluid. In certain embodiments, the methods are performed in conjunction with a polymerization reactor system such as a gas-phase reactor system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors (1, 2, 3, 4) to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.

Abstract: The object of the invention of developing a three-dimensional flexible registering unit which can measure mechanical operations in the region at any desired positions over a defined length is achieved by virtue of the fact that said registering unit is in the form of a cable and comprises, in the three-dimensional extent, a flexible protective sleeve and two coaxially arranged conductor tracks, wherein one conductor track surrounds the other conductor track, and one of the conductor tracks is used as a measuring electrode and the other conductor track is in the form of an electrical resistor and has a voltage gradient, and a dielectric which electrically separates the two conductor tracks from one another in the quiescent state and enables punctiform or areal contact between the two conductor tracks when a mechanical force acts from the outside is situated between the two conductor tracks, and a measured value recording and evaluation unit which is suitable for determining a change in voltage or resistance tr

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for rapidly counting micron and/or submicron particles by passing such particles through any of a plurality of microfluidic channels simultaneously with an ion current and measuring the signal generated thereby. The present invention also generally relates to a device for practicing the method of the present invention. Some embodiments can include methods and/or devices for distinguishing between and counting particles in mixtures. Still other embodiments can include methods and/or devices for identifying and/or counting bioparticles and/or bioactive particles such as pollen.

Abstract: A first integrated circuit operable in association with a microfluidic structure is provided that includes a field generator, a controller configured to control the field generator to generate at least one field to effect movement of at least one analyte of interest in a fluid contained in the microfluidic structure, and an optical detection component configured to optically detect the at least one analyte of interest, as movement of the at least one analyte of interest through the microfluidic structure is effected by the at least one field. A second integrated circuit operable in association with a microfluidic structure is also provided that includes an optical detector configured to generate an output indicative of light from at least one analyte of interest in a fluid within the microfluidic structure; and circuitry configured to convert the output of the optical detector to a digital value.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization, including single nucleic base mutations at low concentrations, are disclosed, using surface-tethered hairpin loop oligonucleotide probes and metal-nanoparticles conjugated to a hybridization detection sequence that is capable of binding the stem region of the opened hairpin loop oligonucleotide probe, without the use of labeling or target modification and capable of recycling.

Abstract: Electronic nose device having a plurality of sensors composed of nanowires of columnar discotic liquid crystals, the device having low sensitivity to humidity. The device is designed to determine the composition and concentration of volatile organic compounds in a sample with very high sensitivity. Methods for use of the device in applications such as diagnosis of disease and food quality control are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for use in a building automation system includes a first circuit configured to receive non-electrical energy from an environment in which the device is placed and convert the non-electrical energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is used to power the first circuit. The first circuit configured to sense a parameter based on the non-electrical energy. A communications interface configured to be powered by the electrical energy and configured to communicate the sensed parameter to the building automation system.

Abstract: A pH measurement system using a glass pH sensor includes a power supply applying a voltage to the glass pH sensor through a resistor; a detector detecting the output voltage of the glass pH sensor; and a calculator calculating the pH of a solution based on the detected output voltage. The resistor provides a resistance of at least ten times less than the equivalent internal resistance of the glass pH sensor. The pH measurement system can improve the response rate by reducing the time constant depending on the dynamic characteristics of the glass pH sensor, and it is possible to diagnose whether the pH measurement system is defective or not by calculating the equivalent internal resistance and the supply voltage of the glass pH sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting mechanical perturbations represented by a change in an electrical signal includes a structure such as a cantilever, membrane, etc. and a field effect transistor such as a MOSFET embedded in the structure. The drain current of the embedded transistor changes with mechanical perturbations in the structure caused, for example, by a biochemical interaction being sensed. A scanning probe microscope utilizes the embedded MOSFET with a BiMOS actuator.

Abstract: A surface comprises a surface member and a plurality of components thereon. Such heterogenous surface compositions and configurations, related systems and methods for sensing particle or analyte interaction therewith can selectively and/or differentially interact with a range of particles/analytes, in lieu of specific molecular sensor-analyte interactions for each particle.

Abstract: An anomaly on an elongate conductive member is detected by causing a source electromagnetic wave to propagate in a first direction along the elongate conductive member such that the source electromagnetic wave passes through the at least one anomaly. The anomaly causes a reflected electromagnetic wave to propagate in a second direction along the elongate conductive member. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The electric field of the reflected electromagnetic wave is sensed. The magnetic field of the reflected electromagnetic wave is sensed. A direction of propagation of the reflected electromagnetic wave is determined based on the electric field of the reflected electromagnetic wave and the magnetic field of the reflected electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A hose fault detection system includes a hose assembly including a hose having first and second conductive layers. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The fault detector includes an indicator operatively connected to the hose assembly. A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a hose assembly includes providing a fault detection system having a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose assembly is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator in operative communication with the hose assembly is illuminated when the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.

Abstract: A system for detecting liquid on a battery or on an electronic device connected with the battery is presented. The battery has an electrical contact for transferring current from the battery to the electronic device. The system includes a sensor for detecting liquid on the battery or on the electronic device and sensor circuitry connected with the sensor. The sensor circuitry prevents current from flowing through the electrical contact of the battery upon detecting liquid.

Abstract: A method, a data processing system, and a computer program product identify blockages in a heat sink of a data processing system. An electromagnetic emitter and an electromagnetic detector are positioned on opposite sides of the heat sink. An intensity of a stream of electromagnetic radiation directed from the electromagnetic emitter is measured by the electromagnetic detector. Based on the measured intensity of the stream of electromagnetic radiation as measured by the electromagnetic detector, a blockage level of the heat sink is determined. If the blockage level of the heat sink exceeds a blockage threshold, an alert is generated.

Abstract: A method for determining an obstruction in an air circuit, the air circuit having a fan and a motor that drives the fan, includes the steps of obtaining a load current of a motor coupled to the air circuit, comparing the load current to a predetermined value, and determining the obstruction using the load current and the predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of structure (I): wherein X is S, O or NRN, where RN is H or alkyl; L is a linker group; Q is a group capable of binding with dsDNA; G and G? are, independently, absent or have between 1 and 20 main chain atoms; FG is a functional moiety comprising at least one O or N atom or a transition metal complex; and R is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy or OCRaRb coupled to an atom in L so as to form a six-membered ring. Ra and Rb are independently H or optionally substituted alkyl.