Abstract: Processes for rapidly and accurately measuring the coefficient of moisture expansion for materials, such as adhesives, are disclosed. A replication technique may be used to manufacture highly flat and smooth adhesive samples. Moisture is introduced in a controlled humidity atmosphere, distortion is monitored with an accurate laser interferometer (e.g., ˜1 nanometer (nm) accuracy), and measurements are correlated with moisture content change. Such processes decrease sample size by three orders of magnitude as compared with conventional techniques and have a smaller adhesive mass requirement, which enables measurement of expensive microelectronic adhesives that were previously cost-prohibitive to measure. Also, thinner films allow CME measurements of ultraviolet (UV) cured adhesives that would otherwise have depth of penetration issues. Furthermore, saturation occurs quickly, allowing pre-stabilization at room temperature, which enabled parametric studies as a function of processing or cure state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device for a food processing apparatus, and to a food processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a food processing compartment (3) for a food substance, a heating unit (15) arranged to apply a heating procedure to the food substance, a weight sensor (44) arranged to monitor the weight of the processed food substance, and a control device (40) that is arranged to obtain weight information for the food substance, compute a derivative signal that is indicative of a weight loss rate of the food substance, compute a characteristic value of the derivative signal, and in an initial stage of the heating procedure, based on the characteristic value, determine an estimate for an initial fat content of the food substance, for the ongoing heating procedure, and/or an estimate for a resulting fat content change for the food substance. The present disclosure further relates to a method of operating a food processing apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement, which includes: a sensor, wherein the sensor is embodied to produce a measurement signal correlated with a measured variable, a first interface, an evaluation circuit least one computer system and a memory associated with the computer system, as well as a third interface, especially a third interface embodied as a fieldbus interface, a first superordinated data processing system with which the evaluation circuit is connected via the third interface, wherein in the memory associated with the computer system of the evaluation circuit a computer program executable by the computer system is stored, wherein the computer program serves for additional processing of the measurement signal as well as serving for transmission of the further processed measurement signal via the third interface to the first superordinated data processing system; and a second superordinated data processing system connected wirelessly, especially via a radio connection, with the evaluation circuit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to thermal analyses having direct application of thermal energy to a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a miniaturized fuel laboratory system having exterior dimensions enabling the system to be at least one of hand-holdable or contained on a component. The system makes use of a processor, a fuel inlet port for receiving a quantity of fuel to be used as a fuel test sample, and at least one fuel sensor in communication with the fuel inlet port for receiving the fuel test sample. The processor uses the information obtained by the fuel sensor to determine at least one characteristic of the fuel test sample.

Abstract: A semiconductor system includes a host and a media controller. The host may generate first host parities from first host data based on an error check matrix. The media controller may include a first input/output (I/O) circuit and a second I/O circuit. The media controller may generate first media data and first media parities based on the first host data and the first host parities. The first I/O circuit may generate, based on the error check matrix, first internal data by correcting errors in the first host data using the first host parities. The second I/O circuit may generate the first media data and the first media parities from the first internal data.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer is provided with: a furnace tube; a pair of sample holders; a heating furnace; a measurement chamber; and a measurement unit arranged inside the measurement chamber. The sample holders are arranged inside the furnace tube and are provided with mounting faces on which a pair of sample containers are mounted respectively. The heating furnace has an opening through which a measurement sample is observable, the opening being located at a position above the center of a virtual segment which connects centers of gravity of the mounting faces of the sample holders. The opening is formed to have a size, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the mounting faces, of 7 mm or more in the direction along the virtual segment and of 3 mm or more in the direction perpendicular to the virtual segment.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer is provided with: a furnace tube; a sample holder; a heating furnace; a measurement chamber; and a measurement unit. The heating furnace comprises a fixing section to be fixed to the furnace tube. The furnace tube is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the heating furnace and provided with an engagement portion that is configured to be engaged with the fixing section at a variable position in the radial direction. A gap jig is configured to be detachable from the heating furnace and the furnace tube after inserting the furnace tube into the heating furnace and engaging the engagement portion of the furnace tube with the fixing section while the gap jig is interposed between the heating furnace and the furnace tube to maintain the gap between the heating furnace and the furnace tube in the radial direction to be in the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A sample is analyzed by temperature-modulated thermogravimetric analysis (TMTGA), using a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) instrument. The TGA instrument comprises a furnace arranged in a furnace housing and an electronic balance with a load receiver arranged in a balance housing, wherein the load receiver extends into the furnace housing. A measuring position is arranged at one end of the load receiver within the furnace housing. A control unit controls the balance and/or the furnace. The TMTGA method includes at least using the TGA instrument to subject the sample to a temperature program that varies the temperature of the furnace and provides temperature-time setpoints for controlling the sample temperature, measuring the mass change of the sample as a function of time, and determining at least one kinetic parameter of the sample based on mass change. The temperature program may be stochastic and/or event-controlled in nature.

Abstract: The analyzer mixes the material to be analyzed and the flux in sample holders supported by a movable platform within the furnace. A tilt member is provided having multiple stations. Each station has an upstanding pin offset from the center point of the station in a different direction. The platform is indexed relative to the tilt member such that the sample holder aligns with each station, in sequence. As the sample holder aligns with each station, the platform is moved toward the tilt member such that the pin of the aligned station abuts and tilts the sample holder in a different direction. The repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with sudden stops. The analyzer can be used with a special sample holder.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer metrology technique comprising performing atmospheric buoyancy compensated weighing of a wafer, in which the wafer is weighed in a substantially upright condition. A vertical or near vertical wafer orientation causes the surface area in the direction of a force (weight) sensor to be reduced compared with a horizontal wafer orientation. Hence, the electrostatic force components acting in the same direction as the wafer weight force component is reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems for peak detection as part of automatic gain control in high-speed communications are provided. A peak detection system uses a portion of an input signal to generate a reference signal for comparison with the input signal. The comparison produces a differential error signal that is in turn used to produce one or more full swing pulses based on the comparison. A pulse counter counts the pulses, and if the count in a single clock cycle is above a determined threshold, a binary error signal is set to indicate a need for correction.

Abstract: A weighing device is provided that suppresses air convection currents generated in a weighing chamber in the opening/closing of a door of the chamber with a relatively simple configuration. A weighing space is partitioned into two spaces with a partition plate to form a lower small-capacity weighing chamber, which enables to settle down the convection in a short time if convection is generated in the chamber. Suspended walls adjacent to the doors are attached to the partition plate edge sides along the door opening/closing directions. Even when a door is opened, warm air stagnant in the upper space in the chamber is restricted or blocked to flow out to the outside by the suspended walls, which generates no convection or slight convection, which settles down in a short time, without adverse effect on a weighing operation. The upper space may be utilized for another purpose such as a neutralization chamber.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer (100) includes: a furnace tube (9) made of a transparent material; a heating furnace (3); a sample holding part (41, 42) arranged inside the furnace tube; a first support base (12); a second support base (14); a measurement chamber (30) connected to the furnace tube; a first movement part (22) for moving the first support base and the second support base between a measurement position, at which the furnace tube is connected to the measurement chamber, and a sample setting position, at which the sample holding part is exposed on a rear end side with respect to the furnace tube and the heating furnace; and a second movement part (24) for moving only the second support base to a sample observation position, at which the heating furnace is advanced and the furnace tube is exposed. Accordingly, the sample is observable from outside the exposed furnace tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for determining a kinetic parameter of a sample via thermogravimetry. According to the methods, accuracy of the measured parameter is improved and made less susceptible to noise across a temperature range, in particular at near-zero values of the rate of change of the weight of the sample. The disclosed methods avoid taking a logarithm of the first derivative of a thermogravimetric signal related to the sample weight detected during the experiment.

Abstract: A balance for a simultaneous differential thermal analysis instrument that combines gravimetric measurements with measurements that require propagation of electrical signals from the sample holder to an apparatus for recording the electrical signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, conductive cross-flexure pivots are used in a parallel guided balance to mechanically and electrically couple the components of the balance mechanism to the apparatus that records the electrical signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar thermochemical reactor comprising an outer member, an inner member disposed within an outer member, wherein the outer member surrounds the inner member and wherein the outer member has an aperture for receiving solar radiation and wherein an inner cavity and an outer cavity are formed by the inner member and outer member and a reactive material capable of being magnetically stabilized wherein the reactive material is disposed in the outer cavity between the inner member and the outer member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sensor comprising a support member, a sample sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a sample support electrically coupled to a first set of interconnects, and a reference sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a ring coupled to a second set of interconnects, in which the ring is positioned adjacent to and surrounding at least a portion of the sample support of the sample sensor.

Abstract: A balance for a simultaneous differential thermal analysis instrument that combines gravimetric measurements with measurements that require propagation of electrical signals from the sample holder to an apparatus for recording the electrical signals. In one embodiment of the invention, conductive flat planar strip flexure pivots are used in a single-meter movement balance to mechanically and electrically couple the components of the balance mechanism to the apparatus that records the electrical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing holographic films, in which a photopolymer formulation is provided which comprises as constituents matrix polymers, writing monomers, a photoinitiatior system, optionally a non-photopolymerizable component and optionally catalysts, radical stabilizers, solvents, additives and other auxiliaries and/or additives. The photopolymer formulation is applied in a planar manner and in the form of a film on a support film and the photopolymer formulation is dried on the support film at a temperature 60<T<120 DEG C, wherein only compounds are selected as components for the photopolymer formulation, the TGA 95 values of which are >100 DEG C and are above the temperature T by at least 30 DEG C, and a photopolymer formulation having a plateau module of =0.030 MPa is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing holographic media, wherein a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, a photoinitiator system, and optionally auxiliary materials and additives as components is provided, the photopolymer formulation is applied as a coating on the surface of a carrier film and the photopolymer formulation is dried on the carrier film at a temperature XX<T>YY DEG C, wherein only those compounds having TGA 95 values >100 DEG C. and at least 30 DEG C. above the temperature T are selected as components for the photopolymer formulation. The invention further relates to a holographic medium that can be obtained by means of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The analyzer mixes the material to be analyzed and the flux in sample holders supported by a movable platform within the furnace. A tilt member is provided having multiple stations. Each station has an upstanding pin offset from the center point of the station in a different direction. The platform is indexed relative to the tilt member such that the sample holder aligns with each station, in sequence. As the sample holder aligns with each station, the platform is moved toward the tilt member such that the pin of the aligned station abuts and tilts the sample holder in a different direction. The repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with sudden stops. The analyzer can be used with a special sample holder.

Abstract: A device for thermal analysis. This device includes at least one thermoanalytical measurement device and at least one infrared spectrometer, wherein the infrared spectrometer is fully integrated into the thermoanalytical measurement device. The thermoanalytical measurement device and the at least one infrared spectrometer are connected to one another by a lift-swivel unit. The at least one infrared spectrometer is disposed above the thermoanalytical measurement device.

Abstract: A system is provided for analyzing a plurality of samples in a furnace. The system includes an upper holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one upper crucible. The system also includes a lower holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one lower crucible. The system includes a scale adapted to receive a lower crucible and weigh the lower crucible. The scale is further adapted to receive a combination of an upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible and weigh the combination. The system also includes means for moving the upper holder and the lower holder relative to each other and relative to the scale so that the scale selectively receives the lower crucible and the combination of the upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible. A method of testing samples in a furnace is provided.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer (100) includes: a furnace tube (9) made of a transparent material; a heating furnace (3); a sample holding part (41, 42) arranged inside the furnace tube; a first support base (12); a second support base (14); a measurement chamber (30) connected to the furnace tube; a first movement part (22) for moving the first support base and the second support base between a measurement position, at which the furnace tube is connected to the measurement chamber, and a sample setting position, at which the sample holding part is exposed on a rear end side with respect to the furnace tube and the heating furnace; and a second movement part (24) for moving only the second support base to a sample observation position, at which the heating furnace is advanced and the furnace tube is exposed. Accordingly, the sample is observable from outside the exposed furnace tube.

Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.

Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.

Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sensor comprising a support member, a sample sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a sample support electrically coupled to a first set of interconnects, and a reference sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a ring coupled to a second set of interconnects, in which the ring is positioned adjacent to and surrounding at least a portion of the sample support of the sample sensor.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus includes: a sample temperature control device for surrounding a sample placed on a measurement position and controlling the temperature of the sample; a balance beam for supporting the sample and capable of tilting about a pivot point; and a sample moving device that allows the balance beam to slide between a first position at which the sample is situated at the measurement position and a second position at which the sample is situated at a distant position which is a position outside the sample temperature control unit. The distant position is a position which is deviated laterally from a line trajectory extending from the measurement position to the outside of the sample temperature control device. When the sample is at the measurement position, the balance beam is allowed to linearly slide and subsequently to rotationally slide about an axial line, to thereby transport the sample from the measurement position to the distant position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for capturing a chemical compound, typically an impurity, and for accumulating said chemical compound on a capture mass CAPT included in at least one removable adsorbant cartridge MC over a long period exceeding 2 days, with a view to the external chemical analysis thereof. The invention also concerns an apparatus ST suitable for capturing at least one chemical compound in a fluid flow for its detection and/or quantification comprising, downstream of said cartridge or cartridges, at least one means for measuring the cumulative flow which has traversed said cartridge or cartridges over a set time period. In a preferred variation of the invention, the capture mass CAPT is fragmented into a plurality of elementary masses CAPTi which allowing the spread of an irreversible adsorption front or the displacement of a chromatographic zone to be determined.

Abstract: A balance for a simultaneous differential thermal analysis instrument that combines gravimetric measurements with measurements that require propagation of electrical signals from the sample holder to an apparatus for recording the electrical signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, conductive cross-flexure pivots are used in a parallel guided balance to mechanically and electrically couple the components of the balance mechanism to the apparatus that records the electrical signals.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining material moisture by thermogravimetry. Included in the device are: a test chamber (2) delimited by a chamber cover (8); a microwave field that can be generated by a magnetron (5) and supplied to the test chamber by a waveguide (4); a tuning rod (22) arranged in the test chamber; a sample carrier (3) which is operatively connected to a weighing module (6) mounted upstream of the test chamber; and at least one sensor (24) arranged in the test chamber. The tuning rod is arranged centrally on the chamber cover, above the sample carrier, and the at least one sensor is arranged on the free end of the tuning rod, opposing the chamber cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to identify a refinery solid foulant of unknown composition including the following steps: obtaining a solid foulant sample, removing trapped feed from the sample with a solvent to obtain an insoluble sample, scanning the insoluble sample with a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-rays, performing a thermal gravimetric analysis including an ash test on the insoluble sample to determine the presence of polymer, coke and inorganic elements, performing an elemental analysis on the insoluble sample for the elements carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, halogens, and metals, performing an optical microscopy on the insoluble sample to determine the presence of wax, asphaltenes, anisotropic coke and isotropic coke, and identifying the solid foulant.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a parallel heat treatment device, including an inner heating chamber defined at least in part by a plurality of heating plate assemblies, each of the plurality of heating plate assemblies including a pair of separate and spaced heating plates. At least one heating element is disposed between each of the pair of heating plates. A test plate is disposed within the inner heating chamber, the test plate being sized and shaped to receive a plurality of sample pans and samples and a temperature controlled support plate is positioned underneath the test plate.

Abstract: Multi-module weighing system with a holding structure serving to receive a plurality of weighing modules which are rigidly connected to each other in a given spatial arrangement and are operable independently of each other, wherein each weighing module comprises at least one load receiver, wherein the multi-module weighing system is connected to a temperature control device which is in thermal connection with each of the weighing modules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus, systems and methods for adding a humidity-controlled system to a thermogravimetric instrument. A humidity-controlled controlled chamber incorporates a housing, a humidifier, a sample chamber, a reference chamber, Peltier devices, humidity and temperature sensors, and gas transmission lines into a single unit. This single unit along with an electronic control unit and mass flow controllers provide a humidity-controlled system designed to control the atmosphere of TGA sample and reference chambers simultaneously. A system comprising an arm, motorized linear actuator an electric control unit, allows a humidity-controlled chamber to be automatically opened and closed, in turn, allowing reference and sample chambers to automatically be accessed.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample includes a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver is configured to allow the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator has a radiation-releasing surface directed at the sample and that covers substantially the entire surface of the sample with a uniform radiation intensity. The radiator is arranged above the sample, relative to the direction of the load, and spans over the entire sample. The measuring instrument also includes a means for removing the moisture emitted from the sample during the operation of the instrument device from the space between the sample and the radiation-releasing surface.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing extraneous forces and calculating corrected weights of samples based on buoyancy factors for a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The TGA includes a balance chamber and a furnace configured to heat a sample. A null balance is provided in the balance chamber and is used to measure the sample weight change during heating. The furnace includes a cylinder open at the top to receive a sample. The bottom of the cylinder is closed except for a small hole that allows a thermocouple to pass through. An infrared heat source may be provided to heat the cylinder. The balance chamber can be thermally isolated from the furnace using an actively cooled plate and a system of heat shields disposed between the furnace and balance chamber. A thermocouple disk is further provided to limit gas flow in the furnace and increase reliability of sample weight measurements.

Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus possesses has a cylindrical furnace tube axially inserted in a cylindrical heating furnace, and a pair of sample holders extending axially inside the furnace tube. The furnace tube is supported by two axially spaced groups of butting members, each group having three or more butting members that are disposed in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship on the outside of the furnace tube and that butt against the furnace tube to restrain positional deviation thereof in a radial direction while permitting expansion and contraction thereof in the axial direction during heating of the furnace tube by the heating furnace.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing extraneous forces and calculating corrected weights of samples based on buoyancy factors for a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The TGA includes a balance chamber and a furnace configured to heat a sample. A null balance is provided in the balance chamber and is used to measure the sample weight change during heating. The furnace includes a cylinder open at the top to receive a sample. The bottom of the cylinder is closed except for a small hole that allows a thermocouple to pass through. An infrared heat source may be provided to heat the cylinder. The balance chamber can be thermally isolated from the furnace using an actively cooled plate and a system of heat shields disposed between the furnace and balance chamber. A thermocouple disk is further provided to limit gas flow in the furnace and increase reliability of sample weight measurements.

Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus includes: a sample temperature control device for surrounding a sample placed on a measurement position and controlling the temperature of the sample; a balance beam for supporting the sample and capable of tilting about a pivot point; and a sample moving device that allows the balance beam to slide between a first position at which the sample is situated at the measurement position and a second position at which the sample is situated at a distant position which is a position outside the sample temperature control unit. The distant position is a position which is deviated laterally from a line trajectory extending from the measurement position to the outside of the sample temperature control device. When the sample is at the measurement position, the balance beam is allowed to linearly slide and subsequently to rotationally slide about an axial line, to thereby transport the sample from the measurement position to the distant position.

Abstract: An analytical furnace includes a predictive temperature control which is trained to model crucible temperature during analysis by employing a pair of temperature sensors, with one sensor being mounted in the furnace in fixed relationship and a second sensor which can be positioned within a crucible for training and tuning a crucible temperature profile, such that the crucible temperature in which a sample is placed is modeled and its response to the application of energy to the furnace in accordance with the furnace's dynamic thermal characteristics is known. By modeling the temperature profile within a crucible, the furnace can be controlled to provide a faster, more accurate analysis and prevent excessive overshooting of temperature as desired temperature plateaus are approached.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing extraneous forces and calculating corrected weights of samples based on buoyancy factors for a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The TGA includes a balance chamber and a furnace configured to heat a sample. A null balance is provided in the balance chamber and is used to measure the sample weight change during heating. The furnace includes a cylinder open at the top to receive a sample. The bottom of the cylinder is closed except for a small hole that allows a thermocouple to pass through. An infrared heat source may be provided to heat the cylinder. The balance chamber can be thermally isolated from the furnace using an actively cooled plate and a system of heat shields disposed between the furnace and balance chamber. A thermocouple disk is further provided to limit gas flow in the furnace and increase reliability of sample weight measurements.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for measuring the amount of fluid disposed on an object. The method includes weighing the object with the fluid disposed thereon. The object is then heated at a substantially constant temperature until all the fluid disposed thereon is removed, where a substantially constant temperature is maintained from the point at which the heating is initiated. The object is then re-weighed. The weight of the fluid disposed on the object is then calculated by subtracting the weight of the object after heating from the weight of the object before heating.