Abstract: MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a calorimeter and a calorimeter that is operable to perform the method, wherein the calorimeter has a reactor (1) for receiving a reaction medium, a reactor jacket (2), an in-reactor heater (4) controlled by means of a first controller (6), an outer temperature control unit (9) in thermal contact with the reactor and controlled by a second controller (10), and a measurement sensor (5) arranged in the reactor for determining a reactor temperature (Tr). The reactor temperature is controlled by the heat which is delivered to the reactor by the in-reactor heater and by the heat that is carried in and/or out by the outer temperature control unit. A dynamic control of the heating power of the in-reactor heater and of the outer temperature control unit is used to eliminate any deviation of the reactor temperature from a reactor set-point temperature.

Abstract: A calorimeter includes a bucket cover which is used to reconfigure an isothermal water reservoir to provide for temperature equilibration prior to sample analysis and subsequently define a fixed volume of water during analysis in which high precision temperature measurements can be recorded. The apparatus includes mechanisms for sealing and controlling the cover, and for coupling the combustion vessel to the cover while minimizing the thermal contact between them. Improved thermal isolation between the fixed volume of water and the surrounding environment is also achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to impact absorbing foams. These foams comprise a polymeric foam and ceramic particulates dispersing the foam. These foams have numerous uses, including, for example, as interior pads for football helmets, and the like, for reducing head injuries.

Abstract: A thin substrate has a layered structure on one surface, and can also have a layered structure on the other. Each layered structure can include a part of at least one patterned layer that, if patterned by photolithography, would frequently result in damage to the substrate due to fragility. For example, the substrate could be a 3 mil (76.2 ?m) or thinner polyimide film and one patterned layer could be a semiconductor material such as vanadium oxide, while another could be metal in electrical contact with semiconductor material. The layer part, however, can be patterned by a printing operation or can include a printed patterned artifact such as an uneven boundary or an alignment. The printing operation can be direct printing or printing of a mask for etching or liftoff or both. The layered structure can include an array of cells, each with layer parts on each substrate surface.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of crystallinity of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy specimen based on the heat capacity of the specimen. The method and apparatus make use of the different heat capacities of alloys having differing degrees of crystallinity.

Abstract: Large volume calorimeters (100) and small volume, or cell, calorimeters (700), as well as methods of making and using the same, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a scan adiabatic resistive calorimeter (SARC) 1 with ohm heating of the sample 20, which measures the heating enthalpy and is formed of an inner cylinder 11 and a couple of pistons 15 and 16, thus forming said elements a cylindrical chamber hermetically closed 10, which avoids that during its operation can be material losses by leaks. Pistons 15 and 16 have, in one of their ends an electrode 31 and 36 respectively and they pass the electrical heating flow through the sample 20. In reference to this electric flow, the applied power is calculated and therefore, the supplied heat to the sample 20, which is equal to the specific enthalpy. To assure that the whole of the electric flow is conducted through the sample 20, the inner cylinder 11 is electrically isolated.

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 flow meter includes a heater for heating a fluid flow along a membrane. A temperature difference is measured between and upstream point and a downstream point. There are additionally provided one or more strips of material having a relatively high heat conductivity. Strips that are substantially perpendicular to the flow direction direct heat from the heater to the sides of the membrane, causing a large proportion of the heat that would otherwise drive heat flows to be dispersed and decreases inaccuracies or bias in the measured flow rate. Strips of material that are provided parallel to the flow direction act to direct heat from the heater along the direction of flow. This increases the proportion of heat that flows along this axis and guides the flow and hence reduces the proportion of heat available to drive heat flows that cause inaccuracies and bias in the measured flow rates.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved membrane-based microcalorimeters are disclosed. The sample mixing speed or “temporal addenda” of the calorimeter can be improved using membranes with patterned hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, oscillating droplet squeezing methods, and textured membrane surfaces with ridges designed to facilitate rapid mixing. The thermal coupling between the membranes and the other calorimetric addenda can be minimized by exposing the back side of the calorimetric membrane to a vacuum, while keeping the front side exposed to a humidified environmental chamber. Specially shaped, membrane associated heat-transfer-elements can help the system accurately monitor substantial portions of the sample. These elements, in conjunction with the position of the edge of the sample, can be designed to minimize inaccuracy due to edge evaporation effects.

Abstract: A device to measure the residual power of a charge, comprising: means delimiting a first vessel to receive and contain a charge to be measured; means delimiting a second vessel around the first vessel; means to apply a layer of liquid or wet layer around the first vessel; and means to maintain constant the temperature and/or pressure of a vapor outside the first vessel or in the second vessel.

Abstract: An approach for the thermomechanical characterization of phase transitions in polymeric materials (polyethyleneterephthalate) by band excitation acoustic force microscopy is developed. This methodology allows the independent measurement of resonance frequency, Q factor, and oscillation amplitude of a tip-surface contact area as a function of tip temperature, from which the thermal evolution of tip-surface spring constant and mechanical dissipation can be extracted. A heating protocol maintained a constant tip-surface contact area and constant contact force, thereby allowing for reproducible measurements and quantitative extraction of material properties including temperature dependence of indentation-based elastic and loss moduli.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an adiabatic scanning calorimeter for simultaneous measurements of the temperature dependence of heat capacity and enthalpy of liquids and solids and phase transitions therein. Moreover, the invention allows for an accurate separation between pretransitional enthalpy variations and true latent heats at first-order or weakly first-order phase transitions. In addition, the invention relates to calorimeters for controlling temperature differences and heat fluxes in different modes of operation.

Abstract: A heating furnace for testing middle and long span structures including a modular partition structure to adjust an inner volume of the heating furnace, effectively performing a load-coupled heating test of full scale members such as a beam, a short column, a slab, a conjunction frame, and a deck plate. The heating furnace for testing middle and long span structures includes a partition unit formed of a refractory material and partitioning a heating space in a main body to block transfer of heat generated from one space to the other space. A test sample is installed in the heating space of the main body partitioned by the partition unit according to a size of the test sample, and then, heat and a compression force are applied to the test sample to perform a fireproof performance test. The fireproof performance test of structure members having various lengths of 4 m, 6 m and 10 m can be performed, and consumption of various utilities consumed during the test can be optimized.

Abstract: A method of screening an organic salt for potential toxicity if used as a stabilizing agent for live cells or viruses, the method comprising: (a) providing a composition of unilamellar vesicles; then (b) contacting an organic salt to the unilamellar vesicles; and then (c) detecting a change in at least one thermal parameter of the unilamellar vesicles caused by the organic salt at said known concentration. A change in the at least one thermal parameter indicates the organic salt is potentially toxic for use as a stabilizing agent for live cells or viruses. Compositions of organic salts identified by such methods, along with methods of using the same in stabilizing live cells or viruses, are also described.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring heat generated from cells, including a thermopile manufactured by surface-micromachining technology, and a microfluidic flow-channel structure for mixing cells with medium and dividing the mixture into cells and medium. Medium and cells are uniformly mixed using a micro-mixer. The mixture is separated into a medium microfluid and a cell microfluid using the Zweifach-Fung effect, after which signals measured in the two microfluids are amplified. The difference between the two signal values determines the amount of heat generated from the cells. The influence of noise caused by a change in external environment is eliminated. Convection heat dissipation caused by fluid flow is minimized. The sensor accurately measures the amount of heat generated from cells flowing in the microfluidic flow-channel. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed using the difference between the measured amount of heat generated from cells and the standard amount of heat generated from normal cells.

Abstract: A nanocalorimeter includes a merging layer having, a drop placement area for holding drops to be merged and a thermal equilibration area. A measurement layer includes a substrate, and a temperature probe on the substrate, wherein the temperature probe extends out of the surface of the substrate to come into operative contact with the thermal equilibration area when the measurement layer is placed in operative association with the merging layer. The nanocalorimeter is configured to have the merging layer and the measurement layer non-integrated, making the measurement layer reusable.

Abstract: A fluid composition analysis mechanism includes a light source for configured to irradiate excitation light to a sample fluid at a measurement position; a light receiving unit arranged on an extended line of the excitation light for configured to receive and disperse Raman scattering light generated from the sample fluid irradiated with the excitation light; a Raman scattering light collection optical system arranged on an optical path for the excitation light or on the extended line of the excitation light configured to collect the Raman scattering light generated at the measurement position and to cause the condensed Raman scattering light to be incident on the light receiving unit; a calculation unit configured to calculate a composition of the sample fluid based on an output of the light receiving unit; and a light shielding member arranged on the optical path or on the extended line of the excitation light.

Abstract: A thermal analysis device comprising a replaceable sensor that can be contacted via a contact element of an electrical contacting means, a heating element and a cooling element. The contact element(s) is thermally connected with the heating element and can be heated essentially independently of the operating state of the cooling element even when no sensor is mounted to the device.

Abstract: A disclosed heat generation amount estimation unit is used for a battery for an electric power tool, and estimates a heat generation amount of the battery that is a power source of the electric power tool. The heat generation amount estimation unit includes a computation device, and is provided in an apparatus for electric power tool. The computation device periodically reads, either during a discharge from the battery or during a charge to the battery, a detected current from a current detection device, which detects a current corresponding to this point in time from among a discharge current and a charge current flowing through the battery, and adds/subtracts a heat generation amount equivalent value in accordance with a value of the read detected current. The computation device outputs the added/subtracted heat generation amount equivalent value as an estimated value representing the heat generation amount of the battery.

Abstract: A thin substrate has a layered structure on one surface, and can also have a layered structure on the other. Each layered structure can include a part of at least one patterned layer that, if patterned by photolithography, would frequently result in damage to the substrate due to fragility. For example, the substrate could be a 3 mil (76.2 ?m) or thinner polyimide film and one patterned layer could be a semiconductor material such as vanadium oxide, while another could be metal in electrical contact with semiconductor material. The layer part, however, can be patterned by a printing operation or can include a printed patterned artifact such as an uneven boundary or an alignment. The printing operation can be direct printing or printing of a mask for etching or liftoff or both. The layered structure can include an array of cells, each with layer parts on each substrate surface.

Abstract: The differential scanning calorimeter includes: a heat sink, which stores a measuring sample and a reference material; a heater, which heats the heat sink; a cooling block, which is separated away from the heat sink, and positioned below the heat sink; a thermal resistor, which is connected between the heat sink and the cooling block, and forms a heat flow path therebetween; a cooling head, which is detachably fitted to the cooling block, and is cooled by an external cooling device; and differential heat flow detectors, which output a temperature difference between the measuring sample and the reference material as a heat-flow-difference signal, in which: the cooling block forms a side wall to fit the bore of the cooling head outward from the joint of the thermal resistance body; the top surface of the cooling head is lower than the joint.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a heater for heating a fluid flow along a membrane. A temperature difference is measured between and upstream point and a downstream point. There are additionally provided one or more strips of material having a relatively high heat conductivity. Strips that are substantially perpendicular to the flow direction direct heat from the heater to the sides of the membrane, causing a large proportion of the heat that would otherwise drive heat flows to be dispersed and decreases inaccuracies or bias in the measured flow rate. Strips of material that are provided parallel to the flow direction act to direct heat from the heater along the direction of flow. This increases the proportion of heat that flows along this axis and guides the flow and hence reduces the proportion of heat available to drive heat flows that cause inaccuracies and bias in the measured flow rates.

Abstract: A calorimeter which includes a casing in which a sample is combusted, a jacket around the casing, and temperature sensors in an outer surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A sample sensor (200) for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture, the sample sensor (200) comprising a light source (101), a detector element, a processing section (106) and parameter measuring means. The light source (101) produces a light beam (113) for exciting molecules of the sample. The detector element detects an 5 amount of excited molecules of the sample and provides a detector current indicating the amount. The processing section (106) is coupled to the detector element (103) for processing the detector current to generate an output signal (109) representing the concentration. The processing section (106) comprises a temperature compensation module (112) being arranged for compensating for a temperature dependent wavelength shift of the light source (101) 10 based on at least one measured value of a temperature dependent parameter of the light source (101), other than an output wavelength. The parameter measuring means obtain the at least one measured value.

Abstract: Control systems and calorimeters using them are provided. In certain examples, a calorimeter comprising a thin film sample sensor, a thin film reference sensor, a first controller configured to receive a temperature signal from only the reference sensor and to generate a first control signal, based on the received temperature signal, to provide average power to the sample sensor and to the reference sensor, and a second controller configured to receive temperature signals from both the sample sensor and the reference sensor and to generate a second control signal, based on the temperature signals received from both the sample sensor and the reference sensor, to provide differential power to only the sample sensor is described. Methods using the control systems and calorimeters are also described.

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: The present disclosure relates in part to pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles having certain glass transition temperatures. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.

Abstract: A measured system for use with a calorimeter and related methods of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an apparatus to identify alpha-emitting radionuclides and to measure absolute alpha radioactivity using a low temperature detector. A 4? metallic absorber which encloses a radioactive material containing alpha-emitting radionuclides absorbs the total alpha decay energy in the form of thermal energy. The corresponding temperature changes are measured by a low temperature detector attached to the 4? absorber with high energy resolution. The identification of alpha-emitting radionuclides is declared by comparing the measured temperature signal with characteristic decay energy of radionuclides. The absolute amount of the radionuclides is determined by counting the number of the pulses for each of the identified nuclides.

Abstract: Provided is a micro heat flux sensor array having reduced heat resistance. A micro heat flux sensor array may include a substrate, a plurality of first sensors formed on a first side of the substrate, and a plurality of second sensors formed on a second side of the substrate. Each of the plurality of first and second sensors may include a first wiring pattern layer of a first conductive material, a second wiring pattern layer of a second conductive material contacting the first wiring pattern layer, and an insulating layer in contact with the first and second wiring patterns.

Abstract: A heat flux differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is disclosed. The DSC can be configured with a highly conductive sample assembly enclosure. The enclosure can include a high emissivity coating. In one embodiment, the enclosure extends along a longitudinal direction that is about the same as that of an infrared lamp assembly used to heat the enclosure, thereby increasing the efficiency of heating the sample enclosure. In one embodiment, a gas-filled thermal resistor is used to couple the measurement assembly to a heat sink, such that samples can be rapidly heated and rapidly cooled.

Abstract: A thermal measurement apparatus and method for performing heat flux differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is disclosed. A variable thermal resistor is used to couple a measurement assembly to a heat sink in the thermal measurement apparatus, such that samples can be rapidly heated and rapidly cooled. The apparatus can be configured with a highly conductive sample assembly enclosure. The enclosure can include a high emissivity coating. In one embodiment, the enclosure extends along a longitudinal direction that is about the same as that of an infrared lamp assembly used to heat the enclosure, thereby increasing the efficiency of heating the sample enclosure. In one configuration, the variable thermal resistor comprises a gap whose gas composition can be varied during a sample measurement to independently optimize sample heating and cooling rates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microcalorimeter system includes a first microfluidic channel coupling a calorimeter with a sample chamber. A second microfluidic channel couples the calorimeter with a waste chamber. An inertial pump includes a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within the first microfluidic channel, and the fluid actuator is capable of selective activation to pump fluid from the sample chamber to the calorimeter and from the calorimeter to the waste chamber through the first and second microfluidic channels, respectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, provided herein is a single crystal silicon microcalorimeter, for example useful for high temperature operation and long-term stability of calorimetric measurements. Microcalorimeters described herein include microcalorimeter embodiments having a suspended structure and comprising single crystal silicon. Also provided herein are methods for making calorimetric measurements, for example, on small quantities of materials or for determining the energy content of combustible material having an unknown composition.

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: The accuracy of instruments used to measure the specific heat of heat transfer fluids is limited by the accumulation of bubbles, debris or loose surface films on an active measurement surface. Accumulated bubbles, debris or loose film may be reduced or eliminated by using an agitator to cause relative motion between a working fluid and an active surface of a specific heat sensor. The accumulation of bubbles, debris or loose film may also be reduced or eliminated by electrolytically cleaning an electrically conductive heat transfer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the kinetics of gas hydrate formation in a fluid comprising water, wherein the following stages are carried out: a sample of the fluid is provided in form of a water-in-oil stable emulsion, DSC measurements are performed on the sample to obtain at least one peak corresponding to the gas hydrate conversion energy in the water drops of said emulsion, kinetic characteristics of the formation of hydrates in said fluid are deduced from the peak.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to improve thermal sensitivity of resonant circuits. One aspect utilizes tracking near-resonance complex impedance for a quartz resonator based calorimeter sensor to derive ultra-sensitive temperature measurement from the sensor. Another aspect includes a quartz resonant or -based calorimetric sensor placed close to but not touching the analyte being measured to eliminate mass loading effect on the temperature measurement.

Abstract: A microfluidic embedded nanoelectromechanical system (NEMs) force sensor provides an electrical readout. The force sensor contains a deformable member that is integrated with a strain sensor. The strain sensor converts a deformation of the deformable member into an electrical signal. A microfluidic channel encapsulates the force sensor, controls a fluidic environment around the force sensor, and improves the read out. In addition, a microfluidic embedded vacuum insulated biocalorimeter is provided. A calorimeter chamber contains a parylene membrane. Both sides of the chamber are under vacuum during measurement of a sample. A microfluidic cannel (built from parylene) is used to deliver a sample to the chamber. A thermopile, used as a thermometer is located between two layers of parylene.

Abstract: A calorimeter for use in measuring a sample is provided. The calorimeter may include a sample chamber for housing the sample therein. A separate reference chamber may not be present in the calorimeter. The calorimeter may also have a sample thermoelectric cooler in which heat from the sample chamber is transferred to the sample thermoelectric cooler. A reference thermoelectric cooler for use in detecting thermal noise may also be present, and outputs from the sample thermoelectric cooler and the reference thermoelectric cooler may be used in a control equation to determine the heat output of the sample.

Abstract: In general terms the biosensor apparatus according to the invention comprises a housing (5, 6), a pair of heat sinks (11, 12) and a pair of heat reflectors (13, 14) thermally floating relative to the heat sinks, and a pair of Peltier elements (16) attached to and in thermal contact with the heat sinks (11, 12), one element (16) on each heat sink (11, 12). The housing is made of an insulating material, and the heat sinks (11, 12) are made of a material with thermal properties large enough to absorb the heat flow with only a very slight, negligible disturbance in its temperature, to render their envelope surface having a high heat emissivity. The heat reflectors (13, 14) are made of a material having a very low emissivity and have a generally flat and thin disc shaped structure and acts primarily as radiation shields.

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: A structure of calorimeter provides a calorimetric head (1) comprising a calorimetric cell (10) suitable for receiving a sample holding container (20) containing a sample (25) to examine. The cell (10) is arranged according to a first shield (3), or active shield. Outside the active shield (3) a second shield (4), or dynamical shield is present, which comprises a cylindrical hollow body arranged around the active shield (3) for all its length in order to provide a space (5) of determined size. Outside the active shield a thermal bath is present (not shown) at a temperature lower than the first and the second shield (3,4). The dynamic shield (4) allows an effective adjustment of the heat flux through the active shield (3) during calorimetric measures by limiting the heat flux same. In fact, in operative conditions the dynamic shield acts as thermal flywheel and keeps constant the heat flux coming from the active shield (3).

Abstract: A system and method of identifying a reference standard library for thermoplastic content includes preparing a plurality of samples of each one of a plurality of known ratios of virgin thermoplastic/recycled thermoplastic, analyzing each of the plurality of samples of each one of the plurality of known ratios of virgin thermoplastic/recycled thermoplastic with at least one of a group of analyses consisting of: a differential scanning calorimetry analysis; a physical thickness analysis; an ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis; an attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis; a mechanical analysis; or a plasma atomic emission spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: A passive differential calorimeter, comprising an inflow control valve (2?), differential measurement means (4?) including the driving part of an input water meter (15) and the driving part of an output water meter (16), a back flow control valve (9?) and connecting pipes between them, wherein both the inflow control valve and the output flow control valve being temperature controlled valve, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus (A) for testing an associated construction material sample includes a housing (20) having an internal chamber (22) divided by a wall portion (30) into first and second portions (24, 26). A support in the housing is dimensioned to mount an associated construction material sample therein. A first burner (60) communicates with first portion of the housing for supplying a flame thereto. A second burner (80) communicates with the second portion of the housing for preheating the first portion. The testing method of an associated construction material sample includes installing the sample in the housing, preheating the housing, introducing a flame toward the sample, monitoring the flame as combustion progresses longitudinally along the sample, and recording data regarding the flame progression.

Abstract: A device to measure the residual power of a charge, comprising: means delimiting a first vessel to receive and contain a charge to be measured; means delimiting a second vessel around the first vessel; means to apply a layer of liquid or wet layer around the first vessel; and means to maintain constant the temperature and/or pressure of a vapour outside the first vessel or in the second vessel.

Abstract: A measured system for use with a calorimeter and related methods of operation.