Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for diagnosing, monitoring the disease progression of, and/or evaluating the risk for developing a disease by detecting thermostable variants of proteins and/or metabolites in biological samples using differential scanning calorimetry. Also disclosed herein are methods for monitoring the efficacy of a particular therapeutic regimen in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: An instrument for determining thermal diffusivity of disc shaped opaque solid or quasi solid materials using a high intensity short duration flash of light from a single LED, a planar LED array, or laser diode source is disclosed. This instrument comprises an axially and radially indexed cylindrical sample holder able to accommodate a plurality of test samples and sequentially bring them into a designated testing position to expose one face of each sample to the flash of light while the obverse face of the disc is observed by a temperature measuring device, for the purpose of recording the attendant thermal excursion. An improved calculating method, based on empirical data observed during each test, is used for calculating thermal diffusivity.

Abstract: A Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis method for the action of an applied electric field includes: step 1, in an experiment module of a differential scanning calorimeter, placing a microelectrode crucible and a reference crucible on corresponding sensors, connecting electrode wires of the microelectrode crucible with a signal generator, setting signal parameters to be output, placing a tested sample in a gap between electrodes, closing a microelectrode crucible lid, and closing the experiment module; step 2, at a temperature-varying stage, measuring a DSC curve of the tested sample under the action of an electric field, and at a reheating stage, measuring a DSC curve of the tested sample with no electric field; and step 3, analyzing the DSC curves in combination with the related theories of dielectrics and thermodynamics, and calculating an electric field intensity of the tested sample and a phase transformation rate of the tested sample.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-screen supporting device in a high-temperature adiabatic calorimeter, and belongs to a calorimeter device in calorimetry. The multi-screen supporting device comprises a vacuum tank, three layers of protecting screens, two layers of thermal insulation screens, a protecting screen supporter for supporting and fixing the protecting screens, a thermal insulation screen supporter for supporting and fixing the thermal insulation screens, and a connecting piece for connecting and fixing the protecting screen supporter and the thermal insulation screen supporter. The multi-screen supporting mode in the high-temperature calorimeter solves the problems of time consumption for disassembling and assembling, low multi-screen assembling coaxiality and reduced experimental repeatability caused by many parts moved in each disassembling and assembling in the existing high-temperature calorimeter.

Abstract: A method for measuring respective flowrates of gas phase and liquid phase in a multiphase fluid using a critical flow nozzle flowmeter. The critical flow nozzle flowmeter includes a throttling nozzle having an inlet, an outlet and a throat, and the throat has a smallest flow area for flowing fluid; a gamma ray detector, including a gamma ray emitter and a gamma ray receiver, arranged in a way allowing the gamma ray emitted by the gamma ray emitter to pass through a cross-section at the inlet of the throttling nozzle in a diametrical direction to reach the gamma ray receiver; pressure sensors respectively configured for measuring the pressure P1 at the inlet of the throttling zone and the pressure P2 at the outlet of the throttling nozzle; and a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature T1 at the inlet of the throttling nozzle.

Abstract: A microwave moisture sensor for agricultural materials, such as grains and nuts, is disclosed herein that includes a material sample holder having a substantially cylindrical cavity formed therein. The meter assembly further includes a transmitting antenna on a side of the sample holder and a receiving antenna on a side of sample holder directly opposite the transmitting antenna wherein the sample holder is located between the two antennas, the receiving antenna configured to receive a transmitted microwave through the sample holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and analyzing sample materials may comprise a milling device for milling material components, a first metering device for metering a material component into the milling device, a second metering device for metering an activator liquid into the milled material component, a homogenization device for homogenizing the material components and the activator liquid to produce a sample material, a control device that is connected to the milling device and is configured to vary a parameter characteristic for milling intensity of the milling device so that particle size of the material components is altered, and a measuring device for determining a reactivity of the sample material. The present disclosure further concerns a process for producing and analyzing a plurality of sample materials. The process may involve varying at least one parameter characteristic for milling intensity for each sample material produced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for providing flexible and repairable testing capabilities, including destructive testing, for systems that generate or absorb heat such as energy storage systems. One embodiment can include a heat exchange system adapted to contain and maintain a fluid at a predetermined temperature, thermally conductive tubing in direct intimate contact with a plurality of heat sinks, thermal sensor assemblies, and an sample vessel receiver structure where the thermal sensor assemblies, heat sinks removeably attach to different sections of the inner containment structure so as to measure heat flow into or out of the inner containment structure's different sections, and a test cell enclosure which is adapted to contain forces and output from destructive testing of samples.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method to predict the solubility of a drug or other molecule in a solid polymer or other matrix at any temperature. The instant invention provides a method to determine the difference in specific enthalpy, specific entropy and specific Gibbs energy between a solid solution and the unmixed components, as well as a method to use those data to predict the solubility of a drug or other molecule in a solid polymer or other matrix. The method uses known thermodynamics equations and thermal analysis data, such as obtained from DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) at temperatures that are lower than the temperature at which the solubility is predicted. The method allows prediction of the drug-in-polymer solubilities without the use of elevated temperatures, but still avoids impractically long experiments.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: A device which can be used as a flow reactor for synthesis and for discerning the reaction kinetics as well as a flow calorimeter is a need in the art. To fulfill this need, the invention discloses a simple calorimeter that functions as a device to measure reaction kinetics, preferably heat of reaction in a continuous manner, in adiabatic as well as in isothermal conditions. The distinct advantages of the device include online determination of thermokinetic properties, continuous determination of thermokinetic properties and applicable for determination in adiabatic as well as isothermal modes. The device may function independently or may be used in combination with reactors, micro reactors or tubular reactors.

Abstract: The differential adiabatic compensation calorimeter comprises sample and reference containers, sample and reference temperature sensors connected back-to-back, in series, sample and reference compensating heaters coupled to the sample and reference containers, and a temperature-controlled chamber. In this differential adiabatic mixing and reaction calorimeter, the sample heat-sink heat loss to the sample container is compensated so that the exothermic reaction is conducted in an adiabatic state, resulting in an undistorted adiabatic process gaining the highest adiabatic temperature rise that corresponds to the theoretical value and an experimentally measured time to maximum rate value. The calorimeter is designed for measuring the time-resolved adiabatic temperature rise, the rate of temperature rise, the time to maximum temperature peak and time to maximum rate of an exothermic chemical reaction.

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: An apparatus for determining thermograms of blood plasma or serum includes two or more reaction vessels that each comprise a temperature sensing coil and a heating coil that is coaxial with and exterior to, or interleaved with, the temperature sensing coil. The apparatus also includes a heat conductive body having two or more cavities formed therein for receiving the reaction vessels. A corresponding method includes activating the heating coils of the reaction vessels and collecting temperature data for the reaction vessels with the temperature sensing coils.

Abstract: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

Abstract: A test device having an internal temperature constantly maintained even when a voltage supplied to the test device is altered, and a control method thereof are provided. The test device includes a heater, a temperature sensor to sense an internal temperature of the test device, and a control part to control a current applied to the heater, in order to prevent a temperature of the heater from being varied due to voltage variation when the voltage supplied to the test device is altered.

Abstract: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for an energetics-based approach to screen and to characterize binding interactions between potential therapeutic (or diagnostic) agents and unknown target molecules. The methods and apparatus detect the occurrence of these reactions, the strength of the binding interaction and possibly the rate at which these processes take place.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a heater system for heating a surface of a structure, the heater system including a heater element, a temperature sensor proximate the heater element for outputting a signal indicative of the temperature of the heater element, and a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heater element in dependence on the signal to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a first substantially constant temperature. The method comprises: immersing the structure in a fluid for maintaining the surface of the structure at a second substantially constant temperature; supplying an amount of power to the heater element; receiving the signal from the temperature sensor and determining a temperature at the temperature sensor; and determining a setpoint temperature for controlling the heater element in dependence on the signal and the second substantially constant 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: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a method and apparatus for an energetics-based approach to screen and to characterize binding interactions between potential therapeutic (or diagnostic) agents and unknown target molecules. The methods and apparatus detect the occurrence of these reactions, the strength of the binding interaction and possibly the rate at which these processes take place.

Abstract: A calorimeter (1) with a decomposition chamber (3) with a combustion chamber (2), in which a receiving device (4) for a sample, an ignition device (5), and at least one supply line (6) for oxygen are provided. The decomposition chamber (3) is surrounded by a liquid or water jacket (7) into which at least one temperature sensor (8) extends. The liquid or water jacket (7) is surrounded by an outer container (9), which is a pressure container and which absorbs pressure generated during the combustion of a sample in the decomposition chamber (3) at the walls (10) thereof as a result of a tight sliding fit (15) by way of the water or the incompressible liquid. The decomposition chamber (3) therefore has an accordingly thin wall so that the heat generated during combustion of a sample can reach the temperature sensor or sensors (8) quickly.

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: An optical absorption calorimeter performs absorbance measurements at low cryogenic temperatures, such as above 0K to 5K (e.g. near liquid helium temperature), using high-resolution thermometry with SQUID readout to probe optical absorption to better than 1 ppb. This improved sensitivity yields improved performance in calorimetric absorption spectroscopy by lowering the required excitation power, improving the spectral resolution, and opening up the full spectrum, from near-IR to near-UV and beyond for analysis.

Abstract: Systems include one or more medicinal storage containers. For example, an integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage container may include one or more segments of at least one ultra efficient insulation material, the one or more segments having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region, one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form at least one integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage region, one or more thermal variant units, and at least one selectively-operable thermal conduction unit.

Abstract: A liquid container capable of self-generating power and showing temperature, comprising: a) a containing body consisting of a housing and an inner wall, a gap being formed between the housing and the inner wall; b) a circuit board positioned within the gap; c) a temperature sensor positioned in the gap for measuring the temperature of the contained liquid, the temperature sensor being electrically connected to the circuit board; d) a temperature indicator disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the circuit board, a displaying surface thereof being positioned on the surface of the housing; and e) a temperature difference power-generating element positioned within the gap and electrically coupled to the circuit board, a thermoelectric effect being created by the hot water filled into the space defined by the inner wall such that a thermal energy can be converted into the electric energy that is stored by an energy-accumulating element for providing the temperature indicator and the related elements wi

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: The present invention provides high strength spring and high strength spring steel wire superior in corrosion fatigue characteristics and methods of production of the same, that is, a high strength spring steel wire and high strength spring containing, by mass %, C: 0.35 to 0.50%, Si: 1.00 to 3.00%, and Mn: 0.10 to 2.00%, restricting P to 0.015% or less and S to 0.015% or less, having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, and, when raising the temperature in the range from 50° C. to 600° C. by 0.25° C./s and measuring the differential scanning calories, having the only peak of the exothermic reaction present at 450° C. or more. A method of production of high strength spring characterized by tempering under conditions where the tempering temperature T[K], tempering time t[s], and content Si % [mass %] of Si satisfy the following: 16000?(T?40×[Si %])×(31.7+log t)?23000.

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: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the measurement of heat flow from at least one sample. The device 1 is adapted to receive a multi well vessel assembly (2) with samples in one or several vessels (21, 22, . . . 2n). The device (1) comprises an opening (11) for insertion of the vessel assembly (2) into the device (1), a measurement chamber (12) with a heat sink (13), a channel (14) extending from the opening (11) to the measurement chamber (12). The present invention specifically teaches that the opening (11) and channel (14) leads horizontally into the device (1), and that the height of the opening (11), channel (14) and measurement chamber (12) is only high enough to receive the vessel assembly (2).

Abstract: A differential scanning calorimeter (1) includes: a sample container (2) for receiving a measurement sample; a reference substance container (3) for receiving a reference substance; a heat sink (10); a thermal resistance (5), which is connected between the sample container and the heat sink, and between the reference substance container and the heat sink to form heat flow paths therebetween; a sample-side thermocouple (7), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the sample container with its hot-junction (7c) being insulated; and a reference substance-side thermocouple (8), which is thermally connected to the thermal resistance at a portion in the vicinity of the reference substance container with its hot junction (8c) being insulated, in which the sample-side thermocouple and the reference substance-side thermocouple output a heat flow difference signal indicating a temperature difference between the measurement sample and the reference substance.

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 calorimeter (1) with a decomposition chamber (3) with a combustion chamber (2), in which a receiving device (4) for a sample, an ignition device (5), and at least one supply line (6) for oxygen are provided. The decomposition chamber (3) is surrounded by a liquid or water jacket (7) into which at least one temperature sensor (8) extends. The liquid or water jacket (7) is surrounded by an outer container (9), which is a pressure container and which absorbs pressure generated during the combustion of a sample in the decomposition chamber (3) at the walls (10) thereof as a result of a tight sliding fit (15) by way of the water or the incompressible liquid. The decomposition chamber (3) therefore has an accordingly thin wall so that the heat generated during combustion of a sample can reach the temperature sensor or sensors (8) quickly.

Abstract: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

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 program comprises a code for implementing a method for regulating the temperature of an environment containing a product when the program is run in a computer system. The method includes measuring an environment temperature; detecting a product temperature; comparing the product temperature with a reference temperature; and varying the environment temperature on the basis of the outcome of the comparing. The detecting includes acquiring the product temperature internally of the product near its outside surface.

Abstract: The specific heat capacity (cp) of a medium is determined using a calorimeter with a reactor (1), a stirrer (3), a first thermostat for providing an inner heat balance, a second thermostat, means for providing an outer heat balance and a central control unit (35). The method uses the steps of: applying a modulated energy profile to the medium, inside the reactor (1), under near isothermal conditions; monitoring the resulting energy changes of: the medium, the reactor (1), the first thermostat, the second thermostat and/or the outer heat balance means as a function of time; determining the respective inner and outer heat balances independently from each other at predefined time intervals; and calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient (UA) and the specific heat capacity of the medium (cp) simultaneously and independently from each other as a function of time from the inner and outer heat balances.

Abstract: A temperature varying low-temperature comparative calibration including a vacuum jacket, a comparative calibration block in the vacuum jacket which is formed of a material of a high heat conductivity and which is maintained at a fixed temperature by a refrigerator or a heater, a reference thermometer housing portion in the comparative calibration block in which a reference thermometer is mounted, and an insertion hole in the comparative calibration block through which a calibration target thermometer is inserted from outside the vacuum jacket via an introduction pipe. The introduction pipe is filled with heat exchange gas.

Abstract: To enable the reduction in working efforts by hand by performing control a drying operation by appropriately selecting dry conditions depending on the connection mode of the cooling device, and removal of moisture and the like without fail. The thermal analysis system uses a heater and a cooling device to raise and decrease the temperature inside the purge box. In the drying method for the thermal analysis system, the drying operation is performed by: previously setting dry conditions depending on the connection mode of the cooling device; starting control of an opening time dry process upon activation of the thermal analysis system; supplying a predetermined amount of dry gas into the purge box in accordance with the dry conditions corresponding to the selected connection mode of the cooling device with the cooling device kept off; and making the temperature control module control the temperature of the dry gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the measurement of heat flow from at least one sample. The device 1 is adapted to receive a multi well vessel assembly (2) with samples in one or several vessels (21, 22, . . . 2n). The device (1) comprises an opening (11) for insertion of the vessel assembly (2) into the device (1), a measurement chamber (12) with a heat sink (13), a channel (14) extending from the opening (11) to the measurement chamber (12). The present invention specifically teaches that the opening (11) and channel (14) leads horizontally into the device (1), and that the height of the opening (11), channel (14) and measurement chamber (12) is only high enough to receive the vessel assembly (2).

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: An automated apparatus for determining the calorific value of combustible substances employs an integrated, isothermal water reservoir to reduce the complexity of the apparatus and facilitates automation of the calorimeter by providing a convenient source of isothermal water. A moving divider is used to reconfigure the isothermal water reservoir to either provide for temperature equilibration prior to sample analysis or define a fixed volume of water during analysis in which high precision temperature measurements can be recorded. The apparatus includes mechanisms for controlling the moving divider, a sample holding combustion vessel, and loading, cleaning, and unloading the combustion vessel. This eliminates key analysis steps that had previously required manual intervention by an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine water activity and weight of a sample. The apparatus may comprise a chamber configured to at least partially enclose a sample. The apparatus may also comprise a sensor configured to measure water activity of a sample in the chamber. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a moisture content adjustment device connected to the chamber and configured to change moisture content in the chamber. An isotherm generation module is also disclosed. The isotherm generation module may be configured to receive water activity measurements from a sensor device and weight measurements from a weighing device, the isotherm generation module being configured to generate an isotherm for a sample based on the water activity measurements and the weight measurements.

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 measurement operation, such as a calorimetry measurement, is performed using a measurement array and a replaceable passivation membrane (e.g., a parylene membrane). The passivation membrane is used to cover the measurement array to provide temporary electrical and chemical passivation, while still allowing measurement of the parameter of interest (e.g., temperature, in a calorimetry measurement). By only replacing the membrane instead of the entire measurement array between measurement operations, the cost of the measurements can be significantly reduced over conventional methods. The passivation membrane can be mounted on a frame to simplify handling of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system of the chilling process of the temperature of food items at values near but above 0° C. that prevents surface freezing of a food item. The surface freezing can be foreseen due to a mathematical relationship that is a function of the temperature of the food item immediately below its outside surface and of the air temperature near the outside surface of the food item. The above temperatures are detected by a multipoint needle probe. Positioning inside the food item is determined by a projecting member along the needle.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer has a heat sink for storing therein a specimen, a heater for heating the heat sink and the specimen, at superheating temperatures, and a cooling mechanism thermally connected to the heat sink for cooling the heat sink and the specimen. The cooling mechanism is comprised of a tubular member having an inlet port for introducing a cooling gas into the tubular member and an outlet port for discharging the cooling gas from the tubular member. A tubular extension is thermaly connected to and extends from the tubular member. An electric cooling device has a cooling head connected to the tubular extension for cooling the cooling mechanism.