Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A workstation has a feed device (1) for sample tube racks (7), comprising a balance (17) in which the weight of individual sample tubes (6) is determined by a procedure in which the sample tube holder (7) is weighed in each case before and after removal of each sample tube (6) and the difference between the weights is determined. Removal is effected in each case by means of a gripper (23) of a transfer device (3) which then distributes the sample tubes (6) over sample tube buckets (22) in such a way that said buckets form pairs having approximately the same weights. With the aid of a receiving device (27) which is gripped by the gripper (23) and removed from a holder, the sample tube buckets (22) are picked up and introduced into a centrifuge (2). They are removed again after centrifuging and, after the receiving device (27) has been deposited in the holder, the individual sample tubes (6) are removed from the sample tube buckets (22) by the gripper and deposited on carriers (5) of a conveying device (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticle film comprising a nanoparticle network formed of nanoparticles interlinked by linker molecules. The linker molecules have at least two linker units that can bind to the surface of the nanoparticles. By introducing selectivity-enhancing units in the linker molecule, the selectivity of the nanoparticle film towards target analytes can be enhanced. A fine-tuning of the selectivity can be achieved by including a fine-tuning unit in the vicinity of the selectivity-enhancing unit. The nanoparticle film can be used to produce chemical sensors which are selective and stable in their performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing catalyst candidates including a multi-cell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles that have been treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients and dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets. The apparatus also includes structure for contacting the catalyst candidates with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g. spectral analysis, chromatography etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to methodologies for the synthesis, screening and characterization of organometallic compounds and catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts). The methods of the present invention provide for the combinatorial synthesis, screening and characterization of libraries of supported and unsupported organometallic compounds and catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts). The methods of the present invention can be applied to the preparation and screening of large numbers of organometallic compounds which can be used not only as catalysts (e.g., homogeneous catalysts), but also as additives and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and monitoring micro-volumetric enthalpic changes caused by molecular reactions. Micro-machining techniques are used to create very small thermally isolated masses incorporating temperature-sensitive circuitry. The thermally isolated masses are provided with a molecular layer or coating, and the temperature-sensitive circuitry provides an indication when the molecules of the coating are involved in an enthalpic reaction. The thermally isolated masses may be provided singly or in arrays and, in the latter case, the molecular coatings may differ to provide qualitative and/or quantitative assays of a substance.

Abstract: Rapid screening for activities and selectivities of catalyst libraries having addressable test sites is achieved by contacting potential catalysts at the test sites with reactant streams forming product plumes at the adressable test sites. The product plumes are screened by translating a sample probe and/or the library to a position that one addressable site is in proximity to the sampling probe sample orifice and passing a portion of the reaction products through the sampling orifice forming a free jet expanded volume in at least one vacuum stage and passing a portion of the cooled and reduced pressure jet stream through an inlet orifice of a mass spectrometer for analysis. The mass spectrometric analysis may be combined with resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization methods of detection for very rapid library evaluation. Suitable reactors, microreactors, and product transfer sample microprobes for product transfer to a mass spectrometer are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A calorimeter that measures heat release rates of very small samples (on the order of one to 10 milligrams) without the need to separately and simultaneously measure the mass loss rate of the sample and the heat of combustion of the fuel gases produced during the fuel generation process. The sample is thermally decomposed in a small volume pyrolysis chamber. The resulting fuel gases are immediately swept by an inert gas stream from the pyrolysis chamber into a combustion furnace in a plug-like flow. This plug flow substantially synchronizes the emerging fuel gases with the mass loss rate of the sample. Oxygen is metered into the fuel gas stream just before it enters the combustion furnace where the fuel gases are completely oxidized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, devices for and methods for performing thermal signature assays on a two or more samples in an array, using active/control base thermopiles, the method comprising: [a] performing a heat transfer to the two or more samples in each of a two or more containers, using at least one base thermopile in thermal communication with the two or more containers; and [b] determining a total heat transferred to the samples by the base thermopile in step [a]; and [c] sensing in real time a temperature difference between a first sample and a second sample of the two or more samples resulting from performing step [a].

Abstract: A magnetic wind oxygen sensing device provides a local magnetic field defined by magnetic pole pieces, and employs a plurality of thermal elements in a bridge in the local magnetic field to measure oxygen concentration in a surrounding gas mixture, creating a magnetic wind and determining the thermal effects induced in sensing elements as a result of the wind. A pair of sensing elements are positioned such that one lies upstream and one downstream of each wind generator, and both are substantially in thermal equilibrium with adjacent gas so they are unaffected by changes in thermal capacity of background gas components. When oxygen is present, the two sensing elements are passively cooled below, and heated above the temperature set by a local heater, respectively. In the absence of oxygen, the sensors reside at the same temperature, so they are self zero-ing, and this zero point does not shift when background gases with differing thermal characteristics are present.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the presence of a volatile component in a test sample. The method involves use of two separate vessels, one of which is capable of being placed wholly within the other vessel. The test sample is placed in the larger vessel, and an indicator solution is placed in the smaller, inner vessel. Then a gas-tight closure is placed on the top of the outer, larger vessel. The assembly is heated to an elevated temperature, whereby the volatile target analyte which is released from the test sample transfers to the inner vessel and is absorbed by the indicator solution. The indicator solution can be analyzed by means of a calorimeter, spectrophotometer, etc.

Abstract: The oxygen and carbon dioxide content of expired respiratory gas is determined by measuring the mass and volume of the expired breath. From the composition of the inspired gas which may either be assumed or measured, the mass of the inspired volume may be determined, and since the inspired and expired breaths contain the same mass of nitrogen, the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the expired breath may be determined. Measurements of temperature and humidity may be required to account for temperature and humidity changes between the inhalation and the exhalation or the inhaled gas may be adjusted in temperature and humidity to equalize the inhaled and exhaled temperature and humidity conditions. The mass and volume of the expiration and the volume mass of the inhalations are determined by an ultrasonic transit time system and a gas density sensor.

Abstract: A water bath accommodating a calorimetric bomb (2) for measuring the combustion heat of substances with the aid of a calorimeter. The inner tank (3) is enclosed by an outer container (5) forming a water jacket and is shielded from the environment. If several measurements are conducted subsequently, the water found in the inner tank (3) and heated above its initial value through the combustion process taking place in connection with a previous measurement can be at least partially transferred into the outer container (5) with a second or other succeeding measurement prior to conducting it so that at least a part of the combustion heat of the preceding measurement can be used for heating up at least the water jacket in the outer container (5) in connection with the next measurement. Consequently, energy for tempering the water in the water jacket and/or in the water bath can be saved.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing catalyst candidates including a multicell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles that have been treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients and dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets. The apparatus also includes structure for contacting the catalyst candidates with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for measuring chemical analytes and physical forces by measuring changes in the deflection of a microelectromechanical cantilever structure while it is being irradiated by a light having an energy above the band gap of the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor includes a chemical substance which reacts with the oxidative gas or vapor to produce a heat change. A temperature probe is coupled to the chemical substance and adapted to respond to the heat change. The temperature probe can be coupled to the chemical substance by a carrier, and can include a reference temperature probe. Additionally, a method of using the apparatus is described, as well as a sterilization system which utilizes the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for determining a given substance content of a fluid comprising a means for monitoring the fluid volume passing through the tube, and a heat sensitive indicator for indicating that the reactant mass has reached a critical heating temperature corresponding to a fluid volume flowing through the mass equal to a predetermined calibrated volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor including a thin film sensor element formed, e.g., by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD), on a microhotplate structure. The thin film sensor element includes a film of a hydrogen-interactive metal film that reversibly interacts with hydrogen to provide a correspondingly altered response characteristic, such as optical transmissivity, electrical conductance, electrical resistance, electrical capacitance, magnetoresistance, photoconductivity, etc., relative to the response characteristic of the film in the absence of hydrogen. The hydrogen-interactive metal film may be overcoated with a thin film hydrogen-permeable barrier layer to protect the hydrogen-interactive film from deleterious interaction with non-hydrogen species. The hydrogen sensor of the invention may be usefully employed for the detection of hydrogen in an environment susceptible to the incursion or generation of hydrogen and may be conveniently configured as a hand-held apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring concentration of a solution, in which an acid is mixed in a sample to be detected to reduce the variations in pH, and the mixture is heated up to not more than 80° C. to measure the transmitted light and/or scattered light power. The present invention also provides a method of urinalysis in which the protein concentration is measured after measuring the angle of rotation. Herewith, in the method in which the sample to be detected is heated to coagulate protein, and the protein concentration is measured from the degree of opacification resulting therefrom, it is possible to reduce the influence of the pH of the sample to be detected, and to decrease the heating temperature.

Abstract: A method for isolating an active catalyst from a library of compounds that are potential catalysts is disclosed. The method involves providing a library which comprises a plurality of discrete solid supports, each solid support having a different organic compound bound thereto; and providing a reaction solution in a reaction vessel, the reaction solution containing the reactant or reactants necessary for a chemical reaction to occur in the presence of a catalyst for that reaction. The library and the reaction solution are then combined in the reaction vessel, and then one of the discrete solid supports is detected that is characterized by a temperature change in said solution greater than the temperature change of a plurality of other of said discrete solid supports in said solution. The detected solid support carries an active catalyst for the chemical reaction. Continuous flow apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a carbohydrate in a sample. The method includes providing a low valency carbohydrate binding ligand, providing a glycoconjugate which includes a label, and a carbohydrate moiety, contacting the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand and the glycoconjugate with the sample, determining the extent of binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate, the binding of the low valency carbohydrate binding ligand with the glycoconjugate being correlated with the amount of carbohydrate in the sample.

Abstract: A turbulent plate is installed nearby the heat source of an apparatus for thermally testing an electronic device. The testing apparatus comprises a main body and a pallet. The main body is formed with a first chamber for receiving the electronic device, and a second chamber located around and communicated with the first chamber. The pallet having a plate mounted with window and a through hole filled with corrugated heat insulators, supports the electronic device, which is turned on and received in the first chamber. The status of the electronic device can be inspected through the window. The heat insulators fully envelop a lead wire passed the through hole and connected between the portable computer and a power supply.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved calorimeter for determining thermodynamic properties of biological and chemical reactions. A microcalorimeter device comprises a thin amorphous membrane anchored to a frame. Thermometers and heaters are placed on one side of a thermal conduction layer mounted on the central portion of the membrane. An environmental chamber is vacated and humidified. First and second samples are placed on the membranes of first and second microcalorimeters. Each sample is heated and its individual heat capacity determined. The samples are then mixed by sandwiching the two microcalorimeters together to cause a binding reaction to occur. The enthalpy of binding is determined by measuring the amount of heat liberated during the reaction. The mixture is then heated and the heat capacity of the mixture is determined. From this data, a binding constant is calculated.

Abstract: A method is described for determining hemodialysis parameters during an extracorporeal blood treatment according to which the blood to be treated in an extracorporeal circulation flows through the blood chamber of a dialyzer divided by a semipermeable membrane into the blood chamber and a dialysate chamber, and dialysate in a dialysate path flows through the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer. According to the method pursuant to the invention, the hemodialysis parameter can also be determined when no balanced state has yet been established. The method according to the invention is based on the response of the dialyzer to a pulse function as inlet signal (pulse response) from the course over time of the physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysate upstream and downstream of the dialyzer. The hemodynamic parameter is then determined from the pulse response of the dialyzer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for modulating the flux of oxygen impinging on a calorimetric gas sensor. The method and apparatus are based on modulating the oxygen concentration of a gas mixture presented to the microcalorimeter between a predetermined high level and at a substantially zero value to create a modulated output to reduce the noise of the sensor and to eliminate its zero-offset.

Abstract: A calorimeter sensor apparatus is developed utilizing microcantilevered spring elements for detecting thermal changes within a sample containing biomolecules which undergo chemical and biochemical reactions. The spring element includes a bimaterial layer of chemicals on a coated region on at least one surface of the microcantilever. The chemicals generate a differential thermal stress across the surface upon reaction of the chemicals with an analyte or biomolecules within the sample due to the heat of chemical reactions in the sample placed on the coated region. The thermal stress across the spring element surface creates mechanical bending of the microcantilever. The spring element has a low thermal mass to allow detection and measuring of heat transfers associated with chemical and biochemical reactions within a sample placed on or near the coated region. A second surface may have a different material, or the second surface and body of microcantilever may be of an inert composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for improving the speed and sensitivity of optical spectroscopic techniques for remote detection of trace chemical species in a carrier gas. The disclosed method can be applied to any optical spectroscopic detection technique whose sensitivity decreases as the total pressure of the sample decreases. The method employs an inert and non-absorbing buffer gas to supplement the pressure exerted by the carrier gas. This ensures that the total pressure of the sample, and hence sensitivity of the detection technique, remains high. The method is especially useful when measuring concentration of chemical species produced at small rates, and therefore should prove useful for rapid serial screening of combinatorial libraries of compounds.

Abstract: In order to determine a concentration of a gas mixture, especially a hydrogen concentration of a containment atmosphere of a nuclear power station, a temperature change resulting from a catalytic reaction is measured. The gas mixture is diluted with a motive gas of known composition. The dilution is carried out by a jet pump.

Abstract: A multicell holder e.g. a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CC12F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g. by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g. by multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis e.g. spectral analysis, chromatography etc, or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst e.g. by thermographic techniques, to determine the relative efficacy of the catalysts in each combination.

Abstract: A remote measuring method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of an aqueous solution, particularly useful in monitoring the temperature of a reaction in a microwell, is provided by introducing a dye target and a dye into an aqueous solution; wherein the dye, when bound to the dye target, emits a detectable signal and reproducibly exhibits a temperature dependent signal when appropriately stimulated, stimulating the dye, measuring the resultant signal, and determining the temperature by comparing the measured signal with predetermined temperature related values therefor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aging a catalyst includes selecting an initial catalyst conditioning parameter, such as time and temperature and selecting a kinetic parameter, based on the selected time and temperature parameter, for the catalysis of CO and HC oxidation by the catalyst. A prediction of the vehicle tailpipe emission level, based on the selected kinetic parameter is made. The predicted level is then compared to a target level to determine whether the particular parameters chosen are appropriate to age the catalyst. The catalyst is then aged based on the desired selected parameters.

Abstract: A neutralization testing apparatus and a neutralization testing method which allow a neutralization reaction rate of a liquid sample such as lubricant oil to be accurately measured are provided. Reagent injecting device for injecting a reagent which neutralizes the liquid sample is provided on a lid member of a closed container into which the liquid sample is charged. The reagent injecting device is an acid injecting port which penetrates through the closed container and an air-tight sealing member which closes the acid injecting port and which permits an injector needle for injecting the reagent to penetrate therethrough. Because no gas leakage occurs even when the injector needle is penetrated because of the elasticity of the air-tight sealing member, the measuring conditions within the closed container do not change and the neutralization reaction rate may be found accurately.

Abstract: A differential calorimeter includes sample and reference cells, a thermal shield surrounding these cells, heating devices thermally coupled to the thermal shield and the cells, a temperature monitoring system for monitoring temperature of the shield, cell temperatures and temperature differentials between the cells and the shield, and a control system. The control system has input lines to receive signals from the temperature sensors and output lines connected to the heating devices. The control system is configured to generate output signals for control of heating devices. A gain setting and scan rate are selected by means of a user interface. The output control signals are functions of input temperature signals and the user-selected gain setting, and also functions of input temperature signals and the user-selected scan rate using a mapping function stored in memory.

Abstract: A device for determining at least one petroleum characteristic of a geologic sediment sample placed in a boat, said device including a first heater heating said sample in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining hydrocarbon-containing products released after feeding the sample into said first heater, a second subsequent heater heating said sample in an oxidizing atmosphere, a measuring component determining the amount of CO.sub.2 contained in effluents discharged from the two heaters, said CO.sub.2 measuring means include a cell for measuring continuously CO.sub.2 throughout heating of the first and second heaters and a measuring component determining the amount of CO contained in the effluents discharged from the two heaters, and thereby allowing determination of said petroleum characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for modulating flux of combustibles reacting with oxygen impinging on a calorimetric gas sensor. The method includes the steps of enclosing a sensing element and a reference element of a calorimetric gas sensor with an apparatus having at least one aperture to allow combustibles to enter and impinge on the sensing element and reference element, periodically restricting the aperture of the apparatus to modulate the flux of combustibles entering at a predetermined frequency to produce an AC output signal from the calorimetric gas sensor, and measuring the sensor output at the frequency at which the aperture is restricted.

Abstract: A method for detection of the performance reduction of an exhaust gas purification catalyst used for reducing the concentration(s) of combustible components or (and) nitrogen oxides all present in an exhaust gas, which method detects a reduction in the heat amount E.sub.g generated from the exhaust gas by the reaction of the exhaust gas catalyzed by the catalyst, or a reduction in the cumulative heat amount generated from the exhaust gas by said reaction in a predetermined temperature range taken by the catalyst during its temperature increase. This method can detect the performance reduction of the catalyst accurately without conducting constant-speed vehicle running for a long time.