Abstract: An Inductive Probe/Conductive Probe Emulator is designed to replace conductive probes at a much lower cost than existing inductive probe systems. The conductivity probe simulator is usable with any industrial controller that uses a standard two wire conductivity probe interface. A continuously variable semiconductor resistive element is employed to match the conductivity of any conductive probe. The system uses the inductive probe reading to adjust the resistive element to the correct value. The conductivity probe simulator can be configured to emulate any conductivity probe with any probe constant by downloading configuration parameters to the probe controller or by setting configuration switches on the controller module. Additionally, the inventive probe simulator is equipped with an embedded temperature sensing element, giving the system a capability to perform a temperature correction in the controller section, if necessary.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing gun-shot residue. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method that includes determining a size and an elemental composition of at least one nanoparticle from the gun shot residue and computing a temperature of formation of the at least one nanoparticle based on the size and the elemental composition of the at least one nanoparticle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking and documenting environmental compliance in a pulp mill, related primarily to the bypassing of liquid hazardous pollutants from a capture and treatment system. The method and system provide continuous information regarding the input materials, the output products, and the operations of equipment in the pulping process. The continuous information is provided to a central processor for determination of emission levels that exceed certain predetermined levels. The method and system permit personnel to verify compliance with environmental regulations, verify the reliability of pollutant collection and treatment equipment and record the actions taken to correct an inappropriate emission or equipment failure.

Abstract: An instrumentation interface that provides a standardized states of a plurality of devices to a control system. Coordinating the operation of the plurality of devices in an analytical system is simplified by allowing the control system to perform in terms of simplified standard states. Device specific states that vary for different types of devices are logically linked to the standardized states via a form of a translator. By having the control system not worry about the specifics of a device, its ability to coordinate large number of devices is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.

Abstract: A method for determining oxidation stability for a plurality of different lubricating oil composition samples is provided. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions is generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed sensing system in a networked environment for identifying an analyte, including a first sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a first response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; a second sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a second response in the presence of a physical stimulus; and a computer comprising a resident algorithm. The algorithm indicates or selects the most relevant sensor in the network to identify the analyte. The sensors can be separated over large spatial areas, wherein the sensor arrays are networked. Suitable networks include a computer local area network, an intranet or the Internet.

Abstract: Information may be extracted from an array of relatively low sensitivity hazardous material sensors deployed, for example within a population center, by collecting identification information, such as video data, RFID data, proximity data, and IR data along with the hazardous material sensor reading. The identification information may then be used to identify objects in the vicinity of the hazardous material sensor at the time the reading was taken. By using identification data to identify an object, and then correlating sensor data readings for that object with other sensor data readings for the same object, as identified using previously collected identification information, a statistically more significant reading may be obtained for that particular object than would be obtainable by any one particular hazardous material sensor. Optionally the proximity of the object to the sensors may be used to weight the readings from the sensors.

Abstract: A method of selecting tints for a colored coating composition is disclosed. The method includes (a) providing a plurality of tints, each tint comprising a pigment dispersed in a resinous carrier binder; (b) preparing a plurality coating composition, each coating compositions comprising a resinous coating binder and at least one of the tints, the total binder content being the amount of carrier binder and coating binder; (c) determining the absorbance of radiation in a wavelength band of each coating composition; (d) identifying coating compositions of step (b) having a maximum weight ratio of pigment to total binder and a maximum amount of resinous carrier binder and exhibiting a minimum absorbance in the wavelength band; and (e) selecting the tints from the coating compositions identified in step (d) for use in preparing a colored coating composition.

Abstract: A method for estimating the concentration of a particular gas in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure is provided. A sensor output signal indicating the concentration of a particular gas in the gas mixture is received from a gas sensor. The received sensor output signal may vary over time due to the fluctuating pressure of the gas mixture. The received sensor output signal may be processed to determine an estimate of the concentration of the particular gas in the gas mixture. The processing may include performing an autocorrelation of the signal. In some embodiments, the particular gas is oxygen and the method is used to estimate the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture having a fluctuating pressure.

Abstract: A sensor 11 detects the acoustic pressure at a first location in a combustion chamber 7 of a test rig 1 and produces an input signal which is a function of the acoustic pressure. A controller 13 receives the input signal and produces an output signal which is a function of the input signal. An acoustic actuator (16-18) receives the output signal and introduces into the combustion chamber 7 at a second location an acoustic pressure which is a function of the output signal. The acoustic actuator may comprise a fuel injector 18 or a loudspeaker. By using an appropriate control algorithm, acoustic boundary conditions corresponding to a particular gas turbine combustion chamber may be produced, at least in a certain frequency range.

Abstract: A biosensor with multi-channel A/D conversion and a method thereof are provided. The present biosensor includes a chip generating a time-dependent analog signal in response to a content of a specific component of a specimen provided thereon, a multi-channel A/D converter, and a microprocessor. The multi-channel A/D converter has multiple channels simultaneously receiving the time-dependent analog signal in each sampling interval to convert the time-dependent analog signal to a set of digital signals. The microprocessor receives the sets of digital signals in a period of sampling time and determines the content of the specific component based on the sets of digital signals. The present biosensor provides a multi-channel A/D conversion for the time-dependent analog signal to improve the resolution of the determination of the content of the specific component.

Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for removing trends in signal intensity values from features on a chemical array. Inputted signal values from features on the array are surface fitted to calculate a surface approximation. The surface approximation is normalized and used to de-trend the signal intensity values from the features.

Abstract: A color paint formula adjusting system and the method thereof are provided, which allow a user to log onto with a stand-alone or a network, input color paint and adjust it. By computer-aided computing of mix ratio of resin, the color paint is made satisfactory to requirements of physical and chemical properties, with the color unchanged, wherein the color paint is manufactured by mixing a plurality of colored pastes. And colored paste content data and color paint mix ratios are stored in a database. The mixture contents input by the user and the amounts thereof to be added are corrected by color paint formula adjusting system. Using the systems and the methods of the present invention, the user just needs to input the formula ratios and a total amount of the color paint to be compounded, and then content amounts of color paint formulas that satisfying the requirements of physical and chemical properties can be obtained, without repeated attempts or profound experience.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: The system and method provide security and cargo handling personnel a versatile tool to rapidly check cargo for hidden radiological materials, explosives, drugs, and chemical weapons material. Gamma ray emission is stimulated by a pulsed neutron source. The gamma ray signature is used to classify the material. Passive gamma ray analysis can be used to detect and identify radiological material. The method of determining the contents of a target includes irradiating a target; detecting at least one spectrum emitted from the target; performing a primary analysis to extract a first set of indicators; and performing a secondary analysis to decide the contents of the target. The primary analysis utilizes either a least squares analysis or principal component analysis. The secondary analysis utilizes a generalized likelihood ratio test or support vector machines.

Abstract: An encoder spectrograph is used to analyze radiation from one or more samples in various configurations. The radiation is analyzed by spatially modulating the radiation after it has been dispersed by wavelength or imaged along a line. Dual encoder spectrographs may be used to encode radiation using a single modulator. A spectra sorting algorithm is used to determine calibration training spectra for a spectrometer in a spectrometer calibration training mode.

Abstract: An integrated data-system, a personal device for the system, and methods for operating the system are provided. Means and technology for providing quantitative information about products are supplied. A key function of the system is to provide information about product-based emissions, such as carbon dioxide emissions.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: A process for characterizing a sample comprising a population of linear macromolecules of interest (104) and a population of long chain branched macromolecules of interest (103), the process including four steps. The first step is to provide a flow through separating medium (100) and a liquid eluant (101) in which the macromolecules of interest dissolve, the separating medium defining flow through channels (102), the eluant flow rate and the average diameter of the channels being in a range so that the linear macromolecules of interest elute before the long chain branched macromolecules of interest (105) (106). The second step is to introduce a sample into the liquid eluant. The third step is to flow the liquid eluant under pressure through the channels (102) of the separating medium (100).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is an online methodology for end point detection for use in a chemical mechanical planarization process which is both robust and inexpensive while overcoming some of the drawbacks of the existing end point detection approaches currently known in the art. The present invention provides a system and method for identifying a significant event in a chemical mechanical planarization process including the steps of decomposing coefficient of friction data acquired from a chemical mechanical planarization process using wavelet-based multiresolution analysis, and applying a sequential probability ratio test for variance on the decomposed data to identify a significant event in the chemical mechanical planarization process.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated generation of multi-dimensional structure activity and structure property relationships.

Abstract: A process system adapted for processing of or with a material therein. The process system includes: a sampling region for the material; an infrared photometric monitor constructed and arranged to transmit infrared radiation through the sampling region and to responsively generate an output signal correlative of the material in the sampling region, based on its interaction with the infrared radiation; and process control means arranged to receive the output of the infrared photometric monitor and to responsively control one or more process conditions in and/or affecting the process system.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for determining the content of conjugated diolefins by means of the measurement of the MAV of a sample of catalytic cracking gasoline or thermal cracking gasoline, from its NIR (near-infrared) spectrum, and the application of said method for monitoring a unit for selective hydrogenation of the cracking gasolines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously performing chemical reactions and determining molecular transport dynamics on a plurality of samples such as thin film samples. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of containing multiple samples in individual sample holding positions in a sample holder within a housing and maintaining those holding positions in chemical isolation from each other. Under control of a computerized controller, the apparatus positions the sample holder so that each sample holding position may be positioned adjacent to one or more ports connected to a distribution manifold. The apparatus exposes each sample to one or more fluids in liquid or gas phase, thereby carrying out a chemical reaction and/or determining molecular transport dynamics under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. The sample holding positions may be positioned in an analytical measurement station within the housing so that the resulting chemical compound or mixture may be characterized.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to the field of multivariate statistics, and in particular to new methods for the analysis (e.g., chemometrics) of chemical, biochemical, and biological data, including, for example, spectral data, including but not limited to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. These methods are useful, for example, in metabonomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, etc., and form a part of other methods, for example, methods for the identification of chemical species, methods for the identification of biomarkers that are useful in methods of classification, diagnosis, prognosis, etc.

Abstract: A measuring device for process technology, having a central unit for the connection of different measurement modules, with the central unit containing a central power supply, to which the measurement modules can be connected. In the measurement module a module power supply is provided, which, from the central power supply, generates one or more supply voltage(s) (V_2, V_3) required by the measurement module. For this purpose, the module power supply has a transformer, a rectifier circuit, or also a switching power supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering catalyst to a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst unit are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for metering catalyst to a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst unit includes a low pressure storage vessel coupled to a pressure vessel by a metering device. A controller is provided to control catalyst transfers between the storage and pressure vessels. The control is configured to facilitate event and catalyst inventory information with local and remote devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems and mediums are disclosed for aligning mass spectrometry data before the analysis of the mass spectrometry data. The mass spectrometry data may be received from a mass spectrometry machine, and re-sampled using a smooth warping function. To estimate the warping function, a synthetic signal is build using, for example, Gaussian pulses centered at a set of reference peaks. The reference peaks may be designated by users or calculated after observing a group of spectrograms. The synthetic signal is shifted and scaled so that the cross-correlation between the mass spectrometry data and the synthetic signal reaches its maximum value.

Abstract: A database system and method are provided to allow a user to characterize observations related to an otherwise unidentified process. A database is established that stores data for substances, processes and equipment according to a data model that relates attributes of substances, processes and equipment. Information related to observations, called observed data or observables, is entered by a user into the system as the search criteria. The observed data may range in complexity from the names of one or more substances and/or processing equipment to a text description of the odor, color and state of observed substances and/or equipment. The system searches the database using the search criteria to return a list of one or more processes that possibly create the observed data, and thus more completely characterize the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the identification of candidate proteins in pathogens useful as anti-infectives and more particularly, the present invention describes a novel computational method involving calculation of several sequence attributes and their subsequent analysis lead to the identification of some outlier proteins in different pathogens which are either vaccine candidates, diagnostics or drug targets and also are provided the genes encoding the candidate proteins.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for classifying mass spectra to discriminate the absence or existence of a condition. The mass spectra may include raw mass spectrum intensity signals or may include intensity signals that have been preprocessed. The method and systems include determining a first or higher order derivative of the signals of the mass spectra, or any linear combination of the signal and a derivative of the signal, to form a mass spectra data set for training a classifier. The mass spectra data set is provided as input to train a classifier, such as a linear discrimination classifier. The classifier trained with the derivative-based mass spectra data set then classifies mass spectra samples to improve discriminating between the absence or existence of a condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for obtaining calibration curves for CO and CO2 during laboratory calibration of one or more remote emissions sensing (RES) instruments, and for self-calibration of on-road RES instruments to compensate for changes in background CO and CO2 column densities.

Abstract: An environmental impact information collection system modifies and analyzes environmental impact information, which is collected and stored in advance, and obtains the environmental impact at each process done in an organization, according to each product. The environmental impact information collection system then obtains a set of environmental impacts in a product's life cycle.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and systems useful in remote monitoring of chemical hazards, air quality, and medical conditions, for example, robotic systems to search for and detect explosives, mines, and hazardous chemicals. In addition, the methods, systems and compositions of the invention provide the ability to mine data from a database containing a plurality of chemical fingerprints.

Abstract: An environmental impact information collection system modifies and analyzes environmental impact information, which is collected and stored in advance, and obtains the environmental impact at each process done in an organization, according to each product. The environmental impact information collection system then obtains a set of environmental impacts in a product's life cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a space-invariant independent component analysis and electronic nose for detection of selective chemicals in an unknown environment, and more specifically, an approach to analysis of sensor responses to mixtures of unknown chemicals by an electronic nose in an open and changing environment

Abstract: A system and method of calculating chemical usage during a refilling of a supply tank, which includes the steps of providing a chemical system having a first supply tank of known capacity, wherein the tank is mounted upon an electronic scale. A system controller receives a series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill. The first supply tank is filled from a source of chemical feed and the fill time for the filling of the first supply tank is obtained. The system controller inputs the series of signals from the scale relating to the weight of the tank when empty and at various levels of fill and calculates a usage during refilling based on a feed rate times the fill time.

Abstract: A design supporting system includes a unit that acquires, from a component design supporting program which is executed in a client terminal, component design information including volume information indicative of a volume of a designed component, a unit that generates list information that is indicative of a list of names of usable materials for the component classification corresponding to the designed component, and sends the list information to the client terminal, an acquisition unit that acquires, from the material database, controlled substance information corresponding to the material name that is selected from the list information by the client terminal, a unit that calculates a content of the controlled substance that is included in the designed component when the material of the selected material name is applied to the designed component, and a unit that outputs the calculated content of the controlled substance as evaluation information of the designed component.

Abstract: A design support apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates a recyclability of the product, using evaluation condition and parts/material data, an analysis unit that analyzes a factor obstructing the recyclability based on an evaluation result of the evaluating unit, and a display unit that displays a remedy against an obstruction factor provided as an analysis result of the analysis unit.

Abstract: A device repeatedly measures a characteristic, such as electrical conductivity, of water in a water line. A plurality of the measurements are averaged to arrive at a water quality value. This value is displayed and another plurality of measurements are averaged to arrive at another value, which is then displayed in place of the previous value. The process continues at selected intervals in order to provide a continuous display of the condition of water in the line. Each new value is compared to a reference value representing a maximum acceptable level of contaminants. If the water quality value exceeds the reference value, an overvalue signal is produced, indicating an unacceptable level of contaminants in the water. The repeated measurements are obtained at selected intervals, and a new water quality value may be derived at the same intervals by discarding the oldest of the measurements from the previous plurality and including the most recent measurement to create a new plurality of measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and means of predicting, in near real-time, the detailed chemical composition of major streams in a refinery, including those downstream from the crude distillation column. The dynamically updated feed characterizations can be derived in near real time from an assay database of current crude diet, RTO information about upstream refinery units and various analyzer inputs. The chemical compositions of each stream are stored and updated in a plant wide database. A broad range of property calculations can be ascertained, either automatically or on demand, from the compositional information. An application permits users, such as operations, planning and engineering personnel, to access the database directly or indirectly (e.g., on line). This information is then used by each user to further optimize the operation of a given refinery unit and/or the plant as a whole.

Abstract: Heterogeneous compound databases can be searched for compounds which are likely to have the same biological activity as a known (query) molecule. Query molecules and the molecules in the database are split into fragments according to common fragmentation rules. Fragments are aligned in a uniform conformation according to a topomeric alignment process and interaction energy fields, typically steric fields, between a probe and the fragment atoms are generated to capture the fragment shapes. Comparison of the fields for the query fragments with the fields for the database compound fragments yields a measure of shape similarity. Searches for similarly shaped substructures and cores can also be readily accomplished. Pharmacophoric style features can be defined for the topomerically aligned fragments but with user specified weighting of the importance of each. Differences in features are defined with the same dimensionality as shape so that both shape and features can be used to search.

Abstract: In a process control system, the hidden properties of a catalyst are estimated by including those properties in hidden states within a state space model and solving the state space model based on measurable inputs and outputs of the process.

Abstract: A method and device for evaluating a printing medium for use in a printing process, in which a set of spectral data is generated from a sample of the printing medium, and the set of spectral data is analysed. The analysis of the set of spectral data comprises detecting spectral data of the set indicative of features of the printing medium related to performance of that printing medium in the printing process. The performance of the printing medium in the printing process is predicted in response to the detected spectral data of the set indicative of performance-related printing medium features, and the printing medium is accepted or refused for use in the printing process in response to this printing medium performance prediction.

Abstract: A lumping and delumping method is useful for estimating the properties or behavior of liquid and/or vapor hydrocarbon phases from data relative to a reference set of hydrocarbon mixtures in a series of thermodynamic states in a medium. Each one of the hydrocarbon mixtures is grouped into at least three constituents (V, I, H), considering that the gas phases resulting from separation under conditions referred to as surface conditions of each mixture do not contain (H) and that the oil phases do not contain (V). The compositions of the separation products are determined by material balance. The at least three-constituent composition of each hydrocarbon mixture is determined by combination of the products resulting from the separation in proportion to the amounts of each separation product. Delumping is performed to predict a detailed composition of a fluid in the medium.

Abstract: A system and method of fluctuation enhanced gas-sensing using SAW devices includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection, identification, and quantification through the measurement and spectral analysis of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The spectral analysis produces the power spectral density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the analyte(s) such as, total adsorbed gas mass and diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients may then be used to determine the number of molecule types and/or the concentration of each.