Abstract: A method for calibrating a clinical laboratory analytical instrument that includes generating control pool data from a commutable control pool, wherein the control pools have target analyte values for an assay, generating patient specimen data from a distribution of test values from patient specimens, determining tolerance limits from the control pool data and the patient specimen data; and adjusting the calibration of the instrument with respect to the tolerance limits.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a method of acoustically monitoring a wind power installation that generates electrical power. The wind power installation includes a plurality of components, including at least rotor blades. The method comprises detecting an operating acoustic spectrum generated by at least one of the components during operation of the wind power installation and comparing the operating acoustic spectrum to a reference acoustic spectrum. The method of this aspect of the invention further comprises detecting a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum and the reference acoustic spectrum and detecting whether the deviation exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for determining the physical and chemical stability of substances and formulations by means of samples. Said device is provided with a vibration spectrometer, a container (1) for storing the samples in controlled conditions, a robot (10) for transporting the samples between the vibration spectrometer (12) and the container, and a computer (13) for controlling the processes and for automatically storing and evaluating the spectra of the samples received by the vibration spectrometer.

Abstract: A process tool controller of a semiconductor processing tool is provided with software that enables collecting, monitoring and logging information regarding the tool's consumption. Data is collected from the devices used for control of process conditions via the analog and digital inputs and outputs of the process tool controller. Consequently, the devices for controlling the process conditions have the additional function of measuring the tool's consumption. In this way the information regarding the tool's consumption is completely collected on board of the process tool. The parameters to be monitored and reported can be configured by the user, with use of a configuration editor, resulting in optimum flexibility of the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface of the consumption monitoring and logging software is integrated into the user interface of the process control and monitoring software.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for managing data. The invention is intended to provide a data managing method and data managing system capable of classifying created files and managing them without depending on the operator's ability. The method is for use in an analytical instrument having a function of imaging a specimen and a function of analyzing the specimen. The area of the specimen from which the image has been taken is analyzed totally or partially. The analytical instrument includes an analytical data managing unit for recording the resulting data hierarchically in a corresponding manner to the specimen area.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus, which uses symbol sequence techniques and/or temporal irreversibility derived from chaos theory to monitor the operating state of individual burner flames on a appropriate time scale. Both the method and apparatus of the present invention may be used optimize the performance of burner flames.

Abstract: In a device for detecting an abnormality of a gas sensor having a detected cell in which a pair of electrodes are provided on a solid electrolyte material, a microcomputer temporarily inputs a test signal including an alternating current component to a signal line connected to the electrode and detects a response signal developing in response to the test signal. If there is no disconnection in the cell, a current corresponding to the alternating current component flows between the electrodes due to a parasitic capacity of the cell to produce the response signal. If there is a disconnection therein, the magnitude of the response signal becomes zero. Therefore, if a detection value of the response signal falls below a reference value, a decision is made that a disconnection abnormality occurs in the cell. This enables a disconnection in the gas sensor to be detected with accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting cardiac dysfunction simultaneously assesses the modulation of the rate of atrial depolarization and the modulation of the rate of ventricular depolarization to monitor the interaction of the sino-atrial and atrio-ventricular pacemakers of the heart. The atrial and ventricular rate signals are formed from fiducial markers in the electrocardiogram or intracardiac electrogram corresponding to atrial and ventricular depolarization. The rate signals are characterized with a measure of their modulation, and are then compared to predict episodes of cardiac dysfunction.

Abstract: A database interpolation method is used to rapidly calculate a predicted optical response characteristic of a diffractive microstructure as part of a real-time optical measurement process. The interpolated optical response is a continuous and (in a preferred embodiment) smooth function of measurement parameters, and it matches the theoretically-calculated optical response at the database-stored interpolation points.

Abstract: A polarization measurement system and method that determines the polarization of a received signal within one received pulse. The polarimeter accepts series of samples representing horizontal and vertical signal components representing the polarization of a received signal. The samples are discrete time measurements, with each sample representing a magnitude separated in time by a predetermined angular resolution. The samples are combined with other samples in numerous sets of calculations operating in parallel, the various sets of calculations employing different transfer functions, so as to produce numerous series of output values. Characteristics of these series are examined to select a particular series, and thus select the transfer function which provided the series having a desired characteristic such as a best null. The parameters of the transfer function which provides the desired characteristic provide information representative of the signal polarization.

Abstract: A physical properties calculating apparatus accepts inputs of material and thickness of an intermediate layer, accepts inputs of material and thickness of an outer layer, accepts inputs of material and thickness of an inner layer, accepts an input of outside air humidity, accepts an input of inside humidity, accepts an input of outside air temperature, calculates the moisture content of the intermediate layer by activating a sub-routine for calculating the moisture content of the intermediate layer based on the accepted various information and preset information, and calculates physical properties such as oxygen transmission rate of the intermediate layer based on the calculated moisture content of the intermediate layer and the accepted outside air temperature. It is possible to know the physical properties of the intermediate layer that forms a packaging material for packaging products to be packaged, such as foods, without actually measuring the physical properties.

Abstract: In a data acquisition system and method for real time monitoring of stack gases in a continuous monitoring system, data is collected from sensors and prepared for output to a regulatory agency. The data collected may relate to emissions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and oxides of sulfur, typically from an industrial facility. Sensors in the exhaust gas pathway report data to a programmable logic control device and are then stored in a data storage area. A data acquisition module quantifies the stored emissions data. The quantified emissions data is then sent to a regulatory agency via a communications link.

Abstract: A method comprising: a) selecting a loading variable from operating variables, the loading variable being directly related to total energy input into the system and equipment constraint of the system; b) selecting a performance specification variable which is required to be kept within a defined target at all times during operation of the system; and c) pairing the performance specification variable with a manipulated variable having a mass/balance relationship to the performance specification which is not the loading variable and; d) controlling the manipulated variable to maintain the performance specification variable with the defined target.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer programs are configured to determine the presence of and/or a measurement for a plurality of constituents in a composite signal with closely correlated chemical constituents having overlapping signal lineshapes extending about a spectrum of interest obtained from a target sample undergoing analysis.

Abstract: A system for observing and predicting a physiological state of an animal has been provided.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a customized animal feed is disclosed. The method and system include having ingredient data from more than one location, animal data, and representative of the mix of ingredients available at one or more locations. A customized feed is generated which is designed to fulfill the nutritional requirements for the animal's diet. The nutritional requirements are derived from the animal data. Furthermore, the feed is optimized to fulfill the requirements of the evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria such as (i) animal production rate, (ii) the cost of feed per unit animal weight gain, and (iii) the feed weight per unit animal weight gain, are then utilized together with the feed data and animal data to provide a customized feed which has been generated based upon evaluation data which is representative of one or more of the evaluation criteria.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and processes are disclosed for determining emissions outputs. One method communicates with a communications network and acquires at least one of energy usage information associated with sources of emissions and emissions information associated with sources of emissions. The energy usage information and the emissions information is acquired as each occurs in real time. The method reports emissions outputs based upon the acquired real time information. Another method communicates with a communications network and acquires at least one of energy usage information associated with sources of emissions and emissions information associated with sources of emissions. This embodiment stores the acquired information as each occurs in real time. Emissions outputs are reported for the industrial process, the emissions outputs based upon the acquired real time information.

Abstract: A method of pruning a reference library of signatures and corresponding known structure parameter vectors, each signature composed of a reference signal vector, including, for a given reference signal vector, interpolating a parameter vector and deleting the given reference signal vector and the corresponding parameter vector for a sufficiently small interpolation error. Also a method of accessing an indexed reference library of signatures and corresponding known structure parameter vectors, each signature comprising a reference signal vector, including acquiring an unknown signal, calculating an index vector for the unknown signal; determining error between the index vector for the unknown signal and a calculated reference signal index vector of the library; and thereby identifying as a match candidate for the unknown signal a reference signal vector.

Abstract: A method and system in metrology for integrated circuits, for incorporating the effects of small metrology hardware-based and material-based parameter variations into a library of simulated diffraction spectra. In a first embodiment, a method is disclosed for determining metrology hardware specification ranges that correspond to specified CD measurement accuracy. In a second embodiment, a method for modifying a library of simulated diffraction spectra for optimization to the particular parameters of a specific piece of metrology hardware and specific material batches is disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to build a simulated image in which a subject's hair is changed to a desired color, and to accurately suggest the hair dye needed to dye the subject's hair from its existing color to the desired color. To achieve this object, the hair color advice system according to the present invention includes (i) an image memory into which image data regarding the subject is input and stored, (ii) a processor that finds the hair area in the input image of the subject and builds a simulated image in which the color of the hair area is changed to any color, and (iii) a monitor 4 on which the input image of the subject and/or the simulated image are displayed.

Abstract: A novel methodology for rapid, cost-efficient discovery, identification, or improvement of additives and/or admixtures for hydratable cementitious compositions. Multiple formulations comprising hydratable cementitious compositions are deposited into a plurality of receptacles. A first assay output is obtained, such as through Raman spectroscopy, which is then correlated to provide a second assay output value corresponding to physical or chemical properties of the cementitious compositions.

Abstract: The operation of a fossil-fueled thermal system is quantified by a method for determining correction factors to Choice Operating Parameters, including effluent CO2 and other parameters, such that combustion stoichiometric consistency and thermodynamic conservations are both achieved. Correcting Choice Operating Parameters is accomplished through multidimensional einimization techniques operating on certain System Effect Parameters. The corrected Choice Operating Parameters may then be supplied to Input/Loss methods as used to monitor and improve system heat rate.

Abstract: A set of hybrid least squares multivariate spectral analysis methods in which spectral shapes of components or effects not present in the original calibration step are added in a following prediction or calibration step to improve the accuracy of the estimation of the amount of the original components in the sampled mixture. The hybrid method herein means a combination of an initial calibration step with subsequent analysis by an inverse multivariate analysis method. A spectral shape herein means normally the spectral shape of a non-calibrated chemical component in the sample mixture but can also mean the spectral shapes of other sources of spectral variation, including temperature drift, shifts between spectrometers, spectrometer drift, etc. The shape can be continuous, discontinuous, or even discrete points illustrative of the particular effect.

Abstract: A method for the sampling one or all phases of batch sewage treatment process to obtain an accurate timing of completion of one or all of the phases of the batch sewage treatment process. The number and timing of samples taken is selected to provide samples over the length of a given phase or a group of phases or all phases of the batch sewage treatment process recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment. Samples are analyzed to determine the end point of the reactions in the phase being sampled. Based upon the results of the tests the sampling regime or the timing of the phase can be revised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying unknown chemical structures that are related to one or more known structures. Measured masses of the unknown structures (US members) are compared with the expected masses of the known structures (DS members). The mass differences between US members and DS members are compared with changes in mass (&Dgr;M) between molecules analyzed as a function dependent upon structure (&Dgr;S). The mass difference is considered as a differential function, &Dgr;M/&Dgr;S, the result of which is calculated for each ion in the US when compared with each ion in the DS. These values are then correlated with values that would be expected based on assumed possible structural modifications. In addition, higher order differential functions, such as &Dgr;2M/&Dgr;S2, can be used as needed to allow for correlation of structures in which more than one structural motif has changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for organizing complex and disparate data. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and systems for organizing complex and disparate data into coherent data sets. Coherent data sets resulting from the methods and systems of the present invention serve as models for biological systems. Methods and systems for integrating data and creating coherent data sets are useful for numerous biological applications, such as, for example, determining gene function, identifying and validating drug and pesticide targets, identifying and validating drug and pesticide candidate compounds, profiling drug and pesticide compounds, producing a compilation of health or wellness profiles, determining compound site(s) of action, identifying unknown samples, and numerous other applications in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, forensic, and biotechnology industries.

Abstract: A method of multivariate spectral analysis, termed augmented classical least squares (ACLS), provides an improved CLS calibration model when unmodeled sources of spectral variation are contained in a calibration sample set. The ACLS methods use information derived from component or spectral residuals during the CLS calibration to provide an improved calibration-augmented CLS model. The ACLS methods are based on CLS so that they retain the qualitative benefits of CLS, yet they have the flexibility of PLS and other hybrid techniques in that they can define a prediction model even with unmodeled sources of spectral variation that are not explicitly included in the calibration model. The unmodeled sources of spectral variation may be unknown constituents, constituents with unknown concentrations, nonlinear responses, non-uniform and correlated errors, or other sources of spectral variation that are present in the calibration sample spectra.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computational method for predicting a desired property and/or performance of polymers, and/or identifying and designing polymers that provide said desired property and/or performance, wherein the desired property can be provided by the neat, undiluted polymers, or diluted polymers in a composition. The method is a QSAR approach wherein the descriptors used are structural descriptors which are experimentally generated and/or derived from one or more analytical methods.

Abstract: A method and system for inferring airborne contaminant concentrations in rooms without contaminant sensors, based on data collected by contaminant sensors in other rooms of a building, using known airflow interconnectivity data. The method solves a least squares problem that minimizes the difference between measured and predicted contaminant sensor concentrations with respect to an unknown contaminant release time. Solutions are constrained to providing non-negative initial contaminant concentrations in all rooms. The method can be used to identify a near-optimal distribution of sensors within the building, when then number of available sensors is less than the total number of rooms. This is achieved by having a system-sensor matrix that is non-singular, and by selecting that distribution which yields the lowest condition number of all the distributions considered. The method can predict one or more contaminant initial release points from the collected data.

Abstract: In connection with a fluidic medical diagnostic device that permits measurement of the coagulation time of blood, software, methods and associated devices for quality control are disclosed. The fluidic device preferably includes a test strip with one end having a sample port for introducing a sample and a bladder at the other end for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries sample from the sample port to an assay measurement area and first and second control measurement areas. Preferably, a stop junction, between the measurement areas and bladder, halts the sample flow for measurement. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. If not, an error is registered and the test strip is counted as unfit.

Abstract: A system for securing and validating the management and reporting of laboratory data wherein the taking of data at remote data-taking stations is denied absent electronic verification of both equipment and individual qualification, and wherein access to the data is denied absent electronic verification of individual authority.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining amounts of each of composition constituents necessary for giving a functional mixture functionality, without actual creation of the functional mixture, by varying the amounts in accordance with correlation coefficients between each of the composition constituents of previously obtained functional mixtures. The Mahalanobis distance for the amounts of N composition constituents, the Mahalanobis distance for the amounts of N-1 composition constituents from which one of the constituents is excluded, and the difference therebetween are calculated. The amount of composition constituent whose exclusion corresponds to the largest such difference is varied and the Mahalanobis distance is calculated again. Amounts of composition constituents for which the Mahalanobis distance is a minimum are selected as the amounts of the composition constituents for the functional mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for encoding and building products of a virtual combinatorial library. A chemical reaction and reagent data for forming products of the virtual combinatorial library are encoded in a computer readable form. A compiler then operates on the encoded information and generates reagent mapping data. The compiler compiles the encoded chemical reaction to genenerate computer instructions that control the operation of a processor. A compact data structure containing data is generated and stored in a memory. This data structure is then used to gain immediate access to any of the products of the virtual combinatorial library.

Abstract: In the prevent invention a controllable acoustic source (14) in connection with the process fluid (10) emits a signal (18) into the fluid (10), consisting of a suspension of particles (12), being volumes of gas, liquid or solid phase. The controllable acoustic signal (18) is allowed to interact with the particles (12), and the acoustic (pressure) signals (22) resulting from such an interaction is measured preferably via a sensor (24). A spectrum is measured. The spectrum is used to predict properties, content and/or size of the particles (12) and/or used to control a process in which the process fluid (10) participates. The prediction is performed in the view of the control of the acoustic source (14). The used acoustic signal has preferably a frequency below 20 kHz.

Abstract: A method of properly correcting a base line. A concept of flexibility of a base line is introduced as an input index and a gravitation is presumed between the base line and signal data which is measured, thereby constructing a method of correcting the base line which changes gentler than a change in signal with respect to time in a peak area and which is sensitive to an area where a value of the signal data is small. A base line like a natural and smooth curve which isn't easily influenced by a local change in signal such as noise or the like can be set by an input of the flexibility.

Abstract: In connection with a fluidic medical diagnostic device that permits measurement of the coagulation time of blood, software, methods and associated devices for quality control are disclosed. The fluidic device preferably includes a test strip with one end having a sample port for introducing a sample and a bladder at the other end for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries sample from the sample port to an assay measurement area and first and second control measurement areas. Preferably a stop junction, between the measurement areas and bladder, halts the sample flow for measurement. If results from measurements taken for each control fall within a predetermined zone or defined limits, the assay measurement is qualified. If not, an error is registered and the test strip is counted as unfit.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the characteristics of a sample by spectral analysis. According to the method, the characteristics are calculated from the spectral data obtained by the spectral analysis, using a calibration model that has been established on the basis of reference samples. In order to improve the stability of the measuring process, an additional calculation of the characteristics (16) of the samples (1) takes place, using at least one additional calibration model (14) that has been established on the basis of additional reference samples (1″). Deviations between the characteristics (12, 16) calculated by the respective calibration models (11, 14) are determined and output.

Abstract: A process involves collecting data relating to a particular condition and parsing the data from an original set of variables into subsets. For each subset defined, Mahalanobis distances are computed for known normal and abnormal values and the square root of these Mahalanobis distances is computed. A multiple Mahalanobis distance is calculated based upon the square root of Mahalanobis distances. Signal to noise ratios are obtained for each run of an orthogonal array in order to identify important subsets. This process has applications in identifying important variables or combinations thereof from a large number of potential contributors to a condition.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a detecting section for detecting at least two kinds of parameters from a plurality of particles included in a sample, the two kinds of parameters representing characteristics of each particle, a processing section for processing the parameters detected by the detecting section; and an output section for outputting a result processed by the processing section, wherein the processing section includes a distribution chart creating section for creating a scattergram of the particles based on the detected parameters, a region presetting section for presetting a particle distribution region in the created scattergram, and a classifying section for calculating a classifying line corresponding to a particle distribution state in the preset particle distribution region and for classifying the particles on the scattergram by the calculated classifying line.

Abstract: A method and system for the development of materials includes a high-throughput data-generation cycle, a knowledge-generation cycle, and a knowledge repository or database. The data-generation cycle generates high-quality data for the virtual and experimental evaluation of new catalytic materials. The knowledge-generation cycle generates working hypotheses, relating performance to catalyst properties, from analysis and modeling of experimental and virtual data and data from literature, from correlations generated from experimental, theoretical, and/or modeling findings, and optionally from computational chemistry modeling investigations, in order to identify better materials.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample processing. The invention comprises introducing a sample into a multistep dilution procedure at a step that is chosen based on the concentration of target analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A device and process for preventing medical errors due to the improper administration of an intravenously delivered medication includes the spectroscopic analysis of intravenous fluid components. An emission source and detector are placed adjacent to the intravenous tubing of an administration set to generate signals for spectroscopic analysis. The signals are processed to identify the medication and, in certain embodiments of the invention, can determine the medication's concentration. In a preferred embodiment, the emission source, detector, and hardware and software for the spectroscopic analysis are placed in an infusion pump.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system (100) for measuring overall jitter is disclosed that includes a data converter (102) that measures a signal to generate a first measurement set (212) and a second measurement set (214), which are used to compute overall jitter. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring overall jitter is disclosed. The data converter (102) generates the first measurement set (212) and the second measurement set (214) by measuring the signal. The overall jitter is computed using the measurement sets (212 and 214). According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system (400) for measuring internal jitter is disclosed that includes a splitter (404) that splits a signal into an input signal (406) and a clock signal (410). The data converter (102) measures the input signal (406) to generate a first data set and a second data set, which are used to compute the internal jitter of the data converter (102).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.

Abstract: The field of the present invention is in the area of mass spectroscopy and purity analysis. Specifically the invention is related to determining the purity of sample of materials. The invention also relates to identifying an unknown sample. The present invention also provides a web-based system for scientists to interact with a computer to implement the method. Further the scientist is able to upload and download information to and from the method to and from a database or laboratory information management system. The present invention also provides for an efficient hardware architecture to implement the method.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for matching paint on a vehicle, having the steps of receiving in a central computer, from a remote terminal, vehicle identifying information relating to a specific vehicle and a first set of paint color data from a portion of the body of the vehicle. The central computer includes a processor, an electronic storage means in which a database is stored. The database includes vehicle identifying information for a plurality of vehicles, paint color data associated with respective vehicle identifying information, and paint formulations associated with paint color data. A first process by software in the computer determines a first best match paint formulation which relates submitted vehicle identifying information and submitted paint data to a paint formulation. The software in the computer determines a first best match paint formulation which is transmitted to the remote terminal.

Abstract: Described is a method for calibrating a spectrophometric apparatus and determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. This method involves incorporating at least one primary calibration algorithm that uses an order of derivative of absorbance obtained for at least one of a standard set of wavelengths, on a second apparatus. The absorbance values of the sample are measured on the second apparatus at three or more wavelengths from a wavelength calibration table. Interpolated absorbance values are derived from the measured absorbance values for wavelengths from a standard set of wavelengths. A derivative of the interpolated absorbance values is obtained, using the same order of derivative used by the first apparatus. Followed by calculating a concentration of the Analyte in the sample, by applying the Primary Calibration Algorithm to the derivative.

Abstract: A method for the sampling one or all phases of batch sewage treatment process to obtain an accurate timing of completion of one or all of the phases of the batch sewage treatment process. The number and timing of samples taken is selected to provide samples over the length of a given phase or a group of phases or all phases of the batch sewage treatment process recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment. Samples are analyzed to determine the end point of the reactions in the phase being sampled. Based upon the results of the tests the sampling regime or the timing of the phase can be revised.

Abstract: Method for predicting properties of a cellulose-fibre-based product, a suspension of cellulose fibre being analysed during manufacture of the product by means of spectroscopic measurements (13, 15) in a selected spectrum in the wavelength range 200-25000 nm. According to the invention, each sample quantity is diluted (3, 4) prior to said analysis, following which one partial flow (6) is dewatered and dried (8) and used for said spectroscopic measurements (13, 15), while a second partial flow (5) of the diluted sample quantity is used for analysis (7, 14) of physical fibre data, by means of image analysis, each sample quantity analysed generating at least 100 data points from the spectroscopic measurement, and at least 50 data points with regard to said physical fibre data, in the form of one or more physical fibre property distributions, which data points are combined in multivariate data processing (16), for said prediction.

Abstract: A sample S is irradiated with pulsed pumping light supplied from a pumping light source 1, fluorescence generated by the sample S is detected by a photodetector 5 by way of a condensing optical system 3 and a spectroscope 4, and the fluorescence time waveform is subjected to a data analysis in a data processing unit 62 in a controller 6, so as to compute waveform data and physical quantities such as fluorescence lifetime. Here, the pumping light time waveform is fixedly arranged with respect to a time axis used for the data analysis, a plurality of fitting calculations are carried out while moving the fluorescence time waveform and fitting range from an initial position earlier than a pumping light peak to a later end position, and optimal measurement waveform data is selected according to a predetermined selection criterion.