Abstract: Apparatus, methods for forming the apparatus, and methods for operating the apparatus provide a modular unit of hardware to make measurements in a well. The modular unit may include a housing arranged for placement in a drill-string element, where the housing includes a sensor and is structured such that the housing is transferable to another drill-string element without a calibration of the sensor during or after the transfer. The drill-string elements associated with the transfer may be of different sizes.

Abstract: A grading system for a pressurized water reactor steam generator secondary side performance that provides a cumulative assessment of tube bundle deposit inventory and characteristics, i.e., scale density and distribution, hard scale collar formation, thermal performance, loose parts management, and steam generator secondary side chemistry performance. Results are summarized in a cumulative quality point average with individual parameter ratings available so that specific performance improvement may be achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments address, among other features, the area of calibrating a sensor using a constant vector field. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for calibrating a sensor includes the steps of placing the sensor in a cube, rotating the cube between a plurality of different orientations, collecting at least one reading from the sensor from each of the plurality of different orientations and calibrating the sensor using the collected readings.

Abstract: A gum substance monitoring apparatus (10) for inexpensively and easily estimating and detecting adhesion and deposition of a gum substance produced in a fuel gas onto a combustor (3) and fuel gas supply piping (4) extending to the combustor (3), includes: detection piping (11) branched from the fuel gas supply piping (4) configured to supply to the combustor (3) with the fuel gas for allowing a part of the fuel gas as a sample gas to pass therethrough; and a gum substance detecting device (12) provided on the detection piping (11) and configured to detect an extent of adhesion of the gum substance produced in the fuel gas, the gum substance detecting device (12) including a simulated passage member (15) having a simulated passage (15A) for passage of the sample gas therethrough which is formed by simulating fuel gas piping of the fuel gas supply piping (4) extending in a portion subject to gum substance monitoring which is located downstream of a branch point (C1) at which the detection piping (11) is branche

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a kit for calibrating a photoluminescence measurement system, in particular a fluorescence measurement system. The kit includes a number of fluorescence standards i and their corrected and certified fluorescence spectra Ii(?), whereby the fluorescence standards i are selected, so that their spectrally corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?) cover a broad spectral range with high intensity. The standards are characterized by large half-widths FWHMi of their bands of at least 1400 cm?1. According to the method of the invention, partial correction functions Fi(?) are generated by forming the quotient of the measured fluorescence spectra Ji(?) and the corresponding corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?), which are then combined to form a total correction function F(?) for a broad spectral range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the optical detection of light from analytical samples, the system comprising an analytical instrument comprising an optical detection unit and a sample block unit for receiving a plurality of analytical samples, the system further comprising a calibration device for calibrating the optical detection unit of the analytical instrument, wherein the calibration device comprises a substrate and at least one electrically powered reference light source coupled to the substrate, said at least one reference light source emitting light being detected by the optical detection unit.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a multimeter provides a mechanical arm to set a gear of the multimeter. Values displayed on the multimeter are captured by a camera. The computer obtains the displayed values from captured images using a difference image method. If a difference between each two obtained values is in an allowable error range of the multimeter, the computer displays that the gear is qualified. If the difference between each two obtained values is not in the allowable error range, the computer displays that the gear is out of tolerance.

Abstract: A microwave system calibration apparatus including an antenna portion configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue, a transmission line portion configured to receive a microwave energy signal from a microwave source and to selectively deliver the microwave energy signal to the antenna portion and a switching mechanism connected between the antenna portion and the transmission line portion. The transmission line includes an inner conductor having a length, an outer conductor concentrically surrounding the inner conductor along the length and a dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors. The inner conductor or the outer conductor of the transmission line portion is electrically connected to the antenna. The switching mechanism is configured to electrically disconnect the transmission line portion from the antenna portion in a first condition and further configured to connect the inner conductor to the outer conductor in a second condition.

Abstract: A web-based system and method for configuring test equipment is provided. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for configuring a test instrument, the method including receiving a first configuration file previously generated by a web server, the first configuration file including information indicative of a configuration including at least one component for the test instrument, providing a user interface enabling modification of the configuration of the at least one component and the test instrument, and generating a second configuration file including information indicative of the modified configuration.

Abstract: A method for evaluating sensors includes receiving a first measurement signal from a first sensor configured to measure a parameter relating to a first apparatus, receiving a second measurement signal from a second sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a second apparatus, comparing the first measurement signal with the second measurement signal, and determining at least one of, whether the first measurement signal is inaccurate or the first sensor has failed based, at least in part, on the comparison between the first and second measurement signals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for querying a measurement value, wherein the measurement value is converted into a modulation signal that influences the reflective properties of a sensor antenna. A signal is emitted via a query device, wherein the signal is returned in an altered fashion by the sensor antenna and then received again by the query device. The measurement value is determined from the altered signal received. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of measurement values are detected by sensors and the query device is moved past a plurality of sensor antennas in a vehicle or by a person. Thus, a plurality of sensors detect measurement values on a railroad line, for example. The vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle traveling on the track of the railroad line.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote sensors includes wirelessly communicating with the sensors, monitoring operation of each one of the sensors, and causing any one of the sensors that is operating in an unauthorized manner to be disabled. In one embodiment, the sensors can include micro-mechanical structure supporting electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is capable of monitoring at least one performance parameter of the sensor, comparing the monitored parameter to a preset limit, and disabling the sensor if the preset performance limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for evaluating uncertainty associated with the value of a measurand derived from measurements of a device under test is disclosed. A mathematical model is provided wherein the measurand is expressed as a function of (i) at least one physically observable quantity, and (ii) the reference value of the physically observable quantity in a reference device. The reference value of the reference device and the value of the measurand of the device under test are measured. The value of the at least one physically observable quantity is also measured. At least one uncertainty value is determined as a function of the physically observable, wherein the mathematical model takes into account the at least one source of uncertainty and the reference value of the reference device.

Abstract: A system for testing and calibrating gas sensors with gas stored in a strip of packets. The strip may be fed into a chamber having a defined volume of air. A packet may be punctured with a mechanism to release one or more gases into the volume of air to result in an air-gas mixture. New air may be moved into the chamber to push the mixture out of the chamber to a sensor for testing and/or calibration. Then another packet may be punctured to release one or more gases into the volume of new air in the chamber for another air-gas mixture. This mixture may be moved out of the chamber, in the same manner as the previous mixture, to another sensor for testing and/or calibration. This procedure may be repeated with additional packets on the strip.

Abstract: A method of increasing consistency between separate parametric measurement readings that are taken with an electron beam imaging tool at different times within a period of time, by correcting drift in the imaging tool at a time frequency that is less than a time period during which the drift is anticipated to be undesirably large.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method is provided for installing and locating a plurality of sensors distributed on a structure as part of a structural health monitoring system. The method includes verifying the proper installation of the plurality of sensors and determining the location of the plurality of sensors. In one aspect of the present invention, the step of verifying the proper installation further comprises verifying that each of the plurality of sensors are properly coupled to a sensor data collector and verifying that each of the plurality of sensors are installed in a proper location. In another aspect of the present invention, the step of determining the location of the plurality of sensors further comprises determining the positioning of each sensor in reference to fixed structures in the structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an LPG fuel output characteristic of an LPG injector. The output characteristic of the LPG can be determined by calculating a total mass of LPG injected into a canister of known volume by the injector during a plurality of open/closed cycles of the injector. The pressure differential and temperature in the canister can be used in the calculation of total LPG mass along with a gas constant of the LPG and the volume of the canister. The total LPG mass can then be used to determine the mass of LPG injected by the injector during each open/closed cycle.

Abstract: A system and method using a touch probe device for eddy current inspection. The touch probe provides a simple approach for coming within close contact of the specimen while maintaining a normal angle and pressure at the right positions. The use of the touch probe further reduces the total time for the eddy current inspection. The touch probe aligns the probe to a specimen to be inspected, for the purpose of reducing measurement errors and increasing productivity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for testing batches of tips for pipettes, the method comprising the steps of calibrating a pipette to be tested with a recommended reference tip, fitting the pipette with a tip to be tested and performing a second calibration and recalibrating the pipette with the reference tip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectuating verification and certification of verifiable devices. Preferably, but not necessarily, such certification occurs or is communicated remotely. A verifiable device may be directly or indirectly connected to an appropriate regulatory agency through a communication mechanism. One or more tests may be performed on the verifiable device to verify that the device is functioning properly. The test results are directly or indirectly transmitted to the regulatory agency. If the tests were passed then the verifiable device may be approved for use. When self-certification or remote certification is provided for, the need for in-person verification and certification procedures by agency personnel may be eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test vessel (1) for a monitoring device for vessels, comprising a plurality of first marking rings (2) which surround the bottle body (7) at least in some sections at predefined fixed heights, and a plurality of marking lines (4) which run in a longitudinal direction (L) of the test vessel (1). According to the invention, the first marking rings (2) are respectively arranged at constant, predefined distances from one another in the longitudinal direction (L) of the test vessel (1). The marking lines (4) intersect at least some of the first marking rings (2), and the marking lines (4) are respectively arranged at predefined distances from one another in a circumferential direction of the test vessel (1).

Abstract: In a method for calibration of a measurement unit for determination of electrical properties of electronic components using at least one planar calibration standard, an electrical measurement quantity is measured at two different temperatures. The electrical property of the calibration standard is known at at least one temperature or is to be determined by calculation. A temperature coefficient is determined from both measured quantities, which describes the relative change of the electrical property of the calibration standard accompanying the temperature change and with which the electrical property of the calibration standard is determined at a measurement temperature. From the change in electrical property, an error coefficient of the measurement unit is determined. A method is also provided for determination of an electrical property of an electronic component, using the calibration method.

Abstract: There is described a method of manufacturing a device to be used with a computer-aided surgery system, a method of calibrating the device, and the device itself. After fabrication, the device is measured to obtain true parameters thereof. The true parameters are stored on a storage medium associated with the device and include measurement data of high precision relating to dimensions of the device as well as to relative positioning of a tracker on the device with respect to the device. The true parameters are entered into the system and when the tracker is located in the 3D environment, the device can then be located in the 3D environment with a high degree of precision using the true parameters.

Abstract: A distributed analysis system may include at least one analysis instrument for generating sample data from a sample at a local site. A storage device may hold a library of calibration models at a site remote from the local site). A data processor, which may be integral with or separate from the analysis instrument, may determine a trait of the sample using a calibration model selected from the library and the sample data. The data processor may be located at the local site and may be connectable to the storage device via a telecommunications link. The data processor may temporarily retain the selected calibration model received via the telecommunications link.

Abstract: A foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness inspection apparatus is constituted by a detecting member for detecting a foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness by measuring smoothness of a surface of a substrate-like measuring object, a marking device for providing an dent on the surface of the measuring object with a predetermined horizontal distance from the foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness, and a mass spectrum measuring device for measuring a mass spectrum of secondary ion emitted from a position with a predetermined distance from the dent by detecting the dent through impact and scanning of the surface of the measuring object with a primary ion beam.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas. Consequently, the conductivity of the nanowires of the sensor and/or switch increases in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: Described is a method for calibrating and/or adjusting a sensor (10), especially an electrochemical, electrophysical or optical sensor, wherein the sensor (10) has an evaluating electronics (12), which is embodied in such a manner, that a signal produced by the sensor (10) is essentially non-changeable by a subsequent transmission. The sensor (10) is calibrated and/or adjusted at a site other than a later measuring location or a later measuring environment or the like.

Abstract: A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for imaging system calibration using a field replaceable unit. Certain embodiments provide a field replaceable unit for imaging system calibration. The unit includes an array of radio opaque fiducials arranged for use in image calibration for an imaging system. The unit also includes a plurality of receivers positioned around a periphery of a detector in the imaging system for use in navigation calibration for the imaging system. The unit further includes a connection for providing data regarding image calibration and navigation calibration to a processor. Additionally, the unit includes a frame for positioning the array of radio opaque fiducials and the plurality of receivers embedded in a concave target with respect to a detector in the imaging system.

Abstract: There is described a method for monitoring a drive device for a defective sensor signal from a first sensor of the drive device and to a monitoring device which is suitable for this purpose. Although sensors operate reliably, sensor errors which may give rise to significant damage if they are not detected may arise. Monitoring the sensor makes it possible to increase the reliability of the drive device. The sensor signal from the first sensor is compared with a sensor signal from a second sensor in such a manner that the first sensor is monitored. In this case, the monitoring device is intended, in particular, for a sensor having a sensor disc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in a reaction cell. The reaction cell is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.

Abstract: Method for testing the relative positional adjustment of a sensor (38) which is adapted for sensing a target element (34) which moves relative to the sensor (38), having the following steps: reading a value representative for a sensor signal; comparing the sensor signal value with a sensor reference signal value; and providing information on the sensor adjustment quality based on such comparison.

Abstract: A sensor circuit enables detection of DC offset in a sensor output signal. The sensor circuit includes a sensor that generates a sensor output signal corresponding to a physical signal coupled to an input of the sensor, and a modulator that generates a modulation signal, the modulator being coupled to the sensor to modulate a physical parameter of the sensor and to enable a DC offset to be separated from the sensor output signal. To enable the circuit to measure the DC offset even though the sensor output signal is inversely proportional to the output signal, the circuit includes a feedback circuit configured to generate a feedback signal. The feedback signal is coupled to the input of the sensor to enable the physical parameter of the sensor to be modulated without modulating a portion of the sensor output signal attributable to the physical signal being converted to an electrical signal by the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ calibration of a vacuum gauge by absolute method and comparison method, which can carry out absolute calibration using a static type standard for measuring pressures of vacuum chambers by expanding and moving gas between four vacuum chambers of different volumes in order, and comparison calibration of vacuum gauges in an in-situ state without movement of the vacuum gauges according to a method for controlling gas flow through an orifice using a calibrated standard vacuum gauge. Thus, the absolute calibration and the comparative calibration of the vacuum gauges which have been separately carried out by different apparatuses till now can be carried out by just one apparatus, whereby economical efficiency and convenience in calibration of vacuum gauges are maximized.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for monitoring a stage alignment in a processing system are disclosed. A method for monitoring a stage alignment in a processing system may include providing a calibration target on a surface of the stage; measuring an angle of incident of a light beam to the calibration target; and monitoring the stage alignment based on the determined angle of incidence.

Abstract: The invention deals with a method for the assessment of the effect of excipients, pH and combinations thereof on the predicted absorption properties of low solubility compounds, comprising the step of assessing a change in a flux function for a combination of a low solubility compound and an excipient at at least one predefined pH value. The method allows a fast, accurate, and economic evaluation of an excipient being capable of optimizing the absorption of drug molecules, i.e. low solubility compounds. Furthermore, animal experiments can be excluded and use of compounds can be reduced in such evaluation. Thus, screening for future formulation efficacy (pH and excipient effects on solubility and permeability) of drug candidates can be justified, since the method is fast, compound-sparing, cost-effective, and reasonably accurate.

Abstract: Sensor system (70) for detecting a target substance in a reference liquid, comprising a measurement cantilever (71) being functionalized by application of a first coating to one of the measurement cantilever's surfaces, whereby this first coating is sensitive to the target substance. In addition, the system (70) comprises a reference cantilever (72) with a reference coating on one of the reference cantilever's surfaces, whereby this reference coating is less sensitive to the target substance than the first coating. Both cantilevers are arranged such that they can be exposed in a reference step to the reference liquid and in a detection step to the reference liquid with the target substance. A detector unit (73, 74, 83) is employed for determining the difference in the deflection of the measurement cantilever (71) and the reference cantilever (72) during the reference step and the detection step.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a characteristic of a sensor arrangement having at least one measuring sensor and at least one reference sensor for recording the same physical variable, and having an analysis unit electrically connected thereto. The characteristic is determined from measured values of the at least one measuring sensor and of the at least one reference sensor. It is proposed to record a characteristic point during continuous measurement operation, starting with the first time the sensor arrangement is put into operation, when a definable measurement point is reached in a process for the first time, if the changes in measured value in the variation over time of the at least one measuring sensor and in the variation over time of the at least one reference sensor remain within a definable tolerance band within a definable time interval.

Abstract: A calibration strip and a laser calibration system using thereof are disclosed. The calibration strip is comprised of: a substrate; and a light impermissible layer, having a calibration pattern formed thereon while being formed on the substrate. The light impermissible layer is an opaque layer, being formed on the surface of the substrate by coating, electroplating or adhering. The substrate, manufactured by the principle for enabling the color or brightness of the substrate to have high contrast comparing with those of the light impermissible layer, can be a structure of a layer of transparent material and a light source; a layer of transparent material and a backlight source; or a metal film having a reflective layer formed thereon.

Abstract: A grill includes a lower platen assembly having a lower grilling surface and a pivotally attached upper platen assembly having an upper grilling surface. The upper platen assembly includes three motors encased in a shell. A cable attached to each motor suspends the upper grilling surface. The grill is automatically calibrated to ensure that the upper grilling surface is level. Each motor independently and sequentially raises the upper grilling surface from the lower grilling surface. When the upper grilling surface lifts from the lower grilling surface, the current in the motor changes. The settings of each motor at this instant are stored in a control to determine the calibration point when the upper grilling surface is level. The grill also automatically recognizes a food item placed on the lower grilling surface to determine the cooking parameters of the grill.

Abstract: An installation structure for a gas sensor capable of detecting gas concentration in a highly accurate manner is provided. The installation structure for a gas sensor which detects concentration of gas circulating inside an outlet-side piping comprises a through hole 18 in an inner wall of the outlet-side piping and the gas sensor comprises a gas inlet portion with one face open within the outlet-side piping 14, and the gas sensor is installed to the outlet-side piping in a condition where the gas inlet portion does not protrude from the inner wall of outlet-side piping.

Abstract: A capsule for determining the blood content of living tissue in vivo in a patient to detect tumors. The capsule includes a light source and a light detector for directing light onto the tissue and for receiving interacted light therefrom. By analyzing the interacted lights a determination can be made of the blood content of that tissue. There are various ways of positioning the capsule so that it contacts the tissue in the desired orientation of the light source and light detector. There is also a system for determining the actual contact between the capsule and the tissue. A calibration system is also used that allows a self calibration that can be carried out easily and accurately just prior to the use of the capsule.

Abstract: A method is provided in which with respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit and a temperature control unit, whether optical signal detection and temperature control are performed accurately, i.e. the performance thereof, can be verified simply with high reliability. With respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit for detecting an optical signal of a sample and a temperature control unit for controlling temperature of the sample, the optical signal detection performance and temperature control performance are verified by the following method. First, a standard sample containing a nucleic acid sequence and a strand complementary thereto that have a known optical signal intensity and Tm value is provided, the temperature of the standard sample is increased or decreased with the temperature control unit, and optical signal intensity of the standard sample is measured with the detection unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a gyro-sensor, by which a gyro-sensor can be calibrated using data which is obtained by measuring an angular velocity and a gyro output value of a moving body equipped with the gyro-sensor. The method includes measuring an angular velocity of a moving body and an average output value of the gyro-sensor when the moving body, equipped with the gyro-sensor, rotates, obtaining data about a characteristic equation of the gyro sensor using the measured angular velocity and the average output value and storing the data, and calibrating the gyro-sensor using the stored data about the characteristic equation.

Abstract: An apparatus including: an optical sensor comprising an optical transmitter and an optical receiver; and a calibration system configured to change calibration of the sensor when a measurement taken at the optical receiver, while the optical transmitter is on and the apparatus is in use, passes a test.

Abstract: A system and method for auto-calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel to determine the orientation of one or more cameras with respect to a range finder and a conveyor belt comprises providing a scanning tunnel having a moveable surface, at least one range finder having an orientation, at least one camera having an orientation and at least one calibration object having at least one indicia disposed in a predetermined relationship to one or more features of the at least one calibration object, capturing at least one image of the at least one calibration object by the at least one camera, electronically detecting the at least one calibration object at least one indicia and the one or more object features and electronically calculating at least one component of the at least one camera orientation with respect to the moveable surface in response to information obtained from the image and the at least one calibration object at least one indicia.

Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for validating measurements of a dynamic magnitude x coming from an article having main sensors placed thereon on three main axes for measuring of said dynamic magnitude x, the device including at least one additional sensor for measuring at least one additional component of the dynamic magnitude, said additional sensor being placed on the article on at least one additional axis that is concurrent with the three main axes and that is not contained in any of the planes defined by any two of the three main axes; means for determining an estimator U representative of the dynamic magnitude from the components; and means for validating the determination of the estimator U representative of the dynamic magnitude.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a header flotation system of an agricultural vehicle that can be employed while the vehicle is in motion, including when traversing a field, which does not rely on, or require calibration of, height and/or pressure sensors.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system are utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner whereby testing gas is directly delivered to the gas sensor.