Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, articles, methods, and systems for measuring sensor drift characteristics are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a system having a sensor platform to receive a sensor and measure drift characteristic of the sensor is disclosed. The system may further include a data acquisition device coupled to the sensor platform to receive the measured drift characteristic and to compare them to acceptance criteria in order to determine an acceptability of the sensor. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Capacitive detection systems, modules, and methods. In one embodiment, time interval measurement(s) are generated that are monotonic functions of the capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area. In one embodiment, the generated time interval measurement(s), or any other monotonic function(s) of capacitance(s) of capacitive sensor(s) in a capacitive sensing area, may be analyzed to detect the presence of an object near the capacitive sensing area and/or to detect the position of an object near the capacitive sensing area.

Abstract: Determination of the actual position of the rotation axis of a transportation mechanism relative to a reference axis, in particular relative to gravity, is performed with at least one inclination sensor mounted to the transportation mechanism having at least one measurement axis, and comprises the measurement of the inclination of at least the one inclination sensor along the at least one measurement axis in a first rotation position of the transportation mechanism, and the measurement of the inclination of the at least one inclination sensor along the at least one measurement axis in a second rotation position. The actual position of the rotation axis of the transportation mechanism may be determined from the measurement values of the inclination sensor and the angular separation between the rotation positions. The process is suitable in particular for a process to align the rotation axis of a transportation mechanism and for a process for replacing a transportation mechanism.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.

Abstract: A device and method permits absolute and relative calibration of a pull-test device for testing the mechanical strength of electrical bond deposits. The invention provides repeatable breaking of a test specimen such as a wire (11) indexable through an anvil (17). A test tool (12) is restrained against movement from the pull axis by a low friction support such as a roller (13). A rest (14) defines a start position. The test tool is moved against the test specimen to break the test specimen. A measuring device is provided to measure the force necessary to break the test specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is reference component for a sensor. The reference component comprises a calibration surface and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit often contains a digital representation of calibration surface properties. A corresponding sensing system, printing system, method of communicating calibration data, and sensor calibration method also are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluorescence reference plate for a fluorescence spectroscopic instrument is arranged with fluorescent layers having different excitation and emission characteristics. The fluorescent layers are ordered in the form of a stack for providing a flat-field calibration standard over multiple bands of wavelengths.

Abstract: A system (10) for leak-testing an article (20) required to be fluid leak-tight in use at a fluid contacting region (38) thereof, to determine fluid leakage through the article to a non-fluid contacting region (40) of the article. The system includes a leak-testing fluid held in confinement by the fluid-contacting region of the article, a vacuum assembly (46, 66) arranged for establishing a vacuum environment at the non-fluid-contacting region of the article, and a leak detector (76) arranged to detect presence or absence of the leak-testing fluid in the vacuum environment, to determine fluid leakage through the article. The system enables leak sensitivity significantly below 1×10?6 standard atmospheric-cc/scc to be achieved, e.g., sensitivity in a range of from 1×10?7 to 1×10?11 standard atmospheric-cc/see, and is useful for quality assurance testing of vessels (118) intended to carry hazardous gases.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a medical device in a sterile atmosphere at a desired temperature during a calibration step is provided. The method includes packaging a medical device and temperature indicator in a sterile container such that the indicator is visible to a user. Next, heat can be applied to the container in order to stabilize the temperature of the container (as indicated by the encased temperature indicator) at room temperature. Once at room temperature, the device can be calibrated while remaining in the sterile atmosphere. A kit including such a container and a set of instructions is also provided. Like above, the container of the kit can include a sterile medical device and temperature indicator such that the device can be maintained in a sterile environment during calibration and/or zeroing. As such, the method and kit allow for increased precision and safety in performing medical procedures.

Abstract: A fluid sensor is constructed to has a pair of electrodes whereas between electrodes there are not additional materials designated to adsorb analytes if their concentrations are high, or there are absorbents if the analyte concentrations are low. An alternating current voltage of varying frequencies is applied to the electrodes of the sensor by an alternative current device. In return, it detects electrical properties such as impedance and its components, reactance, resistance, and phase angles of the sensor with analytes whereas the analytes reside in or pass through the electrode at each frequency. Thus a spectrum of electrical property of the analyte can be established at various applied frequencies. The electrical properties are analyzed by a pattern recognition process, and compared with those of the known fluid. Therefore, the fluid can be detected and identified. A reference sensor is provided with the same configuration of the fluid sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and calibrating integrated sensor devices that improves the manufacturing test throughput of the devices. The system includes a tester, a temperature controller, and at least one probe station including a thermal chuck. The chuck can be heated to specified temperatures to achieve variable heating of a wafer, PCB, or pallet disposed thereon. The temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the chuck to a first specified level. The tester performs at least one first measurement of the output offset of each integrated sensor embodied as a die on the wafer, or as a device on the PCB or pallet. Next, the temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the chuck to a second specified level, and the tester performs at least one second measurement of the output offset of each integrated sensor at the second temperature level.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping items to produce packages includes default settings which provide appropriate parameters for wrapping packages based on a ubiquitous feature of the item such as tray size. In addition, one or more exceptions to the default settings are included such that items of a given value for the ubiquitous feature which require special or unusual handling parameters will be detected and handled according to these different parameters. These parameters including exceptions are readily transferable between multiple wrapping machines. An autocalibration feature allows for specific differences in the tolerances and settings of different wrapping machines.

Abstract: The primary aspect of the Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System (COMPS) is that it provides a field deployable instant and reproducible source of known amounts of target odors. This technology consists of a permeable polymer container (chosen to suit target odor and release rate required), stored inside a non-permeable package. The design allows for the pre-equilibration of the target odors such that the outer surface of the inner package can saturate with odor during storage. Removal of the inner item then provides an instant and reproducible source of known target vapor flux. We have successfully demonstrated this technology by placing the target odor chemicals within permeable membranes such as low density polyethylene which are then sealed within a non-permeable membranes such as metallized polyester.

Abstract: A calibrated medical device includes at least one sensor operative to detect at least one environmental influence on the medical device that may change a calibration or operability of the medical device. Based on data collected by the sensor, a determination can be made whether or not the medical device should be re-calibrated.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for correcting a requested volume of liquid to aspirate/dispense by a liquid-handling pipette based on the requested volume and/or a physical condition at the pipene. The pipette includes a piston drive mechanism configured to contact a piston assembly and move a piston rod of the piston assembly within a tip holder thereby causing regulation of an amount of liquid in the tip holder. The method includes selecting a requested volume at a pipette, the requested volume representing the amount of liquid to regulate, calculating a correction volume using a volume characterization, wherein the volume characterization characterizes a difference in the amount of the liquid regulated in the tip holder as a function of the requested volume, and displaying the correction volume to a user of the pipette thereby regulating the requested volume of liquid in the tip holder. The volume characterization is determined using a calibration process.

Abstract: A method for adapting a measured value (MW1) of an air mass sensor comprises the steps pf determining a correction value (KW) in the event of predetermined operating conditions (BB1), namely depending on the measured value (MW1) and a comparative value (VW) which in turn depends on at least one additional measured value (MW2) of a second sensor. An adaptation value (AD1) is adapted depending on the correction value (VW), on the duration (D_AD1) since the last determination of the adaptation value (AD1) and on the change of the adaptation value (AD1) since the last adaptation of the adaptation value (AD1). Subsequently measured values (MW1) are corrected using the adaptation value (AD1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a calibration apparatus and method for calibrating and verifying the accuracy of a golf ball launch monitor. The apparatus includes a support structure and a rotatable wheel that has embedded golf balls evenly dispersed at a known distance from the center of the wheel, and a field of view opening in a protective cover. A power device, typically an electric motor, rotates the wheel at a predetermined speed to establish a known speed and spin rate of the golf balls. Each golf ball surface includes contrasting markings. Camera(s) of the launch monitor are focused on the field-of-view wherein each camera is triggered such that two images of a ball are captured. The monitor has a computer to analyze data for speed and spin rate of the golf balls. A comparison of this data to the established known speed and spin rate of the calibration apparatus enables determination of the accuracy and repeatability of the monitor.

Abstract: A method for standardizing a reading taken on a fiber sample, including the steps of measuring a moisture content of the fiber sample, taking the reading on the fiber sample, and correcting the reading to a standardized reading that adjusts for a difference between the reading at the measured moisture content of the fiber sample and a standardized reading at about 7.5% moisture content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (herein referred to as a “gas sorption/desorption analyzer”) for measuring the gas sorption properties of substances (for example hydrogen sorption by metal alloys). Measurements include: Pressure Composition Temperature isotherm (PCT), Kinetic, Cycle-life, and density. Measurements are made by sorption of aliquots of gas to or from a sample of the substance. The amount of gas in each aliquot is determined from the gas pressure and temperature in calibrated reservoir volumes. The apparatus comprises components rated for operation up to 200 atm, a plurality of sensors covering a broad pressure range, and minimized volumes to enable accurate measurements of small samples. Aliquot pressures are controlled using a feed-back controlled pressure regulator that can also be used for constant pressure sorption measurements. The gas temperature is regulated using a temperature controlled enclosure.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a semiconductor device tester is disclosed. In accordance with method of the present invention, a timing is calibrated using a programmable delay device and calibration boards so as to remove a timing difference between channels and compensate a linearity of the programmable delay device for an adjustment of a timing by building and using a database of the round trip delay actually generated during the test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot-controlled optical measurement array (1) comprising an optical sensor (2) that is fastened to a spacer (3). Reference marks (22) are provided on the spacer (3) and/or on a sensor (2) housing (2?). Said optical measurement array (1) is calibrated by means of an auxiliary device (13) that is placed on the optical measurement array (1) and is provided with a sensor target (16) which is disposed on the auxiliary device so as to lie within one measurement space (17) of the optical sensor (2) when the optical measurement array (1) and the auxiliary device (13) are in the assembled state. In order to calibrate the optical measurement array (1), measured values of the sensor target (16) are generated with the aid of the sensors (2), said measured values being used for calculating the three-dimensional position of the sensor coordinate system (10) in relation to the sensor target (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic pipette comprising a piston actuated by a motor, a control system, a user interface (1, 2) and a display (3). The control system comprises at least two pipetting setting arrays, each comprising at least one setting, such as a calibration setting or a pipetting function setting acting over the entire volume range, which setting can be changed for each array of settings, with the desired setting array being selectable for use each time. This enables the pipette to be readily used for various purposes of use without having to adjust these settings separately.

Abstract: Methods for generating a calibration factor and for calibrating are provided whereby interstitial spacing between support locations of a platform is used to embed a detectable material, emissions from which are used to generate the calibration factor. In some embodiments, the external space, outer perimeter, and other areas of a platform are used to embed detection materials for the normalization, calibration, correction, compensation, or other method of adjustment for detected emission data. The emission data can be taken from an assay, amplification, reaction, analysis, or other process, for example, from a PCR run or other reaction. By calibrating or adjusting the sample support with the detected emission data, a more efficient detection of the assay, amplification, reaction, analysis, or other process, can be achieved.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: A device for measuring and detecting the organophosphonis compounds, such as a pesticides or a nerve agents is provided. The devices function by selectively binding an organophosphorous compound to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthamide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been templated for the chemical functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexibly suspending a sensing mechanism between a pair of cover plates, including a sensing mechanism formed in a crystalline silicon substrate; a pair of cover plates formed in crystalline silicon substrates; a first plurality of complementary interfaces in fixed relation between the sensing mechanism and a first one of the cover plates; and a second plurality of complementary interfaces flexibly suspended between the sensing mechanism and a second one of the cover plates with one or more of the flexibly suspended interfaces being a complementary male and female interface.

Abstract: A power clamp including a dimension determination assembly. The dimension determination assembly can determine a dimension of single or multiple clamped parts. If the determined dimension of the clamped workpiece, part or parts is incorrect, a signal is generated to indicate the determined dimension is outside of an acceptable range.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an alignment apparatus useful to align a test head that includes: (a) two or more fluid chambers disposed in fixed relation to each other, the chambers having a movable wall and one or more apertures for admitting or releasing fluid; (b) fluid channels coupled to the one or more apertures that enable fluid to flow between at least two of the fluid chambers; and (c) one or more valves disposed to enable or to stop the flow of fluid through one or more of the one or more fluid channels.

Abstract: In one aspect a device to simplify, and to reduce the costs of, the error-protected detection of the measured values in the control unit, without reducing the error protection of the system is provided. The device includes a pick-up device for detecting measuring signals. Independently operating evaluation devices are provided for the redundant determination of measured values from the measuring signals of the pick-up device. The data is transmitted to the control unit by means of error-protected transmission devices. A first evaluation device is used to determine a measured value, and a second evaluation device is used to determine a less precise, coarse comparison value. The device is also used to establish the accuracy of the measured value by comparing the value with the comparison value.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for calibrating measuring instruments, such as bore gauges and the like, comprises means (12) for supporting the apparatus and calibrating means having contact means for the respective measuring ends (15, 17) of the instrument to be calibrated, these means being, for each measuring end of the instrument to be calibrated, in the form of a first and a second contact surface (31, 33d). The apparatus also comprises at least one adapter element (50) on at least one of the contact surfaces of the calibrating apparatus, this adapter element (50) being designed to receive and support a respective end of the measuring instrument by adjusting to its profile. The adapter element (50) comprises means which engage a respective end of the measuring instrument and which are made in such a way that they can receive different measuring instruments.

Abstract: A method, a portable device and a measuring instrument for standardization of a satellite measuring instrument to a corresponding master measuring instrument are disclosed. The portable device includes a device for containing a reference material, and an information unit for storing information about the reference material and measurements of the reference material on the master measuring instrument. When placed in a satellite measuring instrument, information from the master instrument stored in the information unit of the portable device is transmitted automatically and wirelessly to the satellite instrument and, together with measurements by the satellite instrument of the reference masterial in the portable device, a standardization model for the satellite instrument and the sample type is obtained.

Abstract: A locating device, in particular a handheld locating device, for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, includes a first device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, and having a control and evaluation unit for measurement signals of the locating device. The device has a second detection device that makes it possible to detect a predeterminable distance d of the locating device from a surface of a medium. In addition, a method for calibrating a measurement device, in particular for calibrating a handheld locating device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, a reference measurement for calibrating the measurement device is carried out only after at least one measurement has been carried out of a distance d of the measurement device from a surface of a medium.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing operation of a NOx adsorber catalyst are disclosed. An operating temperature of the catalyst is monitored, and when it exceeds a catalyst desulfation temperature threshold that occurs when the catalyst undergoes a desulfation event, a control circuit determines an oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst as a function of at least an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas exiting the catalyst. The control circuit may further determine the oxygen storage capacity as a function of an oxygen concentration of exhaust gas entering the catalyst. The control circuit may further determine the oxygen storage capacity as a function of a mass flow rate of fresh air entering the internal combustion engine that produces the exhaust gas. The oxygen storage capacity may be mapped to catalyst aging information such as, for example, a remaining useful life of the catalyst.

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. In one embodiment, the sensor is self-calibrating and runs through a calibration sequence at startup or at periodic intervals. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the sensor units. When one or more of the sensor units detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition.

Abstract: A device and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. The system includes a portable programmable computer device that a user can readily install by plugging it into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle for providing the controlling, monitoring, and evaluating functions. The present invention enables a user to perform performance tuning of the engine, provides dynamometer type functions such as horsepower and torque measurements, and provides a virtual drag strip function for accurately measuring acceleration data. According to an alternative embodiment, a monitor mode is provided for enabling the user to monitor selected characteristics of the vehicle and a diagnostics mode is provided for providing for the identification and display of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with informative text descriptions. The present invention also enables the clearing of selected DTCs without requiring expensive customized equipment for that purpose.

Abstract: The sampling system of the invention includes a column comprising a first separator associated with a first collector so as to extract particles whose diameter is larger than a first diameter, and a second separator associated with a second collector which eliminates the finest particles and concentrates the other particles in the gas flow sucked up by the suction pipe of an analysis device.

Abstract: A new and improved method for calibrating workpiece clamping mechanisms such that once a particular clamping mechanism is calibrated with respect to a particular workpiece to be clamped upon a support surface, the clamping mechanism will always clamp the workpiece with a predetermined, precisely repeatable clamping force. In addition, the method of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with the calibration of a plurality of clamping mechanisms so as to enable the plurality of clamping mechanisms to always generate the same precise clamping force whereby the multiple clamping mechanisms, utilized to clamp a single workpiece upon a support surface, can in fact clamp different regions of the single workpiece with precisely the same predetermined clamping force such that all regions of the single workpiece are in fact securely clamped.

Abstract: In order to provide a step capable of reliably detecting a CO concentration in a reformed gas at low cost and a hydrogen purifier capable of fully exerting a function of a CO purifying catalyst, a gas concentration detector comprising a reaction chamber which has a catalyst layer and a gas temperature detector and capable of detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas by means of a signal of the temperature detector referring to a reformed gas passing along through the reaction chamber.

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: There is provided a failure determination system for a continuously variable transmission of a belt type, which is capable of determining failure of control valves for performing speed varying operation, and enhancing maintainability. An ECU controls a transmission ratio of the transmission to a fixation-determining LOW-side range when the vehicle is standing. When the transmission ratio during stoppage of the vehicle is within a stop-time OD-side range if engine torque?OD-time DR-side reference torque and at the same time the transmission ratio<DN-side reference value hold, the ECU determines that the DR solenoid valve is faulty, and if the throttle valve opening?OD-side reference value, the transmission ratio?DN-side reference value, and at the same time a vehicle speed<OD-side reference value hold, the ECU determines that the DN solenoid valve is faulty.

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: An apparatus configured to generate surface plasmon enhanced radiation comprises a metal film having first and second surfaces, and one or more resonance configurations formed in the metal film. An exemplary resonance configuration includes an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces of the metal film, and at least one feature that forms a non-periodic structure together with the aperture. The feature causes a variation in a dielectric function along the first surface of the metal film proximate to the aperture, and the aperture and the feature are configured so as to cooperatively facilitate a resonance condition for surface plasmon enhanced radiation generated by the apparatus, based on incident radiation that irradiates the first surface of the metal film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution has a reaction cell for receiving a sample, a titrant dropper for releasing one or more drops of titrant into the sample, a first photosensor for sensing disruptions of light for every drop of titrant released, and a controller that communicates with the photosensor and computes the concentration of the chemical agent based on the number of disruptions of light at the photosensor. The present invention also includes a method for sensing and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution. The method includes having a sample containing the chemical agent, triggering the release of a number of drops of titrant into the sample, detecting the number of drops released into the sample, and computing the concentration of the chemical agent in the sample based on the number of drops of titrant released into the sample.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining a zeta potential generated between a solid wall and a solution. The method includes (a) injecting an electrolyte solution into a first inlet of a T channel, which is provided with first and second inlet electrodes and a grounded outlet electrode, and a mixed solution of the electrolyte solution and a fluorescent dye into a second channel of the T channel and maintaining a steady-state of the two solutions; (b) applying a direct current electric field from the first and second electrodes to the outlet electrode to form an interface between the electrolyte solution and the mixed solution; (c) applying an alternating current electric field from one of the two inlet electrodes to the outlet electrode to oscillate the interface; and (d) measuring an amplitude of oscillation of the interface and determining the zeta potential from the standard relationship between the zeta potential and the amplitude.

Abstract: A method of performing calibration and quality control of a sensor for determining a parameter in a test fluid in which method a calibration and quality control cycle is repeated. A cycle includes the steps of performing a calibration and a quality control of the sensor using independent reference materials. In the method a reference material is in one cycle used in the quality control step which in a previous cycle was used in the calibration step. The present invention further provides an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: In a method for mass spectrometry, a plurality of juxtaposed chromatography apparatus connected to a mass spectrometer start eluting at a predetermined time difference and the following mass spectrometer conducts mass spectrometry. A chromatogram in a preceding chromatography apparatus is analyzed on real time base and results of the analysis are used on real time base to change an elusion condition of a succeeding chromatography apparatus. A mass spectrometric system suitable for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.

Abstract: There is provided a flow cell assembly in which a shuttle supports and positions a capillary with its end extending beyond the shuttle. The flow cell assembly facilitates the replacement of a flow cell which is damaged or with flow cells having capillaries of different size or shape.