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: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel, industrially applicable, and non-obvious apparatus and methods for automatically, routinely, and accurately calibrating a trace detection portal. Embodiments of the apparatus include a calibrant container; a substance (or substances) uniquely identifiable by a trace detection portal as a calibrant; unique placement of the calibrant container's outlet relative to a substance collection port of a sample collection chamber; and/or computer executable instructions that, when executed by a computer processor, cause a consistent release of a measured amount of calibrant into the sample collection chamber upon command and/or at pre-determined time intervals.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a process in which the particle size of a material is reduced by passing the material through a nip between rollers at least one operational figure, such as the motor current, of at least one motor associated with at least one roller is continuously measured and the nip is adjusted by controlling the operational figure so as to match a target operational figure. A machine for reducing the particle size of a material by passing the material through a nip between rollers has a device for measuring at least one operational figure, such as the motor current, of at least one motor associated with at least one roller and a device for adjusting the nip on the basis of the measured operational figure matching a target operational figure.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for recording particles in an exhaust gas flow and a device for carrying out the method are provided, in which at least one measure of the exhaust gas flow is ascertained and in which the measure of the exhaust gas flow is taken into consideration in the valuation of the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor. The procedure is based on the knowledge that the exhaust gas flow, for instance, the exhaust gas volume flow, has an influence on the particle sensor signal made available by the particle sensor, especially when the measuring effect is based on the depositing of particles on a sensor surface. Using the procedure, a possibly present cross sensitivity of the particle sensor with respect to different exhaust gas flows is taken into consideration, so that the measuring accuracy is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing detectors has a cup or chamber (30) supported within a mid-cap (40) by a support ring (50). An adjustable cap (70) attaches at one end to a mid-cap (40) and at the other end to a step-adjust cap (80) via bayonet mounting. A handle (60) is pivotally connected to pivot pins (46) located on the mid-cap (40). An external ring (200) attaches to the distal rim (34) of the chamber (30) and has legs (202) for covering notches (35) formed in the chamber (30). An identifier reader or receiver/PDAs (500,516) is used in the system to communicate with the detector to identify the detector and/or transmit the test results to a central location.

Abstract: An oxygen analyzer system includes first and second internally calibrated sensors each for detecting oxygen levels, and a processing subsystem responsive to the sensors. The processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor while the second sensor detects oxygen levels, and to calibrate the second sensor while the first sensor detects oxygen levels. The processor is further configured to compare the oxygen level detected by the first internally calibrated oxygen sensor and the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor, to output an error signal if the oxygen levels detected by the first internally calibrated sensor differ from the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor by a predetermined amount, and to output the oxygen level detected by either the first or second internally calibrated oxygen sensor if the oxygen levels detected thereby do not differ by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical and bioanalytical sensors and sensor systems, particularly to systems incorporating a calibration device for sensors where the calibration device is composed of structures and materials for trapping and retaining calibrant materials until they are needed and released quantitatively.

Abstract: A method of making a test sensor configured to assist in determining information related to an analyte in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method comprises the act of providing a base having a first end and a second opposing end. The method further comprises the act of providing a fluid-receiving area configured to receive a fluid sample. The method further comprises the act of assigning calibration information to the test sensor. The method further comprises the act of forming at least one notch such that a depth of the notch corresponds to the calibration information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to determine a mass of particles or a particle mass flow in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, whereby at least one resistive particle sensor is disposed in the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The measured signal change of the particle sensor is compared with a predicted signal change of the particle sensor ascertained from an engine model. If the measured signal change of the particle sensor and/or the predicted signal change of the particle sensor are corrected while taking into account the influencing variables on the transverse sensitivities of the particle sensor, it is possible when ascertaining the predicted signal change of the particle sensor that a compensation for the transverse sensibilities can result even during dynamic operating point changes of the internal combustion engine, which occur faster than the actuation of the particle sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of a smoke or fire detector; said apparatus comprising an emitter of an alarm activating material and an alarm activating material confining housing; said emitter and said housing interconnected by a flexible conduit; and wherein said housing is adapted to substantially enclose said smoke or fire detector such that said alarm activating material is brought into contact with said smoke or fire detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

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 microelectro-mechanical chemical sensor includes an active cantilever beam having a chemically selective material layer disposed thereon and at least one, preferably two, resistors with the resistance corresponding to the cantilever beam deflection. The sensor also has at least two, and preferably four, auxiliary cantilever beams adjacent to the active cantilever and attached to the same substrate, each having a piezoresistor disposed thereon. The piezoresistors are elements of a Wheatstone bridge, and the Wheatstone bridge output indicates the amount of a predetermined target chemical sorbed by the chemically selective material layer. The sensor is electrostatically actuated in order to monitor the resonant frequency.

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 method for determining the concentration of a target gas in an environment which utilises a metal oxide gas sensor having a sensitivity to a background stimulus present in the environment, said sensitivity being variable according to the concentration of the target gas, comprises the following steps: (1) calibrating the sensitivity of the first sensor to the background stimulus as a function of the concentration of the target gas; (2) determining a change in the sensitivity of the first sensor to the background stimulus in the environment, caused by the presence of the target gas in the environment; and (3) using the change in sensitivity to the background stimulus determined in step (2) and the step of calibrating the sensitivity of the first sensor in step (1) to determine the concentration of the target gas in the environment.

Abstract: A method for calibrating machines suitable to effect an analysis of a blood sample by means of measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or aggregation of the red corpuscles, wherein said measurement is effected by exploiting the optical density kinetics obtained from the measurement of the variation in the optical density of the blood sample in an interval of time, comprises a measuring step in which, by means of the same machine with which the measurement of the optical density is effected on said blood sample, a measurement is effected of the optical density of two latexes, or turbidimetric samples. Each of the two latexes has a known optical density, reproducible, measurable and different from each other.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor configured to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample comprises a base including a first end, a second opposing end, a first side and a second side bridging the first and second opposing ends. The test sensor further comprises a plurality of electrodes formed on the base at or near the first end. The plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode and a counter electrode. The sensor further comprises a first test-sensor contact formed on the base at or near the second opposing end and coupled to the working electrode by a first conductive lead. The sensor further comprises a second test-sensor contact formed on the base at or near the second opposing end and coupled to the counter electrode by a second conductive lead. The positions of the first and second test-sensor contacts correspond with calibration information assigned to the test sensor.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the torque outputs of a rheometer by using a calibrating object with a certified moment of inertia, measuring the moment of inertia of the calibrating object using the rheometer, and calculating the torque adjustment factor by dividing the certified moment of inertia value by the measured moment of inertia value. The torque adjustment factor is applied to correct subsequent measurements of rheological properties conducted using the rheometer. The torque adjustment factor may be double-checked for reproducibility by measuring the moment of inertia of the calibrating object, correcting it with the torque adjustment factor, and comparing it with its certified moment of inertia value.

Abstract: A System and Method of Molecule Counting Using Fluctuation Enhanced Sensors includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection and quantification through the measurement and generation of an amplitude density histogram of the measured time series of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. Statistical analysis produces the amplitude density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the quantity of the analyte on the surface of the sensor. Patterns in the measured amplitude density are then correlated to theoretical amplitude density functions in order to determine the number of analyte molecules on the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: Methods for determining and validating a first phase fraction of a gravitationally-separated multiphase fluid by conducting physical and electrical property measurements on samples of the fluid. The water content of crude petroleum oil is determined after the oil and water have begun to separate into phase layers such as occurs during un-agitated holding of the crude petroleum oil. A series of measurements of electrical properties such as permittivity and physical properties such as density is collected. The density minima can be used to generate hindsight determinations of average properties, such as the dry oil phase density, which in turn can be used to increase the accuracy of the water percentage in the oil determined by the permittivity and density methods. Flow weighted averages of water percentages by each method can be used to determine and validate the water content of the crude petroleum oil.

Abstract: An ultrasonic field-portable system for accurately measuring hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) in small food samples. The system includes an analyzer (10) that allows extremely accurate measurements of blood hematocrit from only one or two drops of +>>d collected in a disposable sampling device (12) that is then inserted into the analyzer (10). The system is compact enough to package into a point of care device, making it a point of care device with accuracy comparable to larger CBC lab equipment.

Abstract: Various methods for controlling one or more parameters of a flow cytometer type measurement system are provided. One embodiment includes monitoring parameter(s) of the measurement system during measurements of sample microspheres. The method also includes altering the parameter(s) in real time based on the monitoring. Another method includes monitoring a temperature proximate to the measurement system. One such method includes altering a bias voltage of an avalanche photo diode in response to the temperature using empirically derived data. A different such method includes altering output signals of a photomultiplier tube in response to the temperature using a characteristic curve. Some methods include monitoring a temperature of a fluid, in which sample microspheres are disposed, that will flow through the flow cytometer type measurement system. This method also includes determining a velocity of the sample microspheres in the measurement system from a viscosity of the fluid at the temperature.

Abstract: A method of confidence testing in an uncontrolled environment using at least one test analyte in a container; placing the container adjacent to or connected to the detector, where the detector is configured to detect analytes within a threat library comprising the test analyte; releasing the test analyte from the container; detecting the test analyte with the detector; and comparing the detected test analyte with the threat library to determine whether the detector is operating correctly.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.

Abstract: When a discharge trouble such as clogging has occurred in a plurality of branch tubes branched from a flow tube coupled with a pressure vessel, it is displayed immediately as a flow rate variation in the flow tube. A Judgment section of a dispensing system, therefore, finds the discharge trouble in the branch tubes immediately based on a flow rate detected by a flow-rate detector provided on the flow tube. Moreover, the judgment section identifies the branch tubes where the discharge trouble has occurred based on the respective flow rates of the branch tubes opened individually or opened in a predetermined combination.

Abstract: A solid state, radiant energy power generator and control system for heating an object in a radiant energy cavity—a radiant energy heated oven—is disclosed, where the system includes a digital processing unit (DPU), an DPU interface, a device controller, a frequency regulator, a voltage control oscillator, a power regulator, an amplifier, and a reverse/forward power sensing means.

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: The present invention relates to methods and systems for multipoint calibration of an analyte sensor. More specifically, the methods can be used to calibrate glucose sensors.

Abstract: A gas analysis system. The system includes a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a signal transformation module, an unknown chemical analysis module, a calibration model determination module, and a gas concentration calculation module. The signal transformation module receives electronic signals corresponding respectively to background and sample interferograms corresponding to a sample gas from the FTIR spectrometer for further calculation to obtain an absorption spectrum of the sample gas. The unknown chemical analysis module qualitatively analyzes the absorption spectrum of the sample gas to determine the chemical species in the sample gas. The calibration model determination module decides a calibration model. The gas concentration calculation module calculates the gas concentration of each chemical species according to the absorption spectrum, the calibration model and a standard spectrum of the chemical species.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

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: The present invention discloses a single population of simulated leukocyte granules prepared from mammalian whole white blood cells, which is useful in calibrators for a hematology analyzer, a calibrator comprising the single population of simulated leukocyte granules, and a method of preparing the single population of simulated leukocyte granules. The method of preparing single population of simulated leukocyte granules according to present invention comprises the steps of: obtaining mammalian whole white blood cells; treating the mammalian whole white blood cells under the action of a hemolytic agent in the presence of a leukocyte treating liquid, i.e., an isotonic saline solution comprising a fixative, a oxidizer and a carbohydrate; fixing the treated mammalian whole white blood cells with a fixative; and suspending the fixed cells in a preservation medium suitable for long-term preservation of fixed cells.

Abstract: The disclosure presents an apparatus and method for measuring viscosity of a lubricating oil. The apparatus has a piezo-resistive cantilever sensor for sensing a first oil viscosity parameter. The sensor has a cantilever having a pressure receiving portion for receiving pressure exerted by the lubricating oil as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The cantilever also has first and second resistive portions in electrical communication with a first lead and a second lead, respectively, which are in electrical communication with an electrical circuit amplification element, for creating an output signal indicative of a change in the resistive characteristics of the first and second resistive portions of the cantilever as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The output signal can be used for determining oil viscosity.

Abstract: A method for a method for calibrating a system configured to analyze exhaust gas produced by a fluid consuming source is disclosed. The method includes directing a first flow of exhaust gas toward an analyzer that is configured to measure at least one component. The method also includes establishing a first value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the first flow of exhaust gas. The method also includes removing a first quantity of fluid from the fluid consuming source and delivering a second quantity of fluid into the first flow of exhaust gas. The second quantity of fluid is a portion of the first quantity of fluid. The method also includes at least partially combusting the first flow of exhaust gas and the first quantity of fluid upstream of the analyzer and establishing a second value indicative of a measurement of the at least one component within the exhaust gas and the at least a portion of the first quantity of fluid.

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 device for introducing a reference liquid into a measurement appliance for determining the parameters of liquid samples. The device has a separate conduit element which at one end can be inserted into an input port on the measurement appliance and at the other end can be inserted into an ampoule containing the reference liquid. The device also comprises a holding arrangement for holding the ampoule containing the reference liquid, which holding arrangement can be secured on the measurement appliance. There is provided the advantage of affording a high degree of reproducibility between successive introductions. There is also provided a measurement appliance with such a device, and a method for introducing a reference liquid into a measurement appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pH sensor for use in a highly alkaline region of pH >11 comprising citrate-reduced gold nanoparticles and a method for calibrating pH of a solution in highly alkaline regions, based on variation in surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra (SERS).

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 orifice test calibration device tests the functionality of protective mask testers. The orifice test calibration device has a semi-rigid tubular channel with one end for sealing the flow outlet port of the protective mask tester and a second end for sealing the vacuum inlet port of the protective mask tester. The device also includes a sealable opening within the tubular channel and an insertable orifice plug having a set diameter for insertion into the sealable opening in order to calibrate the protective mask tester.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating the impacts of flow-altering events in corrosion transport from those due to steady state corrosion in boiler/steam cycle processes. The method includes monitoring, in real time, with a particle counter or particle monitor levels of suspended particles in a fluid flow stream and of automatically collecting insoluble particulates large enough to be captured on a 0.45 micron filter when, and only when, these levels exceed an “event threshold”. For use in subsequently characterizing flow-altering events without necessarily weighing the collected particulates for each excursion above this threshold, an average particle count/particle index is obtained and compared with the actual weight of insoluble particulates captured. When excursions are highly infrequent, concentrations of insoluble metal oxides likely to be present in the flow stream and capable of producing above-threshold PC/PIs can be determined and used to identify anomalies when particulates are captured.

Abstract: A calibration technique for a measurement device that produces a spark in an interpane space of an insulating glass unit to determine the content of an inert gas, in particular, argon. Standard calibration units are created which have the same construction as an IGU produced an assembly line. The standard calibration units are filled with varying percentages of argon/oxygen mixture. The calibration technique can be performed on an assembly line by aiming the measurement device at a particular insulating glass unit produced on the assembly line. The measurement device is activated to take a reading of the unit on the line. One of a plurality of calibration standard units of insulating glass units is selected that has substantially an identical construction as the unit on the line except that the calibration standard unit selected has a known, specific amount of certified argon gas that should be the same as the unit on the line. The measurement device is aimed at the calibration standard unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calibrating emission data or other information signals collected during a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplification reaction, assay, process, or other reaction. Calibration of multiple detectable materials can be achieved during a single cycle or run, or during a plurality of runs of the reaction. A reading from every well, container, or other support region of a sample support does not have to be taken. Interpolation can be used to determine values for emission data or other information signals that were not taken, or are unknown, using detected emission data, or other detected information signals. By calibrating the detected emission data and the interpolated data, a more accurate reading of emission data or information signal can be obtained.

Abstract: A layered sensor element used in a gas measuring sensor for measuring a physical property of a measuring gas, preferably for determining the temperature of the measuring gas or the concentration of a component of the measuring gas. The sensor element contains a wave-form heater, which is embedded in a porous heater insulation. At least one separating element having a lower porosity than the porous heater insulation is provided between two adjacent sections of the wave-form heater.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating a biosensor for the amperometric determination of creatinine in biological liquids, consisting of one electrode system each for measuring the concentrations of creatinine and creatine, with at least two calibration solutions being used, the electrode system for measuring the creatinine concentration is calibrated with a creatinine solution which, prior to the calibration measurement, was mixed in the form of an acidic solution with an alkaline buffer solution, and the electrode system for measuring the creatine concentration is calibrated with a solution in which creatinine and creatine are at a thermodynamic equilibrium.

Abstract: A system automatically maintains at least one of a pH level and a sanitizing agent level of water in a water feature. The system includes a sensor assembly responsive to at least one of a pH level of the water and a sanitizing agent level of the water. The system further includes a controller which generates control signals in response to signals from the sensor assembly. The system further includes at least one of a first source containing an sanitizing agent material and a second source containing a pH-modifying material. The system further includes a third source comprising a valve assembly and a third container containing a liquid calibrant material. The valve assembly is responsive to at least a portion of the control signals from the controller by selectively allowing the calibrant material to flow from the third container through the sensor assembly to the water feature.

Abstract: A method and a system for grading the confidence of a result of an experiment that comprises one or more biological and/or chemical reactions and is carried out in a microchannel structure (110a) of a microfluidic device, said confidence determination comprises the steps of: i) detecting within each of at least one liquid detector segment of said microchannel structure (110a) the presence or absence of liquid and/or gas during a period of time for which it is known if liquid and/or gas shall be present and/or absent in the segment, and ii) assigning a lowered confidence to said result if the presence and/or absence of liquid and/or gas found in step (i) is deviating from what it shall be.

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.