Abstract: A sensing device and method are provided for sensing a target. The sensing device includes a body having a first inner surface at least partially defining a channel network for receiving the target therein. A liquid crystal is anchored to the first inner surface of the body and includes a plurality of mesogens. Each mesogen is movable between a first orientation and a second orientation in response to communication with the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring and/or monitoring concentrations of a dispersed phase in a fluid. A wettable surface may be used that is configured to be selectively wettable by the dispersed phase in the fluid being tested/monitored and the amount of or the rate of change of the wetting/deposition of the dispersed phase on the wettable surface is sensed and used to monitor the concentration of the dispersed phase.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the heating value of a fuel, the fuel comprising at least one hydrocarbon including a first hydrocarbon present in the highest molar concentration, the method comprising: measuring the stoichiometric oxidation molar flow ratio of the fuel; determining the ideal molar heating value (HVm,i) from the measured stoichiometric oxidation molar flow ratio; measuring the molar concentration of the first hydrocarbon; and determining the real molar heating value (HVm,r) from the ideal molar heating value (HVm,i) and the molar concentration of the first hydrocarbon. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor system that measures at least one parameter of water includes an electronics subsystem and includes a sensor housing electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronics subsystem. The sensor housing encloses a chamber that receives water via at least one inlet and that releases water via at least one outlet. At least one sensor has at least one electrode exposed to water in the chamber. A flow generator causes water to flow through the chamber. A plurality of objects within the chamber move in response to the water flow and abrasively clean the at least one electrode. Preferably, the sensor system includes a chlorine sensor having at least two electrodes. The electronics subsystem applies a first differential voltage between the two electrodes during a measurement interval and then applies a second differential voltage between the two electrodes during an interval following the measurement interval.

Abstract: A process analysis unit includes a base module and an exchangeable cartridge module. The base module comprises at least one independent pump drive, and an analyte sensor without a fluidic measuring section. The cartridge module comprises a liquid reservoir tank, a sample taking device, at least one drive-less pump mechanism configured as a peristaltic membrane pump, a fluidic measuring section for the analyte sensor, and a plastic material plate with groove-like microfluidic channels configured to connect the liquid reservoir tank, the at least one drive-less pump mechanism, and a measuring section. The drive-less pump mechanism is driven pneumatically and pumps a liquid from the liquid reservoir tank. When the cartridge module is connected to the base module, the at least one drive-less pump mechanism is connected to and is driven by the at least one independent pump drive, and the fluidic measuring section is connected to the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A method and a device detects contaminants in a fluid (1). Fluid (2) with particles is conveyed by a first metering pump (3) to a device (4) for measuring the contamination or the particle density in the contaminated fluid (2). Before entering the device (4) for measuring the contamination, the fluid is mixed with cleaned fluid (5) in a defined mixing ratio. The particle density or the contamination of the mixed fluid (6) is measured. The particle density or the contamination of the contaminated fluid (2) is determined by an arithmetic unit (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring and monitoring glucose content of blood. The invention is especially applicable for users with diabetes disease. In a device of the present invention sample input aperture (24) can be blocked when it is not in use. The blocking can be implemented with a sliding cover (21), which blocks either the input for the sample strip (24) or the connection for a data cable (11). It is possible to prevent impurities accessing the sensor of the measurement unit (14), and obtain required electrical isolation when a data cable is connected to the electrical connection (11). In addition to measurement functions, the device may have functionalities for monitoring diet or even for playing games.

Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus for detecting a presence of one or more bubbles within an aquatic environment includes a first structure including a lower peripheral edge for defining an area over which the apparatus is operable to collect the one or more bubbles, a second structure for spatially concentrating the one or more bubbles received within the area defined by the lower peripheral edge into a detection region, and a detection arrangement for detecting the one or more bubbles concentrated in operation by the bubble concentrating structure passing into the detection region and generating an output signal indicative of the one or more bubbles passing through the detection region. The apparatus is optionally mounted upon an aquatic remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In certain aspects, a method includes reading an indicia of a medical fluid cartridge to determine a volume of a fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia, receiving radio frequency energy generated by excited atoms in medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge, and determining a concentration of a substance in the medical fluid based on the determined volume of the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge indicated by the indicia and the received radio frequency energy generated by the excited atoms in the medical fluid in the fluid passageway of the medical fluid cartridge.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring attributes of a fluid within a container, and wirelessly transmitting fluid information to one or more remote deices.

Abstract: The present application relates to a molecular exchange device (1) for use with an analysis and control apparatus and a method of manufacturing a molecular exchange device.

Abstract: An ultrapure water production facility and a method of monitoring ultrapure water include an ultrapure water production system, a first monitoring unit including a resistivity meter, a second monitoring unit including a dissolved gas concentration meter, a TOC meter, a hydrogen peroxide concentration meter, a silica meter, a boron meter, an evaporation residue meter, and a water temperature meter connected in parallel, and a third monitoring unit including a particle meter. The third monitoring unit is provided in parallel with the first monitoring unit and the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit are connected in series.

Abstract: A dissolved nitrogen concentration monitoring method is used for monitoring a dissolved nitrogen concentration of a cleaning liquid when an ultrasonic wave is irradiated onto the cleaning liquid in which a substrate is dipped. The method includes measuring an amount of increase of a dissolved oxygen concentration of the cleaning liquid resulting from an oxygen molecule generated from a water molecule as a result of a radical reaction caused by ultrasonic wave irradiation. A dissolved nitrogen concentration of the cleaning liquid is calculated from the measured amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration based on a predetermined relationship between a dissolved nitrogen concentration and an amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A device, system and method for sampling sample material for an analyte including a receiving swab, wherein at least a portion of the receiving swab is compressible; a sensor for sensing the analyte; and a casing, wherein the casing at least partially encloses the receiving swab and the sensor and allows for a transfer of sample material received by the receiving swab to the sensor along a transfer path inside of the casing. The compressible portion of the receiving swab is located inside the casing, wherein by compressing the compressible portion, the transfer path is closable towards the outside of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a module for a computer interface including a transducer wherein the transducer receives a measurement value and makes this measurement value available for monitoring an individual's health by means of the computer interface, for example, for monitoring an individual's blood glucose level, wherein the measurement value is obtained by means of a sensor.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a method for analyzing a dispersion made by dispersing a liquid or solid dispersoid into a liquid dispersion medium. The method includes the steps of: preparing a sample liquid from the dispersion by forming an agglomerate of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium; redispersing the dispersoid that forms the agglomerate in the sample liquid into the dispersion medium of the sample liquid; and measuring the amount of the dispersoid that has been redispersed from the agglomerate in the sample liquid.

Abstract: In a urine component analysis device, a correlation storage section stores data indicating a correlation between a measured concentration in one urine and in total urine in one day for each of a first and second specific component in the urine excreted by a human. A data input section inputs data indicating a concentration of the first specific component and of the second specific component in one urine of a subject. A concentration of the first specific component and of the second specific component in total urine in one day are determined by performing conversion using the correlation stored in the correlation storage section based on the concentration of the first specific component and the second specific component in the one urine. A concentration ratio between the first specific component and the second specific component in total urine in one day is determined based on the results of conversion.

Abstract: A sulfur concentration detection system for detecting a sulfur concentration in a liquid includes a sensor having a conductive metal substrate and zinc oxide microstructures deposited on and protruding from the conductive metal substrate, a current source, and a voltage detector. An electrical resistivity of the zinc oxide microstructures is configured to change as a function of an amount of sulfur in the liquid available to react with zinc in the zinc oxide microstructures. The current source and the voltage detector are connected to the conductive metal substrate and configured to detect a change in the electrical resistivity of the zinc oxide microstructures.

Abstract: A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining concentrations of components of a multiphase fluid. A first flowmeter receives a fluid flow and generates measurements of the fluid flow. After at least partially separating the fluid flow into mixtures of its components, second and third flowmeters generate measurements of the mixtures. A data processing apparatus operatively coupled to the flowmeters receives the measurements and determines concentrations of the components of the fluid flow. In an embodiment, the measurements are mass flow and density readings.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a biological sample measurement device, which is intended to be easier to use. To achieve this object, the present invention comprises a main body case (1) having a sensor insertion opening into which a sensor for measuring biological samples is inserted, a connection terminal (20) provided within the main body case (1) behind the sensor insertion opening, (5) and a shutter 7 that is provided within the main body case (1) between the sensor insertion opening (5) and the connection terminal (20) and that opens and closes the sensor insertion opening (5). This configuration makes the device easy to use.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating heparin preparations, e.g., for suitability for use as a drug or for use in making a drug, by determining the absence, presence or amount of a structural signature, wherein, e.g., the structural signature is indicative of the methods used to make the heparin preparation.

Abstract: A sensor system utilizing flexible electronics for on-line real-time high-sensitivity sampling, monitoring, and analysis of a parameter or analyte of interest in a fluid or in or on a solid is provided. The flexible substrate sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, a flexible substrate, a network, and a connection between the sensors and the network, wherein the network reads out or collects information from the sensors. The network can be onboard, connected by via a physical connection to the sensors and the flexible substrate, or external to the sensors and flexible substrate, connected via a telemetric or wireless connection to the sensors. The flexible substrate sensor system can be deployed in systems that conduct or distribute fluids or solids, such as distribution systems (municipal water systems, oil or gas pipeline systems), industrial systems (production facilities, piping, and storage systems), and large structures (dams, bridges, walkways, buildings).

Abstract: An experimental test rig for simulating and analyzing the fouling behavior of petrochemicals when heated within a pipe or other such conduit, the rig comprising: a supply of petrochemical product; an annulus test section arranged to receive petrochemical product from the said supply, the annulus test section comprising an inner tube and an outer tube with the petrochemical product passing therebetween; a tubular test section arranged to receive petrochemical product from the said supply; a pipe circuit connecting the supply of petrochemical product to the test sections; means for heating a region of the annulus test section; means for heating a region of the tubular test section; and means for controlling and measuring the flow of the petrochemical product from the supply to the test sections; wherein the pipe circuit is configured such that the petrochemical product can be simultaneously supplied to the annulus and tubular test sections while they are heated.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and methods for composition ratio control based on dyes that are designed to enable energy transfer between each other. In more detail, with the method of the present invention it is possible to verify the mixing ratio of a first component comprising a first dye with a second component comprising a second dye.

Abstract: A sensor for detection and measurement of a particular substance present in a liquid is disclosed. The sensor includes a non-circular or non-symmetrically fixed electrode for detection and measurement of a particular substance present in a liquid in which said sensor is submersed. The sensor with non-circular or non-symmetrically fixed electrode and method of using the same reduces or eliminates electrode deformation upon residue removal therefrom thereby prolonging operating life.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of determining the nitrogen content in nitrocellulose by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It is within the scope of the invention for the sample of nitrocellulose to be unstable nitrocellulose, unrefined nitrocellulose, or refined nitrocellulose. The sample of nitrocellulose can wet or dry. A sample of nitrocellulose that is wet can be in acid or in water. Before HPLC, the sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The nitrogen content of the sample is determined by comparing the retention time of the sample to a graph of retention time to amount of nitrogen due to the linear correlation of retention time and percent nitrogen substitution.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for determining a sulfur concentration in a liquid, such as a liquid fuel. The sensor includes a substrate that is at least partially coated with zinc oxide and, more specifically, zinc oxide microstructures. The zinc oxide microstructures have a crystal lattice structure that is oriented in the (002) plane, are oxygen-deficient and have a rod-like microstructure. If the substrate is conductive, it may be connected directly to a working electrode which is connected to a potentiometer which, in turn, is connected to a reference electrode. If the substrate is non-conductive, the conductive layer can be deposited on the substrate prior to deposition of the zinc oxide to form a working electrode. An application of a constant current (or voltage) to either electrode will result in a voltage across (or current flow between) the working and reference electrodes.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of a benign or malignant bile duct stricture and/or of a CCC, comprising the step of determining at least three polypeptide markers in a body fluid, wherein the polypeptide marker belongs to those markers which in table 1 and/or table 2 a and/or b are characterized by values for the molecular mass and the migration time.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the selectivity of an anesthetic for an anesthetic-sensitive receptor by determining the molar water solubility of the anesthetic. The invention further provides methods for modulating the selectivity of an anesthetic for an anesthetic-sensitive receptor by altering or modifying the anesthetic to have higher or lower water solubility. The invention further provides methods of inducing anesthesia in a subject by administering via the respiratory pathways (e.g., via inhalational or pulmonary delivery) an effective amount of an anesthetic compound identified according to the present methods.

Abstract: In order to estimate the cetane number of a fuel, fuel injection is executed by controlling the driving of a fuel injection valve by a prescribed amount. The amount of change in the rotation of a diesel engine generated in response to the fuel injection is detected, and the cetane number of the fuel is estimated on the basis of this amount of change in the rotation. The actual amount of fuel injected from the fuel injection valve is detected, and when the difference between the amount actually detected and the prescribed amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the execution of the fuel cetane number estimation process is restricted.

Abstract: A body fluid testing apparatus, comprising a containing chamber having a first opening on the bottom wall thereof; a plunger chamber having a plunger contacting with the side wall thereof and having a second opening on the bottom wall thereof, wherein the plunger chamber is disposed below the bottom wall of the containing chamber and in communication with the containing chamber through the first opening; and a testing chamber having a testing card designed to contain test strips and perpendicular to the longitudinal axial of the plunger chamber, wherein the testing chamber is disposed next to the side wall of the containing chamber and in communication with the plunger chamber through the second opening. The device according to the present disclosure can carry out the test of the body fluid, even though it has no chamber on the plunger body.

Abstract: An in-line measuring device including a connector configured to install the in-line measuring device in a fluidic system. The connector having a first fluid flow path therein. A container having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed in the connector and in communication with the first fluid flow path. A measuring float is disposed in the container, and a measuring marking is located on the container to indicate a ratio, percent, and/or concentration of fluid within the fluidic system.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring the combustion of fuel in a power station are provided. An actual concentration distribution of a material in a combustion chamber is measured, the actual concentration distribution is evaluated, taking into consideration a combustion stochiometry, and conclusions are drawn regarding a composition of the fuel on the basis of the evaluation that has been carried out.

Abstract: Provided are: a method of measuring the total concentration of oxidizing agents, by which the total concentration can be determined in a single measurement with simple operations even in an evaluation solution containing multiple components such as persulfuric acid, perosulfate and hydrogen peroxide; a simple and inexpensive concentration meter for measuring the total concentration of oxidizing agents; and a sulfuric acid electrolysis device comprising the concentration meter. The method according to the present invention is a method of measuring the total concentration of oxidizing agent(s) in an evaluation solution containing at least one oxidizing agent. The method comprises at least the steps of: heat-treating the evaluation solution at 50 to 135° C.; and detecting hydrogen peroxide in the thus heat-treated evaluation solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a therapeutic decision diagram that determines a therapeutic guidance for achieving lipoprotein goals for a subject having various levels of cardiovascular disease risk. The therapeutic decision diagram can be used in methods to diagnose, identify or screen subjects that have, do not have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease; to differentially diagnose cardiovascular risk/disease states; to evaluate the severity or changes in severity of cardiovascular risk/disease in a subject; to monitor the efficacy of the therapies for cardiovascular disease on subjects that are undergoing such therapies; and to determine or suggest a new therapy or a change in therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining the effectiveness of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor in oilfield applications. Such methods typically comprising the steps of introducing an oil well fluid into a microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a mixture of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor and carrier into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a precipitating agent, typically comprising heptane, into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; and optionally introducing toluene into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; then observing the presence or absence of asphaltene aggregation within the microfluidic/millifluidic system.

Abstract: A concentration sensor device includes a sensor unit, a substrate, and a sedimentation limit unit. The sensor unit detects a concentration of a specific component contained in liquid. The substrate has a face to which the sensor unit is arranged. The sedimentation limit unit is integrally arranged with the sensor unit or arranged at an upstream side of the sensor unit in a flowing direction of the liquid. The sedimentation limit unit is configured to prevent sedimentation of a foreign object on the sensor unit. The sedimentation limit unit includes a piezoelectric element to vibrate when electricity is supplied so as to promote the foreign object to be separated from the sensor unit. The substrate has a recess recessed in a thickness direction of the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system comprises a main body that exclusively flows a first fluid that is used in a manufacturing process and a second fluid whose concentration is known, and that outputs a state signal showing whether or not the fluid flowing in the flow channel is the second fluid and a concentration measuring device having a concentration measuring part that measures a concentration of a predetermined component in the fluid flowing in the flow channel, a state signal receiving part that receives the state signal from the main body, and a correcting part that obtains a reference measurement value as being a measurement value measured by the concentration measuring part during a period while it is judged that the second fluid flows in the flow channel by the state signal and that corrects the concentration measuring part based on the reference measurement value.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: An electrochemical corrosion potential sensor (ECP sensor) has an electrode cap, an electrode fixing body, a tubular insulator, a tubular metallic housing, and a conductive wire. Both ends of the tubular insulator are connected to the electrode fixing body and the tubular metallic housing respectively. A conductive wire passes through the tubular insulator and the tubular metallic housing, and is connected to an inner surface of the electrode fixing body. The electrode cap 11 disposed to cover an outer surface of the electrode fixing body. The ECP sensor with such a construction can lengthen the lifetime.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring and control of soil conditions. In one example, among others, a method includes obtaining aqueous samples from suction probes within a soil substrate and analyzing the aqueous samples to determine a chemical composition of the soil substrate. Amounts of an additive may be determined to adjust the chemical composition of the soil substrate. In another example, a method includes installing a suction probe within a soil substrate; drawing a vacuum to induce hydraulic conduction of aqueous solutions from the soil substrate; extracting an aqueous sample; and analyzing the aqueous sample to determine a chemical composition of the soil substrate. In another example, a method includes obtaining a composition of a fertilizer solution (FS) supplied to a soil substrate and a chemical composition within the soil substrate; determining nutrient utilization, and providing an amount of additive to produce a subsequent FS for supply.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of determining the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an effective amount of phenol; and analyzing the sample by voltammetry.

Abstract: Provided is an internal switch-type salt meter in which an impact switching device operable by an impact applied into a main body is built in the main body so that it is unnecessary to separately waterproof the switching device. The salt meter includes a main body having the inside waterproofed against the outside, a sensor part disposed on an end of a side of the main body to detect salinity of an object to be measured, a display part disposed on a surface of a side of the main body to display a result measured by the sensor part, and a switching device built in the main body to generate a contact point by an impact with an external impact object, thereby operating the sensor part and the display part. The switching device may be built in the main body so that a separate waterproof process is not required.

Abstract: A method for determining heavy metal loading in a subject includes collecting a saliva sample from the subject containing a concentration of a heavy metal. The saliva sample is subjected to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to yield a heavy metal loading measurement for the subject. The saliva sample is readily collected on a substrate absorbing a preselected amount of saliva such as filter paper. As the amount of saliva necessary to saturate a given volume of substrate is known, the volume of saliva within a substrate is also known. The resulting heavy metal loading measurement is readily correlated with a blood level for the heavy metal in the subject.

Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, comprising the steps of a) providing a sample from a patient, b) determining in the sample the level and/or activity of at least one marker, which is indicative of a glucose consumption disorder, c) comparing the level and/or activity to a known standard and d) deducing whether the patient has, or is susceptible to, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and kits for determining the presence or absence, and the amount if present, of vitamin D analogs in samples. One embodiment of the present method for detecting the presence or absence of vitamin D analogs in a sample comprises the steps of adding an effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent to the sample to form a cationic treated sample. The effective amount of a multiple charge cationic agent enhances the signal from vitamin D analogs upon analysis by mass spectroscopy.