Abstract: A method for wear analysis. The method includes introducing a lubricant sample into a tube. The lubricant sample includes debris, wear, or other particles of different sizes. The tube includes a number of filter patches, each of a predetermined pore size. The method further includes centrifuging the tube for displacing the lubricant sample, and the wear particles thereof, along a length of the tube. The filter patches impede passage of wear particles of a size larger than their pore size therethrough, thereby separating the wear particles according to the sizes of the wear particles. The tube is attached to a handler of a centrifuge for centrifugation by the centrifuge. Multiple tubes can be attached to multiple handlers of the centrifuge for simultaneous centrifugation by the centrifuge. Centrifugation tubes (or tubes) are also provided by the present disclosure.

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: 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: Disclosed is a fuel property detection device that detects optical characteristics and electrical characteristics of fuel. The fuel property detection device detects the concentration of at least one component of fuel in accordance with the optical characteristics and detects the amount of metallic impurities contained in the fuel in accordance with the optical characteristics and with the electrical characteristics. The optical characteristics are represented, for instance, by a photorefractive index or a light transmittance that is obtained when light is incident on the fuel. The electrical characteristics are represented, for instance, by an electrical conductivity, a capacitance, or an AC impedance that is obtained when a voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes disposed to sandwich the fuel.

Abstract: An assembly includes a debris monitor mount, a motor, and a particle belt. The particle belt carries one or more metallic particles. The particle belt is driven by the motor. The particle belt extends proximate the debris monitor mount when driven by the motor.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining a concentration of iron in brake fluid when contacting a colorimetric reagent such that a color results. The level of iron can be used to determine the amount of active corrosion within a brake system and determine if special service procedures are required.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in a material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a finished surface of the installed material and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a distribution of the taggant particles below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the taggant particles versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: Wastewater from industrial processes commonly contains dissolved metals which require removal in order to meet discharge limits. The metal precipitant IE 061 may be utilized along with Floccin Agents™ for the removal of dissolved metals. The method here described indicates how to determine the appropriate dosage of IE061 metal precipitant and Floccin Agents™ required to treat the water. The method utilizes pH adjustment to an insoluble level for metals of concern. IE061 is then incrementally added to the water until the metals have precipitated utilizing oxidative state as an indicator of level of soluble metals. Required concentrations are determined by adding precipitant until the oxidative state indicates that no further precipitation is achievable. A Floccin Agent™ is then added in measured incremental steps in order to coagulate, flocculate and encapsulate the insoluble metals. The Floccin Agent™ is added incrementally to determine the concentration that yields acceptable metals removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling magnetic plug for a liquid circuit, the plug including a first magnetic electrode and a second magnetic electrode for coming into contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted so as to detect the presence of metal particles that might be contained in the liquid. According to the invention, the plug also includes a preferably non-magnetic intermediate electrode disposed between the first and second magnetic electrodes while also being designed to be in contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted, whereby said plug enables the presence of such metal particles to be detected early.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, applying a slurry to the semiconductor substrate, wherein the slurry was tested using a testing method includes taking a first undiluted sample from a top of the slurry; determining a first particle size distribution characteristic of the first undiluted sample; taking a second undiluted sample from a bottom of the slurry; determining a second particle size distribution characteristic of the second undiluted sample; and comparing a difference between the first particle size distribution characteristic and the second particle size distribution characteristics with a first predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use for such mixtures as asphalt and concrete.

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: A detection unit 4 with detection means 3 and fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 is connected to a passage 1 for fluid with conductive material or to a pool section 5 for pooling of the fluid. The detection unit 4 guides inflow and outflow of the fluid through the fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 and detects a concentration of conductive material through the detection means 4. A concentration of conductive material in the fluid is continuously measured with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method and kit for determining a concentration of iron in brake fluid when contacting a calorimetric reagent such that a color results. The level of iron can be used to determine the amount of active corrosion within a brake system and determine if special service procedures are required.

Abstract: A water quality evaluation method capable of evaluating quality of water to be evaluated with high precision and a substrate contacting apparatus used in the water quality evaluation method are provided. The substrate contacting apparatus 10 has a sealing performance keeping the interior at a vacuum degree lower than or equal to ?0.094 MPa. A substrate W is accommodated in the substrate contacting apparatus 10 and water to be evaluated is fed therein, after stopping feeding water, the interior of the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sealed, and the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sent to an analysis device with the substrate W accommodated therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two mixed components use a sensor for detecting taggant particles in one of the components of the mixed material after installation. The sensor is positioned adjacent a surface of the installed mixture and is connected to a control device for displaying an indication of a mixture ratio of the components below the surface. The control device also generates a profile of the mixture ratio of the installed mixed material versus a distance from the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use for such mixtures as asphalt and concrete.

Abstract: Methods are provided for quantitatively determining the amount of unbound metal present in a sample suspected of containing a metal-ligand chelate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection method for detecting the presence of a contaminant that has alloyed with a metallic alloy of a part includes exposing the metallic alloy of the part to an extraction solution. The extraction solution extracts at least a portion of any of the contaminant that has alloyed with the metallic alloy. The extraction solution can then be analyzed to determine whether the solution includes any of the contaminant element, which indicates whether the part includes any of the contaminant element.

Abstract: In a measurement instrument for measuring pollutants in a liquid, such as oil in water, the measurement instrument includes a main unit disposed in a first housing and a sensor unit disposed in a second housing. The housing, manufactured from an electrically insulating material, and an associated electric connection, are sealed against the passage of gas and liquid. The sensor unit has connections which are connected to a conduit system in which flows the liquid which is to be inspection measured. Sensors are further disposed in the sensor unit for emitting a measurement signal. The sensor unit and its electronics lack galvanic connection with electrically conductive components in the main unit, transfer of measurement signals between both of the units taking place by optical energy transfer, capacitative or inductive transfer.

Abstract: By providing a tool internal sensor device in a process tool in a semiconductor facility, metal contamination may be monitored in situ, thereby avoiding or at least significantly reducing the requirement for sophisticated sample preparation techniques, such as vapor phase decomposition tests in combination with subsequent analysis procedures. Thus, a full time inspection of process tools may be accomplished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling magnetic plug for a liquid circuit, the plug including a first magnetic electrode and a second magnetic electrode for coming into contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted so as to detect the presence of metal particles that might be contained in the liquid. According to the invention, the plug also includes a preferably non-magnetic intermediate electrode disposed between the first and second magnetic electrodes while also being designed to be in contact with the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit when the magnetic plug is mounted, whereby said plug enables the presence of such metal particles to be detected early.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal-ion sensor characterized by coating the gold electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with melanin, whereby the sensor has an enhanced sensitivity to metal ions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for quantitatively determining the amount of unbound metal present in a sample suspected of containing a metal-ligand chelate.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the concentration of heavy metals such as lead in oral fluid are provided. The concentration of lead in oral fluid can be accurately correlated with the concentration of lead in the blood serum. The methods are useful for, among other things, diagnosis and monitoring of heavy metal exposure.

Abstract: A liquid exchange method of exchanging liquids present around a magnetic substance is provided. The method serves to prevent a remaining liquid from transferring to a next step and a loss of the magnetic substance. Even when the liquid exchange method is applied to an autoanalyzer, the device structure will not be complicated. A vessel 11 in which a liquid 16 containing a magnetic substance 15, a vessel 12 containing a liquid 17, a magnetic substance move-mediating member 13 and also a magnet 18 are prepared.

Abstract: [Problems] In a method of real-time/inline detection of an ultratrace metallic element contained in a sample liquid, to provide a means for enabling detection based on new combinations of samples and pretreatment liquids, which has not been possible heretofore at a high sensitivity. [Means for Solving] A method of real-time/inline detection of an ultratrace metallic element contained in a sample liquid, comprising a sampling step of sampling from the sample liquid, a pretreatment step of treating the sample with a pretreatment liquid, and an analyzing step of analyzing the metallic element in a treated liquid that has passed through the pretreatment step, wherein the sample, the pretreatment liquid and/or the treated liquid are cooled, if an exothermic reaction is involved in the pretreatment step.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed use sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor. The signals can also be used to control the flow of the components and to check the mixture after use.

Abstract: A metal particle sensor system for detecting metal particles in an oil line. The metal particle sensor system may include a metal particle sensor positioned about the line, an orifice positioned within the line and downstream of the metal particle sensor, a first pressure sensor positioned upstream of the orifice, and a second pressure sensor positioned downstream of the orifice. The metal particle sensor detects metal particles in the line while the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor determine a pressure drop across the orifice.

Abstract: A system for measuring a mixture ratio associated with a two-part fluid, at least one of the two parts including conductive particles. The system includes a pair of electrodes, a circuit, and an output. The electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the two-part fluid and sense the dielectric strength of the fluid. The circuit communicates with the electrodes to sense the dielectric strength and outputs a signal representing the dielectric strength. Preferably, the circuit includes a capacitive bridge, an input for a set-point, and an output for an error signal. Also, the system can include a housing for the electrodes. A timer may also be provided to measure the time elapsed from the beginning of the mixing of the two-part fluid. Preferably, the two-part fluid is an adhesive with aluminum particles that is made from a resin and a hardener. Methods of producing two-part fluids are also provided.

Abstract: An oil condition sensor is proposed which can accurately determine the degree to which oil is contaminated with metallic powder. It includes a permanent magnet and a sensor head provided around the permanent magnet. The sensor head includes a cup-shaped electrode and a plurality of rod-shaped conductors that are axially spaced from the cup-shaped electrode. The conductors are connected to a power supply through separate resistors. When the amount of metallic powder in the oil increases, a greater number of conductors are electrically connected to the cup-shaped electrode. Thus, by finding the number of conductors electrically connected to the cup-shaped electrode, it is possible to determine the degree to which the oil is contaminated with metallic powder. Since the resistors need not be immersed in the oil, their specific resistivities will scarcely change, so that the degree of contamination of the oil can be determined with high accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a ratio of at least two components being mixed uses sensors detecting ferrous taggant particles in the component(s) and the mixture. The sensors include an annular drive coil positioned between inner and outer annular sense coils all surrounding a passage for material being sensed. The ratio is determined by comparing a signal generated by one sensor through which a taggant particle containing component is flowing with a signal generated by another sensor through which the mixture is flowing delayed by the time required for the component to flow from the one sensor to the another sensor.

Abstract: A system for determining properties of settling suspensions includes a settling container, a mixer, and devices for ultrasonic interrogation transverse to the settling direction. A computer system controls operation of the mixer and the interrogation devices and records the response to the interrogating as a function of settling time, which is then used to determine suspension properties. Attenuation versus settling time for dilute suspensions, such as dilute wood pulp suspension, exhibits a peak at different settling times for suspensions having different properties, and the location of this peak is used as one mechanism for characterizing suspensions. Alternatively or in addition, a plurality of ultrasound receivers are arranged at different angles to a common transmitter to receive scattering responses at a variety of angles during particle settling. Angular differences in scattering as a function of settling time are also used to characterize the suspension.

Abstract: An oil condition sensor includes rod-shaped electrodes and an opposed cup-shaped electrode. The rod-shaped electrodes are connected to a first power supply through first fixed resistors having a predetermined threshold. The voltage from the first power supply is applied through the respective rod-shaped electrodes to first inputs of respective operational amplifiers. The sensor further includes a second power supply which produces a voltage applied to second inputs of the respective operational amplifiers. Each operational amplifier produces a predetermined voltage if the voltage applied to the first input falls below the voltage applied to the second input. The output of each operational amplifier is connected to the second input through a second fixed resistor.

Abstract: A method for measuring degree and homogeneity of calcination of alumina utilizing an image analysis device equipped with a sensitive camera in a spectral analysis window corresponding to a wavelength range equal to or in the vicinity of visible light. The method includes the steps of mixing alumina under analysis in a liquid wherein the refractive index is, in the wavelength range, between the refractive index of a lightly calcined alumina and the refractive index of a strongly calcined alumina, preparing a slide for observation of the mixture in the image analysis device, the mixture being illuminated by stable polychromatic radiation compatible with the spectral analysis window, receiving an image by the camera and processing a signal resulting in the definition of an image composed of a given number of pixels with three calorimetric components, and statistically processing the pixels using their calorimetric components and determining the calcination degree and the homogeneity of the calcination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the maintenance status of liquid-filled electric equipment. An accurate indication of the maintenance state of an electric device and its insulating liquid is obtained using an analysis method comprising a particle analysis of suspended particles and sediment contained in the liquid. The analysis method can further comprise a chemical analysis of the insulating liquid. This analysis results in profiles of the liquid that give an accurate indication of the maintenance state of the electric device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for machine diagnosis and, in particular, for transmission diagnosis in a machine or motor vehicle. The measurement system, according to the invention, comprises a coil (2) wound on a coil core (11), on the surface of which ferritic wear particles (3) to be detected accumulate. Opposite the coil (2) a rotating toothed wheel (6) is arranged which influences the inductance of the coil (2). The output signal of the coil (2) is pulsed with a constant amplitude, the pulse frequency depends on the rotation speed of the toothed wheel (6). Deviations of the amplitude are attributable to the accumulation of ferritic wear particles (3) on the coil (2) and therefore provide a measurement of the condition of the machine or transmission.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring/controlling a variable of a machine or metalworking fluid system also achieves cleaning and optionally, a calibration check of the sensor of the variable. The system includes one or more sensors for variables such as pH, fluid concentration, conductivity, temperature and the like, a supply of a cleaning agent and associated valves and conduits for connecting the automatic system to a fluid to be measured. A cleaning cycle can be scheduled as necessary to clean and/or check calibration of the sensors and ensure accurate measurement of sensed variables. If desired, the data regarding the sensed variables may be utilized to perform corrective action in real time.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring/controlling a variable of a machine or metalworking fluid system also achieves cleaning and optionally, a calibration check of the sensor of the variable. The system includes one or more sensors for variables such as pH, fluid concentration, conductivity, temperature and the like, a supply of a cleaning agent and associated valves and conduits for connecting the automatic system to a fluid to be measured. A cleaning cycle can be scheduled as necessary to clean and/or check calibration of the sensors and ensure accurate measurement of sensed variables. If desired, the data regarding the sensed variables may be utilized to perform corrective action in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for machine diagnosis and, in particular, for transmission diagnosis in a machine or motor vehicle. The measurement system, according to the invention, comprises a coil (2) wound on a coil core (11), on the surface of which ferritic wear particles (3) to be detected accumulate. Opposite the coil (2) a rotating toothed wheel (6) is arranged which influences the inductance of the coil (2). The output signal of the coil (2) is pulsed with a constant amplitude, the pulse frequency depends on the rotation speed of the toothed wheel (6). Deviations of the amplitude are attributable to the accumulation of ferritic wear particles (3) on the coil (2) and therefore provide a measurement of the condition of the machine or transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the maintenance status of liquid-filled electric equipment. An accurate indication of the maintenance state of an electric device and its insulating liquid is obtained using an analysis method comprising a particle analysis of suspended particles and sediment contained in the liquid. The analysis method can further comprise a chemical analysis of the insulating liquid. This analysis results in profiles of the liquid that give an accurate indication of the maintenance state of the electric device.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating magnetically responsive particles in a solution to separate nucleic acid molecules from cell components in a cell solution. The system and method employ a device capable of receiving a plurality of tubes, each of which contain respective sample and magnetically responsive particles. The device includes heating and cooling devices to facilitate a lysing step to release the nucleic acid molecules from the cells in the cell solution. The device further includes moveable magnets which can be moved proximate to and away from the tube to hold the magnetically responsive particles to which the nucleic acid molecules become bound, so that the molecule-bound particles can be separated from the remainder of the solution, and washed as appropriate. The system also employs an electromagnet which is capable of demagnetizing the particles to allow the particles to freely mix with solution, such as elution solutions which are used to unbind the molecules from the particles.

Abstract: A process, a method and apparatus are provided for testing and analyzing oil's physical and chemical characteristics and contaminants found in oil. A process separates contaminants prior to testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics and includes manufacturing and operation parameters, and visual techniques for analysis. An apparatus is provided to separate and remove contaminants into magnetic, non-magnetic and liquids for further testing and analysis. This is accomplished using magnetic fields, filtration and condensing systems. The testing of oil's chemical and physical characteristics as well as contaminants is done using a plurality of tests such as viscosity, blotter, opacity and images for contaminants. A method is provided to prepare blotter and filtration systems, to remove fluid contaminants from particles and to include process parameters, trending and graphical analysis of images via software programming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving magnetic casing fragments from a well using a shrouded magnet are disclosed. Retrieving casing fragments allows the determination of weight loss from the casing to assist in analyzing the integrity and the condition of the casing and to determine whether more expensive analysis is required. The shrouded magnet, that is formed by a non-magnetic container enclosing a source of magnetic field, recovers metal casing fragments by attracting them and other magnetic materials from oil and gas well fluids passing by the shrouded magnet device, which fragments are easily separated from the device by removing the source of magnetic field from the container.

Abstract: A chip-detector assembly has a housing and a probe. The probe is adapted to be coupled to the housing. The chip-detector assembly also includes a locking mechanism comprising a locking ring and a sleeve member. The locking ring is fixedly coupled the housing, and includes a plurality of elongated tangs arranged circumferentially around the ring. The sleeve member is fixedly coupled to the probe, and includes a plurality of contact surfaces that form an outer circumference of the sleeve member. The tangs engage the sleeve-member contact surfaces when the probe is coupled to the housing. The engagement of the tangs and the contact surfaces inhibits the probe from disengaging from the housing once the probe and the housing are coupled.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic particle sensor includes a housing having a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet attached to the interior surface thereof. A mass sensitive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor is disposed between the electromagnets. The sensor is submerged in lubricating fluid and as the electromagnets are energized they produce magnetic forces that draw fluid-borne ferromagnetic particles past the SAW sensor. The SAW sensor is used measure the mass of the ferromagnetic particles and determine when the volume of particles in the lubricating fluid increases.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of utilizing a semi-permeable membrane to concentrate contaminants in a portion of an Ultra Pure Water stream to levels which are detectable by an on-line analyzer. This allows the use of analyzers that would not be able to accurately detect contaminant concentrations in the Ultra Pure Water stream. Thus, by knowing the concentration factor and the level of contaminants in the concentrated stream indicated by the analyzer the real level of contamination can be back calculated.

Abstract: An ECP sensor includes a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end packed with a metal and metal oxide powder. A metal support tube receives an opposite end of the probe, and is joined thereto by a braze joint therewith. An electrical conductor extends through the support tube and probe, and has an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith. A ceramic band bridges the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof.