Abstract: A TDR matrix suction sensor measures the matrix suction exhibited by a porous medium surrounding the sensor. The sensor is constructed from a TDR matrix suction sensor probe, which includes two or more elongated conductors and a jacket that encases the conductors. The jacket is made of a hydrophilic, non-conductive, porous (HN-CP) material. In operation, a pulse delay time is computed for an electrical pulse injected into the proximal end of the conductors and reflected when reaching their distal ends. The pulse delay time and a delay-to-matrix suction profile of the HN-CP jacket material are used to compute the matrix suction exhibited by the probe jackets. An indicator of the current value of the matrix suction exhibited by the porous medium is then established based on the matrix suction computed for the HN-CP jackets.

Abstract: A fluid handling system includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to atomize fluid condensate generated by the fluid handling system into atomized fluid particles. The fluid handling system also includes a solid desiccant configured to absorb the atomized fluid particles. The fluid handling system also includes a fluid conduit extending through or against the solid desiccant such that the solid desiccant is configured to cool a heat exchange fluid passing along the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A plug for an osmometry sample cup or vial is provided that seals the sample cup or vial to prevent significant evaporation of a sample solution in the cup or vial prior to obtaining an osmolality measurement.

Abstract: A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage.

Abstract: A solute concentration measurement device is disclosed. The device may comprise a filter membrane, an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber, a separator, and a sensor. The device may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a sample solution containing a solute and a solvent. The filter membrane may provide selective fluid communication between the solution and the exchange chamber. The separator may separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber and cause a change in a condition of the sensing chamber corresponding to a change of a condition of the exchange chamber. The sensor may sense the condition pertaining to the sensing chamber and calculate the concentration of the sample solution corresponding to this change.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip including a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: An osmolarity measuring device for providing a semi-quantitative color measure of liquid's osmolarity, said device comprising: a. none or more coloring agents; b. none or more swelling agents; c. none or more solutions; d. a vesicle with a continuous integument, containing within said integument at least one of a group consisting of said coloring agent, said swelling agent and said solution; and e. a support of absorbent material impregnated in at least one area with a plurality of said vesicles; wherein the apparent color of said area alters if the osmolarity of said liquid is within a pre-determined range.

Abstract: A device for measuring the quality of an operating substance and/or additive, in particular a reduction agent, stored in a tank, includes a reference container connected to the operating substance and/or the additive via a semi-permeable diaphragm, in which the reference container is filled with a medium which has a known osmotic pressure relative to the used operating substance and/or additive.

Abstract: A solute concentration measurement device is disclosed. The device may comprise a filter membrane, an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber, a separator, and a sensor. The device may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a sample solution containing a solute and a solvent. The filter membrane may provide selective fluid communication between the solution and the exchange chamber. The separator may separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber and cause a change in a condition of the sensing chamber corresponding to a change of a condition of the exchange chamber. The sensor may sense the condition pertaining to the sensing chamber and calculate the concentration of the sample solution corresponding to this change.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: A solute concentration measurement device is disclosed. The device may comprise a filter membrane, an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber, a separator, and a sensor. The device may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a sample solution containing a solute and a solvent. The filter membrane may provide selective fluid communication between the solution and the exchange chamber. The separator may separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber and cause a change in a condition of the sensing chamber corresponding to a change of a condition of the exchange chamber. The sensor may sense the condition pertaining to the sensing chamber and calculate the concentration of the sample solution corresponding to this change.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: The device for testing reverse osmosis membranes provides for the quick and efficient testing of the transport properties of reverse osmosis membranes at a fixed pressure over a fixed period of time. The device includes a first chamber adapted for receiving a volume of de-ionized water and a second chamber adapted for receiving a volume of brine. In use, a reverse osmosis membrane to be tested is clamped between the first and second chambers and a pressurized inert gas, such as gaseous nitrogen, is injected into the second chamber at known pressure to initiate reverse osmosis transport. The transport is carried out at the known pressure for a fixed period of time, after which the concentration of brine volume of water in the first chamber is measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes is processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyses of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.

Abstract: The ability to form and maintain gradients is essential for the study of response of cells to various stimuli. The invention includes devices and methods for the high-throughput, reproducible formation of gradients for the study of living cells. The invention includes microfluidics device with a test chamber having a depth flanked by flow-through channels having a deeper depth. Flow of two different fluids through the flow-through channels results in the creation of a gradient by diffusion across the test chamber having essentially no flow.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a diffusion testing device to facilitate determination of diffusivity of prolonged release of drugs from transdermal therapeutic preparation. The diffusion testing device is characterized by a receptor liquid reservoir; a diffusion testing cell having a receptor chamber functioning to be full of receptor liquid and within which a stirrer be placed, a receptor liquid supply unit, a thermostat bath to hold the diffusion testing cell, a stirring apparatus located beneath the thermostat bath to cause the rotation action of the stirrer set in the receptor chamber, a sampling unit permitting sampling and storage of receptor liquid dissolving permeated drugs. Said receptor liquid reservoir, said receptor chamber, said receptor liquid supply unit and said sampling unit are connected with each other via infusion tube.

Abstract: Transdermal diffusion cell testing vessel includes a container defining a chamber having an opening against which skin is placed, and a casing arranged partially around and spaced apart from part of the container to define a compartment therebetween. The chamber retains a saline solution and is not in flow communication with the compartment through which water is circulated. The vessel includes separate inlet ports and outlet ports, each including a conduit communicating with the chamber or compartment. The outlet port of the chamber is angled downward relative to a horizontal upper surface of the container against which skin being tested is placed. The vessel is used for conducting transdermal diffusion cell testing in combination with a solution source fluidly coupled to each vessel, a waste receptacle fluidly coupled to each vessel, a syringe pump fluidly coupled to a respective vessel, and a sample collector fluidly coupled to the syringe pump(s).

Abstract: The device for testing reverse osmosis membranes provides for the quick and efficient testing of the transport properties of reverse osmosis membranes at a fixed pressure over a fixed period of time. The device includes a first chamber adapted for receiving a volume of de-ionized water and a second chamber adapted for receiving a volume of brine. In use, a reverse osmosis membrane to be tested is clamped between the first and second chambers and a pressurized inert gas, such as gaseous nitrogen, is injected into the second chamber at known pressure to initiate reverse osmosis transport. The transport is carried out at the known pressure for a fixed period of time, after which the concentration of brine volume of water in the first chamber is measured.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel having unknown or variable composition is described and shown herein.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: A fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyses of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.

Abstract: A new design for a static diffusion cell for use in a diffusion sampling apparatus to be used in conjunction with automated or manual sampling is disclosed. The diffusion cell of present invention provides to an improved and efficient diffusion assay system.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising a body comprising a capsule interface, and a capsule configured to interface with the body via the capsule interface and configured to hold a sample receiving chip. The sample receiving chip comprises a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid, wherein the substrate is operatively shaped to receive the aliquot volume of sample fluid through capillary action, and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region, whereupon energy properties of the sample fluid can be transduced to produce a sample fluid reading.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (Oscosurvismeter) for measuring osmotic pressure, surface tension, viscosity and conductance. Oscosurvismeter is made of Borosil glass material for measuring osmotic pressure, specific conductance, viscosity and surface tension of solutions. Solutions of different strengths are taken in two cells/compartments, partitioned by semi permeable membrane (SPM), respectively. Concentration gradient makes the solvent move towards concentrated solution to establish equilibrium that measures osmotic pressure. The Oscosurvismeter saves time and material, and enhances accuracy and precision in measurements, the instrument consists of six parts: Survismeter, Osmometer, Electrode, Metallic clamp, Semipermeable membrane (SPM), and High Potential metallic springs. The high accuracies data are noted with the instrument.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: Vessel for transdermal diffusion cell testing includes a container defining an interior chamber having an opening against which skin is placed, and a casing arranged partially around and spaced apart from part of the container to define a compartment therebetween. The chamber retains a saline solution and is not in flow communication with the compartment through which water is circulated. The vessel includes separate inlet ports and outlet ports, each including a conduit communicating with the chamber or compartment. The outlet port of the chamber is arranged above the inlet port of the chamber, proximate the opening of the chamber, and is angled downward relative to a horizontal upper surface of the container against which skin being tested is placed. Tilting of the vessel prior to or during introduction of solution prevents air bubbles from remaining between the skin and the solution.

Abstract: Transdermal diffusion cell testing vessel includes a container defining a chamber having an opening against which skin is placed, and a casing arranged partially around and spaced apart from part of the container to define a compartment therebetween. The chamber retains a saline solution and is not in flow communication with the compartment through which water is circulated. The vessel includes separate inlet ports and outlet ports, each including a conduit communicating with the chamber or compartment. The outlet port of the chamber is angled downward relative to a horizontal upper surface of the container against which skin being tested is placed. The vessel is used for conducting transdermal diffusion cell testing in combination with a solution source fluidly coupled to each vessel, a waste receptacle fluidly coupled to each vessel, a syringe pump fluidly coupled to a respective vessel, and a sample collector fluidly coupled to the syringe pump(s).

Abstract: Methods of detecting the discharge and uptake rates of ophthalmic lenses containing pharmaceutical agents are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The system includes an apparatus having: a chip with a substantially planar top surface; a first circuit portion and a second circuit portion, each having a plurality of redundant electrically conductive lines disposed on the top surface; and a gap disposed between the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion, wherein a circuit is created when a fluid sample bridges the gap and connects the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a fluid sample is measured with a tear film measuring system that includes a processing device that receives a sample chip comprising a sample region configured to contain an aliquot volume of sample fluid, the processing device configured to perform analyses of osmolarity and of one or more biomarkers within the sample fluid, wherein the analysis of biomarkers includes normalization of biomarker concentration values.

Abstract: An interconnector coupled to a permeate water collection tube, establishing first and second groups of membranes, has open and closed ends, and orifices arranged circumferentially and located at a peripheral area in an intermediate section of the interconnector. The orifices establish a connection with an axial chamber provided in the interconnector and oriented towards the open end. The open end has a coupling nut connected to a pressure tube extending along the inside of the water collection tube section located between the interconnector and a feed inlet end. The pressure tube extends outside the pressure container through a closing cap of the end of the pressure container and ends in a T-shaped connection including a sensor for measuring the pressure of the non-treated reject water corresponding to the first group of membranes located between the feed inlet end and an assembly point of the interconnector.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: Methods and devices used to simulate the use of an ophthalmic lens contained in an ocular environment are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to an apparatus and method for the determination of the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determining the oxygen gas permeability of a polymer membrane (e.g., a polydimethylsiloxane and/or polysiloxane polymer or copolymer). In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to oxygen gas permeable polymer compositions.

Abstract: A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector 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: Methods and devices used to simulate the use of an ophthalmic lens contained in an ocular environment are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of interaction between at least a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in an osmotic cell. Changes in osmotic pressure are determined by measuring the amount of compression exhibited by a compressible, semi-permeable material positioned in the cell.

Abstract: A solute concentration measurement device is disclosed. The device may comprise a filter membrane, an exchange chamber, a sensing chamber, a separator, and a sensor. The device may be configured to be placed in fluid communication with a sample solution containing a solute and a solvent. The filter membrane may provide selective fluid communication between the solution and the exchange chamber. The separator may separate the exchange chamber from the sensing chamber and cause a change in a condition of the sensing chamber corresponding to a change of a condition of the exchange chamber. The sensor may sense the condition pertaining to the sensing chamber and calculate the concentration of the sample solution corresponding to this change.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a diffusion testing device to facilitate determination of diffusivity of prolonged release of drugs from transdermal therapeutic preparation. The diffusion testing device is characterized by a receptor liquid reservoir; a diffusion testing cell having a receptor chamber functioning to be full of receptor liquid and within which a stirrer be placed, a receptor liquid supply unit, a thermostat bath to hold the diffusion testing cell, a stirring apparatus located beneath the thermostat bath to cause the rotation action of the stirrer set in the receptor chamber, a sampling unit permitting sampling and storage of receptor liquid dissolving permeated drugs. Said receptor liquid reservoir, said receptor chamber, said receptor liquid supply unit and said sampling unit are connected with each other via infusion tube.

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: An apparatus and system for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes of reaction detector. The reaction detector 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: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining a molecular descriptor of absorption for a candidate compound is disclosed. The method includes: providing a test solution comprising one or more candidate compounds; contacting the test solution with a simulated biological membrane to partition the one or more candidate compounds into the membrane detecting the presence or amount of the one or more candidate compound in the membrane at one or more permeation times; and determining a molecular descriptor of absorption using the presence or amount of the one or more candidate compound in the membrane at the one or more permeation times. In one aspect the invention provides a skin-imitating membrane, and one or more percutaneous absorption parameters are determined. In another aspect the membrane is disposed on a fiber. In another aspect the test solution is contacted with two or more simulated biological membranes to partition the one or more candidate compounds into the membranes.