Abstract: A method for determining the nodosity of a wooden plank comprises the operating steps of observing the lateral surface (4) of the wooden plank (1) to identify its zones (7) corresponding to knots (6), assessing the overall extent of the knots (6) inside the plank (1) and the relative volume, and determining the nodosity as a ratio of the volume occupied by the knots (6) to the overall volume of the plank (1) or the remaining volume of the plank (1).

Abstract: There is provided a sample trituration vessel that even when the sample is relatively hard, enables triturating of the sample easily and with high efficiency. The sample trituration vessel includes a tubular body having an opening at one end and having a bottom part at the other end thereof. The tubular body is furnished with a rugged portion there-inside so as to be able to meet another rugged port formed on a trituration rod. The sample trituration vessel itself can exert shearing effect on the sample. The tubular body is formed of flexible material, and upon application of external force from outside of the tubular body, the tubular body is deformed, thereby breaking down the sample held within the tubular body.

Abstract: A hydrophobic property demonstrator (100) comprises an inclinable sample support (10) and an upper tank (20) for producing droplets (GA, GB) that fall onto a sample (A, B) placed on the support. The droplets are produced regularly with a constant size by selecting a profile and diameter of a hole (23, 24) at the bottom of the tank, and by maintaining a constant water level (N) in said tank. Such a demonstrator is particularly suited for demonstrating the efficiency of the hydrophobic behavior of spectacle lenses.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in testing the swell characteristics of swellable components used in downhole exploration or production equipment, such as swellable packers. A method of measuring a test piece using a testing apparatus with a fluid chamber and a transducer is described. Measured data can be compared with data measured from a sample section of a tool to determine a relationship between swell characteristics. The determined relationships can then be used to calculate or predict swelling characteristics of swellable components, for example particular packer designs, in specific fluid samples.

Abstract: There are described solid compositions or examining drug solubility comprising bile salts and phospholipids, optionally containing buffer components suitable for preparation of intestinal media that simulate the composition of the intestinal fluids in fasted and fed states.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to aromatic-cationic peptides. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof. For example, the peptides may be administered to subjects in need of a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant.

Abstract: A housing may include a test cell being enclosed and having at least one test cell wall and one sealable opening and has a cell central axis defined along the center line of the length of the test cell, a thermal element in thermal communication with the test cell, and an insulation, at least a portion of the insulation being disposed about the test cell and the thermal element. An apparatus may generally include a housing, a drive connection, and a shaft operably connected to the test cell and extending parallel to the cell central axis from the test cell through the insulation to the drive connection to which the shaft is operably connected. Testing a sample in the test cell of an apparatus operably connected to a driving mechanism may generally include at least manipulating the test cell and analyzing the sample.

Abstract: Porosity of aluminum ingot can be evaluated using focused beam ultrasonic testing and/or florescent dye penetrant testing. The aluminum ingot can be machine cut to form an aluminum ingot slice prior to testing. The machine cut can be performed using a polycrystalline cutting material in a “fly cutter” configuration. The polycrystalline cutting material can comprise a diamond material. The insert can cut an aluminum ingot slice to a surface roughness finish in the range of about 7-9 micro inches.

Abstract: An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about ?40° C. of less than about 4.

Abstract: A method bulk strength of powders uses acceleration forces to compact the powder into a small conical test cell that is rotated at high speed. Once the material is consolidated to a prescribed condition, the rotation is stopped, the outlet of the cell is exposed, and the cell is rotated again at increasing acceleration until material freely exits the cell. The forces generated on the powder in the cell are determined and used to compute the cohesive strength of the bulk material.

Abstract: A method of counting and analyzing an alloy by image analysis. The method includes a) preparing a sample of the alloy; b) determining inclusion detection thresholds by observation, with magnification, of at least one field of the sample; c) detecting inclusions of the sample as a function of the threshold defined in b), and counting the inclusions; d) acquiring images of each of the inclusions detected in c) and determining a size of each of the inclusions; e) determining the chemical composition of each of the detected inclusions by chemically analyzing each of them; and f) making a map of the sample from the images acquired in d), the map showing spatial distribution of the inclusions, in which each of the detected inclusions is represented by a graphics element, a size of the graphics element being proportional to the size of the inclusion, and a color of the graphics element being correlated to the chemical composition of the inclusion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a synthetic resin material test method includes: forming a first plane on a sample made of first synthetic resin material by cutting or grinding the sample; obtaining measurement values at a plurality of positions on the first plane by pressing the first plane at the positions; and outputting the measurement values or physical quantities calculated based on the measurement values, in association with the respective positions.

Abstract: In a testing device (10) for determining the quality of leather (9) in the production of leather, wherein the testing device (10) is formed for examining a quality category of the leather (9) and for delivering a quality value characterizing the leather (9) in regard to its quality category, the testing device (10) comprises screening means (16) for examining the homogeneity of the leather (9) auf, which may screen at least portions (22, 23, 24, 27, 29) of the leather (9) and which are formed for delivering screening data (D) to analysis means (19), and wherein there are formed analysis means (19) for comparing the screening data (D) with feature data typical for hide injuries or inhomogeneities, respectively, of the leather (9) and for classifying determined hide injuries of examined portions (22, 23, 24, 27, 29) of the leather (9) and wherein there are formed display means (20) for display the categorized hide injuries or quality value, respectively, of the leather (9), preferably per portion (22, 23, 24, 2

Abstract: A method comprising preparing a baseline cement slurry comprising a cement, water, and one or more additives, placing a sample of the baseline cement slurry into a sample container having a vertical height, and measuring time of flight of energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the baseline cement slurry. A method comprising providing a settling test apparatus comprising a column having a vertical height and at least one pair of transducers positioned opposite each other with the column there between, placing a cement slurry sample within the column, and measuring time of flight of ultrasonic energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the cement slurry.

Abstract: A whole determination area of a targeted wafer is concentrically divided in a radial direction, COP density is obtained in each divided determination segment, a maximum value of the COP density is set as COP densityRADIUSMAX, a minimum value of the COP density is set as COP densityRADIUSMIN, a value computed by “(COP densityRADIUSMAX?COP densityRADIUSMIN)/COP densityRADIUSMAX” is compared to a predetermined set value, and a non-crystal-induced COP and a crystal-induced COP are distinguished from each other based on a clear criterion, thereby determining the COP generation factor. Therefore, a rejected wafer in which a determination of the crystal-induced COP is made despite being the non-crystal-induced COP can be relieved, so that a wafer production yield can be enhanced.

Abstract: A particulate material monitoring system for efficiently monitoring the level of particulate material within a container. The particulate material monitoring system generally includes a flange defining a front opening, a viewing cover attached to the flange covering the front opening, a viewing wall connected to the flange and a rear opening extending through the viewing wall.

Abstract: A testing device for a vehicle part having an interior space is disclosed. The testing device includes a conduit, a test material source, and a controller. The conduit includes a first end and a second end, the first end operable to be disposed within the interior space of the vehicle part and the second end operable to be disposed outside the vehicle part. The test material source is in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a test material to the conduit. The controller is configured to direct the test material from the test material source through the conduit to the interior space in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for substance mixtures, particularly complex chemical and/or biochemical substance mixtures. According to said method, a substance mixture that is to be analyzed is fed to a separating device, the substances of the substance mixture that is to be analyzed are separated from each other in the separating device by means of a chemically and/or physically induced conveying process, and the separated substances are detected in an evaluation unit. The invention further relates to methods and devices for producing pulsed substance mixtures, particularly complex chemical and/or biochemical substance mixtures. In order to improve the analysis of substance mixtures especially regarding the duration of the analysis, the throughput, and the resolution, the substance mixture that is to be analyzed is fed to the separating device in pulses having an unique binary sequence.

Abstract: A method for determining a corrected weight of a mixed volume, by gravimetrically measuring a total weight of the mixed volume, creating an image of the mixed volume, detecting at least one selected component within the image of the mixed volume, estimating a component weight of the at least one selected component from the image of the mixed volume, and subtracting the component weight from the total weight to yield the corrected weight.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for measuring impurities on a wafer and a method of measuring impurities on a wafer. The apparatus includes: a wafer aligning device for aligning a wafer; a loading robot for moving and loading the aligned wafer; a rotation stage for rotating the loaded wafer; a scan robot for holding a natural oxide layer etching solution for the wafer and a metallic impurity recovery solution; and a container for receiving a predetermined etching solution and a recovery solution, wherein the scan robot removes an oxide layer on an edge region of the wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a standardized surface contaminated by an aerosol deposited on its surface is described. Aerosols are propelled horizontally onto a vertical surface. The standardized contaminated surface is used to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning and removing techniques.

Abstract: Method and device for measuring the flow properties of a poorly flowing material. The material is placed in a measuring reservoir (2) equipped with a flow opening (6) of the desired size (2), an upwards and downwards motion is induced in the reservoir (2) with the aid of an operating device (4), to which the reservoir (2) is attached, and the flow properties of the material are determined.

Abstract: A system for continuous (re-)drying of wood pieces. A conveyor arrangement receives and carries the wood pieces in file following a course. A moisture content of each wood piece travelling on the conveyor arrangement is measured during the course. The wood pieces whose measured moisture content are above a target content are diverted towards a drying equipment, in particular by high-frequency, whereas the other wood pieces continue their course on the conveyor arrangement. The drying equipment removes a moisture portion from the diverted wood pieces. The moisture contents of the processed wood pieces are again measured. The pieces whose moisture content dropped below the target content are routed towards the conveyor arrangement whereas the other pieces are routed in the drying equipment for a re-drying.

Abstract: A sensing escape device of an automatic cleaner includes a control module, a motion module and an inclination limitation sensing module. The control module controls the motion module to drive the movement of the automatic cleaner in mode between a forward mode with head portion as a head and a backward mode with tail portion as a head. The inclination limitation sensing module coupled to the control module includes a critical inclination angle sensing unit outward disposed on a rear bottom of the main body. When the critical inclination angle sensing unit is externally contacted, the inclination limitation sensing module generates a signal and transfers the signal to the control module, to make the control module drive the motion module to switch into the backward mode. The automatic cleaner moves backward immediately when climbing a ramp, to avoid misjudging actions such as a suspension of the motor-driven wheel unit.

Abstract: Apparatus (50) is described for use with a drug on a drug patch (28), the drug patch including a drug side and a back side. An absorbent material (54) is configured to be disposed on a surface (56) and underneath the drug patch. A squeezing device (52) having a squeezing surface is configured to squeeze the drug patch together with the absorbent material. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for testing a surface coating. An elongated tube having a first end and a second end is provided wherein said second end is open to a holding container. The first end of the elongated tube farther includes a funnel. A planar test panel is adapted to hold a variety of materials to be tested. Such materials include paint, coatings, tape, or other like materials. A separator is fluidly connected to the holding container via a first conduit. A vacuum is fluidly connected to a separator by means of a second conduit. A tester places a plurality of loose test pieces, such as metal nuts or small rocks, into the funnel and the loose test pieces fall through the elongated tube and onto the planar test panel. The loose test pieces then fall into the holding container.

Abstract: A method of evaluating kneaded clay includes, preparing kneaded clay by mixing and kneading at least ceramic raw material and water as contained materials, measuring T1 relaxation time and/or T2 relaxation time of proton contained in the contained materials by NMR method, and evaluating a kneaded state of the kneaded clay. There is further provided a method for manufacturing kneaded clay, wherein the kneaded clay is kneaded by using the method for evaluating kneaded clay while checking the kneaded state.

Abstract: Semi-finished products for the production of devices containing thermoelastic materials with improved reliability and reproducibility are described. The semi-finished products are based on an alloy of Ni—Ti plus elements X and/or Y. The nickel amount is comprised between 40 and 52 atom %, X is comprised between 0.1 and 1 atom %, Y is comprised between 1 and 10 atom % and the balance is titanium. The one or more additional elements X are chosen from Al, Ta, Hf, Si, Ca, Ce, La, Re, Nb, V, W, Y, Zr, Mo, and B. The one or more additional elements Y are chosen from Al, Ag, Au, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Nb, Pd, Pt, Ta and W.

Abstract: At least one method, structure and apparatus used to measure tearing resistance of a commercial member. The method includes the use of full-scale testing methods and apparatuses to obtain unloading compliance measurements, which are used to generate a tearing resistance curve that includes the effects of geometry and considers data beyond the yield point of the commercial member. The commercial member may be a pipeline for carrying hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Provided are procedures for estimating the amount of water vapor emissions as well as other properties, such as slump and volume yield, of a concrete or cementitious mix used in producing a concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for the testing of quality of polymer-bound rubber additives. According to the method, a polymer-bound rubber additive (3) is mixed with an EPDM masterbatch (2). The resultant test mixture (5) is forced through a test sieve (10), and the number of undispersed particles (14) removed by sieving is determined.

Abstract: A matrix analyzer for determining the size and location of a conductive item placed thereon. The matrix analyzer includes plural row conductors and column conductors with a corresponding grid of conductive areas exposed on the surface of the matrix analyzer. When a conductive item, such as an ink droplet, is jetted onto the matrix analyzer, the intersection of various row conductors and column conductors exhibit a low resistance. The rows and columns of the matrix analyzer can be sequentially accessed to find those intersections where the low resistance exists. From such data, the size and location of the ink droplets can be determined.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting material to be tested 100 having small variations in electrochemical measurement values includes a work electrode 1 and a counter electrode 2 integrated into one via an insulator 3. As a result of contact between the material to be tested and the work electrode 1, output voltage changes. The work electrode 1 smaller than the counter electrode 2 and the insulator 3 is installed on a part of the surface of the insulator 3, and a peripheral wall 4 for surrounding the work electrode 1 is formed on the insulator 3 to operate as a storage part.

Abstract: A fire training system with improved ability to be handled and with the possibility of generating different flame aspects is provided. The fire training system has at least one liquid reservoir (1) and a regulating and control unit (2). The regulating and control unit (2) is connected to at least one distributor unit (5) via at least one electric line (3). The liquid gas reservoir (1) is connected to the at least one distributor unit (5) via at least one liquid gas line. (4). Each distribution unit (5) is provided with control valves that can be actuated for dispensing the liquid to downstream liquid gas discharge nozzles (6) and to an associated pilot burner (7), and with at least one sensor (8) for detecting the success of extinguishing. The liquid gas discharge nozzles (6) are arranged at a fire-resistant surface (9).

Abstract: This disclosure provides perennial ryegrass plants having determinate-stolons developed by subjecting large number of perennial ryegrass plants to intense traffic. This grass can quickly repair (high regeneration potential) itself from traffic damage, and has good turf qualities compared to other perennial ryegrasses. The high regeneration potential gives it the ability to quickly repair itself from traffic damage and fill in open areas in turf. Methods of using the perennial ryegrass grass plants and seed are also provided. This grass is suitable for use in turf, for example turf that is exposed to significant traffic. This disclosure also provides methods of selecting for such grass plants.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently screening for threatening items are presented. The system includes a test unit configured to subject the object to a combination of two or more different types of tests, sensors configured to receive test outcome from the object and generate corresponding output signals, and a computation unit receiving and processing the output signals to generate parameter values. The computation unit combines the parameter values from the different types of tests to determine a set of risk factors that indicate a likelihood that the threatening item is present in the object, wherein the parameter values include visualization data obtained from different measurement angles.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 ?l to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.

Abstract: Semi-finished products for the production of devices containing thermoelastic materials with improved reliability and reproducibility are described. The semi-finished products are based on an alloy of Ni—Ti plus elements X and/or Y. The nickel amount is comprised between 40 and 52 atom %, X is comprised between 0.1 and 1 atom %, Y is comprised between 1 and 10 atom % and the balance is titanium. The one or more additional elements X are chosen from Al, Ta, Hf, Si, Ca, Ce, La, Re, Nb, V, W, Y, Zr, Mo, and B. The one or more additional elements Y are chosen from Al, Ag, Au, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Nb, Pd, Pt, Ta and W.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing aluminum oxide defects are described. The oxide defect type, as well as the time when the oxide defects are formed during the aluminum melting and casting processes can be identified quickly.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatuses and methods for the design and use of a suction-controlled box for the measurement of stress-dependent soil and water characteristics, shear strength, volume changes and consolidation characteristics from a single unsaturated soil specimen. The suction-controlled box can include a suction control part and a mechanical loading part, which can apply various suctions and mechanical loadings to test a specimen for a full range of suctions. The suction-controlled box can also include a helical water compartment that can flush diffused air bubbles.

Abstract: In the pharmaceutical industry, dissolution testing is a critical step in quality control and a standard method for assessing batch-to-batch consistency of solid oral drug delivery systems, such as tablets. One of the most widely used dissolution test devices is the UPS Apparatus 2 (paddle). At present, dissolution testing remains susceptible to significant error and test failures. Previous studies indicate that poor reproducibility of dissolution testing data and inconsistency of dissolution results can arise from the complex hydrodynamics present in the unbaffled, hemispherical-bottom, agitated vessel that constitute the UPS Apparatus 2. In the present invention, a novel dissolution testing apparatus was constructed in which the impeller was placed off-center with respect to the center point of the vessel bottom.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently screening for dangerous threatening items in or on an animate subject (e.g., a person) are presented. The system includes a portal that accommodates an animate subject and a test unit that includes equipment for subjecting the animate subject to a combination of two or more tests. There are sensors located in the portal, wherein each of the sensors reads data resulting from testing the animate subject and generates an output signal. A computation unit receives the output signal from each of the sensors and processes the output signals in parallel to determine a risk factor based on parameters resulting from the two or more tests. The test unit may be coupled to a portal and an object unit, wherein the object unit is for screening inanimate subjects (e.g., bags, coats). The parallel acquisition and processing of the output signals enhances accuracy.

Abstract: A paint swatch test device includes a transparent or translucent substrate, such as a sheet of polymeric material, and a plurality of different primer coating patches on the substrate. The patches preferably form a grayscale series of neutral white and gray primer patches having stepwise increments in light reflectance values. The patches can also be provided on an opaque substrate. The color suitability and/or hiding power of a topcoat paint desired to be applied to a surface to be painted can be determined by coating the topcoat paint on at least a portion of a surface of the transparent or translucent substrate, providing a grayscale series of patches between the paint coating and the surface to be painted, and observing the appearance of the paint coating where patches are beneath the coating and where patches are not beneath the coating.

Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.

Abstract: A method of making a large area conformable shape structure comprises drawing a plurality of tubes to form a plurality of drawn tubes, and cutting the plurality of drawn tubes into cut drawn tubes of a predetermined shape. The cut drawn tubes have a first end and a second end along the longitudinal direction of the cut drawn tubes. The method further comprises conforming the first end of the cut drawn tubes into a predetermined curve to form the large area conformable shape structure, wherein the cut drawn tubes contain a material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. A related embodiment of the invention is an apparatus that is used for example to facilitate the practice of the above-noted methods by inhibiting the evaporation of dissolution media from the vessels in which elution is observed.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the powder dispersibility including dispersing a powder allowed to stand inside a closed container by mechanical vibration applied quantitatively to the powder; collecting the dispersed powder on a quartz crystal element or a piezo element; and measuring the mass of the collected powder using a quartz crystal microbalance or a piezo element mass meter to thereby measure the airborne powder concentration in air inside the closed container; a method for evaluating airborne powder concentration at work place using the method for evaluating the powder dispersibility; and a method for designing a powder containment facility using the method for evaluating airborne powder concentration.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to methods and processes for determining how a range of weather conditions can affect a selected physical parameter of a material. In some embodiments the weather conditions can include relative humidity and/or temperature, and the selected physical parameter can be mass and or dimensions. For instance, some embodiments can be used to estimate the amount of water that a material may be expected to absorb under in-service conditions. In some embodiments the amount of water can defined by a range bounded by amounts observed at opposing extremes of simulated conditions.

Abstract: A powdery/granular material flowability evaluation apparatus and a powdery/granular material flowability evaluation method are provided to evaluate the flowability of a powdery/granular material in a dynamic state of the powdery/granular material. The powdery/granular material flowability evaluation apparatus (A) has a hopper (111) for storing a powdery/granular material to be measured, a vertical tube (11) having a flow-in port (1121) connected with a discharge port (1112) of the hopper (111) through which the powdery/granular material is discharged, a vibrator (2) for giving vibration to the tube (11), a laser vibrometer (3) for measuring the amplitude of the tube (11), an electric balance (4) for measuring the weight of the powdery/granular material fallen through the tube 11 from the hopper (111), and an evaluation value calculating section (512) for calculating an evaluation value evaluating the flowability of the powdery/granular material based on the measured amplitude and weight.