The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing.

Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a process chamber includes: a chamber body defining an interior volume; a substrate support to support a substrate within the interior volume; a plurality of cathodes coupled to the chamber body and having a corresponding plurality of targets to be sputtered onto the substrate; and a shield rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the chamber body and having at least one hole to expose at least one of the plurality of targets to be sputtered and at least one pocket disposed in a backside of the shield to accommodate and cover at least another one of the plurality of targets not to be sputtered, wherein the shield is configured to rotate about and linearly move along a central axis of the process chamber.

An electrically and magnetically enhanced ionized physical vapor deposition (I-PVD) magnetron apparatus and method is provided for sputtering material from a cathode target on a substrate, and in particular, for sputtering ceramic and diamond-like coatings. The electrically and magnetically enhanced magnetron sputtering source has unbalanced magnetic fields that couple the cathode target and additional electrode together. The additional electrode is electrically isolated from ground and connected to a power supply that can generate positive, negative, or bipolar high frequency voltages, and is preferably a radio frequency (RF) power supply. RF discharge near the additional electrode increases plasma density and a degree of ionization of sputtered material atoms.

Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a physical vapor deposition chamber includes a first RF power supply having a first base frequency and coupled to one of a target or a substrate support; and a second RF power supply having a second base frequency and coupled to one of the target or the substrate support, wherein the first and second base frequencies are integral multiples of each other, wherein the second base frequency is modified to an offset second base frequency that is not an integral multiple of the first base frequency.

The present invention is to provide a photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition exhibiting a high photocurrent density and having reduced dark current. The photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition of the present invention has a photocatalyst layer and a current collector layer that is formed by a vapor deposition method and is disposed on the photocatalyst layer.

The present invention provides an ion selective electrode comprising an electrode having a coating deposited on the electrode, wherein the coating comprises one or more aroyl-thiourea ionophores incorporated into a polymer matrix to selectively interact with one or more ions. The aroylthiourea ionophores may be poly-5, poly-6, poly-7, poly-7a, poly-7b, poly-8a, poly-8b or a combination thereof, e.g., a bis(furoylthiourea)benzene derivative, a 2,2'-bith-iophenyl derivative that selectively senses Pb2+ ions. The polymer matrix may be a polyaniline, a polythiophene or the polymer matrix may be an aroylthiourea ionophore inserted into polyvinyl-chloride for Pb2+ and Hg2+ ion sensing.

The present invention provides a system including: a protein having a domain that binds a membranal component; an inlet for sample flow, an Isotachophoresis (ITP) system and a flow generating means connected or coupled to the aqueous parts of the ITP. The invention also provides a method for detecting and or sorting cells with this system.

The present invention relates to scaffolds composed of a protein backbone cross-linked by a synthetic polymer. Specifically, the present invention provides PEGylated-thiolated collagen scaffolds and PEGylated albumin scaffolds and methods of generating and using same for treating disorders requiring tissue engineering.

A method and device are provided for simultaneously or near-simultaneously diagnosing and treating tension pneumothorax and/or hemothoraxA Veress-type needle portion includes a hollow needle for puncturing the chest wall over a blunt hollow probe biased by one or more springs to extend distally into the pleural cavity. Openings in the blunt hollow probe connect via a pathway to an automatic check valve, which permits the flow of air and/or fluid only in a proximal direction. Pressure from within the pleural cavity is transmitted to the interior surface of a pressure documenter. If pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is present in the pleural cavity, the pressure documenter will be automatically urged proximally to simultaneously allow air and/or fluid to escape from the pleural space through the device, thus treating the tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax, as well as providing a stable indicator to positively document the diagnosis of increased pressure.

A renal failure blood therapy system includes a renal failure blood therapy machine, concentration levels for each of a plurality of solutes removed from a patient's blood at each of the multiple times, a display device configured to display for selection at least one removed blood solute from the plurality of removed blood solutes, and a device programmed to (i) estimate at least one renal failure blood therapy patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the at least one selected removed blood solute, (ii) determine a plurality of acceptable renal failure blood therapy treatments that meet a predetermined removed blood solute clearance for the at least one selected removed blood solute using the at least one renal failure blood therapy patient parameter, and (iii) enable selection of at least one of the plurality of acceptable renal failure blood therapy treatments for operation at the renal failure blood therapy machine.

An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed.

A fluid infusion device is provided with a cannula spring which functions as an introducer needle, a retraction return spring, and a fluid path. A hollow cannula tubing is wound, bent and sharpened into a shape which allows it to operate as an introducer needle, retraction spring and fluid path in an infusion device. A button is used to insert the introducer needle portion of the cannula spring and a soft catheter, and once the introducer needle portion and catheter have been fully inserted, an engagement between the button and post of the base of the infusion device releases the cannula spring such that the introducer needle portion of the cannula spring automatically retracts, leaving the catheter in the body. An end of the introducer needle portion of the cannula spring remains in fluid communication with the catheter in the body to provide an uninterrupted fluid path.

Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same.

Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same.

A detection section is used in such a manner that it is inserted into a living body by being guided by an insertion needle to be stuck and inserted into the living body. The detection section includes a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is provided in a tip end portion of the detection section and includes an electrode layer (detection electrode). The third region includes a wiring section and has a smaller width than the width of a slit of the insertion needle. The second region is provided between the first region and the third region and has the same width as the width of the third region by gradually decreasing from the width of the first region.

An infusion pump system providing therapy to a patient in a closed-loop or semi-closed loop mode can safely automatically revert to open-loop therapy. The system stores a default open-loop basal rate profile in memory. The system also continually tracks the insulin on board for the patient over a plurality of closed-loop therapy intervals. When an error or event occurs requiring reversion to open-loop therapy, the system automatically provides therapy according to the open-loop basal rate profile and the tracked insulin on board amount.

The invention relates to an arrangement for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, comprising an acoustic source configured to emit an acoustic signal and an acoustic sensor configured to detect an acoustic signal, a processing unit for controlling the acoustic source and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of emitting an acoustic signal from an acoustic source, detecting an acoustic signal caused by the emitted acoustic signal by means of an acoustic sensor, and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper by means of a processing unit.

A drug delivery device is provided herein, the device including a reservoir for containing a medicament. The medicament includes a suspension of solids in a liquid carrier. The device also includes a needle having a distal end for injection into a patient, a proximal end in communication with the reservoir, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends. A path is defined from the reservoir to the distal end of the needle through the lumen, the path having an inner diameter that decreases in a proximal to distal direction along at least a portion thereof. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a flow path may be defined which provides a more gradual transition in diameter from the reservoir to a distal tip of the needle. In this manner, changes in velocity of the suspension may be less abrupt than in the prior art, thus better maintaining solid particles in the suspension.

An introducer configured with a first curve having a first angle that traverses space of an atrial appendage, a central atrium, caudad to the coronary sinus, and a second curve that has an angle sufficient to align the introducer with an intrinsic curvature of the coronary sinus of a subject.

A sheath introducer for a catheter includes a sheath having a lumen, a hub positioned on a proximal end of the sheath, and a housing positioned on the hub. The hub can include a splittable penetration member having a port in fluid communication with the sheath lumen. The housing can include a valve having a closed upper surface and a channel surrounding the splittable penetration member. Movement of the housing with respect to the hub can expose the port of the splittable penetration member for insertion of the catheter.

Systems and methods for longevity, anti-aging, fatigue management, obesity, weight loss, weight management, delivery of nutraceuticals, and treating hyperglycemia, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, Parkinson's disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and nicotine addiction involve synchronizing and tailoring the administration of nutraceuticals, medications and other substances in accordance with the body's natural circadian rhythms, meal times and other factors. Improved control of blood glucose levels, extended alertness, and weight control, and counteracting of disease symptoms when they are at their worst are possible. An automated, pre-programmable transdermal administration system is used to provide pulsed doses of medications, pharmaceuticals, hormones, neuropeptides, anorexigens, pro-drugs, stimulants, nutraceuticals, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, or other physiological active ingredient or precursor. The system can utilize a pump, pressurized reservoir, a system for removing depleted carrier solution, or other modulated dispensing actuator, in conjunction with porous membranes or micro-fabricated structures.

Devices, systems, and methods for disinfecting catheters used during in line catheter connections are provided. A disinfection device including one or more LED UV sources comprises a small volume kill zone. The disinfection device is configured to effectively disinfect fluid within the kill zone.

Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

The present invention discloses a system and method for monitoring an infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain. Each infusion pump control terminal is connected with a monitoring server through a wireless AP and a local area network respectively; each human body vital sign sensor is connected with the signal input end of a field programmable gate array FPGA through a sensor interface circuit respectively, an infusion control device is connected with the control signal output end of the field programmable gate array FPGA, the field programmable gate array FPGA is in communication with an ARM processor in a bus coding mode, and the ARM processor is in communication connection with the wireless AP through a WIFI communication module. By means of the system and method for monitoring infusion pump capable of intelligently easing pain, a plurality of basic vital sign data of a patient is collected in real time, corresponding infusion schemes are generated through analysis of the data, the infusion pump is controlled to achieve automatic infusion, monitoring and pain-easing infusion are combined together for coordinative work, and infusion control is more scientific and reliable; patient online perception and feedback is supported, self-improvement of a system is facilitated, and more accurate and reliable infusion schemes can be acquired.

A sensing apparatus for characterizing current flow through a conductor includes a plurality of magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are grouped in pairs to achieve common mode rejection of signals generated in response to magnetic fields not resulting from current flow through the conductor. Sensors having different levels of sensitivity are used to collect information regarding the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor, where such information is processed in order to characterize the magnetic field. In some cases the sensors are included on or in flexible material that can be wrapped around the conductor.

A method for preparing an object to be tested, having a given relative permittivity, intended to be illuminated by an incident electromagnetic wave. The method includes: providing a part including a cavity for housing the object and at least one extension element made from a material having a relative permittivity that is preferably equal to that of the object, the extension element at least partially delimiting the cavity and extending to either side of the cavity in a passage direction of the cavity, over a length at least equal, on either side of the cavity, to one third of the length of the cavity in the passage direction, and placing the object in the cavity, such that the object is in contact with the extension element in the passage direction.

Methods and systems for monitoring an integrity of electrical connectivity between a repair patch and a parent structure include providing the repair patch with an embedded sensor configured to detect electrical conductivity. The repair patch includes a ply of conductive material that overlaps a portion of a conductive layer of the parent structure. A baseline set of sensor data is acquired from the sensor indicative of an electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. One or more additional sets of data may be obtained from the sensor and compared to the baseline set of data to determine an integrity of the electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure.

A method of detecting an electric arc in an electrical system from a signal originating from at least one sensor detecting acoustic waves in the system, including: a) calculating by means of a processing device, over a sliding window of signal samples, at least one statistical parameter selected from the skewness and the kurtosis of the signal; b) detecting a possible occurrence of an event by taking into account said at least one statistical parameter; and c) performing a frequency analysis of the signal enabling to identify an electric arc when an event is detected at step b).

Systems and methods are disclosed for on-line monitoring of the condition of insulation in electrical devices employing a differential current sensor. In certain embodiments a monitor that can be fitted to existing electrical devices by attachment of the sensor to a pair of phase cables is provided. In other embodiments, an electrical device configured with an insulation monitor is provided.

The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device including: a power supply input section to which a first voltage from a battery cell is input; a boosting section including one end to which the first voltage from the power supply input section is input, and another end that, based on a control signal from a controller, outputs the first voltage or a second voltage boosted from the first voltage from as a power supply voltage; and a comparison section including an output section, a first input section connected to the power supply input section and the one end of the boosting section, and a second input section connected to the another end of the boosting section, the comparison section outputting a voltage from the output section that corresponds to a difference between voltages input to the first input section and the second input section.

A method and apparatus is provided the battery sensor for a large-scale battery system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the architecture and measurement scheme for a high-accuracy battery voltage sensor based on a calibration scheme. The present disclosure also related to the architecture and measurement method for a cell-level current sensor to effectively and reliably manage a battery pack.

A magnetic field sensing apparatus and detection method thereof are provided. The magnetic field sensing apparatus includes an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) magnetic field detector, a reference magnetic field detector, and a controller. The AMR magnetic field detector generates a first output voltage according to a detected magnetic field. The reference magnetic field detector generates a second output voltage according to the detected magnetic field. The controller identifies whether an absolute value of a field density of the detected magnetic field is larger or smaller than a predetermined value or not, and selects the first output voltage or a saturation voltage to be a magnetic field detection result accordingly.

A method for determining a position of an RF coil in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is disclosed. As an example, a center of a field of view (FOV) to be scanned may be adjusted to a magnetic field center of an MRI system, and coordinate values in a coordinate system for shape-characteristic points of the FOV may be determined, where an origin of the coordinate system is located at the magnetic field center of the MRI system. A preset gradient magnetic field may be applied to the FOV, and coil units respectively covering the shape-characteristic points may be determined. An effective region may be obtained by connecting the determined coil units according to the shape of the FOV, and a coil unit located in the effective region may be determined as an effective coil unit for imaging the FOV by the MRI system.

Acquiring seismic data using time-distributed sources and converting the acquired data into impulsive data using a multiple-frequency approach. The methods are performed in frequency-source location domain, frequency-wavenumber domain, or frequency-slowness domain. The methods are applicable to single source acquisition or simultaneous source acquisition.

Disclosed is a piezoelectric material including stereocomplex crystals of poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), wherein poly(D-lactic acid) and poly(L-lactic acid) are crystallized into a stereocomplex, thus exhibiting superior heat resistance and piezoelectric properties. This piezoelectric material, which is obtained using poly(lactic acid), can be produced at very low cost compared to when using PVDF, and is configured to include stereocomplex crystals of PDLA and PLLA and can thus manifest high thermal stability and piezoelectric properties, compared to when using conventional PLLA alone. Such a piezoelectric material can be efficiently utilized in a variety of fields in which low production cost, high processing temperature in the manufacturing process, or high-temperature stability of piezoelectric material products is required.

A method identifies to which one of a plurality of infusion pumps one of a plurality of fluid lines is coupled. The method can include intentionally producing a predetermined pressure pattern in one of the plurality of fluid lines, detecting the predetermined pressure pattern by way of a sensor of one of the plurality of infusion pumps, and indicating detection of the predetermined pressure pattern in the one of the plurality of fluid lines, thereby indicating the one of the plurality of infusion pumps to which the one of the plurality of fluid lines is coupled. In some cases, a tool configured to occlude and the squeeze the fluid line can be used to intentionally produce the predetermined pressure pattern.

Disclosed is a device for detecting wall abrasion of a solid-filling feeding well and a detection method thereof. The device comprises a well wall abrasion detector, a horizontal displacement meter, a vertical displacement monitor, and a limit guide rod. One end of the limit guide rod is connected to the well wall abrasion detector. The signal output terminal of the well wall abrasion detector is connected to the signal input terminal of the horizontal displacement meter, and the other end of the limit guide rod passes through the vertical displacement monitor for slidable setting. This disclosure mainly utilizes a resistance strain displacement sensor to detect the abrasion and deformation degree of the well wall, determines the position of damages with the vertical displacement monitor, and draws wall abrasion curves by using the obtained data. The device provided is easy to use, has low cost, has high reliability, and can effectively detect the wall abrasion condition of a solid-filling feeding well, thereby providing a basis for ensuring the working efficiency of the feeding well.

A gyroscope includes a substrate, a first structure, a second structure and a third structure elastically coupled to the substrate and movable along a first axis. The first and second structure are arranged at opposite sides of the third structure with respect to the first axis A driving system is configured to oscillate the first and second structure along the first axis in phase with one another and in phase opposition with the third structure. The first, second and third structure are provided with respective sets of sensing electrodes, configured to be displaced along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in response to rotations of the substrate about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis.

A force detector includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a circuit board provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an element mounted on the circuit board and outputting a signal in response to an external force, wherein a hole is formed in the circuit board at a location where the element is placed, and a first convex part inserted into the hole and protruding toward the element is provided on the first substrate. Further, the element is placed within a periphery of the first convex part as seen from a direction perpendicular to the first substrate.

A system comprising: a parent structure made of composite material and having a repair site; a repair patch made of composite material, the repair patch being bonded to the parent structure at the repair site; and a sensor embedded in the repair patch. The system may further comprise non-volatile memory and an interface unit embedded in the repair patch and electrically connected to the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a loop-shaped sensor comprising an electrically conductive structure having an electrical conductivity that varies as a function of a pressure exerted on the repair patch. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensor chip having nonvolatile memory. In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises an optical fiber that is sensitive to changes in pressure on or strain in the repair patch.

A detecting element unit of a physical quantity detection apparatus includes a detection part and a supporting part. The detection part has a base part, a movable part coupled to the base part via a joint part, and a vibrator provided over the base part and the movable part, and the supporting part includes a fixing portion to be fixed to a base for supporting the base part. A processing unit of the physical quantity detection apparatus extracts vibration response signals at a resonance frequency of the detecting element unit from output of the vibrator.

A rail vehicle collision test rig used for a collision test on a tested vehicle is provided, and includes: a track configured to support and guide the tested vehicle; a small vehicle configured to push the tested vehicle; a drive motor configured to drive the small vehicle to advance and arranged at a first end of the track; a first rotating hub arranged at the first end of the track and connected to the drive motor; a brake motor configured to brake the small vehicle; a second rotating hub arranged at the second end of the track and connected to the brake motor; a connecting rope wound on the first rotating hub and the second rotating hub; a detector configured to detect a velocity and a position of the tested vehicle; and a controller connected to the detector and is allowed to be in communication with the detector.

The invention relates to a drilling-resistance measuring device (10) and to a method for material testing in a humid environment or underwater. The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises a housing (1), in which a drive and a drill chuck (3) coupled to the drive are arranged, in which drill chuck a drilling needle (4) is or can be releasably held, wherein the housing (1) has a drilling-needle outlet opening (5') enclosed by a drilling-needle outlet guide (5), through which drilling-needle outlet opening the drilling needle (4) extends out of the housing (1). The drilling-resistance measuring device (10) comprises at least one water-tight bellows (6), which is arranged in the interior of the housing (1) around the drilling needle (4) between the drill chuck (3) and the drilling-needle outlet guide (5), wherein moisture or water can enter the bellows (6) through the drilling-needle outlet opening (5').

A mass sensor is provided for measuring a particle mass within an aerosol. The duration of a sensing cycle is set such that a pre-set change in mass resulting from particles deposited is caused. In the absence of cleaning, the lifetime of the sensor is dependent on the total mass deposited. As a result, the lifetime is made essentially constant by this approach, because each sensing operation is made to give rise to a constant amount of deposited particle mass. This means the lifetime can be predicted more accurately.

A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled.

A vacuum-assisted in-needle capillary adsorption trap (VA-INCAT) device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. A sorbent is multiwall carbon nanotube/polyaniline (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposite and is coated within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The VA-INCAT device also includes a vacuum device configured to vacuum the vacuum flask to improve the extraction of the analytes vapors from the sample matrix to the sorbent bed.

The invention discloses methods and devices for rapidly detecting a biological and/or chemical residue in a liquid sample. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a single antenna is generally employed in proximity to an aqueous solution in a disposable cup, with electrical outputs being recorded by an electrical metering device in communication with the single antenna. Commercial plastic cups may be used for detection of electric fields related to cleanliness of water samples. General and specific target detection may be performed with various embodiments of the instant invention.

Technologies for controlling degradation of a sensor mote including detecting a trigger event and initiating degradation of at least a portion of the sensor mote in response to the trigger event. The trigger event may be embodied as any type of event detectable by the sensor mote such as a trigger signal, particular sensed data, expiration of a reference time period, completion of a task, and so forth. The sensor mote may imitate the degradation by, for example, controlling a valve to release a chemical stored in the sensor mote or allow a substance into the sensor mote.

A substrate for a sensor includes: a base section; a movable section connected to the base section; an arm portion as a support portion extending along the movable section from the base section; a first gap portion having a protrusion portion in which one of the movable section and the arm portion protrudes toward the other of the movable section and the arm portion, and having a predetermined gap between the protrusion portion on one side and the other of the movable section and the support portion; and a second gap portion which is located further toward the base section side than the first gap portion has a gap wider than the predetermined gap, in which in the first gap portion, one of the movable section and the arm portion has a ridge portion on the side facing the first gap portion.

An electronic circuit for amplifying signals with two components in phase quadrature, which includes: a feedback amplifier with a feedback capacitor; a switch that drives charging and discharging of the feedback capacitor; an additional capacitor; and a coupling circuit, which alternatively connects the additional capacitor in parallel to the feedback capacitor or else decouples the additional capacitor from the feedback capacitor. The switch opens at a first instant, where a first one of the two components assumes a first zero value; the coupling circuit decouples the additional capacitor from the feedback capacitor in a way synchronous with a second instant, where the first component assumes a second zero value.