Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multipurpose apparatus for screening a combination library with high throughput. SOLUTION: The apparatus comprises a sample holder for holding the components of a library, a probe array for perturbing an independent library component mechanically, and a sensor array for measuring response to mechanical perturbation of each library component. During screening operation, the apparatus replaces the sample array (sample holder) and the probe array and perturbs an independent library component mechanically. A material sample is screened based on a large number of different bulk physical properties including Young's modulus (bending, uniaxial drawing, biaxial drawing, shearing), hardness (indentation), fracture (stress and strain at the time of fracture, toughness) adhesion (tackiness, loop tackiness), flow (viscosity, melt flow index, rheology), and the like.
Abstract:
A method for analyzing a fluid contained within a machine, comprising the steps of providing a machine system (100) including a passage (104) for containing a fluid; placing a sensor (106) including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. One specific sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.
Abstract:
A sensor system and method for analyzing a fluid contained within an environmental control system, comprising the steps of providing a system including a passage for containing a thermal change fluid; placing a sensor including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have at least a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.
Abstract:
A sensor system and method for analyzing a fluid contained within an environmental control system, comprising the steps of providing a system including a passage for containing a thermal change fluid; placing a sensor including a mechanical resonator in the passage; operating the resonator to have at least a portion thereof translate through the fluid; and monitoring the response of the resonator to the fluid in the passage. A preferred sensor includes a tuning fork resonator.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.
Abstract:
Fluid monitoring methods, sensors and systems are disclosed. Preferred embodiments comprise two or more mechanical resonators, preferably two or more flexural resonators configured for sensing, monitoring or evaluating one or more fluids at multiple positions within one or more fluidic systems. In the methods, sensors and systems of the invention, signals generated in response to stimulation of the mechanical resonators are communicated by multiplexing over a common communication path, and then deconvoluted with respect to the position of the resonators.
Abstract:
Fluid sensor methods and systems adapted for monitoring and/or controlling distillation operations in fluidic systems, such as batch distillation operations or continuous distillation operations, are disclosed. Preferred embodiments are directed to process monitoring and/or process control for unit operations involving endpoint determination of a distillation, for example, as applied to a liquid-component-switching operation (e.g., a solvent switching operation), a liquid-liquid separation operation, a solute concentration operation, a dispersed-phase concentration operation, among others.