Disclosed are methods for detecting a presence or absence of an antimicrobial surface coating including applying at least one detectable fluorophoric dye compound to a substrate, irradiating the surface of the substrate with ultraviolet radiation in the 100-415 nm wavelength range to excite the detectable fluorophoric dye compound, observing fluorescence of the excited fluorophoric dye compound, and determining the presence or absence of the antimicrobial surface coating based on the observed fluorescence. Further disclosed are antimicrobial surface coating solutions, methods for their application, and methods for confirming the presence and coverage of antimicrobial surface coatings.

The present disclosure provides a method for detection of an analyte in a sample, where the sample is introduced into an analytic chamber along with droplets of an emulsion or gel beads. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides designs for formulations of emulsion drops or gel beads such that they are useful for detection of analytes in a massively parallel manner. Formulations that contain specific combinations of fluorescent particles allow optical determination of the identity of each fluorescent particle. The combinations are based on particle fluorescence emission wavelength, fluorescence excitation wavelength, and particle count.

A mold sensor is configured with an enclosed chamber in which a nutrient-treated substrate is positioned. The mold sensor includes a sensing system that is configured to measure properties of pressure waves within the enclosed chamber. A controller operates the sensing system and is programmed to detect a presence of mold growing in the chamber based on the characteristics of the pressure wave response within the chamber.

A method of applying a contrast agent, such as a luminescent contrast agent (e.g. fluorescent, phosphorescent) to the tooth flank surfaces (3, 4) of a gearset (1, 2) wherein the luminescent contrast agent is mixed with transmission oil and is preferably invisible to the human eye. While the members of the gearset roll together, the contrast agent-oil mixture (6) is first introduced into the mesh of the rolling gears. While the mixture is squeezed through the tooth contact, most of the oil is removed in the area of tooth contact. A camera (15), including, as necessary, a filter for certain light wave frequencies, obtains an image which shows the areas with and without luminescent contrast agent. The area (10) where the luminescent contrast agent has been partially or completely removed represents the zone of the tooth contact.

Fluorescing compositions are disclosed for monitoring cleaning of a surface. The fluorescing compositions are stable, fluoresce under UV light, and do not leave a mark after drying and removal. The compositions include an optical brightener solubilized with cyclodextrin.

An analysis tool that use ultraviolet wavelengths of oil fluorescence to analyze drill cuttings. An oil fluorescence tool includes an ultraviolet light source which directs ultraviolet light toward drilled cuttings. The interaction of the light and cuttings results in fluorescence emanating from the oil. These wavelengths are recognized by a camera which generates an image showing the intensity of the fluorescence. A computer having image recognition software is coupled to the camera in order to interpret and display the intensity and range of the fluorescence in the image.

This invention relates generally to a system and process for early detection of biological ammonia oxidation in water utilizing a fluorescence-based sensor and process. Various embodiments are configured to read increases in a fluorescence excitation-emission wavelength pair that is responsive to a period of time (days to weeks or even longer) prior to the onset of biological ammonia oxidation, which is considered to be a nitrification event. Fluorescence excitation/emission pairs that have proven to be reliable include a fluorescence excitation wavelength of about 230 nm and an emission wavelength of about 345 nm and an excitation wavelength of 325 and an emission wavelength of 470. The system and process enable drinking water utilities to improve management of its distribution systems and facilitate earlier corrective actions, resulting is less loss of treated water through flushing and other tangible benefits.

The present invention provides compounds that can be used to form antimicrobial coatings on, for example, a surface or textile, including methods of making and using such compounds. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making such compounds by a single-step reaction. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of forming an antimicrobial coating on a surface, including applying such compounds to, for example, a surface or textile, and, optionally, treating, for example, the surface or textile, to form a coating.

A polymer comprising a polymer chain moiety and a copper complex moiety (1) is useful as a mechanoresponsive luminescent material. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are linking groups to the polymer chain moiety; R.sub.3 to R.sub.6 are H or substituent.

##STR00001##

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wavelength-shifting element configured to receive an input-light signal. The wavelength-shifting element includes a wavelength-shifting material configured to absorb at least a portion of the received input-light signal and produce an emitted-light signal from the absorbed portion of the received input-light signal. The apparatus also includes an optical-concentrating element configured to receive at least a portion of the emitted-light signal and concentrate the received portion of the emitted-light signal onto a photodetector. The apparatus further includes the photodetector configured to receive the concentrated portion of the emitted-light signal and produce an electrical current corresponding to the concentrated portion of the emitted-light signal.