A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample includes measurement optics and an insertion probe. The measurement optics are configured to emit light and detect returned light. The insertion probe includes a chamber, the chamber being configured to permit the sample to enter the chamber, an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe, and a retro-reflective optic adjacent the insertion tip. The retro-reflective optic is configured to return the light from the measurement optics through the chamber to the measurement optics. The insertion probe is configured to be remotely located from the measurement optics.

An enricher, an enrichment system, a sample manufacturing system, and a sample detection system. The enricher comprises an enrichment housing, which encloses to form an enrichment cavity used for accommodating a suction liquid; a suction connection part, which is used to place a suction mechanism in communication with the enrichment cavity so that the enrichment cavity forms negative pressure under a vacuumization mechanism; and a blocking member, which is disposed on the enrichment housing; when the enrichment cavity forms negative pressure, a sample can, by means of the blocking member, form a suction liquid that enters the enrichment cavity, and a retentate remains on the blocking member.

An enricher, an enrichment system, a sample manufacturing system, and a sample detection system. The enricher comprises an enrichment housing, which encloses to form an enrichment cavity used for accommodating a suction liquid; a suction connection part, which is used to place a suction mechanism in communication with the enrichment cavity so that the enrichment cavity forms negative pressure under a vacuumization mechanism; and a blocking member, which is disposed on the enrichment housing; when the enrichment cavity forms negative pressure, a sample can, by means of the blocking member, form a suction liquid that enters the enrichment cavity, and a retentate remains on the blocking member.

Optical sample characterization facilitates measurement and testing at any angle in a full range of angles of light propagation through an optical sample, such as a coated glass plate, having a higher than air index of refraction. A rotatable assembly includes a cylinder having a hollow, and a receptacle including the hollow. The receptacle also contains a fluid with a known refractive index. An optical light beam is input normal to the surface of the cylinder, travels through the cylinder, then via the fluid, to the optical sample, where light beam is transmitted and/or reflected, then exits the cylinder and is collected for analysis. Due at least in part to the fluid surrounding the optical sample, the optical sample can be rotated through a full range of angles (±90°, etc.) for full range testing of the optical sample.

The Nondestructive Fluid Sensing System is a device that rapidly scans fluids to determine physical and chemical properties of the sample fluid. The Nondestructive Fluid Sensing System can detect the presence of a sample fluid with various optical and electrical sensors, and determines physical and chemical properties. The system features several innovations that increase sample throughput, reduces sample cross contamination, and eliminates waste products typically used in chemical tests. The system may be applied to various industries including manufacturing quality control, and healthcare.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to freshness indication. In some embodiments, a freshness indicating device is provided. The freshness indicating device comprises a collector and an indicator. The collector is adapted to collect water from an object. The object includes at least one of fruits and vegetables. The indicator is adapted to indicate the freshness of the object based on the amount of the collected water. A corresponding method and a container comprising the freshness indicating device are disclosed as well.

A management method of a lubricating oil of the invention is a method of managing a lubricating oil by determining a degradation degree of the lubricating oil containing an antioxidant, specifically, according to determination methods a and b below. The determination method a includes: measuring an infrared ray absorption spectrum of the lubricating oil using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer; and calculating a total content of the antioxidant and an altered substance having an antioxidant function to determine a deterioration degree of the lubricating oil from the obtained content. The determination method b includes: filtrating the lubricating oil with a filter; subsequently measuring a color difference of substances captured by the filter using a colorimeter, or measuring a color difference of the lubricating oil using the colorimeter; and determining a degradation degree of the lubricating oil and a mixture degree of foreign substances based on the obtained color difference.

A management method of a lubricating oil of the invention is a method of managing a lubricating oil by determining a degradation degree of the lubricating oil containing an antioxidant, specifically, according to determination methods a and b below. The determination method a includes: measuring an infrared ray absorption spectrum of the lubricating oil using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer; and calculating a total content of the antioxidant and an altered substance having an antioxidant function to determine a deterioration degree of the lubricating oil from the obtained content. The determination method b includes: filtrating the lubricating oil with a filter; subsequently measuring a color difference of substances captured by the filter using a colorimeter, or measuring a color difference of the lubricating oil using the colorimeter; and determining a degradation degree of the lubricating oil and a mixture degree of foreign substances based on the obtained color difference.

A spatial filter is made by forming a structure comprising a focusing element and an opaque surface, the opaque surface being disposed remotely from the focusing element in substantially the same plane as a focal plane of the focusing element; and by forming a pinhole in the opaque surface at or adjacent to a focal point of the focusing element by transmitting a substantially collimated laser beam through the focusing element so that a point optimally corresponding to the focal point is identified on the opaque surface and imperfection of the focusing element, if any, is reflected on the shape and position of the pinhole so formed.

The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for determining the action of active ingredients on nematodes and other organisms in aqueous tests. The device (1) according to the invention comprises a holder (13) for a cell culture plate (30) having multiple wells (31) in which the nematodes can be filled with the active ingredients, said cell culture plate (30) having a bottom side (33), a top side (32) and also side walls extending between bottom side (33) and top side (32), a camera (11) which is used to record images of preferably the bottom side (33) of the cell culture plate (30), a lighting mechanism (14) having at least a first light source (15) which illuminates the cell culture plate (30), there being arranged between the first light source (15) and a first side wall (34) of the cell culture plate (30) in the installed state a first optical unit which directs the light of the first light source (15) through the first side wall (34) in the direction of the bottom side (33) of the cell culture plate (30). The method according to the invention makes it possible to simultaneously investigate many active ingredients within a very short time.