Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (herein referred to as a “gas sorption/desorption analyzer”) for measuring the gas sorption properties of substances (for example hydrogen sorption by metal alloys). Measurements include: Pressure Composition Temperature isotherm (PCT), Kinetic, Cycle-life, and density. Measurements are made by sorption of aliquots of gas to or from a sample of the substance. The amount of gas in each aliquot is determined from the gas pressure and temperature in calibrated reservoir volumes. The apparatus comprises components rated for operation up to 200 atm, a plurality of sensors covering a broad pressure range, and minimized volumes to enable accurate measurements of small samples. Aliquot pressures are controlled using a feed-back controlled pressure regulator that can also be used for constant pressure sorption measurements. The gas temperature is regulated using a temperature controlled enclosure.

Abstract: A multichannel fluorosensor includes an optical module and an electronic module combined in a watertight housing with an underwater connector. The fluorosensor has an integral calibrator for periodical sensitivity validation of the fluorosensor. The optical module has one or several excitation channels and one or several emission channels that use a mutual focusing system. To increase efficiency, the excitation and emission channels each have a micro-collimator made with one or more ball lenses. Each excitation channel has a light emitting diode and an optical filter. Each emission channel has a photodiode with a preamplifier and an optical filter. The electronic module connects directly to the optical module and includes a lock-in amplifier, a power supply and a controller with an A/D converter and a connector. The calibrator provides a response proportional to the excitation intensity, and matches with spectral parameter of fluorescence for the analyzed fluorescent substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus comprises a first supply flow channel having a fine flow channel cross sectional area for a liquid pressurized by a pressurizing device, a gas supply flow channel having a fine flow channel cross sectional area for supplying a gas, a two-phase flow channel having a fine flow channel cross sectional area in communication with a joined portion for the first supply flow channel and the second supply flow channel for flowing a gas/liquid two-phase fluid, a gas bubble reaction flow channel in communication with the exit of the gas/liquid two-phase channel and having a flow channel cross sectional area larger than that of the gas/liquid two-phase flow channel, and a liquid discharge flow channel for discharging the liquid in the gas bubble reaction flow channel. Therefore, in the reaction apparatus, a stable mixing ratio of a gas to a liquid can be obtained and the mixing speed of the gas to the liquid is increased.

Abstract: A system and process uses pheromone propagation to provide direction and/or distance information to a remote destination through the use of localized decision making processes. Locally available information is exchanged and translated with global information through the use of a pheromone vocabulary and multi-layer grid systems. Self-organizing networks of sensors provide remote monitoring of a space.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: In a chemical analysis apparatus for extracting a specific substance, such as nucleic acid, from a sample containing a plurality of chemical substances, solutions remaining in valves are prevented so that a reagent in an earlier step does not contaminate the subsequent steps. Predetermined quantities of solutions are carried and supplied by centrifugal force without providing valves for controlling the flow of the solutions. After perforating the lids of ventilation holes 272, 273, 274 communicated with a detection container 450 and disposal containers 460 and 470 in an analysis disc 2, the analysis disc 2 is rotated to supply and carry a predetermined quantity of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: A fluid processing device and method of using the device are provided. The fluid processing device can include a substrate with a fluid processing pathway at least partially formed in or on the substrate. The fluid processing pathway can include an input end, at least one output end, a first input opening, a plurality of reaction sites each in fluid communication with the first input opening and arranged between the first input opening and the at least one output end. The fluid processing pathway can include a plurality of second input openings including two or more in fluid communication respectively with each of the reaction sites, the second input openings being arranged with the reaction site disposed between the at least one output end and the second input openings. The fluid processing device can include one or more output openings in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of reaction sites and arranged at the at least one output end of the fluid processing pathway.

Abstract: A host and ancillary tool interface methodology for distributed processing is described. The host tool manages a process, except for the generation of a product used in the process. To generate the product, the host tool provides an indication to an ancillary tool that the product is to be generated, and the ancillary tool generates the product after detection of the indication with no further intervention by the host tool. To provide the indication, the host tool preferably activates a control line whose voltage is monitored by the ancillary tool, or alternatively, sets one or more bits in a memory which is periodically checked by the ancillary tool.

Abstract: A chip with measuring reliability and a method thereof are provided. The present invention serially connects a resistor having a resistance equal to or a little more than a maximum resistance of the chip itself to the resistor Rs of the chip so as to compensate the resistance differences among chips. A noise to signal (N/S) ratio of the chip is decreased, and a measuring reliability of the chip is improved.

Abstract: The sampling system of the invention includes a column comprising a first separator associated with a first collector so as to extract particles whose diameter is larger than a first diameter, and a second separator associated with a second collector which eliminates the finest particles and concentrates the other particles in the gas flow sucked up by the suction pipe of an analysis device.

Abstract: An interactive method and apparatus are disclosed through which a fluid purification system operator inputs the system's parameters and the method then identifies one or more fluid purification equipment packages which will be optimized at the component level to the operator's specific requirements. The invention includes a relational database containing data on fluid purification equipment, the components thereof and ancillary equipment, and associated operational software to which the operator gains access through a computer and which then presents to the operator a series of questions relevant to gas purification equipment and system requirements. The questions are such that the responses elicited from the operator for each question determine what the successive questions will be and what optimal components will be identified. The software and databases may be in memory on the computer, embodied on CDs or DVDs run by the computer, or accessed through the Internet.

Abstract: An analyte detector including a device having a surface, wherein the device is capable of detecting a charge adjacent to the surface. The surface includes a plurality of molecules bonded thereto, wherein the molecules have a structure (I): where R is a ligand bonded to the surface of the device and R1 is a spacer having 5 to 50 carbon atoms. The charge adjacent to the surface is created by the anionic complex of structure (I), and the number of anionic complex of structure (I) is dependent on the concentration of the analyte of interest. Methods for detecting an analyte are also disclosed, as well as systems using such analyte detectors.

Abstract: The invention features an electrode array (7) in which pairs of electrodes (1) are geometrically arranged so that the broadest faces of the exposed electrodes are not directly opposing to each other. Rather, the broadest facing surfaces of the electrodes in the array are parallel, adjacent, or offset at an angle. The electrode geometry of an electrode array of the invention permits electrodes to be in close proximity, thereby lowering series resistance, while minimizing the possibility for short circuits that can cause electrical leakage. An electrode array of the invention can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery, e.g., a lithium battery, a capacitor, a flow-through capacitor, or a fuel cell.

Abstract: In order to provide a step capable of reliably detecting a CO concentration in a reformed gas at low cost and a hydrogen purifier capable of fully exerting a function of a CO purifying catalyst, a gas concentration detector comprising a reaction chamber which has a catalyst layer and a gas temperature detector and capable of detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas by means of a signal of the temperature detector referring to a reformed gas passing along through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to generate surface plasmon enhanced radiation comprises a metal film having first and second surfaces, and one or more resonance configurations formed in the metal film. An exemplary resonance configuration includes an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces of the metal film, and at least one feature that forms a non-periodic structure together with the aperture. The feature causes a variation in a dielectric function along the first surface of the metal film proximate to the aperture, and the aperture and the feature are configured so as to cooperatively facilitate a resonance condition for surface plasmon enhanced radiation generated by the apparatus, based on incident radiation that irradiates the first surface of the metal film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules.

Abstract: Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate which may include microchannels or other features.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution has a reaction cell for receiving a sample, a titrant dropper for releasing one or more drops of titrant into the sample, a first photosensor for sensing disruptions of light for every drop of titrant released, and a controller that communicates with the photosensor and computes the concentration of the chemical agent based on the number of disruptions of light at the photosensor. The present invention also includes a method for sensing and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution. The method includes having a sample containing the chemical agent, triggering the release of a number of drops of titrant into the sample, detecting the number of drops released into the sample, and computing the concentration of the chemical agent in the sample based on the number of drops of titrant released into the sample.