Abstract: A method of making sampling tubes containing culture growth media by loading the sample tubes containing culture media into a tray that holds the sample tubes, placing the sample tube trays into a rack with shelving to hold the trays and tubes at a predetermined angle, and sterilizing and cooling the sample tubes in an autoclave or inspissator. The culture growth media solidifies at the predetermined slant angle and the sample tube trays are loaded into the packaging box used for shipment. The trays are subsequently used by the end user for processing microbial growth, including storing and collecting data about microbial samples.

Abstract: A gas measurement system includes a sensor element and an associated electronic control unit (ECU) or the like connected thereto for receiving sensor element emf outputs. The ECU is configured to provide output signals or parameters indicative of ammonia and heavy HC gas concentrations. The sensor element has an NH3 sensor electrode output and a NOx sensor electrode output. The information conveyed by the NOx sensor electrode output may be selectively used by the ECU, in accord with so-called emf selection rules, to correct for a cross-interference effect that NO2 has on the NH3 electrode. Heavy HC gas concentrations may cause electrochemical activity on the NH3 electrode, and can be misinterpreted. A further emf selection rule is configured to detect the presence of heavy HC gas and is used by the ECU to suppress an output signal or parameter indicative of an ammonia gas concentration.

Abstract: A single-cell sensor element is configured for ammonia gas sensing. The sensor includes an electrolyte layer, an NH3 sensing electrode and a NOx sensing electrode. The NH3 sensing electrode is sensitive to NH3 but is also vulnerable to cross-interference from NO2. To directly correct for this cross-interference, a second (NOx) electrode is provided and is used in a differential connection arrangement with the NH3 sensing electrode. The NOx sensing electrode has a first electrochemical sensitivity to NO2 that is greater than second and third electrochemical sensitivities to NH3 and NO, respectively. The NOx sensing electrode may have low or no sensitivity to NH3 or NO. The sensor element also includes first and second electrical leads respectively connected to the NH3 and NOx sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A method of making sampling tubes containing culture growth media by loading the sample tubes containing culture media into a tray that holds the sample tubes, placing the sample tube trays into a rack with shelving to hold the trays and tubes at a predetermined angle, and sterilizing and cooling the sample tubes in an autoclave or inspissator. The culture growth media solidifies at the predetermined slant angle and the sample tube trays are loaded into the packaging box used for shipment. The trays are subsequently used by the end user for processing microbial growth, including storing and collecting data about microbial samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling the flow of a fluid is disclosed which includes a frame having first and second opposite sides, a plurality of flexible hollow tubular shaped elements positioned so as to extend between the first and second sides of the frame, and a mechanism connected to at least the first side of the frame for compressing opposite lateral edges of the first and second sheets of the flexible elements towards and away from one another so as to flex the first and second sheets of each of the flexible elements towards and away from each other and thus adjust fluid flow spacings between neighboring flexible elements. The method of controlling the flow of the gas includes the step of flowing the fluid between neighboring hollow tubular elements and biasing the first and second splines towards one another so as to flex the sheets of the tubular elements away from one another and towards neighboring tubular elements so as to adjust the opening between the neighboring tubular elements.