Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: An imperfection in a seal of an envelope can be identified. The envelope is moved laterally, and a positive flow of air is delivered to a leading edge of a top flap of the envelope to separate the top flap from a bottom flap or a side flap of the envelope at the imperfection in the seal of the envelope. Based on the separation of the top flap from the bottom flap or the side flap of the envelope, it can be determined whether the seal has the imperfection.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, apparatus including a position sensitive layer configured for position sensitivity; and a superliquidphobic layer configured for superliquidphobicity, the superliquidphobic layer positioned with a surface proximal to a surface of the position sensitive layer; wherein the position sensitive layer is configured to detect the position of a liquid droplet situated on a surface of the superliquidphobic layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a falling piston viscometer which includes a measuring bushing and a piston configured to be slidably receivable inside the measuring bushing. The circumferential edge of a first section of the piston in the described falling piston assembly is modified to allow for decreased friction and sensitivity.

Abstract: An alcohol detector for detecting high concentrations of alcohol in a fuel tank and for providing evidence that the alcohol was present even after it has been removed. In one aspect, the alcohol detector includes a cathode and an anode of different materials and spaced from one another. The anode experiences galvanic corrosion at a faster rate when exposed to high concentrations of alcohol than it does when exposed to unleaded gasoline. Thus, the amount of corrosion present on the anode provides evidence of the past presence of an improper fuel in the fuel tank. In another aspect, the alcohol detector is a dye printed on a fuel pump. The dye visually changes color intensity in the presence of high concentrations of alcohol to provide evidence of the past presence of alcohol.

Abstract: A method and an automated system for discriminating bulk liquid from foam and/or residuals of the bulk liquid of a sample contained in a sample vessel are presented. A probe having an electric capacitance is provided and moved into the sample. Consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe to generate a discharging current is repeatedly performed. A quantity indicative of the discharging current for the consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe is measured. The quantity is analyzed to determine an electric resistance (Rmess) of the sample via the probe. The bulk liquid is discriminated from the foam and/or the residuals of the bulk liquid based on a change of the electric resistance (Rmess) of the sample occurring when the probe contacts the bulk liquid.

Abstract: A sensor device may be configured to detect a level of liquid, a concentration of a specific substance included in the liquid, and a temperature of the liquid. The sensor device may comprise a substrate, a level electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the level, an electrode for liquid quality configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the concentration, a temperature electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and detect the temperature, and a reference electrode configured to be disposed on the substrate and maintain a reference electric potential. The reference electrode may be disposed at least between two of the level electrode, the electrode for liquid quality and the temperature electrode.

Abstract: Various medical systems and methods are described, including a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system can have a fluid system configured to receive bodily fluid and optically analyze said fluid to determine analyte concentration. The fluid system can have a removable portion. The removable portion can have an opening with a port. The system can also have a container configured to contain anticoagulant. The container can have a portion configured to mate with the port of the removable portion. The container can be further configured to not fit into a conventional luer fitting. An anti-coagulant insertion apparatus is also described. The apparatus can have a syringe, a dock with a port, and an adapter configured to connect the syringe to the port. The dock can also have a tab configured to move with the port.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample processing section configured to perform a process on a sample; and a controller configured to execute an order defining a process to be performed on a sample and to cause the sample processing section to perform the process on the sample according to the order. When the controller receives an instruction to perform a shutdown operation, the controller performs the following operations comprising: prohibiting the execution of the shutdown operation if an unexecuted order remains; and causing the sample processing section to perform the shutdown operation if there is no unexecuted order.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, the embodiment provides a method for determining a size of an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a connector for electrically connecting to an external apparatus, and a supporting plate for supporting a back surface of the external apparatus. The method includes determining a minimal length of the electronic apparatus by balancing moment of forces on a first fulcrum according to a first acting force, a gravity of the external apparatus and a length of the external apparatus in a condition that the external apparatus does not rotate with respect to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A system for airflow testing a turbine engine component having multiple cavities has a test fixture with a module for supporting a turbine engine component to be tested and a sliding element for sequentially allowing a pressurized fluid to flow through each of the multiple cavities in the turbine engine component. A method for performing the airflow testing is also described.

Abstract: In a condition where an engine is running, a fuel injector injects no fuel, and a fuel pump discharges no fuel so that a fuel pressure in a common-rail is kept constant, an ECU computes an actual torque based on a current engine speed and determines whether the actual torque is increased or decreased relative to a predetermined reference torque. Moreover, in the same condition as above, a fuel pressure in the common-rail is detected. Based on variations of the actual torque and the fuel pressure in the common-rail, the ECU determines whether an abnormality occurs and identifies a type of the abnormality.

Abstract: A test bench for motor vehicles and/or axles of motor vehicles for simulating gyroscopic torques of a rotating wheel includes a wheel replacement system connected to an axle of the motor vehicle. The wheel replacement system includes a wheel replacement mass and a driver for driving the wheel replacement mass. The test bench also includes an arrangement for applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements in a longitudinal, lateral and/or vertical direction to the motor vehicle and/or axles of the motor vehicle. The driver is configured to set the wheel replacement mass in rotation. The arrangement for applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements is configured to generate a gyroscopic torque of the wheel replacement mass which is set in rotation, by applying testing forces, testing torques and testing movements in the longitudinal, lateral and/or vertical direction to the motor vehicle and/or the axles of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting the operative condition of a latch for a door of a motor-vehicle, comprises a magnetic field generating element adapted to generate a magnetic field which is associated to the operative condition of latch; a support which defines a housing for magnetic field generating element; and a sensor magnetically coupled with magnetic field generating element and adapted to sense said magnetic field. The generating element is snap-fitted to said housing.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of providing a sensor, in a transducer subassembly, having a backing (1) coupled to a housing (7) without bonding the sensor to the housing such that the sensor is effectively mechanically decoupled from the housing except for longitudinal waves traveling through the front face of the transducer subassembly. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal flow rate sensor is provided which includes a main flow path through which a fluid flows, and a sensor flow path that branches off from the main flow path so as to cause the fluid to flow in a split flow and that is provided with a flow rate detecting mechanism configured to detect a flow rate of the fluid. The flow rate detecting mechanism includes an upstream-side coil and a downstream-side coil, each configured by using a heat-generating resistance wire wound around a sensor flow pipe forming the sensor flow path. A peak position of a temperature distribution generated in the sensor flow path by the upstream-side coil and the downstream-side coil is positioned on the upstream-side coil side relative to the middle position between the upstream-side coil and the downstream-side coil on the sensor flow path.

Abstract: A method for detecting the filling level in a motor vehicle. A device for ascertaining the tank filling level value of moving vehicles, including at least one tank, at least one filling level sensor, at least one control unit and at least one pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to A sensor end module, comprising: a sensor cap having a first connecting element and a sensorially active element for contact with a medium; and a memory module, comprising: a housing having a second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element enters into a shape- and/or force interlocking connection with the first connecting element; a memory element, wherein the memory element contains information concerning the sensorially active element the memory element is arranged in or on the housing; a first communication interface for sending and/or receiving information and/or data, and wherein the first communication interface is in electrical contact with the memory element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sensor and a measuring system.

Abstract: A system for detecting an error in an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is disclosed. The system may have a first IMU including a first plurality of accelerometers and a first rotational rate measurer. The first plurality of accelerometers may be configured to measure acceleration along a plurality of first axes, a first axis of the plurality of first axes being substantially collinear with a collinear axis. The first rotational rate measurer may be configured to measure a first rotational rate about a second axis of the plurality of first axes that is substantially perpendicular to the collinear axis. The system may also have a second IMU and an IMU error detector. The IMU error detector may be configured to receive measurement data from the first IMU and the second IMU; and detect an error based on the measurement data.

Abstract: A reading circuit of a gyroscope is provided. The reading circuit includes a driving unit, a high pass filter, a signal processing unit, and a low pass filter. The driving unit generates a resonance signal for a resonator of the gyroscope and generates a demodulation signal for the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit provides a modulation signal to a Coriolis accelerometer of the gyroscope. An input terminal of the high pass filter receives an output signal of the Coriolis accelerometer. The signal processing unit processes and demodulates an output of the high pass filter according to the demodulation signal and outputs a demodulation result to the low pass filter.

Abstract: A micro-gyroscope for determining a rate of rotation about a Z-axis includes a substrate and two sensor devices each of which comprises at least one drive mass, at least one anchor, drive elements, at least one sensor mass and sensor elements. The drive mass is mounted linearly displaceably in the direction of an X-axis, and can be driven in an oscillatory manner with respect to the X-axis. The sensor mass is coupled to the drive mass by means of springs. The sensor mass is displaceable in the Y-direction, and sensor elements detects a deflection of the sensor mass in the Y-axis. The two sensor devices are disposed parallel to each other and one above the other in the direction of the Z-axis, and the drive mass in these two sensor devices are coupled to each other by means of a coupling spring.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a gyro sensor drive circuit, a gyro sensor system, and a method for driving a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor drive circuit includes: a drive signal generating unit receiving a signal converted from an output signal of a gyro sensor to generate a drive signal to be applied to the gyro sensor; a resonance determining unit receiving the output signal of the gyro sensor, a demodulation signal for demodulating the output signal, or the drive signal to determine whether or not the gyro sensor resonates; and a start signal applying unit allowing the drive signal to be applied to the gyro sensor when it is determined that the gyro sensor resonates and allowing a start-up signal capable of generating resonance of the gyro sensor to be applied to the gyro sensor when it is determined that the gyro sensor does not resonate.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes a back plate; at least one back plate electrode coupled to the back plate; a proof of mass with the proof of mass elastically coupled to the back plate; and a proof of mass electrode coupled to the proof of mass. Movement of the sensor causes a capacitance between the proof of mass electrode and the at least one back plate electrode to vary and the capacitance represents a magnitude of the movement of the sensor.

Abstract: An inertial force sensor includes a substrate, a transducer disposed on the substrate, and a wiring trace disposed on the substrate and connected with the transducer. The wiring trace includes a lower electrode layer on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer on the lower electrode layer, a capacitance-reducing layer on the piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer on the capacitance-reducing layer. The capacitance-reducing layer has a relative dielectric constant smaller than that of the first piezoelectric layer. This inertial force sensor can improve a noise level.

Abstract: A system is provided in one embodiment for real-time detection of an object in a fluid without interfering with fluid flow. The system may include a sensor element coupled to a fluid passage, which can transmit energy substantially parallel to the flow direction of a fluid in the fluid passage and receive energy reflected from an incident object in the fluid. Reflected energy can also be analyzed as a function of object size and material such that an object can be classified or characterized through appropriate signal analysis. A method is provided in another embodiment for detecting an object in a fluid passage. The method may include transmitting ultrasonic energy through an interface membrane into the fluid and receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from the object. A pressure change in the reflected ultrasonic energy may be measured and converted to a signal for an output device.

Abstract: A resonant device with piezoresistive detection includes a resonator connected elastically to the support of the device. The device includes: a support; a suspended resonator, which moves parallel to the plane of the support; means for actuating the resonator; and means for detecting the movement, including at least one piezoresistive gauge. The resonator is anchored to the support through at least one flexurally elastic element, to enable the threshold where a non-linear displacement regime appears to be raised. The device can be manufactured by a surface technology, and applies notably to resonant mass sensors.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an ultrasonic flaw detection device is provided with: an ultrasonic probe, which applies ultrasonic waves, by driving a plurality of ultrasonic elements, to a test object to be inspected, and which receives reflected ultrasonic waves from the test object; and an analysis unit, which analyzes the signals of the reflected ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic probe, and which calculates the flaw detection results. The analysis unit calculates the flaw detection results using an ultrasonic wave propagation path obtained on the basis of the surface information of the test object having the ultrasonic waves applied thereto, thereby obtaining highly accurate detection results even the surface of the test object is formed in complex shape.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an internal defect inspection method and an apparatus for implementing the method by which an ultrasonic wave is excited in a sample without contact with the sample and accordingly without damaging the sample, and an ultrasonic wave from any internal defect of the sample is detected without being affected by the sample surface, in a non-contact state and with high sensitivity. By the internal defect inspection method, an ultrasonic wave is emitted from an ultrasonic wave transmitter toward a sample, an ultrasonic wave reflected by the sample is detected as an interference signal with an imaging type common-path interferometer, an ultrasonic wave signal is obtained from the interference signal, and any defect within the sample is detected from the ultrasonic wave signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer and manufacturing method thereof is provided. A multifunction device including a plurality of the capacitive transducers is also provided, where the capacitive transducers are disposed on a substrate and include at least one microphone and at least one pressure sensor or ultrasonic device.

Abstract: A transducer device includes first and second resonant elements and a common coupling cavity. The first resonant element includes a first membrane arranged over a first cavity in a substrate and a first transducer structure stacked on the first membrane. The second resonant element includes a second membrane arranged over a second cavity in the substrate. The common coupling cavity is configured to couple acoustic signals from the first and second resonant elements.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include an acoustic sensor having piezoelectric material housed in a cartridge and sealed with a solid nonporous stainless steel cover. The systems include additional elements to tune the performance of the acoustic sensor for measuring shockwaves on the surface of an aircraft, such as a helicopter. In particular, the system includes several vibration isolating elements including foam pads and O-rings disposed between the cartridge and the cover for isolating the piezoelectric material from aircraft vibration and turbulence. Additionally, the systems and methods include circuitry for converting analog electrical signals generated by the piezoelectric material, in response to acoustic signals, to digital electrical signals.

Abstract: Provided is a technique capable of changing resolution or an imaging area during imaging, in an acoustic wave acquiring apparatus using a Fabry-Perot probe. An acoustic wave acquiring apparatus includes a measurement light source emitting measurement light, a probe having a Fabry-Perot interferometer including a first mirror, upon the side of which the measurement light is incident, and a second mirror, upon the side of which an elastic wave from an object is incident, an optical system changing a beam diameter of the measurement light, a controller controlling change in the beam diameter performed by the optical system, a photosensor measuring a light intensity of the measurement light reflected on the Fabry-Perot interferometer, and a processor acquiring intensity of the elastic wave on the basis of change in the light intensity measured by the photosensor due to incidence of the elastic wave.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus is used that comprises a light source capable of irradiating light onto an object from a plurality of directions, a detector that detects acoustic waves generated by the object irradiated with light, a calculator that calculates object information from detected acoustic waves, and a generator that generates image data from the object information. The calculator calculates a plurality of object information pieces corresponding to irradiation in respective directions on the basis of acoustic waves at a time of irradiation of light at dissimilar timings from the plurality of directions. The generator selects, for each region and according to a predetermined criterion, image data of increased contrast in a case where a plurality of image data items on the object are generated on the basis of the plurality of object information pieces, and generates image data by combining the image data selected in each region.

Abstract: A photoacoustic wave measuring apparatus, having: a probe including a plurality of devices which detect an acoustic wave generated by irradiating light onto an object; and a signal processor which acquires information about the object on the basis of an acoustic wave received by the devices, wherein the light is irradiated onto the object from the probe side; the probe includes: bright-field devices having a view angle covering a bright-field illumination area, which is an area where the light is irradiated, on the probe-side surface of the object; and dark-field devices having a field of view which does not cover the bright-field illumination area; and the signal processor uses an acoustic wave received by the dark-field devices when acquiring information about the object on the basis of a acoustic wave received before a predetermined time period is elapsed since the irradiation of light onto the object.

Abstract: A co-planar differential pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a base having a pair of recesses. A pair of pedestals is also provided where each pedestal is disposed in a respective recess and is coupled to a respective isolation diaphragm. A differential pressure sensor has a sensing diaphragm and a pair of pressure sensing ports. Each port of the differential pressure sensor is fluidically coupled to a respective isolation diaphragm by a fill fluid. The module also includes circuitry coupled to the differential pressure sensor to measure an electrical characteristic of the sensor that varies with differential pressure. The base is constructed from a material that is suitable for submersion in seawater. A method of constructing a co-planar differential pressure sensor module is also provided. In another embodiment, a pressure sensor module is provided. The pressure sensor module includes a base having a recess. A pedestal is disposed in the recess and is coupled to an isolation diaphragm.

Abstract: A digital pressure gauge is configured for coupling with an external fluid pipe, and includes a housing, a pressure sensing unit, a battery seat and a cover. The housing includes an inlet for coupling with the external fluid pipe to permit flow of fluid from the external fluid pipe into the housing. The pressure sensing unit is operable to sense fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the inlet. The battery seat is disposed in the housing for receiving a battery. The housing is formed with an opening registered with the battery seat to permit placement of the battery in and removal of the battery from the battery seat through the opening. The cover is removably attached to the housing.

Abstract: A pin and circuit board assembly includes at least three pins (24?, 24?). Each pin includes a first end (35) and a second end (37). All of the first ends of the pins are arranged on a common plane. The second ends of at least two of the pins are disposed on the common plane and a second end of at least one of the pins, other than the two pins, are disposed on a second plane that is offset from the common plane. The second end of each pin is spaced apart from a second end of another pin substantially at an angle of 360/N, where N is the total number of pins. A printed circuit board (22?) includes at least three pin holes (28?, 28?), each arranged to receive a second end of an associated pin in a press-fit arrangement. The assembly avoids tilting of the PCB upon inserting the pins.

Abstract: A housing part for a strain sensor is described. The strain sensor includes at least one sensor element. The housing part includes an interior space for receiving the sensor element. The housing part includes a contract layer of electrically conducting material produced by way of thick film technology, the contact layer being intended for realization of an electrical feedthrough from the interior space to the outside.

Abstract: A mass flow measuring or controlling device having a base body, a flow channel and a sensor module which comprises a sensor element and which can be coupled to an electronic unit, the flow channel having a measuring channel section which is in fluidic contact with the sensor element is characterized in that the sensor module comprises a sensor support part and a stabilizing element for stabilizing the sensor support part in the region of the measuring channel section.

Abstract: A method for monitoring oscillation characteristics in a Coriolis, flow measuring device and to a correspondingly formed, Coriolis, flow measuring device in the case of which an excited oscillatory system is simulated with a digital model, which has at least one fittable parameter. The simulating includes, in such case, excitating the digital model in the same manner as the oscillatory system, calculating a simulation response variable of the simulated oscillations according to the digital model, and, performed over a plurality of signal modulations, iterative conforming of the at least one, fittable parameter in such a manner that the simulation response variable interatively approaches the response variable. Furthermore, it is ascertained whether a corresponding limit value is exceeded by the at least one, interatively ascertained parameter value for the at least one, fittable parameter or by at least one variable derived from the at least one, iteratively ascertained parameter value.

Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a structure attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the structure and is configured to measure movement of the structure to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A force sensor includes: a planar piezoelectric member whose impedance varies according to an impressing force exerted from an outside; a pair of electrode patterns film-formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric member; a wiring pattern that is film-formed integrally with the pair of electrode patterns, and connected to the pair of electrode patterns; a power feeding side coil that is provided without contact with the pair of electrode patterns, and connected to an alternating-current source; and a detector that detects variation in impedance of the piezoelectric member, as the impressing force, wherein at least a part or the entirety of one electrode pattern between the pair of electrode patterns is formed volutely extending from the wiring pattern, and is a coil pattern electromagnetically coupled with the power feeding side coil.

Abstract: A device for measuring the torque, the direction of rotation, and the speed of rotation of a shaft of a transmission, in particular an output shaft of an azimuth transmission, includes bands configured to be mounted in a fixed position on an outer circumference of the shaft. The bands are configured to be detected by measuring sensors and allow torsion of the shaft to be measured. Each of the measuring sensors has a Hall effect sensor, and the bands are respectively arranged at two different positions on the outer circumference of the shaft. Each of the bands includes polygonal apertures and/or depressions having webs located between the apertures and/or depressions. The webs are configured to be detected by the measuring sensors. A method includes operating the device to measure the torque, the direction of rotation, and the speed of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a driving rod, a driving body connected fixedly to the driving rod, and a driving block extending from the driving body and having two opposite pushing surfaces, a driven body permitting the driving body to rotate relative thereto as a result of application of a torque to the driving rod, a driven rod extending from the driven body, and a block-receiving groove formed in the driven body. A first measuring module is connected to the driving block. A second measuring module is connected to the driven body, and cooperates with the first measuring module so as to measure the torque. Two resilient members flank the driving block. Each of the resilient members is disposed between and abuts against the corresponding pushing surface and the driven body.

Abstract: A solenoid force measurement system includes: a first plate having an opening for receiving a solenoid; a second plate separated from the first plate by an air-gap; a force detection unit located within the second plate for measuring a force exerted by the solenoid; a height control device coupled to the second plate the height control device configured to adjust the size of the air-gap.

Abstract: There is described a duct detector and components for duct detectors. In one form the duct detector includes: a port unit and detector unit. The port unit is mountable to a duct in use so as to position one or more ports in the duct. The detector unit includes a detection region. The port unit and detector unit are reconfigurable between a close coupled configuration and a separated configuration in which the units are mountable with a variable separation between them and coupled by one or more elongate conduits to provide fluid communication between the units.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.