Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for wastewater sampling in all climates. The wastewater sampling apparatus pulls a sample from a stream or other body of water based on flow or time maintaining a consistent, repeatable, and accurate sample size. The present invention includes an all-weather housing. An integrated touchscreen control provides the ability to specify the volumes of water and program times and/or flow intervals to collect samples. Controls also allow control of the temperature within the sample compartment, both from the unit directly or from an external device. The present invention includes arcuate sample chamber and pivoting sample tube for accurate wastewater volume samples. The present invention may pull samples with vertical lifts of up to 29 feet or more and provide consistent accurate sampling exceeding current EPA transport velocity.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device comprising a housing that comprises a viewing port, a means to provide illumination, and test tube wells so configured such that the observer views the test tubes from the side.

Abstract: A device which has a deliverable sensor, a container for receiving a liquid, a container environment and a signal processing circuit, the input side of which can be connected circuitry-wise to the sensor. The device is designed to perform a capacitive liquid level measurement in normal operation using the sensor, wherein a threshold value can be predefined for the signal processing circuit for normal operation. The device has a classification module which can be connected with an input side or line connection circuitry-wise to the sensor, is designed to make a capacitive measurement of the liquid in the container using the sensor and can be connected circuitry-wise to the signal processing circuit in order to trigger the specification of a threshold value using the sensor for capacitive measurement of the liquid.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a multi-channel pipettor, comprising: creating an access plan having a plurality of transfer blocks, each comprising a source access and a destination access, wherein the creating includes: reading of position lists which contain the positions of all source and destination containers and assigning source containers to destination containers; performing a transfer analysis in which the source or destination accesses and the movements of the pipetting head and/or the container holders are determined by forming the difference between the current channel position and the source position or the destination position on the two-dimensional plane; and performing a transfer optimization, whereby the source or destination accesses and the movements of the pipetting head respectively required for the source or destination accesses are sorted into the transfer blocks; and operating the multi-channel pipettor on the basis of the created access plan.

Abstract: A material sampling system for obtaining a plurality of substantially similar samples of granular material, such as grain or other crop material, from a load of granular material is provided. The system can include a sample extractor for obtaining a sample portion of granular material, a sample divider operative to divide the sample portion of granular material into a plurality of smaller samples of granular material in a plurality of sample containers and a sample transfer conduit for transferring the sample of granular material from the sample extractor to the sample divider. The sample portions can be taken at regular sample time intervals throughout the entire load of granular material to get an accurate representation of the granular material and information about the samples in the sample containers can be obtained by the system while it is obtaining the samples and this information stored for later use and display.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for analyzing excreta, wherein the system is configured to collect and analyze at least a portion of an excreta, wherein at least a portion of the system is configured to be embedded in an excreta disposal unit, and wherein the system comprises at least one electronic device. In a further embodiment, an analysis system for analyzing excreta, comprises a first portion configured to be connected to an excreta disposal unit and configured to collect at least a portion of an excreta, and a second portion configured to homogenize the at least a portion of the excreta collected by the first portion. In a further embodiment, an analysis system for analyzing excreta comprises a first portion of configured to be connected to an excreta disposal unit and configured to collect at least a portion of an excreta, and wherein the analysis system is configured to detect analyte from multiple users.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing and a mount. The housing includes a cover portion and a base portion. The cover portion and the base portion define an interior. The housing defines an opening via which the interior can be accessed from a region external to the housing. The mount is coupled to the base portion and configured to maintain a position of a fillable component within the interior of the housing such that an elastomeric membrane of the fillable component is aligned with the opening defined by the housing and a reservoir of the fillable component is accessible by a needle via the opening and the elastomeric membrane.

Abstract: A pipetting system is disclosed that includes a pipette head including a multichannel air displacement system for aspirating and dispensing liquids, a pipetting system base that includes a linear guide system along which the pipette head may be moved vertically with respect to the pipetting system base, and counterbalance means for counterbalancing at least a portion of a weight of the pipette head.

Abstract: A device for agitating and collecting biological liquid samples comprises an agitator of racks of tubes and a sampling apparatus capable of collecting a biological liquid sample in a tube. The device also comprises a scheduler arranged to specify an order of sampling from the tubes independently of the order in which the tubes are positioned in the respective racks and the order in which the racks are inserted into the device. The scheduler is arranged to control the agitator and the sampling apparatus to process the tubes in accordance with the sampling order.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for controlling a position of a sample in a liquid chromatography system. The apparatus includes a rotary drive mechanism, a stepper motor and a rotational coupling system such as a drive belt and pulley system. The rotational coupling system transfers the rotational motion of a motor shaft to a shaft of the rotary drive mechanism. Advantageously, the stepper motor is remote to the sample compartment for improved safety in the event that volatile gas accumulates within the sample compartment. The rotary drive mechanism can be configured in a small form factor and can provide highly stable rotation of an attached sample tray to accommodate the requirements of compact liquid chromatography systems. In addition, leakage from inside the sample compartment to the ambient environment is substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in better thermal control of the sample compartment.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus is provided which includes a member 401 fixed at a predetermined level which presses down the sample container sealed with the sealing plug that is floated from the rack due to friction between the probe and the sealing plug when pulling out the probe from the sample container sealed with the sealing plug, and a mechanism 402 that pushes down, toward the rack, the sample container sealed with the floated sealing plug in which the sample container sealed with the floated sealing plug is transported by the transport line, and disposed on a path of the transport line until re-inspection is performed after pulling out the probe from the sample container sealed with the sealing plug.

Abstract: Covers for microwells, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the liquids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate and comprise alignment adjusting members for adjusting the alignment of the cover with a microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: The objective is to improve the oil trapping rate of an oil separator. The oil separator separates gas and liquid in air containing oil, recovers liquid that contains oil. The oil separator is provided with an introduction port for introducing air, an oil trap for trapping oil contained in air, a reservoir for storing the liquid flowing out of the oil trap, and a discharge port for discharging air from which oil has been removed. The oil trap includes a glass fiber filter and an impingement member, which traps oil particles by causing the oil particles to strike the impingement member.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus for determining a measured value in a liquid medium, comprising at least a light transmitter, at least one light receiver assigned to the transmitter, a measuring chamber that can be filled with the medium, wherein an optical path runs through the measuring chamber from the transmitter to the receiver. The apparatus includes a dosing apparatus for dosing at least one reagent and/or the medium, and for inserting the dosed reagent and/or the medium into the measuring chamber. The dosing apparatus is designed as a tube, and the tube includes at least a first control point, wherein the volume in the tube from a starting point to a first control point defines the amount of reagent or medium to be inserted into the measuring chamber. The disclosure further includes the use of the apparatus and a method for dosing the reagent.

Abstract: A luminometer apparatus includes, inside a light-shielded room, a container rack loaded with holding containers, a dispensation mechanism that dispenses a liquid, a rotary plate that turns, while holding a plurality of reaction containers which accommodate a mixture liquid of a sample and a luminescent reagent on a concentric annular plate, and is provided with a gap allowing the container rack to pass therethrough between at least a pair of adjacent ones of the reaction containers, and a photodetection unit that performs luminescence measurements. The light-shielded room has an insertion opening having a width allowing for insertion of the container rack and provided to be openable and closable. The rotary plate is provided with a region in which the container rack can be installed inside a region of passage of the reaction containers, when turning, and is provided to be turnable where the light-shielded room is in a closed state.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a sensor within a volume constrained sensor compartment, which includes a cam path defined within the compartment, a cam follower mounted for movement throughout the cam path, a support assembly connected to the cam follower for carrying the sensor within the compartment as the cam follower moves throughout the cam path, and a flipper cam mounted for movement relative to the cam path between a first position permitting the cam follower to move within a left side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a left side of the compartment and a second position permitting the cam follower to move within a right side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a right side of the compartment.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of automated analyzers and relates to a method for transferring a liquid volume in an analyzer. This involves the tip of a pipetting needle touching a wall of a tilted reaction vessel during the dispensing of liquid.

Abstract: Covers for microwells, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the liquids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate and comprise alignment adjusting members for adjusting the alignment of the cover with a microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: A system for fluid dispensing control includes a fluid dispensing control device, a fluid dispenser, and a fluid flow meter, such that an intelligent parameterization of the dispensing system includes process variables, which characterize system behavior. The parameterization is used in convergence schemes for attaining defined fluid dispensing targets. Further, the parameterization is used to attain a consistent volumetric fluid dispensing by utilizing feedback controls. A fluid dispensing device includes a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a dispensing controller, a flow monitor, a parameterization manager, and a data bus. Also disclosed is a method for fluid dispensing control, including: a parameter sweep, logging system response data, processing response data, calculating system response function, calculating dispensing parameters, assessing intrinsic variation, determining variation band, controlling fluid dispense process response, and normalizing mass/volume fluid flow.

Abstract: A negative pressure storage container includes a container cover, a container body, a rotary device, a gear transmission mechanism and a vacuum pump so arranged that rotating the rotary device drives a driving gear of a transmission gear set of the gear transmission mechanism to rotate an eccentric wheel, causing a link to reciprocate a reciprocating piston of a vacuum pump in creating a negative pressure in the container body. When the negative pressure reaches a certain level, the bottom wall of a plastic inner cover member of the container cover is forced to curve and to carry the driving gear away from the rotary device; at this time, and thus, the rotary device runs idle at this time, preventing overloading the transmission gear set and prolonging the service life of the gear transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A specimen transfer device having high flexibility is implemented, where a specimen can be transferred between carriers purposed for different kinds of conveyance without decreasing processing speed for the specimen. A plurality of trays that can retain specimen carriers of a transfer destination is provided, and these trays can be freely grouped, and therefore, while a carrier is fed from a tray, a specimen is automatically executed to a carrier in a different tray.

Abstract: A dispensing unit that sucks and discharges a blood specimen via a nozzle. A liquid level-measuring unit that measures the liquid level height. A serum volume-estimating unit that estimates the volume of the serum separated in the blood specimen, on the basis of the total blood volume, said total blood volume corresponding to the volume of the blood specimen and having been derived from the liquid level height, and a hematocrit value. A residual volume-estimating unit that calculates the volume of the serum remaining after suction, on the basis of the serum volume estimated by the serum volume-estimating unit and the volume of the serum that is going to be sucked by the dispensing unit. A controller that controls the suction procedure of the dispensing unit so that the estimated residual volume is not less than the desired volume of the serum to be left in the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A device for collecting a sample and for depositing the sample in a sample-receiving port of a measuring apparatus comprises a first connection element (8) with three connections for fluid, and a second connection element (7), and a hollow needle (5) for collecting and depositing the sample. A first feed line (9) for a first washing liquid is connected via a first pump to a first connection for fluid of the first connection element (8). A second feed line (10) for a second washing liquid is connected via a second pump to a second connection for fluid of the first connection element (8). A connection for fluid of the second connection element (7) is connected to the third connection for fluid of the first connection element (8), and the second connection element (7) is connected to a dosing device (1) and to the hollow needle (5). A valve (2) is arranged between the third connection for fluid of the first connection element (8) and the second connection element (7).

Abstract: A medical imaging device is presented. The medical image device includes a detection unit and a housing unit that surrounds the detection unit. The housing unit has at least one casing shell. The at least one casing shell includes a netlike supporting structure unit and an elastic spring-mass unit. The netlike supporting structure unit is at least partially embedded within the elastic spring-mass unit.

Abstract: An instrument changing assembly includes a magazine having one or more probe assembly stations. The assembly further includes at least one probe change tool including a receptacle socket. One or more probe assemblies are retained within the one or more probe assembly stations. The one or more probe assemblies each include a probe receptacle including a probe retention recess and a common socket fitting configured for complementary fitting with a common receptacle socket. The probe change tool is configured to install or extract the respective probes from a mechanical testing instrument according to the complementary fit between the common socket fitting and the common receptacle socket of the probe assemblies. Alternatively, the instrument changing assembly includes an instrument array housing including a plurality of instruments. Each of the one or more instruments (probe and transducer combination) are deployed relative to the instrument array housing with an instrument deployment actuator.

Abstract: A compound sampling system has a guiding assembly extending along a sampling path and a shuttle unit having a displacement mechanism engageable to the guiding assembly and configured to displace the shuttle unit onto the guiding assembly. The shuttle unit also includes at least one sampling component configured to monitor a gaseous substance and collect sampling data relative to the compound in the gaseous substance. The sampling system further includes a control system in communication with the shuttle unit. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the displacement mechanism and controlling the displacement of the shuttle unit along the sampling path. A method of sampling a compound uses the sampling system.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods for dispensing fluids into microplates utilizing microwell covers, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the fluids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: A machine for preparing substances for intravenous application includes: an initial container reception zone, a final container reception zone and a substance transfer circuit which includes a set of substance extraction devices, each of which is connected to a flexible tube connected to a device for introducing a substance into the final container by means of a peristaltic pump. The initial container reception zone and the vector of extraction devices are capable of relative movement along a horizontal axis and/or the final container reception zone and the vector of introduction devices are capable of relative movement along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A main drive mechanism provided with a main motor drives a rack on a first main path and a rack on a second main path simultaneously in the forward direction or simultaneously in the reverse direction. The rack is sent along a first auxiliary path by a first auxiliary drive mechanism. Then the rack is further sent in the forward direction along the second main path by the main drive mechanism. Once the rack leaves the first receiving region, the first claw member of the first auxiliary drive mechanism is sent to a retraction position and the rack is driven by the main drive mechanism in the reverse direction. The first claw member is then sent to an engagement position on the first main transportation path, the main drive mechanism is driven for transport in the forward direction, and the rack and the first claw member engage each other.

Abstract: The present application provides a sample rack conveying apparatus, a sample rack conveying pipeline, and a sample rack conveying method. The sample rack conveying apparatus includes a track, a detector and dual-channel track switching areas. The detector provided at an outside of the analysis areas to detect whether there is a test tube or not. The dual-channel track switching areas are defined at two ends of the track and positions between every two analysis areas. The track includes an outer track and a parallel inner track. The inner track defines at least two analysis areas. The dual-channel track switching areas include two parallel connecting channels. The connecting channels are moved along a direction perpendicular to the track to transfer the tracks between the inner track and the outer track.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and sampling probes for chemically testing a liquid sample are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system generally includes a sample container for containing a liquid, wherein the liquid includes a chemical compound of interest and a reducing agent, and a non-corrosive sampling probe comprising a first channel for delivering a flow of gas to the liquid sample, and a second channel for purging sample fluid from the sample container, wherein at least a portion of the sampling probe is in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction system including a housing, motor, linkage assembly, and carriage coupled to the linkage. A piston assembly includes a piston housing with a chamber, back check valve, and piston coupled to the carriage and movable within the piston housing. The piston assembly includes a fluid inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber, and receives, compresses, and expels fluid into an exit fluid line. An intake manifold receives fluid and provides an inlet pathway to the fluid inlet. A single-pass flow path fluidly connects the exit fluid line and a collection chamber, extending through the exit fluid line, a compression chamber, a flow modulator assembly, and the collection chamber. The fluid extracts liquid from solid material within the compression chamber when at a minimum pressure within the compression chamber, passes through the flow modulator assembly and precipitates the extracted liquid into the collection chamber when below the minimum pressure.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system for an engine is provided. The exhaust sampling system may include a source of exhaust gas, an exhaust collection unit including at least one collection bag that selectively receives the exhaust gas, and a first sample probe in fluid communication with the source of exhaust gas that selectively supplies the at least one collection bag with the exhaust gas at an extraction rate. The exhaust sampling system may also include a controller that permits flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a first state and prevents flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a second state. The controller may control the extraction rate of the first sample probe based on a time during a test phase at which the engine is switched to an ON state.

Abstract: A rotating holder to invert Petri dishes by 180° and to loosen the bottom from the cover, which has two positions to accommodate Petri dishes. By inverting the rotating holder around a rotation axis, the Petri dishes are reversed and inverted in the two positions. Thus the bottom of the upper Petri dish will be lowered and be engaged by a gripper.

Abstract: A segmented sampling apparatus is designed to extract a sample from a source and deliver the sample to a collector for storage or analysis. The sample is extracted from the source at a sample withdrawal or extraction rate but is delivered to the collector at a faster rate. Air is injected into or drawn into the apparatus which allows for an expedited sample delivery rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluid. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a housing comprising a chamber, a dispensing device, and a nozzle system. The housing may be configured to receive the fluid. The housing may be configured to increase a tendency of the fluid to flow within the chamber. The dispensing device may be configured to move the fluid in the chamber towards an exit of the chamber such that the fluid is dispensed through the exit of the chamber. The nozzle system may be configured to control an exit pressure of the fluid that is dispensed through the nozzle system.

Abstract: A device for filling a flexible container and a method thereof are disclosed. The device may include a pressurizing chamber and an evacuation chamber. A first displacement piston is sealingly and slideably arranged within the pressurizing chamber to define an inner volume within the pressurizing chamber that is fluidly connected to a pressurizing conduit. A second displacement piston is sealingly and slideably arranged within the evacuation chamber to define an inner volume within the evacuation chamber that is fluidly connected to an evacuation conduit. A reservoir adapter is fluidly connected to the pressurizing conduit and connects to a liquid reservoir. A container adapter is fluidly connected to the evacuation conduit and connects with a flexible container. A transfer conduit is fluidly connected to the reservoir adapter and the container adapter. A valve fluidly connects the container adapter to the evacuation conduit or the transfer conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum storage container includes a container housing, a drawer mounted in the container housing and movable between a closed position and an open position, a rotary knob pivotally mounted in a door cover of the drawer, clockwork coupled to the rotary knob, a drive gear affixed to the rotary knob, a transmission gear set rotatable by the drive gear, an eccentric wheel rotatable by the transmission gear set, a pumping pump mounted in the drawer and coupled to the eccentric wheel for creating a vacuum in the container housing, an ejection mechanism adapted for ejecting the drawer out of the container housing, and an operating member control mechanism adapted for locking the drawer to the container housing and operable to unlock the drawer for enabling the drawer to be ejected out of the container housing by the ejection mechanism.

Abstract: A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.

Abstract: A method in a fraction collector for accurate positioning of a dispensing device with respect to wells of a micro plate in which prior to the dispensing a sensing device is moved over the micro plate the sensing device being able to detect the number of walls between the wells in the rows and columns of the micro plate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a prescribed product in a Petri dish, the device comprising pistons, a transfer member with lid-bearing openings and a dish bottom, and a dispensor. According to the disclosure, the transfer member is a shuttle capable of translation relative to the base according to a direct reciprocating movement of the bearing openings between either of first and second stop positions, the dispensor being arranged so as to dispense the product above the inner opening and under the upper opening at the bottom of the dish when the openings are in a position selected from the first and second stop positions.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing line may include a continuous conveyor, one or more micro-ingredient dosers positioned about the continuous conveyor, and one or more macro-ingredient stations positioned along the continuous conveyor.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a resealable stopper or portion and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the resealable portion and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A filling member is moved into engagement with the resealable portion to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the resealable portion and inject the substance through the filling member and into the chamber of the container. Energy is then transmitted onto the stopper to hermetically re-seal the penetration in the resealable portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers having stoppers that are penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and thermally resealable for thermally sealing the resulting hole. A container support supports at least one such container in a substantially fixed position during filling and resealing. A manifold drivingly mounted over the container support comprises (1) a cartridge including a filling needle for penetrating the resealable stopper and introducing a substance therethrough into the container, a mount for mounting the cartridge on the manifold, and a removable cover releasably coupled to the mount for covering the filling needle during transportation, installation and/or removal of the cartridge from the manifold. The manifold includes a thermal source for heating a penetrated region of the stopper and, sealing the hole.

Abstract: In a preferred implementation, an automated pharmacy admixture system (APAS) prepares intermediary IV bags as drug sources for creating highly diluted patient doses in syringes. During the compounding process the APAS may align needles with a vial seal opening so as to ensure repeated entry through the same vial puncture site via precise control of needle position, needle bevel orientation, and needle entry speed. These techniques can in certain implementations substantially improve bung pressure sealing and reduced particulate generation. The APAS optionally creates drug order queues for incoming drug orders wherein the orders can be sorted by priority, drug type or patient location. A phantom queue can be combined with the incoming drug order queues to include frequently used medicaments to minimize operator loading of the APAS.

Abstract: A device for aspirating sample media into a pipette for use in a micro-manipulation procedure includes a ring member having an opening sized for receiving a digit of an operator, and an aspirating bulb engaged with the ring member. The aspirating bulb has an open end sized for receiving an end of the pipette, and includes a compressible chamber capable of creating a suction force suitable for aspirating the sample media into the pipette. The aspirating bulb is oriented along the ring member such that the chamber is compressible by a digit on the same hand of the operator as the digit receivable in the ring member.

Abstract: A device for positioning a component thereof along x- and y-axes of the device is provided. The device includes first and second motors, a carriage containing the component to be positioned, a lead screw to position the carriage along a first axis of the device, and a keyed shaft to position component to be positioned along a second axis of the device. The first motor drives the lead screw and the second motor drives the flatted shaft. In some embodiments described herein, the flatted shaft turns a first pulley, which is connected to a second pulley by a belt. The component to be positioned is attached to the belt and moves along a second axis of the device as the belt moves.