Abstract: A thermal module with a heat pipe configured on a first portion having a constant cross-section thickness and a tapered second end configured for contact with a fin stack. The heat pipe is tapered along a length of the second portion such that the cross-section thickness of the heat pipe decreases toward the end of the heat pipe. A fin stack coupled to the tapered portion comprises a plurality of fins of different heights, wherein the fin heights increase such that the combined fin height and heat pipe cross-section thickness remains approximately constant over the width of the fin stack. The tapered heat pipe and fin stack with fins with increasing fin heights provide increased cooling and decreased airflow impedance through the fin stack.

Abstract: An electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device includes a first substrate assembly and a second substrate assembly spaced apart to define a channel between them; an input port in fluid communication with the channel, the input port defining an input well for receiving a fluid for inputting into the channel; and a control port in fluid communication with the channel, the control port defining a control well for receiving a fluid and having a seal that seals the control port in a sealed state in which fluid is restricted from entering the control well from the channel. When the seal is pierced, the control port is placed in an unsealed state permitting fluid to enter the control well from the channel. The electrowetting force may be manipulated to remove the dispensed droplets via an exit port. Multiple cycles of fluid input/droplet manipulation/fluid extraction may be repeated to perform complex reaction protocols.

Abstract: An inverted microwell provides rapid and efficient microanalysis system and method for screening of biological particles, particularly functional analysis of cells on a single cell basis. The use of an inverted open microwell system permits identification of particles, cells, and biomolecules that may be combined to produce a desired functional effect also functional screening of secreted antibody therapeutic activity as well as the potential to recover cells and fluid, and optionally expand cells, such as antibody secreting cells, within the same microwell.

Abstract: High throughput system for in vivo screens on vertebrate larvae. The system includes a source of vertebrate larvae in a liquid medium and loading tube means for aspirating a larva. A detector assembly is provided to differentiate passage of a larva from bubbles and/or debris. An imaging means is provided for both confocal imaging and wide-field fluorescence imaging of the larva. A laser is provided for optical manipulation of the larva.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a frame, a stage coupled to the frame; at least one liquid crystal dispenser moveably coupled the frame over the stage, and at least one measurement member operatively coupled to the liquid crystal dispenser, wherein the at least measurement member detecting an amount of liquid crystal material dispensed from the at least one liquid crystal dispenser.

Abstract: A multi-column packing system and packed bed assessment system for producing small bore LC columns of superior quality, improved column-to-column reproducibility, and lower cost than current commercially available columns. The process utilizes an automated multi-column packing system with an integrated sensor that detects when the slurry-packed bed has reached the desired length. The optical packed bed assessment system examines the packed bed within the column and detects any packing inconsistencies or voids within the column. The multi-column packing system makes automated connections to tubes via an automated compression mechanism.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus facilitating detection of vapor within liquid crystal material, facilitating removal of residual liquid crystal material, and facilitating precise control of predetermined dispensing positions and dispensing amounts includes a container containing liquid crystal material, a discharge pump drawing in and discharging liquid crystal material, and a nozzle dispensing liquid crystal material, discharged from the discharge pump, onto a substrate. The discharge pump includes a case, a window at a lower portion of the case, a cylinder within the case, a piston rotatably arranged within the cylinder and having a groove for drawing in and discharging liquid crystal material, and a suction opening and a discharge opening through which liquid crystal material is drawn into and discharged from with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: A leakage detection apparatus and method for a multi-channel inkjet cartridge. The leakage detection apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes and a controller. Each of the electrodes is disposed in one of channels of the inkjet cartridge respectively, and contacts a reagent in the corresponding channel. The controller is coupled to the electrodes, and detects leakage between channels.

Abstract: Under a reduced-pressure environment, stopping at will liquid that flows out from a nozzle tip, or dispensing liquid with the level of energy at which it will not splatter has proven difficult. To address such difficulties, parameters including nozzle bore, and surface tension and viscosity of, and delivery pressure on, a liquid are selected so that the surface tension that acts on the liquid when flowing out from the nozzle tip will be greater than the momentum of the liquid. By dispensing liquid under such conditions, outflow of the liquid is reliably controlled, and rapid infusion work is realized.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the dispensing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting fluid fractions. The present apparatus includes an inlet, a channel, a plurality of collectors, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the collectors and the outlet through the channel. The collectors are disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method for collecting the fluid fractions comprises two steps. First step, injecting the fluid in to the inlet for guiding the fluid to the outlet along the channel, wherein the fluid fills the collectors one by one due to the capillary attraction when passing through the collectors, and flows to the outlet after the collectors having been filled. Second step, injecting pressurized gas into the channel to drain the fluid fractions from fill the collectors respectively to a plurality of corresponding containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting fluid fractions are provided. The present apparatus includes an inlet, a channel, a plurality of collectors, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the collectors and the outlet through the channel. The collectors are disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method for collecting the fluid fractions comprises two steps. First step, injecting the fluid in to the inlet for guiding the fluid to the outlet along the channel, wherein the fluid fills the collectors one by one due to the capillary attraction when passing through the collectors, and flows to the outlet after the collectors having been filled. Second step, injecting pressurized gas into the channel to drain the fluid fractions from fill the collectors respectively to a plurality of corresponding containers.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A device for dispenses a liquid active substance into the flushing water of a toilet bowl. The device has a supply container provided with an opening on the underside and is filled with the liquid active substance. This supply container is retained in a carrying body which can be fixed on a rim of the toilet bowl. Retained on the underside of the carrying body is a distributor plate, which can be reached by the flushing water and has capillary channels. These capillary channels are connected to the opening of the supply container via distributor channels. The distributor channels here are branched and are each connected to a plurality of capillary channels.

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Abstract: Sample processing devices with electrophoresis channels and methods of loading the electrophoresis channels with electrophoresis sieving polymer while rotating the sample processing device are disclosed. In some instances, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation of the sample processing device. In other sample processing devices, the electrophoresis channels may be arranged in curved arcs that are concentric about the center of the sample processing device (which preferably corresponds to the axis of rotation).

Abstract: An automated sample-on-solid-support processing system includes a treatment solution supply subsystem which feeds solvent to a dispenser to dispense a measured amount of treatment solution to each well of a multi-well plate. The dispenser measures the solution within a fill container having a plurality of reservoir wells corresponding to the number of wells in the multi-well plate. The fill container is contained within a reservoir chamber that is filled with an excess of solution. Each reservoir well is surrounded by a plurality of bores which drains excess solution from the top of the fill container so that a precise amount of solution is left in the reservoir wells when solution is drained out of the reservoir chamber. Gas pressure is introduced into the reservoir chamber to force the solution out of the reservoir well through a bundle of tubes, with one tube per well, and into the wells of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: A filler unit for automatically topping up a battery cell (14) includes a float vessel (16) for containing the liquid to be dispensed and a float valve assembly (34) for establishing a predetermined substantially constant head of liquid in the vessel (16). A baffle plate (40A) in the vessel (16) is spaced sufficiently close to a wall of the vessel (16) to define a capillary passage between the wall and the baffle plate (40A), with at least that surface of the baffle plate (40A) which defines the capillary passage being hydrophilic. In use, the replenishment water is able to flow from the vessel (16) to the cell (14) under gravity along a flowpath until such time as the water level in the cell (14) has risen to a desired level. This creates a pressure equilibrium in the flowpath which causes the flow from the vessel (16) to the cell (14) to cease automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.

Abstract: An automated electrophoretic system is disclosed. The system employs a capillary cartridge having a plurality of capillary tubes. The cartridge has a first array of capillary ends projecting from one side of a plate. The first array of capillary ends are spaced apart in substantially the same manner as the wells of a microtitre tray of standard size. This allows one to simultaneously perform capillary electrophoresis on samples present in each of the wells of the tray. The system includes a stacked, dual carrousel arrangement to eliminate cross-contamination resulting from reuse of the same buffer tray on consecutive executions from electrophoresis. The system also has a gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.

Abstract: Apparatus for forward and reverse transfer of fluids through capillaries, consisting of at least one capillary, a pressure generating or housing means, which preferably includes a box, having first and second means for aligning the capillaries from one set of wells to a second set of wells, and applied pressure differential transfers small amounts of liquid uniformly and in parallel. A method of accurately controlling a desired volume of fluid flow is particularly useful for transferring liquids to and from a microtiter dish to a Capillary Array Electrophoresis Microplate having liquid wells spaced in a radially symmetric configuration, or for maximizing desired transfer of the like or improved novel enhanced patterned arrays.

Abstract: There is disclosed a filling valve for incorporation in a bottle filling machine such as the Crown bottle filling machine or other functionally similar bottle filling machine, which The filling valve has a housing adapted so that the liquid beverage will flow through the valve orifice from a reservoir and further through a bottle sealing rubber into the bottle or other container. A valve stem centrally located in the valve has a passageway extending through it which permits gas displaced from the container as it is filled to pass upward through the stem into the reservoir. A distinctive valve stem guide is provided in the housing which has a non-circular opening, preferably a generally triangular opening, which serves to restrain rotational movement ofthe stem by virtue of a hexagonal shape, or other polygonal shape, of the cross-section of a portion of the stem.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing and using an apparatus for manipulating and analyzing a large number of microscopic samples of a liquid or materials, including cells, in liquid suspension. Parallel through-holes are formed in a platen and loaded with a liquid. Loading may be performed in such a way as to create a gradient, with respect to the position of the through-holes, of the concentration of a particular substance or of another quantity. Mixing of the contents of through-holes may be obtained by bringing filled microwell arrays into contact with each other with registration of individual through-holes.

Abstract: The invention provides printing systems and methods for depositing small volumes of liquid on solid substrates. These systems and methods are useful with a wide variety of liquids and substrates and offer a wide variety of applications, including the deposition of arrays of analytes. In particular embodiments, the systems comprise a preservation device, a detachable ganged plurality of printing devices, and/or a wire bonding capillary.

Abstract: A filler nozzle for packaging, in particular for use in artificial insemination, has a plastics material body with a male or female conical part that partly surrounds a capillary tube made from stainless steel or a plastics material. The filler nozzle is particularly suitable for filling straws with seminal liquid. It prevents pollution of the closing area of the straw. It is also compatible with automatic placement and with manual handling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a filling valve for incorporation in a bottle filling machine such as the Crown bottle filling machine or other functionally similar bottle filling machine, which The filling valve has a housing adapted so that the liquid beverage will flow through the valve orifice from a reservoir and further through a bottle sealing rubber into the bottle or other container. A valve stem centrally located in the valve has a passageway extending through it which permits gas displaced from the container as it is filled to pass upward through the stem into the reservoir. A distinctive valve stem guide is provided in the housing which has a non-circular opening, preferably a generally triangular opening, which serves to restrain rotational movement of the stem by virtue of a hexagonal shape, or other polygonal shape, of the cross-section of a portion of the stem.

Abstract: A filling valve assembly for filling a container (11) with a fluid material and comprising a valve body (16) having an outer wall (18) defining an inner chamber (20). A vent tube (30) extends upwardly through the chamber (20) for ventilating the container (11) when the container (11) is filled with the fluid material and defining at least one fluid passageway (38) disposed between the outer wall (18) and the vent tube (30) for allowing the fluid material to discharge from the chamber (20) and into the container (11). A first screen (62) is disposed across said fluid passageway (38) and the assembly is characterized by a second screen (64) disposed across the passageway (38) in spaced relationship to and below the first screen (62) whereby the capillary action of both screens (62) and (64) accumulate to more precisely fill successive containers (11) to equal volumes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an improved liquid dispenser suitable for dispensing a small volume of liquid. The liquid dispenser has a capillary channel suitable for aspirating and retaining a predetermined and repeatable volume of liquid via capillary action. To dispense retained liquid, the capillary channel is accelerated and then abruptly decelerated. Liquid is supplied to the capillary channel via a liquid-supply conduit that is in fluid communication therewith. When the capillary channel is abruptly decelerated during the dispensing operation, liquid within the capillary channel is momentarily "sheared" or separated from liquid within liquid-supply conduit. After such "shearing," liquid flow is reestablished under capillary action, and the emptied capillary channel is thereby refilled. The refilling operation occurs "automatically" and without the need for a repositioning operation (i.e.

Abstract: An array is created by moving a dispenser toward a solid support until a tip of the dispenser touches the support, withdrawing the tip from the surface and releasing a drop of 5 nanoliters or less in an area smaller than 1 mm.sup.2 to create an array of at least 100 spots.

Abstract: Dispensing device for dispensing small quantities of fluid comprising a compressible balloon with an end-to-end capillary inserted within the walls of the balloon in such a way that the one end of the capillary communicates with the interior of the balloon and the other end of the capillary communicates with the exterior space. The balloon has at least one opening through which the interior space of the balloon communicates with the exterior space. The at least one opening has a flow resistance that is designed so that a fluid contained in the capillary is expelled when the balloon is compressed. The present invention also comprises a system and method for the metered dispensing of fluids.

Abstract: An improved capillary fill test device is described. The device is formed to have a capillary aperture designed and sized to facilitate the filling of the device with fluid incident to its use. The described improvements are particularly useful in the construction of capillary fill devices having a capillary flow conduit of reduced flow through cross-sectional area extending between a fluid sample receiving portion and a capillary fill test volume.

Abstract: A method for handling and dispensing small volumes of liquid, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed. A small volume of liquid, which is retained within a fluid-dispensing member, is dispensed therefrom by accelerating, and then abruptly decelerating, the member. The abrupt deceleration causes the retained liquid to discharge. The discharged liquid may be directed toward a receiver. A micro volume liquid dispenser for practicing the method includes a plurality of fluid-dispensing members configured for aspiring and retaining a small liquid volume via capillary action. The dispenser further includes an actuator for moving/accelerating the fluid-dispensing members and for stopping/abruptly decelerating the fluid-dispensing members.

Abstract: A valve for filling liquids into packages has a housing (1) with a supply connection piece (24), a forward mouth piece and an outlet device (16) in which a large number of outlet holes (4) is arranged. A closing member (3) is movably arranged in the housing (1), and can be engaged with a valve seat (23). Rear sealing devices (5, 7, 22) are also provided. In order to make possible a high volume flow of the liquid contents at low outlet speed without relative movement occurring between the package and outlet device (16) it is provided that the outlet holes (4) distributed over the whole cross-section of the mouth piece (2) are arranged in an outlet plate (16) which is configured integrally with the mouthpiece, and penetrate it in the direction (26) of the longitudinal axis (28) of the mouth piece, that the diameter and the width of the outlet holes (4) is larger than 1 mm and smaller than 5 mm, and that the length of the outlet holes (4) is greater than double their diameter and their width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid distribution system, which is useful in a number of contexts, including in accomplishing various synthetic, diagnostic and drug screening reactions. The distribution system can comprise an alpha reservoir and a beta reservoir, a first set of parallel and adjacent first and second feeder channels and a second set of parallel and adjacent third and fourth feeder channels which are offset from the first and second feeder channels, wherein (a) the first and third feeder channels are connected to the alpha reservoir via a first connector channel that is situated above or below the second and fourth feeder channels and are independent of the beta reservoir and (b) the second and fourth feeder channels are connected to the beta reservoir via a second connector channel that is situated above or below the first and third feeder channels and are independent of the alpha reservoir. The distribution system is preferably a microscale distribution system.

Abstract: A system (100), methods and apparatuses for transferring a primary medium (7) after incubating of the medium (7) are described. The system (100) includes a container (1) for containing a growth medium (7) and a sample (8) to be tested for the presence of target microorganisms. A system (100) for transferring a primary medium (7) after incubating of the medium (7) is also described. The system (100) includes an automated pouring mechanism for automatically pouring the primary medium (7) into a plurality of media receiving vessels (11) and a metering mechanism for metering the amount of medium (7) poured into each media receiving vessel (11). An automated tilting apparatus (20) tilts the container (1) to actuate pouring of a predetermined amount of the medium (7) from the container (1) into the media receiver (11). An apparatus (20) for automatically transferring medium (7) for collection and testing of microorganisms is also described.

Abstract: A foam limiting element for a dispenser for liquids is provided. The element comprises a three-dimensional mesh of a multiplicity of the fibers which are connected together to create a multiplicity of irregular liquid paths through the spaces between the fibers, the element having a three-dimensional configuration to fit within a dispensing head of a dispenser. A dispenser for liquids has a dispenser head with a discharge channel in which a foam limiting element is positioned. The discharge channel has means for retaining the element in place whereby all liquid flows through the element before being dispensed. The discharge channel has a wall structure which precludes introduction of air into the liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A method for filling a liquid crystal (LC) cell with liquid crystal comprises the step of placing the LC cell having a LC cavity therein and LC inlet openings in its top and bottom edges, in a vacuum chamber which encloses upper and lower LC supply members each having a LC-impregnated yarn exposed through a slot therein. The method includes the steps of evacuating the vacuum chamber, moving the LC supply members to bring the yarns into contact with the top and bottom inlet openings of the cell, and returning the chamber to an atmospheric pressure to thereby cause liquid crystal to be sucked into the LC cavity through the inlet openings. Apparatus for filling a LC cell with liquid crystal is also provided.

Abstract: A smectic liquid crystal is injected into a liquid crystal panel according to the vacuum injection scheme. The liquid crystal is applied over an injection port of a blank panel while maintaining the panel at a temperature below a temperature at which the liquid crystal shows a fluidity and controlling the liquid crystal at a viscosity of 0.0005 -0.005 kg/ms. As a result, an appropriate amount of the liquid crystal can be applied, thereby providing a liquid crystal panel free from inversion of bubbles and good and uniform alignment free from alignment failure.

Abstract: Methods and dispensers which are used for filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The methods use a liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: Methods and dispensers which are used for a new way of filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The invented methods use the invented liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: A can filling machine having an improved mechanism to prevent overfill of the can. The machine includes a group of filling heads mounted on a rotatable turntable, and each head includes an outer tubular housing having an open upper end that communicates with a reservoir of the liquid, such as a beverage, which is intended to introduced into the can. A can is moved upwardly and is sealed against a cylindrical tulip that is mounted outwardly of the housing. A fill tube is mounted concentrically within the housing and the space between the fill tube and the housing defines an annular flow chamber for the liquid. Located concentrically within the fill tube is an air vent tube and the lower end of the air vent tube communicates with the can. The lower end of the fill tube carries a valve which is adapted to engage a valve seat on the lower end of the housing. Located in the lower end of the annular flow chamber is a stack of horizontal discs which are spaced vertically apart.

Abstract: A smectic liquid crystal is injected into a liquid crystal panel according to the vacuum injection scheme. The liquid crystal is applied over an injection port of a blank panel while maintaining the panel at a temperature below a temperature at which the liquid crystal shows a fluidity and controlling the liquid crystal at a viscosity of 0.0005-0.005 kg/ms. As a result, an appropriate amount of the liquid crystal can be applied, thereby providing a liquid crystal panel free from inversion of bubbles and good and uniform alignment free from alignment failure.

Abstract: This invention presents methods and dispensers which are used for a new way of filling liquid crystal into a LCD cell. The invented methods use the invented liquid crystal dispenser able to release liquid crystal with sufficient controllability at an evacuated atmosphere. Liquid crystal is filled through an inlet of an assembled LCD cell, or filled by laminating an upper substrate with a lower substrate on which liquid crystal has been dropped. The invented liquid crystal dispensers have an opening, in addition to the opening for a capillary, through which interior air bubbles can be released out so as not to be released from the capillary.

Abstract: A valve is provided for filling containers which eliminates splashing and dripping. As the container is being filled, the valve is moved upwardly so as to be a set distance above the level of the contents of the container during filling. In addition, the liquid passes through an anti-splash screen as it exits the valve. In a further feature, associated with the screen are one or more suction units which operate at the cessation of liquid flow from the valve to remove liquid from the screen and preventing dripping. The combination of the valve moving upwardly during container filling, a screen, and suction units associated with the screen function to prevent splashing during filling and dripping after filling.

Abstract: The present application discloses an invention which addresses and resolves long standing lid size reduction problems in the beverage-canning industry and comprises diametrally reduced adapter nozzles, and related methods, used as replacements only for the nonaccommodating distal discharge nozzle structure of a commercially existing fill valve, which is preferably removed by conventional machining techniques. The adapter nozzles preferably comprise a single die cast stainless steel article.

Abstract: A liquid and gas tank is provided for operation, in particular, in satellites subject to low acceleration, that utilizes a separation force produced by surface tension to collect liquid in a privileged zone of the tank without allowing gas to escape via the privileged zone. The tank includes an outer first shell element having a curvilinear shape, and having at one end a surface portion S of radius of curvature r which is concave on a side that contacts liquid. The tank also includes an inner second shell element fixed to the first element, being convex in shape on a side that contacts liquid, and curvilinear in shape and including a surface portion S' having a part which is slightly inclined relative to the surface portion S in the privileged zone forming a narrowest zone between the surface portions S and S', the surface portion S' having a radius of curvature r' which is less than the radius of curvature r, wherein liquid is urged into the narrowest zone due to a capillary effect.

Abstract: An inoculation device preferably for use in the testing of a fluid sample such as urine. The device includes a capillary flow system which allows for immediate and contemporaneous inoculation of a plurality of reagent pads forming part of a test substrate. The flow system includes a plurality of nozzles and a support structure which directs flow into the individual reagent pads while avoiding cross-contamination.

Abstract: A filling nozzle comprising a vertical tubular nozzle body, and at least one perforated plate disposed at a lower-end opening of the nozzle body for preventing a liquid from flowing down under gravity by the surface tension of the liquid. The perforated plate has an opening degree varying from small to great from its center or the vicinity thereof toward its periphery or the vicinity thereof.