Abstract: A milking system includes a milking device with a milking control, a milk line, and a sampling/analysis device. The milking control controls the milking based on said analysis. The sampling/analysis device includes a reagent carrier, including a tape with a first side with a reagent pad that detects the presence of a substance in the milk sample and a second side, a dosing device to provide a droplet of said sample onto the reagent pad, a source for emitting source radiation onto the reagent pad, and a sensor to detect response radiation emitted by the reagent pad, and to analyse the detected response radiation to indicate the presence or concentration of said substance. The first side faces away from the sensor during analysing by the sensor. By viewing “from below”, the observed reaction in the reagent is cleaner, and suffers less from artefacts, and the camera will stay cleaner.

Abstract: A method and a device for the assessment of at least one parameter of particles in a liquid analyte material are disclosed. The method comprises providing a device having a sample compartment with an exposing domain, an inlet through which a volume of a liquid sample representing the analyte material can been introduced, and a flow system comprising at least a channel allowing at least a portion of the volume of the liquid sample to flow within the device. The volume of the liquid sample passes into the exposing domain of the sample compartment, which can quantitatively detect spatial image data and process the detected image electromagnetic signals from the sample in the exposing domain of the device. A spatial image representation of the exposing domain, and processing the detected image presentation obtaining the assessment of the at least one parameter is generated in the device.

Abstract: A method to detect beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) is described. The method includes the steps of adding a known concentration of hydrogen peroxide to a sample known to, or suspected of containing BLG; and electrolyzing the sample using a working electrode at a fixed potential sufficient to electrolyze BLG, and measuring a current signal within the sample. A diminution of the current signal in the sample as compared to a corresponding current signal from a standard solution containing a known concentration of hydrogen peroxide and no BLG indicates that the sample contains BLG.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for developing a series of microfluidic, USB-enabled, wireless-enabled, lab-on-chip devices, designed to reduce the chain-of-custody handling of samples between sample acquisition and final reporting of data, to a single individual. These devices provide on-the-spot testing for micro- and nanoscale (molecular) analysis of blood, urine, infectious agents, toxins, measurement of therapeutic drug levels, purity-of-sample testing and presence of contaminants (toxic and non-toxic, volatile and non-volatile); and for the identification of individual components and formal compounds—elemental, biological, organic and inorganic—inclusive of foodstuffs, air, water, soil, oil and gas samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board having high density circuit and excellent connection reliability and lamination reliability. A resin fabric cloth (4) is provided by arranging single fibers (4a) or fiber bundles composed of a plurality of single fibers, which single fiber has a linear thermal expansion coefficient smaller than that of silicon, at least in two directions and alternately weaving them. In the board, the resin fabric cloth is covered with a resin portion (5) made of a resin material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of silicon.

Abstract: A system for collecting a biological sample includes a collection device comprising a cylindrical body having a bore extending there through and a filter membrane disposed at one end thereof; a filter plug having an insert configured for insertion into the bore; a collar concentrically mounted about the exterior surface of the insert and configured for insertion into the bore; and a gasket disposed about the exterior surface of the insert, wherein an outer dimension of the gasket is variable in response to relative movement between the collar and the insert, and wherein the gasket has a cross section with two end portions and a mid portion that is located radially further away from the insert than the two end portions.

Abstract: Feed devices for liquid samples serve to convey liquid samples, for example to convey a liquid sample from waste water in a waste water treatment plant so as to monitor the treatment process. Known feed devices feed continuously at relatively low speeds. Films may accrete in the feed line that hinder the feeding and may react with the liquid sample. Therefore, the feed line must be cleaned frequently. In view of this, it is the object of the invention to improve the handling and the maintenance of a feed device for liquid samples. According to the invention, this object is solved by the fact that the feed pump (16) feeds in a pulse-like manner and the feed pump (16) as well as the feed line (18) are configured such that the expansion volume of the feed line (18) during the feed pulse is at most 50% of the pulse volume. Thereby, the feed line is cleaned and kept free of accretions.

Abstract: A sample carrier with a sample receiver for the sample liquid and with preferably several sample chambers which are connected thereto is proposed. In order to avoid refilling with sample liquid when it evaporates or is otherwise lost or used up, there is additionally a reservoir for sample liquid which is covered in the same way as the sample chambers and which has a connecting channel to the environment which can be closed by the sample liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in determining ageing an ageing index of a blood bag (11, 62), to determine whether the blood bag is or not suitable for transfusion to a patient. The ageing index is calculated by connecting a silicon chip provided with a loop antenna integral with the blood bag (11, 62) with an electronic communication device (2, 8, 17, 12, 20, 24), itself equipped with a loop antenna, connected to a computer (9, 13) containing appropriate computing software elements. Said ageing index is regularly calculated at the blood transfusion center (16) from the sample (1), until it is removed from storage (7) to be sent to the health-care institution (18) and to the operating theatre (19).

Abstract: A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer device is provided. The filtration and transfer device comprises a tubular body with two axial ends, an annular flange disposed at one of the axial ends, and a biological specimen filter affixed to the outer surface of the annular flange. Preferably, the annular flange has disposed on its outer surface an annular ridge having a uniform height and forming a planar rim upon which the filter sits. Optionally, the annular flange comprises two mounting portions and the filter is bonded to each of those mounting portions. A method of collecting microscopic biological particles carried in a fluid is provided using the filtration and transfer device and a method of manufacturing the filtration and transfer device are also provided. A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer system using the filtration and transfer device and a kit for use with filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer systems are also provided.

Abstract: A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder (10) and a sheet- or plate-like test member (11) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface (13) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections (15) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge (16) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.

Abstract: A method of using an aseptic sampling arrangement. The sampling arrangement includes a septum cartridge and a securing element for use with a fluid enclosure. A locking arrangement is provided to allow selective access to the septum cartridge and the securing element. The sampling arrangement further includes a needle, a tube, and a collection bag. The sampling arrangement can be used to monitor the quality of a fluid product. The method of monitoring includes obtaining a fluid product sample from the fluid enclosure within the collection bag. The collection bag is then incubated for a period of time during which oxygen permeates the bag to simulate post-pasteurizing conditions and/or pre-pasteurizing conditions of the fluid product. The method further includes monitoring the level of contamination detected within the fluid product sample.

Abstract: A method of deactivating chemical contaminants and biological agents from a target surface by aerosol spraying the target surface with a electrostatically charged, photosensitizer solution, and then illuminating the surface with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a milk sampling apparatus for use with a processor controlled milking system (61), said apparatus comprising a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9) by means of a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by means of said processor controlled milking system, into said selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9). The apparatus further comprises processing means (33) arranged for two-way communication with said processor controlled milking system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing mastitis of cows, includes the steps of (1) irradiating visual light rays and/or near infrared rays in a wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm into urine, raw milk or a mammary gland of a cow, (2) detecting an intensity of transmitted light rays, reflected light rays or transmitted and reflected light rays from said urine, raw milk or mammary gland, and (3) effecting multivariate analysis while using a classification model based on probability, separability or similarity, and (4) diagnosing the presence of the mastitis of the cow.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing mastitis of cows, includes the steps of (1) irradiating visual light rays and/or near infrared rays in a wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm into urine, raw milk or a mammary gland of a cow, (2) detecting an intensity of transmitted light rays, reflected light rays or transmitted and reflected light rays from said urine, raw milk or mammary gland, and (3) effecting multivariate regression analysis, and (4) diagnosing the presence of the mastitis of the cow.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of an electrical parameter in the milk during the milking of an animal comprises a transportation member (1), arranged to transport the milk from a teat of said animal to a milk collecting member of a milking machine and forming a passage for the milk to be transported, and at least two electrodes (14-17) provided to be in contact with the milk flowing through the passage, and connected to an evaluation unit (18). The transportation member (1) comprises a wall member (5) provided in the passage and forming a groove (10) being open towards the passage, said electrodes (14-17) being provided on the wall member (5) in the groove (10). The wall member (5) is provided to receive a part of the milk flowing through the passage, said groove (10) being shaped in such a manner that at least a part of said received part quantity of the milk flows through the groove while contacting said electrodes (14-17).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample using microwave drying and NMR analysis is disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporate a low mass, porous, hydrophilic and lipophilic sample pad that ensures that the entire sample is subjected to NMR analysis. The method and apparatus according to the invention are suitable for rapidly determining the fat and oil content of samples collected during a production process and for process or quality control.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting physical abnormalities in milk which comprises a light source for irradiating milk with light of red or green or blue colors or any combination of such colors. The intensity of light reflected or diffused or transmitted, or any combination thereof, by the milk, or from background light of the milk, is measured by light sensors. A computer processes the measurement data and is programmed to select, based on comparisons of the values derived from the measured light intensities with reference values, a diagnostic basis or diagnostic bases for abnormalities in the milk from a plurality of diagnostic bases of possible abnormalities stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: A purifier to purify exhaust gas includes a case, a plurality of metal sheets disposed in the case, a catalyst held to each of the metal sheets, partition plates disposed between the respective metal sheets, a metallic pipe disposed piercing through the metal sheets, and a catalyst heater disposed in the metallic pipe. The plurality of metal sheets are arranged at predetermined intervals, and each of the metal sheets has at least one through-hole. The partition plates serve to partition the spaces between the respective metal sheets. The exhaust gas is circulated through the spaces between the respective metal sheets and then passes through the through-holes and is exhausted from the outlet of the case. In this way, it is possible to increase the number of metal sheets without increase of the pressure loss and to enlarge the outer diameter of same. As a result, the exhaust gas purifying capacity will be improved.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is useful for assaying a component of a biological fluid such as blood, urine or milk, and comprises a chamber having an inlet, a liquid containing portion and a vapor containing portion. The liquid and vapor containing portions are in fluid communication. A pressure monitor is in communication with the vapor containing portion and measures pressure change within the vapor containing portion, such as carbon dioxide partial pressure changes which are related to concentration of urea in blood, urine or milk when the enzyme is urease. A method of analyzing a component such as urea in a biological fluid is also provided. Where the biological fluid is dairy milk, milk urea nitrogen to a prediction error of about +/−1 mg/dl may be repeatedly measured in the physiological range of from about 6 to 24 mg/dl.

Abstract: Tube with special scale intended for tests which analyze somatic cell count in milk, comprising a tube-shaped reservoir 130 mm high and 12.1 mm in diameter (inside)×140 mm (height) (1), closed at its bottom (2) and completely open at its top (3), with a 3-mm hole at a height of 78 mm (4), and having a quickly adjustable and hermetically sealing lid or stopper (8), having a central hole with diameter of 1.09 to 1.

Abstract: The fat content and and undissolved solids content of a milk sample, taken from a milk processing flow, are separately determined. In addition, the total solids content of the milk flow is determnined. Based on the fat, undissolved solids, and total solids content, the amount of protein and/or casein in the flow is determined. In a control portion of the invention, the fat and undissolved solids are controlled dynamically to standard values, whereby the characteristics of the milk flow are adjusted to standard values useable for whole milk, cheese-making and other uses.

Abstract: The fat content and an undissolved solids content of a milk sample, taken from a milk processing flow, are separately determined. In addition, the total solids content of the milk flow is determined. Based on the fat, undissolved solids, and total solids content, the amount of protein and/or casein in the flow is determined. In a control portion of the invention, the fat and undissolved solids are controlled dynamically to standard values, whereby the characteristics of the milk flow are adjusted to standard values useable for whole milk, cheese-making and other uses.

Abstract: Both a method and a kit for testing the fitness of a polyolester lubricant of the type used in a refrigerant compressor are provided. In the method of the invention, a solution for indicating an excess acidity of the polyolester lubricant is obtained by mixing a color acidity indicator, such as alizarin, with a sufficient amount of an alkaline to neutralize the inherent acidity of the lubricant. The resulting solution changes color only upon the presence of an excess acid condition associated with a compressor malfunction, such as burn out. Both the method and the kit are particularly well adapted to determine the fitness of polyolester lubricants of the type prepared by the reaction of trimethylolpropane with a mixture of a branched and a linear acid.

Abstract: A device for detecting, in the early stages of infection, the presence of mastitis, as well as other impurities, in an individual cow or other milk producing animal, using a filter, preferably made of polyester and being disposable, which filters all milk being extracted from the cow, the filter being held in a container placed in the individual vacuum line of a milking machine being used to extract milk from the cow, the claws of the milking machine placed on the cow dropping from the cow upon the presence of mastitis, without contamination of the milk held in the bulk storage facility, while permitting healthy milk to pass through the filter without interruption of the milking process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the percentage of free fatty acids in cooking fats and oils. A kit for this analysis includes a test cylinder calibrated for (a) volume of test sample, (b) volume of acid-base indicator solution, and (c) a set of lines marked to be read directly as the percentage of free fatty acids in the sample.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for heating large amounts of uniform milk samples (11) to about 40.degree. C. preparatory to laboratory analyses, the samples are currently introduced into a carrousel-like machine. The machine has two axially offset levels (II and III), one (III) of which being a transport level and the other (II) a heating chamber (7) in which the samples are heated by high frequency energy, preferably in the form of microwaves. The samples are introduced mechanically into the heating chamber and maintained there during heating with current measurement of their temperature. When the temperature measurement shows that the samples have reached a desired temperature, they are released and fall back to the transport level and are transported out of the machine.

Abstract: An optical measuring device for measuring the fat contents of milk comprises a light source, an optical condenser, a glass test tube provided for holding a set amount of the milk the fat contents of which must be measured, a lens, a photosensitive element, for example of the CCD type, and a digital display, all enclosed in a metal housing which also holds a control electric and electronic system, the fat contents of the milk being measured by detecting, by means of the photosensitive element, the diffusion depth of the light projected by the light source on the milk held in the test tube and reflected on the photosensitive element by the fat particles.

Abstract: A method for titration flow injection analysis by introducing a multicomponent sample into a carrier stream which flows into a mixing/sensing cell and titrating with a reactant more than one component of the sample by sensing a plurality of endpoints. The apparatus of the invention includes a stirring means within the mixing/sensing cell which generates helical flow within the cell so that bubbles are not retained in the cell.

Abstract: Textile sheet-like structure impregnated or coated with water-hardening synthetic resin, said textile comprising organic fibers with an elasticity modulus of 200 to 2500 daN/mm.sup.2 and having an extensibility in the longitudinal direction of at least 10% before hardening of said resin is useful in preparing orthopaedic support dressings, containers, filters, pipes, reinforcing material, stiffening material, filler or sealer material for hollow spaces or joints, insulating material, in preparing decorative and artistic articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making liquid analysis and to an analytical element to be used in the method. The method is especially suitable for analysing organic fluids, like blood. The analytical element is of the integrated element type and consists of two parts of certain volume, which parts are connected to each other so that they form a pair of communicating vessels. In the preferred embodiment the element consists of two arms, one is a descending arm and the other is an ascending arm. There is a liquid carrier phase in the end of the descending arm and said phase is dipped into the liquid to be analysed for dosing the liquid in a quantitative manner. An external gravitational field like a centrifugal force is used to move the liquid inside the element through a diffusion zone and a reaction zone to a detection zone for the measurement of the result.

Abstract: An electrical conductivity testing device for detecting mastitis in dairy cows includes an inlet for receiving a sample of milk to be tested, a conductivity cell having a milk flow-through testing passage in flow communication with the inlet, and a milk discharge outlet in flow communication with the conductivity cell, so that a milk sample enters the inlet, flows through the conductivity cell, and flows out through the discharge outlet. The flow described may be continuous or may be discontinuous so that the sample is held in the conductivity cell at least during taking of the conductivity measurement. The conductivity cell is arranged so that it is completely filled with milk during the taking of conductivity measurements. Electrical circuitry is provided to produce an electrical signal proportional to the conductivity of the milk in the conductivity cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring volatiles, solids and solvent extractables is described which provides rapid and accurate determinations using microwave heating, electronic balance weighing and solvent extracting of solubles. The method involves subjecting a weighed sample to microwave drying for a preselected time, reweighing to obtain the dry weight and determine volatile loss, solvent extracting the dried sample to determine fats, oils and other extractables followed by final measurement of residual solids. The apparatus is preferably automated to sequentially actuate the required weighing, microwave heating, solvent extraction, redrying, reweighing and calculation of the percentages of volatiles, solvent solubles and solids. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for analytical uses in the food and dairy industries.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring volatiles, solids and solvent extractables is described which provides rapid and accurate determinations using microwave heating, electronic balance weighing and solvent extracting of solubles. The method involves subjecting a weighed sample to microwave drying for a preselected time, reweighing to obtain the dry weight and determine volatile loss, solvent extracting the dried sample to determine fats, oils and other extractables followed by final measurement of residual solids. The apparatus is preferably automated to sequentially actuate the required weighing, microwave heating, solvent extraction, redrying, reweighing and calculation of the percentages of volatiles, solvent solubles and solids.The apparatus and method are particularly suited for analytical uses in the food and dairy industries.

Abstract: By means of a novel triple-beam spectrophotometer, the protein and fat contents in milk can be simultaneously and rapidly determined. The system is self-compensating for discrepancies in the light path and for variations in lamp intensity, thereby yielding highly accurate analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for diagnosing milk secretion disorders in animals such as cows. The apparatus is based upon an electric detection of deviations from the properties of a standard milk secretion, and comprises a holder carrying a diagnostic dish divided by partition walls into a number of diagnostic units corresponding to the number of teats of the animal. The diagnostic units are each provided with a measuring probe exposed to the mouths of scavenging nozzles and with a circuit for evaluating the milk quality as by its electrical conductivity. The outlet of said circuit is connected to the inlet of a display indicating, for example, when the quality of the milk in each diagnostic unit exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A stationary pressure digester for digesting biomaterials with a fast acting closure designed as an easily movable cover carriage with a lower pressure take up plate, an upper pressure take up plate and a closing threaded plug in one of said plates. The pressure take up plates are connected by necked-down bolts and spacer sleeves and the closing nut has a thread with a large pitch and a large area permitting a pressure tight closure which permits moving the closure cover as well as opening and closing the pressure digester fast and easily.

Abstract: In a milk processing system wherein heat treated milk is initially separated into high-fat and low-fat milk and subsequently reconstituted by adding a selected proportion of high-fat milk to the low-fat milk, control means are provided for automatically controlling the proportion of high-fat milk mixed with the low-fat milk to provide a milk blend of standardized butterfat content which is then homogenized. The control means includes a photoelectric monitoring system for continuously measuring the butterfat content of a sample of the homogenized milk as the latter flows continuously through the processing system under pressure of the homogenizer in the system. The butterfat content measurement is converted to digital signals which are compared to a pre-set digital signal corresponding to a desired butterfat content level to produce a digital corrective signal which controls a digital valve regulating the proportion of high-fat milk blended with the low-fat milk in the processing system.