Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.

Abstract: A monitoring system is presented. The monitoring system may include a first chemical vessel containing a first chemical mixture and a second chemical vessel containing a second chemical mixture. The monitoring system may further include a sensor configured to selectively receive a first sample flow of the first chemical mixture from the first chemical vessel and a second sample flow of the second chemical mixture from the second chemical vessel. The sensor may be configured to measure a first sample attribute value of the first sample flow and a second sample attribute value of the second sample flow. By multiplexing multiple sample flows through a sensor, the monitoring system may monitor attributes of multiple chemical mixtures without requiring separate sensors for each chemical mixture monitored by the system. In an embodiment, the monitoring system is preferably configured to control an attribute of a chemical mixture.

Abstract: A biological material detection apparatus which detects a charged biological material such as a gene or protein contained in a sample liquid is disclosed. A biological material detection element includes a substrate, at least one first electrode formed on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes which are arrayed at predetermined intervals around the first electrode on the substrate along the circumferential direction and to which ligands that react with predetermined biological materials are respectively immobilized. A sample liquid is introduced toward the first electrode on the substrate. The introduced sample liquid is moved radially toward the second electrodes by electrical control.

Abstract: An automated fluid handling system configured to prepare fluid samples and to introduce them into an analytical instrument, such as a particle analyzer, flow cytometer or sorter flow cell, and that is capable of analyzing both accurately and quickly.

Abstract: In a direct injection type automatic sampler, a sampling needle having a liquid sample collected from a sample vessel by using suction force of a pump is inserted into an injection port. Then, a flow path-switching valve is rotated to switch a flow path to make a flow of mobile phase liquid pass through a loop to thereby introduce the collected sample into a column. The injection port is directly incorporated in the flow path-switching valve.

Abstract: A method to achieve controlled conductivity in microfluidic devices, and a device formed thereby. The method comprises forming a microchannel or a well in an insulating material, and ion implanting at least one region of the insulating material at or adjacent the microchannel or well to increase conductivity of the region.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test process. The apparatus may have additional light source so that the photo sensor may monitor the test process by detecting the absorption light beam or fluorescent light beam from the flow cell at different phases of the test process.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing a cell-containing liquid. The system includes a lysing zone to receive the cell-containing sample and a positioning element to position the cell-containing sample in a lysing position in the vicinity of a lysing mechanism. The lysing mechanism releases intracellular material, such as DNA or RNA, from the cells. In one embodiment, the lysing mechanism includes electrodes for generating an electric field sufficient to release intracellular contents from the cells. Alternatively, the lysing mechanism may lyse the cells using chemical, heat and/or ultrasonic techniques or any combination of these techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: A method for controlling production process by performing near-infrared absorptiometric analysis by simple procedures in an accurate manner, in which control of production process step can be realized at a high accuracy by simple operation based on the thereby obtained analytical results, the said method comprising taking each absorbance spectrum for a plurality of standard samples in an analysis range including near-infrared region, calculating the average intensity and standard deviations for each of selected wave lengths to construct a data base, taking an absorbance spectrum in the said analysis range for each of analysis samples and comparing it with the data base in order to judge whether or not the intensity of the absorbance spectrum is within an assumed tolerance limit determined based on the stored standard deviations of the standard samples in the data base to thereby obtain control data by comparing, when wave lengths at which the observed intensity is outside the tolerance limit are present, thes

Abstract: An apparatus integrates one dimensional separation to another dimensional separation and automates the operation of the two dimensional separation. The first dimensional separation is performed in one column while the second dimensional separation is performed in multiple separation columns. The integration is achieved using a one-piece, a two-piece, or a three-piece interface.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring release rates of contaminants in at least one of a fast release mode and a slow release mode in which a volatile liquid sample is introduced into a sealed transparent reactor vessel having at least one sorbent contained within the transparent reactor vessel and a separator for preventing direct contact between the at least one adsorbent and the at least one volatile liquid sample in the transparent reactor vessel, whereby substantially zero headspace is maintained within the transparent reactor vessel. At least one solvent soluble constituent present in the at least one volatile liquid sample is passed through the separator, resulting in sorption of the at least one solvent soluble constituent by the at least one sorbent. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the separator is a dialysis bag contained in the transparent reactor vessel into which the resin is placed.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling flow motion in a channel/cavity in a microfluidic system includes positioning at least one pair of electrodes in and/or proximate to the channel/cavity. A buffer solution is placed in the channel/cavity, the buffer solution having at least one dielectric property that varies in response to changes in temperature of the solution. An AC/DC voltage is applied to the electrodes to generate an electric field in the channel/cavity; the AC voltage having a known magnitude and frequency and the DC voltage having a known magnitude. The magnitude of the AC/DC voltage is adjusted to cause Joule heating of the buffer solution in the channel/cavity. The geometry and position of the electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the buffer solution, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of the dielectric property within the solution in the channel/cavity. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution.

Abstract: An enclosed chamber is used in a system for screening of a liquid specimen through binding assays. The enclosed chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete reactant containing wells communicated by a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A transparent member or coverslip defines on an inside thereof the plurality of wells. Each well has a bottom for receiving an allergent/antigen/reactant, which emits light upon reacting. The coverslip can optionally define at least one lens at each well. A bottom encloses the plurality of wells and defines between the inlet and the outlet a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. This bottom defines for each of the plurality of wells a flow-diverting member. An opaque partition is disclosed for surrounding the individual lenses and generally isolating the light path from each well.

Abstract: An integrated micropump or a plurality of integrated micropumps are communicated to a plurality of analysis chambers. A plurality of integrated analysis chambers include integrated analysis devices to test a fluid for an analyte. The micropumps continuously or periodically pump the fluid into the analysis chambers and flush the analysis chambers after analysis of the analyte. In one embodiment, the analysis device comprises an integrated LED and an integrated optical detector. The LED and detector are tuned to an optical absorption line of the analyte. The micropumps are composed of nitrides of B, Al, Ga, In, Tl or combinations thereof and fabricated using photoelectrochemical techniques. The analysis chambers, and micropumps including the analysis devices are simultaneously fabricated during which fabrication of the micropumps and the analysis devices are masked from the photoelectrochemical techniques.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system capable of the continuous, real-time measurement of low concentrations of aqueous free cyanide (CN) using an on-line, flow through system. The system is based on the selective reactivity of cyanide anions and the characteristically nonreactive nature of metallic gold films, wherein this selective reactivity is exploited as an indirect measurement for aqueous cyanide. In the present invention the dissolution of gold, due to the solubilization reaction with the analyte cyanide anion, is monitored using a piezoelectric microbalance contained within a flow cell.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a fluidic cartridge including a first and second substrate and an intermediate interlayer is disclosed. The intermediate interlayer is sealedly interfaced between the first and second substrates to form therein a plurality of channels of capillary dimensions. The apparatus further includes an open reservoir, a pump chamber and a reaction chamber. The open reservoir and reaction chamber are each connected to the pump chamber through the channels. The open reservoir and reaction chamber are in fluid communication with each other via the channels. The apparatus further provides a fluid flow controlling structure, formed in the fluidic cartridge, which restricts a flow of a fluid through the reaction chamber to one direction. The apparatus further provides a linear actuator for providing a pumping action in the pump chamber to pump the fluid to recirculate from the reaction chamber to the open reservior via the channels and pump chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a method of isolating a bio-molecule from a water-borne mixture, the method comprising: contacting the water-borne mixture with dimethyl ether to form solid particles of the bio-molecule.

Abstract: A fluid interface port in a microfluidic system and a method of forming the fluid interface port is provided. The fluid interface port comprises an opening formed in the side wall of a microchannel sized and dimensioned to form a virtual wall when the microchannel is filled with a first liquid. The fluid interface port is utilized to fill the microchannel with a first liquid, to introduce a second liquid into the first liquid and to eject fluid from the microchannel.

Abstract: A thermal sensor has a substrate defining a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber has an inlet for conducting sample into the reaction chamber, a reaction surface and an orifice adjacent the reaction surface defining an outlet from the reaction chamber. The reaction surface is coated with a sorbant for binding agents in the sample. A heat transducer in the substrate and in proximity to the reaction surface is configured for heating the reaction surface.

Abstract: Oil aging and particulate building in a lubricant other than one exposed to combustion products is monitored by detecting light transmitted through the lubricant at least one, and preferably, two or more preselected wavelengths over a pathlength greater than about 0.5 cm wherein one wavelength is in the near infra-red spectrum and/or one wavelength is in the visible or near infra-red spectrum. The detected light when compared to predetermined values provides an indication of the condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: A method and system for analysis of additives in electrolysis plating solutions, using a flow management system that minimizes loss of plating solutions and decreases sampling time. The system includes at least one analysis chamber, a sampling duct connected to processing tool, a four-way valve positioned between the processing tool and the sampling duct, at least one carrier fluid duct connected to the analysis chamber, at least one actuatable multi-port valve that provides a transference platform between the sampling duct and the at least one carrier fluid duct, and a flow sensor connected to the sampling duct and positioned downstream from the at least one actuatable multi-port valve.

Abstract: A sample archive method and system implement a plurality of sample carriers configured to support a plurality of sample nodes in a predetermined spatial relationship, sample storage devices for selectively placing the plurality of sample carriers in an archive, and sample node removal apparatus for locating and removing selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes. Alternative embodiments are disclosed wherein the sample node removal apparatus comprises a laser and a mechanical clipping tool, which may be manually operated or automated. An optical component may be operative to detect the location of selected sample carriers in the archive, selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes, or both. A positioning component may position the sample node removal apparatus responsive to signals transmitted by the optical component. Various apparatus and methods of archiving samples and preparing the same for analysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microliter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved by capillary forces into one or more metering wells which define the amount of the sample to be analyzed in subsequent steps. The defined amount of the sample is transferred from the metering wells to one or more conditioning and reagent wells for measuring the amount of an analyte contained in each metered amount of the sample.

Abstract: Sensor arrays and sensor array systems for detecting analytes in fluids. Sensors configured to generate a response upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more analytes can be located on one or more surfaces relative to one or more fluid channels in an array. Fluid channels can take the form of pores or holes in a substrate material. Fluid channels can be formed between one or more substrate plates. Sensor can be fabricated with substantially optimized sensor volumes to generate a response having a substantially maximized signal to noise ratio upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more target analytes. Methods of fabricating and using such sensor arrays and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing a gradient-based assay in a microfluidic device. The method includes the steps of passing first and second fluids through a channel in the microfluidic device. The first fluid has a predetermined concentration of particles therein such that the particles in the first fluid diffuse into the second fluid so as to cause a gradient of concentration of particles in the second fluid as the second fluid flows through the channel. The second fluid sequentially intersects a series of targets along the channel wall as the second fluid flows through the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device for synthesizing an array of compounds and methods for using the same. In particular, the microfluidic device of the present invention comprises a solid support base, an elastomeric layer attached to the solid support, and a plurality of flow channels located within the interface between the solid support and the elastomeric layer. In addition, the solid support comprises a functional group for forming a bond with a reactive reagent. In some embodiments, the microfluidic device further comprises a second plurality of flow channels that intersect the first plurality of flow channels. A plurality of control channels are also present in the microfluidic devices of the present invention. The control channels can be actuated to regulate flow of fluids within the flow channel(s).

Abstract: Taste recognition is performed by letting a solvent flow through a holding section which holds an object to be recognized and measuring the solvent which has flowed through the holding section by a taste sensor. If the flow rate of the solvent is set at about 1 ml/min, the solvent whose quantity is almost equal to that of saliva secreted in a mouth can be supplied to the object to be recognized, and hence the taste recognition can be performed by the taste sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde in an exhaust stream from turbines, internal combustion engines and the like, which apparatus includes a portable housing having a sample gas inlet through which a sample gas for analysis is introduced into the portable housing and an analysis system disposed in the portable housing suitable for analyzing the sample gas for the presence of formaldehyde in the sample gas.

Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow cell for detecting the sample, an oil phase in the flow cell, a water phase in the flow cell, an oil-water interface between the oil phase and the water phase, a detector for detecting the sample at the oil-water interface, and a hydrophobic unit operatively connected to the sample. The hydrophobic unit is attached to the sample. The sample and the hydrophobic unit are placed in an oil and water combination. The sample is detected at the interface between the oil phase and the water phase.

Abstract: A multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve is disclosed. The integration of the sample shut off function eliminates extra plumbing and labor costs associated with a separate sample shut off valve. Additionally, the multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve provides a shorter equilibration time and less tubing volume.

Abstract: Assay device which is able to detect molecules which inhibit the binding of a ligand to a receptor using extremely small quantities of ligand and receptor sample. Such devices are useful in the discovery of molecules which may modulate the activity of biologically important target molecules. The device comprises a microfabricated diffusion chamber into which is introduced in mixture of a test compound, a receptor and a ligand for the receptor. Test compounds which can prevent binding of the ligand to the receptor are identified by detecting the presence of ligand outside the area of introduction of the mixture in the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping and optionally mixing of small quantities of biological fluid wherein the pumping mechanism is segregated from the biological fluid being pumped. The micro-pump pushes the biological fluid by compressing a cartridge housing the blood and reagents with collapsible walls with a roller or ball bearing, synchronized perpendicular plungers, or an acutely-angled member to push the biological fluid by collapsing the walls of the cartridge in the direction of flow.

Abstract: A method and system for high-throughput screening of multiphase reactions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment the method includes the steps of sequentially loading a plurality of discrete combinations of reactants into a longitudinal reaction zone; reacting each of the combinations as it passes through the reaction zone to provide a continuously or an incrementally varying reaction product; and sequentially discharging the reaction product of each of combination from the reaction zone as reaction of each combination is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous on-line measurement of chemical composition of aerosol particles with a fast time resolution is provided. The apparatus includes an enhanced particle size magnifier for producing activated aerosol particles and an enhanced collection device which collects the activated aerosol particles into a liquid stream for quantitative analysis by analytical means. Methods for on-line measurement of chemical composition of aerosol particles are also provided, the method including exposing aerosol carrying sample air to hot saturated steam thereby forming activated aerosol particles; collecting the activated aerosol particles by a collection device for delivery as a jet stream onto an impaction surface; and flushing off the activated aerosol particles from the impaction surface into a liquid stream for delivery of the collected liquid stream to an analytical instrument for quantitative measurement.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system, providing a microfluidic breadboard platform for the formation of fluidic network and fluidic sealing upon a system assembly. Modular microfluidic elements or “chips” are arranged on a precisely machined alignment base to form a fluidic network, with fluid connections provided directly from chip-to-chip at overlapping corners. Fluidic access to external devices is possible at every fluid connection and through special ingress/egress chips. By maintaining a largely planar layout, optical access is provided for detecting or visualization for every chip. The assembly may be covered by a perforated cover plate.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least two fluid streams in parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direction. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for analyzing molecular binding events in which the formation of ligand/antiligand complexes can be directly detected in a mixture without requiring separation of the components of the mixture from each other by measuring bulk properties of the mixture (i.e., properties that have contributions from several or all of the components present in the mixture). Using these techniques, it is possible to screen libraries without labeling either the target antiligand or ligand. The invention also provides a method for determining the strength of ligand/antiligand binding by further analysis of the same signals.

Abstract: A loop dilution system includes a dual-loop multi-way valve. In a first configuration of the multi-way valve, a first loop may be filled with a first solution and a second loop may be filled with a second solution. In a second configuration of the multi-way valve, the first and second loops are serially connected with a pump so that their contents may be mixed with a diluent. In another aspect of the invention, an in-process mass spectrometry (IPMS) system is disclosed that uses an internal standard to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The internal standard has a different molecular composition than the analyte but is sufficiently similar chemically and physically to the analyte such that it behaves substantially the same as the analyte during an ionization process in the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: In a shell-and-tube type reactor, the leakage between the upper and lower chambers is substantially decreased by tightly fitting the reaction tubes to the shield. The present invention provides a reactor for use in catalytic gas phase oxidation characterized by expanding reaction tubes to at least one groove formed in the reaction tube-fixing part of an intermediate tube sheet to form a shield, thereby forming plural of chambers with the intermediate tube sheet, and forming an expansion joint around the periphery of each of the chambers.

Abstract: Parallel semi-continuous or continuous reactors are disclosed. The parallel reactors preferably comprise four or more reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are preferably small volume reaction vessels, preferably pressure reaction vessels, and/or preferably integral with a common reactor block. The reaction vessels can comprise shaft-driven stirrers. At least two, preferably at least three or at least four liquid feed lines can provide selective fluid communication between each of the reaction vessels and one or more liquid reagent sources. Additional features, suitable in connection with parallel reactors or with single reaction vessels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated microfluidic system that includes a cartridge reservoir part, a cartridge, a compressed-air storage tank, a buffer storage tank, and a reader is provided. The automated microfluidic system that detects a particular protein in a biological sample by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can automate a series of assaying processes, beginning with sample injection and ending with detection, with a simple structure, thereby allowing for convenient and quick detection of a particular protein in a biological sample without requiring skillful, elaborate manipulations by an operator.

Abstract: In an apparatus for fluid analysis, a plurality of reagent-mixture components are each injected by a respective pump through a valve matrix and into a flow-injection unit. The flow-injection unit defines a mixing chamber including a plurality of. As the reagent-mixture components are injected into the mixing chamber, the nubs agitate the fluid flow, thereby dispersing the reagent-mixture components and in turn mixing the components together to create a reagent mixture. The flow rates of the reagent-mixture components are adjusted in order to select the reagent-mixture ratio as the components are combined in the flow-injection unit to thereby create the selected reagent mixture. Upon passage through the flow-injection unit, the reagent-mixture is injected into a sensing unit for analyzing a particle distribution of the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing deionized water is provided. Water is supplied to a first conduit. A plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels are connected to the first conduit. A filtering experimental vessel is connected to the first conduit, the filtering experimental vessel is separated from the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels. A second conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting the deionized water. A third conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting concentrated ion water. The plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel concurrently or independently separates the supplying water into the deionized water and the concentrated ion water.

Abstract: Array based fluid is stored in through holes that extend through a substrate. Combined capillary and hydrophyllic forces are used to retain the fluid and also transfer it to other substrates of similar type. In another embodiment vacuum and pressure forces are used to introduce the fluid and remove the fluid from the known through holes and transfer the remaining fluid to other substrates. In yet another embodiment, electrokinetic forces are used to retain and move the fluids across the substrates via the through holes. The substrates are aligned and the fluids are transferred or mixed based on the above techniques.