Abstract: Systems and methods for converting algae to liquid methane are disclosed. The system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an algae cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the algae cultivator to receive algae and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the algae cultivator and the anaerobic digester. The system can still further include a controller coupled to the biogas converter and at least one of the algae cultivator and the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the algae cultivator and/or anaerobic digester.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of capturing carbon by microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising CO. The methods of the invention include converting CO to one or more products including alcohols and/or acids and optionally capturing CO2 to improve overall carbon capture. In certain aspects, the invention relates to processes for producing alcohols, particularly ethanol, from industrial waste streams, particularly steel mill off-gas.

Abstract: An alga microbe photosynthetic reaction system is used to circularly cultivate alga microbes and a culture medium infused in the system. The system comprises a photosynthetic reaction unit, a communicating unit, a pressure liquid infusion unit, an injection and oxygen discharging device, and a regulation area. The photosynthetic reaction unit is a light permeable pipeline. The injection and oxygen discharging device is assembled with an oxygen discharge can and a liquid collection can. By the connection and the functioning of the photosynthetic reaction unit, the communicating unit, the pressure liquid infusion unit, the injection and oxygen discharging device, and the regulation area, the alga microbe culture solution can circularly cultivate good quality algae in the system. The system further comprises a heating unit, a watering unit, and a light complement unit to control the ambient temperature and the light source to suit all kinds of algae.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the in situ processing of waste, in particular for cleaning up a waste disposal site. The device comprises a sorting device with a set of processing devices connected downstream of said device. This set of processing devices comprises a fermenting device, a fluidized bed gasifier, and a pyrolysis device. Furthermore, the assembly comprises a control device for controlling and measuring the various material flows.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: A drug testing system using any number of bio-artificial organs, for example liver-slices based in a culture apparatus. The apparatus has a chamber with plasma and gas valves, animal organ slices being positioned securely in the chamber so as to maximize the surface area of organ slices exposed to the culture medium. Plasma is supplied to the chamber so that it rises to contact the organ slices, and is alternately removed from contacting the organ slices. Gas is supplied to the top of the chamber. The system also includes a reservoir for containing media entering and exiting the chamber. Methods are provided for assessing the toxicity of a drug or drug candidate.

Abstract: The invention pertains, at least in part, to a method for forming an ordered structure of amphiphilic molecules, such as proteins. The method includes contacting a population of amphiphilic molecules with a interface; compressing said population laterally to an appropriate pressure, such that an ordered structure at the interface is formed. The invention also pertains to the two- and three-dimensional ordered structures that are formed using the planar membrane compression method of the invention.

Abstract: A hypobaric apparatus and methods capable of inducing and maintaining in stored horticultural cellular tissue controlled pervaporation of undesired chemical compounds without reaching the boiling point of intracellular water molecules, comprising a hypobaric chamber constructed to provide a leak rate of less than 4.0 mm Hg per hour, sensors and regulators coupled to the chamber and to a controller to measure and regulate target correlates. Commodities processed, including processing storage periods longer than any known involving controlled atmosphere, exhibit an absence of low oxygen injury, high carbon dioxide injury, chilling injury, leaf abscission, leaf de-greening, fungal decay, bacterial decay, gravitational curving, geotropic curvatures, leaf epinasty, stem epinasty, flower fading, senescence, live invertebrates at any life stage, fumigant chemical compounds, volatile fungicides, volatile bactericides; no advance in ripening; minimal water loss.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A bio sample processing apparatus and method using vacuum chambers in which a bio sample is injected into a first vacuum chamber connected with one end of a bio processor and, after processing, is ejected into a second vacuum chamber connected with the other end of the bio processor. The vacuum chambers and bio processor are connected with each other to form an environment with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and the bio sample moves toward the second vacuum chamber due to the pressure difference created by the injection of the bio sample into the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable device for detecting microorganisms in a food sample. The device includes a DNA extraction tube, a chip, and a portable control unit. The DNA extraction tube extracts DNA from the sample in an aqueous solution. The extraction tube includes successive chambers that are configured to mince, filter, and purify DNA in the form of an aqueous eluate. The chip includes reaction chambers disposed for a polymerase chain reaction to amplify a specific DNA fragment in the eluate for detection, and the portable control unit is configured to receive the chip and analyze the amplified DNA on the chip.

Abstract: A method of preparing cell culture media for use in culturing cells and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method includes providing a vessel containing cell culture media and exposing the cell culture media to a first controlled atmosphere having a predetermined O2 concentration that is less than an external atmospheric O2 concentration, to reduce the O2 concentration in the cell culture media before culturing cells in the cell culture media. The cell culture media may be agitated during exposure to the first controlled atmosphere. The temperature and/or pressure of the first controlled atmosphere may be controlled.

Abstract: Provided is a hybridization system for hybridizing a biochip including: a chamber device including at least a hybridization chamber including a support for a biochip and a first cover having a sample inlet; an agitation device including: two air channels connected to ends of the hybridization chamber; two valves disposed in the air channels; an integrated air channel to which the two air channels are connected; and an air pump disposed in the integrated air channel; and a washing and drying device including: a flow channel connected to one of the two air channels through a branched valve; a flow pump disposed in the flow channel; and a buffer inlet disposed opposite the flow channel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composting process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.

Abstract: A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a chemical product through continuous fermentation which includes filtering a culture of a microorganism or cultured cells with a separation membrane to recover a product from a filtrate and simultaneously retaining a nonfiltered fluid in, or refluxing it to, the culture, and adding fermentation materials to the culture, wherein a porous membrane having an average pore size of 0.01 ?m or more to less than 1 ?m is used as the separation membrane and the filtration is conducted with a transmembrane pressure difference in the range of 0.1 to 20 kPa. According to this method, the fermentation productivity of the chemical product can be largely elevated at high stability and a low cost.

Abstract: A combined installation is disclosed for the production of biogas and compost, including a dry fermentation fermenter for producing biogas in a batch mode, a biogas outlet, a purging gas inlet, a biogas line connected to the biogas outlet, a waste gas line, a waste gas chimney connected to the biogas outlet via a first biogas/waste gas line, a waste gas flare connected to the biogas outlet via a second biogas/waste gas line, a fresh air line connected to the purging gas inlet, a control means for connecting the biogas outlet to the biogas line or the biogas/waste gas chimney via the first biogas/waste gas line or the waste gas flare via the second biogas/waste gas line and for connecting the purging gas inlet to the waste gas line or the fresh air line, and a measurement means connected to the control means for detecting methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.

Abstract: An embedded block is capable of being humidified in a short time without influencing a surface temperature of the embedded block as much as possible. An embedded block humidifier for humidifying an embedded block having a biological specimen embedded in an embedding agent is provided which includes a vapor generating mechanism for generating vapor heated at a predetermined temperature and a guiding mechanism for guiding the vapor to the embedded block so that the generated vapor contacts with a surface of the embedded block set at a predetermined standby position.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for growing and conditioning tissue for research and implantation in a human or animal body is disclosed which includes one or more tissue growth chambers for growing and conditioning tissue, each chamber being defined by a housing and providing a fluid culture media cavity which can act as a reservoir. A construct for growing three-dimensional tissues is housed in each tissue growth chamber. Each chamber is connected to a source of pressurized air for applying a controlled pressure to the chamber media cavity. The tissue growth chambers can be mounted on an agitation device such as a shaker system which enhances mass transport within the chamber media cavity. A control system is provided to control the pressure and temperature of the pressurized gas delivered to the chamber media cavity and subsequently to the tissue construct.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a sensor linked to a model free adaptive controller or optimizer. The sensor can provide a real time measurement of a quantity that correlates with final product titer or other desired product quality attribute.

Abstract: The machine for microbiological analysis of a support comprises an enclosure (5, 100) adapted to receive said support (6), a window (40) for passage of said support (6) and a cover (18) for obturating said window (40), an air inlet aperture (157), an air evacuation flue (159) communicating with said enclosure (5, 100), a valve (156) for obturating said flue (159), a blower (150) connected to said air inlet aperture (157), and a control unit for the blower (150), the valve (156) and the cover (18) that is adapted to command the closing of the cover (18) and of the valve (156) as well as the operation of the blower (150) in a first mode, to command the opening of the cover (18) and the operation of the blower (150) in a second mode, and to command the opening of the valve (156) and the operation of the blower (150) in a third mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enriching and examining microbiological samples. In which method microbes are brought into a syringe or equivalent. In a method according to the invention the enrichment culture of microbes is accomplished inside a syringe or equivalent. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a syringe or equivalent and into the syringe or the plunger (3) of the syringe a lead-through is manufactured in order to conduct gas or gas mixture to or from the syringe.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through a microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. The length and cross-sectional area are selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid does not flow into the reaction reservoir unless the pressure of the fluid is increased by an external source, thereby minimizing contamination of the bioreactor. The instant invention may also utilize at least one microchannel and reagent reservoir to regulate, rather than prevent, the passage of various molecules into the bioreactor. A pressure equalizing vent operating on similar principles to the microchannel may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions.

Abstract: The application device for liquid containing micro-nano bubbles generates micro-nano bubbles in a wide size distribution with use of a submerged pump-type micro-nano bubble generator and a spiral flow-type micro-nano bubble generator. A micro-nano bubble generating aid metering pump is controlled by a bubble level meter and a level controller, so that the supply amount of a micro-nano bubble generating aid is controlled in response to the level of bubbles from a fluid level. The supply amount of a micro-nano bubble generating aid is also controlled by a turbidimeter and a controller in response to the turbidity of the liquid in a micro-nano bubble generation tank, while the amount of air supplied to the submerged pump-type micro-nano bubble generator is controlled in response to the turbidity of the liquid. Therefore, the device can produce a large amount of various micro-nano bubbles in a wide size distribution more economically.

Abstract: A process is provided for decomposing hydrogen sulfide in a biogas fermenter (10) for generating biogas from biomass, which is fed as a fermentation substrate into the biogas fermenter (10). A reaction gas with increased oxygen content compared to air is fed into a gas space (26) of the biogas fermenter (10).

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus for use in IVF treatment of infertility comprises first (10) and second cabinets (11) interconnected by a passageway (12) and a closure for closing said passageway. The first cabinet has an open front wall (13) and is arranged to allow air to be circulated within the cabinet (10). The second cabinet (11) is substantially sealed to allow the temperature within the cabinet (11) and the level of at least one gas within the cabinet (11) to be controlled, and has a transparent front wall (20) to allow the contents therein to be inspected. The apparatus thus allows oocytes to be fertilised in the first cabinet (10) and then transferred to the stable controlled environment of the second cabinet (11) where the subsequent zygotes can be grown in a controlled environment, closely resembling body conditions.

Abstract: A pressure controllable incubation system is provided for constantly maintaining a concentration of carbon dioxide while keeping a pressure chamber, in which living organisms to be cultured are placed, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure controllable incubation system comprise a bomb that stores air containing high-concentration carbon dioxide to be injected into a pressure chamber and supplies the air into the pressure chamber, and a heat controller that constantly maintains temperature in the pressure chamber. The pressure controllable incubation system constantly maintains culture conditions such as pressure, temperature, and concentration of carbon dioxide which the user wants for a long time, so that it can be effectively applied to the culture of various living organisms.

Abstract: A scalable photobioreactor system for efficient production of photosynthetic microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria is described. In various embodiments, this system may include the use of extended surface area to reduce light intensity and increase photosynthetic efficiency, an external water basin to provide structure and thermal regulation at low cost, flexible plastic or composite panels that are joined together make triangular or other shapes in cross-section when partially submerged in water, use of positive gas buoyancy and pressure to maintain the structural integrity of the photobioreactor chambers and use of structure to optimize distribution of diffuse light. Other embodiments concern air tubes comprised of plastic film at the bottom of each photobioreactor chamber to provide sparging air bubbles to the chamber. The photobioreactor system design also comprises gas exchange, temperature control, air pumping, liquid pumping, filtration, media recycling and harvesting methods.

Abstract: A tissue bath system with containers and sample holders for holding tissue sample inside tissue medium in the containers, where each sample holder is connected to a force transducer for measuring force exerted on the holder by contraction of the tissue sample upon stimulation. The system further comprises a temperature regulation system for regulating the temperature of the tissue medium in the sample container. The system comprises a container station with chambers for placement of at sample containers in the chambers, wherein the temperature regulation system has means for providing a temperature regulated air stream into the chambers for regulation of the temperature in the container.

Abstract: A plug-flow operated, horizontal fermenter for anaerobic fermentation of biogenic waste includes a fermenter tank having an inlet and an outlet that is configured to be filled with a biomass material. The fermenter also includes an agitator having a shaft passing through the fermenter tank in its longitudinal direction, wherein the shaft is mounted in end regions of the fermenter tank and is designed as a closed, hollow shaft having an inner space filled with gas or air. A plurality of agitator arms are arranged on the shaft. The inner space of the shaft is monitored with respect to a gas or air pressure to ensure that a buoyancy of the shaft in the filled fermenter tank at least approximately compensates for a sagging of the shaft.

Abstract: A composting apparatus including an electric motor driven drum. The drum is provided with spaced fins on the inner surface and a supporting shaft that can include air holes to provide air within the confines of the drum. In this instance, tubes with holes are secured inside the drum and communicate with a source of air so that air passes into the tubes, and thus into the pile of composting material. The drum is provided with a sliding door that closes an opening in the drum. The door is secured at its ends for movement within a grooved mount attached onto a surface of the drum. The door is moved along a surface of the drum to open the door. The door can be held in position with a small opening or to a full open position, thus opening the entire opening in the surface of the drum.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.

Abstract: A device and a method for the cultivation of cells is disclosed that utilizes external pneumatic pressure responsive to liquid level sensors to gently recirculate and cause turbulence in cell growth medium to promote cell growth without any shearing action and without a stir motor or mechanical manipulation means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out a thermal cycling reaction, wherein a succession of samples is conveyed through a series of sequentially arranged temperature control sites, each of the sites comprising means for supplying an electric current to, or inducing an electric current in, sample-containing vessels passing through it so as to induce temperature changes in the samples. Also provided is a sample support and its production, the support comprising a succession of sample vessels arranged sequentially one behind the next, preferably in the form of a linked chain, the support comprising an electrically conducting, preferably plastics, material which beats when an electric current passes through it.

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 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: This invention is a transportable organ preservation system that substantially increases the time during which the organ can be maintained viable for successful implantation into a human recipient. A chilled oxygenated nutrient solution is pumped through the vascular bed of the organ after excision of the organ from the donor and during transport. The device of the present invention uses flexible permeable tubing to oxygenate the perfusion fluid while the CO2 produced by the organ diffuses out of the perfusion fluid. One pressurized two liter “C” cylinder that contains 255 liters of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure can supply oxygen for up to 34 hours of perfusion time. The device uses a simple electric pump driven by a storage battery to circulate the perfusion fluid through the organ being transported. The vessel containing the organ to be transported is held at 4° C. by coolant blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining a sample by microscopy, spectroscopy or crystallography under controlled environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a sample chamber (1) which is fed by a gas stream (19) having a known vapor content, which is generated by mixing two gas streams (18 & 16), one substantially saturated in a volatile substance (18) and one substantially free of the volatile substance (16), in a controlled manner. The temperature of the apparatus, and particularly of the sample chamber (1), is accurately controlled and regulated by temperature controller (7).

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus can give a physical stimulation necessary for proliferation and growth to a cultured object which is a cell or tissue to be cultured. The cell/tissue culture apparatus has a chamber (a culture chamber 4) which accommodates a cultured object (a matrix 8) and supplies a culture fluid (6), a pressing means (a pressing plate 10, 11) which is movably arranged in the chamber and gives a physical stimulation due to a press to the cultured object by movement thereof, and a driving means (a pressure unit 22, an electromagnet unit 32) which gives a driving force to the pressing means for applying the physical stimulation to the cultured object from an outside of the chamber in a state out of contact with the pressing means.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using the same, which facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from a microfluidic channel located within the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanical organ perfusion during the transport phase of a donor organ, which apparatus comprises an organ receptacle for acommodating the organ, propulsion means for moving the perfusate contained in a liquid compartment of the apparatus to and through the organ receptacle, and oxygenation means for the aeration of the organ receptacle. The propulsion means are embodied as a pump driven by compressed air, while the compressed air serves at the same time for the aeration of the organ receptacle.

Abstract: An on-line respirometer and method for using the same is disclosed for determining the oxygen uptake of respiring samples. An overflow drain in the side portion of an enclosed reaction vessel is located to define an operational volume of slurry sample and headspace gases. The slurry sample is agitated using a mixer and/or a pump which recirculates the headspace gases through the slurry. Oxygen probes inserted into the headspace and the slurry sample determine the level of dissolved oxygen within the slurry sample and the headspace. The fixed ratio of available oxygen to oxygen demand is sufficient to measure the oxygen uptake directly, without the need for oxygen supplementation, for simple, fast and accurate analysis.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optimized device for the regulation and measurement of the oxygen content or content of any other gas in composting platforms or platforms for the treatment of waste. The device comprises at least one offset cabinet (4) comprising one or several gas measurement probes (5), and in particular, at least one probe for the measurement of oxygen or CO2; a gas suction pump (6), a programmable controller (9) which can comprise electrovalves which are integrated inside said programmable controller; an air supply pipe (11) which links each of the electrovalves (8) to a tube for the collection of gas (10) which can be placed in a pile or piles of waste or compost (14).