Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: A sample station and method of using the station, which contains a removable receptacle for collecting fluid samples from tanks, pipelines or other receptacles. The removable receptacle has a valve at the bottom for easy emptying and cleaning. The sample station is vented so the sample receptacle can not be pressurized, and is meant to be piped to the container which holds the fluid to be sampled, so the sample can be collected without risk of splashing, and without risk of spilling.

Abstract: A sample processing system and a sample processing method for a trace detector are disclosed. The system comprises a sampling substrate for collecting a substance or substances from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object, and a trace detector. The trace detector includes a sample feeding device provided with a sample feeding part. The substance collected by the sampling substrate can be transferred to a surface of the sample feeding part so that the substance transferred to the surface of the sample feeding part can be detected. With the configuration of some embodiments of the present invention, a sampling substrate made of chemical fiber is used to collect a sample from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object to be tested. The sample collected by the sampling substrate is mechanically transferred to a metal film or mesh of the sample feeding device of the trace detector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to method for positioning and aligning a preferably biological sample in the detection area of the objective of a microscope arrangement. According to the invention, the method mentioned above has the following method steps: a sample is introduced into a transparent medium, preferably agarose gel, which is initially liquid; the medium is changed from the liquid state to the solid state, wherein the sample is fixated within the medium, but the transparency of the medium is retained; the solidified medium is positioned in the microscope arrangement in such a way that the sample enclosed therein is situated in the detection area of the objective. Further, a device is proposed for positioning and aligning a preferably biological sample in the detection area of the objective of a microscope arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a drum plug of a drum in order to sample and/or vent gases that may accumulate in a space of the drum is provided. The drum is not damaged and can be reused since the pierced drum plug can be subsequently replaced. The apparatus includes a frame that is configured for engagement with the drum. A cylinder actuated by a fluid is mounted to the frame. A piercer is placed into communication with the cylinder so that actuation of the cylinder causes the piercer to move in a linear direction so that the piercer may puncture the drum plug of the drum.

Abstract: A method for determining the phytolithic organic carbon yield of a plant type at a location or region comprising: a) taking a sample of a plant type growing in the location or region; b) quantifying phytolithic organic carbon in the sample; c) quantifying a total biomass of the plant type growing at the location or region; and d) determining a total amount of phytolithic organic carbon for the total biomass of the plant type at the location or region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of distinguishing between glutamine formed by cataplerosis or proteolysis. Sample from a subject may be assayed for deuteriated glutamine (following administration of deuteriated water (2H2O) and an agent that promotes excretion of glutamine from the subject). The methods are useful in clinical settings (e.g. to test whether or not patients are suffering from proteolysis or whether athletes are abusing anabolic drugs); and may be adapted for screening test compounds for cataplerotic or proteolytic activity.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel target for production of immune and non-immune based therapeutics and for disease diagnosis. More particularly, the invention provides therapeutic antibodies against KIAA0746, CD20 or CD55 antigens, which are differentially expressed in cancer and in specific blood cells, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. This invention further relates to the discovery of extracellular domains of KIAA0746 and its variants, CD20 and its variants, CD55 and its variants, which are suitable targets for immunotherapy, cancer therapy, treatment of inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune disorders, and drug development.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an embedded wireless device such as a RFID tag molded into separate housing formed of any thermoplastic material compatible to that of the plastic material as the device to which the housing is to be attached. Subsequently, the housed tag assembly can be thermally bonded onto the device through many means which are well known and accepted in the industry.

Abstract: A gas sample cylinder outlet valve having a flow restricting element associated therewith. The preferred embodiment of the flow restricting element comprises an orifice constructed of a low thermal conduction material such as a plastic. Preferably the outlet valve Cv characteristic is large relative to the orifice Cv characteristic resulting in essentially all of the gas pressure drop taking place across said orifice and therefore essentially all of the J-T effect cooling taking place at said orifice. Due to the low thermal conductivity construction of said orifice an insignificant amount of cooling takes place upstream of the valve mechanism. Test have shown that the integral orifice outlet valve having a large Cv characteristic is more efficient then the typical sample cylinder outlet valve and extension tube and/or flow restrictor combination.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a nozzle unit having a nozzle capable of ejecting liquid droplets and a pressure generating passage communicating with the nozzle. A driving unit includes a nozzle unit mounting portion and an actuator. The nozzle unit is detachably mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion, and the actuator changes an inner volume of the pressure generating passage of the nozzle unit in order to eject the liquid droplets from the nozzle of the nozzle unit mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion.

Abstract: A device for testing a coating for a turbomachine rotor disk blade root, including two test piece halves, each including a bearing surface coated with the coating, one counter test piece including two bearing surfaces, and a machine including a first holding system for the counter test piece and a second holding system for holding the test piece halves around the counter test piece. With a tensile mechanism, the holding systems are subjected to predetermined tensile cycles along the tensile axis, during which the tensile force is transmitted from one holding system to the other via the respective bearing surfaces contacting the counter test piece and the test piece halves. The second holding system includes a resilient return mechanism allowing for the two test piece halves to open up in a direction perpendicular to the tensile direction.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement is associated with a branch channel of a channel through which crops flow. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device for detecting the constituents of a sample of a crop stream in the branch channel, where in the branch channel between an opening and the measuring device, a processing device is arranged for reducing in size or for squeezing the sample.

Abstract: An application for a liquid sampling device includes an elongated shaft with a handle at a first end of the elongated shaft and a sample container removably affixed to a distal end. A trigger is pivotally affixed to the handle and a flapper is pivotally affixed to the elongated shaft. The flapper is urged towards an opening in the sample bottle, thereby covering the opening in the sample container in a default position and the trigger is linked to the flapper, wherein operation of the trigger results in opening of the flapper.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.

Abstract: A sample testing system includes a plurality of sample tubes, each sample tube coupled to a pumping chamber, a pressure control subsystem and a flow control subsystem. The pressure control system includes a first dynamic pump equipped to induce pulsatile pressure in a mass of pumping fluid coupled to the pumping chambers. The flow control subsystem includes a mean flow pump equipped to generate a flow of sample fluid in a plurality of flow loops. Each of the flow loops conducts the flow of sample fluid between the mean flow pump and one of the sample tubes. The pumping chamber couples pressure from the pumping fluid to the sample fluid.

Abstract: A method applying a biological specimen to an analytic plate by using an applicator device to apply a coating to the analytic plate and adhering the biological sample to the plate. The coating is substantially transparent, translucent or invisible, and is substantially flush with the surface of the analytic plate. The coating is preferably comprised of a polysiloxane, siloxane, silicone, a silane, a silicon fluid, or a combination thereof and optionally an acid.

Abstract: A method of making a measurement of binding affinity of a sample comprises the steps of: introducing the sample into a well having a bottom formed as a photonic crystal biosensor, wherein a portion of the sample becomes bound to the biosensor; making a measurement of the change in the shift in peak wavelength value as a function of time (kon) from the well as the sample is introduced into the well; simultaneously dispensing the sample to the well and aspirating the sample from the well and measuring the change in the shift in peak wavelength value as a function of time (koff) during the simultaneous dispensing and aspirating, and calculating an equilibrium association constant or an equilibrium dissociation constant for the sample from the values of kon and koff.

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: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary die carrier is disclosed. In some embodiments, the die carrier can hold a plurality of singulated dies while the dies are tested. The dies can be arranged on the carrier in a pattern that facilities testing the dies. The carrier can be configured to allow interchangeable interfaces to different testers to be attached to and detached from the carrier. The carrier can also be configured as a shipping container for the dies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for positioning at least one preferably biological specimen in the specimen space of a microscope arrangement, and to devices for carrying out these methods. Methods and devices are proposed, wherein the specimen's orientation relative to a detection objective's optical axis can be repeatedly changed and, in doing so, the specimen is held so that a substantially unobstructed view of the specimen is ensured from every detection direction. In different constructional variants, the specimen is held at a supporting device by adhesive forces or by a flowing medium, the specimen is held at a capillary opening by capillary action, or at least one specimen is embedded in a body of transparent gel, and the gel body is fixed in the specimen space by means of a rotatable holding device, and the detection direction is changed by rotating the holding device by a given angle of rotation.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample may include introducing a sample into a vessel, the vessel having proximal and distal ends, the sample being introduced into the proximal end of the vessel; incubating the sample in the vessel with a substance capable of specific binding to a preselected component of the sample; propelling components of the incubated sample, other than the preselected component, toward the proximal end of the vessel by clamping the vessel distal to the incubated sample and compressing the vessel where the incubated sample is contained; propelling the preselected component toward a distal segment of the vessel by clamping the vessel proximal to the preselected component and compressing the vessel where the preselected component is contained; and mixing the preselected component with a reagent in the distal segment of the vessel.

Abstract: A sample handling device (100) for handling a sample, the sample handling device (100) comprising a drive shaft (101) being drivable by a drive unit (102), a base plate (103) mounted to follow a motion of the drive shaft (101) when being driven by the drive unit (102), wherein the base plate (103) is configured to receive a sample carrier block (104) mountable to follow a motion of the base plate (103), and a compensation weight (105, 106) mounted asymmetrically on the drive shaft (101) in a manner to at least partially compensate an unbalanced mass of the sample handling device (100) during the motion.

Abstract: A method for presenting various surfaces of particles within a sample to a sensor device is provided. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for presenting a sample comprising a plurality of sample particles to a scanning field defined by a sensor device, the method including directing the sample into a scanning chamber configured to contain at least a portion of the scanning field of the sensor device, subjecting the sample to different relative velocities, and redirecting the sample into the scanning chamber such that the plurality of sample particles of the sample are reoriented relative to the scanning field defined by the sensor device. In some embodiments, at least one trait of the sample is measured with the sensor device.

Abstract: A test object carrying device for use in an appearance inspection device for checking the appearance of the test objects, which includes a back/front reversal means 23 for turning over the test objects being conveyed by the forward conveying means 21 and supplying them to the returning means 22a; the back/front reversal means is provided with a first drum 231a for rotating and conveying the test objects being conveyed by the forward conveying means 21 while holding the test objects on the peripheral surface thereof, and a second drum 232 for rotating and conveying the test objects being conveyed by the first drum 231a while holding the test objects on the peripheral surface thereof; wherein at least one of the first drum 231a and the second drum 232 is structured so that the test objects are transferred in parallel to the forward conveying means 21 and returning means 22a by rotating and conveying the test objects while holding them on the peripheral surface thereof.

Abstract: The inventive device (53) comprises an enclosure (63), means (65) for supplying the drilling mud into the enclosure (63), and means (67) for discharging the drilling mud from the enclosure (63). The device also comprises means (69) for introducing a carrier gas into the enclosure (63) and a pipe (71), which serves to extract the gas discharging into the enclosure (63) and which is connected to suction means (109). The device (53) additionally comprises selective venting means (72) comprising a vent pipe (115) perforated over the extracting pipe (71) and means (117) for closing the vent pipe (115). These means (117) are designed for opening the vent pipe (115) when the pressure at at least one point (121) of the device is less than a predetermined set value. The invention is used for analyzing the gaseous content of muds from drilling oil wells.

Abstract: There is provided a sample operation apparatus in which, by a static electricity force acting between a probe and a sample, an accurate position is gripped without the sample being moved, and the sample can be operated by the probe for an observation, a grip, a release, or the like.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in the detection of a fault in an electrical apparatus, especially transformers that have electrical windings immersed in electrical insulating oil with a headspace above the oil. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber with a mouth adapted to receive a pressure relief valve on the oil tank. The device creates a fluid tight seal around the pressure relief valve and operates the pressure relief valve to extract a gas sample from the headspace into the chamber. The device may include a gas analyzer for analyzing the gas sample for the presence of acetylene, which is indicative of a fault in the apparatus.

Abstract: Crop information related to a particular crop is collected and stored in data storage during the performance of an agricultural operation. A harvested particular crop is segregated from all other genetically distinct crops by storing the particular harvested crops in one or more segregated storage volumes for storing the particular crop. Each segregated storage volume has a corresponding storage identifier. An electronically accessible data profile, associated with the particular crop, is provided or made available to a user. The data profile includes the collected crop information.

Abstract: A method for sampling lubricant from a lubrication system including a pump for pumping lubricant between a reservoir and a sump. The method includes removing a filter from the pump, replacing the filter with a sampling device having a fluid passage, channeling lubricant returned from the sump to the pump into the fluid passage, and discharging lubricant from the pump by discharging lubricant from the fluid passage.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and kits, systems for screening, diagnosing and prognosing a disease, disorder, or physiological state based upon temporal measurements and analysis of gene expression in a subject.

Abstract: A water transport assembly, is provided including a housing having a first chamber therein, which is accessible through an opening in the housing. The housing additionally includes a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port, both of which are in fluid communication with the first chamber. A flat ion exchange membrane is attached to the housing in a plane over the opening in the housing, to seal the opening in a vapor tight seal. Water will pass through the membrane based upon the vapor pressure on each side of the membrane, to either dry or humidify sample passing through the first chamber. When the flat ion exchange membrane is a flat, thin ion exchange membrane it is preferable that the thin ion exchange membrane have a thickness of between about 0.1 and about 3.0 mils.

Abstract: A sampling device and method for use with a conduit for fluid which has at least one sampling nozzle or sample hole. The sample collected is directed to a manifold where an analysis is conducted and flow rates are measured. The sampled fluid is returned to the conduit. The Static Pressure Control System uses a vacuum pump or other device to equalize the static pressures of the sample nozzle collection manifold and the Static Pressure of the Conduit to achieve the mass-velocity and area-weighted average fluid composition and mass flow rate.

Abstract: An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system having incorporated a seamless piece having a surface for docking multiple sample conditioning components and having a system of internal passages to provide fluid flow between sample conditioning components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also contemplates a modular system containing essentially the entire sample conditioning components required for one or more fluid streams.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a sample volume defining device for separating at least one small defined volume of a liquid sample from a relatively larger undefined volume of said sample, said device including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, whereby said first body has at least one cavity in a surface thereof, said at least one cavity having said defined volume. One of said first or said second body has at least one inlet opening adapted to be placed in a drop of the liquid sample. A defined channel is provided between said first and second body, which channel has fluid connection with said at least one opening and at least beyond said at least one cavity whereby the dimensions of said channel being such that said channel and said at least one cavity is filled with said liquid sample.

Abstract: A flow head for a gas sensor having a sensing element is provided. The flow head includes a body at least partially defining a cavity in thermal communication with the sensing element. The body includes an inlet port located within an annular surface of the body and an outlet port located within the annular surface of the body. The body also includes an inlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the inlet passage configures the inlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another. The body further includes an outlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the outlet passage configures the outlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A device is provided that can include at least one gas trap that can be arranged in fluid communication with a sample-containment feature formed in or on the device. The gas trap can be arranged to trap gas or air displaced from the sample-containment feature as the sample-containment feature is loaded with a liquid. The trapped gas in the gas trap can assist in breaking-up and expelling the liquid from the sample-containment feature during a subsequent liquid transfer operation, for example, to an adjacent sample-containment feature. Systems for processing such a device and methods using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: Microfabricated tools useful for manipulating small, delicate samples are formed from thin plastic films. The films have a small thickness (preferably 5 to 50 micrometers and typically 10 micrometers) and small lateral dimensions (preferably 2 mm or less and typically 0.1 to 1 mm) so that they are reasonably flexible, but are preferably curved by being wrapped around a cylindrical or flat post to give them some rigidity. The softness and thinness of the plastic reduce risk of sample damage during incidental contact with the tool. Its thinness makes it optically and X-ray transparent, so that the samples can be clearly visualized during manipulations and so that the tools can be used to collect X-ray data from samples. As an option, an X-ray sensitive phosphor is incorporated in the film at low concentration. This allows the X-ray beam to be visually located on the mount or tool.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer that stirs a plurality of different liquids to induce a reaction and measures an optical characteristic of a reaction liquid, thereby analyzing the reaction liquid. The automatic analyzer includes a stirring unit that includes a vibrator that is arranged on a vessel that contains a specimen including a sedimented component or a rack on which the vessel is arranged; and an electrode that is arranged on a transfer path for transferring the rack to a dispensing position and feeds electric power to the vibrator. The stirring unit feeds the electric power from the electrode to the vibrator while the rack is being transferred to the dispensing position along the transfer path and stirs the specimen including the sedimented component contained in the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample measuring apparatus, comprising: a reagent holder for holding plural kinds of reagents; a measurement unit for measuring a measurement sample, prepared from a sample and plural kinds of reagents held by the reagent holder, for a predetermined measurement item; a display; and a display controller for controlling the display so as to display a screen including a predetermined display area showing a measurable number of times indicating how many times the measuring unit is able to perform a measurement for the predetermined measurement item by using the plural kinds of reagents held by the reagent holder.

Abstract: Testing of engine particulate matter production during a transient is made more accurate by selecting an appropriate sized opening for a test probe of the sampling system located in the exhaust line upstream from a particulate trap. By examining the pressure signature at the test probe location and utilizing that information in conjunction with a desired volumetric flow rate into the sampling system, a flow opening size for the test probe can be selected that reduces potential oversampling which may be otherwise induced due to the back pressure increases in the exhaust line caused by the presence of the particulate trap. The flow opening into the test probe of the sampling system behaves relative unrestricted when pressure differentials at the test probe location are relatively low, such as during steady state operating conditions, but restricts flow into the sampling system when pressure differentials are relatively high, such as at a pressure during a transient event.

Abstract: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A duct detector includes sampling tubes which slidably engage the detector with a fixed orientation to facilitate fluid flow. The tubes have a connector portion and a conduit portion. The connector portion and the conduit portion engage one another with a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method of vapor sampling and its delivery to the porous sensory element(s) employed in chemical detectors/sensors for vapor(s) identification and quantification. The sampling and delivery system comprises a flow cell in which a sensory membrane is placed parallel to the flow, while an additional flow normal to the membrane is introduced using the Bernoulli effect. The bi-directional flow of vapors increases the interactions between the sensory material and vapor molecules, and enhances sensitivity.

Abstract: When a test handler loads semiconductor devices of user trays onto a test tray, the test handler adjusts a front/rear pitch or a right/left pitch between the semiconductor devices, adjusts the right/left pitch or the front/rear pitch, and loads the semiconductor devices. The test handler can sequentially adjust individually the front/rear pitch and the right/left pitch between the semiconductor devices, thereby reducing the apparatus weight and the loading time.

Abstract: A modified liquid impingement unit is configured to automatically maintain a volume of buffer solution within a determined range, the buffer solution used to collect airborne particles from an impinging airflow. The liquid impingement unit includes a first end of an air nozzle and a first end of a vacuum tube sealed within collection vessel. A fluid delivery tube is positioned within the vacuum tube such that a first end of the fluid delivery tube is also positioned within the sealed collection vessel. External to the sealed collection vessel, the fluid delivery tube branches from the vacuum tube through an aperture in the vacuum tube. The vacuum tube is coupled to a vacuum pump and the fluid delivery tube is coupled to a fluid pump. A control module provides control signals to the fluid pump such that the fluid pump delivers a second volume of buffer solution from a buffer solution container to the collection vessel via the fluid delivery tube.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and devices relating to processing a sample. Aspects presented herein relate to collecting, stabilizing, pulverizing, fragmenting, and/or analyzing biological and non-biological sample specimens. Before constituents of sample specimens are analyzed, the sample specimens may be fragmented into a plurality of smaller specimens. Such smaller specimens may then be stored, analyzed, or further processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device used for the dilution of exhaust gas (diluter) and in particular for engines or vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a device and a method which may maintain a constant dilution ratio regardless of the exhaust gas backpressure in the exhaust line, without using any moving parts. The proposed diluter utilizes a very small fraction of the exhaust gas, sampled through a capillary duct, simply immersed to the exhaust flow, which is otherwise freely exhausting to the atmosphere. The sample flowrate through the capillary is achieved by maintaining a regulated underpressure at the capillary outlet. The diluted exhaust is then collected in a stabilization chamber, where temperature, humidity and residence time may be adjusted to condition the collected aerosol at will. Multiple capillaries and stabilization chambers may be cascaded to increase the dilution ratios.