Abstract: The present invention is to present a reagent preparing apparatus for preparing a reagent for processing a sample, by using a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a storage unit for storing liquid; and a constant amount liquid quantifying unit comprising a constant amount holding instrument which is used in common to hold a constant amount of the first liquid and to hold a constant amount of the second liquid, the constant amount liquid quantifying unit performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the first liquid to the storage unit and performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the second liquid to the storing unit.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a sample chamber in which a sample is accommodated. The sample chamber includes: an introduction portion including a loading hole through which the sample is loaded; an accommodation portion including a discharge hole; and a neck portion forming a boundary between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion. The neck portion provides a capillary pressure for controlling flow of the sample between the introduction portion and the accommodation portion.

Abstract: A concentrator that is operable to concentrate particles of target material from a high flow rate sampled airflow into a low flow rate secondary airflow. The concentrator may have an array of radially arranged blades. Each blade may have a sampled airflow inlet that uses centrifugal force to concentrate the particles into a central portion of the sampled airflow passing through it. Downstream, the blade may also have primary airflow outlets and knife-edged secondary airflow inlets that divide the sampled airflow into a pair of lateral, high flow rate primary airflows from which the particles have been depleted, and a central, low flow rate secondary airflow which carries the concentrated particles.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing a solution containing a sample to a test device and aspirating the sample from the device. In one embodiment the device is hand-held and includes a control mechanism, e.g., button for activating the dispensing and aspiration of the sample. The testing device may take the form of a multi-well plate with a plurality of wells arranged in rows and columns, with the bottom of the wells formed as a photonic crystal biosensor. The device can be configured with dispense and aspirate manifolds and associated dispense and aspirate ports which are positioned in all the wells along a row or column of wells so as to simultaneously aspirate and dispense solution to all the wells in a row or column of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: A test piece attachment apparatus includes a test piece magazine having an inner space storing a plurality of specimen component test pieces aligned in a predetermined direction and a feed outlet via which the specimen component test pieces can be successively extruded, a magazine holder exchangeably holding the test piece magazine, a torsion spring generating a bias force to press the specimen component test pieces aligned in the test piece magazine toward the feed outlet, and a cylindrical casing. The cylindrical casing includes a recessed groove that allows the magazine holder to move in its axial direction and an extrusion projection disposed at a position where the extrusion projection can push one specimen component test piece positioned at the feed outlet and can extrude the specimen component test piece out of the test piece magazine in accordance with a movement of the magazine holder.

Abstract: A device (100) for analysing a sample, the device (100) comprising a beam sensitive structure (101) adapted such that an electric property of a portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) is locally modified by a beam (102) impinging on the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101), and a sample accommodating unit (103) adapted for accommodating the sample, wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) and the sample accommodating unit (103) are arranged such that the local modification of the electric property of the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) locally modifies the analysis of the sample in a corresponding portion of the sample accommodating unit (103), wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) comprises an organic photoconductor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit to enable the bio-degradability of a material to be observed. The kit includes: at least one environmental vessel formed from a non bio-degradable material having an opening that can be covered with a scalable lid for loading of the vessel, which vessel includes means so that the vessel can be sealed or ventilated if desired; at least one sample of a material to be tested. The sample to be tested can be located in the vessel and tested under the influence of a particular environment, which environment may be ventilated if desired.

Abstract: An analyzing system, comprising: a sample processor for processing a sample based on a designated dilution parameter; a measurement section for measuring the sample processed by the sample processor; a dilution parameter memory for storing a first dilution parameter and a second dilution parameter which is different from the first dilution parameter and can be supplied by a user of the analyzing system; and a measurement controller for controlling the sample processor and the measurement section so as to process the sample based on the first dilution parameter and obtain a measurement value by measuring the processed sample; wherein, when a comparison of the measurement value and a predetermined threshold indicates a retest, the second dilution parameter is used for the retest, is disclosed. A diagnostic processing device and computer program product thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of samples from an analytical instrument has a sealable transfer capsule and a means for connecting the transfer capsule to a vacuum instrument, such as a FIB, through an interface connected to the instrument. The capsule has a door that can be opened to insert a sample holder, such as a TEM sample holder, into the instrument, and then closed when the sample holder holding an excised sample is retracted back into the transfer capsule. The instrument interface contains means for sealing the instrument before the transfer capsule holding a sample is disconnected, and for purging the transfer capsule with an inert gas. The sample may thus be transported in the sealed transfer capsule without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The sample may be transported to and connected to a glove box also purged with an inert gas for examination or further operations.

Abstract: The operation, analysis and interpretation of a chromatographic system can be significantly enhanced by coupling therewith one or more fluid property measurements that provides an initial indication of the fluid type, the presence of any contamination, an estimate of the hydrocarbon composition (C1, C2-C5 and C6+), gas/oil ratio, color and/or fluorescence measurements. Other measurements that can be used in the initial stage can include density, viscosity, phase transition determinations. These measurements may be used to enhance, in real-time, the GC sampling protocol, the analysis protocol and also improve the robustness of the interpretation of the chromatogram.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diluting and cooling that is extracted from high temperature and/or high pressure industrial processes. Through a feedback process, a specialized, CFD-modeled dilution cooler is employed along with real-time estimations of the point at which condensation will occur within the dilution cooler to define a level of dilution and diluted gas temperature that results in a gas that can be conveyed to standard gas analyzers that contains no condensed hydrocarbon compounds or condensed moisture.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid includes: estimating a fluidic property of the fluid being metered; and adjusting one or more control parameters based on the estimated property to improve the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid. Preferably, the estimating the property of the fluid being metered includes: monitoring a physical event during the metering operation to collect sensed data; extracting features from the sensed data; and using the features to estimate fluid properties. In another preferred embodiment, the estimated fluidic property is viscosity and the sensed data is a pressure profile during a fluid aspiration. In another preferred embodiment, the method includes a diagnostic analyzer which includes a metering probe having a hard probe or a probe having a disposable tip and wherein the fluid is a body fluid sample.

Abstract: Liquid contact structure 1 includes lyophilic surface 2 which is provided with a plurality of convex structures 3 and which is adapted to come into contact with a predetermined liquid. Surface 2 has lyophilicity that varies depending on regions of 2 surface according to a difference in a surface area multiplication factor which is caused by convex structures 3, wherein surface 2 is formed to have highest lyophilicity within predetermined region 4 on surface 2.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously dispensing a solution containing a sample to a test device and aspirating the sample from the device. In one embodiment the device is hand-held and includes a control mechanism, e.g., button for activating the dispensing and aspiration of the sample. The testing device may take the form of a multi-well plate with a plurality of wells arranged in rows and columns, with the bottom of the wells formed as a photonic crystal biosensor. The device can be configured with dispense and aspirate manifolds and associated dispense and aspirate ports which are positioned in all the wells along a row or column of wells so as to simultaneously aspirate and dispense solution to all the wells in a row or column of the multi-well plate.

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 system for ultrasonic sample preparation includes a sample container having a wall defining an outer surface and an inner volume for containing a sample material, a converter which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range, and an ultrasonic probe in contact with the outer surface of the sample container. The ultrasonic probe is in communication with the converter and transmits the mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range to the wall of the sample container and thereby to the inner volume, thereby mixing the sample material.

Abstract: A sampler introduces charged particles to be measured into an measuring apparatus for measuring charge distribution of the charged particles. The measuring apparatus has a main body, a guide member, and an electric field curtain generating section. The main body has a first opening at upper side and a second opening at lower side, the first opening being adapted to receive the charged particles, the second opening being adapted to discharge the charged particles. The guide member defines a path of the charged particles, the path extending vertically from the first opening to the second opening. The electric field curtain generating section generates an electric field curtain adjacent to a guide surface of the guide member.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an alternative method for durability testing of an engine block. The engine block comprises cylinder cavities, which cylinder cavities are separated from each other by intermediate walls, each intermediate wall comprising a bolt hole. The method comprises the step of: removing a test specimen from an area of the intermediate wall of the engine block, such that the test specimen comprises the bolt hole.

Abstract: A burette (10, 110, 200) suitable for delivery of a reagent into a target solution (50) employs diffusion for delivering the reagent. The reagent is in the form of a solution, which is combined with a matrix material (22), such as a gel or porous ceramic. A membrane (32) covers a delivery outlet (20) to the burette. In one embodiment, the delivery outlet comprises a plurality of fine bores (36), each one filled with or covered by a membrane (38). Stirring of the burette or target solution is achieved with a stirring means (104, 106). A heating or cooling means (80) heats a tip (16) of the burette.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a low-cost injection-molded plastic microfluidic device that performs the multiplexing of affinity or chromatographic sample cleanup and enrichment methods and the detection by nanospray mass spectrometry of analytes such as biomarkers in a single package to conserve sample, and processes body fluids with HPLC grade and even next-generation chromatographic resins such as nanoparticles to maximize the sensitivity of the detection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas sensor configured to detect a specific gas which is a subject for detection, and inspection gas introduction piping configured to lead an inspection gas to the gas sensor, wherein at least a portion of the inspection gas introduction piping serves as ventilating piping configured to ventilate an inside of a ventilation-requiring device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of samples from an analytical instrument has a sealable transfer capsule and a means for connecting the transfer capsule to a vacuum instrument, such as a FIB, through an interface connected to the instrument. The capsule has a door that can be opened to insert a sample holder, such as a TEM sample holder, into the instrument, and then closed when the sample holder holding an excised sample is retracted back into the transfer capsule. The instrument interface contains means for sealing the instrument before the transfer capsule holding a sample is disconnected, and for purging the transfer capsule with an inert gas. The sample may thus be transported in the sealed transfer capsule without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The sample may be transported to and connected to a glove box also purged with an inert gas for examination or further operations.

Abstract: A method for preparing a microfluidic chip is described, the microfluidic chip comprising a micro-channel system with at least one micro-channel. The method comprises supplying one or more fluids to at least one predefined section of the micro-channel system or to the whole micro-channel system, and freezing the entire microfluidic chip by exposing the microfluidic chip to a temperature below ?5° C., wherein the one or more fluids contained in the micro-channel system are frozen solid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus and method for storing data relating to instrumentation used for certifying a filter in a containment system. The apparatus generally comprises a memory device communicatively coupled to one or more instruments of a sample system. The memory device stores a data set regarding the instrument. The data set is then accessed during testing of an air sample from the containment system.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus couple a membrane interface directly to a mass spectrometer at atmospheric pressure. The membrane may be in capillary or sheet form and allows the introduction of a liquid or gaseous sample to one side of the membrane while the other side of the membrane is bathed with a solution that can easily be used in an atmospheric pressure ionization source. Volatile molecules permeate through a suitable membrane such as poly-dimethyl silicone (PDMS), mix into the appropriate solvent, and are ionized. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used in construing the claims.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conditioning chamber device for metallurgical samples, adapted to be attached to an instrument having an examination chamber operable in an ultra high vacuum condition, and to be brought to an ultra high vacuum condition while attached to the instrument; and comprises (i) at least one vacuum pump means; (ii) a sample retaining means; (iii) at least one fracturing means adapted to prepare on a sample a surface suitable for metallurgical analysis; (iv) a drying means adapted for slow drying of a sample in an ultra high vacuum condition; and (v) a transporting means to transport the sample after surface preparation through a connecting means into the examination chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus performs dispensing by filling a duct to which a dispensing nozzle is connected with a liquid, making the liquid move in the duct to absorb a liquid sample including a specimen or a reagent through the dispensing nozzle, and discharging the absorbed liquid sample; and an in-duct bubble presence determining method in the dispensing apparatus. The presence determining method includes discharging the liquid in the duct from the dispensing nozzle and detecting a transition of a pressure in the duct; calculating the number of mountain pulses in a pressure transition waveform based on the detected pressure transition; and determining a presence of a bubble in the duct based on the calculated number of mountain pulses.

Abstract: A method includes providing a sampling device having a sampling chamber therein, a pump operatively coupled to the sampling chamber, and a drive means coupled to the sampling chamber; situating the sampling device against an underwater boat hull having contaminants attached thereto, wherein situating the sampling device against the underwater boat hull causes water to be disposed within the sampling chamber; activating the pump to remove a portion of the water from the sampling chamber, wherein negative pressure is created within the sampling chamber and a watertight seal is formed between the sampling chamber and the underwater boat hull; activating the drive means to remove a sample of the contaminants from the underwater boat hull, wherein the sample of the contaminants is collected in the sampling chamber; deactivating the mechanical drive means; and sealing the sampling chamber, wherein the sample of the contaminants is stored within the sampling chamber.

Abstract: An In-Water Hull Cleaning Sampling Device includes a sampling chamber, a drive shaft housing, a drive shaft sealing membrane, a drive shaft, a spring retainer, a pressure spring, a cleaning pad, a mechanical drive device and a chamber sealing means. The sampling chamber further includes a chamber sealing membrane coupled to a base; and a chamber wall coupled to the base and a chamber ceiling.

Abstract: A method and system of a sparse sampling planner uses a finite number of measurements to determine a track's expected intermediate kinematic and classification state for a specific sensor action. It uses the expected track state to compute a reward function. The expected states are further propagated for actions at the next time step to determine the next states and so on. The sampling becomes sparse and the reward function is discounted as one propagates further in time. This produces a state-action tree that is more top-heavy while providing greater accuracy at times closer to the decision point. By doing so, the planner creates a plan comprising a sequence of actions that result in the highest reward. By employing various heuristics to further prune the tree gives highly accurate results with significant savings in computational processor time.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a syringe which has a piston and sucks and discharges a liquid; and a storage unit which stores therein a reference driving profile indicating a reference of a driving position and a driving time at starting the piston. The apparatus also includes a position detector which detects an actual driving position of the piston; a timer which measures an actual driving time of the piston; and a driving controller which controls driving of the piston based on the reference driving profile, the driving controller creating an actual driving profile based on the actual driving position and the actual driving time of the piston, and the driving controller comparing the reference driving profile with the actual driving profile to determine based on a result of the comparing whether the dispensing is proper or not.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining location of at least one inclusion in a gemstone having a first refractive index, comprising: a container adapted for containing a material having a second refractive index, a holder operative to support a gemstone in the material when the container contains the material; an illuminator positioned and adapted to illuminate said gemstone when disposed within said material in said container, with illumination at which said gemstone and said material have their respective first and second indices; a detector that detects illumination from the illuminated gemstone and said material and produces signals responsive thereto; a controller that receives the signals and is operative to determine a location of an inclusion in the gemstone based on the signals; and a system, operative to reduce the presence within said material, at least when the gemstone is disposed therein, of any substance other than inclusions, having a third refractive index.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, a processing apparatus, a sample unit, a reagent unit and a method for processing a biological sample in the inside of the sample unit. The system comprises at least a processing apparatus and a sample unit, the sample unit comprises a plurality of microfluidic elements, the processing apparatus comprises actuation means capable of actuating at the microfluidic elements such that a quick, cheap and accurate analysis of the biological sample is possible.

Abstract: A microinjection device is provided that includes an injection element defining a longitudinal axis, and that further includes a motor. The injection element is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by the rotational motor. The injection element is for penetrating a target, such as a cell. A microinjection system is provided that includes the microinjection device and a control unit. The control unit is for controlling a rotational amplitude and a frequency of oscillation of the injection element. A method for penetrating a target to facilitate injecting material therein is provided that includes providing the material to an injection element, contacting the target with a distal end of the injection element, rotating the injection element about a longitudinal axis to form a hole in the target, and penetrating the target with the injection element via the hole formed in the target.

Abstract: A dilution apparatus for diluting a gas sample. The apparatus includes a sample gas conduit having a sample gas inlet end and a diluted sample gas outlet end, and a sample gas flow restricting orifice disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end connected with the sample gas conduit and providing fluid communication between the exterior and the interior of the sample gas conduit. A diluted sample gas conduit is provided within the sample gas conduit having a mixing end with a mixing space inlet opening disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end, thereby forming an annular space between the sample gas conduit and the diluted sample gas conduit. The mixing end of the diluted sample gas conduit is disposed at a distance from the sample gas flow restricting orifice. A dilution gas source connected with the sample gas inlet end of the sample gas conduit is provided for introducing a dilution gas into the annular space, and a filter is provided for filtering the sample gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining pesticide residues in the soil or plant material, which comprises processing a soil or plant material sample to a fine powder, converting the powder or a portion thereof into a form accessible for determining the analyte, and determining the analyte. The invention is thus concerned with environmental analysis and in particular environmental trace analysis. The method advantageously allows the use of microextraction techniques and thus a high sample throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus and 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 pair of concentric counter-rotating surfaces and a dividing member fixed radially therebetween so as to form a scanning chamber wherein sample particles are reoriented relative to the scanning field of an adjacent sensor device by the counter-rotation of the surfaces and the consequent recirculation of the sample particles through the scanning chamber.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for condensation particle counting in conjunction with modifying an aerosol to enhance the formation and growth of droplets of a selected working fluid, preferably water. Before saturation with the working fluid, the aerosol is exposed to an aerosol modifying component, preferably a vapor including molecules that are adsorbed onto surfaces of the particles or other elements suspended in the aerosol. Adsorption alters the surface character of the suspended elements towards increased affinity for the vapor of the working fluid, to promote the formation and growth of working fluid droplets. The droplets are optically detected to indicate numbers and concentrations of the suspended elements.

Abstract: A probe mechanism and a sample pick up mechanism of the invention are provided at an observing apparatus or an analyzing apparatus and characterized in including a tip member comprising a needle-like member brought into contact with a sample, including a driving electrostatic actuator and means for monitoring a change in an electrostatic capacitance between electrodes of the electrostatic actuator, and capable of sensing that the probe is brought into contact with a sample by the monitor.

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: Vials used for obtaining an aliquot of a biological sample are provided. Also provided are method of using the vials and instruments to obtain an aliquot of a biological sample.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in methods and apparatuses for automated biological reaction systems including a barrel, a coupler, a piston associated with the barrel, and a sealing surface that seals the inner diameter against fluid flow at the lower extent of the piston.

Abstract: A laboratory implement consisting of a body formed with at least a blade at one end thereof is used for handling biological samples. The blade is provided with photoluminescent qualities, so as to emit visible light when subjected to ultraviolet light. In the method, the implement is positioned in a hand of the user with the blade facing the biological samples. The samples are cut by the blade in darkness under ultraviolet light, in such a manner that the blade is visible to an operator.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus comprising: at least one distribution element for distributing a flow of material; one or more sampling ports for collecting a sample from the distributed flow of material; wherein at least one sampling port is adapted to move in the distributed flow in order to collect a sample; and wherein, in use, the at least one sampling port has a container associated therewith which moves with the sampling port and which receives and retains the sample collected by the said sampling port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil sampling assembly structured to collect an oil sample from the oil circulating system of an engine or other device and including a housing connected in fluid communication with the oil circulating system and having a container removably connected thereto. During operation of the oil circulating system a continuous flow of oil into and out of the container will occur. When the oil circulating system is not operating, oil and any contaminants contained therein will collect within the container. The container and oil sample is detached from the housing, replaced by another container, and connected to a closure for transport to a testing facility.

Abstract: A contamination control apparatus includes at least two pipes connected by a joint portion and configured to allow a processing fluid to flow therethrough, and a cover configured to enclose the joint portion and to provide an enclosed cavity between the cover and the joint portion. An inlet port is connected to the cover and configured to supply a gas to the cavity. An outlet port is connected to the cover and configured to exhaust the gas and a contaminant from the cavity.

Abstract: A system and method extracts/deposits fluid and includes a pipette having a pipette body portion and a pipette tip. A stirring/agitation mechanism including a fiber or a rod extends through the interior of the pipette tip, wherein a fiber end or rod end of the fiber or rod, extends out of a narrowed end of the pipette tip, and the fiber end or rod end is configured to stir or agitate the fluid.

Abstract: A portable receptacle is vacuumized for use in taking an air or gas sample for subsequent examination to determine type, origin, components of the air or gas. Critical to a long shelf life of the vacuumized receptacle is a valve which virtually seals the receptacle for months or years permitting storage of the receptacle in a state ready for immediate use at a site. The valve utilizes a positionable member plated with a noble metal. A filter serves to collect particulate from the air or gas flow into the receptacle. A funnel shaped collector aids in the collection.

Abstract: Air sampler with integrated airflow sensing. The air sampler according to at least some embodiments includes an air mover that is operable to move air over a sampling media. An integrated airflow sensor is in fluid communication with the air mover. The air mover operating speed can be adjusted, in example embodiments, by either a feedback control mechanism that is connected to the air mover and the integrated airflow sensor, by user input, or by a combination of the two. The feedback control mechanism adjusts the operating speed of the air mover in response to signaling from the integrated airflow sensor in order to maintain an actual airflow in accordance with a stored, target value. The feedback can, in at least some embodiments, compensate for obstructions, environmental variables, variations in the power supplied to the air mover, and the like.