Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for safe collection and transportation of fluid samples for analysis are described to avoid exposure of hazardous materials to personnel during collection and transfer of samples to laboratory processing equipment. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample module including an enclosure configured to separate a sample from an external environment; a filling station defining a compartment into which the sample module can be received, the filling station configured to direct a fluid sample into the sample module and to rinse fluid connections between the filling station and the sample module prior to decoupling of the sample module from the filling station; and a sample transfer station configured to receive the sample module and to transfer sample from the sample module and direct the sample into a sample container.

Abstract: A filter made of a sponge material having air permeability and elasticity is interposed between an exhaust port of an exhaust gas sampling unit and a sampling port to thereby close a gap between the exhaust port and the sampling port. In this state, when the exhaust gas sampling unit is suctioned at a constant flow rate, the exhaust gas and the outside air around the exhaust port are taken into the exhaust gas sampling unit from the sampling port. At this time, the flow rate of the outside air taken in through the filter is suppressed by the air-flow resistance of the filter, and therefore the total flow rate of the exhaust gas and the outside air taken into the exhaust gas sampling unit is caused to be less than the suction flow rate, thereby simply and reliably preventing the exhaust gas from leaking out.

Abstract: A landfill well control system includes a mobile hand-held device provided with a software monitoring application including a table having data related to determination of a desired methane gas output flow rate. A landfill gas (LFG) wellhead gas control valve includes: an electronically controlled, powered flow control device actuator; a flow measurement element producing differential pressures proportional to a gas flow rate; a pressure sensor/transducer; and a microprocessor having control logic capability and the ability to communicate via a local wireless signal to the mobile hand-held device. The powered flow control device actuator using data from the table of the mobile hand-held device or remotely stored data provides automatic valve positioning.

Abstract: A method of containing a sample of a gaseous mixture flowing in a pipeline at a flow rate, for analysis of same by at least one analyzer of which the operating conditions are not compatible with the physico-chemical conditions of the gaseous mixture in the pipeline is described. The method includes collecting a sample of the gaseous mixture in the pipeline, diluting the collected sample with a dry dilution gas, at a dilution temperature (T_dil) equal to or close to the temperature (T_prel) of the gaseous mixture in the pipeline during the collection step, and conveying the collected and diluted sample out of the pipeline via an outlet pipe for analysis of the same by said analyzer.

Abstract: A gas detector can be releasibly coupled to one of a group of elongated probes each of the probes includes a detector connecting end and a gas in flow/outflow end. The connecting end includes a helical attaching feature which when coupled to the detector defies a plurality of spaced apart angular locking positions. A locking position is selected in response to a flow of air in an adjacent duct to which the detector is being attached. Where the detector carries an elongated display device, the locking position can be selected so that the display device exhibits a desired presentation.

Abstract: This invention is an exhaust gas sampling device that samples an exhaust gas by the use of an open-type exhaust gas sampling part and that is for reducing leakage of the exhaust gas produced due to unevenness of flow velocity of a cooling wind around an exhaust gas pipe. The exhaust gas sampling device comprises the exhaust gas sampling part that has an exhaust gas sampling port arranged to face an exhaust gas discharging port of the exhaust gas pipe and that samples the exhaust gas emitted from the exhaust gas discharging port and an ambient gas surrounding the exhaust gas pipe, and the exhaust gas sampling part has an involvement decreasing structure that decreases the exhaust gas flowing out from the exhaust gas sampling port due to involvement of the exhaust gas by the ambient gas that flows in from the exhaust gas sampling port.

Abstract: A sampling point for use with an aspirating particle detection system. The sampling point includes: a body; a plurality of apertures in the body for drawing an air sample from an ambient environment; an outlet for delivering the sampled air, at a predetermined sample flow rate, from the body into a sampling pipe of the network of sampling pipes; and a means for maintaining the predetermined sample flow rate regardless of the presence or absence of ambient flow of air about the body. A particle detection system, and air sampling system are also described.

Abstract: A device for sampling working liquids of industrial machines, comprising a container (2) having an aperture (3) and a closing member (4) engaged to said aperture (3) for fluid-tight sealing same aperture. The pressure inside said container (2) is below 101000 Pa.

Abstract: A container system includes a flexible bag bounding a chamber. A probe port includes an elongated tubular member having an interior surface bounding a first passageway and extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end and open at the second end; and a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the tubular member at or toward the second end thereof, the flange being secured to the flexible bag so that the first end of the elongated tubular member projects into the chamber of the flexible bag while the open second end of the elongated tubular member is accessible from outside of the flexible bag. A probe is received within the first passageway of the probe port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sampling device and method for detecting liquid. The device includes a sampling probe; an action module for actuating the sampling probe; a control module for controlling the action module; a detection module for detecting a change of a relevant physical quantity of the sampling probe and converting the physical quantity into a corresponding electric signal output to the control module. The control module processes the electric signal output by the detection module and controls the action module to actuate the sampling probe based on the electric signal. The device is capable of determining abnormal liquid suction situations, making the sampling more reliable.

Abstract: A sampling container for receiving media from a container filling system includes a closed base region, a peripheral wall adjoining the base region and extending substantially orthogonal to the base region, and a filling region opposite the base region and adjoining the peripheral wall. The filling region has a container neck extending substantially orthogonal to the base region and includes a filling opening. An outer thread is arranged over an outer periphery of the container neck. The thread has an outer diameter between 44 and 46 mm and a core diameter between 41 and 43 mm, and rounded edges, at least over portions, with a radius between 0.95 and 1.05 mm. The container neck can be arranged in a receiver of a sampling head, during the sampling process so that the container is sealed in a media-tight manner in relation to an ambient environment.

Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a sample solution, on a substrate, such as a glass slide, the dispensing apparatus includes a capillary provided with a distal end and a proximal end, a pump unit configured to pump an operating liquid into the capillary and to pump the operating liquid out of the capillary, and a controller configured to control the pump unit so as to change a position of a liquid surface of the operating liquid in the capillary so that a predetermined volume of liquid is suctioned from the distal end into the capillary and the liquid suctioned in the capillary is discharged from the distal end. As a result, it is possible to precisely dispense extremely small volume amounts of liquids such as a nanoliter.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: A system and method for releasably coupling an extendable element to an actuator. Such a system may include an actuator housing with a specially adapted integral connecting end having a cavity therein. An extendable element may extend into the cavity through an opening in the connecting end of the housing and be coupled to a motive element of the actuator by a rotatable collar that resides in the cavity. A cover plate forms a part of the actuator housing connecting end. The cover plate compliments the integral portion of the connecting end and, in conjunction therewith, encloses the collar and the coupled portion of the extendable element. A substantially hollow end cap is passed over the extendable element and releasably attached to the actuator housing to enclose the distal connecting end thereof. In some embodiments, the coupled extendable element may reciprocate within an outer tube that is also releasably attached to the actuator housing.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for ground sensing from the interior of a vehicle, comprising a sensing probe capable of being brought into contact with the ground, and a handle for moving the sensing probe from a rest position into a lower ground sensing position. The sensing probe can be coupled with the handle such that upon actuation of the handle, the sensing probe is lowered into the ground sensing position accompanied by lever action. A lowering locking mechanism can be provided for arresting a lowering movement of the sensing probe. For orientation purposes, the sensing probe can be pivotable via the handle about an essentially horizontal pivot plane, and an orientation arresting mechanism can be provided for arresting an orientation position of the sensing probe. In a vehicle having such a sensing apparatus, the sensing probe can be guided through the bottom of the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A thermowell or gas sampling probe comprising an elongated tube with one or more helical fins wound longitudinally along and around at least part of the outer surface of said tube where the width of the fin is in the range 0.005 D to 0.2D; and the depth of the fin is in the range 0.05D to 0.5D; where D is the external diameter or width of the tube. The gas sampling probe comprising an elongate main tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end and a sampling tube housed within said main tubular member extending from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for collecting a fluid sample, the sampling system comprising a detachable sampling device having a recipient, an entrance valve for controlling entry of a fluid into the recipient, an exit valve for controlling exit of the fluid from the recipient, and a data storage device for storing data related to the fluid sample.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: A sampler for chemical analyzers includes a syringe placed internally to the sampler for withdrawing from one or more containers predetermined quantities of substances for carrying out chemical analysis; a support and movement group of the syringe; a transponder stably associated to the syringe and containing information relating to a plurality of the technical specifications of the syringe. The sampler also includes: a communication device with the transponder to read the information on the syringe; a logical control unit operatively connected to the communication device to determine, by means of such information, the type of syringe placed internally to the sampler and to activate an acknowledgment signal when it is suitable to perform the withdrawal of predetermined quantities of substances, and a blocking signal of the sample when the type has technical specifications not suitable to perform the withdrawal.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for retrieving a sample of oil from an engine, comprising, a chamber having an inside wall and at least one oil inlet, a piston head received in said chamber and slidable between an empty position in which it is disposed substantially at said inlet and a filled position in which it is a first distance from said inlet, a handle affixed to said chamber, and a piston member extending between said handle and said piston head, said piston member comprising a flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end being affixed to said piston head.

Abstract: A device for sampling working liquids of industrial machines, comprising a container (2) having an aperture (3) and a closing member (4) engaged to said aperture (3) for fluid-tight sealing same aperture. The pressure inside said container (2) is below 101000 Pa.

Abstract: A specimen sample collection system includes a handle having opposing first and second ends, and a sufficiency indicator coupled to the handle, wherein the handle second end and sufficiency indicator form a cavity adapted to receive a sample collection pad; a sample collection pad having opposing ends, the sample collection pad partially contained within and extending from the handle second end and in contact with the sufficiency indicator, the sample collection pad having a cylindrical cross section; and, a pad compression tube having a first open end to go over the sample collection pad and second end of the handle, an opposing second end, an interior surface extending therebetween, and at least outlet port proximal to the pad compression tube second end and in fluid communication with the pad compression tube interior. The system may include wherein the sufficiency indicator is a light pipe or other indicating element, providing visual, aural or haptic indication of sufficient sample volume.

Abstract: Methods of sampling substances such as subsurface contaminants, a transfer line for use in a system for such sampling, a sampling system and methods of manufacture and use of the system are described. The transfer line used in a probe system for subsurface chemical sampling connects a detection apparatus with a probe, the transfer line including a first flexible tube for carrying fluid to the probe; and a second flexible tube for carrying sample-loaded fluid from the probe; wherein second flexible or both first and second flexible tubes comprise a barrier tube surrounded by a metal coating. The metal coating is a continuous cladding deposited with structural integrity, and the metal coating is surrounded by an insulating layer, so that one or both of the flexible tubes can be heated by applying a voltage on the metal coating.

Abstract: A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and method of use thereof for facilitating the analysis of samples of sub-slab soil gas that comprise an adapter body that includes, a first barbed portion, an external engaging portion, a threaded collar portion, a second barbed portion, and an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adapter body. The device may further include a tubular body with an interior cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second barbed portion of the adapter body to produce a mating engagement therebetween.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A kit of component parts for forming at least first and second grease sampling devices includes a number of housings, piston bodies, and piston shafts. A first grease sampling device has a piston movable in the barrel and vent holes that resists the buildup of back pressure when the device is filled with a grease sample. A second grease sampling device includes a push rod extending from the piston that enables a representative grease sample to be obtained from a bearing, gear or other lubricated part that is not easily accessible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a sampling system for fluid samples having sample receiving vessel for receiving the sample, which is sealed by a septum and holder for the sample receiving vessel for receiving and holding the sample receiving vessel and also a sample probe for dipping into a fluid volume and for taking a fluid sample from the fluid volume, the sample probe being configured as a hollow volume which, at one end, has a first opening for introducing the holder and the sample receiving vessel and, at another end, is sealed by a first valve which is provided with a hollow needle which projects into the interior of the sample probe said valve being able to be opened by contact with at least one of the group comprising the holder and the sample receiving vessel and then connecting the exterior of the sample probe to the inner volume of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.

Abstract: A system for measurement and analysis of pipeline contaminants is provided. The system includes a first assembly for engaging a pipeline from which a first fluid flow sample may be isokinetically collected for measurement of aerosol contaminants. The system also includes a second assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a second fluid flow sample may be collected for chromatographic analysis of the aerosol contaminants. The system may further include a third assembly for engaging the pipeline from which a fluid flow sample may be obtained for measurement of solid contaminants. Information on aerosol contaminants and solid contaminants can subsequently be used to select an appropriate extraction technology to control the presence of aerosol and solid contaminants within the pipeline.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for obtaining a sample of a fluid solids, such as a coke and hydrocarbon mixture, from a fluid solids process is provided. A sample vessel is provided that contains a first end, a second end, an aperture in the first end and an interior cavity. A cooling device can be provided for cooling material in the interior cavity of the sampling vessel. In operation, fluid solids can be routed through the aperture and collected in the interior cavity. The collected sample material can then be cooled by the cooling device and used for testing.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust gas dilution device 1 is to prevent a temperature of dilution gas from being raised under the influence of the temperature of the exhaust gas before the dilution gas is mixed with the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas dilution device 1 comprises an exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 to circulate the exhaust gas G, a mixing section 102 that is arranged in the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 and that has an orifice 17, and a dilution gas supply pipe 14 that opens at the mixing section 102 and that supplies dilution gas W to the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101. The dilution gas supply pipe 14 is arranged spaced apart from the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 until it reaches the mixing section 102.

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: Handheld solid powder sampling and dispensing devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The handheld device has an ergonomically contoured outer surface to be held by a user. Actuation of an outer member of the device causes a predetermined quantity of a powder to be loaded within the device. Actuation of a plunger mechanism causes the predetermined quantity of powder to be dispensed. The outer member and the plunger mechanism are independently operable. Advantageously, the target delivery quantity of powder can be varied by a device adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A residence time chamber and sampling apparatus for use in a system for sampling emission products from an emissions source, for example combustion engines including gasoline, diesel and natural gas engines, for subsequent measurement and analysis of the emission products. The results of the analysis can be used to formulate decisions on changes in engine design strategy, and can be used to determine the effectiveness of aftertreatment systems on the emissions source. The residence time chamber includes a plurality of isoaxial sampling probes, with a plurality of sampling trains connected to the sampling probes to take simultaneous representative emission samples for subsequent analysis. The residence time chamber minimizes many noise factors which can affect the accuracy of the test system, by applying isokinetic sampling and by reducing the interaction of the sampling gas and the particulate matter with the sampling probe inlets and with the various surfaces of the residence time chamber.

Abstract: An exhaust gas dilution device 1 is to prevent a temperature of dilution gas from being raised under the influence of the temperature of the exhaust gas before the dilution gas is mixed with the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas dilution device 1 comprises an exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 to circulate the exhaust gas G, a mixing section 102 that is arranged in the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 and that has an orifice 17, and a dilution gas supply pipe 14 that opens at the mixing section 102 and that supplies dilution gas W to the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101. The dilution gas supply pipe 14 is arranged spaced apart from the exhaust gas circulation pipe 101 until it reaches the mixing section 102.

Abstract: A position of an object moving through a region of interest is determined, and at least one source of an air stream is selectively activated based on the determined position. The air stream is capable of dislodging a particle from the object moving through the region of interest. The air stream is directed toward the region of interest. An air collector is selectively activated, based on the determined position, to draw air from the region of interest. The drawn air is deposited on a sample collector, and the sample collector is analyzed to determine whether the deposition of the air stream left particles of a material of interest on the sample collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling system for fluid samples having sample receiving vessel for receiving the sample, which is sealed by a septum and holder for the sample receiving vessel for receiving and holding the sample receiving vessel and also a sample probe for dipping into a fluid volume and for taking a fluid sample from the fluid volume, the sample probe being configured as a hollow volume which, at one end, has a first opening for introducing the holder and the sample receiving vessel and, at another end, is sealed by a first valve which is provided with a hollow needle which projects into the interior of the sample probe said valve being able to be opened by contact with the holder and/or with the sample receiving vessel and then connecting the exterior of the sample probe to the inner volume of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: An enhanced scanning solutions module is disclosed including a flow control subsystem; a detector subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; a dryer/moisture separator subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; a sampling subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem; and a software control subsystem coupled to the flow control subsystem, the detector subsystem, the dryer/moisture separator subsystem, or the sampling subsystem. The module can include a sampling subsystem having: a sample loop; an absorbent trap; or a gas chromatography injection port. The module can further include an exhaust; a pneumatic supply; a power supply; a bypass module; a feedback signal; or a pressure control subsystem.

Abstract: Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A membrane-introduction mass spectrometer (MIMS) device has a sample inlet assembly provided with a membrane held by an outer retaining ring across the entrance of a central passage, a porous metal frit backing the membrane, and a cylindrical support piece supporting the frit. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a 10-micron thickness layer of silicone evenly coated upon an inert polymer backing material. The porous frit is a titanium or steel sponge metal. The cylindrical support piece is made of titanium with small, drilled thru-holes to allow passage of gases and volatile organics into the mass spectrometer. The sample inlet assembly includes a high-pressure temperature probe for sensing fluid temperature to correct for temperature variations in membrane diffusion rates. The sample inlet assembly is provided as a front end to an underwater sampling probe.

Abstract: A substance in a condensed state, for example a powdered solid, is in continuous movement in the longitudinal direction (6) of a furnace (4, 5). A reactive gas mixture is brought into contact with the substance in the condensed state. A plurality of samples of the gaseous mixture are removed at a plurality of reference points (14) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (6) of the furnace (4, 5); each of the gas samples is analyzed outside the furnace to determine the composition of the gas mixture and for each point (14), the extent of a chemical reaction between the condensed substance and the reactive gas mixture is deduced from the composition of the gas mixture at each of the reference points (14). In particular, the apparatus comprises a sampling and injection rod (10) introduced into the furnace (4, 5) and disposed in its longitudinal direction (6).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus foe scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, an apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter includes a hollow body having first and second ends. An outlet, formed at the second end of the body, is adapted for coupling a testing device to an interior volume of the body. A plurality of holes are formed through the body and are fluidly coupled to the interior volume. In another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes inserting a probe having a plurality of sample ports into a filter adjacent a filter pack, and traversing the probe along the filter pack. In yet another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes scanning a slot of a v-bank filter with a probe, and collecting samples of gas passing through the filter and into the probe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a liquid material for an analysis. Provided are a sample container, a sample tube, a vacuum tube, and a vacuum generator. The sample tube forms a fluid path between the liquid to be sampled and the storage container. The vacuum tube forms a fluid path between the sample container and the vacuum generator. The vacuum generator creates a partial vacuum, or suction, which draws liquid material through the sample tube and into the sample container.

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.