Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed. In various embodiments, the method may comprise vibrating the seed to orient the seed on an axis, identifying a location of a known feature of the seed, determining a sample location on the seed based on the location of the known feature, and performing a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed proximate the sample location. In one embodiment, the method may comprise removing a sample portion of the seed from the sample location without damaging the embryo of the seed. Accordingly, the viability of the seed may be maintained while allowing for subsequent testing on the sample portion of the seed.

Abstract: A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.

Abstract: Sampling devices are used to obtain samples of fluids to be analyzed and to determine the composition of the fluid in the sampled environment. A sampling apparatus with an inflatable sample bag used to collect and store liquid, air, vapor, and or gas samples by drawing the sample into the bag through an inlet, a sorbent tube, cassette, and/or other collection media is described. The means for extracting the sample and moving it into the sample bag comprises means for expanding the volume of a sample bag and creating a vacuum or reduced pressure within the sample bag. The means for expanding the include separating walls of a sample bag by use of gravity, pneumatic pressure, a biasing force, hydraulic force, for example or increasing the volume of a sample bag retaining container by such forces. Such sampling apparatuses do not require use of a sampling pump.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding and/or treating a sample material. A sample may be positioned in a vessel and a crushing force may be applied to the sample material while in the vessel, e.g., by a plunger that is part of a cap to pulverize the sample at cryogenic temperatures. The sample holder may include an acoustic window arranged to admit acoustic energy into the vessel for acoustic treatment of the sample. A flexible film may be used at a portion of the vessel, e.g., at the acoustic window, to cooperate with a plunger for crushing a sample.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection cmember having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample chamber with a cover plate and a bottom plate which is joined thereto in a fixed manner, wherein a recess is provided in the cover plate so that a reservoir is formed by the bottom plate, wherein a planar element with holes is provided in the reservoir, wherein the holes have a predetermined arrangement and/or size.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for holding and/or transferring a sample material into a second holder. The sample holder may comprise a shoulder arranged on the outer surface to engage a second holder and to position a top opening of the sample holder for communication with the second holder. A sample may be expelled from a sample holder using a piston that moves from a lower portion to an upper portion of the sample holder.

Abstract: A tester apparatus capable of obtaining a forming limit diagram pertaining to a sample having a high degree of precision includes a fixing jig and a mobile jig installed at an upper side of the fixing jig so as to enable a vertical movement. The mobile jig may be configured to fix the sample in cooperation with the fixing jig, and a driving apparatus disposed at a lower side of the fixing jig may be configured to drive the vertical movement of the mobile jig. An interlocking apparatus provided in between the mobile jig and the driving apparatus may be configured to deliver a driving force of the driving apparatus to the mobile jig.

Abstract: A deformable container (5) containing a fluid product to be tested includes a flexible outer wall (10) enclosing a main cavity (9) therein for holding the fluid product and at least one appendix (14) for containing a sample volume to be tested. The appendix is displaceable from a first position, wherein the appendix is invaginated within a periphery of the deformable container, and a second position, wherein the appendix protrudes outwardly from the outer wall and defines a second cavity (7) therein for a sample fluid volume, such as to permit testing of the sample volume within the appendix (14). The appendix is displaced into the second position by the fluid product within the deformable container when pressure is applied to the outer wall to force the sample volume of the fluid product from the main cavity of the deformable container into the second cavity of the appendix.

Abstract: A sample support plate (100) for a variety of possible applications, including MALDI mass spectrometry, is disclosed. A plurality of spatially separated sample recipient sites (101) are arranged on the surface of a substrate. The recipient sites are mutually separated by areas having a different wettability than the recipient sites. They are arranged in a plurality of rows consisting of a plurality of recipient sites whose centers are regularly spaced along a first direction with a predetermined periodicity (D1), the rows being regularly spaced along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a predetermined centerline distance (D2). Each recipient site has a maximum lateral dimension that is preferably smaller than the diameter of a beam spot (104) of a desorption laser beam (103).

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a testing desk; a supporting tray adapted for securing an expansion card, and a lifting device attached to the testing desk. The supporting tray includes a retaining portion rotatably attached to the testing desk. The lifting device includes a positioning post and a lifting post moveably received in the positioning post. The supporting tray is slanted relative to the testing desk, the lifting post is rotatable relative to the positioning post in a direction substantially perpendicular to the testing desk, and the supporting tray is rotatable relative to the testing desk for adjusting an angle between the supporting tray and the testing desk.

Abstract: There is provided a head element inspection apparatus that can adjust the position of a cantilever for a short time without using any adjusting jig in the case of replacing a cantilever. A head element inspection apparatus includes a cantilever holder that holds a cantilever, a holder base on which the cantilever holder is mounted, a Z-direction drive shaft that drives the holder base in the Z-direction, and a workpiece table that holds a head element and drives the head element in X- and Y-directions. The cantilever holder and the holder base include adjusting mechanisms (an adjusting screw and an off-center pin) that adjust the position of the cantilever in the X-direction and the Y-direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryostorage device (100), especially for biological samples, is described which comprises a sample carrier (10) to receive at least one sample (11) and a data storage (20), wherein data are inductively transmitted from the data storage device (20) into a wireless transmission channel (40) and/or conversely using a resonant circuit (30) connected to the data storage device (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample chamber for laser ablation analysis of fluid inclusions, comprising a sample cell having a sample cell through-hole extending along the vertical direction and a sample channel extending through the sample cell in a direction transverse to the vertical direction and communicating with the sample cell through-hole. A transparent element is arranged on each of the top and bottom sides of the sample cell through-hole, and is fixed to the sample cell through a fixing ring. The sample chamber further comprises a base comprising a viewing hole and a receiving portion for receiving the sample cell, wherein the viewing hole is coaxially aligned with the sample cell through-hole when the sample cell is placed within the receiving portion. According to the sample chamber of the present invention, it is only necessary to change the sample cell during replacement of the sample chamber, which leads to a convenient operation.

Abstract: A mechanical holder that provides for a confined sampling region for extraction and removal of chemical substances contained in a dried blood spot or other spot of sample is described herein.

Abstract: A disposable animal fecal sample kit including a fecal sample holding bag having a resealable closure adjacent an opening at one end thereof, and a hollow fecal sample collector tool to be stored within the fecal sample holding bag. The collector tool can have a notch formed at one end. An envelope can have indicia defining an animal fecal sample identification data entry location printed thereon and a sealable flap at one end. The envelope for receiving the fecal sample holding bag and hollow fecal sample collector tool therein. A fecal sample removal tool is engageable within the hollow fecal sample collector tool for pushing a fecal sample out of the collector tool. The removal tool can have one end with an external periphery complementary with respect to a cylindrical cross-section of the fecal sample collector tool and an opposite end with an enlarged finger grip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system (100) for selectively processing a sample (130) according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example for detecting a certain target component in the sample. The system comprises a plurality of (typically disposable) cartridges (110) in which the processing of a sample (130) can take place and which each contain a different set of reagents required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system comprises a manipulator (140) for introducing a sample (130) into a selected one of the cartridges. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample (130) at hand, the appropriate cartridge (110) is chosen, and the sample is introduced into and processed in said cartridge (110). Thus a high-throughput automated laboratory system can be achieved.

Abstract: The aim of the present disclosure is to reliably measure particles (3) adhering to a body (1). To this end, particles are transferred from the body (1) to a test body (2) and measured thereon. In this way, for example, the performance of dust collectors for, for example, pharmaceutical tablets can be reliably determined with a high level of repeat accuracy.

Abstract: There is provided a biochip including a plate member, and a pillar member formed on the plate member and including a surface to which biomaterials are attached, wherein the surface includes an outer wall preventing the biomaterials from flowing outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A container used for chromatographic sample analysis has (a) at least one silica uppermost layer, which is deposited onto the container using a liquid phase deposition process, and, optionally, (b) at least one indicator present in at least part of the at least one silica uppermost layer for visually distinguishing the container from other containers, and/or determining the “use status” of the container, and/or identifying the proper orientation of the container when it is to be put in use, and/or providing a means of decoration, identification, or counterfeit detection. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator is thermochromic. In another preferred embodiment, the indicator is photochromic.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a sample trituration vessel that even when the sample is relatively hard, enables triturating of the sample easily and with high efficiency. The sample trituration vessel includes a tubular body having an opening at one end and having a bottom part at the other end thereof. The tubular body is furnished with a rugged portion there-inside so as to be able to meet another rugged port formed on a trituration rod. The sample trituration vessel itself can exert shearing effect on the sample. The tubular body is formed of flexible material, and upon application of external force from outside of the tubular body, the tubular body is deformed, thereby breaking down the sample held within the tubular body.

Abstract: Described is a device for collecting a fluid sample, such as a biological fluid sample. The device includes a planar collection substrate having an absorbent material. The planar collection substrate includes an impermeable region and a sample collection region. The impermeable region is impermeable to the fluid sample and is embedded in the planar collection substrate in a spatial pattern. The sample collection region is in an area excluded from the spatial pattern and has a shape and a size defined by the spatial pattern. The sample collection region is configured to receive a known volume of the fluid sample. In an alternative form, the device includes a sample collection element disposed in an impermeable planar holder and, in another alternative form, the device includes an absorbent material disposed inside an impermeable tube wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging at least one sample container inside an optical measuring device includes a carrier for arranging the sample container and a ventilation device. The ventilation device is arranged adjacent to the carrier and is provided with at least one air outlet arranged above the carrier. The ventilation device includes at least one heating element for generating an airflow and heating up the airflow.

Abstract: A first instrument (230) is used to image a first semiconductor article having a trench (110) of defined cross-section, while a second instrument (220) is used to simultaneously prepare a second semiconductor article with a trench of defined cross-section. Furthermore, a method is disclosed to prepare a trench (110) of defined cross-section in a semiconductor article by rough milling and subsequent fine milling.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring the thickness of a strip includes a support having a measuring zone and a measuring sensor having a measuring tip for cooperation with the support in the measuring zone, with the measuring sensor having an indicator element. A bearing arrangement movably supports the measuring sensor substantially normal to the support and is constructed as a fluid bearing. A position sensor records a position of the indicator element of the measuring sensor.

Abstract: A machine which has a platform for a specimen container and is constructed to spin the platform to produce centrifugation of the specimen is provided with a linkage that can selectively convert the spinning to a more complex form of motion effective to produce disruption of the specimen on the platform. Preferably, the linkage causes tilting of the platform about the axis of spinning, thereby providing a conical form of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage is constructed to provide the complex motion when the platform is rotated in one direction and to provide spinning when the platform is rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A quantitative sample transfer device for receiving and holding a sample while it is weighed and for transferring the weighed sample material into a flask without losing any sample, the quantitative sample transfer device having a hollow central body segment with a flat bottom surface, a first neck at one end of the central body, a second neck at the opposite end of the central body, an opening in the central body for introducing a sample into the body, a lid permanently attachable to the body segment over the opening that remains permanently closed once closed and a set of lateral ridges on at least one neck that allow for the release of air when a solvent is introduced into the transfer device to flush any remaining sample into the container. The lid may be hinged to the body segment.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated preparation of one or more samples for analysis is disclosed. The system comprises a processing mechanism configured to process the one or more samples, wherein each sample is contained in a separate sample container. The system further comprises a cover configured to enclose the sample containers while the processing mechanism is operating, a first holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the first holder is hingedly connected to the cover, a second holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the second holder is hingedly connected to the cover, a first actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the first holder, and a second actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the second holder.

Abstract: Provided are a container tray in which a position and orientation of a container is hardly displaced from a predetermined position and orientation; a tray base used together with the container tray; and an observation unit. The container tray 8 includes a mounting plate 81 having a mounting surface 811 on which the container is to be mounted, an elastic body 82, and a biasing mechanism 83, 842. The elastic body 82 is arranged on the mounting surface 811 of the mounting plate 81 around a mounting region R where the container is to be mounted. The biasing mechanism 83, 842 is capable of switching states between a biased state in which the elastic body 82 is biased inward by applying a pressing force to the elastic body 82 from outside and a bias released state in which the bias on the elastic body 82 is released.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic specimen holder for imaging and analysis facilitates imaging at very high tilt angles with a large field of view. A retractable specimen holder tip protects the specimen during transport. An optimized Dewar design is positioned at a fixed, tilted angle with respect to the axis of the holder, providing a means of continuously cooling the specimen irrespective of the high tilt angle and the amount of liquid nitrogen present in the vessel. The Dewar neck design reduces the entrapment of nitrogen gas bubbles and its shape prevents the spilling of liquid nitrogen at high tilt angles. The specimen holder has a retractable tip that completely encapsulates the specimen within a shielded environment internal to the specimen holder body. The cooling and specimen transfer mechanisms reduce thermal drift and the detrimental effects of vibrations generated by both the evaporation of liquid nitrogen present in the Dewar as well as other environmental effects.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid sampler and a method for obtaining a hydraulic fluid sample includes a sample container holder configured to support a sample container mounted thereto in an inverted position and a non-inverted position. In the inverted position, the sample container holder is configured to flush the sample container with hydraulic fluid so as to flush away any contaminates that may be present. In the non-inverted position, the sample container holder is configured to fill the sample container with hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of storing or transporting a sample comprises: inserting a sample container into a holding device, wherein the sample container contains the sample, wherein the sample container does not meet United States transportation regulations, wherein the holding device meets or exceeds United States transportation regulations, and wherein the holding device comprises a chamber and an opening; and storing or transporting the holding device. According to another embodiment, a holding device for containing a container comprises: a chamber; and an opening, wherein the holding device meets or exceeds United States transportation regulations, wherein the container contains a sample, and wherein United States regulations require the sample to be stored or transported according to the United States transportation regulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: A sample frame (30; 81) for preparing a plurality of sample vessels (41, 42), in particular sample tubes, having a plurality of retainers, in each of which a sample vessel (41, 42) is situated, is characterized in that the sample vessels (41, 42) each have a cap (43, 44), which is put over the open end of the sample vessel (41, 42), the cap (41, 42) having a drilled hole (53, 54), through which the interior of the sample vessel (41, 42) is accessible, the sample frame (30; 81) has a removable cover plate (8), whose bottom side faces toward the caps (43, 44) of the sample vessels (41, 42) in the put-on state of the cover plate (8), and the cover plate (8) has an approximately funnel-shaped depression (11, 71) on the top side for each retainer, in whose center a through opening (57) through the cover plate (8) is provided, the through opening (57) aligning with the drilled hole (53, 54) of a cap (43, 44) of a sample vessel (41, 42) retained underneath when the cover plate (8) is put on.

Abstract: A system incorporating a balanced mechanical resonator and a method for vibration of a sample composed of granular material to generate motion of a powder sample inside the sample holder for obtaining improved analysis statistics, without imparting vibration to the sample holder support.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein, are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. At the beginning of each test, the test sample is aerated with dry air until saturation. Simultaneously, the test equipment is primed to remove pockets of air there from. After each test, the test equipment is flushed to remove the test sample there from.

Abstract: A mechanical holder that provides for a confined sampling region for extraction and removal of chemical substances contained in a dried blood spot or other spot of sample is described herein.

Abstract: A permeable-wall sample holder provides ventilation of vapor-phase entities between the sample and the exterior of the holder through its wall. The vapor-phase transport across the holder wall supports equilibrium of the sample with the analysis environment.

Abstract: The spinning disc centrifuge rotor includes a sample holder formed from a cylindrical disc body and a cover plate that are made from a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, preferably Lexan® (Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Company of Schenectady, N.Y.). The disc-shaped body has two concentric or coaxial recesses defined therein. The first recess forms a cylindrical well or sample chamber for receiving a generally cylindrical rock sample. The second recess has a larger diameter than the first recess, and is shallower, forming a fluid collection area above the sample well, the second recess forming an annular ring extending around the top edge or rim of the sample well. An O-ring snugly within the outer wall of the second recess and forms a seal between the cover plate and the floor of the second recess, preventing fluid leakage. A rotor shaft extends from the bottom face of the cylindrical disc.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus is provided for interacting with a cylindrically-shaped construction material sample that defines a longitudinal axis extending from a central point of an end of the construction material sample. The apparatus includes a translation mechanism configured for rotating the construction material sample about the longitudinal axis and at least one material-interacting device spaced-apart from the translation mechanism and configured for interacting with the construction material sample.

Abstract: A sample tray assembly includes a first tray. The first tray defines a first slot and is disposed on a generally horizontally-oriented plane. The sample tray assembly also includes a second tray adjacent to the first tray. The second tray is configured for translational movement substantially parallel to the generally horizontally-oriented plane of the first tray between a retracted position and an extended position. The second tray defines a second slot. The second slot and the first slot are substantially aligned when the second tray is in the retracted position. The sample tray additionally includes a base member supporting the first tray. The second tray is slidably coupled with the base member.

Abstract: A rack is provided wherein the type of micro-plate that is placed on the rack can be determined even when using one type of rack. The rack includes a bottom piece on which micro-plate is placed; at least one shielding component for recognizing the type of micro-plate; and a recognition unit having an enclosure disposed with a shielding component. When the rack is housed in a housing unit of an analyzer main unit, the shielding component is movable with respect to the enclosure so that the shielding component is positioned either in a detection position where detectable by a sensor or in a non-detection position where undetectable by the sensor.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to sample tubes comprising a cylindrical elongate tube having a gripping section with at least one discontinuity extending radially about the outside surface of the elongate tube. Methods of making sample tubes and their use in sample handlers are also described.

Abstract: A GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) release-inhibiting agent in the cerebellum and a composition for treating pathological symptoms caused by over-release of GABA in the cerebellum, each comprising a Bestrophin 1(Best1) channel inhibitor as an active ingredient; a GABA release-promoting agent in the cerebellum and a composition for treating pathological symptoms caused by the deficit of GABA in the cerebellum, each comprising a Best1 channel activator as an active ingredient; and a method for screening a GABA release-regulating agent in the cerebellum, which uses Best1 channel as target, are provided.

Abstract: A thermal oxidation tester is shown for determining thermal stability of a fluid, particularly hydrocarbons, when subjected to elevated temperatures. The tendency of the heated fluid to oxidize and (1) form deposits on a surface of a heater tube and (2) form solids therein which are both measured at a given flow rate, temperature and time. The measured results are used to determine whether a fluid sample passes or fails the test. Specifically constructed containers used in a thermal oxidation tester are shown. These containers (1) reduce physical contact to hydrocarbon test fuels, (2) reduce exposure to hydrocarbon fuel vapors, (3) reduce environmental impact by reducing chemical spills, and (4) improve overall work flow of test.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable cartridge (10) for insertion into a sample analyzer (50), the disposable cartridge comprising a housing (16) including a sample analysis unit (18) for engaging with the sample analyzer and a sample extraction unit (14) for extracting a sample from a sample collection unit (12) and transferring said sample to the sample analysis unit, the sample extraction unit being coupled to the sample analysis unit by a flexible connection (30), wherein one of the sample analysis unit and the sample extraction unit is flexibly connected to the housing. A sample analyzer (50) for receiving such a disposable cartridge (10) is also disclosed.