Abstract: Testing the reliability of flexible separators arranged under conditions enabling the cycling rate of testing to be accelerated. According to the invention, two separators are enclosed in two rigid chambers, each defining a liquid capacity and a gas capacity. The two gas capacities communicate with each other, and each of the liquid capacities communicates with means for causing the volume of each of them to vary in alternation.

Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for removing a sample (24) from a coil (2), comprising at least one bottom roll unit (30, 32) for supporting the coil (2) during removal of the samples, at least one contact roll unit (40, 42) pressable against an outer surface of the coil (2), and at least one strip binding device for binding the coil (2) supported on the at least one bottom roll unit (30, 32). The present invention further relates to a device for removing a sample (24) from a coil (2), comprising a deflection device (70) for deflecting a material beginning (20) of the coil (2) from a beneath located layer (22), wherein the deflection device is so formed that the strip beginning only elastically deflected from the beneath layer (22). The invention also relates to corresponding methods.

Abstract: A multi-channel wellplate filling system has a peristaltic pump for pumping fluid through multiple flexible tubes. The system also includes multiple pipette tip mounting shafts arranged in a linear array and in fluid communication with a respective flexible tube of the tubing set. Disposable pipette tips are mounted on the pipette tip mounting shafts. A controller operates the peristaltic pump in reverse and forward directions respectively in order to aspirate liquid into disposable pipette tips mounted on the pipette tip mounting shafts and dispense liquid in a metered amount from the disposable pipette tips into a wellplate positioned on a wellplate platform in the system. The system can also be converted into a wellplate wash station.

Abstract: A proboscis for use with a diagnostic instrument includes an elongated main body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes an orifice which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A fluid splash guard is affixed to the main body at the distal end, and provides protection for the orifice and lumen from being clogged with a sample fluid.

Abstract: A sample collection unit for microbiological air analysis includes a housing and a sample treatment path. The housing has a sample inlet opening, an optical window, and an air outlet opening. The sample treatment path has a conjugation pad, and a test strip with a test area and an absorber section. The sample collection unit also has a device configured to receive a container for a solvent, and a device configured to release the solvent. The sample collection unit is preferably configured as a disposable component in the form of a cartridge. Integration of the container for the solvent in the sample collection unit permits simplification and automation of the corresponding sampling method.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.

Abstract: A core holder comprises a plurality of fluid flow lines, a housing, a core sleeve disposed within the housing, an end cap coupled to a first end of the core sleeve and a first end of the housing, and an injector assembly disposed within the housing and coupled to a second end of the core sleeve. The injector assembly comprises a plurality of fluid passages coupled to the plurality of fluid flow lines, and a chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid passages and an interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fecal specimen collector. The fecal specimen collector consisting of a top cover, a bottle body, a specimen output end and a bottom cover, wherein a lower portion of the top cover forms a sampling end which may be inserted into the bottle body through an upper end of the bottle body, the top cover is connected with the upper end of the bottle body, the specimen output end is hermetically coupled with a lower portion of the bottle body, and the bottom cover surrounds the specimen output end and couples to the bottle body, wherein a convex is formed on the inner center of the bottom cover, and is inserted into a specimen output port of the specimen output end. The fecal specimen collector according to the present application has a small and delicate structure which has the advantages of easy operation, convenient portability and pollution free, etc.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter thus reducing the injuries resulting in repetitive stress injury to the thumb and hand. The new ergonomic pipette tip incorporates a separate sealing member constructed from an elastomer that is coupled to the more rigid and chemically inert elongated tubular member that becomes the receptacle for transferring the fluid sample aspirated by the pipetter. The new elastomeric sealing member allows for greater sealing capability or squeeze between the pipetter barrel and the new pipette tip while lowering the coefficient of friction between the mating parts, thus decreasing the axial ejection forces require to overcome the breakaway friction between the new ergonomic pipette tip and the pipetter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial sliding seal component (10), particularly for use in metering devices, such as syringes, pipetting piston-cylinder arrangements, and the like, comprising a sealing component (12) working together with at least one pretensioning component (14), wherein the sealing component (12) comprises a sealing segment (16) extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, on which a sealing surface (18) facing in a first radial direction for sealing and sliding contact in at least the axial direction is formed on a working surface extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, and on which a pretensioning surface (20) extending in a second radial direction opposite to the first is formed for engaging with the pretensioning component (14) for transferring the radial pretensioning force, wherein the pretensioning component (14) comprises a sp

Abstract: Disclosed are collection devices, kits, and methods for collecting and transporting one or more samples. A collection device of the present invention includes a central panel including a detachable sample strip. The sample strip has a sampling area for applying a sample on each side of the sample strip. The collection device includes two flaps, each capable of covering a portion of the sample strip that includes a sampling area. Consequently, a user is not exposed to a first sample when applying a second sample. Additionally, the sample strip can be detached without uncovering the sample strip.

Abstract: A system for preparing biological sample contains a body including a proximal side and a distal side, a plurality of mandrels, a plurality of resilient elements, a plurality of fluid dispensers, and one or more samples. The mandrels are moveably positioned within the body, where each resilient element engages a respective one of the mandrels. Each of the fluid dispensers is configured to engage a distal end of a corresponding one of the mandrels. Each sample comprises a solution containing one or more nucleic acid sequences contained within at least one of the fluid dispensers.

Abstract: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sequential groundwater sampler and a sampling method thereof, and more particularly, the sampler is constructed with a first pipe, a second pipe, a first cylinder unit and a second cylinder unit. The first pipe plays a role as a container for vacuum sample bottle. The first pipe is fixedly inserted to the second pipe. The second pipe is connected to the two cylinders to be moved up and down vertically while surrounding the first pipe by an advance and retreat of the second cylinder unit. The second pipe plays a role of, passing a syringe needle amounted at the end of a first piston in the first cylinder unit through a rubber plug of a vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe, or separating the syringe needle from the vacuum sample bottle, by an advance and retreat of the first cylinder unit. If the second cylinder and the first cylinder sequentially advance, groundwater is injected to the vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe.

Abstract: The solution provides a frequency distribution of a dimension of objects projected onto an image, the distribution being generated by measuring the dimension of the objects in a space in which the position of each object is at least partly free, the dimension of each object in the image depending on the position of the object. The frequency distribution of the projected objects is weighted by a weighting operation compensating for the impact of the projection in order to generate a real frequency distribution of the objects.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from a solid surface, and optionally concentrating the collected material, for subsequent analysis includes a nebulizer that generates and discharges a fluid stream, and a collector positioned to intercept material caused by the fluid stream after it is deflected from the solid surface. The device is usable in a sample collection process having steps of spraying a fluid stream of gas containing nebulized solvent as the solid surface, positioning a collector to intercept material carried by the fluid. The process may be repeated to concentrate the material being sampled.

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: Provided is a droplet discharging device that can precisely dispense large flow rate of droplets and small flow rate of droplets selectively. The droplet discharging device according to the present invention includes a pneumatic discharger for discharging a droplet having a first flow rate, and an electronic pipette for discharging or sucking a droplet having a second flow rate equal to or smaller than the first flow rate. The pneumatic discharger includes, i) a storage chamber for storing a liquid, ii) an air tank connected to the storage chamber through a first air pipe and supplying compressed air to the storage chamber to push the liquid of the storage chamber outside, and iii) a first nozzle connected to the storage chamber through the liquid pipe and receiving the liquid pushed out of the storage chamber to discharge droplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanostructured device for the in-situ capture of fluid samples at selectable times. The device includes a porous anodic alumina substrate having a plurality of elongated pores and an erodible capping material covering the pores. The device is transported into and through a geological reservoir while suspended in an injected carrier fluid. The device can optionally include a polymeric coating to improve minimize flocculation and sedimentation and prevent adhesion to surfaces in the reservoir. Upon erosion of the capping material, the fluids can diffuse into and fill each exposed pore. After a period of time, the hot water of the medium causes swelling and closure of the pore, effectively locking the fluid sample inside the pore. The device may be retrieved and analyzed to determine the composition and properties of the captured fluids.

Abstract: The sensing device (12) includes support and fixing elements (13), elements (14) for capturing the parameter, fixed rigidly to the support and fixing elements (13), including a sensing face (14a), situated in a chamber (17), a solid internal chamber end wall (30) disposed transversely, an open part (18) made in the chamber peripheral wall (27), the chamber (17) being a holding chamber (17) able to ensure confinement of the content (C) therein, and being isolated from the inside space (3a) of the container and safeguarded from the agitation prevailing therein, by the internal end wall (30) of the chamber so as to minimize the impact of this agitation on the measurement of the parameter of the content (C) by the sensing face (14a).

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for groundwater sampling, using a hydraulic coupler according to the present invention. In more particular, in the groundwater sampler which is positioned at multiple depths within a groundwater borehole to simultaneously take groundwater samples at the multiple depths, couplers are each connected to both ends of a water sampling pipe made of a metal pipe material. In case of positioning the sampler at a targeted depth, a socket and a plug forming each coupler are connected to each other, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe—to lead groundwater to freely flow in/out. Thereafter, at the targeted depth, the sockets or plugs are permitted to be separated in the couplers at the both ends of the water sampling pipe by using a lift device, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe are sealed to simultaneously taking groundwater samples at multiple depths.

Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes a filter case, a first capture array and a second capture array. The filter case includes an inlet for introducing a sample containing different kinds of targets, an outlet for discharging the sample and a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet. The first capture array is arranged in an upstream portion of the channel, the first capture array including a plurality of first forward funnels arranged along a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the sample so as to capture the different kinds of targets. The second capture array is arranged in a downstream portion of the channel, the second capture array including a plurality of second forward funnels arranged along the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the sample so as to capture the different kinds of targets.

Abstract: An sampling device for capturing a material sample and a method of using said device to process said material sample in situ within the device. Embodiments of the invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof for capturing and trapping a sample of material. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.

Abstract: A rapid analyte collection and testing device, said device comprising a) a casing, said casing having) a first casing section, said first casing section containing an encapsulated buffer section containing a buffer, and asecond casing section, said second casing section comprising a window on a side of said second section, a complementary mechanism for attachment to said first casing section, an opening at a proximal end of said second casing section; and a non permeable platform strip positioned lengthwise within and extending beyond the second casing section. The non-permeable platform further contains a swab, said swab positioned at the distal end of said non-permeable platform strip, a lateral flow assay positioned downstream from said swab, and a tag, positioned upstream from the capture reagent site.

Abstract: An extraction method and apparatus is provided for obtaining quick, safe and highly sensitive testing of a variety of body fluids including saliva, blood, urine or other fluids for drugs of abuse or other analytes. The apparatus includes a latchable extraction wand for obtaining body fluid samples from a subject which is adapted to maximize the portion of the body fluid sample that will go into a graduated bottle containing a buffer solution, and a testing device wherein the sample will be received and into which test strips can be inserted to determine levels of drugs of abuse or other analyte in the sample. In one of the methods of the invention, energy is imparted to the sample and buffer solution, such as by shaking, and this facilitates reduction of sample viscosity, such as by promoting the breakdown of mucins when the sample is saliva.

Abstract: A manually directed, multi-channel electronic pipetting system is designed to transfer liquids from a standard multi-well plate, deep-well plate or reservoir into another multi-well plate. The preferred pipetting head includes an array of 96-tip fittings. A deck with at least one but preferably two or more wellplate nesting receptacles holds one or more multi-well plates or reagent reservoirs for access by an array of disposable pipette tips mounted to the pipetting head. The electronic motion control system includes a control handle that is mounted to a load cell, the carriage for the pipetting head and is held in the palm of the user. In use, the user grasps the control handle and operates the system in a manner similar to one using a handheld electronic pipettor.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: A manually directed, electronic multi-channel pipettor uses servo controlled motors to drive a carriage and pipetting head in response to a user's manipulation of a control handle. The pipetting head include an array of tip fittings, e.g. 96. The system includes a check processor to avoid unintended motion in case of system faults or crashes. The system requires substantial force to attach the array of tips, and therefore includes controls that require both of the user's hands be occupied during the tip attachment process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a metering device, in particular a multi-channel metering device. The sealing assembly serves to seal pipette tips with respect to the metering device. A multi-channel metering device comprises a multiplicity of openings arranged in one plane. A sealing plate with holes in the grid of the openings abuts this plane. Each pipette tip is provided with an annular collar which has an abutting face and is pressed against the sealing plate by force closure so as to enclose one hole.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. An improved pipette tip that includes the addition of an elastomeric material and cooperative means for insuring uniform interference and depth of penetration of the pipetter barrel as successive barrels are inserted and ejected. Also disclosed is an improved multiple-tip configuration with similar features that can be mounted to multiple barrels of a multi-pipetter as one tip instead of 8 or 12 individual tips. The addition of the elastomeric material allows for better sealing and eliminates alignment issues, high installation and ejection requirements while reducing the hand and thumb forces that due to repeated use will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: A system for collecting a sample of fluid from a fluid source and reintroducing the sample of fluid to the fluid source is disclosed. The system includes a pump in fluid communication with the source of fluid, a filter vessel in fluid communication with the pump and the source of fluid to receive a flow of fluid from the pump and substantially eliminate contaminants from the fluid flowing therethrough, and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump, wherein the fluid is directed from the pump into the fluid reservoir when in a sample mode.

Abstract: A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger.

Abstract: A kit of parts is for assembling a diffusive dosimeter for the detection of pollutants, said kit of parts includes a housing (1, 50), a first adsorbant (2) to be placed inside the housing and a first spacer (3) to be placed on top of the adsorbant, to define a thickness (L) and a first surface area (A) of a diffusive layer. The kit also has a first protective layer (5) placed on top of the spacer and a first cover (6) having an opening (7), to be placed on top of the protective layer, in a manner to close off the assembled dosimeter at its circumference. The kit has at least one or more additional spacers (15,16,17), each additional spacer being able to replace the first spacer and each spacer defines a different surface area, so that each spacer allows a measurement with a different uptake rate.

Abstract: Laboratory spatula having stalk regions with a hollow first end and a hollow second end and at manipulating regions may be used for collecting, transporting or storing a material. A manipulating region may be configured as a shovel region, a scoop region, a whisk region, a punch region, a sieve region, a loop region, a cutting edge, a spreading region, a grinding region, a hook region, a scraper region, a tweezer region, a grasper region, or a pick region. The spatula may be lightweight and disposable, and may be any appropriate size including micro size, a regular size, or a macro size. The spatula may also have an anti-stick surface. The spatula may be calibrated, and may include calibration marks or additional features.

Abstract: This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.

Abstract: An assembly capable of being disposed in a subterranean bore for obtaining a fluid sample is described. The assembly can include an apparatus having a sample chamber and a housing encasing the sample chamber and providing a pressure source. The pressure source can be disposed of in an annulus defined by the sample chamber and the housing. The assembly can be attached to a slick line or wire line and conveyed into a wellbore.

Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: The improved analyte collection device is adjustable between two separate and distinct configurations. The first configuration enhances analyte collection by precluding undesired gas flow from around the sampling device. The second configuration enhances analyte collection by extending and focusing gas flow into the sampling device. Additionally, the current invention provides methods for collecting analyte from the surface of objects or the atmosphere.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for non-contact pneumatic sampling of surfaces, persons, articles of clothing, buildings, furnishings, vehicles, baggage, packages, mail, and the like, for aerosols or vapor residues indicative of a hazard or a benefit, where the residues are chemical, radiological, biological, toxic, or infectious in character. A central orifice for pulling a vacuum is surrounded by an array of convergingly-directed gas jets, forming a “virtual sampling chamber”. The gas jets are configured to deliver millisecond pneumatic pulses that erode particles and vapors from solid surfaces at a distance. A curtain wall flow encloses the sampling area during pulse retrieval.

Abstract: The invention provides a method in which an annular or spiral droplet holder formed of wire is used to hold a droplet in a state of being hung therefrom or being contained therein. A means for moving the droplet holder is added to the droplet holder to enable droplet transfer. To merge two droplets, they are brought into contact. To drip the droplet held by a droplet holder formed of wire, the droplet holder is deformed using an external force. A light path which passes through a droplet is set to enable optical measurement. The present invention enables inexpensive, simple droplet transfer. An inexpensive, simple configuration for handling droplets in the fields of chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, and automatic blood analysis can be realized according to the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting samples of soft matter compositions, and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods for collecting stool samples.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a turbine combustor probe having a combustion dynamics monitoring probe configured to monitor combustion dynamics within a turbine combustor. The turbine combustor probe also has a gas sampling sleeve configured to collect a gas sample from an airflow path between a liner and a flow sleeve of the turbine combustor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microdispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid sample in a dispensing device, with a sample container (2) for receiving the liquid sample, and with a nozzle (7) for dispensing the sample located in the sample container (2). The microdispenser (1) with the filled sample container (2) can in this case be stored independently of and fluidically separately from the dispensing device, without the sample escaping from the sample container (2) during storage.

Abstract: A pipette core member is used in a pipette for sampling a sample. This pipette core member includes: a pump body including a reservoir communicated with one suction/discharge port of an electroosmotic flow pump, the electroosmotic flow pump and the reservoir being integrally formed; and a capillary connected to the electroosmotic flow pump and communicated with the other suction/discharge port of the electroosmotic flow pump. The capillary is secured to the pump body.

Abstract: A sampling system is provided. The sampling system includes a housing. Mounted to the housing is a Hall effect sensor. A probe configured to contact a sample is inserted into the housing. The probe includes an elongated portion and a restorative spring inserted onto the elongated portion of the probe. The restorative spring provides sufficient restorative force to return the probe to a relaxed position. The Hall effect sensor is configured to sense a field strength generated by the proximity of the restorative spring of the probe in the extended position.

Abstract: A sample storage system and method for transporting a medium containing a biological sample. In one aspect the system includes a generally U-shaped carrier frame adapted to facilitate the insertion of a sampling medium into the carrier. The carrier may be configured for use with an automated sampling and storage system.

Abstract: Method for measuring particle size distributions, in particular for the optical measurement of wide particle size distributions of bulk materials such as cereals, cereal milling products, cereal products and the like, which is intended to enable the measurement of particle size distributions which vary by orders of magnitude. To address this problem, a sample of isolated particles is optically detected in an arrangement by means of at least two measurement methods, wherein preferably detection of the contours of the particles and laser diffraction take place at the same time.