Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing a sample of material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a multi-layered structure including a plurality of deformable chambers and a flow passage or passages in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of deformable chambers. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure device having a pressure pattern to compress or squeeze at least one deformable chamber of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10, 110, 210) for sampling sample material for an analyte, comprising: a receiving swab (15, 115, 215, 315), wherein at least a portion (20, 120, 220) of the receiving swab is compressible; a sensor (25, 125, 225) for sensing the analyte; and a casing (30, 130, 230), wherein the casing at least partially encloses the receiving swab and the sensor and allows for a transfer of sample material received by the receiving swab to the sensor along a transfer path (35, 135, 235) inside of the casing; wherein the compressible portion (20, 120, 220) of the receiving swab is located inside the casing, wherein by compressing the compressible portion the transfer path is closable towards the outside of the device. The present invention further relates to a corresponding system and a corresponding method.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method regarding the monitoring of a fluid parameter are disclosed. More particularly, it relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of efficiently and economically monitoring the quality of a fluid, such as food treating media. An improved portable testing device may be in the form of a cartridge that is usable with a separate testing apparatus used to measure a parameter of the fluid carried on the sensing device. Included is a system and method that include a portable handheld device having a sensing device and a filter for protecting the sensing device from the fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid enriched in a selected phase from a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a main pipe, the multiphase fluid mixture containing at least the selected phase and one other phase, the apparatus comprising: —a sampling arrangement: for taking a fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing into the main pipe, —a sample chamber having a variable volume for collecting the fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture and letting settle by gravity the fluid sample into the fluid enriched in the selected phase and at least another phase enriched fluid, and —a valve manifold coupling the sampling arrangement to the sample chamber for driving the fluid sample in the sample chamber and for driving the fluid enriched in the selected phase to a sample outlet and the other phase enriched fluid back to the main pipe.

Abstract: Provided is a quantitative cell dispensing apparatus using liquid droplet manipulation, for quantitatively dispensing cells from hydrophilic suspension containing a plurality of cells. The quantitative cell dispensing apparatus includes hydrophilic suspension, a liquid droplet manipulation unit, a dispensing unit, a sensing unit, and a control unit. The hydrophilic suspension includes a plurality of cells and electrolyte, and the liquid droplet manipulation unit. The liquid droplet manipulation unit includes an inlet and a liquid droplet outlet portion. The dispensing unit discharges a liquid droplet received from the liquid droplet outlet portion to a target portion. The sensing unit optically senses liquid droplets distributed on a panel of the liquid droplet manipulation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder for at least one capture device (30) for collecting microdissected specimens, having a holding element (2) in which the at least one capture device (30) is to be arranged, the holding element (2) being transferable into a working position in order to collect microdissected specimens, the holding element (2) being mounted by way of at least two levers (3a, 3b) in a frame (1) of the holder (40), and being vertically displaceable relative to said frame (1) by way of a displacement of the levers (3a, 3b).

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dispensing small volumes of liquid from a cartridge having a substantially cylindrical body and a sliding piston and a dispensing tip, wherein an initial starting state is established by electro-optically sensing the position of the liquid meniscus in the dispensing tip, and by adjusting the motion of the piston according to the output of said sensing means. A means for detaching the liquid drop adhering to the dispensing tip by imparting sufficient acceleration to the dispensing tip that the surface tension bond is overcome which substantially improves the accuracy of dispensing small volumes of liquid from the cartridge.

Abstract: A pipette tip includes a cylindrical distal end portion in which an opening that dispenses or draws in liquid is formed and a body portion that has a cylindrical shape whose outer periphery has a larger diameter than that of the distal end portion and which configures an outer peripheral step portion between itself and the distal end portion.

Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly comprising an elongated vial having an open upper end and a closed lower end with a lid mounted on the upper end thereof. The lid has a central opening formed therein which rotatably receives an elongated inner tube extending downwardly into the vial with the bottom of the inner tube being received by an upstanding bottom tube. The lower end of the inner tube has a pair of vertically spaced-apart upper and lower ports. The bottom tube has a pair of upper and lower ports formed therein which are radially offset with respect to one another. A tube actuator is secured to the upper end of the inner tube to facilitate the rotation of the inner tube between first and second positions. When the inner tube is in its first position, the lower ports of the inner tube and bottom tube are in register. When the tube actuator is in its second position, the upper ports of the inner tube and the bottom tube are in register.

Abstract: A system allows for the safe, rapid, efficient recovery of a drug solution from sealed vials. The system is closed so that highly potent compounds can later be recovered and reworked without large investment in further engineering controls. The system includes three main components: a recovery device that holds sealed vials containing a solution, and provides means to access the contents of the vials; a peristaltic pump that pumps solution out of the vials; and a recovery tank that receives the pumped solution.

Abstract: Asphalt-sampling apparatus (10) comprises a sample tray (12); a pair of spaced-apart holes (14) that are proximal to each of respective sides (16) of the sample tray (12); a pair of handles (20), comprising a pair of cable-portions (22), that are looped through respective pairs of the holes (14); a pair of snaps (28), that each include a swivel (30), that are snapped onto respective ones of the handles (20); a pair of lifting cables (26) that are attached to respective ones of the snaps (28); a locating cable (32) that is attached to both of the lifting cables (26); and a plurality of swivels (34) that are interspersed into the locating cable (32).

Abstract: During the fabrication of microstructure devices, such as integrated circuits, particles may be analyzed by displacing or removing the particles from the device surface and subsequently performing an analysis process. Consequently, a well-defined measurement environment may be established after removal of the particles, which may be accomplished on the basis of nanoprobes and the like. Hence, even critical surface areas may be monitored with respect to contamination and the like on the basis of well-established analysis techniques.

Abstract: A pipetting device including a pipetting unit (12) having an application chamber (26) and a first end (16) that is realized with a discharge opening (18), and a second, open end (20). In the vicinity of the second, open end (20) of the pipetting unit (12), a sleeve-like receptacle unit (14) is guided so that it can move axially on at least two sealing lips (22, 24) that project radially inward and are at some distance from each other, which is provided on the side facing the application chamber (26) of the pipetting unit (12) with a base element (28), and on the side facing away from the application chamber (26) has an opening (32) and which has, in the vicinity of its periphery, at least one opening (34), the axial dimensions of which are somewhat smaller than or equal to the distance between the sealing lips (22, 24).

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring error causing physical parameters in a fluid handling system, includes: measuring the pressure of air between a piston of a pump and a liquid being handled; detecting a pressure abnormality; determining the time at which the pressure abnormality begins to occur; and based on the time of the pressure abnormality determining the magnitude of the physical parameter causing the pressure abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the error causing physical parameter is a bubble and the fluid handling is an aspirate operation in a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: A method of operating a screening system includes applying an electromagnetic field to a specimen in a region at least partially enclosed by electromagnetic shielding and measuring an output from a sensor, wherein the output is induced by an interaction of the electromagnetic field and the specimen. The method also includes dislodging trace particles from the specimen within the region, collecting the trace particles, and identifying the trace particles. The method further includes evaluating an association of the specimen with a substance based on the measured sensor output and the identified trace particles.

Abstract: A threat detecting technique is provided capable of efficiently harvesting an inspection sample for threat detection from an inspection object. The sample-harvesting sheet for harvesting the sample from the inspection object has a portion formed with a plurality of recesses in the plane of the sheet. The portion is moved relatively in a state in contact with the sample-harvesting object of the inspection object, thereby transferring the inspection sample deposited on the sample-harvesting object to the recesses and retaining it therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an underdrain in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. At least one diagnostic condition relating to the performance of the underdrain is monitored to determine if the underdrain is operating in an acceptable manner.

Abstract: Coding for a sample carrier having at least a swab shaft and a piece of cotton wool or the like as sample collector, characterized in that said swab shaft (2) has a direct identification (5) in form of a barcode, a RFID-transponder or another technically accepted labelling, or which swab shaft (2) is alternatively firmly connected to a tube-shaped casing (4) carrying said identification (5).

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic tip and a random access print head for the transfer of microfluidic quantities of fluid. The print head can randomly collect and deposit fluid samples to transfer the samples from a source plate to a target. The print head can also be programmed to create a direct map of the fluid samples from the source plate on the target or to create any desired pattern or print on the target. The tip and print head can be used for a wide variety of applications such as DNA microarraying and compound reformatting. In one preferred embodiment, the tip is used as a capillary or “gravity” pin to draw or collect source fluid and “spot” or deposit the fluid onto the target via physical contact (touch-off). In another preferred embodiment, the tip is used in conjunction with an aspirate-dispense system to actively aspirate source fluid and deposit the fluid via a contact or non-contact approach. The tip provides improved, accurate and repeatable microfluidic transfer.

Abstract: A test sample collection device includes a generally elongated sample collection section for collecting and holding a test sample, a handle member having a top half, a bottom half, a test strip located between the top and bottom halves, and an opening formed by the top and bottom halves, and a cap. Prong members fit within the opening of the handle member for releasably connecting the sample collecting section to the handle member. The cap is releasably mounted on the sample collecting section and covers the sample collecting section. Flexible extension members on the cap are used to release the sample collecting section from the handle member. The collecting section includes a plurality of fins and slots for assisting in collecting the test sample. The device also includes windows for magnified viewing of test results and for indicating whether a sufficient amount of the sample has been collected.

Abstract: A water sampling device comprises a cylinder, a first disk positioned at a top of the cylinder, a plurality of sampling tubes attached to the first disk, and a second disk positioned on the first disk, wherein the second disk includes an aperture through which water to be sampled flows into one of the plurality of sampling tubes when the aperture is lined up with an opening of the one sampling tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing appliance pertaining to a chemical or biochemical analyser and comprising a pipette having a head, a body and a free end. The head of the pipette is fixed to a head supporting block. The inventive mixing appliance comprises driving elements for triggering the oscillation of the free end of the pipette. Said driving elements consist of an actuating unit that is fixed to a frame, both elements being associated with a guiding block provided with an eccentric block that is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely about an axis and is in contact with the body of the pipette. The head supporting block is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely in the frame about an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the pipette oscillates.

Abstract: A tip mounting position, an aliquoting position, a dispensing position, and a tip casting position are circumferentially arranged around a rotating shaft, and a plurality of aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms are circumferentially arranged corresponding to the plurality of operating positions around the rotating shaft. Each aliquoting/dispensing mechanism is provided with a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle mechanism that includes a nozzle lift mechanism and a nozzle portion. The rotating shaft is intermittently rotated to locate the aliquoting/dispensing mechanisms individually in the positions whereupon tip mounting, aliquoting, dispensing, and tip casting operations are performed continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test vessel used in a test method having a step of immersing one end (54) of a test strip (5) in a sample fluid, the test vessel including a vessel body (1) having an opening (11) at an upper end thereof as well as a storage space (17) communicating with the opening (11) and in which the sample fluid is stored; a lid body (2) that seals the opening (11) of the vessel body (1) in an attachable/detachable manner; and a test strip fixing section (33) provided in the lid body (2) which fixes the other end of the test strip (5) in an attachable/detachable manner and holds the test strip (5) within the storage space (17) while sealing the opening (11) of the vessel body (1) with the lid body (2).

Abstract: An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipette tip mounting shaft configuration and a disposable pipette tip having a matching configuration. The mounting shaft includes a locking section located above a lower sealing section. The locking section has outwardly extending locking lobes circumferentially spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member that separates the lower sealing section from the upper locking section. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the mounting shaft below the stop member is reduced in order to lessen insertion and ejection forces, which is particularly helpful for hand-held multi-channel pipettors. In these embodiments, the lower sealing section contains either a frustoconical sealing section, or an annular groove and a sealing ring, such as a flouroelastomeric O-ring seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipette tip mounting shaft configuration and a disposable pipette tip having a matching configuration. The mounting shaft includes a locking section located above a lower sealing section. The locking section has outwardly extending locking lobes circumferentially spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member that separates the lower sealing section from the upper locking section. When the mounting shaft is fully inserted into the collar of the mating disposable pipette tip, the tip locks onto the mounting shaft. The bore of the pipette tip includes a circumferential shelf separating its upper collar from the tip sealing area which is located below the circumferential shelf. The locking lobes gently flexes and distorts the pipette tip collar out of round as the mounting shaft is inserted in the pipette tip, rather than stretching the tip collar.

Abstract: An automatic and miniaturized injector and sample-taker device (1) for medical use comprises an enclosure (2) and at least one needle (15) movable relative to said enclosure (2). The injector and sample-taker device includes a detector system (12) suitable for detecting the presence of a blood vessel in a predetermined volume; a control unit (7) suitable for controlling the displacement of the needle as a function of information provided by said detector system (12); and at least one reservoir (13) for containing a substance for injection or to be taken.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric pipette (1) comprising a body (2), a tip part (4), a hook part (5), a push-button part (6) and a display part (7), said body (1) having a vertical axis (3) and at least one of the parts selected from the group consisting of the hook part (5), the push-button part (6) and the display part (7) is rotatable about the vertical axis (3) of the electric pipette (1) correspondingly by an angle ?1, ?2 or ?3.

Abstract: The inventors perfected the present invention upon finding that a conventional fecal sampling stick is given a hollow structure that has openings a certain distant apart, permitting in aspiration through the capillary tube phenomenon. That is, the present invention is a feces collection container for collecting faeces as an analyte, which comprises a fecal sampling stick which has a holding part (11) at a base, a fecal sampling part (12) at a tip and is formed a hollow passage with openings at the tip and on the base side a predetermined distance from the tip.

Abstract: An air displacement pipette has a tubular pipette tip with an upper section surrounding a locking chamber, and a body section leading from the upper section and tapering downwardly to a reduced diameter end. A tubular mounting shaft on the pipette has a distal end configured and dimensioned for axial insertion into the locking chamber of the pipette tip. Coacting surfaces on the distal end of the mounting shaft and the upper section of the pipette tip establish an axially interengaged relationship between the pipette tip and the mounting shaft in response to insertion of the distal end of the mounting shaft into the locking chamber. A sleeve is axially shiftable on the mounting shaft between a retracted position accommodating the establishment of the axially interengaged relationship, and an advanced position disrupting the axially interengaged relationship to thereby accommodate axial ejection of the pipette tip from the mounting shaft.

Abstract: An immersion probe has a probe body having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface surrounding the longitudinal axis, wherein a portion of the outer surface has sampling elements, which extend around the longitudinal axis in the peripheral direction and which have a radial dimension. A protective layer, which can be dissolved or combusted in molten steel or slag, is arranged around the sampling elements.

Abstract: A method and a micropipetting apparatus is described for dispensing a liquid volume into a vessel via pipetting needle without any contact between the needle and a liquid contained in the vessel. The method comprises forming a drop at the delivery tip of the pipetting needle, the drop being retained at the tip by adhesion forces, and ejecting the drop from the tip of the pipetting needle by focusing at the tip of the pipetting needle a mechanical excitation wave applied at an excitation point at some distance from the tip of the pipetting needle. The apparatus comprises a pipetting needle, an electromechanical transducer mechanically connected with said pipetting needle for mechanically exciting the pipetting needle with a pulse of mechanical waves that propagate through the needle, and an electrical signal generator for generating an excitation pulse signal and for applying this signal to the electromechanical transducer.

Abstract: Multi-channel metering device with displacement devices for displacing a plurality of air columns, a plurality of holders which comprise a shank for releasable connection to a pipette tip, a connector and a connecting channel extending from the free end of the shank to the connector, flexible pipes which connect the displacement devices to the connectors, a guide on which the holders may be displaced with shanks aligned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the guide, abutment surfaces on the faces of the holders facing one another, pins projecting from the holders, oriented perpendicular to the guide and the shanks, round chain links arranged on the pins of adjacent holders, a free space existing between the pins and the rounded portions of the round chain links when the abutment surfaces of the adjacent holders bear against one another, and a drive device which engages at least one of the two outer holders and by means of which the holders may be pushed apart and pushed together along the guide.

Abstract: A nozzle device, comprising a nozzle body, a ball provided in the nozzle body and elastically deformable by compression, an aliquoting/dispensing tip having a barrel portion in which the nozzle body including the ball is inserted, and a ball compressing mechanism which is provided in the nozzle body, configured elastically to deform the ball by compression so that the diameter of the ball increases with the nozzle body including the ball inserted in the barrel portion of the aliquoting/dispensing tip, thereby pressing the ball airtightly against an inner peripheral surface of the barrel portion of the tip, when the tip is attached to the nozzle body, and configured to remove a compressive force from the ball so that the diameter of the ball is reduced, thereby separating the ball from the inner peripheral surface of the barrel portion of the tip, when the tip is detached from the nozzle body.

Abstract: A method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: An auto-injection system provides high throughput screening of fluidic samples. A sample injection valve has a first position which applies a reduced pressure to a sample sipper tube for aspirating a fluidic sample into the sample sipper tube, and a second position which delivers the fluidic sample to a sample supply loop. A column control valve has a first position which delivers the fluidic sample from the sample supply loop to a sample chromatography column, and a second position which reverses direction of fluid flow through the sample chromatography column to deliver the fluidic sample to a sample analyzer. A wash control valve has a first position which supplies a wash buffer solution to the sample chromatography column in a forward fluid flow direction, and a second position which supplies elution solvent to flush the sample supply loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample cartridge for use with an air and gas sampling device. The cartridge includes a body that defines an interior space, a top portion attached to the body and substantially covering the interior space, and first and second valves seated in the top portion of the cartridge. The valves automatically seal to prevent leakage from the cartridge when the cartridge is not in operable position within the air and gas sampling device.

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: A method for retrieving water samples from a body of water comprises positioning a remotely controlled boat on a body of water, moving the boat to a predetermined location on the body of water, lowering a probe attached to the boat into the body of water, wherein the probe includes a plurality of sample tubes contained therein, rotating a disc positioned above the plurality of sample tubes to line up a mouth of one of the sample tubes with an aperture to flow water into the sample tube.

Abstract: A hand-held sampling apparatus used for an ion mobility spectrometer and method of obtaining a sample are provided to prevent deformation of sampling wipes when detecting explosives and drugs. The apparatus has a body comprising a handle in the rear portion and a wiping sampling mechanism in the front portion, with a wiping surface located on its underside. The sampling wipe can be in full contact with the surface of the object during wiping to improve wiping efficiency. Correspondingly, a smaller sample inlet port can be disposed on the analyzer so as to save a large amount of sampling wipes. and meanwhile avoid sampling wipes from deformation and folds hard to restore, thereby ensuring subsequent sample insertion operation, enhancing the efficiency of both sample collection and sample injection and improving the detection performance for the analytes to be detected.

Abstract: A hybrid valve apparatus for use with an aspiration actuator and a dispensing actuator to transfer fluid from a reservoir to a test site on a substrate surface. The hybrid valve includes a valve assembly movable between an aspiration condition and a dispensing condition, and a manifold device coupled to the valve assembly. The manifold device includes a fluid aspiration conduit having a first aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. On an opposite end of the aspiration conduit is a second aspiration port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly to selectively aspirate a liquid sample slug from the reservoir into a discrete sample path when the valve assembly is in the aspiration condition. The manifold device further includes a fluid dispensing conduit having a first dispensing port in fluid communication with the dispensing actuator, and a second dispensing port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly.

Abstract: A microproportioning system includes a reservoir, a micro-diaphragm pump the entrance of which is connected to the reservoir, an open-jet proportioner the entrance of which is connected to the exit of the micro-diaphragm pump, a proportioning port connected to the exit of the open-jet proportioner, and a proportioning control which is in an operative communication with the micro-diaphragm pump and the open-jet proportioner

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for analysing beads and particles, such as polymer beads used e.g. for solid phase synthesis. The apparatus in one embodiment comprises a rotatable, circular disc comprising a plurality of through-going inlets, wherein an individual bead from a composition comprising different beads can be fixed to the disc at the end-position of a through-going inlet by applying a pressure drop over said disc comprising said through-going inlets. The pressure drop results in beads being sucked (i.e. detachably fixed) onto the disc on top of the through-going inlets. When the disc is rotated the beads are transferred from the position where they initially became attached to the disc to fixed positions wherein suitable devices for measuring and/or analysing and/or sorting the beads can be operated in order to e.g. measure and/or analyse and/or sort at least one bead of a plurality of beads.

Abstract: A test system for taking a sample of a constituent on a surface utilizing a fluid source includes a transition region having a capillary layer for delivering a fluid from said fluid source, an extraction region having a collection material in contact with said surface, and a collection region having a sensor reservoir therein for collecting the fluid for analysis.

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

Abstract: The invention relates generally to dispensing of fluids and, in particular, to methods and systems for dispensing microfluidic or sub-microfluidic volumes of droplets of chemical, biological or other reagents or liquids. Embodiments of the invention have particular efficacy in accurately dispensing small drops having volumes from about 100 nL down into the picoliter range.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing a sample gas for analysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an accumulator that has a variable volume. A volume of the sample gas is fed to the accumulator. The system also has an analyzer. An aliquot of the sample gas is withdrawn from the accumulator and fed to the analyzer. The analyzer analyzes a desired component of the sample gas.