Abstract: An apparatus for selectively coupling fiber optic lines comprises an optical input selection device, an optical output selection device, and a rotatable coupling mechanism interconnecting the optical input selection device and the optical output selection device. The optical input selection device is rotatable about a first central axis, and comprises a first input end and a first output end. The first input end is disposed collinearly with the first central axis, and the first output end is disposed at a radially offset distance from the first central axis. The optical output selection device is rotatable about a second central axis, and comprises a second input end and a second output end. The second input end is disposed at a radially offset distance from the second central axis, and the second output end is disposed collinearly with the second central axis. Rotation of the coupling mechanism causes rotation of the first output end and the second input end.

Abstract: A dissolution test apparatus comprises a spindle head assembly interconnected between first and second lateral support members. The lateral support members are translatable along a first axis, and the spindle head assembly is translatable along a second axis, such that the spindle head assembly is movable from a front, operative position at which test procedures are effected, to a rear position at which access to the dissolution test apparatus is enhanced. The spindle head assembly includes a dosage delivery mechanism including an actuatable dosage unit-retaining member. A front portion of the dissolution test apparatus has a tapered width to accommodate a triangular or trapezoidal array of test vessels, resulting in high visibility of the vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively coupling fiber optic lines comprises an optical input selection device, an optical output selection device, and a rotatable coupling mechanism interconnecting the optical input selection device and the optical output selection device. The optical input selection device is rotatable about a first central axis, and comprises a first input end and a first output end. The first input end is disposed collinearly with the first central axis, and the first output end is disposed at a radially offset distance from the first central axis. The optical output selection device is rotatable about a second central axis, and comprises a second input end and a second output end. The second input end is disposed at a radially offset distance from the second central axis, and the second output end is disposed collinearly with the second central axis. Rotation of the coupling mechanism causes rotation of the first output end and the second input end.

Abstract: An ion source for use in mass spectrometry, and particularly an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, comprises a chamber having a central axis, a sample conduit that includes a sample outlet communicating with the chamber, an ionizing device disposed downstream from the sample conduit, and a gas conduit that includes a gas outlet communicating with the chamber. The gas conduit defines a flow path directed into the chamber. The flow path includes a velocity component that is tangential with respect to the central axis of the chamber. The gas so directed into the chamber establishes a vortex gas flow therein, forcing the sample emitted from the sample outlet to flow toward the heated wall of the chamber. Vaporization of the sample prior to ionization is consequently improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an ion source for mass analysis includes a nebulizing device, a vaporizing device, a chamber, an ion sampling structure, and an ionizing device. The vaporizing device includes a vaporizing interior that terminates at a vaporizing device outlet. The chamber fluidly communicates with the vaporizing device outlet. The ion sampling structure has an ion sampling inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber and spaced from the vaporizing device outlet. The ionizing device includes first and second electrodes positioned to produce an electrical discharge therebetween a location closer to the vaporizing device outlet than to the ion sampling inlet.

Abstract: A dissolution system provides remote flow cells integrated into a manifold device. The manifold device communicates with liquid input and output lines associated with each flow cell, as well as fiber-optic input and output lines associated with each flow cell. Liquid samples are respectively drawn from dissolution vessels, optically-related measurements are taken, and the samples are thereafter returned their respective vessels. The manifold device can be adapted to receive probe-type instruments that incorporate the fiber-optics, wherein each probe-type instrument is associated with each flow cell. Alternatively, each corresponding pair of fiber-optic input and output lines are disposed in opposing, optically-aligned relation and probe-type instruments are not used. The gap between the ends of the opposing fiber-optic lines provides a light path across the corresponding flow cell.

Abstract: A dissolution testing system comprises a vessel plate on which a plurality of vessels are mounted. Each vessel includes a lateral wall having an outer surface around which a plurality of flexible heater elements are attached. Each heater element includes a transparent surface area, a heat conductive element extending along the transparent surface area, a temperature sensing element extending along the transparent surface area, and an electrical contact element connected to the heat conductive element and the temperature sensing element. The heater element can have more than one heating zone, with at least one of the heating zones being selectively energizable. The transparent heater element allows unobstructed view into the interior of its vessel, and reduces the time required to achieve a stabilized set point temperature in the vessel. A heater control system communicates with each heat conductive element and each temperature sensing element through a corresponding one of the electrical contact elements.

Abstract: A vessel centering system comprises a vessel, an annular spacer member, a fastening element, and a first magnetic element. The vessel includes an outer surface and a vessel groove formed on a circumference of the vessel outer surface. The spacer member is fitted in the vessel groove and extends outwardly with respect to the vessel. The first and second lateral end surfaces define a spacing therebetween. The spacer member includes a tangential bore extending along a line generally tangential to a curvature of the spacer member. The fastening element, which could be a screw, is disposed in the tangential bore in engagement with the ring member and extends across the ring spacing. The first magnetic element is supported by or enclosed within the spacer member. A vessel plate with a vessel mounting aperture is structured to accommodate the mounting or installation of the vessel. A second magnetic element is supported by the vessel plate.