Abstract: The invention features compact systems and methods for vacuum liquid purification and extraction of a liquid sample.

Abstract: A fitting for use in a manifold or other tubular assembly includes a core and at least one tubular coupling sleeve slidably and sealingly fitted over a distal end of the core to accommodate predetermined tolerances in the relative positions of fluid ports connected with the tubular assembly. Features are provided to limit the range of motion to the predetermined tolerances and to prevent disassembly of the coupling sleeve from the core of the fitting.

Abstract: A connector for providing a leak resistant flow path between fluid conduits includes a female connector, a male connector, and a tubular fluid conduit that extends through a conduit passage in the male connector and into a conduit receiving passage in the female connector. The connector can include optional anti-cantilever features that provide a more effective axial seal when using a seal washer recessed into a planar surface of the male connector to supplement a radial seal provided by an O-ring sealing member between the tubular fluid conduit and the conduit receiving passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for measuring non-invasively level of contents inside an array of containers without setting up any electrodes or attaching sensors around the containers, or inserting of a probe inside. Electromagnetic waves are launched from the bottom of the containers using launchers embedded in a tray the containers rest on. These waves travel through the bulk of the contents inside the container using a mode of propagation similar to dielectric waveguides or optical fibers and set up standing waves due to reflection at the content-air interface. The level inside the container is a function of the complex reflection coefficient (magnitude and phase) at the launcher input and can be thus determined by measuring the complex reflection coefficient.

Abstract: A non-invasive liquid level sensing system for monitoring the amount of liquid in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a liquid-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of liquid in the at least one container.

Abstract: A system for pressurized liquid extraction of solid samples including quick-connect, threadless columns for holding the solid sample is disclosed. A pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) module continuously performs extraction on the solid sample to yield liquid sample. The quick-connect columns include a threadless, cylindrical tube and end cap assemblies, which are structured and arranged to provide a tight interference fit with the inner surface of the annulus of the column portion and with top and bottom cup rings.

Abstract: A system for pressurized liquid extraction and purification of solid samples includes a pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) module including a PLE cell, a heating element, a high-pressure source of an extraction solvent, a pressure regulator, and a cooling coil. The PLE module continuously performs high-pressure, high-temperature extraction on the solid sample to yield liquid sample. The liquid sample is concurrently provided to a purification module including one or more columns. The purification module yields a purified liquid sub-sample containing substantially all of a specific trace substance present in the solid sample. The sub-samples are transferred to a concentrator assembly through a collector inlet. The concentrated sub-sample can be used in subsequent analysis to determine the concentration of the trace substance in the original solid sample.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a unitary teflon valve housing with six peripheral facets. A recessed area on the surface of each facet forms a valve seat. Pairs of fluid channels formed in the housing each terminate at openings at a central, planar area of a corresponding valve seat. A pair of rigid tubes are disposed in the openings at each valve seat, each tube forming a fluid-tight seal with periphery of the corresponding opening. The tubes extend slightly beyond the surface of the housing by a predetermined clearance. A diaphragm made of a resilient material covers the valve seat. The periphery of the diaphragm is in fluid-tight sealing engagement with the periphery of the valve seat. A central portion of the diaphragm is coupled to a solenoid above the diaphragm. The solenoid moves the diaphragm central portion between a closed position toward the valve seat and an open position away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A controlled fluid delivery system comprising a pump and electric drive apparatus which provides precise metering of the fluid, and includes an error correction apparatus by which the system errors may be compensated and calibrated to provide a precisely controlled fluid flow at a continuous speed or small quantities of the fluid by intermittent system operations. Furthermore, the apparatus is modular and may accommodate a variety of mechanical pumps. The controlled fluid delivery system communicates with other apparatus such as measurement devices and process control equipment through standard binary communication lines.