Abstract: A method of determining thermal properties of a sample using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the method comprises injecting a first separation fluid, a sample plug, and a second separation fluid into a sample cell. The first separation fluid and the sample plug have a first separation interface, and the sample plug and the second fluid have a second separation interface. The method further comprises injecting a reference fluid into a reference cell, heating the sample cell and reference cell, and determining thermal properties of the sample using DSC analysis.

Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer, comprises an input port (flow in) an output port (flow out) a first capillary tubing arm (R1) in a first hydraulic path between the input port and a first differential detection point (DP+), a second capillary tubing arm (R3) in a second hydraulic path between the first differential detection point (DP+) and the output port (flow out), a third capillary tubing arm (R2) in a third hydraulic path between the input port (flow in) and a second differential detection point (DP?), a fourth capillary tubing arm (R4) in a fourth hydraulic path between the second differential detection point (DP?) and the output port (flow out), an adjustable mechanical flow restrictor (20) in one of the first, second, third, and fourth hydraulic paths, wherein the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor (20) is operative to mechanically adjust a resistance to flow of a fluid while the fluid flows through the adjustable mechanical flow restrictor.

Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer (120), comprises at least two at least generally balanced bridge arm conduits (R1, R2) a bulkhead supporting structure (122,134) supporting removable connection portions for each of a plurality of the arms in a bridge configuration, a bridge supporting structure (124,136) supporting the bridge arm conduits (R1,R2) and supporting two further removable connection portions (132) for each of the bridge arm conduits, wherein each of the further removable connection portions (132) supported by the bridge supporting structure are positioned to mate with a corresponding one of the removable connection portions (130) supported by the bulkhead supporting structure concurrently to hydraulically connect the bridge arm conduits in the bridge configuration; and a balance detector having hydraulic connections for connection between first and second differential detection points in the bridge when the removable connection portions on the bridge are mated to corresponding ones of the removable co

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to pump systems for continuously washing back seal areas of the pump. These systems can continuously wash the back seal areas of a pump by using the pump to pull a fluid first through the back seal wash areas of the pump and then to the pump main inlet.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about a heterogeneous pharmaceutical mixture is disclosed. This method involves applying an image enhancement agent, such as a stain, to the mixture. An image of the mixture can then be obtained, and information about a distribution of components of the mixture in the image can also be obtained based on spatial information derived from the application of the image enhancement agent.

Abstract: Spectrometric apparatus that include an array of detector elements and exhibits a number of capabilities is disclosed. The elements can be responsive to incident radiation to produce an output signal that includes information from the incident radiation. A spectrally selective element can be located in an optical path between the radiation source and the array, with an analysis module responsive to the output signal operative to analyze spatial distribution of spectral information received by the array. The apparatus can also correct for differences in intensity and spectral variability for spectral image signals and/or compare the spectral image signals with a pattern in spatial-spectral coordinate space. Detector elements can be responsive to scattering, and spatial information in their output can be analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a sample of particulate material, includes a carrier (31;35;37;38;39) having a sample-bearing surface on which to place the sample, and a housing (10;44;48) for forming a dispersion chamber (17), at least when closed off at a base (46;51). The carrier is arranged such that the sample-bearing surface is removed from contact with the sample upon application of a sufficient pressure differential across the carrier between the sample-bearing surface and an opposite side of the carrier. The housing (10;44;48) has an inlet (26) at least partially facing the base (46;51). The apparatus includes an apparatus (15;16) for passing a volume of fluid past the carrier (31;35;37;38;39) through the inlet (26) by subjecting the carrier (31;35;37;38;39) to a pulsed positive pressure differential relative to the dispersion chamber (17).

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about a heterogeneous pharmaceutical mixture is disclosed. This method involves applying an image enhancement agent, such as a stain, to the mixture. An image of the mixture can then be obtained, and information about a distribution of components of the mixture in the image can also be obtained based on spatial information derived from the application of the image enhancement agent.

Abstract: A spectral acquisition method includes actively processing a sample, such as a an opaque, friable pharmaceutical dosage unit, to expose characteristics of interior portions of the sample, and acquiring spectral information from the interior portions.

Abstract: Spectrometric apparatus that include an array of detector elements and exhibits a number of capabilities is disclosed. The elements can be responsive to incident radiation to produce an output signal that includes information from the incident radiation. A spectrally selective element can be located in an optical path between the radiation source and the array, with an analysis module responsive to the output signal operative to analyze spatial distribution of spectral information received by the array. The apparatus can also correct for differences in intensity and spectral variability for spectral image signals and/or compare the spectral image signals with a pattern in spatial-spectral coordinate space. Detector elements can be responsive to scattering, and spatial information in their output can be analyzed.

Abstract: An imaging spectrometric instrument is disclosed. This instrument can include an imaging detector and one or more calibration standards having different optical properties. Portions of one or more actuators can move the calibration standards between the imaging detector and a sample. This instrument can use the actuator(s) to acquire an image of a sample and measure light and dark reference calibration values in quick succession at a given wavelength, before the instrument is tuned to another wavelength.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.