Abstract: A low noise operation method for a camera system having an image sensing active pixel array, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an optical shutter in front of an image sensing pixel array of a camera system, said image sensing pixel array having an image sensing face defined by a series of active pixels arranged in rows and columns; (b) while said shutter is closed, resetting each said pixel and then reading a first output from each said pixel; (c) opening said optical shutter for a predetermined exposure period so as to allow light to be incident upon said image sensing face of said pixel array; (d) closing said optical shutter and then reading a second output from each said pixel, without resetting said pixels; and (e) subtracting one of said first and second outputs from the other of said first and second outputs for each said pixel, so as to obtain a first difference signal for each said pixel, which first difference signal is substantially free of reset and fixed offset noise components.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in analytical instruments such as autosamplers comprises a tapered vial and a sleeve. The sleeve includes an annular inner frustoconical portion which receives the closed end of the vial to locate it in an operative position of an autosampler. The portion may include a cylindrical extension for precisely defining the axial height of the vial relative to the sleeve, and hence the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in analytical instruments such as autosamplers comprises a tapered vial and a sleeve. The sleeve includes an annular inner frustoconical portion which receives the closed end of the vial to locate it in an operative position of an autosampler. The portion may include a cylindrical extension for precisely defining the axial height of the vial relative to the sleeve, and hence the instrument.

Abstract: An autosampler is provided having a carrier and openings for receiving large diameter vials and moving the same to a sampling station at which a probe can aspirate liquid therefrom. In cases where the volume/height of the liquid is so low as to prevent aspiration, the conventional large diameter vial is not used and instead a sleeve with a smaller volume vial located therein is positioned in the carrier opening which elevates the level of the liquid in the vial rendering it accessible to the probe and capable of being aspirated thereby for subsequent sampling.

Abstract: Device serving for accommodating a small outer diameter vial in a larger diameter opening of a variety of different autosamplers and which controls the depth of insertion of an autosampler extraction element. The device comprises a sleeve having a body defined by an exterior surface of the sleeve, for accurately fitting the sleeve in a large diameter opening of an autosampler, and by an interior surface of the sleeve, for accurately fitting therein a small outer diameter vial, whereby an otherwise incompatible small outer diameter vial and larger diameter opening autosampler are rendered compatible.

Abstract: The press comprises a base (1) carrying a column (2), an arm (3), which is displaceable along the column and retainable in a selected position thereon by a clamp means (4), the arm carrying an angularly displaceable cradle (11) for a working unit (26) for crimping or decapping, means (14) for locking the cradle in an operating position, a plunger (19) for operating the unit, and means (22-25) for actuating the plunger.