Abstract: In a method of facilitating flight operations, a payload is coupled to a spacecraft via a payload interface. The relative alignment of the payload and the spacecraft is dynamically adjusted (e.g., for thrust alignment) while the payload remains coupled to the spacecraft.

Abstract: Methods for use with chemical analyzers aspirate a sample portion from one location to dispense it at a second location, aspirate another sample portion at that second location and dispense it at the first location, and measure the pressure values experienced inside a probe performing the aspirations and dispenses. By comparing the pressure values (or other values indicative of the viscosity or other relevant properties of the sample), the chemical analyzer can determine if the sample is sufficiently mixed or if the sample components remain separated and the method should be repeated.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods for use with chemical analyzers aspirate a sample portion from one location to dispense it at a second location, aspirate another sample portion at that second location and dispense it at the first location, and measure the pressure values experienced inside a probe performing the aspirations and dispenses. By comparing the pressure values (or other values indicative of the viscosity or other relevant properties of the sample), the chemical analyzer can determine if the sample is sufficiently mixed or if the sample components remain separated and the method should be repeated.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.