Abstract: An embodiment provides a nozzle, including: a conical-shaped portion having a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end, wherein the first end has a smaller diameter than the second end; the first end having an attachment to hold the nozzle in a flow of fluid from an inlet, wherein the nozzle is positioned with the first end facing an inflow of a fluid and the second end facing a chamber; and the conical-shaped portion configured to direct the inflow of the fluid along an inner surface of the chamber, wherein the inflow of the fluid travels around the outer diameter of the conical-shaped portion. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring an analyte of a sample using a colorimeter, including: introducing the sample into a measurement chamber of the colorimeter, wherein the measurement chamber comprises an optical path from a light source to an optical sensor; identifying and waiting a sample settling period, wherein the sample settling period comprises a dynamic length of time, wherein the identifying comprises: measuring, using the optical sensor, a light throughput of the sample; and determining, based upon the measuring, the light throughput has reached a stable baseline; and obtaining a reference measurement of the sample when the stable baseline is reached. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for measuring an analyte of a sample using a colorimeter, including: introducing the sample into a measurement chamber of the colorimeter, wherein the measurement chamber comprises an optical path from a light source to an optical sensor; identifying and waiting a sample settling period, wherein the sample settling period comprises a dynamic length of time, wherein the identifying comprises: measuring, using the optical sensor, a light throughput of the sample; and determining, based upon the measuring, the light throughput has reached a stable baseline; and obtaining a reference measurement of the sample when the stable baseline is reached. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for determining a filter life, including: introducing an aqueous sample into a filtration device comprising at least one filter and one or more sensors located upstream of the at least one filter, wherein the one or more sensors are capable of measuring a component of the aqueous sample; measuring the component of the aqueous sample using the one or more sensors; identifying a load on the at least one filter based upon the measuring of the component of the aqueous sample and at least one filtration characteristic; and determining the filter life of the at least one filter based upon the identifying. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a nozzle, including: a conical-shaped portion having a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end, wherein the first end has a smaller diameter than the second end; the first end having an attachment to hold the nozzle in a flow of fluid from an inlet, wherein the nozzle is positioned with the first end facing an inflow of a fluid and the second end facing a chamber; and the conical-shaped portion configured to direct the inflow of the fluid along an inner surface of the chamber, wherein the inflow of the fluid travels around the outer diameter of the conical-shaped portion. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a self-lubricating linear peristaltic pump for delivering precise volumes of fluid, including: a housing comprising a slide area; at least one pinch block located within the slide area of the housing, wherein the at least one pinch block comprises a base end and a face end; a plurality of compression blocks located within the slide area of the housing, wherein each of the plurality of compression blocks comprises a base end and a face end; a cam located within the housing, wherein the mechanically contacts the base end of each of the at least one pinch block and the base end of each of the plurality of compression blocks; a motor mechanically coupled to the cam, wherein the motor moves the cam upon operation of the motor; and at least one tube in contact with the face end of each of the at least one pinch block and the face end of each of the plurality of compression blocks. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for determining a filter life, including: introducing an aqueous sample into a filtration device comprising at least one filter and one or more sensors located upstream of the at least one filter, wherein the one or more sensors are capable of measuring a component of the aqueous sample; measuring the component of the aqueous sample using the one or more sensors; identifying a load on the at least one filter based upon the measuring of the component of the aqueous sample and at least one filtration characteristic; and determining the filter life of the at least one filter based upon the identifying. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a self-lubricating linear peristaltic pump for delivering precise volumes of fluid, including: a housing comprising a slide area; at least one pinch block located within the slide area of the housing, wherein the at least one pinch block comprises a base end and a face end; a plurality of compression blocks located within the slide area of the housing, wherein each of the plurality of compression blocks comprises a base end and a face end; a cam located within the housing, wherein the mechanically contacts the base end of each of the at least one pinch block and the base end of each of the plurality of compression blocks; a motor mechanically coupled to the cam, wherein the motor moves the cam upon operation of the motor; and at least one tube in contact with the face end of each of the at least one pinch block and the face end of each of the plurality of compression blocks. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A self-centering system is described for holding an object (e.g. a vial, tube or cell) to maintain the longitudinal axis of the object in the desired orientation. The system includes two cam members which are pivotably mounted on parallel axes. The cam members include sloped surfaces which are able to accommodate objects of various diameters or shapes (e.g. circular or non-circular cross-section). The cam members are biased (e.g. with weights or springs) such that the sloped surfaces are automatically brought into contact with the object to be oriented and supported.

Abstract: A self-centering system is described for holding an object (e.g. a vial, tube or cell) to maintain the longitudinal axis of the object in the desired orientation. The system includes two cam members which are pivotably mounted on parallel axes. The cam members include sloped surfaces which are able to accommodate objects of various diameters or shapes (e.g. circular or non-circular cross-section). The cam members are biased (e.g. with weights or springs) such that the sloped surfaces are automatically brought into contact with the object to be oriented and supported.

Abstract: An improved electrode is described having a replaceable cap in which a crystal membrane is mechanically secured. Leakage around the crystal membrane is avoided. The cap can be easily and quickly replaced, as desired.