Abstract: A plastic particle detector for detecting biological and other fluorescent materials is disclosed. The detector detects the fluorescence and scattering signals from these materials using deep UV excitation. The detector is fabricated using plastic materials and exploits the properties of lower manufacturing costs, lower materials costs, light weight, ruggedness and assembly ease offered by plastics, while eliminating stray fluorescence signals ordinarily generated by plastic materials.

Abstract: A micro atomizer to produce stable aerosol concentrations having an aerosol mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of less than 10 microns with liquid flow rates in the microliter per minute range is provided. The micro atomizer includes a liquid channel in the shape of a thick-wall tube and a cap having an aerosol outlet orifice whereby a liquid-gas contact space is formed by the internal surface of the cap and the substantially flat end of the liquid channel. Pressurized carrier gas and the liquid to be aerosolized are allowed to come into contact within a precisely formed liquid-gas contact space. The desired aerosol characteristics are accurately established, stable, and reproducible. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro atomizer is used with a syringe and syringe drive to provide a continuous liquid source for aerosol generation.

Abstract: A radiation source has a radiation-emitter assembly disposed, at least in part, in a first compartment of a housing. A lens system is disposed in a second compartment of the housing so that the lens system is optically coupled to the radiation-emitter assembly. A mirror is disposed in a third compartment of the housing so that the mirror is optically coupled to the lens system. A filter and a conduit are disposed in a fourth compartment of the housing so that the filter and an aperture provided by the conduit are optically coupled to the mirror. Radiation exits the radiation source through the aperture.

Abstract: An automated ampoule breaking device includes a carriage having an opening for receiving and securely retaining a substrate in a substantially upright position, wherein the substrate includes at least one flexible compartment each having an outlet at the lower end and at least one ampoule contained therein; and at least one movable projection operatively associated with the carriage, wherein each of the at least one projection adapted for applying sufficient pressure progressing from the upper to the lower end of the corresponding flexible compartment to crush the at least one ampoule and direct the contents of the crushed ampoule out of the respective flexible compartment through the outlet.