Abstract: A sample is tested for the presence of bacteria, such as in an automatic blood culturing apparatus. If bacteria are determined to be present, a bacteriophage-based bacteria identification process is performed to identify the bacteria present. A plurality of bacteria detection processes, such as a blood culture test and Gram stain test may be carried out prior to the bacteria identification process. A bacteriophage-based antibiotic resistance test or antibiotic susceptibility test is also conducted on the sample.

Abstract: Capillary column oxidation in gas chromatography systems, particularly of polyimide clad columns, is a major cause of column failure and it limits the maximum temperature at which columns can be used. A gas chromatography column oven system is described which utilizes inert gas to substantially eliminate column oxidation thereby increasing column thermal stability. These column oven systems thus increase column lifetime and maximum operating temperature. The column oven systems comprise pneumatically sealed oven enclosures with sealed access ports, sealed sample line ports, and inlet and outlet gas ports to which are connected an inert gas supply and an exhaust gas control system respectively.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. Oven designs are provided to achieve more suitable oven size for fixed operating frequencies. Apparatuses for impedance matching an oven to a microwave source are described.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. Oven designs are provided to achieve more suitable oven size for fixed operating frequencies. Apparatuses for impedance matching an oven to a microwave source are described.

Abstract: A system monitors the composition of emulsions (e.g., oil/water mixtures) by measuring one or more electrical properties (e.g., dielectric constant) of the emulsion. A computer processor determines a plurality of possible solutions using a predetermined relationship between the measured electrical properties and the component fractions of the emulsion. One possible solution is determined for each component that might be the continuous phase in the emulsion. The computer processor then evaluates the component fractions resulting from each possible solution to choose which single solution is most reasonable based on known physical limits for a continuous phase emulsion involving the component associated with each possible solution. The component fractions associated with the selected solution are output by the processor.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.

Abstract: A chromatography column for microwave heating either incorporates microwave absorbing material into the column itself or positions the column adjacent to microwave absorbing material so that the column and the chromatography sample contained therein are heated by the microwave absorbing material via conduction or convection. For example, a microwave absorbing material (e.g., ferrite) can be fused into the inner silica layer or incorporated in an outer polymer layer of the column. Microwave absorbing material can also be incorporated into an external element (e.g., an outer tube, sleeve, or spool) positioned adjacent to the chromatography column. A layer of thermal insulation can be placed around the column to decrease the rate of heat loss. Optionally, a gap can be provided between the chromatography column and thermal insulation to further reduce heat loss during the heating cycle and to accelerate cooling at the end of the heating cycle by making it possible to ventilate the heated column.

Abstract: A chromatography column for microwave heating either incorporates microwave absorbing material into the column itself or positions the column adjacent to microwave absorbing material so that the column and the chromatography sample contained therein are heated by the microwave absorbing material via conduction or convection. For example, a microwave absorbing material (e.g., ferrite) can be fused into the inner silica layer or incorporated in an outer polymer layer of the column. Microwave absorbing material can also be incorporated into an external element (e.g., an outer tube, sleeve, or spool) positioned adjacent to the chromatography column. A layer of thermal insulation can be placed around the column to decrease the rate of heat loss. Optionally, a gap can be provided between the chromatography column and thermal insulation to further reduce heat loss during the heating cycle and to accelerate cooling at the end of the heating cycle by making it possible to ventilate the heated column.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus which utilizes the direct relationship between the density and dielectric constant of hydrocarbon mixtures to significantly improve upon the measurement capabilities of some existing devices used in the petroleum industry. Included among the applications of the apparatus are 1) a multiphase hydrocarbon mass flow meter for usage with multiphase mixtures of oil, water, and gas and 2) a continuously self-calibrating water cut meter for determining the water content of liquid crude oil streams.

Abstract: A solder interconnection for forming vias between first and second substrates comprises a plurality of solder containing wells extending into a flat surface of the first substrate, the solder in each well being soldered to one of a corresponding plurality of conductor posts extending outwardly from a flat surface of the second substrate. The plurality of the wells are created in a pattern, an aliquot of solder is deposited in each well, with the aliquots being of substantially no greater volume than that of the well it occupies, the posts are provided in aligned array with the pattern, the solder is melted, the posts are inserted and the solder solidifies. Very closely placed vias can be formed.