Abstract: The methods for sample preparation disclosed herein utilize an air phase to reduce aqueous phase associated with magnetic particles bound to nucleic acids to decrease carryover of one or more contaminants, such as, cell debris, chaotropic agents, non-specifically attached molecules, and the like. This air-transfer step is improved by using a combination of a first population of magnetic particles and a second population of magnetic particles, where the first population of magnetic particles is capable of associating with nucleic acids, and the magnetic particles in the second population are at least two-times larger in size than the size of the magnetic particles in the first population. As discussed herein, the use of this second population of magnetic particles improves the transfer of the first population of magnetic particles by reducing loss of the first magnetic particles during the transfer. The sample preparation methods may be semi-automated or completely automated.

Abstract: In order to, in a chromatograph sampler, regulate the pressure of a sample fluid filled in a constant volume tube to be as constant as possible and ensure the reproducibility of measurement, the chromatograph sampler is configured to provide a bypass line between a sample introduction line and a sample discharge line in parallel with the constant volume tube, and when filling the sample fluid in the constant volume tube, flow the sample fluid also through the bypass line in parallel.

Abstract: In order to provide a hydrogen purification device in which a source gas is supplied, from which a purified gas flows out, that is easily manufacturable, and in which the pressure resistance of an hydrogen permeable membrane is high, the hydrogen purification device is configured to include a hydrogen permeable membrane allowing hydrogen to selectively permeate therethrough, two porous supports that sandwich and support the hydrogen permeable membrane from both surfaces thereof, and a casing having a space formed therein configured to accommodate reaction of the source gas and the hydrogen permeable membrane. The porous supports are contained inside the casing, an outermost edge of the hydrogen permeable membrane extends outward from the outer edges of the porous supports in at least one location, and a peripheral portion of the hydrogen permeable membrane in a vicinity of the outermost edge and the casing are airtightly sealed to each other.

Abstract: In order to, in a chromatograph sampler, regulate the pressure of a sample fluid filled in a constant volume tube to be as constant as possible and ensure the reproducibility of measurement, the chromatograph sampler is configured to provide a bypass line between a sample introduction line and a sample discharge line in parallel with the constant volume tube, and when filling the sample fluid in the constant volume tube, flow the sample fluid also through the bypass line in parallel.

Abstract: In order to provide a hydrogen purification device in which a source gas is supplied, from which a purified gas flows out, that is easily manufacturable, and in which the pressure resistance of an hydrogen permeable membrane is high, the hydrogen purification device is configured to include a hydrogen permeable membrane allowing hydrogen to selectively permeate therethrough, two porous supports that sandwich and support the hydrogen permeable membrane from both surfaces thereof, and a casing having a space formed therein configured to accommodate reaction of the source gas and the hydrogen permeable membrane. The porous supports are contained inside the casing, an outermost edge of the hydrogen permeable membrane extends outward from the outer edges of the porous supports in at least one location, and a peripheral portion of the hydrogen permeable membrane in a vicinity of the outermost edge and the casing are airtightly sealed to each other.