Abstract: An electrokinetic device is capable of operating for extended periods of time, e.g. days to a week, without producing significant gaseous byproducts and without significant evolution of the pump fluid. Features of the electrokinetic device include: the electrodes in the electrokinetic device are capacitive with a capacitance of at least 10?4 Farads/cm2; at least part of the inner surfaces of the electrodes have an area greater than the effective area of the porous dielectric material; at least part of the inner surfaces of the electrodes have a current flux less than 20 microamperes/cm2; and at least part of the inner surfaces of the electrodes have a current flux that varies by less than a factor of two. The electrokinetic device can have one or several of these features in any combination.

Abstract: An improved process and device for the recovery of the minor actinides and the transuranic elements (TRU's) from a molten salt electrolyte. The process involves placing the device, an electrically non-conducting barrier between an anode salt and a cathode salt. The porous barrier allows uranium to diffuse between the anode and cathode, yet slows the diffusion of uranium ions so as to cause depletion of uranium ions in the catholyte. This allows for the eventual preferential deposition of transuranics present in spent nuclear fuel such as Np, Pu, Am, Cm. The device also comprises an uranium oxidation anode. The oxidation anode is solid uranium metal in the form of spent nuclear fuel. The spent fuel is placed in a ferric metal anode basket which serves as the electrical lead or contact between the molten electrolyte and the anodic uranium metal.

Abstract: A method of making a microstructure includes the steps of providing a circuit board that includes a dielectric layer and a conductor layer formed on the dielectric layer, forming a metal structure on the circuit board such that the metal structure extends through the dielectric layer, and removing at least a portion of the dielectric layer adjacent to the conductor layer and the metal structure to result in the microstructure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mold for fine electroforming M having a simple structure. In order to improve the productivity of a metal product, an electrode portion can be arranged with a much higher density, and a metal thin film formed on the electrode portion can easily be peeled off. The present invention provides a manufacturing method for manufacturing the mold M with a higher accuracy and by an easier way. The mold for fine electroforming M has a conductive substrate 1 to function as a cathode during electroforming and insulation layer 2 having an opening 21, which has a shape corresponding to a shape of a plane shape of the metal product P and is through to the conductive substrate 1, and composed of an inorganic insulation material having a thickness T2 of not less than 10 nm and less than one-half the thickness T1 of the metal product P. The surface of the conductive substrate 1 exposed at the opening 21 is adapted to serve as the electrode portion.

Abstract: At least one of lower and upper magnetic cores is composed of magnetic films each of which contains two or more elements of Co, Ni, and Fe, which are formed by electroplating in a plating bath with pH 2 or less, and which have a saturation magnetic flux density of 23,000 gauss or more.

Abstract: For producing very high quality base stock and for simultaneously producing high quality middle distillates, successive hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxmg steps are employed wherein the hydroisomerisation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one noble metal deposited on an amorphous acidic support, the dispersion of the metal being 20%-100%. The support is preferably an amorphous silica-alumina. Catalytic dewaxing is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one hydrodehydrogenating element (group VIII) and at least one molecular sieve selected from ZBM-30, EU-2 and EU-11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively producing C3 olefins from a catalytically cracked or thermally cracked naphtha stream by fractionating the naphtha feed to obtain a C6 fraction and feeding the C6 fraction either in the riser downstream of the injection point for the reminder of the naphtha feed, in the stripper, and/or in the dilute phase immediately downstream or above the stripper of a process unit.

Abstract: In a method of removing acidic compounds, color, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and for removing or converting hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms from used oil distillate, phase transfer catalysts are employed to facilitate the transfer of inorganic or organic bases to the substrate of the oil distillate. An inorganic or organic base, a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group including quaternary ammonium salts, polyol ethers and crown ethers, and used oil distillate are mixed and heated. Thereafter, contaminants are removed from the used oil distillate through distillation.

Abstract: A membrane is used in combination with fractionation and hydrodesulfurization to reduce the sulfur content of hydrocarbon feeds, preferably sulfur-containing naphtha feeds. A membrane separation zone is employed to treat a fraction of effluent from a fractionation zone containing sulfur-containing non-aromatic hydrocarbons to produce a sulfur rich permeate and sulfur deficient retentate. The sulfur rich permeate and a second fraction of the fractionation zone, which contains sulfur-containing aromatic hydrocarbons, are further treated in a hydrodesulfurization zone. The stream from the hydrodesulfurization zone and the sulfur deficient retentate from the membrane separation zone are then processed as low sulfur hydrocarbon streams, especially those streams being processed in the manufacture of gasoline when the initial hydrocarbon stream is naphtha from a fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.

Abstract: A water intake screen with a filter panel includes a frame adapted to be connected to the water intake and a circular filter panel disposed transversely in an opening of the frame, to which it is fastened. The panel includes a wheel extending in a substantially vertical plane between a lower position and an upper position and having radial retaining members on the upstream side of the panel and attached thereto, an aspiration device on the upstream side of the retaining members, and elements for driving the panel and/or aspiration device with a rotary relative movement so as to generate locally through the panel a successive counterflow at each retaining member in accordance with the rotary relative movement in order to take up successively debris and particles retained thereby and to direct them through an evacuation pipe adapted to evacuate the debris and particles to the exterior.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing nitrogen is provided herein. In the apparatus, the nitrogen is removed from wastewater containing a BOD component and ammonium nitrogen by anaerobic ammonium oxidation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography device comprising: a column (12) intended to house, between its two ends (16a, 16b) a chromatographic bed (14) and a fluid to be chromatographed, a fluid layer (48) being defined between a surface of the bed (14) and one (16a) of the ends of the column (12); a piston (36) sliding in the column (12), the piston (36) being one of the ends (16a, 16b) of the column (12); at least a first probe (45, 46) for detecting the surface of the bed (14), the probe (45, 46) being mounted on the end (16a) of the column (12) defining the layer (48); and means (52) for adjusting the position of the piston (36) according to the detection of the surface of the bed (14) by the probe (45, 46). The invention also relates to processes for separating at least two compounds of a fluid to be chromatographed and to methods of adjusting the position of the piston with respect to the surface of the chromatographic bed using the chromatography device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating a surface layer in a stratified liquid body using a depth-adjustable, fine bubble, surface layer aeration unit comprising: a body comprising at least one hollow internal structure; an air inlet communicating with the at least one hollow internal structure, whereby air from an external air source may be introduced into the at least one hollow internal structure; at least one fine bubble aerator communicating with the at least one hollow internal structure, whereby air from the at least one hollow internal structure may be released through the fine bubble aerator into an adjacent fluid; and at least one weight pod attached to the body, wherein the at least one weight pod comprises structure for adjusting the weight of the at least one weight pod, whereby the buoyancy of the aeration unit may be adjusted so as to permit the at least one fine bubble aerator to be positioned at a desired depth in a fluid body.

Abstract: A cleansing tank 38 and a screw conveyor 32 are removably mounted to a mounting opening 22 of a filtration tank 2. When the cleansing tank 38 and the screw conveyor 32 are to be removed, they can be extracted to the exterior of the filtration tank 2, by detaching a base 28, which axially supports the screw conveyor 32, from a rim 24. Purified water is backwashed through a purified water discharge pipe 60 when the cleansing tank 38 and the screw conveyor 32 are extracted and inserted through the mounting opening 22. This causes filtration media 14 to float, thereby reducing the resistance thereof.

Abstract: A liquid filter, in particular for internal combustion engines, having a filter housing with an essentially hollow cylindrical filter element arranged therein in a sealing manner to separate an unfiltered liquid side of the filter from a filtered liquid side. The filter element is supported on a connecting element having contours for forming a form-fitting connection through which the liquid filter is detachably and sealingly connectable to a counterpart. The counterpart may be a flange connected directly to a machine assembly, or it may be an adapter element for adapting the form-fitting connection to connect to a conventional threaded connector.

Abstract: A water purification system includes an activated carbon filter and a reverse-osmosis (RO) filter. The activated carbon filter is typically formed with a central aperture that receives an upper portion of a central tube. The RO filter, which is positioned downstream from the carbon filter, may be formed around a perforated section of the central tube. The system further includes a head that is structured to receive a sump that contains the carbon and RO filters, as well as the central tube. An inlet formed in the head enables unpurified feed water to flow into the carbon filter. A first channel, which is defined by an annular surface formed in the carbon filter and an outer surface of the central tube, enables water to flow into the RO filter. A channel within the central tube enables water to flow from the RO filter, through the perforated sections of the central tube, and into an outlet formed within the head.

Abstract: A radial flow cartridge, especially for use with an ion exchange resin, includes inner and outer tubular cages, and a tubular knitted liner extending the length of the cartridge between the inner and outer cages and spaced apart from the outer cage. The resin medium fills the space between the liner and the inner cage. During use, the medium absorbs fluid and expands, stretching the knit liner radially and, thereby filling the space between the liner and the outer cage.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out therapeutic apheresis includes a filter device for being implanted in a blood vessel for carrying out in-vivo plasma separation having one or more elongated hollow tubes and a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fibers capable of separating plasma from whole blood at pressure and blood flow within a patient's vein, a multiple lumen catheter secured to the proximal end of the filter device having one or more lumens in fluid communication with the interior of said one or more hollow tubes and a plasma return lumen, and therapeutic apheresis apparatus for removing and/or separating selected disease-related components from the separated plasma and means for directing plasma between said catheter and the selective component removal apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a biological process for reduction of chemical and biological oxygen demand of pulp and paper industrial effluent using a mixed bacterial consortium comprising of bacterial strains isolated from natural sources which is capable of reducing chemical and biological oxygen demand of pulp and paper industrial effluent to standard discharge limits.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for removing excess nutrients from water, for removing the nutrients from the removal site, for enhancing soil, and for producing pulp and paper products includes bioremediating water to be treated with cultured algae or another suitable plant matter in an attached periphyton bed, harvesting the algae/plant matter to produce a wet algal biomass, and mixing the wet biomass with a shredded fibrous material to produce a pulp. The pulp can be molded into a biodegradable package that can be utilized as a delivery vehicle to a site having nutrient-enrichable soil, where the package can be used as a soil amendment after being used as a delivery vehicle. The pulp can also be made into a paper product that is biodegradable and has the characteristic of enhancing soil quality.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved method for treating ethanol distillation still bottoms by recovering, through solids separation and pressurized membrane filtration, potable water from still bottoms for human consumption by bottling or for reuse, and concentrating the solids with beneficial properties recovered such as chemicals, nutrients and medicinals before anaerobic digestion. The invention is on improved process because it can reduce the volume of solids to manage, recovers the water from the fermentation still bottoms while pasteurized, maintains the chemical and physical properties of solids for beneficial property recovery, improves ethanol and energy efficiency, and results in clean discharge to the environment including carbon dioxide recovery. A bioreactor produces a gas rich in methane fuel from the concentrate to power the pressurized filtration process and an aqueous ammonia solution to recover or recycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a plant for processing a gas by means of a glycol solution wherein a feed comprising a gas, a glycol, water and salts is subjected to a first stage (5) of separating the gas from a liquid effluent and said liquid effluent is subjected to a dehydration stage (14) to recover a dehydrated liquid effluent, characterized in that the salts contained in the liquid effluent, dehydrated or not, are eliminated in a membrane separation stage (10) by means of a driving force generated by mechanical pressure difference on either side of a membrane of pore size ranging between 5 and 100 Angstrom. The invention also relates to the use of the method and of the plant for regeneration of a liquid compound of the glycol family used for hydrate formation prevention when using a natural gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using foam to remove pollutants and/or heavy metals from a flowable media. The method may include providing a foam that may include cavities wherein the cavities may include an adsorbent composition of iron oxyhydroxy granules. The iron oxyhydroxy granules may have a BET surface area of >100 m2/g and a mean particle size of 0.1 mm-2 mm. The method may further include passing a flowable media containing pollutants and/or heavy metals through the foam wherein the pollutants and heavy metals may be removed from the flowable media by the iron oxyhydroxy granules. A method of manufacturing the foam is also disclosed. The method may include introducing an adsorbent composition into a liquid reaction composite to form a mixture and adding an isocyanate reaction component to the mixture to form the foam.

Abstract: Method for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous wastes, which are produced during electroplating and other industrial processes. The method comprises a precipitation process that is conducted in a magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A micromachined device for efficient thermal processing at least one fluid stream includes at least one fluid conducting tube having at least a region with wall thickness of less than 50 ?m. The device optionally includes one or more thermally conductive structures in thermal communication with first and second thermally insulating portions of the fluid conducting tube. The device also may include a thermally conductive region, and at least a portion of the fluid conducting tube is disposed within the region. A plurality of structures may be provided projecting from a wall of the fluid conducting tube into an inner volume of the tube. The structures enhance thermal conduction between a fluid within the tube and a wall of the tube. A method for fabricating, from a substrate, a micromachined device for processing a fluid stream allows the selective removal of portions of the substrate to provide desired structures integrated within the device.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical component on a substrate structure includes forming a ridge in a light transmitting medium positioned on a base. The ridge includes a waveguide region configured to propagate light signals and a flange region extending across a longitudinal axis of the waveguide region. The method also includes removing at least a portion of the flange region so as to expose a facet aligned with the waveguide region such that light signals propagated along the waveguide region are transmitted through the facet.

Abstract: A method of fabricating optical filter is disclosed. The method includes providing the substrate and selectively etching the substrate to form a plurality of freestanding layers. A plurality of dielectric layers is disposed over an outer surface of each of the freestanding layers. The resultant optical filters may be used in a variety of applications including etalon applications.

Abstract: A two-part sizing composition including a precursor size composition and a binder composition, the binder composition being substantially free of any aminosilane coupling agent for is provided for the production of reinforcing fiber materials that exhibit little or no coloration. The two-part sizing composition may be advantageously employed to make substantially colorless, densified fiber pellets of a reinforcing fiber material. The densified fiber pellets may be produced by applying the sizing composition to reinforcing fiber strands, chopping the reinforcing fiber strands to form chopped strand segments, applying the binder composition, and palletizing and densifying the coated chopped strand segments to form flowable densified fiber pellets.

Abstract: This invention provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition that does not contain lead, can be sintered at a normal pressure and is excellent in at least one of a piezoelectric constant, an electro-mechanical coupling coefficient, a dielectric loss, a relative dielectric constant and a Curie point, its production method, and a piezoelectric device and a dielectric device each utilizing the piezoelectric ceramic composition. The invention relates to a piezoelectric composition expressed by the general formula {Lix(K1?yNay)1?x}(Nb1?zSbz)O3, each of x, y and z respectively falling within composition ranges of 0?x?0.2, 0?y?1.0 and 0?z?0.2 (with the exception of x=z=0), and its production method. The invention further relates to a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric body formed of the piezoelectric ceramic composition described above and a dielectric device having a dielectric body formed of the piezoelectric ceramic composition described above.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing a surface, particularly a semiconductor wafer surface. The polishing compositions described herein comprise (a) a liquid carrier; (b) purified clay; and optional additives, such as (c) a chemical accelerator; and (d) a complexing or coupling agent capable of chemically or ionically complexing with, or coupling to, the metal and/or insulating material removed during the polishing process. The complexing or coupling agent carries away the removed metal and/or silicon dioxide insulator particles, during polishing, to prevent the separated particles from returning to the surface from which they were removed. Also disclosed are methods of planarizing or polishing a surface comprising contacting the surface with the compositions.

Abstract: There is provided a white light illumination system including a radiation source, a first luminescent material having a peak emission wavelength of about 570 to about 620 nm, and a second luminescent material having a peak emission wavelength of about 480 to about 500 nm, which is different from the first luminescent material. The LED may be a UV LED and the luminescent materials may be a blend of two phosphors. The first phosphor may be an orange emitting Eu2+,Mn2+ doped strontium pyrophosphate, (Sr0.8Eu0.1Mn0.1)2P2O7. The second phosphor may be a blue-green emitting Eu2+ doped SAE, (Sr0.90-0.99 Eu0.01-0.1)4Al14O25. A human observer perceives the combination of the orange and the blue-green phosphor emissions as white light.

Abstract: A phosphor with a garnet structure is distinguished by the addition of Si. It is suitable in particular for photon excitation by light sources with an emission between 250 and 550 nm.

Abstract: Novel phosphor systems for a white LED are disclosed. The phosphor systems are excited by a non-visible to near-UV radiation source having an excitation wavelength ranging from about 250 to 420 nm. The phosphor system may comprise one phosphor, two phosphors, and may include optionally a third and even a fourth phosphor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the phosphor is a two phosphor system having a blue phosphor and a yellow phosphor, wherein the long wavelength end of the blue phosphor is substantially the same wavelength as the short wavelength end of the yellow phosphor. Alternatively, there may be a wavelength gap between the yellow and blue phosphors. The yellow phosphor may be phosphate or silicate-based, and the blue phosphor may be silicate or aluminate-based. Single phosphor systems excited by non-visible radiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool creates a fastener-receiving cavity within a foam-filled structure that includes a panel with a slot for receiving the fastener and foam backing that is cast in place against on the underside of the panel. The tool includes a clip and a plunger. The clip is inserted into the slot and has legs joined by a hinge. The plunger is inserted between the legs to spread the legs and fills the space between the spread-apart legs that would otherwise become filled with foam. After the foam is cast, the plunger is removed so that the legs can be returned to a closely spaced relationship and the clip is removed from the slot, leaving a cavity for subsequently receiving a fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming nonwoven webs comprising particulates. The method of forming the nonwoven web generally comprising the steps of forming fibers from a melt fibrillation process, forming at least one fluid stream containing particulates, mixing said fibers with said particulates to form a fiber-particulate mix, and depositing the mix on a surface to form a web. The nonwoven web will have the particulates entrapped in the web. The nonwoven web may comprise a layer having a significant number of nanofibers with diameters less than one micron.

Abstract: A molded disc substrate obtained by injection molding is rotated at high speed before the molded disc substrate has solidified, and a gas is also made to flow in an outward radial direction along a bottom surface of the molded disc substrate while the molded disc substrate is rotating, and the rotation is stopped after the molded disc substrate has solidified. Thus, a disc substrate with little warping is obtained in a short time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing light-guiding LED bodies in a mold, using a material that is flowable before becoming definitively solid. Each LED body comprises at least one light-emitting chip and at least two electrical connections that are connected to the chip. At least one flowable material is fed into the mold in chronologically separate steps via at least one of at least two locations. In a first step, the flowable material is fed into the mold so as to flow around the chip and the connections in that area. In further steps, one or several flowable materials are fed into areas other than the one in which the chip and connections are located. The inventive method for producing light-guiding LED bodies allows virtually all produced luminescent diodes to have the same optical characteristics and prevents the individual LED electronics from being spoiled through damage.

Abstract: Method for insert molding film covered plastic parts are disclosed that facilitate wrapping of the paint film around edges of the part. A mold cavity (210) is provided wherein the requisite edge extremities (212, 214) of the cavity (210) are provided in an offset or spaced relation to the mold parting line plane (216). Location of the mold extremities at this position helps to secure the paint film in the mold cavity (210) and prevents pinching of the film that would otherwise occur along the mold parting line (216).

Abstract: Vacuum carburizing of ferrous workpieces is performed at low pressure in a vacuum furnace using an unsaturated aromatic such as benzene as the carburizing medium. The unsaturated aromatic is gas phase hydrogenated into naphthenes, such as cyclohexane, which is metered into the furnace chamber proper and functions as the carburizing gas. The furnace is constructed to be generally transparent to the naphthenes so that cracking tends to occur at the workpiece which functions as a catalyst to minimize carbon deposits. The unsaturated aromatic is supplied in liquid form to fuel injectors which inject the liquid aromatic as a vapor at duty cycles and firing orders to produce a uniform dispersion of the hydrocarbon gas about the work resulting in uniform carburizing of the workpieces. An in-situ methane infrared sensor controls the process.

Abstract: Density-enhanced compositions that are comprised of at least iron and tungsten, and articles, including firearm projectiles, formed therefrom. The articles have a density that exceeds that of steel, and which may be less than, equal to, or greater than that of lead. In some embodiments, iron is the majority component and tungsten is a minority component, with steel optionally forming a portion of the iron-containing component. In some embodiments, the article includes at least one additional minority component, such as one or more of nickel, manganese, tin, carbon, steel, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, aluminum, zinc, copper, potassium, sulfur, vanadium, and/or titanium. In some embodiments, the article is cast or otherwise formed from molten material, and in some embodiments the article is formed via powder metallurgy. In some embodiments, the article is firearm shot, a firearm slug, or a bullet.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: The preparative liquid chromatograph uses a plurality of detectors including a mass spectrometer, and a chromatogram generator is provided for generating a plurality of chromatograms each corresponding to each of the plurality of detectors. The plurality of chromatograms are converted into a respective binary signal by comparing the chromatogram with a predetermined threshold, and a logical operator performs a binary operation on the plurality of respective binary signals, whereby a resultant binary signal is generated. A separation controller controls the fraction collector of the preparative liquid chromatograph based on the resultant binary signal to separate components from a sample. When “AND” is used as the binary operation, the resultant binary signal is “1” only when all the respective binary signals are “1”. This assures a high precision, high purity separation where an impurity mingling is minimized.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting changes in the refractive index of a fluid in a small test volume. A change in the refractive index can indicate a change in the chemical composition of the fluid. The test volume has a depth comparable to or less than the wavelength of incident light. In one embodiment, an internal surface of the volume is coated with a binding partner selected to bind with a targeted molecule. When the targeted molecule binds to the binding partner, the optical properties of the system change. The refractive index is determined by illuminating the test volume with laser light and measuring transmitted or reflected light.

Abstract: A multi-analyte diagnostic system for use with a computer. The diagnostic system includes a flow analyzer including a co-planar light source-optical detector array, the flow analyzer being communicatable with the computer. The diagnostic system also includes a memory medium readable by the computer and storing computer instructions. The instructions include the following steps. A biological sample is run through the flow analyzer. The identity and quantity of at least one analyte of interest in the biological fluid is determined substantially simultaneously to the sample-running step.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in general, to an optical reading system, a universal testing cartridge, and a method of coupling optical reading systems. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the optical reading system includes a universal test cartridge receptor, test format determination logic, test criteria determination logic, and an optical reader module. The universal test cartridge receptor is responsive to a universal test cartridge having a test strip inserted therein. The test format determination logic determines an optical test format of the test strip. The test criteria determination logic determines an optical test criteria based upon the optical test format. The optical reader module is configured to capture an optical test image of the test strip.

Abstract: In a system for sucking and discharging a solution from a vessel (micro-plate assembly 6) by suction nozzles 2, processes for suction, discharge, separation, etc. can be carried out with use of a simple mechanism, including suction nozzle moving means 3 for positioning the respective distal ends of the suction nozzles on the inner wall surface of the vessel, magnetic particle holding means 4 for magnetic particles 7 in a given position in the vessel, and solution discharge means 5 for sucking out and discharging the solution simultaneously from the vessel through the suction nozzles. Each or a combination of these means constitutes a drainage system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for loading tips onto a pipettor. A means for applying removal force on the pipette tip box is provided so as to ensure that the box is dislodged from the pipette tips after the pipette tips have been forced onto the dispense head mandrels. In the preferred embodiment, the shuck arms are modified to incorporate springs such that when the engagement force is removed from the pipette tip box, the shuck arms are forced by the springs against the pipette tip box thereby displacing the pipette tip box from the pipette tips.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for adequately correcting data in consideration of the deterioration of a reagent used for measurement over time. A deterioration correction data table where the variation of the sensitivity of each reagent from the date of manufacture of the reagent to the expiration date is recorded for each lot is stored in a deterioration correction data storage unit (3b). A bar code including information designating the lot and the date of manufacture is attached to the reagent. A CPU (1) designates the deterioration correction data table corresponding to the lot of the reagent used for measurement according to the reagent information read by the bar code reader of a nozzle derive unit (10), calculates the reagent sensitivity by interpolation on the measurement data with reference to the designated deterioration data table, and corrects the measurement data with respect to the deterioration of the reagent according to the calculated reagent sensitivity.