Abstract: A plasmonic sensor includes at least a substrate and a thin film metallic glass formed on the substrate. The dielectric constant (?r) of the thin film metallic glass is negative. Since the thin film metallic glass with negative ?r is used in the plasmonic sensor, the material cost can be significantly reduced, the mechanical property can be improved, and the optoelectronic property can be increased. Since the thin film metallic glass is a kind of supercooled alloy with amorphous structure, it can be applied for imprinting deformation and amorphous without grain boundary scattering.

Abstract: The image-forming apparatus includes multiple developing units that form images using multiple color developers, an image carrier that, in color displacement detection, carries the developers transferred thereon at mutually different image-carrying positions, an optical sensor that projects a light to the image carrier and receives a reflected light from the image carrier, and an acquirer that acquires, in response to output from the optical sensor, passage times at which the developers on the image carrier respectively pass a detection position. The optical sensor receives a diffusively reflected light from a non-transferred area of the image carrier on which the developers are not transferred. The acquirer acquires the passage times of all the developers, in response to changes in the output from the optical sensor at an output level higher than that corresponding to a diffusively reflected light from the developers on the image carrier.

Abstract: Angle-resolved reflectometers and reflectometry methods are provided, which comprise a coherent light source, an optical system arranged to scan a test pattern using a spot of coherent light from the light source to yield realizations of the light distribution in the collected pupil, wherein the spot covers a part of the test pattern and the scanning is carried out optically or mechanically according to a scanning pattern, and a processing unit arranged to generate a composite image of the collected pupil distribution by combining the pupil images. Metrology systems and methods are provided, which reduce diffraction errors by estimating, quantitatively, a functional dependency of measurement parameters on aperture sizes and deriving, from identified diffraction components of the functional dependency which relate to the aperture sizes, correction terms for the measurement parameters with respect to the measurement conditions.

Abstract: An optical sensing system includes a planar optical waveguide having a first surface for detection and a second surface for coupling light. The optical sensing system includes a functional layer integral with the first surface of the planar optical waveguide, and a coupling layer in contact with the second surface of the planar optical waveguide, the coupling layer having a lower refractive index than the planar optical waveguide. The optical sensing system includes an optical source arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the second surface of the planar optical waveguide through the coupling layer with substantially critical optical coupling. The optical sensing system also includes an optical detector arranged to receive a portion of light from the optical source after being reflected from the first surface of the planar optical waveguide and passing through the coupling layer.

Abstract: A hand-held microfluidic testing device is provided that includes a housing having a cartridge receiving port, a cartridge for input to the cartridge receiving port having a sample input and a channel, where the channel includes a mixture of Raman-scattering nanoparticles and a calibration solution, where the calibration solution includes chemical compounds capable of interacting with a sample under test input to the cartridge and the Raman-scattering nanoparticles, and an optical detection system in the housing, where the optical detection system is capable of providing an illuminated electric field, where the illuminating electric field is capable of being used for Raman spectroscopy with the Raman-scattering nanoparticles and the calibration solution to analyze the sample under test input to the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing a test element for studying a body fluid sample. In the methods, a detection layer is covered with a polymeric spreading layer and applied to a support. The spreading layer can be produced by being sprayed onto the detection layer such that the spreading layer has a thickness of at most about 20 ?m. Also disclosed are test elements produced by the methods, as well as tape cassettes incorporating such test elements.

Abstract: Provided is a ultra-high-sensitivity assay in which the assay can be made on a commonly used assay apparatus such as an absorptiometer and a plate reader or with naked eyes. The high-sensitivity assay in which the assay can be made on a commonly used assay apparatus or with naked eyes can be provided by combining an enzyme cycling method using thio-NAD(P) as a coenzyme, a labeling enzyme and a substrate for the labeling enzyme optimally, and by amplifying thio-NAD(P)H, which is a signaling substance, exponentially and then quantifying the thio-NAD(P)H colorimetrically.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an illumination device including an arch-like lighting unit that is provided around an inspection target in a circular arc form and emits light toward the inspection target, imaging devices that capture images of a light reflection surface of the inspection target by which the light emitted from the arch-like lighting unit is reflected, and a determination device that inspects the light reflection surface of the inspection target on the basis of the images captured by the imaging devices. As a result, the inspection apparatus provides an effect of preventing the apparatus from being increased in size.

Abstract: A multiphoton microscope based on two-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation that images FOVs of about 0.8 mm2 (without stitching adjacent FOVs) at speeds of 10 frames/second (800×800 pixels) with lateral and axial resolutions of 0.5 ?m and 2.5 ?m, respectively. The scan head of the instrument includes a fast galvanometric scanner, relay optics, a beam expander and a high NA objective lens. The system is based on a 25×, 1.05 NA water immersion lens, which features a long working distance of 1 mm. A proper tailoring of the beam expander, which consists of the scan and tube lens elements, enables scaling of the FOV. The system and method also include a flat wavefront of the beam, minimum field curvature, and suppressed spherical aberrations. All aberrations in focus are below the Marechal criterion of 0.07? rms for diffraction-limited performance.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector inspection display system including: a input unit which receives fiber end-face images; a display mode election unit which allows a user to select at least one of an image capture mode or an image review mode; a capturing unit which captures the fiber end-face images; a storing unit which stores the captured images as a first still image and a second still image; a display unit which displays the received fiber end-face images from the input unit or the stored first and second still images, and a control unit which stores each of the first and second still images with a user defined identification label, and the control unit may further label the each of the first and second still images with a preset image pair mode label if the user selects a preset image pair mode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device inspecting apparatus includes a light source for emitting light to a semiconductor pattern. The semiconductor pattern includes a structure that reflects the light from the light source. The semiconductor device inspecting apparatus further includes an objective optical system disposed in a path of the reflected light from the semiconductor pattern, and a first noise filter disposed in a path of the reflected light having passed through the objective optical system, the first noise filter including at least one bar pattern that filters a diffraction noise of the light. The semiconductor device inspecting apparatus additionally includes a second noise filter disposed in a path of the filtered light from the first noise filter, the second noise filter including an outer frame surrounding a central portion. The semiconductor device inspecting apparatus further includes a first photodetector detecting the light having passed through the second noise filter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for training an inspection-related algorithm are provided. One system includes one or more computer subsystems configured for performing an initial training of an inspection-related algorithm with a labeled set of defects thereby generating an initial version of the inspection-related algorithm and applying the initial version of the inspection-related algorithm to an unlabeled set of defects. The computer subsystem(s) are also configured for altering the labeled set of defects based on results of the applying. The computer subsystem(s) may then iteratively re-train the inspection-related algorithm and alter the labeled set of defects until one or more differences between results produced by a most recent version and a previous version of the algorithm meet one or more criteria. When the one or more differences meet the one or more criteria, the most recent version of the inspection-related algorithm is outputted as the trained algorithm.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for generating a three-dimensional combined image is provided. A three-dimensional test image of a test item is combined with a three-dimensional article image of an article that is undergoing a radiation examination to generate the three-dimensional combined image. A first selection region of the three-dimensional article image is selected. The three-dimensional test image of the test item is inserted within the first selection region. Although the test item is not actually comprised within the article under examination, the three-dimensional combined image is intended to cause the test item to appear to be comprised within the article.

Abstract: A mathematical scattered radiation model with a number of parameters is specified. A test object is scanned with an X-ray system to generate a first raw dataset. The test object is scanned again to generate a second raw dataset, this time with an intermediary X-ray mask having at least one X-ray transparent region and at least one X-ray non-transparent region between the X-ray source and the test object. Parameter values are determined based on the first raw dataset and on the second raw dataset, and the scattered radiation model is calibrated with the parameter values. An examination object is scanned with the X-ray system to generate a third raw dataset and the third raw dataset is processed with the calibrated scattered radiation model to generate a corrected third raw dataset. A set of X-ray image data is generated from the examination object based on the corrected third raw dataset.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing dimensions and material properties of semiconductor devices by full beam x-ray scatterometry are described herein. A full beam x-ray scatterometry measurement involves illuminating a sample with an X-ray beam and detecting the intensities of the resulting zero diffraction order and higher diffraction orders simultaneously for one or more angles of incidence relative to the sample. The simultaneous measurement of the direct beam and the scattered orders enables high throughput measurements with improved accuracy. The full beam x-ray scatterometry system includes one or more photon counting detectors with high dynamic range and thick, highly absorptive crystal substrates that absorb the direct beam with minimal parasitic backscattering.

Abstract: A scanning-type X-ray fluorescence spectrometer according to the present invention includes a quantitative analysis condition setting unit (13) configured to determine whether or not to add, as an analytical element, a new detected element other than preset sample constituting elements, from an absorption-enhancement effect degree of fluorescent X-rays on an analytical value of an analytical element and an overlapping effect degree by an interfering line on an analytical line of the analytical element, on the basis of qualitative analysis results and semi-quantitative analysis results of standard samples (14).

Abstract: A process for profiling fluid distribution and analyzing fluid redistribution kinetics in multi-layer absorbent articles is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the analysis of fluid distribution in an absorbent article is disclosed. The device provides for a frame, a pressure chamber disposed in contacting and mating engagement with the frame, and a NMR sensor in cooperative engagement with the frame and the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber further comprises a top plate and a conformable surface. The absorbent article is disposable between the top plate and the conformable surface. The NMR sensor is disposable proximate to the pressure chamber and is capable of measuring a fluid distribution in the absorbent article when the absorbent article is disposed between the top plate and the conformable surface of the pressure chamber and the NMR sensor is disposed proximate to a surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method and system for determining changes in the catalytic activity of reforming catalyst where an outlet temperature of the catalytic reactor is measured and a temperature approach to equilibrium calculated based on the measured outlet temperature. The temperature approach to equilibrium is compared to an empirical model-based temperature approach to equilibrium calculated for the same operating conditions, the comparison showing changes in the catalytic activity of the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A method and system for determining changes in the catalytic activity of reforming catalyst where an outlet temperature of the catalytic reactor is measured and a temperature approach to equilibrium calculated based on the measured outlet temperature. The temperature approach to equilibrium is compared to an empirical model-based temperature approach to equilibrium calculated for the same operating conditions, the comparison showing changes in the catalytic activity of the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: An inspection method for a heatsink according to the present disclosure includes a measurement preparation step of placing the heatsink in a place where radiated-heat quantities can be measured by first and second thermal sensors, each of the first and second thermal sensors including a temperature sensor and a heat-concentrating mirror with a heat-receiving surface curved in a concave shape, the first and second thermal sensors being disposed in different places in a state where a heat-receiving line is inclined from a direction in which the fin protrudes by a predetermined angle, a measurement step of acquiring first and second radiated-heat quantities from the first and second thermal sensors, respectively, and a determination step of determining that a coating state of the coating is fine when a total value of the first and second radiated-heat quantities is larger than a predetermined range defined in advance.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring the quality of objects is disclosed. A container includes a multiple sensors and is configured to receive an object. The sensors monitor various metrics associated with the quality of the object, and a display is affixed to the container for displaying a visual indication of the quality of the object. The visual indication is based on data collected from the sensors. A quality monitoring module is executed by a processor to control the sensors to switch operation between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation based on a detected change in one of the metrics monitored by the sensors.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of a liquid medium having at least a first coil, a current source and a control and evaluation unit, the current source being connected to the first coil. The conductivity sensor has the ability to determine a particularly large range of electric conductivity by at least a first electrode and a second electrode and at least one voltage measuring unit being provided, the voltage measuring unit being connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, the control and evaluation unit being connected to the current source and to the voltage measuring unit, and the first electrode and the second electrode being out of electrical contact with the first coil.

Abstract: A resistive microelectronic fluid sensor implemented as an integrated voltage divider circuit can sense the presence of a fluid within a fluid reservoir, identify the fluid, and monitor fluid temperature or volume. Such a sensor has biomedical, industrial, and consumer product applications. After fluid detection, the fluid can be expelled from the reservoir and replenished with a fresh supply of fluid. A depression at the bottom of the sample reservoir allows a residual fluid to remain undetected so as not to skew the measurements. Electrodes can sense variations in the resistivity of the fluid, indicating a change in the fluid chemical composition, volume, or temperature. Such fluctuations that can be electrically sensed by the voltage divider circuit can be used as a thermal actuator to trigger ejection of all or part of the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor having high detection sensitivity, capable of detecting a gas at a low concentration and achieving lower power consumption. In the gas sensor including a gas detection element disposed on a thin-film insulator layer, the gas detection element includes: a heater layer provided on the thin-film insulator layer; and a gas detection layer having a thin-film thermistor part and an electrode part in contact with the thin-film, thermistor part, the gas detection layer being provided on the heater layer so as to be electrically insulated from the heater layer. The gas sensor is configured to detect a temperature change due to contact of a gas with the gas detection element on the basis of a change in resistance value in the thin-film thermistor part. The thin-film thermistor part preferably comprises a composite metal oxide containing Fe2O3, TiO2 and MgO.

Abstract: An inter-digital capacitive sensor and control system are used to distinguish between rain, ice, dirt and debris on the outer lens surface of a surveillance camera. The electrodes of the capacitive sensor are made from a conductive coating such as printed epoxy or a transparent conductive oxide, that is directly deposited onto the inner surface of the lens. A defroster is spaced radially-outward from the capacitive sensor and is formed by metal deposition directly on the substrate surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining the moisture of an object, in particular the moisture of human skin, has an electrically insulating carrier layer onto which the following units are applied: at least two electrodes, in particular interdigital electrodes, which are arranged on a first face of the carrier layer; a digital capacitance measuring device, to which the electrodes are connected; an NFC transponder which comprises an antenna and to which the measurement results of the capacitance measuring device are supplied in order to be forwarded wirelessly via the antenna, wherein the NFC transponder and the capacitance measuring device are arranged in the same chip in particular; and a shielding, which lies on the carrier layer face opposite the first face and which is connected to system ground of the capacitance measuring device in particular.

Abstract: There is provided a potentiometric electrode assembly comprising an ion-selective electrode, a reference electrode and a reference electrode electrolyte, the reference electrode having a diaphragm or an open-junction opening or a combination thereof which is provided with a protective coating detachable and/or dissolvable upon contact with aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode structure includes providing an initial structure, the initial structure including at least two elevated regions extending from a substrate, wherein top portions of the two elevated regions are separated by a first lateral distance, depositing material onto the elevated regions by means of physical vapor deposition such that adjacent top portions of the deposited material are separated by a second lateral distance that is smaller than the first lateral distance, and applying electrodes onto the top portions of the material.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sheath that is elongated along a longitudinal axis; a spacer positioned within the sheath and defining first and second channels having lengths that extend along the longitudinal axis; a first elongated member positioned within the first channel; and a second elongated member positioned within the second channel. The first elongated member includes an active surface forming a working electrode and the second elongated member including an active surface defining a counter electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The electrochemical test sensor includes a housing that has a first end and a second opposing end. The housing includes an opening at the first end to receive a fluid test sample. An electrode assembly includes a substrate, a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reagent. The substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The working electrode is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the counter electrode is disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The electrode assembly is positioned within the housing to define a reaction channel. The electrochemical test sensor may be used with a removable lancet mechanism or integrated within a lancet mechanism to form one integral unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a phosphate electrode with a base body (1) and a first coating (1a) provided at least in sections of the based body, wherein the base body comprises elemental cobalt and the first coating (1a) comprises a cobalt phosphate, wherein a second coating (1b) is applied at least in section onto the base body and/or the first coating, wherein the second coating binds protons and/or releases hydroxides. The invention further concerns a method for determination of the phosphate concentration with the phosphate electrode.

Abstract: A planar ammonia selective sensing electrode for water quality monitoring and a manufacturing method of the sensing electrode are provided. The sensing electrode includes an insulating base plate, an electric-conductive layer, an ammonium ion sensing layer, a hydroxide ion sensing layer, and an electrolyte layer. The electric-conductive layer is disposed on the planar surface of the insulating base plate. The electric-conductive layer includes a first conductive part and a second conductive part. The first conductive part and the second conductive part are insulated and apart from each other, and configured to form a first reaction zone and a second reaction zone, respectively. The ammonium ion sensing layer is disposed on the first reaction zone. The hydroxide ion sensing layer is disposed on the second reaction zone. The electrolyte layer is disposed on and covers the ammonium ion sensing layer and the hydroxide ion sensing layer.

Abstract: A gas sensor, characterized by having an electrode formed of a conductive oxide sintered body which contains a primary phase formed of a perovskite oxide containing at least La, Fe, and Ni; and a secondary phase formed of an La4M3O10 phase or an La3M2O7 phase (M=Co, Fe, Ni), wherein the conductive oxide sintered body has a conductivity of 300 S/cm or higher at room temperature.

Abstract: A NOx sensor includes a pump cell, a monitor cell, and a sensor cell, and the pump cell discharges an oxygen in an exhaust gas introduced into a chamber. The sensor cell outputs a detected signal depending on a concentration of a NOx according to a gas after the oxygen is discharged. A microcomputer of a sensor control circuit temporarily changes an amount of the oxygen discharged by the pump cell, and then calculates output change amounts ?Ip, ?Is, and ?Im of the cells. The microcomputer performs a correction of the concentration of the NOx detected by the sensor cell and a deterioration diagnosis of the sensor cell, based on the output change amounts ?Ip, ?Is, and ?Im of the cells. When the sensor cell current Is is smaller than the monitor cell current Im, the microcomputer determines that the NOx sensor has an abnormality.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chemical sensor is described. The chemical sensor includes a chemically-sensitive field effect transistor including a floating gate conductor having an upper surface, a first opening extending through a first material and through a portion of a second material located on the first material and a second opening extending from the bottom of the first opening to the top of a liner layer located on the upper surface of the floating gate conductor.

Abstract: An electroplating solution analyzer includes an analysis container for housing an electroplating solution containing additives including an accelerator and a suppressor, a working electrode that is immersed in the electroplating solution housed in the analysis container to exchange electrons therewith, a reference electrode immersed in the electroplating solution and serves as a reference for determining a potential of the working electrode, a counter electrode immersed in the electroplating solution, a rotation drive unit for rotating the working electrode at a constant speed, a current-generating unit for supplying a current with a constant current density between the working electrode and the counter electrode, a potential measuring unit for measuring a potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode, and an analyzing unit for determining a condition of the electroplating solution in one or more measurement sections at an elapsed time after the current starts to be supplied.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body portion that defines a reservoir and a set of substantially flexible capillaries. The set of substantially flexible capillaries are fixedly coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A connector is configured to be coupled to the body portion to be in fluid communication with the reservoir and the set of substantially flexible capillaries. The connector is further configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The apparatus is arranged such that at least a part of the body portion is electrically conductive. Methods for separating and detecting an analyte from a biological sample with the apparatus are also provided. For example, methods for separating and detecting one or more proteins from a cellular lysate or a purified protein are also provided.

Abstract: A reconfigurable point-of-care system, comprising an analysis device having one or more detection components to perform a diagnostic method on a sample, the sample being loaded on a microfluidic chip, wherein the analysis device provides identification information, an interface device coupled to the analysis device to provide a communication channel, and a reader unit coupled to the communication channel and having a processor to select the diagnostic method based on the identification information and reconfigure one or more components of the interface device based on the analysis device.

Abstract: Mobility analyzer comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, one of said electrodes being grounded and the other of said electrodes being connectable to a high-voltage source, which analyzer further comprises an aerosol inlet and a sheath flow outlet as well as at least one sample flow channel with a sample inlet and a sample outlet, wherein the electrodes are embodied in a plastic material provided with an electrically conductive coating.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides a burner nozzle for a flame ionization detector, the nozzle including: an output-side outlet for ejecting a gas mixture to be ignited into a combustion chamber; an input-side inlet for feeding a combustible gas and a gaseous analyte through a transport channel to the outlet; and a cut-out, provided in the burner nozzle, through which cut-out combustion air can pass from the combustion chamber into the gas mixture flowing out of the outlet.

Abstract: An untethered in-line inspection tool for the non-destructive testing of a tubular test component is described which comprises one or more partial saturation eddy current testing (PSET) modules configured to locate with an internal surface of the test component. The one or more PSET modules comprise a variable strength permanent magnet for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component and at least one eddy current sensor. Having an in-line inspection tool that employs PSET techniques allows the in-line inspection tool to operate with an increased range of pipeline types. For the detection of cracks the in-line inspection tool may also comprise one or more crack detection modules. The in-line inspection tool further comprises one or more battery modules. Employing a dedicated battery module removes any need to employ an umbilical or wireline in order to provide power to one or more electromagnets.

Abstract: A calibration system for an electromagnetic (EM) tool includes a processor. The processor employs the EM tool to measure responses at each of a plurality of channels. The processor records the measured responses at each of the channels in an EM data log for the channel. The processor determines a nominal value of each of the channels, as being equal to a histogram peak of the EM data log. The processor selects one or more calibration points from the EM data log for a particular channel, based on a difference between the nominal value of the particular channel and the measured response at the calibration point being greater than a particular threshold. The processor determines a plurality of parameters by reducing a misfit between synthetic data and both the nominal values of the channels and the measured responses of the channels at the selected one or more calibration points.

Abstract: A calibration system for an electromagnetic (EM) tool includes a processor. The processor employs the EM tool to measure responses at each of a plurality of channels. The processor records the measured responses at each of the channels in an EM data log for the channel. The processor determines a nominal value of each of the channels, as being equal to a histogram peak of the EM data log. The processor selects one or more calibration points from the EM data log for a particular channel, based on a difference between the nominal value of the particular channel and the measured response at the calibration point being greater than a particular threshold. The processor determines a plurality of parameters by reducing a misfit between synthetic data and both the nominal values of the channels and the measured responses of the channels at the selected one or more calibration points.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection technique may be used to inspect quality of a bond between thermal protection system (TPS) material and a composite. The technique may include a highly damped transducer emitting an incident wave, which may traverse through thermal protection system (TPS) material and to a back wall of a composite. The incident wave may be of a low frequency signal, and may return a bondline echo and a backwall echo. The bondline echo is returned when the incident wave reaches a bondline and the backwall echo is returned when the incident wave reaches the backwall of the composite. The bondline echo and the backwall echo may be used to generate a waveform to assess the bond quality, revealing possible unbonds or kissing unbonds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring battery state are provided. A method of monitoring battery state involves collecting vibration information based on a signal from an acceleration sensor, calculating a cumulative impact based on the vibration information, and estimating a degree of damage to a battery based on the cumulative impact.

Abstract: Provided are a highly reliable probe including a light reflecting layer, which is resistant to the falling off of the light reflecting layer, and an information obtaining apparatus using the same. The probe includes: an element including at least one cell, each cell including a first electrode provided on a substrate, and a vibration membrane including a second electrode provided across a gap from the first electrode; an acoustic impedance matching layer disposed above the element; and a light reflecting layer. The light reflecting layer is fixed to the substrate via an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A module to help in calibration of a device for inspection of metallurgical products including a memory configured to store data in a form of value/angle pairs. Each pair corresponds to an amplitude of response to an ultrasound inspection in a direction of the metallurgical product corresponding to the angle. A calculator is configured to perform a processing function on the stored data. A first set of data involves a polydirectional reflector disposed in the metallurgical product. A second set of data involves a directional reflector disposed in the metallurgical product. The processing function establishes a third set of data by interpolation of pairs of the first set of data and the second set of data. The pairs of the third set correspond to standard amplitudes for ultrasound inspections along at least some of the working directions of the polydirectional reflector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve and to a chromatography system comprising such a rotary valve. The rotary valve comprising a stator with an inner stator face, and a rotor with an inner rotor face arranged in sealing contact with the inner stator face, the rotor (1) is rotatably movable to a plurality of rotor positions about a rotational axis (RA) relative to the inner stator face (202), wherein the stator comprises ports and orifices and the rotor comprises two or more rotor interconnection paths for selective fluidic interconnection of said orifices with respect to the rotor position and wherein the rotor interconnection paths are arranged to in a rotary position connect the first orifice (S) to the fourth orifice (LF), the second orifice (W) to the third orifice (LE). And in a rotary position connect the eight orifice (SP) to the seventh orifice (PCFP). And in a rotary position connect the eight orifice (SP) to the fifth orifice (TC), the sixth orifice (FC) to the seventh orifice (PCFP).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for cooling a supersaturated or mixed-phase solution to increase the solubility of gases dissolved therein. In a fluid chromatography system, the mobile phase may include a pressurized mixture including a gas, such as CO2, and prior to fraction collection and/or detection a portion of the gas is extracted via a gas/liquid separator. Cooling the substantially liquid phase eluent exiting the gas/liquid separator increases the solubility of any remnant gas still dissolved within the eluent. The increased solubility of the remnant gas prevents out gassing, provides more consistent flow of the eluent through the system, and results in more efficient collection and analysis of a desired sample.