Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-catalyst injection system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a vessel suitable for storing fluid cracking catalyst and having a separator defining at least two compartments within the vessel. A plenum is defined in the vessel and is fluidly coupled to each of the compartments. A plurality of dispense mechanisms are respectively coupled to a respective compartment to control the flow of catalyst from the injection system.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a dosing screw unit for an automatic dosing device The purpose of the automatic dosing device is to control the dosing of stored material, kept inside (29) a container (27), out of the storage. The object of the dosing screw unit according to the invention is to achieve a dosing, closing and cleaning arrangement for the automatic dosing device. The screw unit therefore comprises parts that interact with the thread of the dosing screw (1), which parts constitutes an attacher (14) that interacts with the thread and scratches of material clogged on the screw, closer that closes the outlet of the dosing unit and a director that prevents the parts from rotating around the dosing screw (1).

Abstract: A system for eliminating air from liquid-carrying conduits, in particular in a photoresist dispensing system, with features for reducing the possibility of contamination by residual resist in the conduits after the air elimination process has been carried out. Double or multiple tubing, with one or more secondary tubes contained within an outer tube, is used to interconnect the trap tank, the drain and the vacuum chamber. Resist is directed through the double or multiple tubing such that resist is completely evacuated from the vacuum chamber, and from the trap tank, to the drain valve. Further, an arrangement for avoiding the consequences of contamination of the air exhaust valve in the system, if a mist of residual resist has not been removed by the air elimination process, includes a vacuum generator downstream from the air exhaust valve.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a first receptacle enclosing a second receptacle, for storing and providing substantially simultaneous dispensing of free-flowing and pourable substances, respectively. A dosing element is included in the second receptacle for limiting to a predetermined amount or dose the amount of pourable substance dispensed in each dispensing cycle.