Abstract: Cold-atom systems and methods of handling cold atoms are disclosed. A cold-atom system has multiple chambers and a fluidic connection between two of the chambers. One of these two chambers includes an atom source and the other includes an atom chip.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: A highly portable solar UV disinfection and water storage container with a uniquely traceable security seal that passively indicates by means of a permanent photochromic color change the efficacy of the UV disinfection process performed upon the drinking water within the sealed container.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.

Abstract: Air-in-line sensor systems and methods of using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides an adapter including first and second cylindrical portions defining a fluid flow channel, the first cylindrical portion comprising two adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions. Each wedge-shaped protrusion is infrared transmittive and defines an outer surface and an inner surface. In another embodiment, an air-in-line sensor device includes a tube and an infrared reflective sensor having an infrared light emitter and an infrared light detector. The infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector are positioned at or near an adapter so that an infrared light can be transmitted to the adapter and at least a portion of the infrared light reflected off the adapter can be detected by the infrared light detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: A filter is used in a target material supply apparatus and includes a sheet having a first flat surface and a second opposing flat surface, and a plurality of through holes. The first flat surface is in fluid communication with a reservoir that holds a target mixture that includes a target material and non-target particles. The through holes extend from the second flat surface and are fluidly coupled at the second flat surface to an orifice of a nozzle. The sheet has a surface area that is exposed to the target mixture, the exposed surface area being at least a factor of one hundred less than an exposed surface area of a sintered filter having an equivalent transverse extent to that of the sheet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high-throughput fluorescence detection using integrated microfabricated optical element arrays are described. In one example, the optical element arrays may comprise one or more microfabricated Fresnel zone plates, which may be configured to collect light from samples flowing in microfluidic channels. Multiple samples may be inspected in parallel at significantly high rates (e.g., about 200,000 samples per second or higher). A relay lens combined with high numerical aperture integrated microfabricated optical elements provides significant signal enhancement (e.g., on the order of at least 200 times that of conventional fluorescence detection methods).

Abstract: A mechanical holder that provides for a confined sampling region for extraction and removal of chemical substances contained in a dried blood spot or other spot of sample is described herein.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an irradiation cell for producing a radioisotope of interest through the irradiation of a target material by a particle beam, comprising a metallic insert forming a cavity designed to house the target material and to be closed by an irradiation window, wherein said metallic insert comprises at least two separate metallic parts of different materials, being composed of at least a first part comprising said cavity.

Abstract: A sample feeding device for a trace detector is disclosed. The sample feeding device comprises: a sample feeding chamber disposed in the sample feeding device to desorb a sample from a sample feeding member; and a valve assembly configured to fluidly communicate the sample feeding chamber with a drift tube of the trace detector during feeding sample. With the above configuration of the present invention, for example, the sensitivity of the detector can be increased by improving the permeation ratio of the sample. In addition, interior environment of the drift tube is isolated from exterior environment to avoid a drift region of the drift tube from being polluted. The important parameters, such as sensitivity, a position of a peak of a substance, a resolution, of the detector can be kept constant. As a result, operation reliability and consistency of the detector can be achieved.

Abstract: Devices and methods for screening emissive properties of a cell, such as the resistance to photobleaching or other photophysical property. In one example, a device may include a microfluidic reservoir having at least an input channel for receiving the cell, a main channel fluidly coupled with the input channel, at least a first output channel and a second output channel, the first and second output channels fluidly coupled with the main channel; and a multibeam interrogation section generating a plurality of light beams impinging upon the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir. As a cell passes from the input channel through the main channel of the microfluidic reservoir, the cell is exposed to the plurality of light beams thereby generating emissions that are received by a signal processing section. A cell trapping section selectively diverts the cell to the second output channel if the cell contains desired emissive properties.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: The current invention involves a desorption corona beam ionization source/device for analyzing samples under atmospheric pressure without sample pretreatment. It includes a gas source, a gas flow tube, a gas flow heater, a metal tube, a DC power supply and a sample support/holder for placing the samples. A visible corona beam is formed at a sharply pointed tip at the exit of the metal tube when a stream of inert gas flows through the metal tube that is applied with a high DC voltage. The gas is heated for desorbing the analyte from solid samples and the desorbed species are ionized by the energized particles embedded in the corona beam. The ions formed are then transferred through an adjacent inlet into a mass spectrometer or other devices capable of analyzing ions. Visibility of the corona beam in the current invention greatly facilitates pinpointing a sampling area on the analyte and also makes profiling of sample surfaces possible.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises inlets for a sample flow and an out-of-plane focusing sheath flow, and a curved channel section configured to receive the sample flow and out-of-plane focusing sheath and to provide hydrodynamic focusing of the sample flow in an out-of-plane direction, the out-of-plane direction being normal to a plane including the curved channel. Examples of the invention also include improved flow cytometers.

Abstract: Disposable components for a separation and purification system include a flow cell, an end cap for a chromatography column, and a chromatography column useful for medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC).

Abstract: Devices and corresponding methods of use are described herein which may comprise an enclosing structure defining a closed loop flow path and a system generating a plasma at a plasma site, e.g. laser produced plasma system, where the plasma site may be in fluid communication with the flow path. For the device, a gas may be disposed in the enclosing structure which may include an ion-stopping buffer gas and/or an etchant. A pump may be provided to force the gas through the closed loop flow path. One or more heat exchangers removing heat from gas flowing in the flow path may be provided. In some arrangements, a filter may be used to remove at least a portion of a target species from gas flowing in the flow path.

Abstract: A sorption micro-array (1) for sorbing a substance off an assay sample comprises a support (11) and a plurality of sorption elements (14). The plurality of sorption elements (14) is arranged in a well defined geometry in connection with the support (11), wherein the distance between each sorption element (14) and its adjacent sorption element (14) is predefined. Since all of the sorption elements (14) are arranged at a well defined location of the sorption micro-array (1), e.g. in a row with well defined distances from each other, the output of an analysis of substances sorbed by each of the sorption elements (14) can exactly be allocated to a well defined location of an assay sample from which the substances have been sorbed. Like this, it is possible to provide an exact chemical output image of the micro-distribution of the substances of the assay sample.

Abstract: A technique for shaping droplets is disclosed. Multiple optical traps, or at least one variable geometry trap, are used to deform a droplet. The surface tension of the droplet is lowered to be comparable with the force which can be applied using the optical traps, for example by using a surfactant such as Aerosol OT, with heptane droplets in a solution of sodium chloride. Solidification of deformed droplets can be achieved using polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a light absorbing wall material to eliminate stray light paths in light-guiding structures, such as those used for HPLC absorbance detection. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of carbon-doped Teflon® AF, or “black Teflon® AF,” for all or part of the walls of a light-guiding flowcell adapted for use in HPLC absorbance detection.

Abstract: An IMS detector has a pin-hole or capillary inlet having a coating of an adsorbent material, such as polydimethylsiloxane, which is adsorbent to an analyte substance of interest. The analyte is adsorbed into the material until a heater is energized to heat the adsorbent material and release the adsorbed analyte substance for detection in a detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid treatment system comprising: an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid treatment zone disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid treatment zone has disposed therein: (i) an elongate first radiation source assembly having a first longitudinal axis, and (ii) an elongate second radiation source assembly having a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are non-parallel to each other and to a direction of fluid flow through the fluid treatment zone. The present fluid treatment system has a number of advantages including: it can treat large volumes of fluid (e.g.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for filling containers with radioactive materials are described. In certain embodiments, the systems comprise a shielding material that substantially defines a chamber and, preferably, substantially blocks radioactivity, a conduit extending through the shielding material into the chamber, and a securing unit that is disposed in the chamber proximal to the conduit and is adapted to receive a container through the conduit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method for identifying within a single record the location of each of a plurality of samples suspected of containing particles of interest wherein the single record is obtained from a flowing stream of the plurality of samples passing through a particle analyzer. The method comprises introducing into a conduit the plurality of samples suspected of containing particles of interest wherein each ones of the plurality of samples are separated by fluid gaps to produce a plurality of samples separated by fluid gaps and wherein each of the plurality of samples further comprises marker particles. The plurality of samples separated by fluid gaps are flowed through the conduit as a flowing sample stream to a detector of a particle analyzer, which may be a flow cytometer. The particles of interest are detected as the samples pass the detector of the particle analyzer.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems including wastewater treatment systems that utilize high energy light to destruct organics in wastewater are provided. In some embodiments, such systems may include a gas purifier that is configured to purify a gas. The wastewater treatment system treats wastewater from the gas purifier via the use of ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the wastewater treatment system may include an ultraviolet light system that directs ultraviolet light through the wastewater.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed herein. The analyzer encompasses a substrate having a surface with a plurality of distinct V-grooves formed therein. An input flow channel is configured to intersect and fluidly communicate with each of the plurality of distinct V-grooves at respective input points, and an output flow channel is configured to intersect and fluidly communicate with each of the plurality of distinct V-grooves at respective output points.

Abstract: A gas analyzer capable of measuring a concentration of a gas component in gas at sensor units provided at a plurality of positions in real time by decreasing the number of signals input from the sensor units to an analyzer so as to reduce a data amount input to the analyzer and a gas analyzing method. The gas analyzing method includes the steps of: demultiplexing laser light by a demultiplexer into measurement laser light and reference laser light; letting the measurement laser light pass through gas to be received by a photoreceiver; finding an absorption spectrum absorbed by a gas component in the gas based on a light intensity of the received measurement laser light and of the reference laser light; and analyzing the absorption spectrum to measure a concentration of the gas component.

Abstract: An 82Sr/82Rb generator column is made using a fluid impervious cylindrical container having a cover for closing the container in a fluid tight seal, and further having an inlet for connection of a conduit for delivering a fluid into the container and an outlet for connection of a conduit for conducting the fluid from the container. An ion exchange material fills the container, the ion exchange material being compacted within the container to a density that permits the ion exchange material to be eluted at a rate of at least 5 ml/min at a fluid pressure of 1.5 pounds per square inch (10 kPa). The generator column can be repeatedly recharged with 82Sr. The generator column is compatible with either three-dimensional or two-dimensional positron emission tomography systems.

Abstract: Methods for modifying the physical, chemical and/or biological properties of a fluid by irradiation are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprising supplying a flow of a fluid to an irradiation chamber; focusing the flow of the fluid so as to create at least one fluid layer; and applying radiation to the fluid layer in a defined portion of the irradiation chamber thereby modifying at least one physical, chemical or biological property of the fluid layer is provided. Systems for the implementation of such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to cleanable spiral modules and a method for production thereof.

Abstract: A method for minimizing microwave leakage into processing chamber of a microwave plasma system is provided. The method includes securing plasma traps to a plasma tube assembly, which is a cylindrical structure positioned upstream from the processing chamber and has a plasma-sustaining region. The plasma traps are electrically conductive disks surrounding the cylindrical structure and are positioned upstream from the processing chamber. The plasma traps include at least two electrically conductive disks. Each electrically conductive disk includes corrugated outer surfaces with plurality of corrugated peaks. The corrugated outer surface of the first electrically conductive disk is facing a corrugated outer surface of the second electrically conductive disk in a space-apart relationship to form an interstitial region between the electrically conductive disks.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the control and self-assembly of particles into adaptable monolayers and changing the relative position of a plurality of particles at an interface between two fluids, including applying an electric field perpendicular to the interface; moving the particles vertically in the interface in response to applying the electric field; moving the particles laterally within the interface in response to the electric field and capillary forces; maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles vertically; and maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles laterally.

Abstract: The invention comprises apparatus for use with atmospheric pressure ionization sources in which an aerosol is formed from a solution of a sample. The aerosol is received in a hollow member and discharged outside the chamber of the ionization source in order to reduce contamination of the ionization source itself by involatile material in the solution and by previously analysed samples. The hollow member is easily removable from the ionization source to facilitate cleaning and replacement. Ionization sources, mass spectrometers, and ion mobility spectrometers comprising the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: IMS apparatus has a preconcentrator in an inlet passage. A pressure pulser connected to the interior of a housing applies small alternating negative and positive pressure pulses to the housing so that air is drawn in and out of the inlet passage in a “panting” fashion. This causes analyte to be adsorbed by the preconcentrator but does not allow analyte to enter sufficiently to be ionized and detected. After a time sufficient to accumulate a detectable amount of analyte on the preconcentrator the apparatus switches to a desorb phase. The preconcentrator is heated to desorb the analyte, and the pressure pulser produces a larger negative pulse sufficient to draw the liberated analyte far enough into the reaction region for ionization and detection.

Abstract: A highly portable solar UV disinfection and water storage container with a uniquely traceable security seal that passively indicates by means of a permanent photochromic color change the efficacy of the UV disinfection process performed upon the drinking water within the sealed container.

Abstract: A method for interrogating a surface using scanning probe microscopy comprises bringing a scanning probe into proximity with the surface and controlling the position of the probe relative to the surface to maintain a constant distance, characterized in that pressure is applied to the surface by a regulated flow of liquid through the probe, with subsequent monitoring of the position of the probe, wherein movement of the probe indicates a consequent movement of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using detection methods, including mass spectrometry methods such as SELDI-TOF-MS, to detect and analyze molecules directly transferred from a sample to a surface to form a molecular print of the sample. Methods and compositions of the invention can be used to produce spatially and non-spatially oriented molecular prints for detection using methods such as mass spectrometry. Methods and compositions of the invention encompass molecular printing of tissues, cells and gels onto surfaces.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes an arrangement of channels for introducing a sample containing particles of interest into a processing chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with collecting channels via low-flow connection channels. Particles in the sample may be observed and diverted from the processing chamber by application of a motive force such as optical trapping into a collection channel. Once in the collection channel, particles can be collected, including by trapping in a porous matrix.

Abstract: An infusion solution bag 11 filled with a physiological saline and an infusion pump 12 are connected to an electron irradiation apparatus 13. The electron irradiation apparatus 13 is connected to a DC-type high voltage generator 2 connected with a DC power supply 1. Using the electron irradiation apparatus 13, an electron-irradiated physiological saline is prepared and administered intravenously to a human body 14. The electron irradiation apparatus 13 has a flow path 16 for the physiological saline inside the cylindrical column. In a first side of the column, a dielectric material 19 is closely attached to a cathode electrode 20. In a second side of the column, a conductive material pad 21 is closely attached to an anode electrode 22. Third and fourth sides between the electrodes 20 and 22 are composed of an insulation material 23 insulating each of the electrodes.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system an ion source configured to produce ions and a non-metallic capillary configured to receive at least a portion of the ions from the ion source. The capillary includes an elongated body and multiple bores traversing the elongated body in a longitudinal direction. The bores transport the received ions through the capillary toward a mass analyzer of the mass spectrometer system for detection.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device including a chamber which contains a fluid sample, a channel which is connected to the chamber and through which the fluid sample flows, and a valve which controls flow of the fluid sample through the channel; an irradiation apparatus which irradiates electromagnetic energy; and a diffuser which diffuses and distributes the electromagnetic energy irradiated by the irradiation apparatus to an irradiation region of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Described are techniques for use in connection with analyzing a droplet. One or more droplets of a sample are formed on a surface of a digital microfluidic device. The droplets are manipulated to perform processing using said one or more droplets generating one or more resulting droplets. The one or more resulting droplets may be transferred from the microfluidic device to another device for analysis. The one or more droplets may also be provided to the digital microfluidic device from yet another device or analysis instrument.

Abstract: Low energy light illumination and either a doped semiconductor surface or a surface-plasmon supporting surface are used in combination for manipulating a fluid on the surface in the absence of any applied electric fields or flow channels. Precise control of fluid flow is achieved by applying focused or tightly collimated low energy light to the surface-fluid interface. In the first embodiment, with an appropriate dopant level in the semiconductor substrate, optically excited charge carriers are made to move to the surface when illuminated. In a second embodiment, with a thin-film noble metal surface on a dispersive substrate, optically excited surface plasmons are created for fluid manipulation. This electrode-less optical control of the Marangoni effect provides re-configurable manipulations of fluid flow, thereby paving the way for reprogrammable microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Electro-wettable sample presentation devices are useful in performing analytical measurements such as the detection of analytes contained within a liquid sample drop. The device comprises a virtual microwell for receiving a liquid sample drop; one or more intermediary electro-wettable sites at least one of which is contiguous to the microwell; and a terminal electro-wettable site which confines the deposition of analytes and matrix to within a predetermined area. The microwell is either an electro-wettable zone or a chemically-modified zone which exhibits either hydrophobic and non-adsorptive properties with respect to analytes, or hydrophobic and adsorptive properties with respect to analytes. Each of the electro-wettable sites modifies the surface of the sample presentation device between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states in response to an electrical potential applied between a liquid sample drop and the electro-wettable site so as to direct the positioning of the liquid sample drop.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of isotope ratios, wherein at least one sample gas and/or at least one reference gas are supplied to at least one analytical device via at least one open split, the addition of a carrier gas also being possible. According to the invention, the concentration of the sample gas and/or reference gas passing into the analytical device is controlled by the supply of the respective carrier gas or by direct supply of the sample gas into the analytical device. In the device according to the invention for supplying gases to at least one analytical device, two or more capillaries are provided for sample gases, the capillaries in each case having their own drive for the movement between mixing zone and waiting zone.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention facilitate servicing or changing a discharge tube or modifying the position of a discharge tube with respect to a orifice of a detector and/or a nebulizing gas conduit. The apparatus features a discharge tube housing that slidably receives a discharge tube. A union coupling the discharge tube to a source of fluid is slidably mounted to a mounting assembly holding the tube housing.

Abstract: A cell for measuring the fluorescence of a sample comprising an incident wall surface (2), a sample chamber (6) and an emitting wall member (14) which collimates light though a lens (13). The lens (13) is adapted to collect light from the emitting wall member (14) and direct it towards a detector. In addition, the cell comprises a mirrored surface coating which reflects light back to the sample chamber (6), thereby energising the sample further. The cell is suitable for use with small sample volumes, as a result, it allows significant sample cost savings. In addition, fluorescence detection is enhanced by said mirrored surfaces which prevent emitted light from escaping, moreover, the light is reflected back to the sample, thereby energising it further. The collimated light directed to the detector also provides for more stable and reproducible results and higher detection limits when emission energy is low.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.