Abstract: A chemical detector is provided and includes a chemical detector device and a chemical agent aerosol vaporizer assembly. The chemical agent aerosol vaporizer assembly includes a vaporizer fluidly interposed between an inlet and an outlet and is configured to receive via the inlet a chemical agent aerosol in the vaporizer wherein the chemical agent aerosol is smeared against a fluted surface that is passivated against adsorption and vaporized. The vaporized chemical agent aerosol is subsequently output to the chemical detector device via the outlet.

Abstract: To provide a heating apparatus for a gas chromatograph, and a heating method for a gas chromatograph, wherein vapor phase components can be analyzed at an arbitrary temperature and can be instantaneously heated and pyrolized at a set temperature, thereby enabling analysis to be carried out with good reproducibility. The heating apparatus for a gas chromatograph 10 is structured in that the ceramic heater 33 is disposed around the periphery of the sample tube 31 to heat the sample 1 housed in the sample tube 31, the temperature of the sample 1 is incrementally elevated, and the high-frequency coil 35, disposed around the periphery of the ceramic heater 33, heats the pyrofoil 32 wrapping the sample 1 to the Curie point, and the sample 1 is instantaneously heated and pyrolized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.

Abstract: A method of drying a biological sample disposed on a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing the substrate comprising a sample loading area and a heat source; activating the heat source for generating heat; heating the substrate at least above 65° C.; and drying the biological sample. A device for storing sample is also provided, wherein the device comprises a substrate for biological sample-storage; and a heating component that generates heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C. The heating component may contain one or more reagents, wherein the reagents generate heat to maintain a temperature of at least above 65° C.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for processing a sample which stores processing reagents required for processing in a dry form. The processing reagents are covered by a biologically degradable medium or embedded in said biologically degradable medium.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: In the present invention cells are placed in a multiwell plate and grown. When the assay is to be performed, one uses gravity to wash away any unbound ligands rather than vacuum or centrifugation. The cells are then examined to detect the bound ligand. To perform the washing step(s) the plate is placed into a carrier plate having open wells in register with the wells of the filter plate or one may use a wicking device or an underdrain attached to the bottom of the filter plate. Sufficient wash liquid is added to allow for filtration by the effect of gravity to occur. Cells are retained within the wells at a rate of 4 times that of other rapid methods.

Abstract: An integrating system of a pressurized fluid generator and vortex separator comprises a pressurized fluid generator and a vortex separator. The pressurized fluid generator includes a high pressure tank which connects to a fluid storage tank and a pressure indicator through a pressure booster pump. A heating element and a temperature indicating controller are installed in the high pressure tank. The vortex separator is connected to the pressurized fluid generator through transfer pipes. The vortex separator includes a vortex separating tank. The vortex separating tank has an outlet at a bottom side thereof; the outlet is connected to a plurality of collection bottles. A spindle is located in the vortex separating tank and is driven by a driving device. The spindle is installed with a penetrating fluid channel which is connected to a plurality of transfer pipes; each of the transfer pipes is installed with a plurality of electric controlled switches.

Abstract: A digester-evaporator for partially digesting a sample and for evaporating the solvent after partial digestion. The digester includes at least one reaction coil; a heating element arranged along a portion of the reaction coil; at least a portion of the reaction coil proximate to its output being preheated by the heating element to a degree sufficient to convert a partially digested sample into vapor; a collector spoon with carrier water for collecting sample vapor; and an evaporator portion including an evaporation chamber including a substantially vertically-oriented tube The collector spoon is arranged in the top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube, and a gas supply tube for supplying a preheated gas provided in a top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube so as to create a cyclonic gas flow into the chamber and carry the sample to a container area in a bottom portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A sample concentrator for concentrating analytes in a solvent-containing liquid sample stream, including concentrator housing having a sample stream flow channel and a gas stream flow channel having an inlet and an outlet, a heater for gas in the gas stream conduit, and a hydrophilic ion exchange or non-ionic membrane barrier separating said gas stream flow channel and said sample stream flow channel. Solvent is evaporated from the liquid sample stream in said sample stream flow channel in or at the interface with said membrane, when the gas stream is at an elevated temperature. A regeneration step is used to regenerate the ion exchange membrane barrier.

Abstract: Biological sampling apparatus have a barrel defining a chamber with a narrow passageway at one end and an absorbent analytical test means in the chamber. In one embodiment, an integral frit is provided with a first portion acting as a splash filter and located in the chamber, and a second portion integral with said first portion acting as a wick. The second portion extends through the narrow passageway. A portion of the splash filter is hydrophobic, and at least a portion of the wick is treated with a wetting agent and is hydrophilic. In another embodiment, a splash filter is located in the chamber and a separate hydrophilic wick is provided having a first portion located in the narrow passageway and a second portion located outside the passageway and barrel. The second portion has a bulbous portion capable of absorbing substantially more fluid sample than the first portion.

Abstract: A fluid element is provided which comprises a flow path formed in a substrate for carrying a fluid, and a heating means provided in the flow path for heating the fluid, in which the fluid is heated using the heating unit, thereby forming a supercritical state of the fluid.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.