Abstract: A concentration detection method and a concentration detection apparatus, and an agent diluting preparation apparatus capable of accurately estimating the concentration of a solution without the need of strict temperature control, and of estimating the concentration of the solution in real time, and further of cost reduction of diluting and preparing an agent and of simplification of diluting and preparing work are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and arrangements for disinfection of water lines of a dental unit, wherein the water lines are filled with a strong chemical, which is allowed to act in the lines for a desired length of time. Firstly, the invention improves the safety of use of such chemicals by realizing the arrangements of the dental unit so as to limit the chances of the user inadvertently admitting the chemical to where it should not be admitted, e.g. into the patient's mouth or into a public water distribution system. Secondly, said arrangement is so implemented as to allow more effective disinfection of the main valve of the water system of the dental unit, the disinfection chemical being supplied via a point upstream of the main valve. The arrangement is so implemented that supply of chemical can not be started before an on-off valve or equivalent placed upstream of the feed point has been closed, and this valve can not be opened before the chemical has been removed from the water lines.

Abstract: An emission measuring system and method provide an accurate, real-time calculation of a particular material emitted from an emission source. Specifically, a CEM system installed in an industrial stack can include a dilution probe located in the stack and a data analyzer that records and analyzes characteristic data of the materials sampled by the dilution probe. A dilution ratio is used to correct for the addition of dilution gas into the stack gas sample to determine the concentration of a particular material that is being emitted from the stack. The dilution ratio is based on a molar flow rate, which can be determined by using specific algorithms and measurements.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a microplate cassette, including: a generally hollow housing to contain therein a plurality of microplates; and a memory device associated with the cassette and adapted to be placed in operational contact with a portion of a processing device.

Abstract: A rapid method for assessing the bioequivalence of iron in iron-supplement formulations, particularly iron-sucrose formulations is described, which is based upon the kinetics of reduction of iron (III) to iron (II) in a sample of the formulation. Quality control methods and associated kits also are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for parallel processing of reaction mixtures, including a reactor block including reaction chambers for containing reaction mixtures under pressure, the reactor block further including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a first plurality of fluid flow paths providing fluid communication with the first sidewall and respective reaction chambers and the second sidewall and respective reaction chambers; a stirring system including a base plate defining a second plurality of flow paths, wherein respective flow paths of said second plurality of flow paths are in fluid communication with respective reaction chambers and respective fluid flow paths of said first plurality of flow paths, and the base plate also supports a plurality of stirring blade assemblies for mixing the reaction mixtures; interchangeable manifolds supported by the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the interchangeable manifolds defining a plurality of manifold inlet/outlet ports, wherein respective inlet/outlet ports of sa

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a tool holder (1), which can be displaced in an x-direction, in a y-direction that is perpendicular thereto, and in a z-direction that is perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, and which can rotate about the z-direction. A solid matter dosing head (350), provided as a tool, is automatically attached in a removable manner to the tool holder (1) by means of a permanent magnet (351). The tool can be easily exchanged for another tool due to this automatic removable attachment of said tool to the tool holder (1) involving the use of a permanent magnet (351).

Abstract: An automated computer based system for controlling ozonation devices and the delivery, in a controlled manner, of ozone for decontaminating enclosed spaces, such as rooms and buildings, to destroy microorganisms and chemicals that contaminate the space or are used as biological or chemical warfare agents is described. Air with ozone in the gas form is used to completely fill the entire space, including the vents, to inactivate bacteria, viruses, spores, and cysts, and to break down biological and chemical toxins with minimal damage to the contents of the buildings.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly basic solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly basic solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a concentration of radioisotope below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for release to a sanitary sewer as defined in applicable federal regulations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling chemicals prevents exposure of laboratory personnel to the chemicals being tested and to volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the tested chemicals. The apparatus includes a sampling line connected to the source of the chemicals, a cooling means for reducing the temperature of the chemicals, and a sample holder for containing the sampled chemicals. In the method, the chemicals are removed from their source, cooled, and contained in the presence of a shortstop chemical, i.e. a chemical designed to terminate any chemical reaction that may be taking place when the chemicals are sampled. The apparatus also captures and contains any volatile solvents or chemicals that may be mixed with the chemicals being tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective analytical instruments for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample. The analytical instruments utilize an assay cartridge which has a sample receiving port and a rotatable carousel containing a plurality of reagent wells. Each reagent well includes a piston element for delivery of reagent to a test surface. The instrument is capable of indexing the assay cartridge to deliver sample and reagents to a test surface in a predetermined and flexibile manner, thus providing an assay protocol which is specific to the type of sample under analysis. The invention also relates to components, features, disposables, reagent delivery systems, accessories, and methods for using such instruments. Appropriate applications include infectious disease testing, cancer detection and monitoring, therapeutic drug level monitoring, allergy testing, environmental testing, food testing, diagnostic testing of human and veterinary samples, and off-line process testing.

Abstract: A system for actively collecting and presenting a sample to an analyte detection apparatus includes a pair of elongate, flexible sample carriers adapted to carry a fluid sample across an optical path. The sample carriers are typically elongate sections of a flexible, transparent film. The carriers are generally adapted to be advanced from a pair of supply reels on a first side of the optical path to a pair of respective take-up reels on a second side of the optical path.

Abstract: The disclosed spotting instrument includes one or more sensors that are mechanically fixed to the instrument's printhead. The sensors enable the instrument to detect whether a substrate is mounted in a particular holder of the instrument's substrate station prior to attempting to print spots onto that substrate. Similarly, the sensors enable the instrument to detect whether a reservoir is mounted in a particular holder of the instrument's well station prior to attempting to collect a sample of target material from that reservoir. The sensors also enable the instrument to read bar code labels affixed to substrates or reservoirs mounted in the instrument.

Abstract: A method of operation of a steam stripped fractionation column by using a computer to process the relevant operating parameters of the column to determine the undesirable approach to a possible flooding condition.

Abstract: This invention provides an online polymer monitoring apparatus for rapid determination of molecular weight and/or size, and/or other properties of importance to the polymer quality. The apparatus uses fast sample extraction, preparation and delivery techniques to convert complex polymer sample solution into the diluted polymer analyte solution. This analyte solution is then passed through the flow-through detectors for measurement of the polymer molecular weight, the polymer concentration and/or the identification and concentrations of the selected species of importance to the polymer quality. The continuous stream of the above measurement data, thus, allows accurate determination the status of the polymer for many polymer containing process streams, such as an ongoing polymerization reaction mixture, polymer resin fluid, melt or solid polymer flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide contained in reformate gas is removed by a preferential oxidation reaction in a catalyst, two preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B) being disposed in series. Valves (7, 8) supply air containing oxygen as an oxidizing agent individually to these preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B). Temperature sensors (9, 10) detect the catalyst temperatures of the preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B), and a controller (5), by adjusting the flow rate of the valves (7, 8) based on the detected temperatures, maximizes the carbon monoxide removal performance of the preferential oxidation reactors (20A, 20B), while preventing excessive catalyst temperature rise.

Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when troubles arise repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data, and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and can perform external quality control in real time.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: A method for cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing the water circuits (1) of dental units (100) comprises at least the following steps: introducing a cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid into the water circuit (1); holding the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid in the water circuit (1) for a predetermined length of time; draining the cleaning/disinfecting/sterilizing fluid out of the circuit (1) through endpieces (3a) of supply branches (3); the method further comprising a step of programming/selecting the contact time periods (T) of the steps of introducing and holding the fluid in the water circuit (1), this step preceding the step of introducing the fluid and being effected by selecting from a plurality of contact time periods (T1, T2, T3 . . . Tn) each of which consists at least of a fraction of a time period (Ta) of the step of introducing fluid in the water circuit (1) added to a time period (Tb) of the holding step, according to a desired parameter-level (P1, P2, P3 . . .

Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. An incoming mail mailbox includes a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor and then placed in a receptacle having an environment that is tested using a second sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for identifying and quantifying components in an effluent stream from an ammoxidation reactor, the apparatus comprising a microprocessor; and a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer having a sample cell through which may flow a portion of the effluent stream, an infrared source to emit infrared radiation and pass the infrared radiation through the effluent stream, an infrared detector to detect transmitted infrared radiation at the selected infrared wavelengths and to generate absorbance data due to absorbance of the infrared radiation by the components, wherein each of the components absorbs infrared radiation at one or more of the infrared wavelengths, and an output apparatus to provide the absorbance data to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed to identify and quantify each of the plurality of components based upon the absorbance data and calibration data, the calibration data being obtained from recovery run analyses and calibrat

Abstract: A method is described for evaporating liquid samples contained in sample holders mounted within a chamber and rotated by the rotor during an evaporation process in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced below atmospheric and the sample holders are rotated at high speed so as to exert centrifugal force on the contents of the holders. Heat is supplied to elevate the temperature of the liquid component of the samples to assist in the evaporation process. The temperature of the sample material is continuously or regularly monitored during the evaporation process and temperature signals are transmitted to a remote computing means which is programmed to generate a control signal for controlling the supply of heat to the samples and controlling the evaporation process. The temperature may be sensed by a probe in a sample holder containing an evaporating liquid sample, or in an adjoining sample holder containing a buffer liquid.

Abstract: An effluent monitoring apparatus 10 comprising an energizing cell 22 adapted to receive an effluent, a gas energizer 17 that is capable of energizing the effluent in the cell 22 thereby emitting a radiation, a radiation permeable window 27 that is spaced apart from the wall 36 of the 22 cell by a distance d that is sufficiently high to reduce a deposition of effluent residue from the energized gas on the window 27, and a detector 26 to detect the radiation.

Abstract: A sterilization system comprising: radiation source; optical and/or electrical sensors; and timing means; wherein the measurement of radiation by the optical sensor is substantially synchronized based on the timing means to the start and end of each pulse of radiation from the radiation source or to the start and end of the exposure of a product to the radiation source.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer which includes a storage means which stores test order information, a first identification means which reads sample identification information, a work list preparing means which prepares a work list on the basis of the sample identification information, a loading order determination means which determines the order in which sample cups and reaction cups are loaded from the work list, a second identification means which automatically reads specification component information and a collating means which compares the specific component information with the work list.

Abstract: A power plant water chemistry analysis apparatus and method relies upon water chemistry sensors to obtain power plant water chemistry data characterizing the chemical activity of a power plant water system. An analytical model processor is used to generate model predictions for the power plant water system. A statistical data fitting processor selects screened data from the power plant water chemistry data that corresponds to the model predictions. The screened data is processed by an artificial intelligence processor to derive power plant water chemistry diagnostic information. The artificial intelligence processor includes an expert system, rule base, plant water chemistry system simulator, and pattern recognition module.

Abstract: A self-contained closed loop system and method for detecting contaminants in, on, and around objects. The system includes an air duct subsystem connecting at least one sensor to a sealed housing containing a rotating container. Air from the sealed housing is circulated past a sensor to detect, for example, biological or chemical contaminants. If a contaminant is detected, an indicator is set and a contaminant neutralizer is optionally injected into the air duct subsystem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, spices, produce, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients, barrels, pallets, crates, birdseed and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of saturated steam to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of saturated steam is created in said chamber by correlating a desired temperature to pressure based on the use of Saturated Steam Tables. The apparatus includes: (a) a bioburden reduction chamber; (b) a temperature controller; (c) an air injection system; (d) a steam injection system; and (e) an evacuation system.

Abstract: An integrated lubricant analyzer apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a first fluid inlet port in flow communication with a chemical analysis device. A second fluid inlet port is included in the housing in flow communication with a particle analyzer. The housing also includes a third fluid inlet port in flow communication with an optical particle counting device. A syringe degassing port is attached to the housing for inverting and degassing a syringe containing a fluid sample for a particle count analysis before the fluid sample is injected into the third fluid inlet port. The apparatus includes a sample analysis sequencing procedure and a microprocessor for collection and manipulation of data from the chemical analysis device, the particle analyzer and the particle counting device. Features of the invention enable a trivector analysis of a fluid for maintaining machinery containing the fluid.

Abstract: A process and electronic data processing software program for the creation of a flavor or fragrance formulation or the use of a fragrance or flavor ingredient in a fragrance or flavor formulation used in a perfume composition, perfumed article, cologne, foodstuff, beverage, and oral care products is disclosed. The process employs a laser light beam transmitter fitted with a light scattering means attached to a titration means. The titration means consists of two burettes: (a) a “sample” burette and (b) a “titrant” burette. The “sample” burette holds one or more fragrance or flavor ingredients or a fragrance or flavor formulation. The “titrant” burette holds a solvent such as water.

Abstract: A plurality of separately-controllable, supply nozzles incorporating pulse-width modulated, solenoid-actuated metering valves precisely controls the introduction of pollution control chemicals into the effluent of a combustor to provide improvements in pollution reduction and/or economy of operation despite the existence of widely variable combustor loads.

Abstract: After attaching a disposable pipette tip to an end of pipetting probe, which is held by a movable holder, humidity in the pipette tip is increased before a pipetting operation of a sample or a reagent. The pipette tip is transferred to a high humid chamber provided with a warmer, and high humid air is introduced into the pipette tip. Subsequently, the pipetting operation of the sample or the reagent is performed. Accordingly, an exact amount of the sample or the reagent can be supplied to a reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for handling a solution. The apparatus comprises a housing and a vial assembly positioned within an enclosure of the housing. The vial assembly maintains at least one vial within the enclosure of the housing. A valve manifold extends within the enclosure of the housing for connection to the vial. A rotation mechanism, also extending within the enclosure of the housing, is operatively connected to the vial assembly for rotating the vial assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a computer system enabling high-throughput combinatorial synthesis and screening of lighting phosphors. The system links hardware instrumentation for synthesis and screening. It records, sorts, and analyzes photo-metric data gathered from the combinatorial studies, along with the characteristics of the combinatory processes. The system provides a database as the data storage and query engine, an analysis module as the processor for analytical operations, and an interface for accepting the user's input and displaying the analysis results and other information requested by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilisation set, in particular for surgical instruments or appliances, consisting of a container and an electronic apparatus (17) for recording at least one sterilisation parameter. The container includes a valve (11) arranged opposite a wall (7) of said container capable of allowing a sterilising agent to penetrate, said valve being stressed towards a closed position by elastic means (29) and comprising catching members (15) capable of extending through the wall (7) when a force is exerted on said valve (11) countering the action of the elastic means (29). The electronic apparatus (17), designed to be attached to the container wall (7), comprises means for locking (19, 21) the catching members (15) of the valve (11) and automatic disengaging means (25) for producing the release of these catching members, once the sterilisation parameters are fulfilled.

Abstract: A chamber (10) is supplied with a pressurized cleaning agent of carbon dioxide and cosolvents from a first source (12) and an antimicrobial fluid, such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide from a second source (16). Chamber conditions are maintained in the sub-critical range for the carbon dioxide. The cleaning agent and antimicrobial fluid are recirculated through a separator (32) and a condenser (38) to filter contaminants from the mixture before returning the carbon dioxide, and optionally the antimicrobial fluid and other additives, to the chamber. Medical instruments or other articles within the chamber are cleaned by the cleaning agent and sterilized by the antimicrobial fluid in a single cycle, rendering them ready for reuse in a short period of time. The instruments may be cleaned and stored in hermetically sealable containers (82). The cleaning agent is rapidly evaporated from surfaces of the articles at the end of the cycle by reducing the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a concentration level of NOx in an exhaust stream from a combustion source. The method comprises capturing sample gas from the exhaust stream using a sampling device. NO2 in the sample gas is converted to NO by passing the sample gas through a catalytic NO2 converter. The method also comprises removing water from the sample gas by passing the sample gas through a dryer and determining a sample gas NO concentration level. The step of converting NO2 is performed at a temperature above the dew point temperature of the sample gas.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a processing liquid comprising at least one sensor for generating at least one monitoring signal, and a device for processing the monitoring signal and for generating a control signal for directly or indirectly influencing the composition or condition of the processing liquid. A device is also provided for detecting, storing, and maintaining the reliability of performance of the sensor. In addition, actuators are provided for converting given criteria or specified values.

Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: For direct and on-line study of the physiological states of cell cultures, a robust flow injection system has been designed and interfaced with flow cytometry (FI-FCM). The core of the flow injection system includes a microchamber designed for sample processing. The design of the microchamber allows not only an accurate on-line dilution but also on-line cell fixation, staining, and washing. The flow injection part of the system was tested by monitoring the optical density of a growing E.coli culture on-line using a spectrophotometer. The entire growth curve, from lag phase to stationary phase, was obtained with frequent sampling. The system is thus particularly useful since it operates automatically without direct operator supervision for extended time periods.

Abstract: The system provides for the monitoring and elimination of hydrogen and combustible gases in the air, with the help of catalysers, being implemented in an apparatus consisting of a passive hydrogen recombiner and a monitoring detector, in which use is made of the free convective feed of a recorded and eliminated gaseous mixture of components, the components having a construction of the same type, it being possible to locate the detector both inside and outside the recombiner.

Abstract: A method and to an equipment carry out measurements on an effluent resulting from a chemical reaction taking place in a reactor containing a catalyst. The method includes, in combination, injecting at least one feedstock into each of at least two reactors, separating the gas and liquid phases downstream from each reactor, sending the separated gas phase to be measured and analyzed while the other gas phases coming from the other separators are discharged, sending the separated liquid phase to be analyzed and measured, and automatically monitoring and controlling the chemical reaction in the reactors, the analysis and measurement cycle performed on the gas phase and the analysis and measurement cycle performed on the liquid phase.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board manufacturing process, a resist stripping solution blending organic amines with water is used for stripping the photoresist completely from the board. An apparatus for controlling this resist stripping solution comprises a toroidal conductivity controller for measuring the solution conductivity, which correlates to solution concentration. This same apparatus is equipped with a resist stripping solution discharge device for discharging the resist stripping solution and water replenishing device for replenishing water by detecting the liquid level of the resist stripping solution by a liquid level gauge. As the water is replenished, the solution conductivity is lowered; thereby activating the toroidal conductivity controller to add concentrated resist stripping chemistry proportionally to the deviation from the conductivity controller set point. This same apparatus is equipped with a measuring device for measuring the total consumed organic amine reactants.

Abstract: A method and an equipment carry out measurements on an effluent resulting from a chemical reaction taking place in a reactor containing a catalyst. The method includes, in combination, injecting at least one feedstock into at least two reactors, sending the effluent coming from one of the reactors for analysis and measuring controlling the pressure and the temperature of the effluent in the circuit contained between downstream from the reactors and upstream from the analysis device, and allowing automatic monitoring and control of the chemical reaction in the reactors and of the analysis and measurement cycle performed on the effluent produced by the reaction.

Abstract: A system that includes an analyzer module that is in communications with the equipment and that monitors the operation of the equipment and generates an operations analysis. A control host is included that receives the operations analysis and determines therefrom whether the equipment is operating efficiently. The control host is in communications with the equipment for adjusting the at least one parameter setting so that when the control host determines that the equipment is not operating efficiently, the control host adjusts the at least one parameter setting until the equipment is operating efficiently.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: A method monitors the concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor during a sterilization process in a sterilization chamber. A sensor formed of a chemical reactive with the oxidative gas or vapor coupled to a temperature probe is positioned inside of an enclosure containing an item to be sterilized. The enclosure is defined by a barrier impermeable to contaminating microorganisms and having at least a portion thereof which is permeable to the oxidative gas or vapor. The sensor is electrically connected through the barrier to contacts located exterior of the enclosure and connected to a control system thereby.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.