Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer analytical instrument, including an ion mobility spectrometer, a swab interface, and a desorber assembly. The desorber assembly includes a heat transfer device configured to heat a desorber, as well as a supply configured to direct gas through the desorber. The instrument further includes a drift tube, high voltage device arrayed, at least in part, proximate to the drift tube, wherein the high voltage device is configured to change a polarity of a voltage applied to the drift tube and have an absolute voltage of about 500 to 1500 volts. The instrument further includes a reactant supply unit adapted to supply reactant during a sample substance analysis, and a control unit.

Abstract: An automated analyzer according to an embodiment includes a probe. The probe has a step part configured to be provided between a lower shaft and an upper shaft, and to be formed such that the outer diameter changes. A descending controller lowers the probe from a predefined position that positions the step part above the liquid surface to an operating position that positions the step part below the liquid surface. A ascending controller raises the probe at a high speed from the operating position until immediately before the step part reaches the position of the liquid surface, subsequently raises the probe at a low speed until the step part passes through the liquid surface, and raises the probe at a higher speed than the low speed from immediately after the step part passes through the position of the liquid surface up to the predefined position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reference electrode including an electrolyte containing an optically-active material, including: an electrode body provided at an end thereof with an electrolyte separation membrane and charged therein with an optically-active material and an electrolyte solution; an inner electrode disposed in the electrode body to be immersed in the electrolyte solution; and an absorbance measurement probe for transmitting light to the electrolyte solution and collecting reflected light waves, which is disposed in the electrode body to be immersed in the electrolyte solution. Since the concentration of an electrode reaction material, such as Cl?, in the electrolyte is calculated using the absorbance of the electrolyte solution containing the optically-active material, the change in potential of the reference electrode can be properly corrected even when the reference electrode is exposed to a test environment for a long period of time and thus the concentration of the electrolyte changes.

Abstract: The staining and sticking system includes a staining device and a sticking device provided separately from the staining device. The staining device stains a specimen in a predetermined color by dipping a basket containing a glass slide with the specimen in a plurality of tubs sequentially. The sticking device sticks a cover film piece onto the stained specimen on the glass slide, which has been taken out of the basket transferred from the staining device by transfer means. A staining control unit and a sticking control unit are interconnected so as to communicate with each other. Sticking condition data, related to the basket fed from the staining device, out of staining condition data and sticking condition data inputted to the staining control unit correspondingly to baskets, are sent from the staining control unit to the sticking control unit, and then the sticking device sticks the cover film piece.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid-solid direct-heating reaction disc arrangement comprising a reaction disc body, clampers, a heater and a driving plate. Holding slots for receiving reaction cups are formed axially through the reaction disc body at constant intervals. The clampers are mounted to the bottom surface of the reaction disc body and each comprise an upper clamper and a lower clamper which are fastened together. The bottom surfaces of the reaction cups rest on the upper clamper. The heater is sandwiched between the upper and lower clampers for heating the reaction disc body and the reaction cups. The driving plate is mounted to a supporting plate of the reaction disc body. By arranging the reaction disc body, the clampers, the heater and the driving plate in a receiving chamber defined by a cover and an insulation casing, a closed temperature control system is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring microbiological activity in a process stream by measuring dissolved oxygen is disclosed. Bulk microbiological activity and surface associated biological activity are measured using this apparatus and method.

Abstract: A microinjection device includes a pressure pump and a regulator that is connected to the pressure pump and that maintains constant pressure. A regulating chamber is connected to the regulator and an internal pressure of the regulating chamber is maintained to a predetermined pressure. A valve is connected to the regulating chamber and a hollow capillary is connected to the valve. An operator opens/closes the valve in the process of injecting material in a cell.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes the step of providing the system with a plurality of reagent injection nozzles, each nozzle being configured and adapted to be independently calibrated during an SCR reaction when the system is in operation. The method further includes determining an influence coefficient for each injection nozzle for a catalyst independently of the other injection nozzles, and optimizing the flow of reagent from each injection nozzle to minimize a sum of deviation across a surface of the catalyst. A system performs selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a machine readable medium contains program instructions to controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Abstract: Methods for measuring and analyzing biological or chemical samples using consumer electronic devices and systems are described. Moreover, an accessory to enable using devices such as cell phones and smartphones with fluidic illumination chambers are described.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine that can execute a sulfur purge in a favorable manner under all conditions without complicating the control action or the engine structure. The process comprises detecting a temperature of the NOx catalytic converter, detecting an exhaust air fuel ratio in the catalytic converter, computing a target exhaust air fuel ratio according to a detected temperature of the NOx catalytic converter, and controlling a fuel injection valve so as to make an actual exhaust fuel ratio agree with the target exhaust air fuel ratio. If the temperature of the NOx catalytic converter is not high enough to enable a sulfur purge, a temperature increase control is executed to increase the temperature of the NOx catalytic converter by suitably changing various engine parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: A method for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black includes: (a) electrochemically reducing an unknown amount of iodine adsorbed by a predetermined amount of a carbon black sample; (b) measuring the electrical charge used for reducing the unknown amount of the iodine adsorbed by the carbon black sample; and (c) obtaining the iodine adsorption number from the measured electrical charge. An electrolytic cell and a kit for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test equipment includes a water tank for storing ultrasonic medium, an ultrasonic probe provided in the water tank, an ultrasonic medium temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the ultrasonic medium, a test object temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of a test object, and a temperature control device. The temperature control device heats the ultrasonic medium or cools the test object such that the first temperature becomes equal to or higher than the second temperature. Gas bubbles are prevented from emerging on a surface of the test object.

Abstract: When dispensing from one specimen is repeated, the cleaning liquid adhering to an outer wall of a cleaned dispensing nozzle is likely to be moved into a sample vessel during aspiration of the sample and result in reduced sample concentration or deteriorated analytical accuracy. Thus, the cleaning mechanism has a cleaning range of the dispensing nozzle outer wall which is changed according to a range in which dirt adheres to the nozzle. Additionally, an ejector effect acting between the dispensing nozzle and a cleaning liquid flow prevents a decrease in the concentration of the sample by reducing the amount of cleaning liquid which adheres to the dispensing nozzle outer wall. The cleaning mechanism also uses a liquid level detection function of the dispensing nozzle and a nozzle pipe internal-pressure change detection function to determine a discharge state of the cleaning liquid flow and obtain an appropriate cleaning range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to measure isotopic characteristics of a number of sample types. Embodiments of the invention combine novel and existing components to produce more accurate isotopic information. Further, embodiments of the invention allow for isotopic readings to be taken and analyzed outside of a laboratory. An example of such an embodiment is an apparatus comprising a combustion furnace; a reactant tube passing through the combustion furnace; an injector coupled to one, or a combination of, the combustion furnace, and reactant tube, to introduce a sample; a laser isotopic measurement device coupled to the reactant tube on the exit end; and a processor electrically coupled to one, or a combination of, the injector, the combustion furnace, the reactant tube, and the isotopic measurement device, in which a carrier gas transports the sample through the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treatment, remediation, and purification of contaminated water at an optimal pH for are provided herein, as well as a database for use in said methods and systems. The methods and systems are based on identifying one or more contaminants in the contaminated water, and identifying an optimal pH for performing direct photodegradation of the contaminant(s).

Abstract: An automatic analyzer, which prevents cross contamination, has a sample dispensing probe washing mechanism 81, a reagent dispensing probe washing mechanism 82 and an agitation mechanism washing mechanism 83 that are individually controlled. A washing liquid discharge quantity for dispensing probes 42 and 52 and a reserved quantity of the washing liquid for a washing bath are acquired on the basis of detection signals fed from corresponding liquid flow detectors 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116 and liquid level detectors 121 and 122. The washing liquid discharge quantity and the reserved liquid quantity are compared with predetermined reference values thereby monitoring whether or not the feed of the washing liquid to the dispensing probes 42 and 52 and the reservation and discharge of the washing liquid in the washing bath are abnormal. An anomaly is reported by a printer 108 or a CRT 106.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A control system of a surgery autoclave is described, which is capable of establishing a sterilization cycle which includes at least a first evacuation step of a sterilization chamber and of heating of a load and a final drying step. The autoclave includes a device capable of detecting a parameter proportional to the energy used up in a step of the cycle preceding the drying step and the control system establishes at least a reduction of the drying step upon determining that, the parameter of used up energy lies below a preset threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable microfluidic assay cartridge (1) which will contain at least one sample inlet well (2) that will feed into a microfluidic sub-unit (3) embedded within the disposable microfluidic assay cartridge (1). The microfluidic sub-unit (3) contains a series of microfluidic channels and micro-valves (4) that direct the sample from the sample inlet well (2) to separate and fluidicly-isolated reaction vessels (5) that contain encoded or non-encoded beads microparticles (6) which have been functionalized with a capture moiety or capture molecules such as antibodies, antigens, or oligomers. Assay reagents (7) including reagents R1, R2, R3, R4, such as labeled antibodies, will be introduced into the separate and fluidicly-isolated reaction vessels (5) via the series of microfluidic channels (8) and micro-valves (4).

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.

Abstract: Provided is a biochemical analyzer in which a microfluidic biochemical assay may be performed. The analyzer includes: a microfluidic device loading space including a microfluidic device supporting unit detachably supporting a microfluidic device including an energy application region in which an energy is applied; an energy source loading space including an energy source applying the energy to the radiation application region; and an isolation wall isolating the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space to prevent heat transfer between the microfluidic device loading space and the energy source loading space and including a window through which the energy can be transmitted. A method of controlling an internal temperature of the biochemical analyzer is also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for the automated pipetting of fluids are disclosed as well as a method for calibrating the system. A channel pump having at least one tip-sided port connected to a pipetting tip by a tip-sided pump conduit for generating a positive or negative pressure in the pipetting tip, and at least one reservoir-sided port connected to a system fluid reservoir by a reservoir-sided pump conduit is provided. The channel pump when operated at a nominal flow rate exhibits a fluid backflow caused by a pressure difference in the tip- and reservoir-sided pump conduits which results in an effective flow rate compared to the nominal flow rate. Such a pressure difference can be used to determine an extended pipetting period which extends a pipetting period of the channel pump operating at the nominal flow rate, and to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An interim auto-calibration circuit or label adapted to be used with a sensor package. The sensor package is adapted to be used with first and second instruments to determine the analyte concentration of fluid sample. The instruments are different and include respective first and second plurality of pins that are in different patterns. The sensor package comprises a plurality of electrical connections that includes a plurality of contact areas. The contact areas have a first and second contact sections being shorted together. The first contact sections are adapted to contact a respective one of the first pins. The second contact sections are adapted to contact a respective one of the second pins. The electrical connections assist in conveying information corresponding to the test sensors. The information is adapted to be utilized by the first and the second instruments to auto-calibrate for the test sensors.

Abstract: A system and method (1) for acquiring, compiling and storing measured values in a temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture-dependent process comprises at least one sensor (4, 6) for acquiring measured values. The device (1) contains means (3) for storing the measured values. The sensor (4, 6) and the means (3) are designed to be positioned inside a closed process chamber (2). The device (1) further comprises means (11) for the wireless transmission of the stored measured values at preset or settable time intervals to a receiver unit (10) disposed outside the closed process chamber (2). In a process for monitoring a temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture-dependent process, an acquisition of measured values is accomplished by means of at least one sensor (4, 6) located inside a closed process chamber (2).

Abstract: A sample rack transport apparatus for transporting a sample rack holding a container containing a sample is provided with a rack transport mechanism for transporting sample racks, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism has actuators, and the samples rack is transported by the operation of these actuators. The control unit is accommodated in a control box. The transport mechanism and control box are supported in a case. The control box is provided below the transport mechanism, and is configured so as to be slidably transferred into and from the case.

Abstract: An auto-calibration circuit or label is adapted to be used with different instruments. The auto-calibration circuit comprises a first plurality of electrical connections and at least one electrical connection. The first plurality of electrical connections is utilized by the different instruments to auto-calibrate. The first plurality of electrical connections includes a first plurality of contact areas. At least one electrical connection is utilized solely by the second instrument to auto-calibrate and includes at least one contact area. This electrical connection is distinct from the first plurality of electrical connections. The first plurality of electrical connections is routed directly from each of the first plurality of contact areas to a respective first or second common connection. The at least one electrical connection is routed directly from the at least one contact area to the respective first common connection, the second common connection or a no-contact area.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas purifier comprising a filtering media having a photocatalytic action, a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation, a time-delay means or a volatile organic compound analyzer, and a means for automatically adjusting the speed of the gas passing through it or for adjusting the intensity of the UV illumination, said adjusting being carried out as a function of the time determined by the time-delay means or as a function of the content of a volatile organic compound analyzed by the analyzer. The invention also relates to a process for the purification of gas using a purifier comprising a filtering media having a photocatalytic action and a system for illuminating said media with UV radiation, according to which, when the concentration of a compound in the gas is greater than a value V1, the operating capacity of the purifier is lower than its capacity when the concentration of the compound in the gas is less than the value V2, V2 being less than or equal to V1.

Abstract: A sample testing vessel may include a flexible plastic tube and a self-sealing injection channel. The flexible plastic tube may have a seal defining a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the seal comprises a pressure gate providing a fluid-tight seal between first and second compartments and opening upon application of a threshold pressure. The injection channel may be normally substantially free of fluid and capable of fluid communication with the tubule.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer uses a marker that is to be attached to a measurement object. The marker is made of a substance that becomes excited when irradiated. The automatic analyzer has a function of varying irradiation intensity, and controls the intensity of light emitted from an item marker by adjusting the irradiation intensity for each analysis item or for each analysis vessel. Further, the automatic analyzer has a function of controlling the at least one of the position and angle of an analysis vessel during irradiation, and controls the amount of radiation to the measurement object by adjusting at least one of the distance and angle between an irradiation light source and analysis vessel for each analysis item. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer has a function of varying the integration time of photometric means and controls the integration time for each analysis item or for each analysis vessel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.

Abstract: A test cassette for the detection of analytes from fluid samples is provided which has a housing (1, 2) with an inlet opening and with a reservoir for receiving a fluid sample containing the analyte. A separate carrier platform (3) can be horizontally displaced in the housing (1, 2), for fixing one or more flexible, strip-like, capillary-active detection elements. The carrier platform (3) in the housing (1, 2) is designed such that the capillary-active detection elements are deflected from the longitudinal direction of the strips and dip into the fluid sample in the reservoir during a lateral motion of the carrier platform (3).

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and systems, for (1) providing reliable identification of analytes from an HPLC or other analytical instrument, (2) ensuring data integrity during transfer of analytical data from the instrument to, for example, a control application or other destination, and (3) near-immediate transfer of the data after analysis. Embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems that automatically identify a subset of analytes from a plurality of analytes able to be analyzed by a liquid chromatograph (or similar instrument) and that automatically extract a subset of result data from the instrument, where the result data relates to a liquid mixture sample from a reactor (or other source) and where the subset of data corresponds to the subset of analytes. The subset of data may then be used to control a reactor process, or other process, by, for example, transferring the subset of data to a control application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated determining of the chemical oxygen demand of a liquid sample, comprising steps as follows: mixing the liquid sample with sulfuric acid; introducing a carrier gas, especially air, into the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture; adding an oxidizing agent to the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture to form a reaction mixture; heating (especially under reflux conditions) the reaction mixture at the boiling temperature of the reaction mixture for a predetermined time period; photometrically determining consumption of an oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture; and ascertaining therefrom the chemical oxygen demand of the liquid sample, wherein all steps are automatedly performed in an analytical system with the assistance of an evaluating and control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.

Abstract: An auto-calibration circuit or label (20) being adapted to be used with different first and second instruments. The first instrument being different from the second instrument. The auto-calibration label comprising first and second plurality of electrical connections. The first electrical connections conveys first instrument encoded-calibration information (82) corresponding to a sensor. The first instrument information is adapted to be utilized by the first instrument to auto-calibrate for the first sensor. The first plurality of electrical connections includes contact areas. The second electrical connections conveys second encoded-calibration information (84) corresponding to the first sensor. The second information is adapted to be utilized by the second instrument to auto-calibrate for the sensor. The second electrical connections includes a second plurality of contact areas, which are distinct from the first contact areas.

Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue piece treating apparatus comprising an automatic controlling means for feeding back the temperature of the treatment liquid or molten paraffin in the bath inside detected by a temperature sensor to switch a heating mode and a cooling mode alternately to control the temperature; a heating means for turning OFF in an air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and ON in a plane heater at the heating mode, thereby transferring the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater; and, a cooling means for turning ON in the air-cooling fan of the ultrasonic vibrator and OFF in the plane heater at the cooling mode, thereby blocking the heat transfer from the ultrasonic vibrator and the plane heater to the bath inside. These means can suppress the excessive heating of a tissue piece so that they can suppress the heating modification of the tissue piece.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous workflow processing of biological samples. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a probe for dispensing one or more reagents from one or more reagent containers onto one or more biological sample carriers. The method and apparatus includes processing each biological sample according to a respective sequence of protocol steps which may be ordered by a scheduler protocol. The method and apparatus also includes network capability for connectivity with additional equipment for receiving or transmitting pertinent data via the network.

Abstract: An integrated bio-analysis system incorporates built-in sample preparation capabilities. In one aspect of the present invention, a bio-analysis instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation device based on PCR (or thermal cycling block/module). In one embodiment of the present invention, a peltier unit in the sample preparation device provides thermal cycling of samples supported in a multi-well tray. In another aspect of the present invention, a CE instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation capability, which may comprise a sample preparation (bio-molecular reaction) device based on thermal cycler type. In another aspect of the present invention, a PCR device is provided with a built-in analysis device, such as a CE device, for verifying the results of the PCR (bio-molecular reaction) process.

Abstract: A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.

Abstract: A system for treating a medium, such as water, with ultraviolet light is provided. The system can include an ultraviolet treatment chamber that is shaped to reduce reflections of the ultraviolet light within the ultraviolet treatment chamber and/or improve absorption of the ultraviolet light by the medium. Furthermore, the system can add an agent to the medium within the treatment chamber to further treat one or more contaminants that may be present within the medium. Still further, additional treatment, such as filtering the medium with a permeable material can be implemented within the treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for fluidizing a population of catalyst particles that are depleted of catalyst fines. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of catalyst particles in the reactor, wherein the catalyst particles have a d2 value of greater than about 40 microns. The catalyst- particles are contacted with a fluidizing medium under conditions effective to cause the catalyst particles to behave in a fluidized manner and form a fluidized bed. The particles are contacted with one or more primary obstructing members while in the fluidized bed. By fluidizing the catalyst particles in this manner, the catalyst particles can be maintained at an axial gas Peclet number of from about 10 to about 20.