Abstract: A method of directed automated analysis of a plurality of analytes of a process solution includes providing a sample of the process solution containing a plurality of the analytes, admixing an enriched isotope spike for each of the plurality of analytes to be analyzed with the process solution sample thereby effecting admixture of the enriched ratio of isotopes with the naturally occurring ratio of each analyte to be analyzed, creating ions from the spikes, introducing the ions into a mass spectrometer for determination of the identity and quantity of each analyte and delivering the information to a microprocessor. If desired, the process solution sample may be diluted and/or subjected to the addition of reagents or standards prior to initiation of the analysis. The ions may be created by an atmospheric pressure ionization interface. The information obtained is processed in a computer which serves to control other portions of the practice of the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations.

Abstract: A device for controlling a ventilation system in the interior of a motor vehicle includes a gas concentration determining arrangement to determine the exterior concentration of a gas in the exterior air surrounding the vehicle and to determine the interior concentration of the same gas in the air contained in the interior of the vehicle, and an air flow control arrangement, via which the proportion of circulating air and the proportion of fresh air from the surroundings of the vehicle in the air delivered to the interior by the ventilation system are controlled as a function of the determined interior concentration or the determined exterior concentration. The gas concentration determining arrangement is represented by a single gas sensor.

Abstract: A system for the measurement of a target substance is provided including a detection apparatus and a reading apparatus. The detection apparatus, or “carrier”, includes a pyroelectric film transducer (“pyroelectric film”) and one or more reagent concentrations (“reagent deposits”) deposited on the film. The reagent deposits are adapted to react with, and thus, detect the presence of a target substance present in the local environment. Upon detection of the target substance by the reagent deposit, the reading apparatus and the pyroelectric film may be used to detect the amount of heat that can be absorbed by the reagent in response to illumination. The pyroelectric film then delivers to the reader a signal corresponding to the heat detected and the reader provides a corresponding indication of the concentration of the target substance detected.

Abstract: A system has been found which monitors and measures the concentration of polymer dispersant in industrial water systems, such as open recirculating, cooling tower water. The system comprises a polymer concentration monitor which is an in-line analyzer, and which has the ability to measure more than one characteristic or component at a time. The polymer concentration monitor is comprised of a filter module and a detection module. The incoming water first passes through the filter module and then on to the detection module and then out of the system. According to one embodiment, the detection unit comprises a sample preparation unit, pumps, an optical measurement unit, a temperature measurement and control unit and an electronics unit. The optical measurement unit is comprised of a single or multiple photo optical components. The presence of more than one photo optical component provides the ability to perform more than one measurement at one time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing odor from animal deposits includes a container with an opening and with a germicidal emission device connected to the inside of the container such that no germicidal emissions are directed at the opening. A power source is connected to the germicidal emission device. A motion detector is connected inside the contained such that the motion detector detects motion through the opening outside of the container and further where the motion detector is connected to the power source and to the germicidal emission device such that the motion detector turns on the germicidal emission device when no motion is detected inside or outside of the container.

Abstract: A device (1) for sterilization in production of packages (8) is adapted for sterilization with a gaseous sterilizing agent kept in the gaseous phase throughout the sterilization process. The device (1) comprises a heating zone (2), a sterilization zone (3) and a venting zone (4). It further comprises an ambient temperature sensor (27) for sensing the ambient temperature outside the device (1), a concentration meter (29) for measuring the concentration of sterilizing agent in the sterilization zone (3) and a first control unit for controlling the amount of sterilizing agent introduced in the sterilization zone (3) based on the temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor (27) and the concentration measured by the concentration meter (29). A method of sterilizing packages (8) in production of the packages (8) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrumentation interface that provides a standardized states of a plurality of devices to a control system. Coordinating the operation of the plurality of devices in an analytical system is simplified by allowing the control system to perform in terms of simplified standard states. Device specific states that vary for different types of devices are logically linked to the standardized states via a form of a translator. By having the control system not worry about the specifics of a device, its ability to coordinate large number of devices is improved.

Abstract: A control system for industrial water systems that utilizes multiple measurements of information and models to decide optimal control actions to maximize corrosion/scaling/fouling inhibition and particulate dispersancy performance and minimize cost of water and treatment chemicals. This system is capable of automatic operation for a wide range of process conditions, ensures multiple performance objectives, achieves robust operation under a variety or un-measurable disturbances and achieves the least costly solution delivery.

Abstract: A method of establishing liquid classes of complex mixtures for liquid handling equipment. The mixtures are composed of components and the equipment has equipment parameters. The first step comprises preparing a response curve for the components. The next step comprises using the response curve to prepare a response indicator for the mixtures. The next step comprises deriving a model that relates the components and the mixtures to establish the liquid classes.

Abstract: A metal ion eluting unit includes: at least one first electrode 102 serving as either a positive or negative electrode; at least one second electrode 103 serving as an electrode whose polarity is opposite to the polarity of the first electrode 102 and so arranged as to face the first electrode 102; and a driving means for applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes. The metal ion eluting unit elutes metal ions from the positive electrode by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes while supplying water between the first and second electrodes. The polarities of the first and second electrodes are reversed periodically, and the current density of a current flowing between the first and second electrodes is controlled to be a predetermined value or more.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (A) includes: a storage (1) which has an insertion port (10) for insertion of measuring articles (S) and is capable of storing the measuring articles stacked in a direction of the insertion; and movable members (2A, 2B) for a movement of dispensing a predetermined quantity of the measuring articles (S) out of the storage (1) toward a measuring position (P). With such an arrangement, refilling of the measuring articles (S) to the measuring instrument (A) becomes easy, and the measuring instrument (A) can be always loaded suitably with a quantity of the measuring articles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing the dynamics of the PID controllers from a Model Predictive Controller that was developed using identification testing of a process. This then allows the creation of a very fast final control element based on-line operator advisor that operates in conjunction with the process so that it has access to real time data and provides an ongoing prediction of the future state of the process as well as the capability to investigate alternate scenarios of control possibilities.

Abstract: A bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring exhaust gas concentrations in an exhaust stream from an engine. The system may include the exhaust system configured to carry an exhaust stream generated by the engine. The system may further include at least one sensor in communication with the exhaust stream and configured to generate an output indicative of a concentration of NOx and a concentration of at least one sulfur-containing compound in the exhaust stream. The system may further include a controller configured to selectively produce one of a rich condition and a lean condition in the exhaust stream and to determine, during the rich condition, the concentration of the at least one sulfur-containing compound in the exhaust stream based on the output from the at least one sensor and to determine, during the lean condition, the concentration of NOx in the exhaust stream based on the output from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A test tube cap removing apparatus includes a fixing unit that holds a test tube having an opening portion that is closed by a cap. A hold unit is situated above the cap in an axial direction of the test tube, has a position that is variable relative to the test tube in the axial direction, and is capable of contacting a top portion of the cap. A clamp unit is provided on the hold unit, supports the cap at side surfaces of the cap in a case where the hold unit is put in contact with the top portion of the cap, and removes the cap from the test tube in a case where the hold unit moves upwards relative to the test tube in the axial direction.

Abstract: An immunological or immunohematological assay system is disclosed that includes a vessel capable of containing an assay sample, an incubator, a sample separation system, an image acquisition system, and a pipettor. The immunological assay system may also include a washer. Also disclosed is an immunological assay method that includes the steps of placing a immunological assay sample in a vessel, which may include a filter; adding testing reagents to the vessel; incubating the sample and reagent mixture in the vessel; separating the sample and reagent mixture in the vessel into components that have and have not reacted; and analyzing the vessel to determine the presence of interactions between the sample and reagents. The bottom of the vessel is preferably of a material that aids in spreading out the reacted components of the sample evenly over the bottom of the vessel so that interactions can more easily be analyzed.

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 process system adapted for processing of or with a material therein. The process system includes: a sampling region for the material; an infrared photometric monitor constructed and arranged to transmit infrared radiation through the sampling region and to responsively generate an output signal correlative of the material in the sampling region, based on its interaction with the infrared radiation; and process control means arranged to receive the output of the infrared photometric monitor and to responsively control one or more process conditions in and/or affecting the process system.

Abstract: A catalytic testing device comprising a reaction block comprising a set of reaction chambers, each chamber comprising a fluid inlet and outlet connected to an outgoing fluid duct connected to analysis means, fluid feed means capable of performing regulated dosing of flows of the fluid at the required pressure independently in each of the reaction chambers, automatic and dynamic pressure control means, capable of performing pressure regulation in each reaction chamber, which comprise a non-return valve in the outgoing fluid duct between the outlets of the reaction chambers and a common regulating tank that receives the outgoing fluid from the chambers, a pressure sensor provided in a first outlet duct and an automatic needle valve provided in a second outlet duct from the tank.

Abstract: Provided is a microchip assembly including a base holder, a microchip installed on the base holder and having at least one input hole into which a reaction sample is input and at least one microchamber accommodating the input reaction sample, a flipper rotatably installed at the outside of the microchip on the base holder and opening and closing the input hole of the microchip while flipping up in a vertically erected state or flipping down in a horizontal state, and slider installed at the outside of the flipper on the base holder to be capable of sliding and supporting the flipper in the erected state and flipping down the flipper while moving inside.

Abstract: An automated sequential reaction system that can be used to either sequentially produce a plurality of different products each requiring a single reaction, or to produce a desired product that requires a series of sequential reactions. A system controller controls an automated reactant supply, a solvent supply, a reaction module, a detector, and a product collector. Prior to initiating any reaction, the system is flushed with solvent and a heat exchanger supplies the reaction module with a temperature-conditioned fluid to maintain the reaction module at a desired temperature. For single reactions, a plurality of reactants are injected into a chemical reactor included in the reaction module. As fluid exits the chemical reactor, the detector determines if the fluid is a desired chemical product or solvent, and routes the fluid to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a fluid containing entrained cementitious particles involves drawing the fluid from a storage location, pre-filtering the fluid, dividing the pre-filtered fluid into a flow of permeate and a flow of bypass by passing said pre-filtered fluid through a tangential flow filter. The permeate flow is fluid that has passed through a polymeric membrane filter media disposed in the tangential flow filter, while the bypass flow is flow exiting said tangential flow filter without passing through said membrane filter media. The system and method also includes a pH probe for testing the pH of the filtrate, and a metering pump operated by a controller which injects a neutralizing agent into the filtrate to reduce the alkalinity of the filtrate before discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the high-throughput, quick screening, optimization, regeneration, reduction and activation of catalysts. More specifically, the present invention is a method and apparatus to quickly screen, optimize and regenerate multiple fast deactivating catalysts while maintaining a predefined range of time-on-stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapid method of determining the concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. The present invention is also a simple, low cost, device of determining the in-situ concentration of the major components in a chemical stream. In particular, the present invention provides a useful method for simultaneously determining the concentrations of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate in aqueous kraft pulping liquors through use of an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) tunnel flow cell or optical probe capable of producing a ultraviolet absorbency spectrum over a wavelength of 190 to 300 nm. In addition, the present invention eliminates the need for manual sampling and dilution previously required to generate analyzable samples.

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: In an automatic analyzer, necessary setup works are displayed prior to analysis operation. The present invention can realize an automatic analyzer which can be used by an inexperienced operator to execute all necessary setup works. A maintenance button, data erase button, reagent status button, reagent prime button, calibration button and QC button are displayed on a system viewing screen displayed on an operation part. The display colors of the maintenance button or the like are changed (for example, the display color is changed to red, yellow or the like) in response to the status of the automatic analyzer in order to recognize necessary setup works prior to analysis operation for an operator.

Abstract: A substance in a condensed state, for example a powdered solid, is in continuous movement in the longitudinal direction (6) of a furnace (4, 5). A reactive gas mixture is brought into contact with the substance in the condensed state. A plurality of samples of the gaseous mixture are removed at a plurality of reference points (14) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (6) of the furnace (4, 5); each of the gas samples is analyzed outside the furnace to determine the composition of the gas mixture and for each point (14), the extent of a chemical reaction between the condensed substance and the reactive gas mixture is deduced from the composition of the gas mixture at each of the reference points (14). In particular, the apparatus comprises a sampling and injection rod (10) introduced into the furnace (4, 5) and disposed in its longitudinal direction (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining changes in a supply system, designed to supply repeated pulses of a vapor phase reactant to a reaction chamber is disclosed. One embodiment involves providing the reactant source, and a gas conduit to connect the reactant source to the reaction chamber, a valve positioned in communication with the reactant source such that switching of the valve induces vapor phase reactant pulses from the reactant source to the reaction chamber and a sensor positioned in communication with the reactant source and configured to provide a signal indicative of a characteristic parameter of the reactant pulse as a function of time. A curve is derived from the signal and the shape of the curve is monitored to determine changes in the curve shape over time during subsequent pulses.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to laboratory systems for processing tissue samples and specimens within a laboratory. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for automating sample processing, comprising handling and analysis of tissue specimens with laboratory and/or medical diagnostic equipment. In one form the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sample processing tissue specimens for histological and/or pathological laboratory analysis involving procedures or tasks such as, for example, tissue processing, embedding, staining, coverslipping and imaging. In a laboratory system utilizing aspects of the present invention there is provided at least one workcell and at least one conveyer in which tissue samples may be routed.

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.

Abstract: A vessel arrangement having a base and multiple vessels suited for simultaneously conducting a plurality of isolated experimental reactions or treatments at atmospheric process conditions or elevated temperatures and pressure condition has been developed. A component of a first material is introduced into one independent vessel through an opening in its top of the first vessel and another component of a second material is introduced into a different independent vessel through its top. Both vessels are removably located about a base at different first locations. Transformation of the components in the vessels then occurs to produce different materials therein. After completion of the experiments a displacement medium simultaneously urges the vessels from their respective locations about the base for discard or reuse after any necessary cleaning. Typically at least one property of the materials from the vessels is determined either within the vessel or after recovery of the materials.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying explosive materials and devices, and naturally occurring and man-made dangerous or hazardous biological and chemical materials and devices in ducts or piping systems, or other fluid flow systems in buildings such as residential, office, industrial, and power plants, transportation systems such as ships, airplanes, subways, and trains, and various types of infrastructure such as dams, tunnels, or bridges, and in the rooms, compartments, enclosures, containers, or difficult to access areas in these buildings, transportation systems, and structures. The preferred embodiment of this detection and location method uses a conservative tracer and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the duct or area to be searched at one location and then monitored at the same or another location in the duct or area.

Abstract: Integrated nanotube sensors are adapted for detecting various chemical and biological molecules. In one implementation, nanotube sensor arrays are formed as nano-electronic noses capable of such detection, and can be implemented in devices including carbon nanotube-based electronic noses and biochips. Various implementations of the present invention are also directed to nanoscience and nanotechnology applications, such as medical, military and biological applications. In a more particular implementation, nanotubes are produced on full-scale wafers and functionalized. In another more particular implementation, functionalized nanotubes are integrated into addressable devices. With these approaches, various aspects of the present invention have been found to be useful in sensor applications having small size, high density and extreme sensitivity. Such sensor applications are applicable to many aspects of society, and can be implemented for making human lives more safe, secure and healthy.

Abstract: A disinfectant station disinfects vehicles as they pass through an automated station. As the vehicle approaches the station, spray units are turned on and water and a disinfectant are mixed to spray the wheels and under side of the vehicle. The system is turned on by a motion detector, and if it is at night, a light is also turned on. After the vehicle has passed through the disinfectant station, the spray is turned off. The motion detector turns on both the spray stations and light. If it is daytime, then the lights are not turned on. The spray stations are low pressure to adequately spray disinfectant on the vehicle, but does not clean or remove dirt or other material from the vehicle. The low pressure spray conserves the amount of disinfectant sprayed, spraying only that amount need to disinfect the vehicle. Sprayers are placed to spray the outside and inside faces of the wheels and the sides and under side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An incubator includes an incubator ring assembly having at least two concentric rings supported for rotation about a common axle defining an axis of rotation. Each concentric ring includes a plurality of circumferentially defined load positions, each load position being sized for accommodating a test sample. At least one test station is arranged in relation to the plurality of load positions to selectively test a test sample, the test samples being are sequentially shuttled into and out of load positions of at least one of the concentric rings to increase the overall throughput of the analyzer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemically analyzing a sample fluid are provided. The apparatus includes two fluid selection valves with multiple input ports for selectively receiving sample and reagent fluids. The selection valves are configured to selectively connect the input ports to output ports such that the sample and reagent fluids can be delivered through a fluid injection valve to a sample vessel and therefrom to an analysis device. The analysis device is configured to receive the sample and reagent fluids and determine at least one chemical characteristic of the sample fluid.

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 device for evaluating a printing medium for use in a printing process, in which a set of spectral data is generated from a sample of the printing medium, and the set of spectral data is analysed. The analysis of the set of spectral data comprises detecting spectral data of the set indicative of features of the printing medium related to performance of that printing medium in the printing process. The performance of the printing medium in the printing process is predicted in response to the detected spectral data of the set indicative of performance-related printing medium features, and the printing medium is accepted or refused for use in the printing process in response to this printing medium performance prediction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web. In this method each array region may be exposed to a corresponding continuous volume of a sample fluid. A method and apparatus are also provided for reading arrays disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web. In one such method the web with the arrays thereon may be transported in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which a characteristic of the features is read, while restraining the web on both surfaces on either side of the reading location to assist in maintaining the reading location flat.

Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.

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: Process for controlling the combustion zone of a fluidized bed process comprising a regeneration zone and a reaction zone, the catalyst circulating between these two zones, and the regeneration zone comprising a combustion stage of the coke deposited on the catalyst in the reaction zone, control of the combustion zone being performed on the basis of a characteristic variable of the operation of said combustion zone, said characteristic variable being the object of automatic regulation by acting on the catalyst throughput, characterized in that the value of the catalyst throughput or of any control variable connected unequivocally to the catalyst is determined based on information on the operating values of the combustion zone, at least one of which corresponds to an independent evaluation of the level of coke deposited on the catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A system and method of fluctuation enhanced gas-sensing using SAW devices includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection, identification, and quantification through the measurement and spectral analysis of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The spectral analysis produces the power spectral density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the analyte(s) such as, total adsorbed gas mass and diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients may then be used to determine the number of molecule types and/or the concentration of each.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring sterilization status are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent liquid inspection apparatus capable of identifying a boundary between a transparent liquid applied on a base material which provides a multi-piece product and the base material, and automatically inspecting an applied condition of the transparent liquid without influence of a background of the base material. A projected image of an illumination source (2) is reflected on a surface of the transparent liquid as a mirror, the projected image is picked up by cameras (41 to 44), and the image is analyzed by an image processing unit (8), thereby inspecting an amount of displacement of the transparent liquid from a predetermined application position and expansion of the surface of the transparent liquid.

Abstract: A rapid tissue processing method and apparatus including the steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing, and impregnation. The preferred method is performed in a processing unit that employs alternating microwave and ohmic energy to heat the process solution and tissue sample. In one embodiment, the method employs environmentally friendly green chemicals to effectuate the processing.