Abstract: A method for determining a person's metabolic typing. The method includes the steps of taking a baseline reading to determine a person's blood pH, administering a substance challenge to a person to determine how the substance affects the person's blood pH, waiting a period of time, retaking the person's blood ph, and from any difference in the baseline reading and post-challenge reading, determining if the patient's blood has been alkalized or acidified by the substance challenge in order to determine the person's metabolic type. The invention is also a method to test the blood pH shifting effects of substances on people of different metabolic types, by determining whether the substance will cause the blood of persons having known metabolic types to become more acidic or alkaline.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods which allows for the determination of concentration or solubility in a multi-component system using Raman spectroscopy. The present invention circumvents the necessity of constructing a calibration curve in order to analytically determine the concentration/solubility of a solute in a homogeneous liquid or a homogeneous solid. Methods of determining the saturation concentration of a solute in a polymer matrix or a polymer matrix film are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spectrometer for measuring submillimeter absorption. The spectrometer may include a solid state exciter generating a submillimeter wave and sweeping a predetermined frequency band, a frequency marker generating unit electrically generating frequency markers, a sample cell to contain a gas, and a solid-state detector detecting a submillimeter absorption of the gas. A spectrometer energizes a solid-state oscillator to generate a submillimeter wave and to sweep a predetermined band of frequency. The submillimeter wave is introduced into a sample cell containing a gas and frequency markers that are electrically generated during the sweep. Outputs of a solid-state detector disposed in the sample cell are read and recorded as a function of time and with the frequency markers. The recorded outputs of the solid-state detector are converted into a function of frequency using the recorded frequency markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube devices are manipulated in a manner that is useful for a variety of implementations. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, light (632) is used to photodesorb molecules from a carbon nanotube (620).

Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. Microfluidic devices of the present invention comprises a first elastic layer, a fluid flow channel within the elastic layer; and a means for providing a fluid sample from the fluid flow channel to an analytical device. The present invention also provides an analytical apparatus comprising such a microfluidic device and an analytical device.

Abstract: A medical test kit includes a glucose testing composition, a protein testing composition, a bilirubin testing composition, a bilinogen testing composition, an amylase testing composition, a blood testing composition, a calcium testing composition, a nitrite testing composition, a ketone testing composition and a pH testing composition. The medical test kit also includes a plurality of corresponding indicative spectra to each of its units such that a health condition of a user can easily be interpreted. Furthermore, an interactive reference chart is provided for guiding a user for the use of the kit. The kit is suitable for use for the public and is capable of encouraging self health care of society.

Abstract: A thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer and the method of substituting the oligomer onto a gold nanocluster surface using a thiol-exchange reaction to form a charge-neutral, non-ionizable, water soluble, ethylene oxide protected gold nanocluster. The thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer has the formula CH3(OCH2CH2)xSH where x varies from one to ten. Also disclosed is the related method of making the thiol terminated ethylene oxide oligomer.

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: A method and apparatus for processing and analysing samples. The invention can be used in relation to any sample analysis where processing of the sample with one or more reagents is required. The invention has particular relevance for the DNA analysis of biological materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of evaluating the catalytic activity of a rare earth alkoxide used as a starting material of a basic catalyst or an asymmetric synthesis catalyst. The rare earth alkoxide used as the subject of evaluation and 2,2?-dihydroxy-1, 1?-binaphthol are used as the starting material to prepare a rare earth complex catalyst which is then used to conduct the asymmetric epoxidation of an enone. The epoxy enone formed by this reaction, the unreacted enone, and the enantiomeric excess are measured, and from these results, the catalytic activity of the rare earth alkoxide is evaluated.

Abstract: The methods, systems 400 and apparatus disclosed herein concern metal 150 impregnated porous substrates 110, 210. Certain embodiments of the invention concern methods for producing metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 that exhibit greatly improved uniformity and depth of penetration of metal 150 deposition. The increased uniformity and depth allow improved and more reproducible Raman detection of analytes. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise oxidation of porous silicon 110, immersion in a metal salt solution 130, drying and thermal decomposition of the metal salt 140 to form a metal deposit 150. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the methods may comprise microfluidic impregnation of porous silicon substrates 210 with one or more metal salt solutions 130. Other embodiments of the invention concern apparatus and/or systems 400 for Raman detection of analytes, comprising metal-coated porous silicon substrates 110, 210 prepared by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A method for investigating a target environment to determine whether or in what amount a chemical species may be present therein, which comprises: (a) exposing to said environment an article of manufacture comprising a multiplicity of particles in close-packed orientation, said particles having a core of conductive metal or conductive metal alloy and deposited thereon a ligand which is capable of interacting with said species such that a property of said multiplicity of particles is altered; (b) subjecting said multiplicity of particles to conditions sufficient for said property to be exhibited; and (c) monitoring said property to determine whether there is, or the amount of, any change as an indication of whether, or in what amount, said species is present; a multiplicity of particles suitable for use in such method; and equipment suitable for implementing the method.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of neutralizing the matrix of an acidic solution including at least one metal using a weak anion exchange resin is provided. The method includes the acts of: activating the weak anion exchange resin with a weakly acidic metal complexing reagent, the weakly acidic metal complexing reagent partially disassociating into protons and metal complexing anions, whereby some functional groups in the weak anion exchange resin are protonated and bind with the metal complexing anions; and neutralizing a sample of the acidic solution with the activated weak anion exchange resin.

Abstract: A micro-fluid reaction vessel includes an upper plate formed of an elastomer, a lower plate adhered to the upper plate, a micro-chamber and a micro-channel formed on an inner surface of the upper plate facing the lower plate and an inlet hole and an outlet hole formed in the upper plate and through which a fluid flows into or out of, respectively. The micro-channel is constructed to be closed by pressure applied to the upper plate and elastically restored when the pressure is not applied. A micro fluid reaction method uses the micro fluid reaction vessel and a method of manufacturing forms the microfluid reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively determining surface area of a sample uses polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dispersed in a solution containing the sample, and determining the amount of PVP that has deposited on the sample.

Abstract: An equipment is provided to measure the gas permeability of a solid permeable material. The gas permeated through the material is collected in a solvent and the amount of gas permeated is estimated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the concentration of a blood substitute, such as cross-linked hemoglobin, in a serum or plasma specimen is rapidly and accurately identified and quantified. The method further takes the measured concentration of the blood substitute and uses it to correct for its effect, if any, on a measured analyte concentration, e.g., serum/plasma total protein. Further, the method allows for the determination of the concentration of true hemoglobin in the presence of blood substitutes. The method is carried out in respect of samples contained in a primary or secondary labelled tube, or a pipette tip used to dispense serum or plasma in a blood analyzer.

Abstract: Parallel flow reaction systems comprising four or more reaction channels are disclosed. Distribution systems, and parallel flow reaction systems comprising such distribution systems are also disclosed. Specifically, the distribution systems comprise one or more subsystems, including for example, a flow-partitioning subsystem for providing a different flow rate to each of the four or more reactors, a pressure-partitioning subsystem for providing a different reaction pressure in the reaction cavity of each of the four or more reactors, and a feed-composition subsystem for providing a different feed composition to each of the four or more reactors. In preferred embodiments, the one or more subsystems can comprise at least one set of four or more flow restrictors, each of the four or more flow restrictors having a flow resistance that varies relative to other flow restrictors in the set.

Abstract: Parallel flow chemical processing systems, such as parallel flow chemical reaction systems are disclosed. These systems are adapted to simultaneously and independently vary temperature between separate flow channels, preferably by employing separate, individual heating elements in thermal communication with each of four or more parallel flow reactors. The flow reactors are preferably isolated from each other using a thermal isolation system comprising fluid-based heat exchange. In preferred embodiments, the axial heat flux can be fixedly or controllably varied.

Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.

Abstract: A combinatorial, high-throughput screening method is described for developing new coatings having a performance characteristic of a coating property which results in a substantial increase in the discovery rate of new coating materials. The method includes the steps of providing an array of wells (18) for receiving candidate coating materials having a parameter; placing coating materials in each well (16) while varying the coating material parameter correlating the coating material position in the array to the variation of the coating material parameter; applying a coating leveling force to and optionally drying the coating materials in the array of coating wells (19); testing the coatings with regard to the desired performance characteristic (21) and correlating the result of the test to the well position in the array that thereby coating materials having the desired performance characteristic may be discovered.

Abstract: A system for determining a reagent solution quality indicator includes a reagent solution source for supplying the reagent solution to an emissions catalyst configured to receive a NOx-containing gas therethrough, means for determining a flow rate of NOx reduced from the gas by the catalyst, means for determining a flow rate of the reagent solution into the catalyst, and a control circuit determining the reagent solution quality indicator as a function of the NOx flow rate and the reagent solution flow rate. The system may additionally be configured to diagnose reagent solution quality by configuring the control circuit to monitor the reagent solution quality indicator over time and produce a fault value if the reagent solution quality indicator crosses a reagent quality indicator threshold, and to diagnose the catalyst by producing another fault value if the catalyst capacity point falls outside of a catalyst capacity point threshold.

Abstract: A process for evaporating a liquid feed and reacting said feed in the presence of catalyst to make product within a reactor having both an evaporation zone and a reaction zone comprises the steps of providing packing in the evaporation zone, providing catalyst in the reaction zone, introducing the liquid feed to the evaporation zone through an injector having an orifice, where the orifice and the packing define a gap that is sufficiently small to interfere with the formation of a liquid drop at the orifice, vaporizing the liquid feed within the evaporation zone to form a vapor, flowing the vapor to the reaction zone and contacting, at reaction conditions, the vapor with a catalyst to form product.

Abstract: Workstation, apparatuses and methods for the high-throughput synthesis, screening and/or characterization of combinatorial libraries. The invention relates to an array, which permits various high-throughput methods for synthesis, screening and/or characterization in the same array, without requiring sample transfer from the array. In a preferred embodiment, the synthesis, screening, and/or characterization steps are carried out in a highly parallel fashion, where more than one compound is synthesized, screened, and/or characterized at the same time. The invention may be practiced at the microscale. The array may comprise thermal channels, for regulating the temperature of the wells in the array. The wells of the array may comprise a membrane, which is used in various screening and characterization methods. The invention also relates to a covered array, comprising the array and an array cover, as well as an apparatus comprising the array, which comprises the array, an array cover and a stage.

Abstract: An artificial test soil is composed of particulate, hair, and fiber components, wherein the particulate component consists of mineral, food, and plant materials, so chosen and proportioned as to correlate to a typical soil found in the home. The test soil may be used to test cleaning products by application of a known amount thereof to a surface, cleaning the surface, and determination of the amount of soil removed from the surface.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a housing (30) having a fluid-tight seal and a probe (10), adapted to carry a catalyst or sorbent (37), for monitoring a process fluid stream or the behavior of a catalyst or sorbent placed therein. The use of such an instrument permits investigation of catalyst or sorbent behavior in process fluid streams without the need for process shut down or construction of separate process equipment.

Abstract: A sequential processing reactor vessel and method is disclosed for accelerated extraction and fractionation of chemical analytes from complex solid sample materials. The device and method provide for sequential extraction of elemental constituents from solid materials by sequentially contacting target samples within a single reaction vessel using a series of different reagents at temperatures as high as 150° C. and pressures up to 150 psi to accelerate reactions. The aggressive chemical treatments provided by the disclosed device and method enable the complete digestion of solid samples in liquid analyte samples that can be directly analyzed by conventional spectrometry or other suitable methods. The disclosed device and method provide for efficient sample processing and accelerated reactions to significantly reduce processing times and costs for elemental analysis of solids while improving accuracy, precision and reliability of results compared to conventional devices and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: A protective overlayer for a sensor array sensing surface includes an amorphous fluoropolymer overlayer overlaid on different sensing films, the amorphous fluoropolymer being resistant to common organic solvents, alkaline and acid solutions.

Abstract: A sample tube accumulator for holding and queuing a plurality of sample tubes, such as blood collection tubes, during a procedure. The sample tube accumulator includes a loading portion configured to accept a plurality of sample tubes, a first accumulating portion integral with the loading portion and configured to store the plurality of sample tubes, a filling portion integral with the first accumulating portion and configured to accept one of the plurality of sample tubes during a procedure, and a second accumulating portion integral with the filling portion and configured to store the plurality of sample tubes after the procedure. Each of the plurality of sample tubes is capable of movement between the loading portion, the first accumulating portion, the filling portion, and the second accumulating portion.

Abstract: A library of material samples is screened for properties such as permeability. A library of material samples is provided. A stimulus such as an exposure to a permeate fluid is provided to each member of the library. A response of each of the material samples due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding the properties of the material samples.

Abstract: A reaction device comprises a flexible, fluid-impervious pouch and an analytical sensor for real time, in situ, reversible measurement of properties of materials within the pouch. The sensor can be integrally connected to the pouch or it can be free of such connection. Preferably, the analytical sensor comprises a responsive element that can be located inside or on the pouch, a processing element that can be located outside the pouch, and a means for transmitting information between the responsive element and the processing element. The transmitting means can include one or more of electrical, optical, magnetic, nuclear and mechanical means. The pouch can be used singly or it can be a member of a combinatorial array of pouches that can be used in producing a library of materials. A method monitors changes in properties of materials within the pouch.

Abstract: Ways for reproducibly making liquid gradients with a high degree of precision are provided. Different regions in the gradient are preformed by premixing liquids usable for other components of the gradient to form an intermediate gradient component that is then added to the vessel. The system is particularly adapted for making non-linear and multiple overlapping different gradients in the same liquid in the same vessel.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and display disposed on the outer housing for showing items. The sensor dispensing instrument further comprises a power button for turning the sensor dispensing instrument on and off, a scroll button for scroll through the items, and a select button for selecting an item.

Abstract: The present invention is a chemiresistor for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical species that consists of a very thin film of particles, nanoclusters, deposited on an insulating substrate and contacted by electrodes. The particles have a metallic core, preferably spheroidal, that is less than 5 nm in diameter and surrounded by an monolayer ligand shell ranging in thickness from 0.4 nm to 2 nm. The Coulomb blockade effects upon which the invention operates result in nonlinear current-voltage characteristics which dramatically improves sensitivity with much lower power dissipation. One property of the ligand shell is that its chemical composition can be chosen to be especially receptive to a particular chemical vapor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject array assay devices are characterized by having a housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a substrate insertion slot dimensioned to be substantially flush with a substrate having at least one array inserted therethrough. The subject device may also include a sealing element for forming seals around a plurality of arrays on the substrate to provide individual assay areas. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject array assay device is provided, a substrate having at least one array is inserted through the substrate insertion slot, a sample is contacted to the at least one array and an array assay is performed. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject array assay devices are characterized by having a substrate having at least one array sealed between a rigid bottom surface and a cover, wherein the rigid bottom surface and the cover are sealed to each other by a frangible seal. The subject device may also include a sealing element for forming seals around a plurality of arrays to provide individual assay areas. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject array assay device is provided, a sample is contacted to the at least one array and an array assay is performed. The frangible seal may then be broken to expose the at least one array. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: Array assay devices and methods for using the same in array based assays are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a bottom surface, a substrate receiving element and a compression element for holding the bottom surface in a fixed position relative to a substrate received by the receiving element. The subject invention also includes methods for performing an array assay. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and a substrate having at least one array is placed in the receiving element. The bottom surface of the device is compressed by the compression element so as to fix its position relative to the substrate and a sample is contacted to the at least one array. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

Abstract: A sensor and method for making a sensor includes providing a substrate having an adhesion layer with a first functional group operatively associated with a sol-gel composition having a second functional group, and at least one linker material for connecting the first functional group to the second functional group. In another embodiment, a sensor and method for making the sensor includes providing a sol-gel layer operatively associated with a sol-gel precursor solution that includes at least one co-polymer and at least one solvent adapted to resist the deformation of the sol-gel layer by decreasing evaporation, decreasing cross-linking, increasing intermolecular forces, or increasing elasticity.

Abstract: A process is described for determining the stability of asphaltenes in oil fields, which comprises the following steps: a) titrations of stock tank oil are carried out; the values measured are then used, together with physico-chemical analyses of the stock tank oil, to thermodynamically characterize the asphaltenes and the heavy oil fraction; b) using the physico-chemical analyses of live oil, the experimental data relating to its phase behavior are interpolated in order to provide a better representation by means of an equation of state; c) using the equation of state thus calibrated and the characterization of the asphaltenes, the stability of the latter is verified in relation to the temperature and pressure of live oil, using the equation describing the behavior of a sterically stabilized colloid.

Abstract: A diffusion-based method for detecting activity of a biologic or chemical species is described. The method includes supplying the biologic or chemical species to a finite volume diffusion channel having a transport axis. The method further includes supplying a reactive constituent in fluid communication with the biologic or chemical species, whereby the reactive constituent is known or suspected of being reactive to the biologic or chemical species. The method further includes detecting the presence or absence of a diffusion gradient occurring between the biologic or chemical species and the reactive constituent. The presence or absence of the diffusion gradient can then be correlated to the presence or absence of activity of the biologic or chemical species.

Abstract: A device for use in detection of airborne contaminants, and a method of using the device. The device includes: a flexible substrate having a front side and a back side; a contaminant carrier located on said front side; an adhesive located on said back side; and, a unique identifier located on one of said front side and said back side. The contaminant carrier may be a material adapted to receive and chemically bond with an airborne contaminant; adapted to receive and ionically bond with an airborne contaminant; or adapted to receive and physically hold an airborne contaminant.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject devices are meters characterized by having an internal structure that includes a test strip selecting element having a continuously reduced cross-sectional area configured to select a single test strip at a time and means for determining the concentration of an analyte in a physiological sample applied to the selected test strip. In the subject methods for containing at least one test strip and dispensing a single test strip at a time, a meter having at least one test strip contained therein is provided. The meter is positioned with respect to the ground to cause the single test strip to move from a contained position to a dispensed position. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a base and a cover, where the cover includes a test strip selecting element. The subject devices may also be characterized by having a test strip holding means, which may include a cover with resiliently deformable walls and/or a gravity controlled test strip holding mechanism. In the subject methods, a test strip container with at least one test strip is provided and placed into a position that causes at least one test strip contained in the base to move into the cover so that a single test strip is selected for use. The subject methods may also include positioning the device in a particular orientation that causes a selected test strip to be held in a fixed position. The subject invention also includes kits which include the subject devices.

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: An instrument for microwave-assisted chemical processes is disclosed that provides greater flexibility in carrying out microwave-assisted chemistry under varying conditions. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, and a cavity in communication with the source, with the cavity including at least one wall formed of two engaged portions that form a barrier to the transmission of microwaves when so engaged. The engaged portions are disengagable from one another, and one of the portions includes a microwave-attenuating opening.

Abstract: The system for analyzing multiple samples includes a plurality of portable of sample supports each for accommodating a plurality of samples thereon, and an identification mechanism for identifying each sample location on each of the plurality of sample supports. The mass spectrometer is provided for analyzing each of the plurality of samples when positioned within a sample receiving chamber, and a laser source strikes each sample with a laser pulse to desorb and ionize sample molecules. The support transport mechanism provided provides for automatically inputting and outputting each of the sample supports from the sample receiving chamber of the mass spectrometer. A vacuum lock chamber receives the sample supports and maintains at least one of the sample supports within a controlled environment while samples on another of the plurality of sample supports are being struck with laser pulses.