Abstract: This invention provides a measuring apparatus for microanalysis, which can be simply manufactured and can realize a number of analyses and measurements in a small analyte amount and particularly can analyze and measure a number of analytes having different concentrations and different analytes in a simultaneous and easy manner, and a measurement method of microanalysis using the apparatus. The measuring apparatus for microanalysis is characterized by comprising detection parts of m lines and n rows in communication with a micropassage for a waste solution, chambers of m lines and n rows in communication with the respective detection parts through a mixing flow passage, n first micropassages in communication with the respective line chambers through a passive valve, m second micropassages in communication with respective row chambers through a passive valve, and third micropassages in communication with the respective chambers for supplying gas and/or a washing solution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for storing the prepared samples.

Abstract: A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port and an output port. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid at the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically performing chemical, biochemical and biological analyses.

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: The invention discloses an analytical strip reading apparatus and the analytical strip used therein. The analytical strip reading apparatus comprises a housing, a monitor, a delivering device, an optical reader, a reaction signal reader and a control module. The analytical strip comprises at least one optically readable pattern which comprises identification information of the analytical strip.

Abstract: A method for controlling a tissue processor and a tissue processor for processing tissue samples is described. A retort is provided including a cover that can be opened and closed by an operator. The retort cover is closed prior to tissue processing. The actuation state of a first and a second operating element can be determined. An operator is prompted to confirm unlocking of the closed retort cover by actuating a second operating element. The tissue processing is interrupted when an actuation of the second operating element is determined and the closed retort cover is unlocked and is continued after the retort cover is once again locked. After having completed tissue processing the retort cover is unlocked. By means of the described method and tissue processor improper intervention during ongoing tissue processing is prevented.

Abstract: An ion analyzing apparatus includes a sensor; a counter electrode having openings, the counter electrode being positioned so as to substantially surround the sensor; and a bias generating circuit coupled to the sensor, wherein the sensor includes quartz crystal and a pair of electrodes positioned on surface of the quartz crystal, and one of the pair of electrodes is coupled to the bias generating circuit.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a first container set section in which a first reagent container, wherein the first container set section includes a first operating section which is operated by a user when setting the first reagent container; a first detector configured to detect an operation of the first operating section; a second container set section in which a second reagent container, wherein the second container set section includes a second operating section which is operated by the user when setting the second reagent container; a second detector configured to detect an operation of the second operating section; an output section; and a controller configured to control the output section to output a predetermined notification, if the second detector detects the operation of the second operating section by the user when it is required to set the first reagent container in the first container set section.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of analyzing a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a sample cartridge having at least one channel for fluid sample passage; b) providing an analysis device having imaging hardware, a programmable analyzer, and a sample motion system, which sample motion system includes a bidirectional fluid actuator operable to selectively move a bolus of sample axially within the channel, and to cycle the bolus back and forth within the channel; and c) cycling the bolus of sample disposed within the channel at a predetermined frequency until constituents within the sample are substantially uniformly distributed, using the bidirectional fluid actuator.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: A device for measuring/determining a physical quantity of a medium. The device comprises a sensor part and an electronic part, whereby at least the electronic part is arranged inside a housing and at least one fuel cell is provided which at least partially covers the energy demand of the device.

Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting failures in an analyzer for conducting clinical assays. Potential errors that can result in assay failures in an analyzer are identified, as are their potential sources. The probability that an error source so identified will result in a clinically significant error is also determined. Available potential detection measures corresponding to the source of potential errors are identified with a combination of such measures selected and implemented based on their probability of detecting such errors within an acceptable limit with a concomitant low probability of the false detection of an assay failure. Each of the measures selected are functionally independent of others chosen to address the source of the error and are not subject to the same inherent means of failed detection. Applications of the method in a clinical analyzer are also presented.

Abstract: A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which is produced by applying the molecular imprinting method is disclosed. A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which has a molecule interacting with the target molecule in the polymer and in which the recognition field for a target molecule has been constructed and the above-described molecule interacting with the target molecule is detachable and replaceable. This molecular recognition polymer can be produced by synthesizing a complex of the target molecule with a molecule capable of specifically and reversibly binding to the target molecule, copolymerizing this complex with a molecule interacting with the target molecule and a crosslinking agent to give a polymer, and then detaching the target molecule and the molecule interacting with the target molecule from the polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.

Abstract: Aspirating a liquid, includes: providing an aspirating probe comprising probe tip and piston pump, wherein the probe tip and piston pump are in fluid communication; measuring an initial gas pressure in the probe prior to liquid entering the liquid being aspirated; moving the tip into the liquid; moving the piston a distance corresponding to the volume of liquid being aspirated; measuring gas pressure in the volume of gas when the piston stops moving and the liquid pulled into the tip has equilibrated; determining piston volume created by movement of the piston; and determining volume of liquid aspirated by the following formula: Vliquid aspirated=Vpiston volume?((Pinitial?Pfinal)*Volume/unit pressure), wherein Pinitial is initial gas pressure before liquid enters the tip, Pfinal is the final pressure of volume of gas after the liquid has equilibrated, and Volume/unit pressure is the change of gas volume for each change of unit pressure.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer and method of mass spectrometry are disclosed wherein two separate samples are mass analysed and then the relative intensity, concentration or expression level of one or more components, molecules or analytes in a first sample is quantitated relative to the intensity, concentration or expression level of one or more components, molecules or analytes in a second sample. The relative quantitation is performed probabilistically without the need to resort to using internal calibrants.

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: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

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: The invention discloses a reaction cuvette wash unit comprising a cleaning needle assembly, a straight guide pair, a slide screw pair, a motor, a trigger component associated with a cleaning needle of the cleaning needle assembly in a manner to move with that cleaning needle, and a sensor used to sense the position of the trigger component. When the trigger component moves to a predetermined position, the sensor is triggered and sends a signal to a controller such that the controller controls in a manner to stop the motor. Each of cleaning needle components further comprises a sheath holder and an elastic member. The elastic member is designed to provide an elastic contact while the cleaning needles touch the bottom surface of the reaction cuvette, such that a relatively small force is exerted upon the bottom of the reaction cuvette, thereby effectively protecting the reaction cuvette from damage.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: A cleaning solution for automatic biochemical analyzers includes: at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal citrate, and a buffering agent stabilizing the pH value above 13.0. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution provides low residual rate of proteins, low residual rate of lipids, desirable within-batch repeatability in clinical testing, low level of cross-contamination, and low level of reactant deposit after cleaning, without affecting test results of the biochemical analyzer. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution has no corrosive effects on the liquid path and reaction cup of the analyzer. The ingredients of the cleaning solution may also be biodegradable.

Abstract: An automated standards sampling apparatus (50) and method for using such, apparatus are described. The apparatus can be integrated with a liquid analyzer to form a compact, integrated liquid analysis unit. When used in combination with a specially adapted vial se of standard liquids, the apparatus provides a system for automated, substantially error-free periodic calibration and accuracy verification for an online TOC analyzer (52). The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention facilitates the easy introduction of known concentrations of standard solutions and “grab” samples into online TOC analyzers to satisfy regulatory compliance, calibration, and validation requirements.

Abstract: A method of testing a liquid sample, a test unit, an and automatized system of a plurality of test units. The system is for large scale testing patient blood samples, comprising a large number of test units at different locations and connected through a common control unit. In an individual test unit there is a liquid dosing chamber, hermetically closed packages of calibrator and control liquids, closed liquid reagent packages, a liquid sample inlet and an actuator for dosing and mixing the reacting components and elements for registering results from the reactions. The test unit can calibrate, control and test reactions automatically under surveillance of the control unit. The system can use the same packaged liquids in each of the test units, enabling calculation of averages of the control results and, through comparison of individual results with an average, letting faults be detected through results outside permitted deviations.

Abstract: An evaporator and concentrator in a reactor and loading system concentrates ions such as fluoride ions in some embodiments, and evaporates micro- to milliliter volumes of liquid solutions including intermediate and final product in other embodiments. It efficiently re-dissolves the evaporated solution generating a product, which is transferred to an external system as desired. The external system may be a micro-fluidic reactor system and/or loading system. The evaporator/concentrator has an input port for introducing liquids and solids. A capillary tube introduces gas, such as nitrogen gas, into a volume of solution contained within a v-vial, which produces an evaporating micro bubbler. A concentric tube, surrounding the capillary tube in some embodiments, introduces gas into the empty volume above the solution inside the v-vial, which is referred to as a vapor sweep. The vapor sweep assists in removing the evaporated solution from the v-vial through a vacuum tube.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote control method which allows a technician, etc. in a support center to remote-control a clinical specimen processing device, and a remote control system, a status informing device and a control apparatus used for such a method. The remote control method of the present invention, which is a remote control method for remote-controlling the clinical specimen processing device that processes a clinical specimen, is designed so that an image of the clinical specimen processing device is picked up by an image pickup device, and the image picked up by the image pickup device is supplied to a control apparatus located at a remote place from the clinical specimen processing device through a communication network so that the picked-up image is displayed on the control apparatus.

Abstract: A Plasma or serum separation membrane that enables omitting centrifugal separation, is free from hemolysis attributed to destruction of red blood cells and realizes easy and rapid separation of plasma or serum from blood; and a filter apparatus including the plasma or serum separation membrane. In particular, a plasma or serum separation membrane being a membrane for separation of plasma or serum from blood and having a void ratio of 30% or below; and a filter apparatus comprising a filter member capable of attaining movement of plasma swifter than movement of blood cells and a plasma or serum separation membrane connected in series with a rear side of the filter member.

Abstract: A reaction method using a microreactor, comprises: forming, in a microchannel, an at least two-layered laminar flow in n kinds (n is an integer of 3 or more) of a fluid 1, a fluid 2, . . . , and a fluid n at least two kinds of which are mutually incompatible; and pulsating at least one kind of the fluids.

Abstract: A humidity control system for an analyte permeation testing instrument. The system includes (i) an analyte permeation testing instrument, (ii) a sensor for sensing a target analyte, (iii) a humidity control chamber, and (iv) a selectively permeable membrane permeable to water vapor and impermeable to the target analyte. The analyte permeation testing instrument defines a testing chamber operable for engaging a test film such that the testing chamber is sealingly separated by the test film into a first cell and a second cell throughout a permeation testing period. The sensor is placed in fluid communication with the first cell. The humidity control chamber is positioned adjacent the first cell and in fluid communication with both a source of gas having a known humidity and the first cell, with the selectively permeable membrane sealingly separating the humidity control chamber from the first cell.

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 micro- or nano-fluidic chip fabricated with a Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA), an acrylated polyurethane-based UV-polymerizable optical adhesive. The micro- or nano-fluidic chip has sequentially an inlet, a channel, and an outlet. The channel has a pillar in the region of the outlet to prevent beads from flowing out, and the surface of the channels in the micro- or nano-fluidic chip is hydrophilic, which generates spontaneous flow in the channels by a capillary force without any extra external pumping.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a colorimetric gas detector system that comprises a substrate (1) bearing a material (12) that can react with a target gas to produce a change in the wavelength of radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material (“color-change material”). The method involves: a) applying onto a region (15) of the substrate that includes color-change material a chemical of predetermined concentration that reacts directly or indirectly with the color-change material to produce a change in the wavelength of the radiation absorbed or transmitted by the material; b) detecting the radiation absorbed or transmitted in said region (15) at a wavelength absorbed or transmitted by the reaction product of the color change material with the chemical, and c) generating a signal in accordance with the amount of radiation detected at the second wavelength, said signal being dependent on the amount of color-change material on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling microbiological activity in a process stream by measuring dissolved oxygen is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and a system for effecting testing on a sample, such as for medical testing. The apparatus includes a sample chip (30) provided with at least two chambers (48,50) within which analyte and a sample to be tested can be located, one chamber being a mixing chamber (48) and the other a detection chamber (50), the latter being provided with a sensor or means to enable sensing of one or more parameters pertaining to the sample. A detector unit (70, 170) includes a slot (76) for holding a sample carrier (30), drive means (94) for moving parts of a sample from the mixing chamber (48) to the detection chamber (50), such as by electromagnetic force, sensing means (60) for sensing the one or more parameters, a diagnostic unit (84) for analysing the sensed parameters and a display unit (72) for displaying the results of the test to a user. The test unit (70, 170) is preferably handheld, which the sample carrier (30) is preferably in the form of a disposable chip.

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: Prior to adding detergent or chelant, the conductivity of water in a washing chamber is measured. The maximum concentration of hard water ions that could correspond to the measured conductivity is determined, i.e., it is assumed that all of the conductivity is from calcium and/or magnesium ions in the water even though other ions may in fact be contributing to the measured conductivity. Enough chelating agent is added to the chamber to sequester this maximum concentration of hard water ions and the conductivity is measured again. Using the two conductivity measurements, the actual concentration of hard water ions is determined. A chelant factor based on the actual concentration of hard water ions is then used to determine the amount of chelant to be added for subsequent wash cycles to sequester all of the hard water ions.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-phase permethylation procedure is described. For example, solid-phase permethylation can be utilized to prepare permethylated linear and branched, neutral and sialylated oligosaccharides, which can be analyzed by MALDI-MS.

Abstract: A demand initiated method for regenerating a water softener which operates the softener ion exchange bed over a capacity range in which the resin is most efficiently restored by exposure to brine. The reserve capacity of the softener is adjusted in response to the amount of softening capacity used since the last regeneration, as is the quantity of saturated brine to be used for the next regeneration, which is scheduled when the reserve capacity is exceeded, or the remaining available capacity will not be adequate for expected usage on the next day of the week. The method schedules a regeneration when the amount of exchange capacity of the resin bed used since the last regeneration plus the variation of exchange capacity used on the next day plus the average exchange capacity of the resin bed used on the next day is greater than the selected design exchange capacity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.

Abstract: A biosensor device (1) providing an analysis platform for detecting cell growth, comprising of an aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), a shear horizontal-surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) resonator including an input transducer (4) and an output transducer (5) symmetrically positioned on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), a counter electrode (6) positioned parallel to working electrodes (7) on the aluminum nitride (AlN) base (2), for transmitting frequency voltage towards the living cell (3), a plurality of working electrodes (7) positioned beneath the living cell (3) on the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2) for receiving frequency voltage from the living cell (3), an impedance analyzer (8) for receiving impedance readings from the counter electrode (6) and working electrodes (7), and a back-etched silicon substrate (9) coupled to the aluminium nitride (AlN) base (2), for reducing current loss, wherein the living cell (3) is positioned in between of the input transducer and output transducer on the aluminium nitri

Abstract: A sample processing system 101 that may be automated and methods are disclosed where sample(s) 198 are arranged on a carrier element 197 and a process operation control system 171 automatically processes the sample(s) perhaps robotically according to an desired aggregation of event dictated by an input 173. Alteration of an initial aggregated event topology may be accepted while the system is processing an initial aggregation and varied-parameter robotic control simulation functionalities 606 may be accomplished to determine an enhanced sequence for processing. Suggested operator actions may be displayed that might further enhance the scheduling of the altered aggregated event topology together with an automatic operator need prompt 608 that may inform an operator of a need for a particular action in order to accomplish the desired tasks.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins.

Abstract: The clinical specimen processing apparatus is provided with a discharge pipette and supply pipette for staining in conjunction a blood smear sample preparation operation, a top sensor for detecting whether or not the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are performed normally, and a controller for re-executing the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette based on the top sensor detecting that the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are not performed normally.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized fluid sample injector system consisting of a sample needle, multiport valve, sample loop, metering syringe and a pressure assist pump. The speed of sample transport into the sample loop is increased by pressurizing the fluid in the system and metering the sample into the sample loop. The elevated system pressure allows the fluids to be moved faster than the vapor pressure would normally allow in a system at ambient pressure.