Abstract: A titration apparatus includes a titration measuring cell with a titration vessel, a valve device, and a first pump for sucking liquid through a first fluid line into a temporary storage container and transporting it via a second fluid line into the titration vessel. The temporary storage container is arranged in a fluid path between the first pump and the valve device. A third fluid line connects the first pump to the temporary storage container and is filled with a working liquid that does not affect the titration. A second pump conveys a volumetric solution into the titration vessel. An electronic controller controls the first and the second pumps and the valve device to convey a liquid from the first liquid supply into the temporary storage container to transport the liquid into the titration vessel and transport the volumetric solution into the titration vessel to carry out titration.

Abstract: Systems for quantifying a target analyte concentration in a process solution are provided and can be used, for example, in methods for quantifying a target analyte concentration. These systems and methods include continuous automated titration methods that use titration chemistries to measure the target analyte concentration in the process solution. The method steps provide for efficient and robust automated titration methods for a variety of target analytes and can include methods that provide for methods that provide a dynamic range for measurement of target analyte concentrations.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: A system and method for performing automated titrations. An automatic titrator utilizes control devices and sensors adapted for various chemical reactions to perform titrations and determine the content of a desired component of a solution. Batch and continuous mode titrations are possible. Titrant is added to a sample either in varying amounts or rates and a titration endpoint is observed via sensors. Control devices detect when the titration endpoint occurs and calculates the desired content. Various reactions within the solution may be suppressed in order to titrate isolated components individually.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring a concentration of a halogenated disinfectant in swimming pools or the like and a device for implementing the method. The method comprises: a liquid-injection step of injecting the liquid to be analyzed into the analysis chamber; a reagent-injection step of injecting a reagent into the analysis chamber; a measurement step of measuring the liquid/reagent mixture by colorimetry; a processing step of processing the measurement in relation to data; and a verification step of verifying the colorimetric measurement when the measurement corresponds to the reagent being bleached or to an absence of reaction color.

Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.

Abstract: An automated system and process for the titration of either Waste vegetable oil (WVO) or virgin vegetable oil during its chemical conversion into Biodiesel. A system capable of automatically measuring and controlling the addition of a suitable amount of titration fluid is controlled in reaction to a pH level measurement tool, as determined by sensors and software. The process comprises forming a single phase solution of WVO and titrant in a ratio of between 10:1 to 50:1.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer according to the present invention is compact, mounting great number of reagents, having high processing ability. Reagent disks are arranged at inside and outside of a reaction disk. A reagent probe can inject a reagent into the position which is common position of both reagent disks. One of plural reagent probes approaches to one of reagent disks at one cycle. Plural reagent probes alternatively approach to the reagent disk. Therefore, the first reagents and the second reagents can be placed on both reagent disks. The mounting number of reagents can be increased without enlarging an analyzer. The cycle time can be shortened to make an automatic analyzer to have high processing ability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock fouling tendency for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes.

Abstract: A pH measurement system using a glass pH sensor includes a power supply applying a voltage to the glass pH sensor through a resistor; a detector detecting the output voltage of the glass pH sensor; and a calculator calculating the pH of a solution based on the detected output voltage. The resistor provides a resistance of at least ten times less than the equivalent internal resistance of the glass pH sensor. The pH measurement system can improve the response rate by reducing the time constant depending on the dynamic characteristics of the glass pH sensor, and it is possible to diagnose whether the pH measurement system is defective or not by calculating the equivalent internal resistance and the supply voltage of the glass pH sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for protein separation and purification includes a mixing loop, a primary pump having an inlet in communication with a supply of an acid or an alkali and an outlet in communication with the mixing loop. A concentrate pump has an inlet in communication with a supply of an acid or an alkali and an outlet in communication with the mixing loop. A liquid chromatography column is in communication with the mixing loop and is packed with an ion exchange resin and loaded with a protein solution containing a first protein having a first isoelectric point and a second protein having a second isoelectric point. A process control feedback loop in communication with the mixing loop includes an inline process pH analyzer so that a pH of a titration solution in the mixing loop may be detected and adjusted based on the detected pH.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of increasing the efficiency of producing a bioproduct. In some embodiments, the method increases the quantity of a bioproduct produced, or decreases bioproduct production time, in a bioreactor cell culture producing the bioproduct, the method comprising, (a) intermittently or continuously analyzing the concentration of one or more nutrients in the bioreactor cell culture; and (b) adding to the bioreactor cell culture additional nutrient media when the concentration of the one or more nutrients is lower than a target value.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which liquids can be moved or mixed. Microwaves strike and heat materials that are highly susceptible to microwave heating. The susceptible materials are on, within, or near materials that melt or change shape in response to temperature increases. Upon microwave irradiation, these materials change shape (e.g., shrink or melt), causing the movement of liquids. The invention is important in many microfluidics applications, especially in biomedical analysis, where it is valuable to be able to move small volumes of liquids (e.g., on a microarray chip).

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 and device have an electrode rod (1; 21) for a pH meter. The electrode rod (1; 21) has a measuring end (2; 22) for immersion into a liquid test sample (31), wherein the measuring end (2; 22) has a pH measuring element, and wherein electrical feed lines (5) in the electrode rod (1; 21) extend towards the pH measuring element. A plurality of capillaries (8, 9, 10; 23) for feeding liquids and gas into the test sample (31) extend in the electrode rod (1; 21) and have outlet openings (11, 12, 13; 24) in the area of the measuring end (2; 22). The method and device facilitate and accelerate preparation of liquid test samples and adjustment of a pH value for small amounts of test samples or narrow sample containers in NMR spectroscopy applications.

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 for dispensing a sample solution and a reagent into a container in a chemical analyser includes a first step of dispensing a reagent into a container, a second step of dispensing a sample solution into the container after the first step, and a third step of dispensing the reagent into the container after the second step. A dilution cup includes an inner face where a diameter of a horizontal section increases on at least one position from a bottom to a top, an opening portion surrounding an opening, where a sample solution is dispensed, located on or near the top, a reagent aperture portion surrounding an aperture where a reagent is dispensed such that the sample solution and the reagent create an upswing spiral flow, and a drain aperture portion surrounding a drain aperture, where a mixed solution of the sample solution and the reagent is discharged, located on or near the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

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: Embodiments of techniques for determining the concentrations of one or more acid components of a multiple acid solution are presented herein.

Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution has a reaction cell for receiving a sample, a titrant dropper for releasing one or more drops of titrant into the sample, a first photosensor for sensing disruptions of light for every drop of titrant released, and a controller that communicates with the photosensor and computes the concentration of the chemical agent based on the number of disruptions of light at the photosensor. The present invention also includes a method for sensing and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution. The method includes having a sample containing the chemical agent, triggering the release of a number of drops of titrant into the sample, detecting the number of drops released into the sample, and computing the concentration of the chemical agent in the sample based on the number of drops of titrant released into the sample.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel means by which chemical preparations can be made. Reactions can be accelerated on special chips using microwave energy. The chips contain materials that efficiently absorb microwave energy causing chemical reaction rate increases. The invention is important in many small scale chemical transformations including those used in protein chemistry and in combinatorial chemistry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample cell with a glass body comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet and at least one orifice, a plane glass window is fused into the orifice, the shape and size of the window corresponds to the shape and size of the orifice, the orifice is limited by a rim, the rim is wider than the thickness of the window, the rim of the window is fused with the rim of the orifice. The invention further relates to a method of producing the sample cell. The window is inserted into the orifice. The rim of the orifice is heated several times from the exterior in such a way that the glass melts and a fused joint is formed between the window and the rim of the orifice. The sample cell produced by the method has a particularly rigid joint between the window and the glass body. Therefore, this glass cell is able to withstand pressures above 10 bar and allows the passage of light without lens effects owing to its plane-parallel windows. The sample cell is used in a polarizer for inert gas.

Abstract: A multicomponent fluid composition monitoring and compositional control system, in which a component analysis is effected by titration or other analytical procedure, for one or more components of interest, and a computational means then is employed to determine and responsively adjust the relative amount or proportion of the one or more components in the multicomponent fluid composition, to maintain a predetermined compositional character of the multicomponent fluid composition. The system is usefully employed in semiconductor manufacturing photoresist and post-etch residue removal, in which the cleaning medium is a semi-aqueous solvent composition, and water is the monitored and responsively adjusted component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.

Abstract: A multicomponent fluid composition monitoring and compositional control system, in which a component analysis is effected by titration or other analytical procedure, for one or more components of interest, and a computational means then is employed to determine and responsively adjust the relative amount or proportion of the one or more components in the multicomponent fluid composition, to maintain a predetermined compositional character of the multicomponent fluid composition. The system is usefully employed in semiconductor manufacturing photoresist and post-etch residue removal, in which the cleaning medium is a semi-aqueous solvent composition, and water is the monitored and responsively adjusted component.

Abstract: A method for measuring an evolution rate of a gas from a sample includes equilibrating a sample with an alkaline solution and a pH indicator and permitting the alkaline solution to absorb formed carbon dioxide in an enclosed headspace. From the pH indicator at equilibrium is determined a time increment at which an increment of the alkaline solution is consumed by the CO2. Carbon dioxide evolution rate is calculated from the time increment, the volume increment, and the alkaline solution concentration. A device for performing this measurement includes a sample vial and a reaction chamber having an opening adapted for mating with a sample vial opening and an opening for receiving the solution. The reaction chamber is dimensioned for equilibrating the sample with the alkaline solution and for determining the time increment required for an increment of the alkaline solution to be consumed by CO2.

Abstract: The concentration of citrate complexing agent in an electroless cobalt or nickel plating bath is determined by titrating a sample of the electroless plating bath containing a small concentration of free fluoride ion with a standard lanthanum nitrate solution. During the titration, La3+ ion first reacts preferentially with the citrate complexing agent and then with fluoride ion, which reduces the free fluoride ion concentration. The endpoint for the titration is indicated by a substantial decrease in the free fluoride ion concentration, which is detected via a fluoride ion specific electrode (ISE). The method can be used for analysis of other complexing agents.

Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of phenol extracted into an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide uses a measurement of the pH of the solution, from which the equivalents of phenol relative to alkali metal hydroxide in solution is determined. A method for optimizing the use of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide in a phenol recovery process uses pH measured to regulate the feed rate of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for titration comprising guiding a sample to be titrated through a conduit, adding a reagent to said conduit at at least two entrance positions along said conduit in such a manner that said reagent will react with the sample within at least one individual sector of the conduit, defined as the space between two consecutive entrance positions or a final individual sector defined between a final entrance position and a sample exit point of the conduit, while at least one detection device positioned at the end of each sector of said conduit register the chemical and/or physical status. A pressure difference is provided between the reagent delivery device and the sample conduit such that the pressure difference measured between the reagent delivery device and the end of the final individual sector is controlled to be greater than the total pressure drop between the sample delivery point and the end of the final individual sector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selective method for measuring lipid antioxidant activity within a lipid compartment of a sample using lipophilic radical generators and oxidizable lipophilic indicators. The present invention accurately and efficiently determines the total antioxidant activity of a sample in both lipid and aqueous compartments. The methods of the invention can be used for diagnosing and protecting against disorders that arise from excess free radicals present in a subject. The reagents used in the methods of the invention can also be provided in a kit assay.

Abstract: The accurate determination of the presence of a fluid in a container is determined by assessing the difference in various pressure readings relative to a threshold value. The method distinguishes between actual aspiration of a fluid and aspiration of a film that can otherwise lead one to believe that fluid has been aspirated when it has not. The method is particularly useful in clinical analyzers such as automated enzyme immunoassay devices.

Abstract: A test method and apparatus for determining the content of carboxylic acid-based corrosion inhibitors in a coolant or heat exchange fluid. The amount of acidic reagent added to the coolant or fluid between two pH equilibrium points is measured to determine the amount of inhibitors. The refractive index can be measured to determine the amount of freezing point depressant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a titration method for determining the concentration of a base developer solution to within ±0.02 mN, which involves performing steps (a) and (b) in any order: (a) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of a solution of aqueous base developer of known approximate normality; (b) weighing to ±0.001%, an amount of an acid titrant sufficient to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution of step (a); thereafter performing steps (c)-(e) in the following order: (c) contacting the aqueous base developer solution with the acid titrant to neutralize at least 90% of the base developer in the solution, and leaving from about 1% to about 10% of the original aqueous base developer as residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution; (d) titrating the residual non-neutralized base developer in the solution with the acid titrant to the end point in an inert atmosphere, wherein the temperature of the titrant is maintained at a temperature of about 20-30° C.±0.

Abstract: A method for detection of human parvovirus B19, comprising the steps of: (1) bringing a sample into contact with fixed P-antigen positive red cells in a medium at pH 5.6±0.6; and (2) determining whether or not hemagglutination occurs; and a reagent for detecting human parvovirus B19, wherein the reagent comprises fixed P-antigen positive red cells.

Abstract: In a process for titrating substances by adding increments of a titrant in time intervals, the course of the reaction is monitored in its approach toward the end point (EP), and the addition of titrant is controlled. At least one differential component is determined from the course of the reaction and used for controlling the addition of titrant. The process can be performed by an apparatus that includes a delivery unit for the titrant and suitable devices for performing the monitoring, differentiating and control functions.

Abstract: A system for detecting a specific substance or analyte of interest is provided that includes one or more sensing units and an instrument for analyzing the sensing units. Each sensing unit preferably includes a substrate, an attachment layer and at least one capture layer that includes a ligand layer. In one embodiment, the attachment layer is tripartite and includes a lower binding surface held to the substrate and an upper binding surface that holds the ligand layer, together with an insulating layer disposed between these two surfaces. The lower binding surface provides a durable and stable attachment to the substrate. The upper binding surface holds the ligand layer and does not jeopardize the integrity or viability thereof. The insulating layer prevents any unwanted interaction between the lower and upper binding surfaces. Each sensing unit is supported on a test piece received by the instrument. The instrument controllably positions the test piece using marks and/or codes on the test piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming microarrays of biological samples on a support are disclosed. The method involves dispensing a known volume of a reagent at each selected array position, by tapping a capillary dispenser on the support under conditions effective to draw a defined volume of liquid onto the support. The apparatus is designed to produce a microarray of such regions in an automated fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis device with a multi-way valve which is connected, via a pump line, to a bidirectional pump. A storage member for storing a sample fed to it and any auxiliary substances is accommodated in the pump line. The multi-way valve is connected, via two separate discharge lines, to an analysis vessel. The multi-way valve and the pump are controlled, with the aid of a microprocessor, in such a manner that the following steps are carried out:a. connecting a first feed line to the pump line via the multi-way valve, in order to feed sample to the storage member,b. using the pump to suck the sample into the storage member,c. connecting the pump line, via the multi-way valve, to a first discharge line which opens into the analysis vessel,d. feeding some of the sample present in the storage member to the analysis vessel via the pump and via the first discharge line,e. connecting the pump line to the flushing line via the multi-way valve,f.

Abstract: A novel surface exposed protein of Haemophilus influenzae or related Haemophilus species is described. The protein named protein D is an Ig receptor for human IgD and has an apparent molecular weight of 42,000. Protein D can be detected in all of 116 encapsulated and non-encapsulated isolates of H. influenzae studied. The protein from all strains shows in addition to the same apparent molecular weight immunogenic similarities since protein D from all strains interacts with three different mouse monoclonal antibodies and monoclonal human IgD. A method for purification of protein D is described. Cloning of the protein D gene from H. influenzae in E. coli is described as well as the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing automated testing of infections biological specimens is disclosed. The apparatus comprise a process controller for translating user commands into test instrument suite commands, and a test instrument suite comprising a means to treat the specimen to manifest an observable result, and a detector for measuring the observable result to generate specimen test results.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing specimens for infection by a retrovirus is described. The apparatus comprises a process controller including a communications module for translating user commands into test instrument suite commands and a means for communicating specimen test results to a user. The apparatus further comprises a test instrument suite including a means for treating the specimen to manifest an observable result and a detector for measuring the observable result.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorimetric titration method, a titrator and colorimeter device. The titrating apparatus comprises radiant energy means for producing radiant energy. The device includes means for modulating an amplitude of an intensity of the radiant energy at a modulation frequency. The radiant energy is partially absorbed by an adjacent solution within a sample beaker having a color indicator dissolved therein. Radiant energy focusing means focuses the modulated radiant energy transmitted through the sample and beaker on radiant energy detection means. The radiant energy detection means produces a transmitted signal wherein an intensity of the transmitted signal is directly proportional to the intensity of transmitted energy. Filtering means filters the transmitted signal, such that a center frequency of the filtering means matches the modulation frequency of the radiant energy means.

Abstract: An on-line control and monitoring system for automatically and continuously analyzing key process indicators in a wet lime/limestone flue gas desulfurization process is provided. The on-line control and monitoring system obtains a slurry and/or a slurry flitrate which is directed at selected fluid flow rates to one or more analytical devices each selected to analyze a flue gas desulfurization process indicator. Data is provided to a data acquisition system which processes the analysis results from the analytical devices and provides flue gas desulfurization process control information. This on-line monitoring and control system can be used to monitor and control the addition rate of performance enhancement additives such as organic acids, thiosulfate, oxidation air and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the metabolic state of neutrophils present in the body of a patient. In particular, the present invention involves the measurement of the rates of in vitro glycolysis in blood samples taken from individuals as a function of the number of selected cells present in the blood sample, including neutrophils and red blood cells. The physiologic information provided by the present method, which, for example, indicates whether an individual's neutrophils are in a quiescent, primed or activated state, allows the medical practitioner to attain a better understanding of the patient's condition and, consequently, assists in the diagnosis and formulation of proper treatment.

Abstract: The total alkalinity of an aqueous metalworking fluid is monitored and controlled by a continuous titration method that continuously supplies a stream of the metalworking fluid, at a known, controllable flow rate, to a flow through chamber having therein a static mixing element. Simultaneously and separately a stream of acid titrant, of known acid concentration is injected into the flow through chamber at a known controllable flow rate. The acid titrant and metalworking fluid mix and react in the chamber and the reacted metalworking fluid exiting the chamber passed over the tip of a pH electrode. The pH of the reacted metalworking fluid is continuously monitored and the output of the pH electrode used to adjust the flow of acid titrant to the chamber until an endpoint pH valve (typically a pH of 4) is reached.

Abstract: An automated analysis system is provided for the determination of impurities in a liquified hydrocarbon stream. The system employs a hydrocarbon capture vessel for capturing a hydrocarbon sample, a water scrubbing vessel for extracting impurities from the hydrocarbon sample and a titration zone for analyzing the amount of impurities in the aqueous extract.

Abstract: A system for coulometric TCO.sub.2 analysis wherein a sample bottle is pressurized by a head space gas having a CO.sub.2 composition which approximates the dissolved CO.sub.2 concentration in the sample. The head space gas transfers to sample to a pipette. The sample is then transferred to a stripper where the sample is degassed. Two carrier gas lines flush the stripper and transfer the CO.sub.2 to a coulometer.