Abstract: A method of and apparatus for flow injection analysis using a reaction chamber having a continuously variable volume, where the volume of the reaction chamber may be varied before, during or after introduction of an analyte solution and reagent solution into the reaction chamber. A microprocessor may be incorporated to control the volume of the reaction chamber and other components, either in a preprogrammed manner or in response to particular data measured by a detection device.

Abstract: This invention describes methods and kits for determining instrument linearity of a flow cytometer and is particularly useful as a control particle for use in conjunction with absolute cell counting methods. The particle used in the practice of this invention comprises a small fluorescent bead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a stream of liquid and air segments wherein the liquid and air segments are selectively aspirated into a first fluid conduit in a plurality of cycles, each cycle beginning with the aspiration of a first air segment and ending with the aspiration of a final air segment. The liquid and air segments are then transferred from the first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The volume of the final air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the final air segment has moved into the second fluid conduit. Next, the liquid segments and the air segments of each cycle are transferred from the second fluid conduit to a third fluid conduit. The volume of the first air segment of each cycle is then adjusted after the first air segment has moved into the third fluid conduit.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a rate at which a treatment fluid is introduced into a main stream to be treated so that a selected characteristic of the main stream matches a set point for the selected characteristic. A pilot stream is diverted from the main stream. The pilot stream is treated with a known amount of the treatment fluid and is analyzed to determine if the selected characteristic matches the set point for the selected characteristic. If the set point for the selected characteristic is matched in the pilot stream, a related amount of treatment fluid is introduced into the main stream. If analysis of the pilot stream indicates that the level of the selected characteristic is above or below the set point, the rate at which the treatment fluid is injected into the pilot stream and the main stream is appropriately adjusted to cause the selected characteristic in the pilot stream and the main stream to more closely match the set point for the selected characteristic.

Abstract: A method for fractionated distribution of a blood sample, includes the steps of: a) drawing up a blood sample into a needle; b) distributing via the needle an aliquot corresponding to a specific fraction of the blood sample drawn up, into a flow of a reagent, to thereby produce a mixture of the aliquot and of the reagent; c) collecting the mixture in a mixing and/or measuring receptacle; and d) repeating steps b) and c) at least once to distribute a further aliquot corresponding to a further specific fraction of the blood sample, into a further flow of reagent.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing and supplying multiple samples for rapid processing in flow cytometry. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating valve and at least one syringe. The invention is also a method for rapidly processing multiple samples in flow cytometry using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for generating high purity acid or base in an aqueous stream for use in analysis. For generating a base for anion chromatography, the aqueous stream is directed through a cation exchange bed having strongly acid first and weakly acidic second portions. An electrical potential is applied to the bed. Cations on the bed electromigrate into the aqueous stream while hydroxide ions are electrolytically generated to form a base-containing eluent. Analytes to be detected and the generated eluent flow through a detector.

Abstract: An analytical system comprises a frame and movable carriage. An analytical rotor is mounted on the carriage and can be translated among a sample dispensing station, a fluid dispensing station, and a label detection zone. In order to perform assays, the analyzer system requires only the introduction of the analytical rotor, sample, and a volume of diluent solution. Sample within the analyzer is contained at all times within either a sample receptacle or the rotor. The method allows for the sequential addition of sample and diluent in order to perform multiple assay steps and is particularly suitable for performing heterogeneous immunoassays. The use of fluorescent label in the system allows multiple analyte detection reactions to be performed from a single sample applied to a single rotor.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently analyzing an organic macromolecular component contained in a sample with high precision are provided. The method and apparatus for analyzing the organic macromolecular component are based on a flow analysis method with a measuring system including a sample introducing section, a preparing section, and a measuring section, composed of steps of supplying a sample with a carrier solution into the measurement system through the introducing section, leading the sample to the preparing section and separating an organic macromolecular component in the sample, and leading the separated organic macromolecular component to the measuring section and analyzing. Herein, the step of separating the organic macromolecular component includes steps of the organic macromolecular component in the sample being adsorbed on a resin and introducing an eluant into the preparing section and eluting the organic macromolecular component adsorbed on the resin.

Abstract: A method for performing a dilution step in a blood testing apparatus of a small, defined volume of a blood sample contained in a capillary tube, comprises the steps of providing an adapter for receiving the capillary tube, connecting the adapter to a conduit for diluting liquid, directing a flow of diluting liquid through the conduit and the adapter and at least partly through the capillary tube received therein, and collecting the defined volume of blood sample and the diluting liquid in a vessel. In a blood testing apparatus adapted for performing dilution of a small defined volume of a blood sample contained in a capillary tube, an adapter is inserted in a diluting liquid conduit of the apparatus. The adapter is arranged to receive the capillary tube such that flow of the diluting liquid through the conduit passes at least partly through the capillary tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for identifying and quantifying components in an effluent stream from an ammoxidation reactor, the apparatus comprising a microprocessor; and a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer having a sample cell through which may flow a portion of the effluent stream, an infrared source to emit infrared radiation and pass the infrared radiation through the effluent stream, an infrared detector to detect transmitted infrared radiation at the selected infrared wavelengths and to generate absorbance data due to absorbance of the infrared radiation by the components, wherein each of the components absorbs infrared radiation at one or more of the infrared wavelengths, and an output apparatus to provide the absorbance data to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is programmed to identify and quantify each of the plurality of components based upon the absorbance data and calibration data, the calibration data being obtained from recovery run analyses and calibrat

Abstract: Elemental analysis of a sample is carried out in an oxygen atmosphere in a combustion reactor and the volume of oxygen required for analysis is determined by means of the algorithm

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfabricated sensor and a method capable of rapid simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a fluid sample. The sensor is inexpensive, disposable and portable, and requires only microliters of sample, a particular advantage with precious fluids such as blood. The sensor utilizes diffusion between layered laminar streams rather than side by side streams. This allows multiple side by side channels for simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. In the sensor, a sample stream and a carrier stream flow in layers, one on top of the other, and one or more reagents are introduced to the bottom of the carrier stream through either a fluid or a solid reagent inlet. The reagent contains reagent particles which, in the presence of the analyte, have a detectable change in a property. The analyte diffuses into the carrier stream where it interacts with reagent particles and is detected by optical, electrochemical or other devices.

Abstract: The sample dilution module includes an oil filled aspiration probe and mixing chamber that communicate with each other while the mixing chamber is maintained at an angle of approximately 5 to 45 degrees below a horizontal axis. The aspiration probe is maintained in a vertical orientation. A micro-bubble is aspirated between separate aspirations of test sample and diluent to prevent contact between the sample and diluent in the aspiration probe. The test sample and diluent are then drawn from the vertically oriented aspiration probe into the mixing chamber. After the sample and diluent are in the mixing chamber the micro-bubble of air can migrate away from the test sample and diluent to enable the test sample and diluent to contact each other. Mixing of the test sample and diluent is accomplished by moving the test sample and diluent back and forth in the mixing chamber without physical agitation of the mixing chamber and without any mixing element in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A solid-state fluorometry instrument is provided. The instrument is based on either diode laser or light-emitting diode (LED) excitation sources that are capable of being used in a wide range of applications. The solid-state diode laser based fluorometer instrument monitors fluorescent tracers, particularly suitable for industrial water sample stream applications. Using the instrument, a solid-state diode laser or light-emitting diode (LED) is used as an excitation source to excite fluorescent tracer molecules. The fluorescence resulting from the diode laser excitation is imaged with a lens onto a silicon photodiode detector. An optical filter is placed between the sample cell and the photodiode detector to reject scattered laser light. The output from the photodiode is amplified to produce an output voltage proportional to the quantity of fluorescence striking the photodiode detector.

Abstract: A method of analyzing cells in a carrier solution comprises the following steps: (a) Introducing the carrier solution into a conduit having a surface portion (preferably a substantially flat surface portion). The carrier solution has the cells suspended therein. (b) Allowing the cells to settle on the surface portion, the surface portion including at least one imaging field. In an alternate embodiment, one or more discreet capture zones (e.g., formed from an affinity species immobilized on the substrate or a textured region on the substrate) are formed on the surface portion, and this step (b) comprises capturing the cells in the capture zone. (c) Sequentially interrogating a plurality of the cells in the imaging field with emitted light. (d) Processing resultant light from the imaging field. (e) Generating digital information for each of the plurality of cells from the resultant light. (f) Generating a response file for each of the plurality of cells from the digital information.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.

Abstract: A collector and method for collecting samples of liquid from at least one source of liquid for automated analysis of the samples. The collector has at least one receptacle for receiving liquid from the source of liquid and holding a quantity of the liquid for obtaining a sample. Each receptacle has an inlet for delivery of liquid from the respective source of liquid and an open top sized to admit the sample collection device into the receptacle. The collector also has a spillway in fluid communication with the open top of the receptacle for receiving excess liquid spilling over the open top of the receptacle. The collector is constructed so that liquid continuously flows through the collector. A drain of the collector receives liquid from the spillway for draining the liquid from the collector.

Abstract: A collector and method for collecting samples of liquid from at least one source of liquid for automated analysis of the samples. The collector has at least one receptacle for receiving liquid from the source of liquid and holding a quantity of the liquid for obtaining a sample. Each receptacle has an inlet for delivery of liquid from the respective source of liquid and an open top sized to admit the sample collection device into the receptacle. The collector also has a spillway in fluid communication with the open top of the receptacle for receiving excess liquid spilling over the open top of the receptacle. The collector is constructed so that liquid continuously flows through the collector. A drain of the collector receives liquid from the spillway for draining the liquid from the collector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling a fluid flow over a sensing surface within a flow cell. The methods employ laminar flow techniques to position a fluid flow over one or more discrete sensing areas on the sensing surface of the flow cell. Such methods permit selective sensitization of the discrete sensing areas, and provide selective contact of the discrete sensing areas with a sample fluid flow. Immobilization of a ligand upon the discrete sensing area, followed by selective contact with an analyte contained within the sample fluid flow, allows analysis by a wide variety of techniques. Sensitized sensing surfaces, and sensor devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling the deglycerolization of red blood cells includes a cell sorter having multiple fluid channels each having a unique cross-sectional area for directing a fluid mixture consisting essentially of a saline solution and a plasma solution having glycerized red blood cell products through one or more of the fluid channels based on the sizes of the red blood cell products. An optical energy source illuminates the fluid mixture in the cell sorter, whereupon an optical detector generates a data signal in response to receiving light signals that propagate through the fluid mixture. A processor generates a control signal in response to receiving the data signal that is used by a servo-controlled device to control the ratio of the saline and plasma solutions in the fluid mixture so that the red blood cell products substantially flow only through one or more of the fluid channels having particular cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A reference sensor system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream. The system includes: a) a laminar flow channel; b) three or more inlet means in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting into the laminar flow channel (1) an indicator stream which may include an indicator substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles, (2) the sample stream, and (3) a reference stream, which can be a control stream and/or internal standard stream; and, c) wherein the laminar flow channel has a depth and/or width sufficiently small to allow laminar flow of said streams and a length sufficient to allow particles of the analyte to diffuse into the indicator stream to form a detection area. Branching channels may be provided as outlet means for conducting the streams out of the laminar flow channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the amount of analyte in a sample of biological fluid using a simple low sample volume reagent test strip with a built in metering system. The test strip may include a microtitration zone to prevent oversampling and an integrated capillary to prevent problems associated with short sampling and act as means of absorbing the fluid sample. The test strip comprises a wicking layer and a reaction matrix embossed layer in the form of a pillow assembled into a microtitration pocket formed in the strip. The test strip is used in single use applications such as the determination of the concentration of glucose in blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheath flow module made from a first plate of material having formed therein a laminar fluid flow channel; at least two inlets, each inlet joining the laminar flow channel at a junction, the first inlet junction being wider than the second inlet junction, and an outlet from the flow channel. A second plate, e.g. a transparent cover plate, seals the module and allows for optical measurements. A first inlet allows for introduction of a first fluid into the flow channel. The first fluid is the sheath fluid. A second inlet allows for introduction of a second fluid into the sheath fluid while it is flowing through the flow channel. The second fluid is the center fluid. Because the second inlet junction is narrower than the first inlet junction, the center fluid becomes surrounded on both sides by the sheath fluid. After all fluids have been introduced and sheath flow has been achieved, the depth of the flow channel can be decreased, leading to vertical hydrodynamic focusing.

Abstract: A method for combining magnetic and centrifugal extraction techniques in a manner that improves wash efficiency and reduces the relative disadvantages of stand alone magnetic or centrifugal systems is provided. Centrifugation occurs about the rotational axis of a generally circular container with generally vertical sides featuring an inward protruding physical feature designed to retain material that exceeds the density of supernatent liquid and that is bound to magnetic particles during the centrifugation. During centrifugation, an external magnetic field is applied about the rotational axis of the container such that magnetic lines of force penetrate the container in any desired location. The magnetic and centrifugal forces may be independently modulated or modulated in relative unison to suit the hydrodynamic characteristics of a given complex.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, apparatus and systems for use in performing in situ dilution or concentration of a particular subject material in a microfluidic device or system. These methods and apparatus may generally be integrated with other microfluidic operations and/or systems, to perform a number of different manipulations, wherein dilution or concentration, carried out within the context of the microfluidic device or system, is just one part.

Abstract: A droplet forming flow cytometer system allows high speed processing without the need for high oscillator drive powers through the inclusion of an oscillator or piezoelectric crystal such as within the nozzle volume or otherwise unidirectionally coupled to the sheath fluid. The nozzle container continuously converges so as to amplify unidirectional oscillations which are transmitted as pressure waves through the nozzle volume to the nozzle exit so as to form droplets from the fluid jet. The oscillator is directionally isolated so as to avoid moving the entire nozzle container so as to create only pressure waves within the sheath fluid. A variation in substance concentration is achieved through a movable substance introduction port which is positioned within a convergence zone to vary the relative concentration of substance to sheath fluid while still maintaining optimal laminar flow conditions. This variation may be automatically controlled through a sensor and controller configuration.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus (1) for carrying out chemical analyses is disclosed, having a base member (3) in which there is at least one channel (8, 9), and having at least one functional element (12) which is in fluid or gaseous connection with the channel. In such an apparatus, it is desirable to facilitate maintenance and increase flexibility. For that purpose, the functional element (12) is positioned on the outside of the base member (3) and is in connection with the channel (8, 9) by way of at least one interface opening (10, 11).

Abstract: A flow cell for use in an analytical system of the type that may be used to test water samples for specific analytes. The flow cell reduces or eliminates the effects of backpressure on a liquid stream passing through the flow cell. This allows a sensor to be incorporated with the flow cell and enables the sensor to provide consistent output with respect to the analyte being tested without introducing signal error due to backpressure fluctuations.

Abstract: A flow regulator is provided which comprises a housing defining a chamber therein and including inlet and outlet ports that are adaptable to allow fluid to flow into and out of the chamber. A piston assembly, including an orifice defining member in which is formed an orifice, is movably disposed in the chamber and is capable of moving in directions toward and away from the outlet port. An urging device, such as a spring, magnetic or electromagnetic device, urges the piston assembly away from the outlet port. As fluid flows into the flow regulator, the fluid flows through the orifice. The clearance between a control surface of the piston assembly and the outlet port automatically adjusts so that an equilibrium condition occurs in the flow regulator in which the difference between the pressure of the fluid upstream of the orifice and the pressure of the fluid downstream of the orifice is maintained essentially constant.

Abstract: A lysis chamber of an assay device capable of producing lysis of cells in a sample fluid such as whole blood, said chamber comprising a surface which contacts the sample fluid when the sample fluid is placed into the assay device; and a lytic material immobilized on the surface, whereby cells of the sample fluid are lysed when they contact the lytic material. The chamber can delimit a capillary space, and lytic material can be saponin or a detergent. Methods employing devices comprising such chambers can assay for whole blood amounts of cyclosporin or hemoglobin A1c.

Abstract: Fluid sample tester assembly (12) comprises a cartridge (6) having a pressure chamber (22) and entrance port (20) connected by a passageway (24). An analyte reagent (36) is positioned along the fluid passageway so that when a liquid sample (28) is drawn through the entrance port into the passageway, the analyte reagent mixes with the sample. The sample is preferably drawn into the cartridge by temporarily reducing the volume of the pressure chamber, applying the sample to the entrance port and then returning the pressure chamber to its initial volume; this can also be done by heating the chamber, contacting the sample and then cooling the chamber. The end of the sample defines a boundary surface (30) along the fluid passageway. Positive and negative pressure is applied to the sample to cause the boundary surface to oscillate within the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for improving the speed and sensitivity of optical spectroscopic techniques for remote detection of trace chemical species in a carrier gas. The disclosed method can be applied to any optical spectroscopic detection technique whose sensitivity decreases as the total pressure of the sample decreases. The method employs an inert and non-absorbing buffer gas to supplement the pressure exerted by the carrier gas. This ensures that the total pressure of the sample, and hence sensitivity of the detection technique, remains high. The method is especially useful when measuring concentration of chemical species produced at small rates, and therefore should prove useful for rapid serial screening of combinatorial libraries of compounds.

Abstract: A portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler [PHTLAAS] has an asymmetric air inlet through which air is drawn upward by a small and light-weight centrifugal fan driven by a direct current motor that can be powered by a battery. The air inlet is so configured as to impart both rotational and downward components of motion to the sampled air near said inlet. The PHTLAAS comprises a glass tube of relatively small size through which air passes at a high rate in a swirling, highly turbulent motion, which facilitates rapid transfer of vapors and particulates to a liquid film covering the inner walls of the tube. The pressure drop through the glass tube is <10 cm of water, usually <5 cm of water. The sampler's collection efficiency is usually >20% for vapors or airborne particulates in the 2-3.mu. range and >50% for particles larger than 4.mu..

Abstract: A method of continuous flow analysis is provided which enables a plurality of color-forming components contained in a sample to be simultaneously analyzed with utmost ease. The method involves irradiating the sample with a measuring light which generates a wavelength having absorption bands with respect to such color-forming components, measuring the absorbance of each of the components in a color-formed state while the components are being adjusted stepwise in their color-forming state, and comparing the resultant absorbances of the components with each other. Preferably, a plurality of measuring cells are used to stepwise adjust the sample in its color-forming state, the measuring cells being connected in tandem such that a color former and/or a masking agent are incorporated in the sample while the latter is being caused to successively flow through these cells so that the sample is adjusted in its color-forming state at each of the measuring cells and measured in respect of its absorbances.

Abstract: A distinctive optical signature permits a fluidic medical diagnostic device to measure an analyte concentration or a property of whole blood, particularly the coagulation time, only after first insuring that a whole blood sample has been introduced into the device. A suitable device has at one end a sample port for introducing a sample and at the other end a bladder for drawing the sample to a measurement area. By requiring a meter, used in conjunction with the device, to first detect the distinctive optical signature, a sample is drawn to the measurement area only if it is whole blood. In that case, a channel carries the sample from the sample port to the measurement area, and a stop junction, between the measurement area and bladder, halts the sample flow. The meter measures a physical property of the blood sample--typically, optical transmittance--after it has interacted with a reagent in the measurement area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method which allows user controlled formation, and ejection of droplets of sample analyte containing solutions, thereby enabling precise user directed fractionalization and distributed collection of sample analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method for monitoring the concentration of molecules and chemical treatment agents in ceramic slurries and powders.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for improved transfer of ionizing particles from a source chamber to a detection zone in an ionization chamber in an ionization detector. An ionization detector includes a source chamber, an inlet for introducing detector gas to the source chamber, a transitional structure including a flow guide that directs detector gas flow between the source chamber and the adjacent ionization chamber, an inlet for introducing sample gas containing an analyte into the ionization chamber, and an outlet port for exhausting the mixture of the sample gas and the detector gas. The aspect ratio of the flow guide causes the linear velocity of the detector gas stream to be highest at a throat in the flow guide and to decrease as the detector gas stream approaches a detection zone in the ionization chamber, thereby suppressing analyte diffusion from the ionization chamber through the flow guide.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurement of .beta.-glucan by flow injection method using calcofluor, the present invention provides a method in which a gel filtration column having the volume of the interstice outside of the gel particles which is not larger than the column effluent volume within a certain period of time and the column content volume which is 10 times or more as large as the sample injection volume is placed between the sample injection port and the detector in said system.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, apparatus and systems for use in performing in situ dilution or concentration of a particular subject material in a microfluidic device or system. These methods and apparatus may generally be integrated with other microfluidic operations and/or systems, to perform a number of different manipulations, wherein dilution or concentration, carried out within the context of the microfluidic device or system, is just one part.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide analyzer that continuously samples waste water from a waste stream or reservoir and measures the concentration of purgeable H.sub.2 S present (H.sub.2 SP) This information, when combined with the volume of water present, provides a control quality signal that regulates the feed rate of the destructor chemical into the waste stream. This results in chemical savings for the user. A second result is the reduction in odor complaints and the corrosion problems associated with H.sub.2 S emissions. The analyzer measures only the purgeable H.sub.2 S contained in the liquid sample. The analyzer violently agitates the sample containing dissolved H.sub.2 S in solution to simulate actual conditions at points of agitation in the waste water stream. It also provides nearly optimal partial pressure conditions for the H.sub.2 S to exit the solution as a free gas. Any H.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supplying a portion of a fluid stream and, alternately, a fluid of known composition and concentration to an analyzer are provided. The fluid stream is directed through a series of connected chambers formed in an integral housing. A sampling needle has an inlet in one of the chambers and an outlet in fluid communication with the analyzer. When desired, a tube or vial containing a known fluid may be inserted into a chamber containing the sampling needle, so that the known fluid will be supplied to the analyzer. A second needle provides ventilation to the vial to prevent the formation of a vacuum as the known fluid is drained from the vial.

Abstract: To estimate nitric acid ions and nitrous acid ions in a sample solution, a method is proposed which comprises the steps of (a) feeding both the sample solution and a reducing agent to an acidic solution which is flowing in a thin pipe; (b) positively mixing the sample solution and the reducing agent and thus reacting the same in a given portion of the pipe; (c) leading the reacted solution to a gas/liquid separator thereby to separate a gaseous phase from the reacted solution; and (d) estimating the nitric acid ions and nitrous acid ions in the gaseous phase.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.