Abstract: A controller for an automated immunoassay system is provided to manage the system resources and control the flow of samples under test. The controller allows tests to be run dynamically instead of in a serial, first in first out flow. The controller evaluates the set of tests to be run and generates a sequencing strategy. The sequencing strategy is based on the paths specified for each type of assay, the numbers of tests to be run, the priority of each test and the resources required for each test. In addition, the controller can resolve resource allocation conflicts and modify the sequencing strategy as test conditions change during operation.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation process is disclosed, such as for desalination and waste water reuse process, wherein an effectiveness of membrane cleaning can be estimated. Exemplary embodiments operate the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process for a controlled time for cleaning and with a controlled value of chemical concentration in a chemical liquor prepared for cleaning the membrane. A method can include estimating fouling status of the membrane and determining a controlled value of chemical concentration in the chemical liquor, and a controlled time for cleaning based on the fouling status of the membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dressings, such as patches and bandages, and other devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide.

Abstract: A method for improving the prediction of polymer properties and a system having improved polymer property prediction capabilities is provided. The method for improving the prediction of polymer properties comprises: (1) providing a polymer; (2) providing a prediction model; (3) utilizing said prediction model to define an average polymer property prediction value; (4) determining a feasible range; (5) measuring one or more properties of said polymer; (6) determining whether said one or measured polymer properties are within said feasible range: (7) validating said one or more measured polymer properties if said one or more measured polymer properties fall within the feasible range or invalidating said one or more measured polymer properties if said one or more measured polymer properties fall outside of the feasible range; (8) optionally updating said prediction model; (9) repeating said previous steps at least one or more times; and (10) thereby improving the prediction of polymer properties.

Abstract: This invention describes an advanced cooling system for a laboratory instrument to maintain laboratory samples at a predetermined temperature. The advanced cooling system uses an algorithm that incorporates information from at least one sensor and other operational parameters including thermal effects from the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.

Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: A control system for remotely controlling the operation of a water distribution system is disclosed. The control system comprises a communication interface to enable communication between the control system and the water distribution system such that communication includes receiving from the water distribution system payment for dispensing of water, data on the working of its various components and data on the quality of the water dispensed by it. The control system further comprises a control processor configured to analyze data received from the water distribution system to determine if the quality of the water at the water distribution system satisfies a predetermined quality standard and to determine if the components of the water distribution system are functioning within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing organic amino compounds from organic nitro compounds, wherein the organic nitro compound hydrogenated to the organic amino compound with a hydrogen-containing gas stream by means of a catalyst, the reaction course of the hydrogenation being monitored by analysis of secondary products forming during hydrogenation, wherein the method is characterised in that the concentration of one or more gaseous secondary products is determined in the gas phase and if the concentration falls below a predefinable minimum concentration the hydrogenating activity of the catalyst is increased. The present invention also relates to a device for performing said method.

Abstract: An isothermal reaction and analysis system may include a receiver to receive sample holders, a thermal control subsystem to control a temperature of the receiver, an excitation subsystem, a detection subsystem and an analysis subsystem. Excitation sources and/or detectors are positioned to enhance data collection. Sample holders may include filters, selectively blocking and passing wavelengths or bands of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and controlling the NOx and ammonia slip content of a NOx-containing gas stream such as, for example, a combustion engine exhaust stream discharged from a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The apparatus includes an analyzer container which preferably has an ammonia slip catalyst element and a pair of automotive type NOx sensors positioned therein. One of the NOx sensors is positioned before and the other is positioned after the ammonia slip catalyst. The apparatus is heated by positioning the container in the gas stream and can draw a representative gas sample from any size conduit.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic analyzer which moves a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing probe, or a vessel by a driving mechanism to dispense plural liquids into the vessel via the dispensing probe, and measures and analyzes optical characteristic of a reaction liquid in which each of the dispensed liquids is reacted, and a dispensing method thereof. The automatic analyzer includes a drive controlling unit which controls the driving mechanism so that the liquid surface of the liquid and a distal end of the dispensing probe are moved relatively to each other in a vertical direction, and, when the liquids including precipitated substance are to be dispensed, the dispensing probe sucks in the liquids from plural different positions along the vertical direction.

Abstract: In an analysis system having an analysis apparatus using a reagent container having a memory to store reagent information concerning the reagent in the reagent container and a remote computer, the following steps are executed: reading out the reagent information from the memory of the reagent container; judging, based on the read reagent information, whether or not the reagent in the reagent container is usable; when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, writing data representing the reagent is unusable into the memory of the reagent container; and when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, registering the data representing the reagent is unusable, into a reagent database managed by the remote computer in association with identification information to identify the reagent container. Thus, it is possible to automatically identify the reagent, which should not be used, and to manage the reagent not so as to use it for the analysis.

Abstract: A clinical tester has been described that includes a probe to aspirate a fluid. The probe is washed between aspirations to reduce carryover. The wash operation includes both an internal and an external wash, where the internal wash operation is terminated prior to terminating the external wash. In one embodiment, the probe wash can be implemented on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay tester.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to process for controlling chlorination reactions in manufacturing titanium tetrachloride in a fluidized bed reactor, optionally followed by processing to form a titanium product comprising a minor amount of silica, the process comprising: (a) feeding carbonaceous material, titanium bearing material comprising an amount of silica, and chlorine to the fluidized bed reactor to form a gaseous stream, and condensing the gaseous stream to form titanium tetra-chloride, a non-condensed gas stream and a condensable product stream, wherein at least one of the titanium tetrachloride and the non-condensed gas stream comprise silicon tetrachloride; (b) analyzing the non-condensed gas stream, the titanium tetrachloride or both, to determine the analyzed concentration of silicon tetrachloride; (c) identifying a set point concentration of silicon tetrachloride based on the desired amount of silica in the titanium product; (d) calculating the difference between the analyzed concentration of silicon te

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: A method is provided for a portable computing device to read a reaction area on a test strip, which is located in a peripheral device placed over an image sensor and a light source of the portable computing device. Light is provided with the light source, which the peripheral device directs to the reaction area. An image including the reaction area is captured with the image sensor. An analyte characteristic is determined based on a color of the captured reaction area in the image.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a surfactant in a microelectronic process is disclosed. Specifically, the monitoring of a surfactant occurs by studying the fluorescence or electromagnetic emission of a sample collected from a microelectronic process.

Abstract: A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for controlling chlorination reactions in manufacturing titanium tetrachloride in a fluidized bed reactor, followed by processing to form a titanium product comprising an amount of silica, the process comprising: (a) feeding carbonaceous material, titanium bearing material comprising an amount of silica, and chlorine to the fluidized bed reactor to form a gaseous stream, and condensing the gaseous stream to form titanium tetrachloride, a non-condensed gas stream and a condensable product stream; (b) processing the titanium tetrachloride to form a titanium product comprising an amount of silica; (c) analyzing the titanium product comprising an amount of silica to determine the analyzed concentration of silica; (d) identifying a set point concentration of silica; (e) calculating the difference between the analyzed concentration of silica and the set point concentration of silica; and (f) generating a signal which corresponds to the difference calculated in step (e) which pro

Abstract: A control system of a NOx removal device is provided with reagent introducing means for introducing a reagent into a fluid, a temperature measuring device that measures a temperature distribution of the fluid, a reagent-concentration calculating portion that calculates a concentration distribution of the reagent introduced into the fluid with the temperature distribution determined at the temperature measuring device, a reagent-flow-rate determining portion that determines a flow rate of the reagent that the reagent introducing means introduces in accordance with the concentration distribution calculated at the reagent-concentration calculating portion, and a reagent-introducing-means control portion that controls the reagent introducing means so as to introduce the reagent into the fluid at the flow rate determined at the reagent-flow-rate determining portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for controlling chlorination reactions in manufacturing titanium tetrachloride in a fluidized bed reactor, optionally followed by processing to form a titanium product comprising an amount of silica, the process comprising: (a) feeding carbonaceous material, titanium bearing material comprising an amount of silica, and chlorine to the fluidized bed reactor to form a gaseous stream, and condensing the gaseous stream to form titanium tetrachloride, a non-condensed gas stream and a condensable product stream, wherein at least one of the titanium tetrachloride and the non-condensed gas stream comprise silicon tetrachloride; (b) analyzing the non-condensed gas stream, the titanium tetrachloride or both, to determine the analyzed concentration of silicon tetrachloride; (c) identifying a set point concentration of silicon tetrachloride based on the desired amount of silica in the titanium product; (d) calculating the difference between the analyzed concentration of silicon tetrac

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for controlling chlorination reactions in manufacturing titanium tetrachloride in a fluidized bed reactor, followed by processing to form a titanium product comprising an amount of silica, the process comprising: (a) feeding carbonaceous material, titanium bearing material comprising an amount of silica, and chlorine to the fluidized bed reactor to form a gaseous stream, and condensing the gaseous stream to form titanium tetrachloride, a non-condensed gas stream and a condensable product stream; (b) processing the titanium tetrachloride to form a titanium product comprising an amount of silica; (c) analyzing the titanium product comprising an amount of silica to determine the analyzed concentration of silica; (d) identifying a set point concentration of silica; (e) calculating the difference between the analyzed concentration of silica and the set point concentration of silica; (f) measuring the titanium tetrachloride flow to a processing reactor that releases chlorine; (g

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles, such as a fluid switching sorting system for sorting selected particles which includes a control having a microprocessor programmed with instructions for implementing a control strategy for controlling the fluid delivery to the system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function of the purity or yield of a sub-population of particles.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow-rate of fluid flowing in a microfluidic network comprising a microchannel and a plurality of inlet/outlet interface ports is disclosed. The method includes: successively applying a plurality of pressures on at least one inlet/outlet interface port, measuring a time series of flow-rate values of the fluid generated in response to the plurality of applied pressures, estimating parameters of a model of the microfluidic network response to input pressure values based on the applied pressure values and the measured time series of output flow-rate values, computing a target pressure value at each of the inlet/outlet interface ports corresponding to a predetermined flow-rate value at the flow-rate measuring point, wherein the predetermined flow-rate value corresponds to an output value of the model of the microfluidic network response to the target pressure value, and applying the computed target pressure value on the at least one inlet/outlet interface port.

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 method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.

Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.

Abstract: A storage medium stores a program which, when executed by a controller, causes the controller to control a boiler group including boilers each of which has a plurality of stepwise combustion positions. The program includes the steps of calculating a number of a presently combustion shiftable boilers, a number of their combustion positions, or a gross evaporation quantity, calculating a deviation quantity between a set physical quantity and a present time physical quantity, calculating a ratio between the deviation quantity and a control width that corresponding to the set physical quantity, and calculating the combustion subject boilers and their combustion positions based on the number of the combustion shiftable boilers, the number of their combustion positions, or the gross evaporation quantity and the ratio.

Abstract: System and method for predicting the rate of deterioration in one or more items of process equipment which are subject to deterioration by one or more deterioration mechanisms. The system includes a first item of process equipment which receives an inlet stream including a feedstock or derivative thereof, and discharges one or more outlet streams which can be fed to the item of process equipment. A data processor which is a programmed computer including at least one rate model for the first item of process equipment receives values of one or more properties of the feedstock and calculates predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment from the values of one or more of the feedstock properties. The data processor additionally provides an output containing information relating to the predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that includes a mode selector for selecting one measurement mode from said plurality of measurement modes; a display for displaying a screen; and a display controller for displaying on said screen a picture representing contents of the measurement mode selected by said mode selector.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present application, a color changeable dye can comprise a redox indicator, a reduction reaction initiator, an electron donor, an oxygen scavenger, an indicator barrier agent, a thickening agent and an agent to facilitate mixing. The color changeable dye is a first color in the presence of oxygen, capable of changing to a second color upon reduction in a substantially oxygen free environment, and capable of changing back to the first color after exposure to oxygen for a period of time corresponding to the intended use time of a disposable or limited use product. Methods of making and using the color changeable dye and apparatuses incorporating such dye are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a fluid processing device adapted to produce different oligomers in a plurality of respective reaction sites. The fluid processing device can comprise a first manifold for delivering reactants to the plurality of reaction sites, and a second manifold for removing waste from, and optionally delivering wash fluid to, the plurality of reaction sites. Surface tension control valves can be disposed in fluid communication with the first manifold and can selectively allow reactants and/or fluids into the reaction sites. A method of making oligonucleotides is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.

Abstract: A method for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics. The method includes operating multiple flow cytometer units to form separate fluid streams that each contain a mixture of particles and to classify particles in the mixtures by interrogating the streams with beams of electromagnetic radiation. A common processor receives and processes information from the units and sends a control signal in real time to adjust the unit's operation as a function of the information received by the common processor.

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: A method and system for mitigating a urea deposit within an SCR system that includes determining a mass of an accumulated urea deposit present within the SCR catalyst and SCR piping, comparing the mass of the accumulated urea deposit with a deposit upper threshold limit, and initiating an SCR regeneration event when the mass of the accumulated urea deposit is greater than the deposit upper threshold limit. The method further includes determining an amount of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst downstream of the urea deposit, comparing the amount of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst with an NH3 regeneration threshold limit, and terminating the SCR regeneration event when the level of NH3 passing through the SCR catalyst is less than the SCR NH3 regeneration threshold.

Abstract: A test device to detect a detection object of a microfluidic device and a control method thereof are provided. The test device includes a light emitting element configured to emit light onto the microfluidic device, a light receiving element configured to capture an image of the detection object through light emitted from the light emitting element, and a controller configured to determine a signal value of a predetermined area of the image of the detection object, and adjust an exposure level of the light receiving element according to a difference between the signal value and a predetermined target value.

Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for converting a feedstock are provided. In one embodiment, a process of converting biomass includes flowing the biomass and a gas through a process unit. A default value is provided for a frequency of measuring a process condition in the process unit. The process condition is measured according to the frequency to obtain process condition measurements. The process condition measurements are evaluated to assess the stability of the process condition. Then, it is determined whether to change the default value depending on the stability of the process condition.

Abstract: A droplet interference system for sorting cells and a method for the same. The droplet interference system including a droplet generating system for producing a droplet which hits a fluid stream causing a selected segment of the fluid stream, and the cells contained therein, to be separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: A sorter for separating cells and particles comprises a Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, a microfluidic system and a cell/particle sorting system. The microfluidic system is connected with the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system, the Raman spectrum collection and analysis system is connected with the cell/particle sorting system, and the cell/particle sorting system is connected with the microfluidic system. Also disclosed is a sorting method for separating cells and particles. The sorter can effectively identify and sort cells, nano-materials, particles and cell inclusions with a size from nanometers to micrometers, and as compared with methods such as fluorescence or radioisotope labelling, etc., it can provide a greater abundance of characteristic information about cells or particles in the same amount of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for optimizing the design of a fatty acid alkyl ester-containing biofuel (e.g. a biodiesel, a biodiesel blend, or a jet biofuel) and for identifying a fatty acid alkyl ester-containing biofuel's feedstock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided for enhancing throughput in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers and/or liquid crystal substrates, by reducing the time required for performing a rinsing process. A position of an object to be processed is controlled, such that a distance between the surface position of a rinsing liquid upon the rinsing process and a top end position of the object to be processed becomes shorter than a distance between the surface position of a chemical liquid upon a chemical liquid process and the top end position of the object to be processed. Alternatively, the position of the object to be processed is controlled, such that the distance between the surface position of the rinsing liquid upon the rinsing process and the top end position of the object to be processed becomes shorter than a distance between the bottom face position of the rinsing liquid and a bottom end position of the object to be processed.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a reaction region separated from a drift region by an electrostatic gate. A doping circuit supplies a dopant to the reaction region but the drift region is undoped. Two high field ion modifiers are located one after the other in the drift region. One ion modifier can be turned on to remove dopant adducts from the admitted ions, or both ion modifiers can be turned on so that the ions are also fragmented. In this way, several different responses can be produced to provide additional information about the nature of the analyte substance and distinguish it from interferents.