Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a transporting device that transports a sample; a plurality of sample processing devices that are arranged along a transport path for the sample transported by the transporting device and configured to process the sample transported by the transporting device based on a processing order; a controller configured to receive a first processing order for the sample and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received first processing order, and configured to receive a second processing order for the sample additionally and control the transporting device to transport the sample based on the received second processing order; and a display, wherein the controller is configured to prompt the display to show progress information indicating a progress status of processing the sample with respect to each of the first and second processing orders. A method of processing sample in a sample processing system.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is automated even when measuring a small amount sample and is capable of improving a measurement precision. The sample analyzer S comprises a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample; a detector D3 for detecting an analyte contained in the measurement sample; and a controller 100 being configured to 1) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a first measurement sample of a first dilution ratio, when measuring an ordinary amount sample; and 2) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a second measurement sample of a second dilution ratio higher than the first dilution ratio, when measuring a small amount sample.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively monitoring gas phase materials in a chemical process is provided and includes, providing a gaseous feed stream containing one or more reactant gases of interest; exposing the gaseous feed stream to coherent radiation from a Raman spectroscopic device; acquiring a Raman spectroscopic signal from each of the gaseous components in the feed stream; analyzing the spectroscopic signal to determine the presence and concentration of each of the gaseous components; and displaying the results of the analysis. In one embodiment, the method is useful for quantitatively monitoring gas phase materials in a process for making high purity silicon.

Abstract: Systems for controlling hydrogen purity in a power plant system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a generator housing includes: a mass flow control system fluidly connected to the generator housing, the mass flow control system being configured to measure a flow rate of a gas mixture extracted from the generator housing and modify the flow rate of the gas mixture across a range of flow rates; and a vent conduit fluidly connected to the mass flow control system, the vent conduit for receiving a portion of the gas mixture from the mass flow control system and feeding the portion of the gas mixture to an outlet.

Abstract: A pipette chip supply device for supplying a pipette chip for suctioning liquid, the pipette chip supply device comprising: a chip accommodating section for accommodating pipette chips; a conveying section for conveying the pipette chips supplied from the chip accommodating section; and a static eliminator for removing electrification charge of the pipette chips.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes the step of providing the system with a plurality of reagent injection nozzles, each nozzle being configured and adapted to be independently calibrated during an SCR reaction when the system is in operation. The method further includes determining an influence coefficient for each injection nozzle for a catalyst independently of the other injection nozzles, and optimizing the flow of reagent from each injection nozzle to minimize a sum of deviation across a surface of the catalyst. A system performs selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a machine readable medium contains program instructions to controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer capable of performing analysis in terms of a number of analysis items with high reliability through a simple operation. The automatic analyzer comprises a probe adapted to be moved on a circular arc path and capable of sucking or discharging a sample or reagent, a plurality of sample containers disposed at different positions on the path of the probe and containing different analyte samples, and a rotor capable of carrying a plurality of reagent cartridges. Each of the reagent cartridges comprises a photometric cuvette that is empty when not in use, and a reagent cuvette in which a reagent used for a particular analysis item is hermetically sealed. A two-dimensional code with information regarding the analyte type and analysis conditions, for example, is affixed to the reagent cartridge. The two-dimensional code information is read by a reading unit.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that include a conveyance device for transporting containers which contain analyte, each container having identification information; an identification information reader for reading an identification information of a container transported at a first position by the conveyance device; an analyzer body for acquiring an analyte from a container transported at a second position by the conveyance device and analyzing the analyte; and an anomaly notification device for reporting an anomaly if the identification information reader consecutively reads the same identification information. Conveyance device and transport anomaly determination method are also described.

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

Abstract: A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Abstract: An optical system for a flow cytometer having a flow channel with an interrogation zone and an illumination source that impinges the flow channel in the interrogation zone includes a lens system and a detection system. The lens system preferably includes at least two lens surfaces located on opposite sides of the flow channel and configured to collect and collimate light from the interrogation zone. The detection system, configured to detect light from the lens system, preferably includes first and second detectors, a first filter that passes a first wavelength of light and reflects a second wavelength of light, and a second filter that reflects the first wavelength of light and passes the second wavelength of light, wherein the first and second filters are aligned such that light reflected from the first filter passes into the second detector and light reflected from the second filter passes into the first detector.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus that enable rapid and automatic determination of the coagulant injection rate in a process of water treatment through coagulation and sedimentation. Using a coagulation analyzer comprising sample tanks 1A to 1D each for keeping a predetermined amount of raw water, a water supply pump 7, water supply/discharge valves 4, 6 for raw water and washing water, mixers 3A to 3D, a coagulant injection unit 21, and a detector 30 for determining the particle size and the particle number of flocs, the time within which the coagulant 20 injected into the sample tanks is dispersed by mixing and the particles begin to agglomerate (agglomeration start time) is determined, and based on the thus-determined agglomeration start time, the coagulant injection rate is determined, or the amount of the coagulant to be injected is controlled.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes the step of providing the system with a plurality of reagent injection nozzles, each nozzle being configured and adapted to be independently calibrated during an SCR reaction when the system is in operation. The method further includes determining an influence coefficient for each injection nozzle for a catalyst independently of the other injection nozzles, and optimizing the flow of reagent from each injection nozzle to minimize a sum of deviation across a surface of the catalyst. A system performs selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a machine readable medium contains program instructions to controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Abstract: A diagnostic tape cassette especially for blood sugar tests comprises a test tape which is provided with a plurality of test fields for analysing body fluid, and a housing for receiving the test tape. The housing may have at least one housing part formed from a metal support and moulded-on plastic with integrated functional elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for forming multi-component refrigerant compositions comprising: (a) introducing a first refrigerant component into a vessel at a first flow rate; (b) introducing at least a second refrigerant component into said vessel at a second flow rate, which may be the same as or different than the first flow rate, during at least a portion of said first refrigerant introducing step; and (c) controlling at least one of said first and second flow rates to obtain the desired relative proportions of said first and second refrigerants in the refrigerant composition.

Abstract: A method for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black includes: (a) electrochemically reducing an unknown amount of iodine adsorbed by a predetermined amount of a carbon black sample; (b) measuring the electrical charge used for reducing the unknown amount of the iodine adsorbed by the carbon black sample; and (c) obtaining the iodine adsorption number from the measured electrical charge. An electrolytic cell and a kit for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Provided is a dispensing device capable of removing bubbles reliably. In this dispensing device, deaerated water is fed by a water feed pump to the inside of a pipeline up to the vicinity of the leading end of a dispensing nozzle. A water feed valve disposed near a dispensing pump is closed to establish a deaerated water space opened on the leading end side of the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing pump is activated on the space, thereby causing the dispensing nozzle to perform suction and exhaust actions. The dispensing device comprises a vacuum means connected to the space through the water feed valve thereby maintaining a vacuum state. In case the deaerated water space is cleared of the bubbles, the cleared water space is brought, by opening a change-over valve, into communication with a pipeline having a vacuum means connected thereto, thereby bringing the space into the vacuum state.

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: In a single-use handheld diagnostic test device and an associated system and method, a biological and/or environmental test sample is received and reacted with reagents. The test device tests a single sample and includes a sensor to detect test data. The test device mates with, and transmits the test data to, an electronic device. A processor of the electronic device applies algorithms to the test data to generate highly sensitive and accurate quantitative test results. A presentation element of the electronic device presents the test results to a user. The test device is adapted for disposal, or for sterilization and re-use, after the electronic device receives the test data. The electronic device may be, for example, a mobile communications device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a navigation device, a digital audio player, a camera, or a gaming device.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory apparatus includes a plurality of reaction cuvettes, a first dispenser, a second dispenser, a controller, and an analyzer. A subject sample and a reagent are mixed in each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The first dispenser is configured to dispense the subject sample into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes. The second dispenser is configured to dispense the reagent into each of the plurality of reaction cuvettes so that the subject sample and the reagent are mixed. The controller is configured to categorize the plurality of reaction cuvettes into at least first and second groups, to designate at least first and second analysis items among two or more analysis items with respect to the subject sample, to control the second dispenser to avoid dispensing the reagent relevant to the first analysis item into the second group of the reaction cuvettes. The analyzer is configured to analyze a mixed result.

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

Abstract: An analyzer analyzes a sample based on optical characteristics of the sample.

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

Abstract: A flow cytometry system and method for sorting a mixture of particles with a fluid delivery system delivering a fluid containing particles, a flow cytometry apparatus for receiving the fluid, forming the fluid into a stream and using flow cytometry to classify the particles according to certain characteristics; a sorting system for sorting the particles according to the classification and according to a sorting strategy to provide at least one population containing desired particles and; a control responsive to information received from the flow cytometry apparatus for controlling the sorting system to vary its sorting strategy or for controlling the fluid delivery system to vary the rate at which fluid is delivered as a function at least one of purity and quantity of the particles.

Abstract: Closed-loop control of a hydrocarbon process is provided by an analyzer including an instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentrations of one of the components, independent of concentrations of others of the components. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid mixture, and a processor captures data generated by the temperature detector and the instrument, and uses the data in combination with a model of responsivities to various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the analyzer. A process control module including a process model of the hydrocarbon process, is coupled to the analyzer and is couplable to the hydrocarbon process, to receive the temperature compensated concentration and to generate at least one output configured to affect operation of the hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of calibrating a fluidic device useful for detecting an analyte of interest in a bodily fluid. The invention also provides methods for assessing the reliability of an assay for an analyte in a bodily fluid with the use of a fluidic device. Another aspect of the invention is a method for performing a trend analysis on the concentration of an analyte in a subject using a fluidic device.

Abstract: Water-based colorant traced formulations (products) containing one or more water treatment agents, such as phosphonates, polyacrylic acids and/or polymers, co-polymers, terpolymers thereof, azoles, molybdate, polysilicates, phosphates, zinc, polyphosphates, etc., are provided wherein the water-soluble colorant is detectable in the visible light range of about 580-640 nm and is chemically inert relative to the water treatment agent(s). Measurement of an optical property of the colorant in the treated coolant water permits the concentration of the product therein to be ascertained, and the level of the product containing can be adjusted for controlling scale, corrosion, deposition, and/or microbial activity in commercial and/or industrial cooling water systems. These products may be reliably monitored and dosed to maintain a product level in treated water of 5 to 500 mg/L.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for synthesizing polymeric molecules such as oligonucleotides and polypeptides. The system is capable of continuously synthesizing molecules by providing an array of reaction sites and an array of stations for carrying out synthetic manipulations. The reaction sites in the former array can be placed in a fixed order and at fixed intervals relative to each other. Similarly, the stations can be placed in a fixed order and at fixed intervals relative to each other. The two arrays can be moved relative to each other such that the stations carry out desired steps of a reaction scheme at each reaction site. The relative locations of the stations and the schedule for the relative movement can correlate with the order and duration of reaction steps in the reaction scheme such that once a reaction site has completed a cycle of interacting with the full array of stations then the reaction scheme is complete.

Abstract: A method of monitoring residual treating agent in treated water wherein fluorescent tracers are used to determine the concentration of treating agent in the water at two different treating agent dosages and the difference in the measured concentrations of the fluorescent tracer at the respective doses are correlated with the residual concentration of the treating agent. The fluorescence response at the different treating agent dosages is used to determine whether the system is overdosed or underdosed on a continuous basis and to control treating agent dose accordingly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nitric oxide sensors and systems. In some embodiments one or more devices are provided that include one or more nitric oxide sensors; one or more transmitters; and one or more controllers configured to transmit using the one or more transmitters one or more signals that are associated with controlling one or more nitric oxide generators.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of calibrating a fluidic device useful for detecting an analyte of interest in a bodily fluid. The invention also provides methods for assessing the reliability of an assay for an analyte in a bodily fluid with the use of a fluidic device. Another aspect of the invention is a method for performing a trend analysis on the concentration of an analyte in a subject using a fluidic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the inventive technology relates to in-vessel generation of a material from a solution of interest as part of a processing and/or analysis operation. Preferred embodiments of the in-vessel material generation (e.g., in-vessel solid material generation) include precipitation; in certain embodiments, analysis and/or processing of the solution of interest may include dissolution of the material, perhaps as part of a successive dissolution protocol using solvents of increasing ability to dissolve. Applications include, but are by no means limited to estimation of a coking onset and solution (e.g., oil) fractionating.

Abstract: Rapid determination of low temperature residual wax contamination in basestock oil provides a basis for real time correlation of basestock quality with the low temperature viscometric properties of fully formulated oils made using said basestock oil.

Abstract: A monitoring device and method is disclosed for monitoring the saturation level of resin in solvent baths, such as those used to remove resin from objects form by stereolithography. The monitoring device operates by monitoring an electrical characteristic, such as impedance, of the solvent bath as the resin-to-solvent ratio of the bath increases during use. Signals are provided by the monitoring device to the operator of the liquid storage device containing the solvent bath in a manner allowing the operator to determine when the solvent bath has reached the end of its useful life.

Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A system consisting of livestock farms (2) that produce excrement; plots of arable land (3) for the agricultural utilisation of the excrement; and lorries (4) for transporting the excrement, which comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one data server (7) in the form of a central processing and control unit that manages a database (5); b) providing a user's client computer (12, 13) for the livestock farms (2) and the plots of arable land (3); c) connecting the user's client computer to the data server through a data network (8); d) providing the lorries (4) with a means of transmitting and receiving data (14) to the data server (7) through the data network; e) determining the data for the parameters regarding the physical location of the livestock farms and the plots of arable land, and entering the data into said database (5) of said data server (7); f) determining at all times the data about the production volume and the physicochemical characteristics of the excrement produced by each live

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring a resin-producing polymerization reaction in a fluid bed reactor system to generate reaction parameter data in on-line fashion, determining an indicator of at least one of entropy and complexity (for example, Kolmogorov or Shannon entropy) of each of at least two subsets of the reaction parameter data, and optionally also determining from at least one value of the indicator (for example, from a time series of Kolmogorov or Shannon entropy values) an indication of at least one of degree of resin stickiness, an approach to or imminence of resin stickiness, and an approach to or imminence of an unsafe or undesired reactor operating condition (e.g., that can result in sheeting or chunking). Optionally also, the reaction is controlled in response to at least one value of the indicator, for example, in an effort to prevent the occurrence of sheeting or another discontinuity event or to maintain the reactor in a stable, non-sticking condition.

Abstract: A method of optimizing operation of a fossil fuel fired boiler includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a plurality of sensors positioned in different spatial positions within the fossil fuel fired boiler. The method also includes recording sensor outputs, identifying spatial combustion anomalies indicated by sensor outputs, identifying burners responsible for the spatial combustion anomalies, and adjusting air flow of responsible burners to alleviate the spatial combustion anomalies.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the properties of a biological or chemical sample. The method includes carrying out a plurality of different tests on the sample to generate corresponding test data; optionally carrying out a preliminary processing of the test data to generate partially processed data; storing the test data and/or partially processed data; causing a processing system to analyze a user-defined selection of the test data or partially processed data to generate result data relating to one or more properties of the sample; and subsequent to the previous step, receiving a second user defined selection of the test data or partially processed data, different from the first selection, and causing the processing system to analyze the second user-defined selection of the test data or partially processed data to generate second result data relating to one or more properties of the sample different from the properties corresponding to the first user-defined selection.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus performs dispensing by filling a duct to which a dispensing nozzle is connected with a liquid, making the liquid move in the duct to absorb a liquid sample including a specimen or a reagent through the dispensing nozzle, and discharging the absorbed liquid sample; and an in-duct bubble presence determining method in the dispensing apparatus. The presence determining method includes discharging the liquid in the duct from the dispensing nozzle and detecting a transition of a pressure in the duct; calculating the number of mountain pulses in a pressure transition waveform based on the detected pressure transition; and determining a presence of a bubble in the duct based on the calculated number of mountain pulses.

Abstract: The invention provides, with a simple technique, a jig for reliably stemming one or a plurality of flow paths and/or a portion of reaction fields continuously provided in a reaction chip, and for making the flow paths and/or reaction fields independent, and a reaction ship processing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in determining ageing an ageing index of a blood bag (11, 62), to determine whether the blood bag is or not suitable for transfusion to a patient. The ageing index is calculated by connecting a silicon chip provided with a loop antenna integral with the blood bag (11, 62) with an electronic communication device (2, 8, 17, 12, 20, 24), itself equipped with a loop antenna, connected to a computer (9, 13) containing appropriate computing software elements. Said ageing index is regularly calculated at the blood transfusion center (16) from the sample (1), until it is removed from storage (7) to be sent to the health-care institution (18) and to the operating theatre (19).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for quantifying antigen, such as the amount expressed on a cell. The method comprises formulating an equation of correlation between the amount expressed of expressed antigen and the intensity of fluorescence from fluorescent labelled antibody.

Abstract: A clinical specimen processing apparatus that includes: a preparation device that is configured to conduct operations to perform predetermined processing of clinical specimen; a controller in communication with the preparation device, wherein the controller is configured to detect an operating condition of the preparation device which performs the predetermined processing; a central processing unit that is configured to: 1) compare a detection value detected by the controller to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and 2) determine whether or not the preparation device is in any one of three condition stages.