Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit, a detection section which detects information about an amount of a sample in a sample container before the first measurement unit aspirates the sample in the sample container, and a control section. Based on a detection result by the detection section and based on information about a predetermined sample amount necessary for performing both in the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, when the control section has determined that the amount of the sample in the sample container is insufficient for the predetermined sample amount, the control section controls the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit so as not to aspirate the sample in the sample container.

Abstract: A device for measuring blood alcohol concentration for detecting the alcohol concentration from the blood of the unconscious driver as well as the driver's breath, comprises a first body including a coupling recess into which the blood collection module is coupled and a heater for heating the coupled blood collection module, and a second body including a detection probe to penetrate the blood collection module to suck the alcohol gas in the blood collection module, and an alcohol detection sensor to detect the alcohol concentration through the alcohol gas introduced through the detection probe.

Abstract: A biochip including a chip body, a first electrode and a second electrode is provided. The body has a first accommodating cavity, a second accommodating cavity and a micro-fluid channel. The micro-fluid channel is connected with the first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity. The first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end is used for contacting a first probe of a detection apparatus. The second end is positioned in the first accommodating cavity. The second electrode has a third end and a forth end. The third end is used for contacting a second probe of the detection apparatus. The forth end is positioned in the second accommodating cavity.

Abstract: A system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes at least one stationary sampling site identification transmitter at a sampling site. The at least one stationary sampling site identification transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a sampling site identification. A mobile sample container is configured to take a sample at the sampling site. The mobile sample container comprises a transmitter and receiver device. The transmitter and receiver device comprises a memory for the sampling site identification and for a sampling time stamp. A time stamp generator comprises a time stamp transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the sampling time stamp. A water analysis device comprises a receiver configured to wirelessly receive the sampling site identification and the sampling time stamp from the transmitter and receiver device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyzing system with which a serial analysis inclusive of a pretreatment can be easily performed in a liquid chromatograph, and even unskilled users can perform a desired analysis. The analyzing system according to the present invention includes: an edit screen display section 31 for displaying an edit screen for allowing a user to create a pretreatment program using an external variable; a batch table display section 32 for displaying a batch table used for serially executing a plurality of analyses, the batch table having an external-variable setting field for allowing the user to enter the aforementioned external variable; and a serial analysis execution section 33 for serially executing each of the analyses inclusive of a pretreatment operation of an auto-sampler according to the pretreatment program and the batch table.

Abstract: A method of forming a colloidal dispersion includes providing a first continuous material flow, providing a second continuous material flow, combining the first and second continuous material flows, and moving a continuous flow of a colloidal dispersion in a direction downstream of the first and second continuous flows. The first continuous material flow includes one or more of a diluent (e.g., deionized water), a base, and an acid, and the second continuous material flow includes an abrasive particle solution. The first and second material flows are combined with a Reynolds number greater than about 4400 and less than about 25000 (e.g., about 7400 to about 25000). The colloidal dispersion includes the diluent, the base, the acid, and abrasive particles from the abrasive particle solution.

Abstract: A method and device for generating an ongoing consistent velocity within a pipeline flow in order to achieve fluid homogeneity prior to oil water measurement. A recirculation flow loop withdraws flow from a first point in a pipeline, accelerates that flow with a pump, and reinjects the outflow from the pump through turbulence inducing outlets at a second point in the pipeline upstream of the first flow withdrawal point. The increased turbulence and mixing of the fluid flowing in the pipeline enhances the homogeneity of the oil/water suspension. The more homogeneous fluid recirculating in the flow loop passes through a measurement probe of an oil/water detector, thus increasing the accuracy of the oil/water measurement of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of a desired sample in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprises automated means for handling and analyzing the sample and means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample. The means for pretreatment are used for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. Usually, the apparatus further comprises means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis.

Abstract: A microchip is provided which includes a first introduction channel, second introduction channels arranged to sandwich the first introduction channel and merged with the first introduction channel from both sides, and a merge channel connected to the first introduction channel and the second introduction channels, where fluids fed from the first and the second introduction channels are merged and flow, wherein the merge channel has a tapered portion formed so that a channel width in a sandwiching direction along which the first introduction channel is sandwiched by the second introduction channels gradually increases along a fluid feeding direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid storage installation which includes a tank (70) containing a liquid and a device (10) for measuring and sampling the liquid. The device (10) includes an elongate hollow body (12) having a closed bottom and a plurality of spaced apart sampling ports (20, 22, 24) at spaced apart positions. The device (10) further includes a sleeve (14) which extends around the sampling port and in which corresponding sampling ports (26, 28, 30) are provided at spaced apart positions. The body (12) and sleeve (14) are displaceable relative to one another between an open position in which the sampling ports are in register permitting liquid flow between the tank and the interior of the body and a closed position in which the ports are out of register and flow between the tank and the interior of the body (12) is prohibited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to trap, release and/or separate sample components in solution passing through a channel with or without packing material present by passing ion current through the channel driven by an electric field. A portion of the ion current includes cation and/or anion species generated from second solution flows separated from the sample solution flow path by semipermeable membranes. Cation and/or anion ion species generated in the second solution flow regions are transferred into the sample solution flow path through ion selective semipermeable membranes. Ion current moving along the sample solution flow path is controlled by varying the composition of the second solutions and/or changing the voltage between membrane sections for a given sample solution composition. The sample composition may also be varied separately or in parallel to enhance trapping, release and/or separation efficiency and range.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.

Abstract: A method for performing surface sampling of an analyte, includes the step of placing the analyte on a stage with a material in molar excess to the analyte, such that analyte-analyte interactions are prevented and the analyte can be solubilized for further analysis. The material can be a matrix material that is mixed with the analyte. The material can be provided on a sample support. The analyte can then be contacted with a solvent to extract the analyte for further processing, such as by electrospray mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to measurement of body fluid volumes in an animal subject. The body fluid volumes of interest include extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), total vascular plasma volume (TVPV) and interstitial fluid volume (IFV). The methods are especially beneficial for subjects suffering from renal failure and particularly those undergoing renal dialysis. ECFV can be measured by administering a first molecule which is non-metabolized and permeable to vessel walls of the vascular system wherein the first molecule is distributed within the total vascular space as well as the interstitial space. TVPV can be measured by administering a second molecule which is non-metabolized and impermeable to vessel walls of the vascular system wherein the second molecule is distributed within only the vascular space. IFV can then be calculated using the equation IFV=ECFV?TVPV.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a liquid sample, and includes: a flow cell assembly formed with a sample receiving space therein, and inlet and outlet channels extending to the sample receiving space for guiding the liquid sample into and away from the sample receiving space; a sensor device including a sample detecting unit that is disposed in the sample receiving space, and that is operable to detect the liquid sample and to generate a detection signal accordingly, and a signal conducting unit that is connected electrically to the sensor device for conducting the detection signal therefrom; and a liquid introducing unit and a liquid discharging unit coupled to the inlet and outlet channels and cooperating therewith to form an introducing path and a discharging path for introducing the liquid sample into and for discharging the liquid sample from the sample receiving space, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for dissolution testing. The system includes multiple dissolution vessels and a dose carrier positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration, while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration. The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor and a mixing paddle removably and interchangeably attached. A pipettor integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 ?l to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells of an external receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring the value of pH or another characteristic in situ within a pool. A housing sits in the pool and continuously or periodically or occasionally measures the value of the characteristic. An indicator is then provided according to the value of the characteristic, to indicate to the user the value, either quantitatively or qualitatively.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer of the type equipped with a sample preprocessing function pretreats a desired sample in a pretreating unit before pipetting the sample into an analyzing unit for analysis. When all samples are carried to the analyzing unit via the pretreating unit, irrespective of whether the sample is to be pretreated, this causes loss in terms of both costs and installation space requirements. In the case where the preprocessing is required, a minimal quantity of the sample is also necessary in order to make the sample react to the preprocessing liquid. In addition, the possible presence of a residual sample left in the pretreating unit could affect analytical results. The automatic analyzer which includes an analyzing unit and a pretreating unit further includes a sample-pipetting mechanism constructed to have a function that allows the mechanism to access a plurality of pipetting positions without a sample sucking/discharging position being fixed.

Abstract: A sampling system is provided. The sampling system includes a housing. Mounted to the housing is a Hall effect sensor. A probe configured to contact a sample is inserted into the housing. The probe includes an elongated portion and a restorative spring inserted onto the elongated portion of the probe. The restorative spring provides sufficient restorative force to return the probe to a relaxed position. The Hall effect sensor is configured to sense a field strength generated by the proximity of the restorative spring of the probe in the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method for measuring an extract (1000) released from a product sample (330) in vitro. The apparatus (100) comprising an in vitro environment which simulates an in vivo environment. The apparatus (100) contains a product sample (330) with the product sample (330) exposed to the in vitro environment. An extract (1000) is produced from the product sample (330) when the product sample (330) is subjected to the in vitro environment. The extract (1000) is analyzed to determine the amount of at least one element in the extract and the rate of release of at least one element in the product sample (330). The product sample is a smokeless tobacco product. An element analyzed for is nicotine.

Abstract: A method for detecting contaminants in an airflow includes urging an airflow from a desired source location into a volume of water. The airflow is mixed into the water, and particles are dissolved in the water. A change in a property of the volume water is measured via a detection probe, indicative of an amount of particles present in the volume of water. A system for detecting particles includes a container configured to contain a volume of water and an airflow inlet in the container configured to introduce an airflow into the volume of water from a desired source location. A detection probe is located in the container to detect changes in a selected property of the volume of water after introduction of the airflow into the volume of water thereby indicating presence of particles in the airflow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to multi-fluidic cartridges for sample analysis and to methods of using said cartridges. In one embodiment, the cartridge comprises: (a) a first conduit beginning at a sample entry port for receiving a fluid sample and in fluid communication with one or more sensors; (b) a plurality of rupturable fluidic pouches, each containing a different fluid and in fluid communication with a respective delivery conduit configured for delivering a respective fluid to said first conduit; and (c) at least one pneumatic pump configured to move said fluid sample to said one or more sensors and for transporting at least one of said different fluids to said first conduit.

Abstract: An analytical device for automated determining of a measured variable of a liquid sample comprises: a liquid storage, which includes one or more liquid containers for one or more liquids; a measuring cell for accommodating the liquid sample, especially a liquid sample, to which has been added one or more liquids from the liquid storage, and a measuring arrangement for providing one or more measurement signals correlated with the measured variable; an electronics unit, which includes a control unit for control of the analytical device and for determining the measured variable based on the measurement signals provided by the measuring arrangement; and a handling unit including a supply- and dosing, or metering, system for supplying and metering the liquid sample and liquids from the liquid storage into the measuring cell, wherein the analytical device includes at least one exchangeable cassette, into which are integrated at least parts of the liquid storage and/or at least parts of the handling unit.

Abstract: A device for determining an analyte in a sample of liquid comprises an analysis apparatus configured to analyze a sample of liquid applied to an analytical area of a test element. The device comprises further an apparatus configured to prepare a surface of the analytical area by conferring hydrophilic properties to the surface. Analytes in test samples are determined by methods employing the device.

Abstract: A counter assembly, sheath flow impedance count device, and flow cytometer analyzer are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to providing a device for sampling, diluting and analyzing particles and substances normally located on surfaces, wherein said device comprises a collection system which, through a rotating collecting surface and a scraper gather the sample. The device also comprises a tank-like storage system to store the diluting solution and a dilution chamber that permits the sample to mix with the solution and be diluted. This mixture is subsequently placed in contact with a detection system which is capable of discerning the presence or not of the substance being sampled.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a predetermined physical property of a liquid measuring sample comprises a preparing unit in which a plurality of materials including at least a liquid material are mixed; a supply route which supplies the liquid material to the preparing unit; a withdrawing unit which withdraws the measuring sample from the preparing unit into the supply route, the measuring sample being prepared to contain the liquid material supplied to the preparing unit via the supply route; and a measuring unit which measures the predetermined physical property of the measuring sample withdrawn into the supply route by the withdrawing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and process of using existing process water sources such as cooling towers, fountains, and waterfalls is provided in which the water sources are utilized as monitoring system for the detection of environmental agents which may be present in the environment. The process water is associated with structures and have an inherent filtering or absorbing capability available in the materials and therefore can be used as a rapid screening tool for quality and quantitative assessment of environmental agents.

Abstract: A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions for receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: Rinsing chamber (10) for an alternating instrument (20) comprising an inlet for rinsing media (11) and an outlet (12), the rinsing chamber (10) furthermore comprising a titration medium inlet (13), a mixing device for mixing liquid contents in the rinsing chamber (10) and a measuring device (15) suitable for determining a quantity relevant for the progress of the titration.

Abstract: A biological sample preprocessing apparatus includes solid-phase extraction cartridges which purify/concentrate specific constituents of a biological sample, cartridge holders which hold one of the solid-phase extraction cartridges, a cartridge transport that carries the cartridge holders along a continuous track surface, a sample probe that discharges the biological sample into the solid-phase extraction cartridge held in the cartridge holders, a water-based solvent probe that discharges a water-based solvent into the solid-phase extraction cartridge held in the cartridge holder, an organic solvent probe that discharges an organic solvent into the solid-phase extraction cartridge held in the cartridge holder, a pressure loader that applies an air pressure load to the solid-phase extraction cartridge held in the cartridge holder, and a control unit that controls operation of the cartridge transport, the sample probe, the solvent probes, and the pressure loader, wherein sample addition and solvent addition alt

Abstract: A sensor kit comprising a sensor for detecting an analyte, a sensor housing and a calibration chamber. The calibration chamber comprises a first compartment containing a first calibration solution and a second compartment containing a source of the analyte to be detected. A dividing material is located between the first and second compartments enabling them to be mixed on breakage or removal of the dividing material. Further compartment(s) containing further source(s) of the analyte may optionally be provided. Calibration can carried out by (a) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the first calibration solution, (b) mixing the contents of the first and second compartments by breaking or removing the dividing material, and (c) taking a reading of the analyte concentration of the resulting mixture. Steps (b) and (c) can be repeated for further compartment(s) to provide further reading(s) if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidics device (100) for characterising microfluidic samples. The microfluidics device (100) comprises at least one input well (110) for receiving an amount of liquid to be characterized in the microfluidics device (100) and a storage chamber (140) for storing the liquid, prior to said characterization. The microfluidics device (100) thereby is adapted for, upon receipt of the amount of liquid in the input well (110), spontaneously transferring substantially all of said amount of liquid to said storage chamber (140).

Abstract: A reagent preparation apparatus for supplying a reagent, prepared by mixing a high concentration reagent and purified water supplied from a purified water production device, to a sample measurement device for measuring a sample using the prepared reagent, the reagent preparation apparatus comprising: a reagent preparation unit for preparing the reagent by mixing the high concentration reagent and the purified water supplied from the purified water production device; and a controller, communicably connected to the purified water production device, for controlling the purified water production device to continue producing the purified water until a predetermined time has elapsed from when the purified water production device starts the production of the purified water. Also, a reagent preparation system and a reagent preparation method.

Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for analyzing a body fluid comprising a collecting element which receives the body fluid in a reservoir, a test element designed to detect an analyte in the body fluid, a transfer device for making a fluidic connection between the collecting element and the test element, and a detection unit which detects an analyte-specific measurement signal on the test element during a measurement interval. According to the invention it is proposed that the transfer device always brings the test element into contact with the body fluid located in the reservoir during the measurement interval and that the transfer device is configured to physically separate the test element and the collecting element from one another after the measurement interval.

Abstract: A pressure vessel having a cell with a locking pin, and a cap and associated methods and systems. The locking pin may be configured to engage the cap when the pressure vessel is pressurized to prevent rotation of the cap without depression of the cap.

Abstract: Analysis system and computer implemented method for analyzing biological samples are disclosed. The system has at least one analyzer for performing an analysis and a decision unit being operable to determine in response to the receipt of the analysis request whether results obtained from performing the analysis on the sample indicated in the analysis request are valid. This determination is executed by retrieving the meta information assigned to the sample and by applying the at least one condition on the meta information and wherein the at least one applied condition has at least a condition on whether the sample allows a valid analysis on the sample, and wherein the decision unit returns the decision that the analysis exercised on the indicated sample will return a valid result in case the conditions of the condition set are met by the sample.

Abstract: Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A fluid sensor includes a metal housing body, which has a box and a flanged ring circumferentially surrounding the box. A housing jacket is formed from plastic material and disposed on an exterior side of the housing body. A sealing ring, which is situated circumferentially on top of the flanged ring, subdivides the housing jacket into two sections that are insulated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer of the type equipped with a sample preprocessing function pretreats a desired sample in a pretreating unit before pipetting the sample into an analyzing unit for analysis. When all samples are carried to the analyzing unit via the pretreating unit, irrespective of whether the sample is to be pretreated, this causes loss in terms of both costs and installation space requirements. In the case where the preprocessing is required, a minimal quantity of the sample is also necessary in order to make the sample react to the preprocessing liquid. In addition, the possible presence of a residual sample left in the pretreating unit could affect analytical results. The automatic analyzer which includes an analyzing unit and a pretreating unit further includes a sample-pipetting mechanism constructed to have a function that allows the mechanism to access a plurality of pipetting positions without a sample sucking/discharging position being fixed.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, applying a slurry to the semiconductor substrate, wherein the slurry was tested using a testing method includes taking a first undiluted sample from a top of the slurry; determining a first particle size distribution characteristic of the first undiluted sample; taking a second undiluted sample from a bottom of the slurry; determining a second particle size distribution characteristic of the second undiluted sample; and comparing a difference between the first particle size distribution characteristic and the second particle size distribution characteristics with a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising: i) a sample-receiving unit (20), said sample-receiving unit (20) comprising a cavity (24) for receiving sample material, means (22) for applying pressure in a regulatable and/or controllable fashion to sample material located in the cavity, and an outlet (25), said outlet (25) being disposed and designed in such a way that, by actuating the means (22) for applying pressure in a regulatable and/or controllable fashion, components of the sample material can be transferred from the cavity (24) through the outlet (25) and directly to an analysis unit (30) connectable to the outlet (25); and ii) an analysis unit (30), said analysis unit (30) comprising an inlet (31), a first filter (32), a reservoir (33) and an analysis track (35), said inlet (31) being designed to be connectable to an outlet (25) of the sample-receiving unit (20) such that components of the sample material can be fed from the sample-receiving unit (20) directly to the analysis unit (30), said first fi

Abstract: A method and a device measure a chemical composition of a liquid metal suitable for coating a steel strip. The method measures a chemical composition of a liquid metal suitable for coating a steel strip for which the liquid metal is formed continuously in a first cavity, and the composition of the liquid metal is measured on a direct measurement surface thereof, for which a specimen of the liquid metal reaching the measurement surface is heated to a chosen temperature so as to isolate principally iron-based impurities from the measurement surface. Several embodiments of devices suitable for implementing the method are also presented.

Abstract: A water quality evaluation method capable of evaluating quality of water to be evaluated with high precision and a substrate contacting apparatus used in the water quality evaluation method are provided. The substrate contacting apparatus 10 has a sealing performance keeping the interior at a vacuum degree lower than or equal to ?0.094 MPa. A substrate W is accommodated in the substrate contacting apparatus 10 and water to be evaluated is fed therein, after stopping feeding water, the interior of the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sealed, and the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sent to an analysis device with the substrate W accommodated therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a high throughput, high purity, high yield system and method of isolating and purifying rebaudioside A (“Reb A”), with acceptable water solubility for all commercial uses, from commercially available Stevia rebaudiana starting material. The invention also provides a means of maximizing yields of 99+% purity Reb A based on the attributes of a given batch of Stevia starting material. The Reb A produced by the invention is water soluble, devoid of bitterness heretofore associated with rebaudioside sweeteners, non-caloric, and suitable for use as a reagent and as an ingredient in orally consumed products, e.g., as a sweetener, flavor enhancer, and flavor modifier.