Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting portions of a target sample are disclosed herein. A method for detecting the presence and/or properties of a target sample can include selectively collecting a portion of a target sample with a sample collector and detecting, with the sample collector, the presence of one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. The method also includes analyzing, with the sample collector, the one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. Based on the analysis, the method further includes reporting, from the sample collector, a real-time indication of the analysis of the one or more properties of the target sample. The method can also include at least partially removing the microscopic portion of the target sample from the sample collector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring chemical or biological properties of a liquid from a subsurface position are disclosed, wherein a closed casing is submerged in the liquid to be sampled. The flow of the liquid for the sampling is driven by a hydrostatic pressure and is thus independent of pumps or the like when placed at the correct subsurface position. The flow rate is in a first aspect of the present invention controlled by providing a constant hydrostatic pressure during the sampling period. Alternatively, the inlet is provided with a cartridge comprising a tracer material, which is partly soluble by the liquid and is released proportional to the flow rate.

Abstract: Capillary membrane sampling-flow injection analyzer (CMS-FIA) analyses of drinking water samples for quantity measurements of total trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants therein are provided. With the necessity to chlorinate drinking water to remove harmful bacteria and other potential toxins, trihalomethane and haloacetic acid byproducts are generated that may harm humans after consumption as well. A reliable manner of measuring such drinking water supplies for such trihalomethane and/or haloacetic acids at locations far from the source and closer to dispensers is highly desirable. The CMS-FIA analysis method of the invention has been found to be nearly as reliable as source measuring methods for the same purpose, but with the versatility to measure for such trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants anywhere along the drinking water supply line.

Abstract: A method of predicting formation of an amyloid plaque in a peptide sample is disclosed. The method comprises determining presence of quantum confinement in the sample, and predicting that formation of an amyloid plaque is likely to occur if the sample exhibits quantum confinement.

Abstract: In a sample-processing system having function modules and buffer units each combined as a pair with one another, in case of device stoppage due to failure, since a number of sample racks are held in the buffers, resetting involves a huge amount of time for storage of the racks. In addition, if the system configuration includes a plurality of buffer units, the resetting time increases with the number of buffer units. Sample rack ID reading means is provided in each buffer unit and during resetting, IDs of the sample racks in the buffer unit are read in the buffer unit. The buffer unit then uses the read information to make an inquiry to a control unit as to transport destinations of each sample rack. After this, sample processing based on transport destination instructions from the control unit is restarted using the buffer unit as a restarting position.

Abstract: Carrying cases for medical devices and components thereof are provided. Also provided are methods for carrying medical devices and for medical testing.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic method for continuous pressure-driven flow injection analysis and a planar microfluidic device intended for pressure driven flow injection analysis are provided. A network of microchannels allows a continuous flow of sample stream on the devices, as well as facile and reproducible analyte plug injection to a reagent or buffer stream on microchip-based devices. The method allows for sequent separation analysis without additional purging cycles.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of a multiphase (aqueous and organic) sample phase, the method comprising adding at least one detection molecule to the multiphase sample; detecting a signal emitted from the detection molecule/multiphase sample mixture, the signal being detectably different when the at least one detection molecule is present in one of either an organic phase, an aqueous phase or an interface between said organic phase and said aqueous phase of the multiphase sample; and analysing the detected signal to assess the properties of a phase or an interface between phases. A system for use in such a method, use of at least one detection molecule for the assessment of a multiphase sample, and a composition for use in the assessment of a multiphase sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.

Abstract: Provided is a method for analyzing a dispersion made by dispersing a liquid or solid dispersoid into a liquid dispersion medium. The method includes the steps of: preparing a sample liquid from the dispersion by forming an agglomerate of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium; redispersing the dispersoid that forms the agglomerate in the sample liquid into the dispersion medium of the sample liquid; and measuring the amount of the dispersoid that has been redispersed from the agglomerate in the sample liquid.

Abstract: A apparatus and process for quantifying of contaminants, wherein the apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing to support a sample, and a gel elastomer inside the enclosure. The gel elastomer is capable of absorbing the contaminants that are leached from the sample. The gel may be a PDMS gel, and is preferable coated on a, or the side wall of the apparatus. After a period of time, the gel is analyzed for the presence and amount of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid chara

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 method of inspecting containers for contamination in a container filling plant, and an arrangement therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

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: Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

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: A treatment tank for treating waste water or other liquid is provided. The treatment tank has an interior cavity of the treatment tank, a liquid introduction system for introducing a liquid to be treated, into a top end of the treatment tank, an exit aperture for removing liquid from a bottom end of the treatment tank and a plurality of removable layers of filter media. The removable layers of filter media are spaced substantially vertically in the treatment tank between the top end of the treatment tank and the bottom end of the treatment tank. Each layer of filter media has a permeable sheet adjacent a bottom surface of the layer of filter media, the permeable sheet allowing liquid to pass through the permeable sheet but preventing filter media in the layer of filter media from passing through the permeable sheet.

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 method for sampling a host liquid in a vessel to detect the presence of an undesired liquid in the host liquid and removing host liquid that contains undesired liquid from the vessel, wherein an electrical capacitance probe is employed to detect the presence of the undesired liquid, and the liquid that is passed by the capacitance probe is fed to an incinerator.

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: A method for sampling a host liquid in a vessel to detect the presence of an undesired liquid in the host liquid and removing host liquid that contains undesired liquid from the vessel, wherein an electrical capacitance probe is employed to detect the presence of the undesired liquid, and the liquid that is passed by the capacitance probe is fed to an incinerator.

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

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring chemical or biological properties of a liquid from a subsurface position are disclosed, wherein a closed casing is submerged in the liquid to be sampled. The flow of the liquid for the sampling is driven by a hydrostatic pressure and is thus independent of pumps or the like when placed at the correct subsurface position. The flow rate is in a first aspect of the present invention controlled by providing a constant hydrostatic pressure during the sampling period. Alternatively, the inlet is provided with a cartridge comprising a tracer material, which is partly soluble by the liquid and is released proportional to the flow rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a petroleum sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through a measurement column containing a high-uptake gelling agent, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The sample's moisture is determined by measuring the expanded volume of the high-uptake gelling agent. The measurement column also contains a sediment measurement section having a sediment filter and a sight glass with graduations to measure the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: The valve arrangement comprises a predetermined number of individual valve functionalities, arranged in a manner parallel to each other. A fixed connector plate (3) has a number of sample funnel tubes (6) and output connections (8) for forward transfer of the samples arranged offset from the above. A valve plate (14) with the same number of sample loops (24) for accommodating precisely measured sample amounts may be displaced linearly with respect to the connector plate. In a first position the sample loops are connected to the sample funnel tubes and in a second position with the output connections.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications. In particular, the medical device reduces interference with an optical signal which is indicative of the presence of an analyte in a bodily sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a petroleum sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through a measurement column containing a high-uptake gelling agent, such as a superabsorbent polymer. The sample's moisture is determined by measuring the expanded volume of the high-uptake gelling agent. The measurement column also contains a sediment measurement section having a sediment filter and a sight glass with graduations to measure the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an article or system, particularly an LP or propane tank, includes a transmission unit, a base unit and a host unit. The transmission unit is disposed on or near the article or system and detects at least one parameter related to the article or system and send information related to the detected parameter. The base unit is disposed at a predetermined location remote from the article or system. The base unit receives information related to the detected parameter from the transmission unit. The host unit is disposed at a location remote from the base unit and the transmission unit. The host unit receives information related to the detected parameter from the base unit for management purposes. A method of monitoring an article or system such as a fuel tank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample introduction device is provided that is particularly useful in the critical care environment for the anaerobic withdrawal of small volumes of arterial blood from a sample collection syringe and introduction thereof into a sample chamber of a sensor for analysis. The sample introduction device includes a Luer fitting adapted to mate an outlet of the container in a concentric orientation with an input aperture of the sample chamber. A tubular probe is adapted for concentric placement with both the outlet and inlet aperture, with a first end thereof extending into the syringe and a second end adapted for attachment to an air supply. The probe has a predetermined diameter sufficient to provide an annular clearance between the probe and each of the outlet and inlet aperture. A predetermined volume of air is injected through the probe into the container to displace a predetermined volume of sample therefrom, through the annular clearance into the sample chamber.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a liquid chromatograph, an analysis system, and a gradient elution method, which are designed to permit a gradient change of eluent with higher precision and also permit a high sensitive detection or analysis.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring/controlling a variable of a machine or metalworking fluid system also achieves cleaning and optionally, a calibration check of the sensor of the variable. The system includes one or more sensors for variables such as pH, fluid concentration, conductivity, temperature and the like, a supply of a cleaning agent and associated valves and conduits for connecting the automatic system to a fluid to be measured. A cleaning cycle can be scheduled as necessary to clean and/or check calibration of the sensors and ensure accurate measurement of sensed variables. If desired, the data regarding the sensed variables may be utilized to perform corrective action in real time.

Abstract: A system which receives as inputs various measurements of solids and liquids in a clarification system and, from these measurements, determines the various constituents and their fractional makeup within the system. The measurements may be made manually or mechanically, but are preferably made manually. From a quantitative analysis of easily accessible sample points, data is acquired and plugged into a spread sheet program, which numerically and graphically displays the breakdown of the constituents which make up the solids and liquids discharged from a treatment stage or of the entire system.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring/controlling a variable of a machine or metalworking fluid system also achieves cleaning and optionally, a calibration check of the sensor of the variable. The system includes one or more sensors for variables such as pH, fluid concentration, conductivity, temperature and the like, a supply of a cleaning agent and associated valves and conduits for connecting the automatic system to a fluid to be measured. A cleaning cycle can be scheduled as necessary to clean and/or check calibration of the sensors and ensure accurate measurement of sensed variables. If desired, the data regarding the sensed variables may be utilized to perform corrective action in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autosampler device useful in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and more particularly to a device useful for the automated introduction of small sample volumes into a HPLC system. Methods of analyzing low abundant protein samples using such a device are also included.

Abstract: A device for separating and renewing phases of a diphasic liquid—liquid mixture, in which a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase are circulated in counter current in a liquid—liquid extraction device. The device is in the form of a straight hollow cylinder with one of the bases being either the wall of the device or being in contact with the wall of the device. The device also includes an input orifice for the phase the user wishes to trap, an output orifice that is smaller than the input orifice for the phase that the user wishes to trap, separated, and a third orifice of an intermediate size when compared to the size of the input and output orifices for evacuating a non-desired phase.

Abstract: An improved tube probe for measuring volatile compounds in a liquid or gas contained in a reactor or in any other environment is disclosed. The probe is made of a single piece of metal, to one end of which is attached a gas permeable tubing, threaded on a supporting plate. The plate permits to use of a variety of tube lengths and diameters while protecting the tube from mechanical stress due to agitation and aeration. Furthermore, the plate gives the possibility to have a longer permeable tube than the single loop probe approach. The probe is designed so that when in use, substantially only the tube is located inside the reactor. The volatile compounds permeate into the tube into the carrier gas and the carrier gas+volatiles mixture is carried to a detector through a channel provided in the probe body. The probe is economical to make and to maintain, while achieving high performance.

Abstract: A system for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions and collecting one or more of the length-based polynucleotide fractions into separate containers. The system comprises a separation column containing separation media for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions; a container including one or more single-sample containers; an ejection chamber having a separated sample inlet for receiving the length-based polynucleotide fractions, a waste outlet for discharging uncollected sample, and a capillary-sized fraction outlet positioned to discharge a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into a single-sample container. The system also includes means for effecting discharge of a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into the separate container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for in situ measurements of at least one property of a liquid contained within a vessel.

Abstract: A method for determining substrate and product concentration in liquid and/or gaseous media is disclosed. Several samples of at least one substance to be analyzed are removed in at least one sampling region by time-controlled diffusion of the analyte between the medium and a diffusion medium, which is fed to the sampling regions through fluid conduits using at least one pump and semipermeable membranes. The diffusion medium is transported to at least one detector while simultaneously new diffusion medium is fed from the sampling region, and analyzed to determine the analyte concentration. The detector provides a temporal concentration distribution or a temporal distribution of a signal proportional to the concentration. A change in the ratio of the signal maximum to the base line is ascertained in the output of the detector signal and, on the basis of this, a change in the diffusion properties of the semipermeable membrane is inferred and a correction factor ascertained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and analyzing a component of a fluid sample that is considered to be a contaminant, and particularly, that is or may be an organic material. The invention is predicated on the introduction of the sample fluid in a pulsed manner via a first carrier fluid into a feed chamber. A membrane is located between the feed chamber and an exit chamber, and in fluid registry therewith. When the sample enters the feed chamber, the component to be separated and analyzed can permeate the membrane, and thus passes through the membrane to the exit chamber, and then enters a second carrier fluid which carries it to a detector for analysis. The detector may be a gas chromatograph (GC), mass spectrometer (MS) or the like.

Abstract: A high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus and a process for conversion of mobile phase, enabling a trace amount of sample for NMR analysis to be efficiently separated and prepared, includes steps of separating a target ingredient from the sample by the high-performance liquid chromatography, trapping the target ingredient in a trapping column using a different mobile phase, replacing water by deuterium oxide and eluting this target ingredient from the trapping column using deuterated solvent other than deuterium oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that monitors and controls the precipitation of asphaltenes in a formation fluid recovered from a subsurface formation or reservoir by using a sensor to make a direct real-time on-site measurement of the relative concentration asphaltenes from at least one location at a wellsite or in a pipeline. In a system including a fiber optic attenuated total reflectance probe for sensing asphaltenes and using a processor to compare sequential measurements, the system of the present invention can trigger the addition of additives in response to a change in asphaltene concentration in the formation fluid, preventing precipitation.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of utilizing a semi-permeable membrane to concentrate contaminants in a portion of an Ultra Pure Water stream to levels which are detectable by an on-line analyzer. This allows the use of analyzers that would not be able to accurately detect contaminant concentrations in the Ultra Pure Water stream. Thus, by knowing the concentration factor and the level of contaminants in the concentrated stream indicated by the analyzer the real level of contamination can be back calculated.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during sample preparation, loading into a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, and/or elution from chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: The disclosed syringe pump and valve assembly utilizes a cylindrical housing having a piston axially moved therein for defining a pump chamber, where the housing is mounted to rotate about its longitudinal axis. A port seat is disposed concentrically of this axis spaced from one housing end, and a seal/valving member has one face seated slidably on the port seat and has its opposite face exposed to the pump chamber. Connectors serve to communicate separate liquid lines to separate respective ports on the port seat, which the seal/valving member first face overlies. The seal/valving member has through opening and/or radial or arcuate channels operable in different rotational member positions to selectively isolate or communicate the lines relative to one another and/or the pump chamber. The seal/valving member is designed to rotate in unison with the housing, and mechanism rotates the housing to locate the seal/valving member as required.