Abstract: To save a space and to reduce a burden of a user due to an exchange work of a reagent having large capacitance. A reagent mounting mechanism (14) including a reagent mounting part (15) serving as an installation location of containers (9a, 9b, 9c, and 19) for holding a solution such as a reagent is provided in a side surface of an analysis unit (100) to be drawable. An RFID reader (10) for reading an RFID tag (13) installed in the containers (9a, 9b, 9c, and 19) is arranged in a position matching the RFID tag (13) when the containers (9a, 9b, 9c, and 19) are placed on the reagent mounting part (15) of the drawn reagent mounting mechanism (14).

Abstract: A modular analytic system includes a base, at least one fluid sample processing module configured to be removably attached to the base, at least one fluid sample analysis module configured to be removably attached to the base, a fluid actuation module positioned on the base, a fluidic network comprising multiple fluidic channels, in which the fluid actuation module is arranged to control transport of a fluid sample between the at least one sample processing module and the at least one sample analysis module through the fluidic network, and an electronic processor, in which the electronic processor is configured to control operation of the fluid actuation module and receive measurement data from the at least one fluid sample analysis module.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus, systems, and methods for characterizing fluid-solid systems. In an embodiment, a method includes placing a porous rock sample in a core holder, contacting the porous rock sample with a fluid to create a fluid-solid system inside the core holder, automatically adjusting a temperature and/or pressure of the fluid-solid system to a preselected value via a processor and at least one automated valve, monitoring the fluid-solid system for equilibrium, recording a value for temperature, pressure, and/or mass of the fluid-solid system, performing an action based on the recorded data, and repeating the adjusting, monitoring, recording, and performing operations to produce a thermodynamic data characteristic of the fluid-solid system. In one example, the performing operation includes analyzing a pressure signal for stationarity by performing an Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and/or a Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) test.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the present invention is embodied as a method of processing a filtered liquid with a microfluidic device. The method includes positioning a porous filtering medium with respect to the microfluidic device, so as to allow a flow path between the filtering medium and a channel of the microfluidic device. The method further includes introducing a liquid in the porous filtering medium for the liquid to advance along the filtering medium and be filtered by the medium. The method further includes applying compression to the filtering medium to extract a given volume of the filtered liquid from the filtering medium, where the extracted liquid volume reaches said channel via the flow path. The method further includes processing the extracted volume with the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A beer-taste beverage containing (A) ?-octanolactone, (B) 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), (C) trans-oaklactone, and (D) 4-ethylguaiacol, wherein the components satisfy the following (1) and (2): (1) a concentration ratio of the component A to the component B, A/B (ppb/ppb), is 0.009 or more; and (2) a concentration ratio of the component C to the component D, C/D (ppb/ppb), is 0.1 or more. In the beer-taste beverage of the present invention, rich sweetness and a smoky feel are given in an excellent balance, and off-flavors distinctively owned by the beer-taste beverages or a degradation odor generated with the change over time is masked (reduced), so that a new taste can be provided as a luxury product.

Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing urine at the time it is released uses a urine collecting tube joined with a canister. Suction is produced in the collecting tube to join the tube with a penis or to the exterior surface of a female urethra orifice. Once suction is achieved the collecting tube stays in place by suction action. When urine flows into the urine collecting tube a sensor triggers a vacuum pump to produce a higher level of suction to flush the urine into the canister where a level sensor determines the quantity of urine received. Various sensors in the canister determine levels of non-urine partials such as occult blood, drugs, salt, and other substances. When urine is no longer detected within the urine tube, the vacuum pump is turned off and a low-level vacuum remains to assure interconnection with the urine tube.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a flow cell may include a main chamber, base plate, and cover. The main chamber may be formed with an interior portion having a first angled surface, a first ramp, a second ramp, and a second angled surface. A secondary drain may be positioned at a point of relatively low elevation between the bottom portions of the first and second ramps. The main chamber may include first, second, and third inlet passages that may be in fluid communication with an inlet header formed in the base plate. A PLC and/or PAC may be in communication with various components of the flow cell and/or external components for monitoring, sensing, and/or providing other functionality.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensing unit and method for monitoring the condition of a liquid, the sensing unit comprising at least one sensor and an evaluation unit. The sensing unit is adapted to measure two or more physical parameters of the liquid by use of at least one sensor, where the parameters relate to at least liquid degradation or wear debris particle generation. The at least one sensor is adapted to provide at least two signals, each signal providing its values in a fashion suitable for developing a mean value and a non-zero variance or a variance different from zero over a course of at least two measurements. The evaluation unit is adapted to correlate the measured signals, and to evaluate the condition of the liquid by comparing the measured at least two parameters.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion test apparatus includes a spectroscopic appliance for gathering data indicative of the contents of a quantity of molten metal. Laser induced emissions provide spectral data based on the elements present in the melt. Analysis of a series of samplings, or “shots” of laser induced emissions indicates a presence of elements above a background or expected level. These elements appear as spikes in a graphical rendering of the spectral data, defined by a wavelength of the detected element. Correlation of the elements detected in the same shot indicates a composition of the inclusion, typically a particle of an extraneous compound in the melt. Such spectral analysis provides immediate feedback about melt quality, allowing corrective measures to be taken prior to casting.

Abstract: A model-based method of classifying a specimen in a specimen container. The method includes capturing images of the specimen and container at multiple different exposures times, at multiple different spectra having different nominal wavelengths, and at different viewpoints by using multiple cameras. From the captured images, 2D data sets are generated. The 2D data sets are based upon selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the multiple different exposure images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra. Based upon these 2D data sets, various components are classified using a multi-class classifier, such as serum or plasma portion, settled blood portion, gel separator (if present), tube, air, or label. From the classification data and 2D data sets, a 3D model can be generated. Specimen testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A system and method for substantially coincidental sample takeoff flow rate verification which detects unstable flow conditions in a pipeline, terminates fluid sample analysis during flow instability, and resumes sample takeoff when a steady flow state is re-established.

Abstract: Fluidic devices with a primary transport nanochannel(s) intersected by at least one nanoscale manifold for active control of capture, manipulation and transport of analyte molecules. The at least one manifold can be an array or network of nanochannels, nanoslits or nanoelectrodes joined to a common voltage or pressure source. A respective nanoscale manifold can be configured to allow for precise and active control of driving forces applied to the primary transport nanochannel(s) to drive molecular transport through the various regions along the transport nanochannel(s). The at least one manifold can generate monotonic force gradients with a limited or reduced number of independent input potentials and/or pressures applied to the device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and computer-implemented methods are provided for the real-time quantification of crude oil in an effluent from coreflooding apparatus. Disclosed here is a method of determining the amount of crude oil in an effluent from a coreflooding apparatus by blending the effluent stream with a solvent stream in a mixing device to produce a mixed stream, supplying the mixed stream to an in-line phase separator to produce a first stream containing the solvent and the crude oil from the effluent stream and a second stream containing water and water-miscible components from the effluent stream; and passing the first stream to a continuous flow analyzer to determine the amount of crude oil in the effluent stream.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid sampling system may comprise a mixing system coupled to a wellbore sample supply and a recycled diluent supply, a fluid analysis system coupled to the mixing system, and a diluent recycle system coupled to the fluid analysis system and the mixing system, wherein the diluent recycle system comprises an evaporator and a condenser. A method for recycling diluent may comprise combining a wellbore fluid sample with a diluent to form a diluted wellbore fluid sample, analyzing the diluted wellbore fluid sample to determine one or more fluid properties, separating at least a portion of the diluent from the wellbore fluid sample in the diluted wellbore fluid sample, and recycling the separated portion of the diluent for re-use.

Abstract: A cooling-assisted needle trap device for sampling and delivering materials to an analytical device is disclosed. The device includes a needle having a first end and a second end and a side aperture located between the first and second ends. The side aperture provides access to the interior space of the needle. A sorbent is packed within an interior space of the needle between the second end and the side aperture to entrap an analyte within a sample. The cooling-assisted needle trap device also includes a cooling device configured to cool the sorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insert device for semi-dynamic leach testing, the insert device including a support and an absorptive polymer disposed on the support, the insert device characterized by a sheet-like form having a first and second major side. The device is useful in testing of both radial and unidirectional leaching of organic compounds into water from solid samples.

Abstract: An autosampler includes a flow path switching valve to which a sample push unit and an analysis flow path are connected, a sample loop connected to the flow path switching valve, a sampling needle connected to the flow path switching valve, a metering pump connected to the flow path switching valve, and a control unit for controlling operations of the flow path switching valve and the metering pump. The control unit includes an injection volume addition unit for adding up injection volume of a same sample component injected into the sample loop.

Abstract: The invention describes simple and reliable cartridge constructions for carrying out analytical procedures in a closed system, especially for carrying out bioaffinity analyses. The cartridge exploits a measuring component, or a test strip (1 in FIG. 1) and its cover (2 in FIG. 1) as well as the motion between these two components to achieve liquid flow and events which are necessary for the analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and an assembly for processing a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of outlets, each outlet comprising an effluent discharge opening. The apparatus forms a plurality of flow paths, each flow path comprising a reservoir, a channel, and an outlet. An analyte capture element can be slideably engaged in a channel in a position where it is in fluid communication with the flow path. The apparatus with the analyte capture element disposed in the flow path can be used to process a liquid sample. A method of detecting an analyte in the liquid sample is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analysis cell for the analysis, at very high pressure and high temperature, of fluid samples comprising a cylinder (1) in which an axially translatable piston is housed that defines, with the end walls of the cylinder, a closed compression chamber (10) in which the sample is confined, characterized in that the walls of said chamber (10) are provided with at least one bore (11) designed for sealably receiving an optical measuring element (2) movable inside said chamber between a retracted position retracted in the bore to allow the piston to pass, and a measuring position in which it protrudes in said chamber. The invention also relates to a method for detecting and/or measuring the quantity of solid matter using said cell.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet cutting method capable of cutting a droplet easily to expose its cross-section. Also provided is a droplet cross-section analysis method, including analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by such cutting method. A droplet cutting method of the present invention is a method of cutting a droplet to expose a cross-section, the method including: placing a droplet on a surface of a carbon nanotube aggregate including a plurality of carbon nanotubes; cooling the droplet to a cooling temperature equal to or less than a temperature at which the droplet is solidified; and cutting the droplet. A droplet cross-section analysis method of the present invention includes analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by the droplet cutting method of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore.

Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.

Abstract: Sampling systems for use on production lines with the capability to measure chemical components of a gas, vapor, or liquid sample taken from a product on the line and at a faster rate than the individual sensors alone are capable of. In one embodiment, the system detects the presence of insoluble hydrocarbons in the gas vapor present inside refillable water bottles that have been returned by the consumer. Each sampling system—apparatus—comprises two or more sub-systems each comprising: one or more sensors for performing a measurement of interest on a gas, vapor, or liquid sample, valves and a pump for directing the flow of samples, optionally an enclosed volume to hold the sample, and all under the direction of a control system. The sampling system also automatically acts on the measurement to detect when defective goods have reached a point where they can be ejected from the production line.

Abstract: The application relates to a device and method for preparing and testing a fluid sample using a filtration procedure for analysis of a filterable constituent of the fluid. In particular the process employs an enclosed pathway whereby the fluid sample may be put into a sealable flexible containment-vessel, and can then be passed through a fluid passageway to a removable enclosable filter cartridge, wherein the filterable constituent may be removed and the resultant filtrate fluid discharged from the cartridge. Once introduced to the flexible vessel, the enclosed pathway system thereby enables the fluid to be filtered and the filterable constituent examined with minimal complications of contamination of the sample through exposure to environmental pollutant external to the fluid sample. A useful objective of the device and method is to enable analyses of microbiological content of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacture and certification of an oxygenated gasoline product is carried out by manufacturing a gasoline Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) at a refinery site in accordance with an empirical relationship, valid for at that site under typical manufacturing conditions, between (i) a property value of the BOB stream such as octane as determined by an on-site online process analyzer and (ii) the corresponding instantaneous value or FPAPV property value as determined by the test method mandated by the product specification for the final gasoline stream when blended with the required proportion of oxygenate. The quality of fit of this empirical relationship is calculated according to the standard deviation of the residuals of the relationship and a confidence level is fixed so that the final oxygenated gasoline formulated with the BOB will meet the required property specification when measured by the test method mandated by the specification.

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: Provided is an apparatus for detecting property of fuel in a construction machine, with use of a sub-tank, the apparatus being capable of minimizing an influence on the detection given by water contained in fuel. The apparatus includes a sub-tank between an engine and a fuel tank of the construction machine, a fuel introducing pipe through which fuel is introduced to the sub-tank from the fuel tank, a fuel discharger through which fuel in the sub-tank is discharged to the engine, and a sensor. The sub-tank has a bottom section having a bottom fuel outlet for discharging fuel from the bottom section. The fuel discharger includes a bottom fuel discharging pipe connected to the bottom fuel outlet.

Abstract: Constant calibration methods and apparatuses for analytical devices that are located in remote positions in order to allow for reliable and automated measurements of various contaminants within water or other liquid samples. The proposed calibration systems allow for certain methods to measure total amounts of certain trihalomethane and haloacetic acid contaminants, at least, in drinking water samples from such remote locations, through the utilization of a standard addition introduction of known concentrations of such contaminant compounds within target samples, followed by separation through a capillary membrane sampling device and measurement of such different contaminants via flow injection analysis (FIA). In such a manner, the on-line, remote system provides the necessary reliability for a water utility or like entity on which to base any further needed water treatment activities without having to perform such measurements in a distinct lab setting.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for nucleating bubbles in an oil-gas mixture, including introducing a sample comprising an oil-gas mixture into a chamber; and heating the sample with a heater until at least one bubble is thermally nucleated in the chamber. The bubble point (BP) pressure of the sample can be determined by detecting pressure at two points in a system, which includes the chamber and the heater, and by determining the behavior of the nucleated bubble as the pressure on the bubble is varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the quality of a fluid sample includes a chamber having an opening for receiving at least some of the fluid sample and a sealing element arranged to be movable to a sealing position. An insertion portion of the sealing element is received within an insertion space of the chamber to seal the opening One of the sealing element and container is arranged to define a displacement passage for enabling a portion of the fluid sample that is located within the insertion space to be displaced therefrom as the sealing element assumes the sealing position.

Abstract: A micro-analyzer is described. This micro-analyzer includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that receives liquid droplets, and aggregates and moves the droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient. After the droplets are aggregated, an analysis mechanism in an area within the inner surface region performs analysis on the aggregated droplets.

Abstract: A system and method for volumetric metering on a sample processing device. The system can include a metering reservoir, and a waste reservoir positioned in fluid communication with a first end of the metering reservoir to catch excess liquid from the metering reservoir that exceeds a selected volume. The system can further include a capillary valve in fluid communication with the second end of the metering reservoir to inhibit liquid from exiting the metering reservoir until desired. The method can include metering the liquid by rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the capillary valve, and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force to move the metered volume of the liquid to the process chamber via the capillary valve.

Abstract: An automatic sample pouring device comprising a rack, a sampling needle, a reference portion arranged at a predetermined position of the rack, a detection unit for electrically detecting contact between the reference portion and the needle, and a control unit for controlling an operation of relatively moving the needle on a horizontal plane and in a vertical direction with respect to the rack, and suctioning and pouring operations of a sample. The control unit is configured to control an operation of obtaining reference position information of the rack on the basis of detection information of the detection unit.

Abstract: A pressure management system for sensors is provided. The system includes a sampling assembly. The sampling assembly is configured to hold a first portion of a test fluid. Further, the system includes at least one sensor disposed proximate to the sampling assembly. The sensor is configured to determine at least one property of the test fluid. The system also includes a housing that is disposed around the sampling assembly. The housing defines a fluid chamber that houses a balancing fluid. Furthermore, the system includes a flexible device disposed in the fluid chamber that draws a second portion of the test fluid. The flexible device is configured to balance pressure exerted by the test fluid on the sampling assembly by exerting pressure on the balancing fluid with the second portion of the test fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing swirling flow in a pipeline is provided. The apparatus comprises in flow series: an inlet pipe, a flow deflection section, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is configured such that fluid arrives in the flow deflection section from the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe has one or more apertures formed in a radially outward side wall thereof for the entrance of fluid to the outlet pipe from the flow deflection section. The apertures are configured such that the entering fluid adopts a swirling flow in the outlet pipe. The flow deflection section is configured such that, in the flow deflection section, fluid arriving from the inlet pipe is deflected to a location radially adjacent the apertures while maintaining a substantial component of flow in said principal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject for diagnosing and/or grading transitional cell carcinoma. The invention furthermore relates to a method for diagnosing transitional cell carcinoma comprising detecting the presence or absence of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the presence of LASP-1 above 1 ng/500 ?l urine is indicative for transitional cell carcinoma and a method for grading transitional cell carcinoma comprising determining the level of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the level of LASP-1 correlates with the grade of the transitional cell carcinoma.

Abstract: A separation device for preparing biological samples for cytological, cytohistological and histological analysis includes a series of communicating chambers, means for moving a fluid through the chambers and one or more separating units for separating material contained in the fluid, wherein the separator units are arranged along the path of the fluid between the chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement and control of parameters are described. The method comprises the steps of: taking a sample from each of a plurality of samplings points in a controlled sequence, the sample having a sample volume; transferring the sample volume to an instrument measurement cell according to the controlled sequence the instrument measurement cell comprising at least one instrument, and a casing having a cell volume, wherein the at least one instrument measures a value of at least one process parameter of the sample volume, and logging and/or transmitting the value of the at least one process parameter of the sample volume. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of fluid transporters, an instrument measurement cell comprising a casing having a cell volume; and at least one instrument within the casing; a manifold fluidly connected between the plurality of fluid transporters and the instrument measurement cell, and an apparatus controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant by establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gases and measuring the amount of refrigerant remaining in exhaust gas discharged after destruction of waste refrigerant. For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant, the method including: establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gas samples whose concentrations are known; sampling exhaust gas finally discharged after decomposition of waste refrigerant; measuring the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the sampled exhaust gas; and calculating the amount of undestroyed refrigerant using the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas discharged, and the known density of refrigerant.

Abstract: A blood separation device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the blood separation device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the blood separation device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The blood separation device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The blood separation device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the blood separation device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collection of the blood sample, the plasma portion is separated from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a biological fluid testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the biological fluid testing device. The biological fluid testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample.

Abstract: A plug-in module for a liquid- or gas-sensor comprised of a sensor module (SM) and a sensor module head (SMH), which can be releasably connected together, and which, when connected, enable data and energy transfer via a galvanically decoupled transfer section, wherein the sensor module head (SMH) includes an energy supply unit for operating the sensor module head (SMH) and the sensor module (SM), as well as a data memory (MEM), in order to store sensor data received from the sensor module (SM).

Abstract: A direct line sampling system includes a flow line for a process flow, a diluent flush line for a diluent, and a sampling valve structure disposed in the flow line. The sampling valve structure includes a sampling chamber and has a first position in which the sampling chamber is in communication with the flow line so as to provide a path for the process flow through the sampling chamber. The sampling chamber captures a sample from the process flow when the sampling valve structure switches to a second position in which the sampling chamber is in communication with the diluent flush line. The diluent flushes the sample to a mixing chamber disposed downstream of the diluent flush line where the sample is diluted. An outlet line extends from an outlet of the mixing chamber to an analysis instrument configured to analyze particles in the diluted sample of the process flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable diagnostic measurement devices for determining at least one analysis parameter of a bodily fluid, in particular for determining an analyte concentration in a bodily fluid as can occur in blood glucose determinations. Also disclosed are analysis systems including the measurement device and at least one disposable test element. The test element can be designed as a carrier strip and can contact a receiving surface of the measurement device at least partially in a flat manner, where the receiving surface is arranged on a narrow side of the housing of the measurement device.

Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid, such as a sample solution, on a substrate, such as a glass slide, the dispensing apparatus includes a capillary provided with a distal end and a proximal end, a pump unit configured to pump an operating liquid into the capillary and to pump the operating liquid out of the capillary, and a controller configured to control the pump unit so as to change a position of a liquid surface of the operating liquid in the capillary so that a predetermined volume of liquid is suctioned from the distal end into the capillary and the liquid suctioned in the capillary is discharged from the distal end. As a result, it is possible to precisely dispense extremely small volume amounts of liquids such as a nanoliter.