Abstract: Embodiments include integrated robotic sample transfer devices and components thereof which are used for reliably and accurately transferring small samples of material from one registered position to another registered position. Such transfers of material may be carried out by a single pin tool or an array of pin tools of a pin tool head assembly of robotic sample transfer devices. Some embodiments also include automated cleaning of the pin tools used to transfer the sample material. Some embodiments are fully integrated units having internal fluid supply and waste tanks, vacuum source, fluid pumps, controllers and user interface devices.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is disclosed that includes a pre-fill gas source having a pre-fill gas. A sampling conduit is configured to collect exhaust gas and make-up gas. A sample bag is fluidly connected to the sampling conduit and the pre-fill gas source. A controller is programmed to run a test procedure in which a sample of exhaust gas and make-up gas is collected in the sample bag. The controller is configured to send a command that fills the sample bag with pre-fill gas prior to the test procedure. The pre-fill gas remains in the sample bag during the test procedure. The amount of pre-fill gas is selected to prevent the sample from condensing in the sample bag.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is for analyzing a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent have been reacted. The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing system, a detector, and a determiner. The dispensing system includes a dispensing nozzle by which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed; and a dispensing pipe connected to the dispensing nozzle and filled with a cleaning liquid. The dispensing nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The detector detects a discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The determiner determines whether the detected discharge amount of the cleaning liquid is over a predetermined value which is less than a pre-set discharge amount of the cleaning liquid. The determiner determines that the dispensing is abnormal if the detected discharge amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A device comprising a sampling probe configured to sample a fluid, and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the sampling probe and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy, the ultrasound sensor further configured to generate a first signal by receiving ultrasound energy reflected from a fluid surface of the fluid is provided. Fluid handling systems and methods of using the fluid handling devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vibration type microinjection device capable of ensuring smooth piercing of membranes having different properties such as a zona pellucida, a cell membrane and a nuclear membrane included in a fertilized egg with high accuracy and efficiency is provided. A vibration type microinjection device comprises a vibrator (28) which is connected in series with a micropipette (8) and which has a piezoelectric actuator (29) installed in a housing, and a signal control device (21) for controlling an electric signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator (29), wherein vibration is applied in the longitudinal direction of the micropipette (8) via the vibrator (28) by inputting an electric signal to the piezoelectric actuator (29). By such configuration, smooth piercing of membranes having different properties such as a zona pellucida, a cell membrane and nuclear membrane included in a fertilized egg is realized with high accuracy and efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a pipette head assembly for use in an automated liquid handling device, which assembly comprises a pipette head holder for mounting in the device and a pipette head for locating in the holder, which comprises one or more pipette barrels and associated plungers, wherein the pipette head further comprises a shaped member, the configuration of which uniquely identifies the pipette head, and the holder includes an array of sensors positioned to cooperate with the shaped member when the pipette head is located in the holder so as to detect the configuration of the shaped member for identification of the pipette head by the device.

Abstract: After a sampling needle is moved to a position above a sample container, the sampling needle is moved down so that the tip of the sampling needle penetrates a septum, and is then preferably moved down to a position at which the tip of the sampling needle is not brought into contact with a sample contained in the sample container, and then, the sampling needle is once elevated until the sampling needle is pulled out of the septum, and is then again moved down to penetrate the septum until the tip of the sampling needle is inserted into the sample to suck the sample through a suction port of the sampling needle, and then, the sampling needle is moved to a sample injection port of an analyzer to inject the sample into the analyzer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of samples from an analytical instrument has a sealable transfer capsule and a means for connecting the transfer capsule to a vacuum instrument, such as a FIB, through an interface connected to the instrument. The capsule has a door that can be opened to insert a sample holder, such as a TEM sample holder, into the instrument, and then closed when the sample holder holding an excised sample is retracted back into the transfer capsule. The instrument interface contains means for sealing the instrument before the transfer capsule holding a sample is disconnected, and for purging the transfer capsule with an inert gas. The sample may thus be transported in the sealed transfer capsule without exposure to the ambient atmosphere. The sample may be transported to and connected to a glove box also purged with an inert gas for examination or further operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatic pipetting of a liquid specimen, essentially comprising: a) at least one means for sampling-dispensing the liquid specimen; b) at least one compartment for receiving the liquid specimen, intended to receive all or part of the liquid specimen sampled by said sampling-dispensing means; c) at least one data acquisition means; d) at least one data processing means integrated within said pipetting device and/or delocalized, able to process the data acquired by the data acquisition means; e) at least one means for communication between the pipetting device and a data retrieval device, said communication means being able to transfer the data between said data acquisition means and said data processing means, when the latter is delocalized; and f) at least one power supply means; the data acquisition means being a means for identifying the liquid specimen and/or the container or containers intended to receive all or part of said liquid specimen.

Abstract: The current invention is a device that is operated by an operation button. The user chooses the required sample and determines its quantity and then presses the button to extract the sample during several seconds in a special pot while another sample is extracted at the same time and put in the same pot to mix the samples then to heat, cool or mixed them together or shaking the sample (vibrate movement) in different speed.

Abstract: A high throughput workstation includes: a sample deposition and annealing robot, a pan/sample weighing robot, and a thermal analyzer equipped with autosampler and data analysis system. After deposition, the solvent can be removed and multiple samples annealed simultaneously in a controlled manner. The sample pans are weighed before and after the samples are prepared using a robotic weigher. The high throughput workstation facilitates analysis of thermal properties of samples obtained via parallel plate reaction (PPR) in substantially less time than corresponding manual techniques.

Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.

Abstract: A hybrid manual-electronic pipette combines a manually driven piston with real-time electronic measurement of liquid volume and piston displacement while compensating for both pipette-specific and pipette model-specific variations. The hybrid nature of the pipette facilitates increased accuracy and improved ease of use, and enables additional functionalities not practicable with traditional manual pipettes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic precision pipetting device. The inventive device comprises at least two cylinder/piston-type pumping units (1, 2), the rods of which are rotated by means of a common motor unit (MP). Moreover, the pumping chamber of each of the pumping units (1, 2) is connected to a circuit comprising, successively, a conduit that opens into a container of rinsing liquid (RL), three successive solenoid valves (EV1, EV2, EV3) and a portion of circuit which connects the second solenoid valve (EV2) with the pipetting means (AP). The larger pumping chamber is connected in the part of the circuit that provides the connection between the two solenoid valves (EV1, EV2) while the second pumping chamber is connected to the above-mentioned portion of circuit by means of a connector, said portion of circuit comprising a solenoid valve (EV3) which is disposed between said connector and the aforementioned pipetting means.

Abstract: Devices and methods for depositing fluids on substrates in patterns of spots, lines, or other features use a nozzle, which is preferably configured similarly to a micropipette, having a piezoelectric crystal or other ultrasonic actuator coupled to one of its sides. The nozzle may be charged via capillary action by dipping it into a well containing the fluid to be deposited, and may then be positioned over a desired area of a substrate, at which point activation of the ultrasonic actuator at ultrasonic frequencies will eject the fluid onto the substrate. The needle may subsequently be dipped into a well of rinsing fluid for cleaning. Spots or lines on the order of 5 micrometers width may be generated, making the invention particularly suitable for use in biological applications such as microarray production and in microelectronics applications such as the printing of organic circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction means comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage device for a filter unit for microbiological testing of liquids, said drainage device including a mechanical support (10), which is adapted to receive a filter unit (16), and an suction pump (22) connected to said mechanical support to aspirate a liquid substance contained in said filter unit. The device comprises: a weight sensor (18) on which said mechanical support is mounted; a user interface (26) for entering data relating to drainage and/or said liquid substance; and a control unit (24) connected to said suction pump (22), the weight sensor (18) and said user interface (26), said control unit (24) being adapted to determine, from said data, at least a first weight corresponding to a first representative signal; and, when said weight sensor (18) supplies a signal corresponding to said first signal, said control unit (24) starts operation of said suction pump (22) so as to aspirate said liquid substance contained in said filter unit (16).

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling of vials containing liquid medical specimens is disclosed. The robotic system processes the specimens for further downstream molecular analysis. The processing comprises automated vial cap removal, pipetting of the vial contents, transfer of the vial contents to a destination tray such as a multiwell plate, and recapping of the vial.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels such as microtubes having a least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel. Each cavity is associated with a respective detector operative to detect the presence of a storage vessel in the cavity. The detector may comprise a spring form extending in the cavity and arranged to be deformed by a storage vessel when introduced into the cavity, and further arranged so that on deformation it closes an electrical switch indicating the presence of the microtube in the cavity. The presence of the spring form also increases friction between the storage vessel and the cavity retaining the storage vessel within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of automatic analysis instruments (analyzers) and relates to a method for preventing repeat use of disposable articles in analyzers.

Abstract: A scheduling method for a substrate treating apparatus having a plurality of treating sections for treating substrates, wherein, based on a recipe including a plurality of treating steps, a controller determines beforehand an order of treating a plurality of lots successively by operating a transport device having a substrate holder for transferring the substrates to transport the lots to the treating sections. When arranging a specific treating step that may be accompanied by dynamic processing, among the treating steps, the controller determines whether the dynamic processing should be allocated before the specific treating step, based on a treating step corresponding to an origin of transportation for a previous specific treating step and a treating step corresponding to an origin of transportation for the specific treating step.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer is provided with a function of, based on selection of the output result targeted by a user from among all printed results output by the automatic analyzer, proceeding to a start page of the targeted output result so that the targeted output result is displayed, on a screen for displaying a list including a title of printing, the date of printing, a range of pages, and a user's check indicating whether or not the user has checked the result. The automatic analyzer is also provided with a function of enabling a user to add a check indicating whether or not the verification/confirmation of data has been performed, the check date, a checker, a comment, and the like, to the measurement result targeted by the user, and the like, on a screen displaying the result.

Abstract: A partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is connected to the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. More accurate gas sampling results are enabled for accounting for a delay from when the engine produces an exhaust change to when that transient arrives at a probe location. Thus, an estimated time delay is determined, and the gas sampling system is operated at least in part based upon that estimated time delay for the exhaust to arrive at the sampling location.

Abstract: An injector has a sample chamber for retaining a small amount of sample, wherein a position of the sample chamber is controlled by transmitting light through the sample chamber and detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize the position of the sample chamber. It is possible to reduce detection error compared to the conventional injectors that indirectly control the position of the sample chamber by transmitting light through the light passage which is adjacent to the sample chamber. A method for injecting a sample comprising the steps of: providing an injector which has a sample chamber for retaining a sample with an open month; transmitting light through the sample chamber; detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize a position of the sample chamber; and controlling the position of the sample chamber by using the detection result to connect the open month of the sample chamber to an open month of a sample receiving member in order to inject the sample into the sample receiving member.

Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet tube, and outlet tube and a sampling unit positioned between said paths such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet tubes such that said one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.

Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots or voids that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.

Abstract: An auto-sampler cleaning mechanism is provided, which is capable of maintaining the supply of a liquid in a non-time-consuming manner when a cleaning solution is supplied. The auto-sampler cleaning mechanism of the present invention includes: a sample-metering sample loop 14 having a sample-injecting needle 15 at a front end thereof, a metering pump 24, a multi-ported valve 11a, a multi-position valve 11b, and a liquid-supply valve 11c. A diaphragm pump 25 is disposed between the port of the multi-position valve 11a and the port of the liquid-supply valve 11b, and used to supply a cleaning solution 26 or a mobile phase 20 to the sample loop 14.

Abstract: A sample introduction system includes at least two, and preferably three, syringe pumps. The flow rates of two of the syringe pumps are varied, while keeping the overall flow rate constant. The sample introduction system is preferably utilized in an analytical instrument, such as to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a structural skeleton forming a core within an outer covering, the covering and skeleton forming a hub portion having at least one arm interconnecting the hub portion with an outer wheel portion. The skeleton within the outer wheel portion has a U-shaped cross sectional conformation. A wire harness is positioned within the U-shaped conformation of the outer wheel portion and a plurality of ethanol detectors are mounted in spaced apart relationship within the outer wheel portion and adjacent to an outer surface of the steering wheel. The ethanol detectors communicate with the wire harness and an electrical circuit, the circuit engaging the hub portion of the skeleton. The circuit is in communication with the wire harness for receiving electrical signals from the ethanol detectors for sensing ethanol vapors in proximity to at least one of the ethanol detectors.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for automatically carrying out a plurality of analytical steps, which apparatus includes: a releasing device for releasing a sample from a sampling tube; device for analyzing a first portion of the released sample; a collecting device for collecting a second portion of the released sample; a device for re-released the collected said second portion of the sample; and a device for analyzing the re-released portion of the sample.

Abstract: A mechanism for introducing pressurized air into an extracting cartridge comprises an air pump, an on-off valve, and a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure within the extracting cartridge. The on-off valve is turned on in order to introduce the pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. When the internal pressure detected by the pressure sensor has become equal to a predetermined pressure range for a pressurization upper limit, the on-off valve is turned off in order to confine the area within the extracting cartridge in the pressurized state, the pressure being thereby exerted upon a sample liquid, a washing liquid, or a recovery liquid having been injected into the extracting cartridge.

Abstract: The present methods and systems include aligning at least two sensors with one or more known locations, selecting at least two of the at least two sensors, electrically driving the probe, based on signals received by the selected sensors, determining whether the probe is aligned with the known location(s), and, optionally adjusting the probe position based on the determination. The methods and systems also include repeatedly returning to electrically driving and positioning the probe until the probe is aligned with the selected sensors, and/or repeatedly returning to selecting at least two of the at least two sensors. The relative position of the probe with respect to the selected sensors may also be determined.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow through an exhaust sampling system includes sensing an operating characteristic of a power source, extracting a sample of an exhaust flow of the power source, combining the sample with an additional flow of fluid, and measuring a particulate level of the combined flow. A flow rate of the extracted sample is controlled to be substantially proportional to a flow rate of the exhaust flow based on a difference between the combined flow and the additional flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling potential biohazard particles in an air flow tests for biological particles in the air flow; collects a sample of particulate matter from a specific portion of the air flow in response to an indication in the step of sensing of the presence of biological particles in the specific portion of the air flow, and delays particle movement between the steps of sensing and collecting to coordinate the steps of sensing and collecting to the specific portion of the air flow.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprising: a fluid container; a dispensing head in fluid communication with the fluid container; a displacement mechanism which delivers fluid from the fluid container to the dispensing head such that an aliquot of liquid is delivered to a distal end of the dispensing head where the aliquot of liquid is retained; and a pressurized gas displacement mechanism which delivers an aliquot of gas to the distal end of the dispensing head which causes the aliquot of liquid retained at the distal end of the dispensing head to separate from the distal end of the dispensing head.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aspirating liquid from a container, e.g., a test tube or other vessel, includes apparatus for sensing that an aspiration probe tip is contacting the inside bottom wall of the container, whereby a maximum volume of liquid can be aspirated from the container. According to the invention, an encoder is mounted on the driven member of a motor (e.g., on a rotatably-driven drive shaft or a nut of a stepper or D.C. motor, or on a linearly-driven shaft of a linear actuator) used to rectilinearly advance the probe tip into the container. Such encoder produces a series of pulses indicating the speed and/or linear position of the probe tip. A motor controller responds to a predetermined change in pattern of pulses from the encoder indicating that movement of the probe tip has been resisted by the vessel bottom, whereby further movement of the driven member and of the probe connected thereto is arrested, and the probe tip remains in contact with the vessel bottom.

Abstract: A particulate sampling system is disclosed. The particulate sampling system may include an exhaust sampling unit and a dilution flow assembly to supply dilution air to the exhaust sampling unit. The particulate sampling system may also include a total flow assembly to receive dilution air and exhaust. The particulate sampling system may further include a flow regulation assembly configured to control flow rates in the dilution flow assembly and the total flow assembly. The particulate sampling system may also include a flow check assembly configured to measure the accuracy of the flow regulation assembly.

Abstract: A sample handling apparatus identifies sample holders and their location in a sample holder carrier. This information may be used to determine the identity of sample holders based only on location in the carrier during subsequent processing of material contained in the sample holders. Sample holder identity may be automatically read, and placement of holders in a carrier may be automatically determined and correlated with the holder identity. Such information may be stored, e.g., in a memory in the carrier so that sample holders can be easily identified later.

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

Abstract: An injector has a sample chamber for retaining a small amount of sample, wherein a position of the sample chamber is controlled by transmitting light through the sample chamber and detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize the position of the sample chamber, and it is possible to reduce detection error compared to the conventional injectors that indirectly control the position of the sample chamber by transmitting light through the light passage which is adjacent to the sample chamber. A method for injecting a sample comprising the steps of: providing an injector which has a sample chamber for retaining a sample with an open month; transmitting light through the sample chamber; detecting the transmitted light so as to recognize a position of the sample chamber; and controlling the position of the sample chamber by using the detection result to connect the open month of the sample chamber to an open month of a sample receiving member in order to inject the sample into the sample receiving member.

Abstract: A specimen is sequentially sampled by a probe, and at least one of the number of times of cleaning and a cleaning time when cleaning the probe is changed based on at least one of the number of times of sampling of the specimen by the probe and a sampling amount of the specimen.

Abstract: A gas sampling system 36 capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines 16 under transient conditions is provided and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel 38, master and slave mass flow controllers 80,60 and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement 110 measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel 38. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: A combinatorial pipettor device for the collection of a sample adapted for use with different size microtiter plates. The device comprises an upper plate having first and second halves, each half independently movable between an upper and a lower position, and a lower plate having tip connectors for the attachment of collecting tips. Also included are sample collector members having proximal ends and distal ends and a mechanism for moving at least one half of the upper plate between the upper and lower positions. Proximal ends of the sample collector members are held by the upper plate and distal ends of the sample collector members are engagable with the lower plate such that when at least one half of the upper plate is moved from the upper to the lower position, the corresponding sample collector members are lowered, thereby facilitating collection of a sample into a tip attached to one of the connectors.

Abstract: An air monitoring system includes a tubing having a metallic inner layer and an outer jacket to provide optimal transport of air samples.

Abstract: Method for dosing liquid volumes, wherein a sample pickup portion with a pickup volume, the boundary of which is perforated with a liquid passage guiding to the outside and a gas passage, is dipped into a liquid with the liquid passage, a negative pressure is suddenly applied to the gas passage, which is generated by a gas displacement system, a drive of the gas displacement system is readjusted such that a constant negative working pressure exists in the sample pickup portion, the taken sample volume is detected with the aid of the readjusted driving path of the drive, the detected taken volume is compared with a predetermined value of the volume that is to be taken, when the predetermined value is reached by the taken volume, the negative pressure applied on the sample pickup portion is suddenly abated, the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is pulled out of the liquid the sample pickup portion with the liquid passage is directed towards a releasing location, one ore more flow parameters is/are d

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.