Abstract: In order to allow automatic separation and recovery of biological or non-biological objects from a mass, which is located on a mount (3), by means of laser irradiation, a collecting apparatus (2) is proposed which has control means (7, 50) for automatic production of adjustment signals for the adjustment means (13), wherein the adjustment means adjust and hence position, as a function of these adjustment signals, a holding unit (19) having at least one collecting means (21) which is or are used for collecting an object which is released from the mass.

Abstract: A microarrayer for spotting solution onto a receiving surface in an automated microarray dispensing device. Elements of the present invention include: at least one dispense head for spotting the receiving surface, at least one light source capable of illuminating the receiving surface, at least one camera operating in conjunction with the at least one light source. The at least one camera is capable of acquiring and transmitting surface image data to a computer. The computer is programmed to receive the surface image data and analyze it. The computer will then generate post analysis data based on the analysis of the surface image data. The post analysis data is available for improving the spotting of the solution onto the receiving surface. In a preferred embodiment, the surface image data includes information relating to receiving surface alignment, information relating to spot quality, and receiving surface identification information.

Abstract: An in-situ particle monitor in an exhaust controls a particle sampler so that when a predetermined particle threshold is detected, the particle sampler is caused to gather samples from the exhaust in real-time. Electrical control signals are monitored to correlate variations in the signals with particle excursions for both analysis and sample collection triggering.

Abstract: A high capacity microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. A microplate indexing device automatically moves, in sequence, a plurality of microplates to a solution removal area. A dispense head accesses each microplate at the solution removal area to remove solution from the microplate. The dispense head then moves to a slide positioning station to spot slides at the slide positioning station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microplate indexing station has at least one input stacking chamber for stacking microplates, and at least one output stacking chamber for stacking microplates. A walking beam indexer is disposed between the at least one input stacking chamber and the at least one output stacking chamber. The walking beam indexer is for moving microplates from said at least one input stacking chamber to said at least one output stacking chamber.

Abstract: This invention is to a method and system for controlling withdrawal of liquid from pipelines. The system includes intercommunicating analyzers, control applications and controllers for analyzing and controlling flow of a liquid from a pipeline system. Pipeline systems with which this invention can be used include any type of pipeline system capable of transporting and distributing liquid fluids, particularly hydrocarbon liquids.

Abstract: Improved sampler apparatus and methods for dissolution testing include a controller that determines whether several different dissolution testing methods can be performed concurrently by the sampler and controls the sampler in response to the determination; fluid delivery apparatus adapted to pierce a septum and to deliver fluid to or from a collection receptacle through a first aperture, and to permit air flow to or from the collection receptacle through a second aperture; a syringe pump including a distributor having apertures through which fluid flows into and out of the pump chamber, the piston of the syringe pump being moveable adjacent the apertures; and/or a leak sensor responsive to the presence of spilled fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing liquid samples packed in tubes (6) closed with a top (7) capable of being perforated, includes a support (4) for the tubes and a unit (8) for sampling an aliquot from each tube and delivering it into a receptacle for treatment and/or analysis, the unit (8) including a hollow needle (45) connected to a suction/delivery device and vertically mobile; the support (4) has a circular tray provided with several tube-holders (5) on its periphery and capable of rotating about a vertical axis to bring a position successively and selectively the tubes (6) borne by the tube-holders (5) in line with the unit (8); each tube-holder (5) is connected to the tray (4) through a linkage (31) with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An automatic sample analyzer includes: a pipette, a pipette driving device which moves the pipette to a sample vessel present in a predetermined position to cause the pipette to suck up a sample from the sample vessel, and then moves the pipette to an open vessel provided in another predetermined position to cause the pipette to discharge the sample into the open vessel, and an analyzing section for analyzing the discharged sample, the pipette driving device comprising a vertically movable main arm and an elongated guide arm cantilevered by the main arm and extending horizontally, the guide arm having a smaller flexural rigidity than the main arm, wherein the main arm vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be sucked up from the sample vessel, and the guide arm guides the pipette to the open vessel and then vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be discharged into the open vessel.

Abstract: An ultra accurate gas injection system with vehicle transient air simulation is provided. The device includes an input device, at least one mass flow device, an air flow device, a controller, such as a PC based controller, and an output device. The air flow device issues an air flow rate signal indicative of at least the actual air flow rate and receives an air flow control signal. The controller issues gas and air flow control signals, repeatedly reads the air flow rate signal and compares the actual air flow rate with the target air flow rate. The controller adjusts the air flow control signal such that the actual air flow rate is substantially equal to the target air flow rate. The mass flow device injects at least one gas into the air stream which is subsequently emitted into the external system to simulate exhaust gas from a vehicle.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for preparing material samples includes a rotatable drum support assembly, a drum rotatably contacting the drum support assembly, a fan, and a powered drive mechanism. The drum includes a hollow main section and first and second hollow end sections attached to the main section. The first hollow end section includes a first end wall tapering to a first outer aperture. The second hollow end section includes a second end wall tapering to a second outer aperture. The fan is mounted approximate to the first outer aperture for establishing forced air flow through the drum toward the second outer aperture. The drive mechanism rotatably communicates with the drum support assembly for rotating the drum. The apparatus is useful for preparing samples such as paving materials for test such as the determination of specific gravity and absorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location.

Abstract: An automated sealing assembly for use in an automated sample collection workstation includes a lower clamping plate, an upper clamping plate movable with respect to the lower clamping plate and adapted for sealable engagement with the lower clamping plate, and a clamping drive assembly including a track plate having a track, an axle support, an axle supported by the axle support, a bracket connected to the upper clamping plate and to the axle, the bracket movably and rotatably supported in the track and pivotable about the axle, a motor, and a drive member powered by the motor and adapted to move the bracket along the track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automation of existing medical diagnostic tests is described. This method, called sequential injection analysis, makes use of a pump, multi-position selection valve, and micro-bore tubing to automate sample manipulation and reagent addition. A suitable detector with a flow cell also forms part of the flow manifold and this detector is used to measure some parameter that can be related to the desired diagnostic measurement. A reagent cartridge suitable for storing and reconstituting lyophilized reagent or reagent concentrate is also described. Use of such a reagent cartridge further enhances the automation of the device by providing a means for preparing reagents in an automated fashion. Automation of the measurement sequence and the sequencing of tests are controlled by a suitable central processor unit and software. The apparatus provides a means of automating existing manual diagnostic tests and as yet, undefined tests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as surface tension or interfacial tension. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a resistance) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding the material samples.

Abstract: The method according to the invention permits a selected withdrawal of one or a few molecularly disperse or cellular components of a system, such as molecules, molecular complexes, vesicles, micelles, cells, optionally together with an associated volume element V having a size of 10?9 l?V?10?18 l from a larger sample volume. The selected transfer of the sought component to another environment is effected by defining the space and time of withdrawal by means of a signal correlating with the small component to be withdrawn. The method is particularly useful for the withdrawal of non-abundant components the existence of which can be detected in a preceding step by a scanning process. The method is also useful for the withdrawal of per se unidentified components.

Abstract: In an automatic metal solution dilutor according to the present invention, a densitometer (absorptiometer) measures absorbance of a diluted solution in a metering hopper. An electronic balance meters the diluted solution in the metering hopper so that a dilution magnification obtained from the absorbance reaches a prescribed value. A control part monitors the value measured by the densitometer and the value metered by the electronic balance for operating and controlling the quantity of a stock solution/diluent liquid fed to the metering hopper so that the dilution magnification reaches the prescribed value on the basis of the absorbance measured by the densitometer. Thus obtained is an automatic metal solution dilutor capable of diluting a concentrated liquid of the order of percentage to a metal solution of the order of ppm having a required quantity and a required concentration and correctly feeding the same to a feeder while performing in-line concentration control.

Abstract: An air sampling apparatus includes a casing having a battery provided therein and means for attaching a sampling cassette to the casing. An impeller draws air through the sampling cassette. Power is provided to the impeller by a battery. A microprocessor included in the air sampling apparatus is configured to activate the impeller in accordance with a programmed sampling schedule.

Abstract: An air-filled pipette for accurately metering small and large volumes of fluid samples is provided. The pipette has dual resolution capability such that the pipette can accurately aspirate a wide range of sample volumes and deliver them contact-free (touchless). The pipette may include an extension mandrel that reduces air space in a disposable tip within the pipette. The dual resolution capability and/or the extension mandrel a minimize errors associated with the compressibility of air. Multiple pipettes may also be arranged to form a pipetting module for the metering of multiple sample volumes simultaneously and automatically. The pipette includes a channel block having at least one cylindrical passage, that slides up and down over a rod, and a cylinder, with an axially extending passage therethrough, that is sized, shaped and aligned to fit into the cylindrical passage in a dynamic sealing relationship. A method for mixing multiple fluid samples within a pipette tip is also provided.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for preparing material samples includes a rotatable drum support assembly, a drum rotatably contacting the drum support assembly, a fan, and a powered drive mechanism. The drum includes a hollow main section and first and second hollow end sections attached to the main section. The first hollow end section includes a first end wall tapering to a first outer aperture. The second hollow end section includes a second end wall tapering to a second outer aperture. The fan is mounted approximate to the first outer aperture for establishing forced air flow through the drum toward the second outer aperture. The drive mechanism rotatably communicates with the drum support assembly for rotating the drum. The apparatus is useful for preparing samples such as paving materials for test such as the determination of specific gravity and absorption.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring hydrocarbon content in a gas sample measures individual hydrocarbon concentrations in the gas sample and determines a total concentration based on the individual concentrations. The total concentration is validated and/or scaled by determining whether water interference may be occurring and either adjusting the total concentration or flagging the total concentration as invalid. The total concentration may also be adjusted to account for ambient conditions, such as temperature, pressure or relative humidity, as well as for potential double-counting of individual hydrocarbon species.

Abstract: A proportioning device, comprising a manually operable actuating device, a sensor associated with the actuating device for detecting a force manually exerted on the actuating device, an electric driving motor, an electric control connected to the sensor and electric driving motor for controlling the driving motor during the detection by the sensor of a force exerted on the actuating device, an electric voltage supply connected to the sensor, electric driving motor, and electronic control, and a displacement device coupled to the actuating device and electric driving motor for proportioning a liquid.

Abstract: An automatic fluid sampler includes a substantially watertight housing and a structure for drawing fluid from outside the housing, wherein the fluid drawing structure is powered by stored potential energy within the housing. A method of automatic fluid sampling employs such samplers, and a fluid sampling system includes a plurality of interconnected samplers.

Abstract: The invention is based on the realization that feedback control for the vertical drive of a pin head becomes unnecessary if one instead prealigns the relative heights of the spotting surface and the well plates such that the pins in the pin head are lowered to the same absolute height both for picking up liquid from the well plates and depositing it onto the spotting surface. By aligning the heights of the well plates and spotting surfaces, the vertical drive of the pin head needs only to be able to reproducibly and accurately arrive at a single lowered position. A pin head can provide this functionality by having a mechanically defined bottom point, obviating the need for a complex and costly feedback control system for height determination of the pins. A simple, low-cost micro-arrayer can thus be provided.

Abstract: A water quality sampling system and method in which compact water impurity detector and monitoring units intended for domestic use are installed in a residential environment while detected values are electronically transmitted to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS), where customers can register and pay over the Internet. Using the impurity detector units, a portion of an incoming water stream is passed to an analyzer for detection of chlorine and various contaminants. The detector analyzes related data for determining the condition and extent of impurity in the water elements. This data is transmitted from a compact control box, known as the wall unit, that translates the data for output to the CMS, located in another geographic locale, via a common data acquisition network. This network can be the Internet or a cellular and/or satellite connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying an internal combustion engine with conditioned combustion gas, involving the supply of humidity and/or temperature-conditioned combustion gas. The aim of this method is to largely enable the combustion air to be reliably and constantly conditioned even in dynamic operating conditions. To this end, an essentially constant and fully conditioned quantity of combustion gas is provided at each instant, said quantity corresponding to at least the maximum quantity required by the respective internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a method for determining the quantities of pollutants in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine by diluting the exhaust gases using a diluent gas of a known composition.

Abstract: A portable automated pipette includes a linear actuator, a flywheel, an optical coupler and a control circuit. The linear actuator has a step motor and is connected to a control circuit. The step motor has a rotor and is connected to a flywheel. The flywheel includes a plurality of apertures formed on an internal surface of the flywheel. An optical coupler is arranged on two opposite sides of the flywheel and is connected to the control circuit. By means of the step motor, the portable automated pipette can monitor the displacement of the threaded rod to accurately control the picking/dispensing volume of liquid. Furthermore, the portable automated pipette can detect whether an aspirator is removed and can alert the user to check whether there is a wrong operation.

Abstract: An airbag cover is defined by a predetermined breaking line which is introduced into a shaped flat material in a recessed manner. The recesses are achieved by removing material by means of laser radiation. According to the invention, the flat material is provided with a barrier layer. The barrier layer, by reason of its material properties, has greater resistance to removal of material by laser action than the material of the rest of the flat material. The recesses made by removing material extend along the predetermined breaking line in the flat material up to the barrier layer. The barrier layer makes it possible to produce a predetermined breaking line by means of laser machining which allows an exact residual wall thickness of the airbag cover in the area of the predetermined breaking line, so that the tearing strength can be adjusted very accurately, which is critically important for a reliable deployment of an airbag.

Abstract: An array of probes is provided wherein the probes are maintained in place in bores extending through a housing by a friction force applied to the probes. The friction force can be overcome by another force applied to the probes, thereby allowing the probes to move to a new position within the bore. In one embodiment, the probes contain an internal conduit through which liquid samples are introduced into the probes. Thereafter, the probes are moved to contact a substrate surface to move the probes to a new position, the configuration of which replicates the substrate surface configuration. The housing is then raised a predetermined distance to allow sample to be accurately deposited on the substrate surface from a desired height above the substrate surface. The probes are then returned to their original position.

Abstract: A modular materials characterization apparatus includes a sensor array disposed on a substrate, with a standardized array and contact pad format; electronic test and measurement apparatus for sending electrical signals to and receiving electrical signals from the sensor array; an apparatus for making electrical contact to the sensors in the standardized array format; an apparatus for routing signals between one or more selected sensors and the electronic test and measurement apparatus and a computer including a computer readable having a computer program recorded therein for controlling the operator of the apparatus. The sensor array is preferably arranged in a standardized format used in combinatorial chemistry applications for rapid deposition of sample materials on the sensor array.

Abstract: Improved sampler apparatus and methods for dissolution testing include a controller that determines whether several different dissolution testing methods can be performed concurrently by the sampler and controls the sampler in response to the determination; fluid delivery apparatus adapted to pierce a septum and to deliver fluid to or from a collection receptacle through a first aperture, and to permit air flow to or from the collection receptacle through a second aperture; a syringe pump including a distributor having apertures through which fluid flows into and out of the pump chamber, the piston of the syringe pump being moveable adjacent the apertures; and/or a leak sensor responsive to the presence of spilled fluids.

Abstract: A sample pretreatment system is provided with a pipettig table. On the pipetting table, there are provided on its front side a normal area 57 in which a plurality of normal secondary sample racks 56 are placed and on its back side an urgent area 76 in which a plurality of urgent secondary sample racks 77 are placed. Each of the normal secondary sample racks 56 holds a plurality of normal secondary sample containers 60 and each of the urgent secondary sample rack 77 holds a plurality of urgent secondary sample containers 79. In a normal pipetting mode, a sample is pipetted from a normal source sample container to the normal secondary sample containers 60, and in an urgent mode, a sample is pipetted from a source sample container to the urgent secondary sample containers 79. The urgent secondary sample rack 77 is formed into a portable type and has a size smaller than the normal secondary sample rack 56.

Abstract: A method for controlling the dilution air supply to a partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is provided. The gas sampling system is capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines under transient conditions and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel, master and slave mass flow controllers and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel. 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: The invention relates to a state-variable feedback control system for monitoring and optimally controlling the operation of a microfluidic aspirate dispense-system. A steady state operating pressure is determined from the fluid, flow and/or operational characteristics of the system. Measurements from one or more pressure sensors are part of the control strategy to derive information for active feedback control and/or to achieve the desired operating pressure. Advantageously, the control system adds to the versatility of the aspirate-dispense system, for example, by permitting rapid dispensing of drops of different size. The control system also desirably facilitates efficient, repeatable and accurate performance and reduces wastage of valuable reagents or fluid.

Abstract: Serial and parallel dispensing tools that can deliver defined and controlled volumes of fluid to generate multi-element arrays of sample material on a substrate surface are provided. The substrates surfaces can be flat or geometrically altered to include wells of receiving material. Also provided are tools that allow the parallel development of a sample array. To this end, the tool can be understood as an assembly of vesicle elements, or pins, where each of the pins can include a narrow interior chamber suitable for holding nanoliter volumes of fluid. Each of the pins can fit inside a housing that forms an interior chamber. The interior chamber can be connected to a pressure source that will control the pressure within the interior chamber to regulate the flow of fluid within the interior chamber of the pins. The prepared sample arrays can then be passed to a plate assembly that disposes the sample arrays for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Apparatus for sampling a liquid, said apparatus comprising: i) a sampling device capable of automatically taking a known volume of liquid from a source; ii) fixing means connected to said sampling device and removably attachable to a solid phase extraction (SPE) unit, the fixing means being arranged such that liquid taken from a sample by the sampling device is passed directly through the solid phase extraction unit; iii) a reading device able to read labels on an SPE unit attached to said fixing means; iv) a controller arranged to log codes based upon a signal from the reading device, and thereafter issue instructions to an operator and/or operate the sampling device to take an appropriate volume of liquid in response to a signal from said reading device. Methods of sampling using the apparatus are also claimed. These are useful in, for example analysis methods.

Abstract: A microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. Elements of the present invention include: at least one dispense head for spotting the slides, at least one light source capable of illuminating the slides, at least one camera operating in conjunction with the at least one light source. The at least one camera is capable of acquiring and transmitting slide image data to a computer. The computer is programmed to receive the slide image data and analyze it. The computer will then generate post analysis data based on the analysis of the slide image data. The post analysis data is available for improving the spotting of the solution onto the slides. In a preferred embodiment, the slide image data includes information relating to slide alignment, information relating to spot quality, and slide identification information.

Abstract: An automatic sample analyzer includes: a pipette, a pipette driving device which moves the pipette to a sample vessel present in a predetermined position to cause the pipette to suck up a sample from the sample vessel, and then moves the pipette to an open vessel provided in another predetermined position to cause the pipette to discharge the sample into the open vessel, and an analyzing section for analyzing the discharged sample, the pipette driving device comprising a vertically movable main arm and an elongated guide arm cantilevered by the main arm and extending horizontally, the guide arm having a smaller flexural rigidity than the main arm, wherein the main arm vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be sucked up from the sample vessel, and the guide arm guides the pipette to the open vessel and then vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be discharged into the open vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the oxidative stability of pure lipids or lipids incorporated into complex matrices containing other, non-lipid ingredients. An exemplary test system includes a first container adapted to contain the sample and a heater for heating the sample to make it give off an effluent gas. A second container contains a collection fluid through which the effluent gas can be passed. A sensor within the second container measures pH, acetate, ammonia, and/or formate. An optional computation device in communication with the one or more sensors determines a point in time at which the level of one of pH, acetate, formate and/or ammonia changes suddenly.

Abstract: A system for aspirating and ejecting microvolume drops of liquid onto porous sites of a substrate wafer is presented. The system includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a means for priming and aspirating transfer liquid into the microdispenser, for controlling the pressure of the system liquid, and for washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the system liquid pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The drops are generally in the 10 to 100 micron range and the pores are generally 10 to 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of the drops deposited thereon. The resulting spots are uniform, and only slightly larger in diameter than that of the drops. The drops are ejected from a distance greater than the diameter of the drops, thus avoiding any contact with the dispenser that could damage the wafer.

Abstract: Discloses a system for the analysis and measurement of selected gases such as combustible gases contained in a gaseous sample to be analysed including a mixing manifold arrangement to mix the sample gas with a diluting gas to provide a constant gas output flow rate to a detector system. The mixing manifold arrangement automatically reconfigures itself to provide an optimal concentration ratio of sample and diluting mixed gas to the detector system. A constant sample gas input rate is preferred. Excess sample gas not required to maintain a constant mixed sample output rate is discharged.

Abstract: A probe drive system of a precision liquid handler sequentially inserts probe tips of a multiple probe array into a locator well at a known position on a locator bed. The position of each probe tip is determined by driving the probe tip into contact with points on the side wall of the locator well and sensing the contracts. The positions of the probe tips are mapped and checked for skew of the probe array. The probe tip positions are overlaid to determine probe tip scatter. If a probe tip is excessively misaligned, it is inserted into the locator well and driven against the side wall to bend the probe and reduce the misalignment of the probe tip. The center of the probe tip scatter is determined and is used by the probe drive system as a global correction factor. Probe tips with known positions are inserted into spaced apart locator wells to detect skew of the locator bed.

Abstract: The apparatus makes it possible to change a desired sample volume—even during operation—in a simple manner without mechanical intervention, with any accumulation solids of a sample contained in a sample collecting vessel being avoided, so that a sample representative of the medium is obtained. The apparatus comprises a control unit which controls a pneumatic control gear and switches a pump by means of which the medium is drawn into a sample collecting vessel via a hose or tube used as a suction line. A detection unit incorporated in the suction line signals the presence of the medium to the control unit, which then controls the time period for taking the desired volume of the sample. The sample volume obtained is drained off into a sample container via a drain device.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer for the assay of liquid samples pipetted from a container into a mixing chamber includes a controller for controlling the operation of the analyzer in response to sensors that monitor the functions of the analyzer. Within the analyzer, the responses of the sensors are evaluated and, when such responses do not meet prescribed criteria, error messages are provided. In the disclosed embodiments, the controller is implemented using at least one program-controlled processor. In order to monitor the pipetting operations in an effective manner, the automatic analyzer, in one embodiment, uses a plurality of operation and monitoring control units which operate independently of one another. Each of these units is by a central processing unit.

Abstract: A water quality sampling system and method in which compact water impurity detector and monitoring units intended for domestic use are installed in a residential environment while detected values are electronically transmitted to a Central Monitoring Station (CMS), where customers can register and pay over the Internet. Using the impurity detector units, a portion of an incoming water stream is passed to an analyzer for detection of chlorine and various contaminants. The detector analyzes related data for determining the condition and extent of impurity in the water elements. This data is transmitted from a compact control box, known as the wall unit, that translates the data for output to the CMS, located in another geographic locale, via a common data acquisition network. This network can be the Internet or a cellular and/or satellite connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports.

Abstract: A water quality meter is composed of a plurality of water quality monitoring meters including analyzing units for analyzing water samples introduced from a water distribution pipe, each analyzing unit analyzing the water samples and a measuring cell, and a liquid introducing unit integrated with the analyzing units, which is composed of a single member in which a plurality of fluid flow paths for feeding various types of liquid including the water sample into the analyzing unit are formed. Furthermore, the cells and the plurality of three-dimensional fluid flow paths formed in the single member are fabricated by a micro-fabrication technique using photo-curing resin.

Abstract: In obtaining an accurate mixing ratio of a liquid mixture, an actual mixing ratio of at least two different liquids mixed together is obtained, wherein the two kinds of liquids have a predetermined mixing ratio and are mixed by setting switching valves for the liquids. A mixing ratio error is calculated as a difference between the actual mixing ratio and the predetermined mixing ratio, and is stored. A switching timing of the switch valves is corrected based on the stored mixing ratio error.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shaped cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing or limiting damage to capillaries used to dispense microdrops measures the voltage produced by a piezoelectric transducer when the capillary contacts a solid surface or the phase shift occurring when the piezoelectric transducer is operated at its resonant frequency. After distinguishing the voltage created from such contact from the voltage produced from unrelated random sources, corrective action is taken, in one aspect by stopping the relative movement of the capillary and the surface being contacted. The method and apparatus may also be employed to determine the position of a solid or liquid surface.