Abstract: A method of testing identification of pathogens for a biological Completely Automatic Public Turing Test To Tell Humans And Computers Apart (bCAPTCHA) system comprising: automatically electing a first electronic image for a participant with a computing system, where said electronic image comprises an image of a biological pathogen; presenting options for participant to select to identify characteristics of the pathogen; processing responses from participant. A method of testing identification of pathogens for a biological Completely Automatic Public Turing Test To Tell Humans And Computers Apart (bCAPTCHA) system comprising: automatically electing a first electronic image for a participant with a computing system, where said electronic image comprises an image of a biological pathogen; presenting options for participant to identify the pathogen; processing responses from participant.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus 1 samples a culture medium in a bioreactor 11. A pump 21 circulates the culture medium in the bioreactor 11 via a flow path 41 by leading out the culture medium from the bioreactor 11 into the flow path 41 and introducing the culture medium from the flow path 41 into the bioreactor 11. A valve 22 is provided in the middle of the flow path 41, and switches a flow path such that the culture medium circulated in the flow path 41 flows out to a branch flow path 42 to be sampled.

Abstract: A feature amount extraction unit outputs, as a data series, a feature amount of time-series data of an oscillation frequency of an AC signal of an oscillation circuit until a certain time elapses from when a dispensing probe starts to be lowered. Then, a bubble contact determination processing unit determines whether a liquid level has been normally detected based on a correlation between a waveform of the data series of the feature amount and an abnormal waveform model. Further, based on a determination result, a second controller determines a deviation between a tip portion of the dispensing probe and the liquid level in a container and a factor of the deviation.

Abstract: An air sample collection apparatus and methods for operating the air sample collection apparatus are provided. The air sample apparatus comprises a plurality of air canisters comprising at least a first canister and a second canister, a multi-position valve comprising an outlet, and an inlet region, which are fluidly connected to a plurality of ports. Each respective port is fluidly connected to a canister of the plurality of air canisters, a pump operable to provide pressurized sample air to the inlet region of the multi-position valve, and a computing device operable to open and close each respective port fluidly coupled to each canister of the plurality of canisters.

Abstract: An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample into a flow path between a fluid drive and a sample separation unit, includes a sample accommodation volume, a sample drive, and a fluidic valve switchable to selectively couple the volume with the flow path or decouple the volume from the flow path. In an injection switching state, the fluid drive, the separation unit and the sample drive are coupled by the valve so that fluid driven by the sample drive and flowing from the volume to the separation unit and further fluid driven by the fluid drive and flowing from the fluid drive to the separation unit are combined at a fluidic connection upstream of the separation unit. A control unit controls a pressure of the fluid and/or the further fluid during injecting.

Abstract: A sample dispatcher is disclosed and is configured for individually introducing a plurality of portions of one or more sample fluids into a flow of a mobile phase of a liquid separation system. The liquid separation system is configured for separating compounds of the sample fluids and comprises a mobile phase drive configured for driving the mobile phase through a separation unit configured for separating compounds of the sample fluids in the mobile phase. The sample dispatcher comprises one or more sample reservoirs, each configured for receiving and temporarily storing a respective sample fluid portion or at least a part thereof, and a bypass channel.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring the quality of objects is disclosed. A container includes a multiple sensors and is configured to receive an object. The sensors monitor various metrics associated with the quality of the object, and a display is affixed to the container for displaying a visual indication of the quality of the object. The visual indication is based on data collected from the sensors. A quality monitoring module is executed by a processor to control the sensors to switch operation between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation based on a detected change in one of the metrics monitored by the sensors.

Abstract: An autosampler is provided with a needle, syringe pump, needle drive mechanism, sample loop, and flow path switching mechanism. The flow path switching mechanism has a plurality of solvent delivery flow paths that each deliver a different solvent, an analysis flow path that is in communication with an analysis column for separating a sample, and a plurality of connection ports to which the ends of the sample loop are individually connected, and switches, by switching the Connection state between the connection ports, to either a loading mode for connecting all the solvent delivery flow paths to the analysis flow path without interposing the sample loop or an injecting mode for interposing the sample loop between all the solvent delivery flow paths and the analysis flow path.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sampling system and densitometer system for sampling fluids from a pipeline. A flow loop is set up which continuously collects fluid from the pipeline and then returns the fluid with a minimum fluid flow rate so that the fluid is representative of fluid flowing through the pipeline at the time of sampling. For each sample, pressurized fluid is taken from the flow loop and directed to a pressurized sampling chamber. The sample is then directed by gravity to a removable sample container, which may be pressurized or unpressurized, in each sampling cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having a central axis, a fluid inlet coupled to the body, the fluid inlet being adapted to receive a flow of a fluid, and a fluid outlet coupled to the body. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are substantially coaxially aligned so as to define a flow axis through the apparatus, and the flow axis is laterally offset from and perpendicular to the central axis of the body. A rotating blade assembly is disposed within said body and includes a plurality of blades, wherein the rotating blade assembly is adapted to be controllably rotated about the central axis so as to control a fluid level of the flow of fluid entering the fluid inlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gradually-ascending spiraled passive sampler for measuring sediment-water diffusion flux of organic polutants, which comprises a sediment pore-water sampler and a water sampler arranged above the sediment pore-water sampler, wherein a plurality of sediment sampling units are vertically arranged in the sediment pore-water sampler, and the water sampler is provided with a plurality of water sampling units arranged transversely along the vertical direction in sequence.

Abstract: A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article may operate to move fluid from at least one fluid container into a flow line so as to cause the fluid to contact at least one surface having a condition affecting sensor information provided by a sensor. Additional activities may include adjusting operation of a fluid transport mechanism based on the sensor information and baseline information, to continue moving the fluid and change the condition until the fluid is depleted from the at least one fluid container or the sensor information conforms to the baseline information to a selected degree. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a fluid of volume V includes a filter having a filter surface or area A, the filter being capable of allowing the fluid to flow through the filter surface. The fluid's volumetric flow density, averaged over the filter surface, is jmean. The apparatus further includes a scanner for scanning the filter surface with a scan rate B. The area A is optimized based on the volume V, the scan rate B and the volumetric flow density jmean to minimize the sum of filtering time and scanning time. Instead of one filter, at least two filters may be used each having a different area A. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for selecting one of the filters and placing the selected filter in an operating position, where the scanner scans the filter surface face of the selected filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sampling device and method for detecting liquid. The device includes a sampling probe; an action module for actuating the sampling probe; a control module for controlling the action module; a detection module for detecting a change of a relevant physical quantity of the sampling probe and converting the physical quantity into a corresponding electric signal output to the control module. The control module processes the electric signal output by the detection module and controls the action module to actuate the sampling probe based on the electric signal. The device is capable of determining abnormal liquid suction situations, making the sampling more reliable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated.

Abstract: A system for providing positive pressure to an interior of a positive pressure facility can include an enclosure for securing to an exterior of the positive pressure facility, an evaporator motor compartment with a motor, a compressor compartment with a compressor, a fresh air intake section for bringing air in from outside, a condenser compartment with air venture, a heater compartment with a heater, and an enclosure extension for attaching to the interior of the positive pressure facility. An electrical compartment can be connected with a return air compartment of the enclosure extension. A human machine interface with a display can present controls for controlling the system and various portions of real-time information related to the system.

Abstract: A handheld pipetting apparatus for metering liquids, with a handleable pipette housing, at least one accommodation for a fastening portion of a syringe cylinder of a syringe, at least one plunger accommodation in an accommodation body for a plunger fastening portion of a syringe plunger of the syringe, syringe and plunger gripping levers for detachably holding the fastening portion in the accommodation and the plunger fastening portion in the plunger accommodation, at least one displacement device with a displacement chamber and a shiftable chamber wall limiting the same, for displacing a fluid; at least one seat for detachably holding a pipette point, a channel, connecting a hole in the seat with a displacement chamber, and at least one drive device, which is connected to couplable with the accommodation body the and/or the chamber wall, for shifting the accommodation body with respect to the accommodation, the and/or the chamber wall with respect to the displacement chamber.

Abstract: A segmented sampling apparatus is designed to extract a sample from a source and deliver the sample to a collector for storage or analysis. The sample is extracted from the source at a sample withdrawal or extraction rate but is delivered to the collector at a faster rate. Air is injected into or drawn into the apparatus which allows for an expedited sample delivery rate.

Abstract: An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.

Abstract: The invention discloses a rapid test device, includes a cup vessel (4), which comprises a first chamber (41) and a dosing piston assembling hole (44) communicating with the first chamber (41); a base (8) fastened at the bottom of the cup vessel (4); a second chamber (81), formed between the base (8) and the cup vessel (4) and communicating with the dosing piston assembling hole (44); a partition (7), arranged in the second chamber (81) and provided with test paper; a dosing piston (6), provided with a dosing slot (61) thereon and provided with a key hole at one end, inserted in the dosing piston assembling hole (44); and a key (1) matching the key hole. In present invention the sample in the dosing slot can be transmitted into the second chamber by rotating the dosing piston. The sample is absorbed by the test paper after flowing by the test paper, and test result appears on the test paper.

Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.

Abstract: A milk sampling system for use with an automatic milking machine includes a metering pump (2) having an inlet (9) connected to a induction system (3) and an outlet (10) connected to a discharge system (5). The induction system includes a manifold block (4) with passages forming supply paths (12, 13, 15) for connecting the pump inlet to a milk source, a washing fluid source, and a source of pressurized air, and solenoid valves (21, 22, 25) to selectively open and close the supply paths. The discharge systems includes a manifold block (6) with passages forming a plurality discharge paths (27, 29, 31, 33) for successively delivering discrete milk samples for analysis, and solenoid valves (35, 36, 37, 38) to selectively open and close the discharge paths.

Abstract: To provide accurate determinations of volumetric flow rate and thus of total liquid volume transported over a given time period, two pressure transducers are disposed a predetermined distance apart along a conduit. Precise pressure measurement readings are generated from which volumetric flow rate can be derived with accuracy. Integration of the volumetric flow rate over time yields an improved measure of the total liquid volume that has flowed through the conduit during the respective temporal interval. The two pressure transducers are disposed along the conduit a predetermined distance apart with no obstruction or restriction in the conduit between the transducers. A controller can be used to determine the volumetric flow rate using the Hagen-Poiseuille Equation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to test devices, e.g., cartridges, methods and systems, wherein the test devices have an entry port configured to receive a test sample into a holding chamber; a first conduit having at least one lateral flow test strip; and a displacement device, such as a pneumatic pump, configured to move a portion of said test sample from said holding chamber into said first conduit. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mixer-settler, an arrangement comprising a train of at least two mixer-settlers and a method for measuring and controlling volumetric O/A ratio and phase disengagement time of organic and aqueous phases in a dispersion. A continuous flow of dispersion is led via an inlet channel (6) from the uptake channel (4) though a measurement chamber (5) to an outlet channel (9) which leads the flow to the pump-mixer unit (1). At predetermined time intervals the continuous flow of dispersion is interrupted by closing the inlet and outlet valves (12, 13) to retain a sample of dispersion in the measurement chamber (5) for the measurement of the O/A ratio and phase disengagement time.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle counter apparatus for counting particles in a fluid flowing in a pipe or a pipeline. The particle counter apparatus comprises a pipe portion through which the fluid flows, where the pipe portion is provided with a fluid sample outlet for withdrawal of a fluid sample. Furthermore the particle counter apparatus also comprises a first fluid transfer body extending from the fluid sample outlet to a particle counter, and a second fluid transfer body extending from the particle counter to a fluid return outlet mounted in the pipe portion downstream of the fluid sample outlet. In the pipe portion there is mounted a propeller unit comprising a propeller and a generator, with the result that particles are distributed uniformly in the fluid before the withdrawal of fluid samples, and electric power is provided for operation of the particle counter apparatus.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a housing arranged to be freely rotatable under the influence of a fluid and comprising an opening for channeling the fluid through the housing such that the fluid contacts a particular portion of a sampling medium corresponding to a relative angular position of the housing.

Abstract: A flow controller for use with a liquid chromatography detector. The flow controller includes a flow channel comprising an inlet portion, a control channel portion in communication with the inlet portion, and an outlet portion in communication with said control channel portion. The control channel portion has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of a drift tube of the liquid chromatography detector for channeling the flow of droplets through the smaller cross-sectional area. The flow controller is shaped and sized to reduce pressure fluctuations and turbulence in the droplet stream of the liquid chromatography detector.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling air in a controlled environment having air sampling devices therewithin. A controller, outside the controlled environment, in separate flow communication with each sampling device via first vacuum tubes, and having a manifold for directing air from the first vacuum tubes to one or more second vacuum tubes. A vacuum source outside the controlled environment, in flow communication with the controller via the second vacuum tube(s), providing suction, and being controlled by the controller to generate flow through the first vacuum tubes. A flow switch between each sampling device and the vacuum source, for measuring and controlling the flow rate through a corresponding first vacuum tube. An alarm inside the controlled environment, is activated by a flow switch when the corresponding flow rate deviates from a desired value by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a collection module including a gas handler, and a flow controller in communication with the gas handler of the collection module. The flow controller controls the gas handler to move a selected volume of gas through the collection module.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic sequential sampler for roof-top runoff of rainwater, which comprises: a sensing part, a controlling part and a sampling part, and more particularly, which takes samples of rainwater, at regular intervals, by sensing whether it rains and controlling the rotation and stop of a sample bottle shelf in the sampling part, using a timer and a counter.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: The automated sample extraction device is a device for the automatic extraction of chemical samples. The device includes a housing defining an open interior region. A rotating carousel is disposed within the housing, and a plurality of sample holders are mounted thereon. A plurality of sample storage tanks each contain a unique chemical sample, and a desired volume of at least one chemical sample is drawn from a respective one of the sample storage tanks to a respective at least one of the plurality of sample holders. The carousel is rotated so that the desired volume of the at least one chemical sample may be dispensed into a receptacle positioned adjacent the carousel. The at least one chemical sample may then be mixed, heated, cooled, shaken and/or vibrated within the receptacle prior to dispensing.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system 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 sends 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. In one example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to prevent the sample from condensing in the sample bag during the test procedure. In another example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to provide a sufficient volume of gases for analysis during the test procedure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an arrangement and a method for the automatic sampling in a storage tank system (1) interconnected to a pipe system (4) for supplying cleaning fluids, particularly in processing systems that are subject to high microbiological quality requirements in the food and beverage industry, particularly in breweries, with a storage tank system (1) that consists of several tanks and a sampling device (5) that is respectively associated with all tanks via permanent pipework. The invention ensures that the entire sampling system including all valves integrated therein can be cleaned and sterilized in a flow-through fashion regardless of the respective content of the tanks. Furthermore, the sampling should take place without a loss of the fluid to be sampled. This is procedurally achieved in that a volume flow Q(P) of the fluid (P) to be sampled is diverted from a selected tank (1.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting component information regarding a component in a specimen contained in each of analyzing containers, the analyzing containers comprising first and second analyzing containers; an analyzing part for analyzing the component information detected by the detector; a transporting device for transporting specimen containers each containing a specimen, the specimen containers comprising first and second specimen containers; an operation mode selector for selecting one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a first supplying device for supplying the specimen of a first amount; a second supplying device for supplying the specimen of a second amount grater than the first amount; and a supply controller for controlling the first and second supplying devices in accordance with an operation mode selected by the operation mode selector, is disclosed. A specimen analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.

Abstract: A sample injector (200) for use in a fluid separation system (10) for separating compounds of a fluidic sample in a mobile phase, the sample injector (200) comprising a switchable valve (202), a sample loop (204) in fluid communication with the valve (202) and configured for receiving the fluidic sample, a metering device (206) in fluid communication with the sample loop (204) and configured for introducing a metered amount of the fluidic sample on the sample loop (204), and a control unit (208) configured for controlling switching of the valve (202) to transfer the sample loop (204) between a low pressure state and a high pressure state via an intermediate state and for controlling the metering device (206) during the intermediate state to at least partially equilibrate a pressure difference in the sample loop (204) between the low pressure state and the high pressure state.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system 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 sends 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. In one example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to prevent the sample from condensing in the sample bag during the test procedure. In another example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to provide a sufficient volume of gases for analysis during the test procedure.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a collection module including a gas handler, and a flow controller in communication with the gas handler of the collection module. The flow controller controls the gas handler to move a selected volume of gas through the collection module.

Abstract: A pipette is provided. The pipette includes a body, a piston, and a valve. The body includes a nozzle, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a channel formed in the nozzle. The first chamber is isolated from the second chamber, and the channel is isolated from the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is mounted to slide within the first chamber and the second chamber so that movement of the piston simultaneously increases a first volume of the first chamber and decreases a second volume of the second chamber. The valve is in communication with the first chamber, the second chamber, the channel, and an exterior of the body to selectively provide a communication between the first chamber and the channel, between the second chamber and the channel, between the first chamber and the exterior of the body, and between the second chamber and the exterior of the body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: An electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids with a drive with an electric motor, at least one displacer device with a displacer element, which is connected and/or connectable to the drive, an electric mode key and an electric parameter key for changeover between different menus, a pair of electric control keys, arranged next to each other, for navigation in the menus, setting of parameters and controlling the dislocation of the displacer element, wherein the two control keys control the navigation in the menus, the setting of parameters and the dislocation of the displacer element in different directions, an electronic display device for displaying menus and parameters, an electric control unit, which is connected to the electric motor, the electric mode key, the electric parameter key, the electric control keys and the electric display device, and which controls the display of menus and parameters by the display device as well as the dislocation of the displacer element corresponding to the actuati