Abstract: There is provided a device and method for separation of blood, including sedimentation of plasma using PVA. The device comprises an inner container enclosed in an outer container, wherein upon alignment of respective openings, allows sample to exit from the inner container into a reaction structure. The reaction structure comprises one or more layers, each with one or more portions each containing concentrations of one or more chemicals.

Abstract: A method for calculating a gross primary productivity of an ecosystem is provided. The application belongs to a technical field of gross primary productivity calculation, and includes: acquiring key parameters of the ecosystem and screening out standard parameters, where the key parameters include a gross primary productivity, a solar altitude angle and an atmospheric column material content; calculating factor parameter terms based on the standard parameters and ground water vapor pressure parameters; where the factor parameter terms include a photochemical term, a scattering term and a gross primary productivity term; and based on the factor parameter terms, acquiring a calculation model of a gross primary productivity through an energy balance principle of a photosynthetically active radiation; through the calculation model, acquiring a calculated value of the gross primary productivity of the ecosystem.

Abstract: A measuring device for snow flux and accumulated snow density at different heights, which comprises a shell, a plurality of collection devices and a support frame, the first side of the shell is provided with a plurality of collection ports along the height direction of the shell; each collection device comprises a collection pipe, a storage pipe and a fixed bolt, the first end of the collection pipe is horizontally arranged, the first end of one collection pipe is arranged in one collection port, both the second end of the collection pipe and the storage pipe are obliquely arranged downwards, the second end of the collection pipe and the first end of the storage pipe are detachably connected and communicate with each other; and the shell is detachably connected with the support frame.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for automated sterile collection of urine and other biomaterials for medical testing, law enforcement testing, etc. Individual sample collection cartridges include an inflatable collection conduit and an inflatable collection vessel. The collection vessel can be sealed in multiple locations in a chronologically sequential manner to segregate an initial or “dirty” portion of a urine stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a dry material sample flowing in a duct is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample tube having a closed distal end and a sample-inlet aperture in the wall of the sample tube adjacent the closed distal end, a housing configured as a fluid cylinder with a duct end and an outlet end and a piston mounted around and connected to the sample tube and positioned within the housing. The apparatus also includes first and second sealing sleeves around and slideably supporting the sample tube. The duct end includes the first sealing sleeve and the outlet end includes the second sealing sleeve. A duct-connecting structure extends between the duct end of the housing and the duct. The sample tube is a piston rod within the fluid-cylinder housing, and the fluid-cylinder housing is configured to extend and retract the sample tube within the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting blood from the umbilical cord of a newborn into a standard vacuum collection tube is disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a vessel in the general shape of a cup with an open top, a receiving cavity and a tapered bottom surface wherein the taper of the tapered bottom surface is away from the receiving cavity; a pick up tube with open top end and closed bottom, and side tabs, a needle inserted through an opening in the closed bottom of said tube wherein the diameter of the opening is of sufficient size to only allow the tip of the needle to be inserted, and a means for providing an air tight seal between the inserted needle and said opening.

Abstract: A portable food container includes a first container for receiving a food item and having a first end with an opening, a second end, and a sidewall connecting the first and second ends. A closure of the first container is releasably securable to the opening. A second container has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and defines a first cell for receiving a food item, a second cell for receiving the first container, and a port for receiving a portion of the first container. When the second container is in the closed configuration and the first container is located in the second cell, the first container opening is substantially aligned with the port to receive the closure. The closure secures the second container in the closed configuration when the first container is located in the second cell and the closure is secured to the opening.

Abstract: A particulate material sample divider includes a separation cone extending downwardly and radially outwardly from a central apex to an annular bottom edge with separator baffles supported on an outer surface of the separation cone at circumferentially spaced apart positions so as to define alternate first and second channels extends downwardly and radially outwardly between respective adjacent pairs of the baffles. A hopper supported above the separation cone discharges the sample over the cone for separation into the first and second channels. Each second channel only communicates with a second collection area to an outer side of a divider wall between the bottom edge of the cone. Each first channel includes an aperture in the separation cone such that each first channel only communicates through the aperture to a first collection area at an inner side of the divider wall.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A grey water dividing and treatment system is provided. A drain system of the grey water dividing and treatment system receives grey water from a grey water producing source. A grey water dividing apparatus of the grey water dividing and treatment system divides the grey water received from the drain system into a number of cells, and determines a contamination level of each of the cells. Grey water treatment tanks of the grey water dividing and treatment system receive the grey water from the grey water dividing apparatus based on the determined contamination level of each of the cells and treat the grey water.

Abstract: A particulate material sample divider includes a separation cone extending downwardly and radially outwardly from a central apex to an annular bottom edge with separator baffles supported on an outer surface of the separation cone at circumferentially spaced apart positions so as to define alternate first and second channels extends downwardly and radially outwardly between respective adjacent pairs of the baffles. A hopper supported above the separation cone discharges the sample over the cone for separation into the first and second channels. Each second channel only communicates with a second collection area to an outer side of a divider wall between the bottom edge of the cone. Each first channel includes an aperture in the separation cone such that each first channel only communicates through the aperture to a first collection area at an inner side of the divider wall.

Abstract: A horizontal atmospheric dustfall component trap includes: a dust sampling port that includes a ceiling plate, a side wall, and four or more partition plates; an air pipe; and a trap container, wherein the side wall is a plate that has a vertical center axis and has a side surface having a shape of a substantially circular truncated cone or a polygonal truncated cone widened upward, wherein the side wall is provided with four or more external air inlets each having an opening disposed at the same interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall and disposed at a specific height near the upper end thereof, and wherein the four or more partition plates divide a space surrounded by the side wall into fan-shaped areas having an equal size in a horizontal cross-section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fecal microbiome transplant material preparation method and apparatus for the preparation of fecal material for a fecal transplant. A healthy patient's stool is collected and deposited in a first container which has its open end attached to a second container to form a fecal processing device. Blender blades are positioned in the second container and a filter is mounted therein. Liquid is injected into the second container through a syringe port having a valve therein to block the escape of liquid from the connected containers. Intake and exhaust ports allow air to enter and escape from the connected containers while blocking the escape of liquid. The liquid and fecal matter in the connected containers is blended and the blended liquid is strained through the filter in the second container and removed through the syringe port for use in a fecal transplant.

Abstract: Device for sampling a liquid in a tube by means of a hollow needle (10) passing through the closing cap (12) of the tube (14), means (18, 20) with rack and toothed wheel being provided to oppose the rising of the tube (14) when the needle is extracted from the cap (12).

Abstract: A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for obtaining an accurate sample of said wet process gas, as well as providing an apparatus for obtaining same.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

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: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: A soil collection device can be used to collect soil samples from a harvester that excavates soil while harvesting a ground crop. The soil collection device can include a collection area for collecting soil that is excavated from the ground by the harvester and discarded from the harvester. A storage device can receive and store at least a portion of the discarded soil in individual containers. A location marking device can being configured to mark the individual containers of discarded soil with information concerning the location of the soil collection device at or about the time the discarded soil was received in the individual containers.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement is associated with a branch channel of a channel through which crops flow. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device for detecting the constituents of a sample of a crop stream in the branch channel, where in the branch channel between an opening and the measuring device, a processing device is arranged for reducing in size or for squeezing the sample.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath.

Abstract: A sampling pipe suitable for sampling materials in a channel is disclosed. The sampling pipe includes a hollow body and a plurality of openings. The hollow body has a plurality of sampling sections, and these sampling sections are suitable for being disposed in the channel. The openings penetrate through the outer wall of the hollow body and locate in the sampling sections. Wherein, there is at least one opening in each sampling section, and flux of materials flowing into each sampling section is the same.

Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a representative sample of a natural gas stream, particularly a stream which is at or below its hydrocarbon dew point temperature (H.C.D.P.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a sample cylinder having a flexible isolation barrier and integrated valving to provide a controlled ingress of sample gas at nominal pressure differential. The system thereby avoids throttling of the sample gas and the inherent cooling problems associated therewith when the stream is at or below hydrocarbon dew point temperature. The flexible isolation barrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and is configured for quick and easy replacement, which may be routinely performed to insure sample integrity. Alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate a spherical sample cylinder configuration with flexible isolation barrier, as well as an improvement for piston-type sample cylinders to provide constant sample pressure.

Abstract: A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity.

Abstract: A sampling method sampling a lower-layer liquid from a liquid body comprised of two layers of liquids, an upper-layer liquid (octanol) and the lower-layer liquid (buffer solution), without mixing the layers. An extracting device is provided with a tubular apical end and is adapted to bring the apical end from above into a liquid to extract the liquid through the apical end. The method includes a plug injection step of injecting a plug liquid without mixing with the upper-layer liquid 50a, into the apical end 11a of the extracting device, and an extraction step of extracting the lower-layer liquid with the plug liquid by means of the extracting device.

Abstract: Sample collection assemblies and methods that use a collection wand having a working end and an operating end, a collection tube having a barrel portion, an assay chamber, and a partition member, with the working end of the collection wand having a scoop configured for collecting a predetermined sample volume, and with the partition member having an orifice with a boundary complementary to a cross-section of the scoop, whereby an excess of sample material can be excluded from entering the assay chamber.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection system includes a container having an interior reservoir for receiving the liquid sample, and a valve assembly that may be coupled to the container to facilitate collecting the liquid sample, the valve assembly includes a valve housing having a funnel-shaped inlet for directing liquid into the container and a valve that automatically closes when the container is full. The valve assembly further includes a separator configured to inhibit particulate material from entering the valve housing inlet.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a housing (30) having a fluid-tight seal and a probe (10), adapted to carry a catalyst or sorbent (37), for monitoring a process fluid stream or the behavior of a catalyst or sorbent placed therein. The use of such an instrument permits investigation of catalyst or sorbent behavior in process fluid streams without the need for process shut down or construction of separate process equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for sampling of natural gas. The apparatus includes a fixed volume cylinder with a side wall and opposite end walls. A valve assembly is mounted in at least one end wall with the end wall functioning as a valve body housing.

Abstract: An inline sampling device adapted to remove a representative sample drop-wise from a fluid flowing through a fluid line through a sampling probe disposed in the fluid line wherein the sampling probe has at least one fluid receiving, volume relief port adapted for receiving a multiplicity of drop-wise samples of fluid flowing through the fluid line and for discharging a portion of the volume of a sampling container. The device is particularly suitable for testing for mastitis in milking animals.

Abstract: A chamber for trapping soil gases as they evolve from the soil without disturbance to the soil and to the natural microclimate within the chamber has been invented. The chamber opens between measurements and therefore does not alter the metabolic processes that influence soil gas efflux rates. A multiple chamber system provides for repetitive multi-point sampling, undisturbed metabolic soil processes between sampling, and an essentially airtight sampling chamber operating at ambient pressure.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser characterized by a dispensing head which is movable upward and downward as a whole and comprises a plurality of plungers supported by a plunger plate, drive means for moving the plunger plate upward and downward, a plurality of cylinders in which the plungers slidably fit, and a plurality of nozzles arranged at the lower ends of the cylinders and having configurations adapted to engage airtightly with holes for holding specific dispensing tips, the plurality of nozzles being supported by a single nozzle holder, which is built to be detachable from said dispensing head. According to the invention, only the nozzle holder that support nozzles has to be replaced with another holder conforming to dispensing tips of different dimensions. The arrangement facilitates the replacement and make the dispenser available at lower cost.

Abstract: A biofiltering system for treating wastewater effluent (e.g. from a septic tank) through a bed of peat 16 overlying an effluent absorption area 12 and into the earth beneath 14. The bed of peat has a predetermined biofiltering capacity. A fluid flow regulator 18 upstream from the peat is adapted to allow the effluent to flow at a rate greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. However, a distribution system arranged over the peat is configured such that wastewater received from the fluid flow regulator flows through the peat bed at a rate no greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. The distribution system 20 includes a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated distribution conduits 72 having discharge orifices 74 spaced longitudinally therealong. The biofiltering system allows large quantities of wastewater to be efficiently treated irrespective of the flow rate thereof.

Abstract: Components of a chemical processing system are disclosed. In particular, a chemical processing system is disclosed which includes a chemical mixing or reacting zone, an inlet to the zone, an outlet to the zone, and a vacuum or fluid flow source located downstream of the outlet. The chemical processing system further includes a device to control the amount of vacuum or fluid flow through the zone. Also disclosed is a continuous feeder system having a first loss-in-weight and a second loss-in-weight feeder and a device for measuring a lower limit of feed in each feeder. There is also a device to activate the second feeder when the lower limit is obtained in the first feeder and a device to deactivate the first feeder when the lower limit is detected in the first feeder. A sample port assembly is also disclosed for obtaining a sample of material flowing through a processing system.

Abstract: A device for moisture measurement in harvesting machines, including removing material to be measured from a stream of crop material, supplying the material to be measured to a measuring chamber, an associated moisture sensor, and returning the measured material to the stream of crop material. One improvement is compulsory cleaning and/or emptying of the measuring chamber and/or of at least one moisture sensor. As a result, fouling and blockages are avoided.

Abstract: A sampling means for sampling a falling stream of a particulate material includes a trough-like sampling receptacle for culling a sample of the particulate material, the receptacle having an inlet defined in an operatively top portion thereof and at least one outlet; a shaftless spiral conveyor rotatably received within the receptacle for discharging the sample through the, or each, outlet; drive means operatively connected to the shaftless spiral conveyor for driving the said conveyor; and displacement means for displacing the sampling receptacle between first and second positions on opposed sides of the falling stream of material, to permit the inlet of the sampling receptacle to cut the falling steam of material at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in and a method of sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising: a sample collector (1) including a wall member (8) of fixed position on which a sample of material is in use collected; a measuring device (3) for taking measurements from a collected sample; and sample displacing means for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1) so that the sample collector (1) can receive a new sample of material.

Abstract: A collapsible bag sampler comprises a top section; a bottom section connected to the top section; a tail section having fins, which tail section is fitted onto the top section; a nose section with tray, which tray supports a flexible bag; a nozzle holder; a nozzle holder insert in the top section to hold the nozzle; and a flexible bag attached to the outside of the rear of the nozzle holder. Because the bag container is flexible and contains substantially no air, there are no limitations due to air compressibility, meaning the depth to which the sampler could be used would be limited only by the size of the intake nozzle and the volume of the bag. The transit rate is limited only by the apparent approach angle of the nozzle facing into the stream velocity as it makes its vertical descent and ascent (0.4 times the stream velocity). The sampler has a useful range of from 2.0 ft/sec to approximately 10 ft/sec stream velocities.

Abstract: A collector and method for collecting samples of liquid from at least one source of liquid for automated analysis of the samples. The collector has at least one receptacle for receiving liquid from the source of liquid and holding a quantity of the liquid for obtaining a sample. Each receptacle has an inlet for delivery of liquid from the respective source of liquid and an open top sized to admit the sample collection device into the receptacle. The collector also has a spillway in fluid communication with the open top of the receptacle for receiving excess liquid spilling over the open top of the receptacle. The collector is constructed so that liquid continuously flows through the collector. A drain of the collector receives liquid from the spillway for draining the liquid from the collector.