Abstract: A testing device for testing the level of a selected chemical in central heating system water in a central heating system circuit comprises: a sample chamber for holding a sample of central heating system water, the sample chamber being connected to the central heating system circuit; means for controlling filling of the sample chamber with central heating system water from the central heating system circuit, and emptying of the sample chamber; at least one valve for isolating the sample of central heating system water from the heating circuit during testing; and optical testing apparatus including a light source and a detector, for measuring an optical property of the sample of central heating system water isolated within the sample chamber and thereby making a determination as to whether or not the level of the selected chemical in the water is greater than a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically packing resin into and unpacking resin from a reusable separation column for sample analysis are described. A reusable sample separation column embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a column body having a first end and a distal second end and defining an interior fluid flow pathway; a first port adjacent the first end and coupled to an inlet coupled to an expanded interior region, the inlet positioned between the first port and the expanded interior region to introduce resin slurry; an outlet coupled to a frit positioned between the outlet and the first port, the frit configured to retain resin of the resin slurry within the expanded interior region; and a second port coupled to a channel having a smaller cross-section than the second port, the channel configured to introduce a jet of fluid to resin positioned in the expanded interior region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling valve and to a device equipped with such a valve notably allowing haematology measurements to be taken from a blood sample. The valve comprise two external parts, one internal part clamped between said external parts, and means for regulating the relative angular position of these parts about an axis of rotation. The internal part has opposite surfaces pressing in a sealed and sliding manner against adjacent surfaces of the external parts. The external parts comprise orifices, loops and ducts, said loops and said ducts being arranged in such a way as to communicate selectively with orifices passing through the internal part. The valve parts have no aliquot return groove or recess or labyrinth, thereby eliminating regions of turbulence. The valve is characterized in that two of the parts are able to rotate about the axis of rotation with respect to one of the said parts which is stationary, the rotary parts preferably being the external parts.

Abstract: A sample dispenser for an analysis device, in particular for an analysis device working according to the principle of liquid chromatography, in particular high pressure liquid chromatography, or gas chromatography, comprising a sample intake for receiving a sample to be analyzed, an inlet through which an eluent can be supplied, an outlet, and an injection valve arrangement, which can be switched at least from an intake position to an injection position, wherein, at least in the intake position and in the injection position, the inlet is in fluid connection with the outlet to deliver the eluent—if applicable, having the sample added thereto—at least partly to the outlet, wherein, in the intake position, the sample intake is separated from the eluent in a fluid-tight manner, and wherein, in the injection position, the sample in the sample intake can combine with the eluent, wherein the sample dispenser is configured as a disposable component.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling animal behavior are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system comprises a computing device comprising at least one processor and memory. The system includes a detection electrode and an animal signaling device. The computing device is configured to detect a change of an electrical capacitance at a detection electrode. The computing device is also configured to determine a position of an animal based on the change in the electrical charge. Further, the computing device is configured to control the animal signaling device to communicate a signal in response to determining the position of the animal.

Abstract: Valve assemblies are described that provide bursts of gas between fluids to furnish separation between the fluids. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to connect to an external loop, an output, and a vent, and ports configured to receive a first fluid, a second fluid, and a pressurized gas. The valve assembly further includes a second valve member coupled adjacent the first valve member having channels configured to connect the external loop to the second fluid for charging the external loop with the second fluid, and to connect the external loop to the output for supplying the second fluid from the external loop to the output. The second valve member also has one or more channels for receiving a burst of the pressurized gas via a port of the first valve member and supplying the pressurized gas to the output and/or to the external loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling valve, for taking samples of fluid from a common collecting vessel in order to perform a plurality of analyses using reagents. The valve of the invention comprises two members that are movable relative to each other, comprising a sampling member having sampling loops, each intended to receiving an aliquot of fluid, and a connection member capable of assuming at least three functional positions relative to the sampling member. These three positions enable the delayed access to two separate sampling circuits in order to fill them and to dispense reagents to the loops that make them up.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sampling carbon particles emitted, for example, from a charcoal kiln, including: a sampling tube introducing samples including carbon particles from a carbon particle emission source; a first manifold collecting the samples introduced from the sampling tube; a first suction means transferring the samples from the carbon particle emission source to the first manifold through the sampling tube; a discharge tube discharging the samples from the first manifold; a second manifold collecting the samples introduced from the discharge tube and supplying them to a carbon particle collection unit; a second suction means transferring the samples introduced to the first manifold to the second manifold through the discharge tube; the carbon particle collection unit receiving the samples from the second manifold and collecting the carbon particles included in the samples; and a third suction means transferring the samples introduced to the second manifold to the carbon particle collection unit

Abstract: The slide type valve of the present invention has a structure in which a movable flowpath forming member is pressed toward a slidable sealing member by use of a spring member and in which the load of the slidable sealing member received from the movable flowpath forming member becomes equal to a constant spring load determined by a spring force of the spring member. Additionally, an attachment member holding the movable flowpath forming member that is movable to the fixed flowpath forming member has a housing hole whose shape substantially coinciding with the shape of the movable flowpath forming member. The movable flowpath forming member is housed in the housing hole so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the first end surface of the fixed flowpath forming member, and, accordingly, the load distribution is uniformed both in a first seal sliding surface and in a second seal sliding surface of the slidable sealing member.

Abstract: A closed loop system for obtaining a sample of a fluid from a source of fluid is disclosed, the system including a collection vessel having a fluid chamber disposed therein. A valve assembly is disposed within the collection vessel and adapted to selectively open and close a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and an associated fluid receptacle. An inlet provides a fluid communication path between the source of fluid and the fluid chamber, and an outlet provides a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and a fluid recovery system.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for handling small quantities of fluids useful, for example, in measuring the gas and/or liquid sorption and desorption properties of substances such as hydrogen sorption by solid or liquid hydrogen storage materials. In one embodiment, low-volume rotary valves are used to dose samples in a sample holder. In another embodiment, a rotary valve is used as a dosing/bypass valve to both condition and measure samples. The invention also relates to an actuator for a rotary valve that has a manual override feature.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, the valve body also having a valve chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, a pair of seals each being located on opposing ends of the valve chamber; and a reciprocating piston extending into the valve chamber and movable between a closed position extending through the pair of seals and an open position extending only through one of the pair of seals, wherein the inlet port is fluidly connected with the outlet port when the piston is in the open position. A method of using the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid transfer system for transferring liquid from a plurality of containers to a plurality of destinations comprises a plurality of inlet valves. Each inlet valve is operable between an open position allowing liquid from a container to be drawn into the system and a closed position blocking liquid from a container from being drawn into the system. Liquid drawn from each of the liquid containers is delivered to a buffer chamber designed to degas the liquid in the buffer chamber. The buffer chamber leads to a vented feeder chamber that is also adapted to retain a volume of liquid. A chamber connection valve is provided between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber to allow or block the flow of liquid between the buffer chamber and the feeder chamber. The feeder chamber is connected to a plurality of distribution valves operable to deliver liquid to a plurality of destinations.

Abstract: A sample injector includes a rotary valve element with a straight passageway through it, which element may be rotated to connect a port communicating with a source of solvent with a port communicating with an inlet to a column. Another passageway connects two adjacent ports. The valve element may be rotated to one position in which it provides a straight path for sample to be injected, a second position in which it provides a path that connects a source of purge gas to the chromatographic system and a third position in which it provides a path that connects solvent to the column for preconditioning.

Abstract: This invention provides a pre-concentrator device including an electrostatically operated valve and an electrically heated desorber, the electrostatically operated valve comprising a movable flap or membrane carrying a chemically adsorbing coating, suspended by an elastic element above an orifice in an insulated substrate. The device is constructed by planer processing. The flap or membrane can be deflected towards the substrate to block the flow of gas through the orifice by applying a voltage between the substrate and the membrane. The coating provides an adsorbing surface for a volatile organic compound. The coating may be heated electrically, by applying an alternating voltage between the substrate and the flap, thermally desorbing any adsorbed chemical species. When combined with other similar valves in a stacked assembly, the device may be used in a chemical pre-concentrator with very low dead volume.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a pipettor head, including: a body; one or more solenoid valves disposed in the body; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet at a lower end and an inlet at an upper end; each one or more solenoid valves having an outlet attached to a dispensing passageway; each one or more solenoid valves having its inlet attached to a standpipe; and the standpipe having an open top communicating with an interior of a closed vacuum/pressure chamber defined in the pipettor head, the closed vacuum/pressure chamber being arranged such that vacuum or pressure may be selectively applied to the closed vacuum/pressure chamber. A method of using the pipettor head is also provided.

Abstract: An electric conductivity water probe consisting of a test chamber having a wall, a fluids input/output port, and a water input port, the wall having a first and at least a second wall section, the first and at least second wall sections being electrically isolated from each other by an electrical insulator; and a valve connected operatively to the fluids input/output port, the valve being adapted for alternately and permitting and resisting flows of fluids through the fluids port.

Abstract: A microvalve for extracting small volume samples into analytical devices, e.g.

Abstract: A shear valve assembly comprises a pair of valve pads having opposing planar surfaces supported for relative sliding engagement. Each valve pad defines a plurality of liquid pathways by which a liquid can be passed from one pad to the other. The planar surface of one of the valve pads has an open channel formed therein, such channel having dimensions to accommodate a prescribed volume of liquid. Liquid is introduced into such channel via a first pair of pathways formed in the other valve pad, and liquid is dispensed from the open channel by a second pair of pathways that are brought into alignment with the channel during sliding movement between the valve pads. The valve assembly is particularly useful in blood-analyzing instruments for isolating and dispensing relatively minute volumes (of the order of microliters) of whole blood for analysis.

Abstract: A rotating plug (4) is installed in a body (1) and can be in different positions in which two lateral drillings come in front of the orifices corresponding to the body (1) or a sampling orifice (18) in front of which a flask is placed. The fluid to be sampled is circulated so that it fills a chamber (12) delimited by the rotating plug (4), and the rotating plug is then turned until one of its drillings is facing the sampling orifice (18) and a piston (11) delimiting the chamber (12) is pushed in to extract the required quantity of the sample. This device is simple and has an excellent seal.

Abstract: A sample injector valve capable of introducing multiple samples of material into multiple liquid or gas streams is provided. Such a valve is particularly useful for injecting multiple samples under pressure into a combinatorial chemistry system with moving streams of fluid, such as a parallel pressure reactor or a rapid flow analysis system using multi-channel or parallel chromatography and related techniques. The valve is further capable of functioning on a small scale with automatic sampling equipment.

Abstract: A chromatography detection system can handle the flow from a chromatography column. The chromatography detection system has an injection valve and a detector for detecting emissions from a flowing sample. The injection valve has at least one loop and is adapted to connect to the chromatography column. The valve can (a) load the at least one loop independently of the chromatography column in a first mode, and (b) serially connect the least one loop between the chromatography column and the detector in a second mode. Thus, flow from the at least one loop to the detector is driven by eluate from the chromatography column.

Abstract: An improved chromatograph valve is provided which may be placed in close proximity to a chromatograph in order to avoid temperature variations in the space therebetween. The valve may include a multiple sample slot rotor movable in a single direction to reduce wear upon the rotor and valve body. The rotor sample slots as well as the pairs of sample and carrier gas ports upon the valve body may be diametrically opposed to allow a superior temperature gradient to be created across the valve, the gradient allowing a sample material to enter the valve in a single phase and exit the valve sufficiently volatilized.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a sampling apparatus in a continuous industrial process for taking a sample of the substance to be monitored. The sampling apparatus is located on the wall of the pulp tank and it includes a sample chamber, which is equipped with a cover, and a filter. The sample chamber includes a closing device, by means of which the connection from the pulp tank to the sample chamber can be closed, as a result of which the filter remains in the sample chamber in the space between the cover and the closing device. The filter can be pulled out of the sample chamber for cleaning after the cover of the sample chamber has been opened. Another object of the invention is a sampling method and a cleaning method for the sampling apparatus presented.

Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining volume flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the volume flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid handling device comprising: a cylindrical actuator cavity in a substrate, the actuator cavity intersected by two or more actuator channels; one or more chambers with an access channel adapted to connect to a separate one of actuator channels; and a actuator comprising (a) a cylindrical body having a cylinder axis and having therein a liquid-handling compartment with, arrayed along the cylinder axis, a first end and a second end, the liquid-handling compartment being closed at the second end, (b) a dispensing channel located at the second end and traversing the cylindrical body, the dispensing channel adapted to be separately aligned with the actuator channels, wherein the actuator is adapted to receive in a seal-tight manner a plunger that operates to confine an effective chamber defined by the plunger and the second end by moving toward the second end or to expand the effective chamber by moving toward the first end.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multipurpose groundwater sampler device are shown and described, each having a sample tube part of which forms a sample chamber, a top portion having a handle, a novel inlet portion, a sediment trap, novel valve means and a means to join the assembly together. The novel inlet portion is of a size and shape that facilitates rapid filling of the sample chamber and facilitates the collection of layers of fluid which can be measured in the sample chamber to directly represent the in situ thickness of a stratified layer. The novel valve means also facilitates fast filling and incorporates a sediment trap, which keeps sediments from interfering with the valve workings. The multipurpose groundwater sampler device of the present invention is adapted to be provided with an extension tube of the same inside opening as the sample chamber to extend the wide inlet a greater distance from the valve means for collecting thick layers of stratified liquids at their in situ thickness.

Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a diaphragm valve operative with N ports deployed in an upper head. The ports all connect to a diaphragm having a bead defining a flow path around the diaphragm connecting all the ports. In the cylinder below the upper head, there are upper and lower pistons which are forced apart to define a fluid receiving chamber. The fluid receiving chamber is enlarged on the introduction of fluid above a certain pressure thereby raising half of the piston rods bearing against the diaphragm and reduction of fluid pressure in the chamber lowers those push rods and raises an alternate set of push rods to accomplish diaphragm switching by deformation of the resilient material defining the diaphragm.

Abstract: A capillary valve, connector and router where one or more cylindrical fibers, which may be capillaries, plugged capillaries, optical fibers, or the like, including at least one capillary tube are contained in a first cylindrical bundle of fibers that terminates at a first face. A second cylindrical bundle of fibers also containing one or more fibers including at least one capillary tube terminates in a second face abutting the first face. A fastener or adapter holds the members together with faces in mutually biased alignment, allowing relative rotation of the two cylindrical bundles which terminate in rotatable ferrules. Various functions achieved by rotation include a zero dead volume slide valve, a fluid router and a manifold. The fibers in each sleeve are preferably of uniform size for close symmetrical packing, but could be of disparate sizes, allowing connection of macroscale tubes to capillary tubes.