Abstract: The invention relates to a method for closed sampling from filling plants comprising the following steps in: filling a sample quantity into a container (1) with a wall (3); applying a reinforcing element (20) to the container (1) with the wall; introducing a fracture point (22) into the wall of the container (1) in the area of the reinforcing element (20); introducing a sampling attachment (30) with hollow tube (40) into the wall of the container (1) in the area of the fracture point (22); filling a sample container (50) connected to the hollow tube (40) once or several times; removing the sample container (50) from the hollow tube (40) and closing the sample container (50); removing the sampling attachment (30) with hollow tube (40) from the container; and sealing the fracture point (22) of the container in the area of the reinforcing element (20). The subject matter of the invention is also a sampling device, in particular for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods of testing a fluid sample are provided. A method can include controlling an orientation of a loader including a sample holder configured to hold a sample vessel to correspond to a first predetermined tilt angle. The method can include controlling an articulator to transfer the fluid sample from the sample vessel to at least one well of a plurality of wells of a multiwell plate positioned on a plate deck within the enclosure. The method can include controlling the articulator to move the multiwell plate to a hotel incubator within the enclosure. The method can include applying a bacteriophage to the fluid sample. The method can include controlling the articulator to move the multiwell plate from the hotel incubator to a testing system within the enclosure after a predetermined reaction time period. The method can include receiving output data from the testing system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for low-pressure, low-flow dilution extraction. The system includes an outer housing, an inner housing partially within a heating element, and a manifold connected to the inner housing, having taps for a sample nozzle and dilution nozzle, and a through hole connecting the sample and dilution nozzle taps to allow a sample gas from, e.g., a stack to mix with a dilution gas before being drawn at a low pressure towards a gas analyzer.

Abstract: An example of an emissions test system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a dilution tunnel and a flow control module. Exhaust gas is mixed with dilution gas in the dilution tunnel. The dilution tunnel is configured to receive dilution gas flowing in an axial direction relative to the dilution tunnel and dilution gas flowing in a radial direction relative to the dilution tunnel. The flow control module is configured to adjust the rate of the dilution gas flow in the radial direction based on at least one of a concentration of pollutant particles in the exhaust gas, a size of pollutant particles in the exhaust gas, a concentration of a gaseous emission in the exhaust gas, a type of fuel combusted by an engine producing the exhaust gas, and a rate of fuel flow to cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: A gas detecting device includes a casing, at least one gas transporting actuator, at least one valve and at least one external sensor. The casing has an airflow chamber, an inlet, a branch channel and a connection channel. The airflow chamber communicates with an environment outside the casing through the inlet, and the branch channel communicates with the airflow chamber and the connection channel. The gas transporting actuator is disposed on the branch channel for transporting air into the airflow chamber and the branch channel from the inlet and has a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate and a piezoelectric actuator. The valve is disposed between the connection channel and the branch channel for controlling the air to flow into the connection channel. The external sensor is detachably disposed in the connection channel and has a sensor for measuring the air in the connection channel.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an injection apparatus and an injection method for a liquid sample for standard gas production, wherein the injection apparatus for injecting a liquid sample present in a liquid state at room temperature into a standard gas container has an improved structure that minimizes the area in which the liquid sample directly contacts the injection apparatus so as to prevent the problem in which the liquid sample is adsorbed into the injection apparatus. Furthermore, another purpose of the present invention is to provide an injection apparatus and an injection method for a liquid sample for standard gas production, in which a step of volatilizing the remaining liquid sample by heating is eliminated during the injection of the liquid sample, thereby preventing the apparatus from being damaged by heating to thereby improve the durability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A probe assembly for inserting a probe into a flexible or semi-rigid object is provided. The probe assembly includes an aseptic connector for coupling to the object, a probe sheath that extends longitudinally from the aseptic connector, and an actuator for deploying the probe within the object. The probe sheath has a plurality of concentric sheath elements and an inner longitudinal volume that is configured to permit longitudinal movement of the probe within the probe sheath. The actuator moves the probe longitudinally within the probe sheath by telescoping a first sheath element of the plurality within another sheath element of the plurality such that the probe is moved to a position sufficient to measure at least one parameter within the object.

Abstract: A needle for forming a cut in a reagent bottle lid is shaped such that an expansion portion which pushes and opens a cut and a piercing portion which forms the cut are integrated with each other. Consequently, only a single operation for moving the needle downwardly will form a cut using the needle and expand the cut using the expansion portion. Further, the smaller diameter of the expansion portion than the diameter of a circumscribed circle of a cross section of the piercing portion but equal to or greater than the diameter of the reagent probe can form cuts uniformly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection of air-water exchange flux of organic contaminants, which passively and continuously collects contaminants at consecutive points close to a sea surface microlayer, acquires the freely dissolved concentration at the consecutive points of the air and water body close to a water body surface microlayer, and obtains the air-water exchange flux of the contaminants through fitting a self-developed model, wherein the consecutive points include a plurality of sampling points along a height direction above an air-water interface and a plurality of sampling points along a depth direction below the air-water interface. The present invention can be applied to determine the air-water body exchange flux of organic contaminants.

Abstract: An automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container is disclosed. The device solves the problems of toxic substance leakage and even industrial safety accidents like gas explosions due to aging equipment during the maintenance by operating personnel in high-risk operation areas. The automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container mainly includes a machine, a lifting device provided inside the machine, a cover-opening device connected with the lifting device and a liquid-pumping device connected with the lifting device. The cover-opening device is provided for assembling and disassembling the internal cover of a chemical container and the liquid-pumping device is provided for pumping the content of the chemical container where the lifting device is provided for adjusting the distance between the cover-opening device, liquid-pumping device and chemical container.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame configured to hold sample holders in an array, a longitudinal axis of the sample holder extending outward of an array plane; a drive section connected to the frame; at least one transfer arm rotatably connected to the drive section so that each transfer arm rotates about a rotation axis oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis and includes a sample holder gripper; and at least one push member movably connected to the drive section and being distinct from the sample holder gripper and configured for linear movement along the longitudinal axis, the at least one push member being configured so that engagement with at least a bottom or top surface of the sample holder effects longitudinal translation of the sample holder for one or more of capture and release of the sample holder by the respective transfer arm in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A device for use in molecular diagnostics testing includes at least one sealed reagent storage container, and at least one opener for unsealing the reagent storage container. The device further includes an actuator coupled to the reagent storage container and opener such that moving the actuator brings the reagent storage container and the opener together so that the opener unseals the reagent storage container. In addition, a locking unit is configured to prevent movement of the reagent storage container and the opener towards each other in a locked position and to allow the movement in an unlocked position, where moving the actuator moves the actuator between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices, systems and methods that are configured to control flow of an explosive carrier gas in a sampling system. In some examples, a flow control device configured to provide release of explosive carrier gas in less than an explosive amount to void space in the sampling system is described. Systems and methods using the flow control device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various surgical instruments are disclosed. At least one surgical instrument includes an instrument mounting portion configured to mount to a robotic surgical system. The instrument mounting portion includes an interface to mechanically and electrically interface to the surgical instrument adapted for use with the robotic surgical system. A fluid management system is contained within the instrument mounting portion. The fluid management system includes a first container to contain a first fluid agent to be dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of radiochemical compounds. It is provided that the device comprises at least a reaction module, a dosing module, and a storage module, wherein the reaction module has at least one reaction vessel having a closable opening through which substances needed for the preparation of a predetermined radiochemical compound can be introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module and through which the prepared radiochemical compound can be removed from the reaction vessel of the reaction module; the dosing module has at least one pipetting head which can be moved relative to the storage module and the reaction module and in x, y, and z directions and also has at least one dosing unit; and at least one reservoir for one of the substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound is formed in the storage module.

Abstract: A probe assembly for processing an outlet gas from a gas analyzer. The probe assembly has a thermowell and a heating element mounted in the thermowell connecting to a power connection, wherein the heating element heats the thermowell. The probe assembly has a one piece non-sintered metal probe with an end cap smaller than a tubular body inner diameter, a plurality of upper longitudinal outer grooves and a plurality of longitudinal slots, or a plurality of perforations. The probe assembly has a street tee with an inlet port to receive outlet gas from the gas analyzer and a sintered metal outer housing, through a catalyst cartridge for reaction. This reaction produces water vapor and carbon dioxide while simultaneously allowing ambient air to enter the catalyst cartridge while exhausting water vapor and carbon dioxide at a continuous flow rate.

Abstract: A gas detector can be releasibly coupled to one of a group of elongated probes each of the probes includes a detector connecting end and a gas in flow/outflow end. The connecting end includes a helical attaching feature which when coupled to the detector defies a plurality of spaced apart angular locking positions. A locking position is selected in response to a flow of air in an adjacent duct to which the detector is being attached. Where the detector carries an elongated display device, the locking position can be selected so that the display device exhibits a desired presentation.

Abstract: A nozzle device which can perform accurate quantitative suction without being affected by a pressure when, for example, a nozzle (2) is inserted into a closed container (T). The nozzle device has the nozzle (2) that is inserted into the closed container (T) and that sucks a liquid in the closed container (T), an exposure to atmosphere mechanism (3) that opens the closed container (T) to the atmospheric air, and an opening/closing structure (4) that is arranged at a proximal end of the nozzle (2) and that has an internal flow channel (411) communicated with a flow channel in the nozzle (2) and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the internal flow channel (411), and an opening/closing control section (5) that controls the opening/closing mechanism.

Abstract: A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a labyrinth structure and a sampling tube. The labyrinth structure includes a first baffle plate, a second baffle and a third baffle plate. The second baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate defines an inlet channel and is configured to receive a portion of oil aerosol containing liquid oil particles. A curved bend is included downstream of the inlet channel and is configured to separate the liquid oil particles from the portion of oil aerosol. The third baffle plate is relatively inclined with respect to the first baffle plate. The third baffle plate in combination with the first baffle plate is configured to drain the separated liquid oil particles. The sampling tube provides the portion of oil aerosol separated of liquid oil particles to a detection device.

Abstract: Piercing probes for fluidic applications may include a body portion including a distal end of the piercing probe. The piercing probes may also include a piercing portion opposite the distal end of the piercing probe. The piercing portion may include a conical portion, which may include a piercing tip. The piercing probe may also include a continuous lumen defined through the body portion and the piercing portion. The continuous lumen may be centered about a primary longitudinal axis of the piercing probe. A longitudinal tip axis may be defined through the piercing tip parallel to the primary longitudinal axis. The longitudinal tip axis may be offset from the primary longitudinal axis by an offset distance greater than zero. Fluid-sampling systems including the piercing probes may further include a device configured to draw or expel fluid through the continuous lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is a device (14) for sampling a solid from a sealed enclosure (12). The device comprises a body (18) carrying a sampling head (16) with a solid collection recess (28), a collected solid transfer recess (28?) and an angular-displacement shutter means (30) for the recesses controlled by the control means (48). The device also comprises means (78, 80) for limiting the angular clearance of the shutter means for no-load displacement (c) of the means.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing samples of metal melts, wherein a sample is taken from a metal melt using a sampler having a sample chamber and which is constructed as an immersion lance. The method includes transporting the sample from the sampler through a transport conduit to the sphere of action of an analytical device, and analyzing the sample there using the analytical device.

Abstract: A vacuum jacketed gas line adaptor with a flange cover for an existing pipeline sample take-off probe encasing a sample line and hermetically sealed to a vacuum valve housing having an sealable access port and containing a vented bleed valve and a block valve, fluidly connected to the sample line and a length of vacuum jacketed tubing sealing connected to the valve housing and in vacuum communication therewith, where the vacuum jacketed tubing surrounds the sample line to provide thermal isolation from the ambient for the sample line to a sample vaporizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining samples from a structure includes a support member, at least one stabilizing member, and at least one moveable member. The stabilizing member has a first portion coupled to the support member and a second portion configured to engage with the structure to restrict relative movement between the support member and the structure. The stabilizing member is radially expandable from a first configuration where the second portion does not engage with a surface of the structure to a second configuration where the second portion engages with the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A method and system for formation and withdrawal of a sample from a surface to be analyzed utilizes a collection instrument having a port through which a liquid solution is conducted onto the surface to be analyzed. The port is positioned adjacent the surface to be analyzed, and the liquid solution is conducted onto the surface through the port so that the liquid solution conducted onto the surface interacts with material comprising the surface. An amount of material is thereafter withdrawn from the surface. Pressure control can be utilized to manipulate the solution balance at the surface to thereby control the withdrawal of the amount of material from the surface. Furthermore, such pressure control can be coordinated with the movement of the surface relative to the port of the collection instrument within the X-Y plane.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for obtaining a sample of a fluid solids, such as a coke and hydrocarbon mixture, from a fluid solids process is provided. A sample vessel is provided that contains a first end, a second end, an aperture in the first end and an interior cavity. A cooling device can be provided for cooling material in the interior cavity of the sampling vessel. In operation, fluid solids can be routed through the aperture and collected in the interior cavity. The collected sample material can then be cooled by the cooling device and used for testing.

Abstract: A groundwater sampling tool that includes an elongated hollow coring tube having a proximal end and a distal end for collecting groundwater and sediment; a Peltier element located in close proximity to a wall of the elongated hollow coring tube adapted to freeze groundwater and sediment collected by the elongated hollow coring tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting samples from a powder stream guided in a powder line (3). The device comprises a housing (1) that is disposed on the powder line (3), a slide (5) which comprises a sample well (13) disposed upwardly relative to the powder stream, and a pushing device. There is a sample container (18) provided that matches the sample well (13). An associated withdrawal device (19) comprising withdrawal tongs (20) can be inserted into the housing (1) in such a way that the withdrawal tongs (20) are located axially above the sample well (13) in the inoperative position of the slide (5) and can be fitted on the sample container (18) and connected to the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sampling method which comprises the steps of: blowing airflow towards a center portion of a sampling surface through a blowing port; and sucking the blown airflow from periphery of the sampling surface through a sucking port, or a sampling method which comprises the steps of: providing a sampling device on a sampling surface, the sampling device being shaped to form a sampling space together with the sampling surface, and the sampling device including a blowing port arranged at the center portion of the sampling device and a sucking port arranged at periphery of the sampling device; blowing airflow towards the sampling surface through the blowing port; and sucking the airflow blown towards the sampling surface through the sucking port so as to collect samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.

Abstract: An extraction tube for exhaust gas emission measurement systems of internal combustion engines includes at least two tubes which extend in parallel over a portion of the length of the extraction tube, and wherein each tube includes an exhaust gas extraction point to which a sampling line can be connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filtering system capable of enhancing inspection convenience, which is disposed in the ceiling and comprises a housing, a filter, a first sampling tube, and a second sampling tube. On both ends of the housing, an intake and an outtake are disposed opposite to each other. The filter is disposed in the housing, and has an intake surface and an outtake surface opposite to each other. The filter divides the inner space of the housing into a first sampling zone and a second sampling zone. A first end of the first sampling tube is fixed on the housing, and communicates with the first sampling zone. Likewise, a first end of the second sampling tube is fixed on the housing, and communicates with the second sampling zone. Besides, a second end of the first sampling tube and a second end of the second sampling tube are both fixed on the wall. Thereby, the inspection convenience for the inspection staffs can be enhanced.

Abstract: Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body, consisting of compact bottom sediments, overlying water-saturated mud layer, and near-bottom water layer directly connected with the latter, belongs among oceanographic devices. Disturbance of the probes' structure is avoided by the construction of the device with several shorter tubes with their inlet holes being located at different heights, instead of one long sampling tube. There are distinctive tubes for taking samples from layers at different heights from the bottom. The sampling tube divided into sections is furnished with isolating valves that divide the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other. Soft and regulated drop of the device is achieved using the inflatable contact belt. Using an upper inflatable balloon avoids the vertical stability of the device and raising it to the surface without cabling.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system for sampling the contents of a container of fluid includes an elongate hollow sampling conduit extending between a first end for withdrawing the fluid from the container and a second end for returning the fluid to the container, pump means for circulating the fluid between the container and the sampling conduit, a sample probe having a tip extending into the sampling conduit so as to contact the fluid within the sampling conduit, and a controller unit for controlling flow of the fluid within the sampling conduit and monitoring the properties of interest of the fluid within the sampling conduit via signals received from the sample probe. The present invention also provides an in-line pH probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct, comprising a sensing element (6), a first housing portion (27) adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating the sensing element (6), a supply opening (13) and an outlet opening (37), which openings provide communication between the said first housing portion (27) and the object containing the fluid that is to be sensed. The device (1) further comprises a second housing portion (28), adapted to be arranged outside said object and accommodating electrical connection components, wherein said first and second housing portions (27, 28) are arranged and configured such that they may be connected to each other in geometrically different configurations by use of mechanical fastening means (22) and electrical interconnection means (19, 26).

Abstract: A blood transfer assembly comprises of a standard Luer lock style syringe that has a needle and a protective cap in place. The assembly further comprises a blood transfer guide housing that contains a first optional set of barbs that holds the cylindrical end of the syringe. A second set of barbs rigidly hold the needle and prevent the needle being withdrawn from the guide. As the syringe is inserted into the guide the protective cap will pass through the first and second set of barbs until the syringe and the guide come in mechanical contact with each other forming a single assembly.

Abstract: A sampling adapter having a tubular body with a first open end and a second open end encloses an adapter volume that is accessible by a sensor probe through a septum in cap covering the first open end. The second open end is configured to be reversibly attachable to an opening in a storage container.

Abstract: A flame atmosphere analyzer is described, for operation with combustible gases, including a tube in which an intake and air and gas mixing chamber is formed, a first gas supply nozzle and means for supplying primary combustion air opening into said intake chamber, and a flame burner in fluid communication with the intake and mixing chamber for supplying an air and gas mixture, formed in the chamber, to the burner. The analyzer includes a second gas supply nozzle, which is slidably guided in the tube, and an actuator provided on the tube and operable from outside the tube, for moving the second nozzle between an inoperative first position, in which the gas is supplied through the first nozzle, and an operational second position, in which the gas is supplied through the second nozzle, the first nozzle having no effect on the supply of the gas in the second position.

Abstract: A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods in which one or more miniature synthetic jet actuators are integrated with a chemical fluidic sensor (ChemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient gas or liquid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated gas or liquid channels, impinges the sample gas or liquid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample gas or liquid back into the ambient gas or liquid. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient gas or liquid toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas or liquid onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A particle monitor (1) including a module (3) for measuring a particle content of a sample, the module including an analysis chamber (4) for receipt of the sample and a heating unit (24) for maintaining an operating temperature of the chamber (4) and for heating the air used for purging the sample from the chamber (4). The invention also relates to a particle monitor (1) with a vibrator assembly (6) and to a particle monitor (1) with a valve assembly (8) for effecting a fast purge mode, for clearing a sample tube (5), and a slow purge mode.

Abstract: A sampler is provided for taking samples from melts having a melting point higher than 600° C., in particular for metal or cryolite melts. The sampler includes a carrier tube having an immersion end and having a sample chamber assembly arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube. The assembly has an inlet opening and a sample cavity for the melt and is arranged at least partly inside the carrier tube. The sample chamber assembly has on a part of its outer surface a coupling device, arranged inside the carrier tube, for coupling a carrier lance. A method is also provided for taking samples using such a sampler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor, comprising a reactor vessel (2) with a housing support (20,20a), extending into the vessel interior (14), with a medium seal against the vessel interior (14) with a transparent sensor piece (34,34a) and an indicator tile (38,38a), arranged in the vessel interior (14), in contact with the vessel contents, which may be scanned by a fiber optic which may itself be introduced into the housing support (20,20a) and connected to a display device (24). In order that the reactor may be embodied as a bag, the housing support (20,20a) is arranged on the upper side of the reactor bag and provided with a flange piece (26) tightly sealed to the vessel wall (28). The flange piece is connected to the sensor piece (34,34a) by means of a preferably tubular connector piece (32,23a), whereby the length of the connector piece is such that the sensor piece (34,34a) permanently reaches into the reactant.

Abstract: In the method, for collecting and diluting a gaseous sample disposed at a temperature substantially higher than the normal temperature from a sample space (2), a flow of sample is collected into a sampling tube (3); the flow of sample is introduced from the sampling tube into a sample channel (8) formed by a gas permeable first jacket (7); dilution gas is introduced into a dilution gas space (10) formed by a second jacket (9) enclosing the first jacket and connected by its end to the sampling tube, and further from it, through the first jacket into the sample channel; and heat is conducted from the sample space (2) into the dilution gas space (10) for warming up the dilution gas that comes into contact with the sampling tube (3). According to the invention, in the method, a substantially laminar protection flow, which encloses the flow of sample being released from the sampling tube (3) into the sample channel (8) and is disposed longitudinally to the sample channel, is formed from the warmed up dilution gas.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and method of use thereof for facilitating the analysis of samples of sub-slab soil gas that comprise an adapter body that includes, a first barbed portion, an external engaging portion, a threaded collar portion, a second barbed portion, and an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adapter body. The device may further include a tubular body with an interior cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second barbed portion of the adapter body to produce a mating engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A sampling system has a first connecting piece for connecting to a pipe traversed by fluid and a third connecting piece, and a cock which has a basic body with a longitudinal axis, about which the cock can be pivoted between a first end position and a second end position. The sampling system further has a sampling recess. In the first end position, the sampling recess can be connected via the first connecting piece to the pipe traversed by media. In the second end position, the sampling recess can be connected to the third connecting piece, in which the third connecting piece is connected to a first end of an extraction needle which can be pierced with a second end through a membrane of a sampling volume. In the second end position, the sampling recess is connected via the third connecting piece to a first end of a ventilation needle.

Abstract: A membrane comprising graphitized carbon black (GCB) with dual function for solid-phase extraction and surface-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (SPE/SALDI-MS) analysis is disclosed. Devices extraction comprising such membrane and methods utilising such membranes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Applicants' teachings relate to a method and device to extract components contained in a fluid. More particularly, the applicants' teachings are directed towards a method and sampling device for quick extraction of targeted components from their in vivo surroundings. In accordance with various embodiments of applicants' teachings a sampling device and method to extract components, such as, for example, analytes, from a fluid is provided. The device is interfaced with a fluid source, such as, for example, but not limited to, a circulatory system of an animal, to enable extraction of target molecules with minimal loss of fluid (e.g., blood) to the source. The device facilitates an interface between the circulatory system of an animal and a suitable sampling probe such as, for example, a solid phase microextraction (SPME) probe. The targeted compounds are desorbed in small volumes of solvents that can be analyzed with highly specific instruments.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.