Abstract: A duct mounted environmental sensing unit includes a plurality of sensors for detecting respective parameters of a fluid in a duct. The sensing unit enables at least three sensors to make contact with the fluid through a single insertion point in the duct.

Abstract: A port for use with a bioreactor vessel comprising: i) a base member comprising a hollow tubular portion and a base plate configured to be sealingly affixed to a hole in the wall of a bioreactor vessel ii) a hollow, generally tubular bushing member for containing electrical, optical, microfluidic and/or chemical monitoring components which bushing member fits inside the bore of the tubular portion of the base member, both the base member and bushing member providing access to the contents of a bioreactor by; iii) a monitoring assembly inserted into the bushing member which assembly comprises means for providing incoming optical and/or electrical signals and means for collecting and transmitting measurement signals resulting from the interaction of incoming optical and/or electrical signals with the contents of a bioreactor; and iv) a cover which maintains the position and alignment of components ii) and iii) relative to the base member.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting organic or inorganic target vapors and comprising a silicon member having a silicon surface with semiconductor pores therein, at least one luminescent sensory material entrapped in the semiconductor pores. The luminescent spectral material is exposed to the target vapors, wherein an excitation of the at least one luminescent sensory material results in a luminescent spectral response due to emission interference. The change in the luminescent spectral response is measured during this exposure.

Abstract: A system for sampling emission products from an emissions source, for example combustion engines including gasoline, diesel and natural gas engines, for subsequent measurement and analysis of the emission products. The system includes a dilution apparatus, a residence time chamber, a plurality of sampling probes within the residence time chamber, and a plurality of sampling trains connected to the sampling probes to take simultaneous representative emission samples for subsequent analysis. The system has particular use in quantifying chemical and toxic trace species from emissions sources. The results of the analysis can be used to formulate decisions on changes in engine design strategy, and can be used to determine the effectiveness of aftertreatment systems on the emissions source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

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 detector for the detection for trace vapors and particles in the air that includes a housing; a well formed in the housing; a heated filter positioned across the well; a source delivering sampled air substantially perpendicular to the open end of the well on a first side of the filter; a source to supply dry air across the first side of the filter; a detector line in communication with the at least one well on a second side of the filter; and a second dry air source for supplying air to the second side of the filter at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. An automatic inspection station that includes a vibrator for vibrating articles to be inspected. An automatic inspection station that includes a heating element positioned below an upper surface of the floor and an inlet positioned above the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for piercing a drum plug of a drum in order to sample and/or vent gases that may accumulate in a space of the drum is provided. The drum is not damaged and can be reused since the pierced drum plug can be subsequently replaced. The apparatus includes a frame that is configured for engagement with the drum. A cylinder actuated by a fluid is mounted to the frame. A piercer is placed into communication with the cylinder so that actuation of the cylinder causes the piercer to move in a linear direction so that the piercer may puncture the drum plug of the drum.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

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 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 device is disclosed for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a sensing element, a housing accommodating the sensing element, and a supply duct and a discharge duct, which ducts at one end commucicate with the housing and which ducts at the other end communicate with an object that is to be sensed. In at least one embodiment, the housing is formed with a first passage portion for the fluid that is to be sensed; that the sensing element is positioned in the first passage portion; and that the supply duct opens into said first passage portion and that the discharge duct is connected to a discharge opening formed in the first passage portion and positioned at a considerable peripheral distance from the mouth of said supply duct in the first passage portion, so that the fluid that is to be sensed is actively made to pass the sensing element.

Abstract: Arrangements for withdrawing carefully controlled samples from an active flue gas source are disclosed. A testing assembly is provided for connection to downstream processing equipment to obtain a sample from a gas stream. Included is a probe, a flexible sample line and a coupler joining the probe and the flexible sample line. At least one externally controlled or self-regulating heating cable is put in heating communication with the flexible line. A receptacle engaging the coupler is also provided for positioning the probe with respect to the flue gas source.

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 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 cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize high-accuracy analysis of a flue gas in terms of a trace amount of ammonia so as to control the level of ammonia gas to be added to a flue gas NOx removal apparatus. Since the ammonia gas to be determined is a highly absorbable, the gas component is considerably adsorbed on a surface of the flue gas sampling tube during sampling of flue gas. When a conventional sampling method including heating a gas sampling tube is employed, the amount of sampled gas is reduced through adsorption during gas sampling, failing to obtain concentration values at high accuracy. Thus, a high-accuracy gas sampling method replacing a conventional, heating-based method includes completely washing out, with an absorption liquid therefor serving as a washing liquid, a target ammonia gas deposited on the inner wall of a flue gas sampling tube (2), whereby the gas component is thoroughly collected. Through analysis of the thus-obtained washing liquid, high-accuracy analysis can be attained.

Abstract: An improved scent transfer device for collecting evidence at a crime scene. The device comprises a gas cartridge coupled to an air valve. A holder having a sterile pad positioned therein is secured to one end of a housing containing said air valve by locking protrusions. When gas from the cartridge is expelled into the air valve, a vacuum is created at the end of where the pad holder is attached when a switch is pressed, enabling a user to collect the scent on the pad. The pad can then be removed and stored in an evidence bag. An extension member which locks into the holder can be utilized to extend the capabilities of the device.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: A duct detector includes sampling tubes which slidably engage the detector with a fixed orientation to facilitate fluid flow. The tubes have a connector portion and a conduit portion. The connector portion and the conduit portion engage one another with a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A probe for measuring mercury emissions in a flue gas. The probe contains a novel cartridge for holding one or more sorbent traps, which cartridge is easily removed and inserted on-site with reduced danger of sorbent trap damage.

Abstract: Provided is an electric device which is free from causing troubles in opening/closing the cover even if the housing is distorted.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a continuous emissions monitor system that is in fluid communication with a flue stack conducting exhaust gas from a combustion source. The apparatus comprises a housing and a probe mounted in the housing. The probe is tubular and in fluid communication with the flue stack to acquire a sample of gas from the flue stack. The probe tends to have deposits from the exhaust gas accumulate on the inner walls of the probe. A device imparts cleaning energy to the probe for dislodging accumulated deposits from the inner walls of the probe.

Abstract: A dilution tunnel having a flow chamber structure with an inlet, an outlet, and an internal flow passage for a sample gas, the sample gas being adapted to flow in a flow direction between the inlet and the outlet. The flow chamber structure having a plurality of pores that communicate between an outside region external of the flow chamber structure and the internal flow passage. The pores are adapted to introduce a diluting gas from the outside region into the internal flow passage. The flow chamber structure is adapted to provide a diluting rate of the dilution tunnel that varies in the flow direction of the dilution tunnel.

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: 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.

Abstract: A breath simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a sample effluent of ethyl alcohol that controls headspace and adjacent effluent passageway temperature.

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 sample processing system that may be configured to achieve rapid sample processing such as rapid histochemical processing may involve a wave element that can use angular microscopic slide movements to cause repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Through such refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minute to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a liquid reservoir (32), an outlet port (6; 36) and driving means for forcing liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). The driving means generates a pulse of gas which impinges upon the liquid (4) in the reservoir (32) so as to force liquid (4) through the outlet port (6, 36). Also disclosed is a cassette comprising a plurality of cartridges for dispensing liquid therefrom. Each cartridge comprises a liquid reservoir (32) and an outlet member (36) mounted so as to close an opening (34) in the liquid reservoir (32). The outlet member (36) provides an outlet port through which the liquid can be forced by a pulse of pressurised gas.

Abstract: A breath simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a sample effluent of ethyl alcohol that controls headspace and adjacent effluent passageway temperature.

Abstract: In a method for the taking and analysis of samples from a microreaction system (3) having a suction line (9) arranged laterally alongside a discharge aperture (4) of the microreaction system (3), a reduced pressure is generated in the suction line (9) for the aspiration of substances exiting from the discharge aperture (4), causing the exiting substance stream to be divided into an aspirated substance stream and a free-falling substance stream, and one of the two divided substance streams is subsequently fed to an analytical device (10) for analysis. The reduced pressure in the suction line (9) can be influenced and thus the division of the exiting substance stream can be controlled as a function of a result of the analysis. Reaction parameters can also be pre-specified or controlled as a function of analytical results.

Abstract: A sampling probe for enabling the analysis of gaseous species in a particle-laden flue gas. The sampling probe includes a tube for being inserted into a fluid stream of a particle-laden flue gas substantially perpendicular thereto to cause the fluid stream to separate and flow around the tube. The tube includes a first opening extending along a first axially extending face of the tube downstream relative to the fluid stream such that a portion of the gas enters the tube through the first opening for analysis within the tube, and a second opening extending along a second axially extending face of the tube such that the gas that enters the tube through the first opening exits the tube after analysis into the fluid stream through the second opening to allow analysis of the gas.

Abstract: A substance in a condensed state, for example a powdered solid, is in continuous movement in the longitudinal direction (6) of a furnace (4, 5). A reactive gas mixture is brought into contact with the substance in the condensed state. A plurality of samples of the gaseous mixture are removed at a plurality of reference points (14) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (6) of the furnace (4, 5); each of the gas samples is analyzed outside the furnace to determine the composition of the gas mixture and for each point (14), the extent of a chemical reaction between the condensed substance and the reactive gas mixture is deduced from the composition of the gas mixture at each of the reference points (14). In particular, the apparatus comprises a sampling and injection rod (10) introduced into the furnace (4, 5) and disposed in its longitudinal direction (6).

Abstract: A discrete volume vacuum sampling device is provided with a vacuum tube, a sample tube, and a sample container. The container defines a discrete volume of product to be sampled from a product bed within a processing machine. The sampler tube extends between the container and the machine containing the product to be sampled. When a vacuum is applied through the vacuum tube, a door on the container is pulled shut, thereby increasing air velocity in the sampler tube, so as to draw product from the bed upwardly through the sampler tube and into the container. When the container is full, the vacuum is stopped, such that the weight of the product in the container pushes the door open for discharge of the discrete volume of product sample, while product remaining within the sampler tube is discharged back into the bed of material within the machine.

Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.

Abstract: A duct detector includes sampling tubes which slidably engage the detector with a fixed orientation to facilitate fluid flow. The tubes have a connector portion and a conduit portion. The connector portion and the conduit portion engage one another with a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining a reproducible sample of solid particles. The reproducible sample is obtained by receiving solid particles into a collection system that includes a sheltered volume. Solid particles that settle outside of the sheltered volume are purged from the collection system. The remaining solid particles inside the sheltered volume correspond to the reproducible sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in sampling material on-line in a process system, comprising a sample collector (1) for receiving a sample of material, an elongate shaft (10) defining a passageway (14) carrying a measurement probe (11) for taking measurements from a colelcted sample, a pressurised fluid supply (31) connected to the passageway for delivering a pressurised fluid through the passageway to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample and a nozzle (33) provided at the distal end of the measurement probe (11) for distributing the pressurised fluid to the sample collector for displacing the collected sample from the sample collector (1).

Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.

Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and methods allow collection of concentrated samples of content in shipping packages without unsealing the package by forcing airflow via existing hidden gaps or, if necessary, creating one by a small incision. The air is injected into the hidden gaps by either probe or socket device to disturb and agitate contents inside the package, causing the contents to loosen and blending particulates on the surface into the air stream. Airborne particles are channeled into a detection device, where the particulates are concentrated. Display and warning apparatus receive and record the analysis results from the detection device. If the analysis finds that predetermined selection and sensitivity criteria for target hazard or contraband material are met, then the warning apparatus initiates the appropriate alert protocols.

Abstract: A filter configured to be disposed within an air passage, for providing filtered air to a pneumatically controlled component. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a main body having first and second ends and a passageway extending therebetween, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second sides. The first and second sides converge at least proximate the trailing edge and are separated from one another by a longitudinal slit that extends along a section thereof. The leading edge is configured to divide a main airflow containing particles into first and second airflow portions. The first airflow portion contains particles and is directed through the air passage and the second airflow portion is substantially particle-free and directed through the longitudinal slit into the main body passage.

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 sheet form membrane probe, an apparatus and method, wherein the probe includes a probe body, a sheet-form membrane secured to the probe body and including an open surface exposed to the exterior of the probe; a channel formed between the probe body and the membrane through which a collector fluid can flow; an inlet port opening to the channel to conduct collector fluid to the channel; and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port such that the collector fluid passes through the channel from the inlet port to the outlet port in a flow direction substantially parallel to the membrane. The channel may be formed to provide broad surface contact of the collector fluid with the membrane. The membrane open surface may include an active area open to a sample fluid and open on an opposite side for contact with collector fluid flow in the channel. The active area may be large relative to the total membrane area to provide for an effective use of the expensive membrane material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring the collecting volatile constituents contained in a solid sample S such as leaf tobacco. In particular, a sample vessel 10 for containing a sample of a solid containing volatile constituents, a gas feeding device 16 for filling the sample vessel with inert gas, a thermostatic chamber 12 for containing the sample vessel and keeping the sample contained in the sample vessel at a predetermined temperature, and a canister 20 designed to be depressurized in advance and selectively connected to the sample vessel are provided. The sample vessel containing the sample S is filled with inert gas, and the sample S is kept at a predetermined temperature. Thereafter, the depressurized canister is connected to the sample vessel, and the constituents evaporating and/or escaping from the sample are collected.

Abstract: An injection needle particularly intended for transferring a representative fluid sample into a sample bottle (1) is closed by a membrane (2) made from a rubber elastic material. The needle has a tubular inner wall (6) having a needle point (8), and a tubular outer wall (10) concentrically surrounding and radially spaced from the inner wall (6) at least along a portion thereof distant from the needle point (8) and, at its end facing the needle point, having a conically tapering portion (12) sealingly engaging the inner wall (6). The outer wall (10) is provided with at least two apertures (14, 16) spaced longitudinally of the needle.

Abstract: In a sampling tube-type smoke detector equipped with a smoke detection device detects smoke particles contained in the air suctioned from a monitored area through a sampling tube by an aspirator positioned in the downstream. The smoke detection device the sampling tube forms a lead-in tube and suctions air through the sampling tube in substantially a straight line. The lead-in tube is formed with a smoke sensor unit to detect smoke particles contained in the air. The aspirator comprises a rotating part which forms an actuator mechanism that discharges the air. The central axis of the lead-in tube and the rotational axis of the actuator mechanism of the aspirator are substantially on the same axis. The sampling tube-type smoke detector is provided to reduce pressure loss in the airflow traveling from the smoke detection device to the aspirator and to supply a low cost, compact smoke detection device driven by a small-sized fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for carrying out reactions with high spatial resolution on libraries of different materials and for analysis of the products obtained using a simple robot system and an analyzer, for example a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A system for the collection and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on-line” analyzers, or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a sample probe assembly including a heat pipe configured for maintaining sample gas drawn through said sample probe at or near the source gas temperature and pressure. Accuracy of the analysis of source gas stream is enhanced and compositional changes of the gas phase are avoided by preventing the partial condensation of gas components or vaporization of entrained liquid.