Abstract: A thermophoresis-resistant dilution apparatus for dilution of gas from an emission source, such as a combustion engine, for example a gasoline, diesel or natural gas engine. The apparatus is designed to simulate atmospheric dilution, mixing and cooling processes, enabling sampled emission gas and dilution air to thoroughly mix and cool to ambient temperature, allowing some volatile and semi-volatile gas-phase organics to nucleate, condense and coagulate to their usual aerosol phase. The apparatus is designed to resist thermophorectic forces acting on the particulate matter in the sampled emission gas, thereby preventing particulate matter losses. In addition, the apparatus evenly distributes the dilution air into the sampled gas for improved mixing.

Abstract: An adjustable device is disclosed comprising two relatively re-orientatable members each having a lockable universal joint, and a connecting member for connecting the two relatively re-orientatable members whereby when the two relatively re-orientatable members are connected the two joints are in mechanical communication via the connecting member. The two lockable joints may be locked and unlocked using an actuator, a lever, which may act on a compression device in order to render the lockable joints either mobile or locked. The compression device may cause a change in cross-sectional area of the tube over at least a part of its length. At least one of the lockable universal joints may provide for linear movement between the two relatively re-orientatable members. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the simulation of the orientation of a sample with respect to a cutting tool or scanning probe and method for aligning the adjustable device.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diluting and cooling that is extracted from high temperature and/or high pressure industrial processes. Through a feedback process, a specialized, CFD-modeled dilution cooler is employed along with real-time estimations of the point at which condensation will occur within the dilution cooler to define a level of dilution and diluted gas temperature that results in a gas that can be conveyed to standard gas analyzers that contains no condensed hydrocarbon compounds or condensed moisture.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and devices relating to processing a sample. A vessel is described for containing a sample. The vessel includes a reversibly sealable chamber for containing the sample which has a flexible portion to allow the vessel to deform nondestructively in response to a mechanical impact to fragment the sample. In certain embodiments the vessel may include a port for reversibly engaging with a second vessel to enable transfer of material between the two vessels while maintaining a barrier between the sample and an external environment. The vessel may be exposed to mechanical impacts of various energies and at various temperatures, and the internal surface of the structural barrier of the vessel may be treated with various chemical agents to maintain integrity of the sample.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus prevents samples and reagents from being degraded due to a prolonged waiting time other than for reaction and improves the operation efficiency of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing sections for causing at least two samples to react independently, an input/output terminal 15 for inputting the upper limit of the waiting time and the reaction time for each of the samples, a schedule management section for determining at least the clock time of introducing each of the samples, the processing section to be used for processing the sample and/or the waiting time for the sample, and a general control section for controlling the processing of the samples at the plurality of processing sections according to the determination by the schedule management section.

Abstract: A method and system that provides a processing chamber associated with a load lock chamber. A sample receiving stage coupled to a sample positioning apparatus is configured to move between an introduction position and a processing analysis position within the process chamber. The sample receiving stage is used to result in a sealed barrier between the process chamber and the associated load lock chamber when in the introduction position.

Abstract: A quantitative sampling device comprises a sampling part and a case; the sampling part further has a sampling loop with a predetermined size for sampling a fixed amount of an liquid sample; and the case includes a buffer solution with a predetermined volume, the sampling part is adapted for slidable communication within the case, and the liquid sample may mix with the buffer solution after the sampling part propelled in to get a diluted solution.

Abstract: The container carrier serves to hold containers for fluid samples. For the transport of the sample containers, the container carrier, which is directly but detachably connected with a cover part during the dispensation of fluid samples into the sample containers, is separated from the cover part, with the sample containers remaining in the container carrier in transport. A transport cap is provided for closing the container carrier in transport, particularly in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring the subsurface at facilities for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A surface penetration is made in a facility surface providing access to the subsurface soil beneath the facility. A soil probe is placed in communication with the soil beneath the facility surface and used to withdraw samples of soil gas from the pore space within the soil. The soil probe includes a monitoring port configured to seal the surface penetration and minimize the movement of undesirable materials between the facility and the subsurface via the monitoring port. The soil probe has an end filter in communication with the subsurface under the facility. The monitoring port is coupled to a sampling pump used to withdraw the soil gas sample. Soil gas samples are periodically obtained and analyzed for the presence of VOCs.

Abstract: A particulate sampling system is disclosed. The particulate sampling system may include an exhaust sampling unit and a dilution flow assembly to supply dilution air to the exhaust sampling unit. The particulate sampling system may also include a total flow assembly to receive dilution air and exhaust. The particulate sampling system may further include a flow regulation assembly configured to control flow rates in the dilution flow assembly and the total flow assembly. The particulate sampling system may also include a flow check assembly configured to measure the accuracy of the flow regulation assembly.

Abstract: A sampling device (1) comprises a sampling container (4) for reception of a sample volume and a connecting piece (7) adapted to be connected to a fitting (2) mounted on a processing installation. The connecting piece (7) has a sample passage which is provided with a stationary valve part (12) and a corresponding valve member (14) which is displaceable between a closed and an open position. The stationary valve part (12) and the displaceable valve member (14) are integrated in the sampling container (4). The valve member (14) is spring-loaded towards its closed position and adapted to be automatically displaced to its open position upon connection of the connecting piece (7) with the fitting (2).

Abstract: A sampling system for detecting an analyte, comprising a diaphragm pump, a buffer chamber, a sensor head and intake port. The pump includes a chamber for receiving fluids via first and second ports. A buffer chamber is located at the second port for holding a quantity of air, and a sensor head is adapted to identify the presence of a desired analyte and produce a signal in response to the quantity identified. Preferably the diaphragm pump has a volume of gas per stroke capacity slightly larger than the volume of the sensor head such that the pump chamber has a greater volume than the buffer chamber and the buffer chamber has about the same volume as the sensor head. A sensor intake port intakes a sample potentially containing the analyte for contact with the sensor head upon operation of the diaphragm pump and out of the sensor head by jet-action caused by rapid movement of the diaphragm pump. A filter may be used for filtering air drawn through the pump chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for nanomachining operations. Excitation energy settings are provided to minimize machine induced scan cutting. Cut operations can be operated in a feedback mode to provide controlled cutting operations. Measurement and sweep techniques to facilitate nanomachining operations are disclosed.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for pellerizing and taking intensive measurements of a raw sample. The method includes homogenizing and pelletizing the sample that is to be subjected to compositional or intensive analysis. The raw sample is mixed with several solutions containing epoxies and activators based in carrier solutions or solvents, and ground to a fine powder or gel. The gel is partially dried and conformed to a pellet shape. The pellet is then cured such that the epoxy and activator solutions react and form a binding agent capable of maintaining the structural integrity of the sample pellet during intensive analysis. An intensive analysis instrument, such as LIBS, may then be used to ablate the surface of the pellet. The pellet provides consistent ablation of the sample material for accurate intensive measurements.

Abstract: A method and system for automated remote microbial air sampling includes a sampling enclosure positioned outside an isolator. An infeed sample receiver passes sample containers into the enclosure. An atrium is located within the enclosure and exposes containers to a gas sample. A remote sampling device collects the gas sample from the isolator and passes it to the atrium. A load arm is located within the enclosure. The load arm intermittently permits containers to enter the enclosure and moves containers to the atrium. An outfeed sample receiver passes containers out of the enclosure. The system allows addition and removal of containers from the air sampling system without interrupting the processing of the containers within the enclosure, and allows the first container supplied to the air sampling system to be the first exposed container removed therefrom.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting concealed security threats by sampling molecules of substances for assessment wherein these molecules may be contained in the air in or near concealed security threats. Inspection of cargo containers by sampling the air contained therein and then analyzing the sampled air from the container for security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-explosive threats without requiring the modification of the existing container, the movement of the container to a particular inspection site, and without opening the container. Nuclear security threats may also be scanned for with close proximity nuclear radiation detection sensors closely coupled to areas at or near the concealed security threats. In addition, detection of other types of contraband, including illegal substances, embargoed materials and human and/or animal stowaways may also be assessed.

Abstract: A method for remediating a body of water includes sequestering a sector of water within the body of water. A communications channel is established between the water sector and a supply site. The water sector is at least partially remediated using the channel to alter a composition and/or a state of the water in the water sector. The channel may be used to add a chemical or nutrient; to provide air or water for mixing the column contents; to convey an electrical signal to an element such as a valve, sensor, or pump in the water sector; to withdraw samples and/or components from the water sector; or to obtain information therefrom via electrical signals. Following the remediation, the remediated water is exchanged with water to be treated from the body of water. In this way, the body of water is remediated over time.

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 system and method for accessing the security threat of a cargo container by sampling the air contained therein. The system is capable of analyzing the air disposed within the container for security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosive threats, as well as other types of contraband such as illegal substances, embargoed material or stowaways, without requiring the modification of the existing container, the movement of the container to a particular inspection site, and without opening the container. The system generally includes a detection system comprising a detector array, an air-moving device, and one or more air-sampling devices. The entire system is mounted upon a vehicle for mobility.

Abstract: A system for the collection of near real time confirmation samples is provided to quickly eliminate false positive alarms by confirming the presence or absence of a chemical agent when a monitor operating in near real time to detect the presence of that chemical agent generates an alarm. The confirmation sampling system is synchronized with the near real time monitor and the confirmation sampler and monitor draw common samples of the atmosphere of concern. In the event that the monitor generates an alarm, the confirmation sampler preserves the sample taken contemporaneously with the alarm event for separate analysis, and also takes and preserves one or more follow-on samples.

Abstract: The current invention provides a device, and a method for using the device, for ensuring that a capillary or wicking fill device is fully filled. In particular this invention is directed to, but not limited to, use with capillary or wicking action filled electrochemical sensors suitable for use in analyzing blood or interstitial fluids.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the detection of harmful agents, known or previously unknown, using a biosensor. The biosensor makes use of non-living biological or biochemical sensor molecules for detecting and classifying chemicals, poisons, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the bioreceptor comprises sensor molecules packaged in a collection device and treated to evoke an optical response to the presence of harmful agents, allowing for photocell detection and signal processing. The sensor molecules are selected from the group of biological molecules consisting of aptamers, single-chain nucleic acids, double-chain nucleic acids, hybridized chemicals incorporating these molecules and combinations thereof that bind with harmful agents. The harmful agents can also be collected in this manner for further analysis, and antibodies produced by the apparatus.

Abstract: A sample taking apparatus comprises a plurality of separation tools (10) (for example, punching capillaries) on a holding device (20), wherein the separation tools (10) are each provided with actuating means (30) for separate control thereof. In a sample taking method (for example, for punching samples from separation gels), successively removed samples are deposited in parallel onto a target substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a specimen in order to handle the specimen, e.g., a cell, easily and quickly with high accuracy. A standing wave vibration (V) having at least one node (N1, N2) is generated in a vibrator (11). A specimen in a medium (30) is captured at a position in the vicinity of the surface of the node (N1, N2) and then turned in this position. The capturing position of the specimen (S) is altered through variable control of the vibration mode of the standing wave vibration (V), and the moving route, moving speed, or rotational speed of the specimen (S) is controlled as desired through variable control of the vibration parameters (e.g., frequency, amplitude, intermittent frequency) of the standing wave vibration (V).

Abstract: Improved sampler apparatus and methods for dissolution testing include a controller that determines whether several different dissolution testing methods can be performed concurrently by the sampler and controls the sampler in response to the determination; fluid delivery apparatus adapted to pierce a septum and to deliver fluid to or from a collection receptacle through a first aperture, and to permit air flow to or from the collection receptacle through a second aperture; a syringe pump including a distributor having apertures through which fluid flows into and out of the pump chamber, the piston of the syringe pump being moveable adjacent the apertures; and/or a leak sensor responsive to the presence of spilled fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.

Abstract: A method of sampling contaminants of a semiconductor wafer carrier. The method includes placing a tool chamber in a clean room and then placing and fixing the semiconductor wafer carrier with its opening facing downward inside the tool chamber. Then the method includes using at least one nozzle to spray extraction fluid uniformly on the inner surfaces of the semiconductor wafer carrier and collecting the extraction fluid.

Abstract: A detectable device for collecting samples consists of a collecting scoop and a handle extending outwardly therefrom. The detection of the device is improved by uniformly dispersing at least one radio-opaque substance within a dispersing medium of its material.

Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: A powder sampling method and apparatus is provided for sampling powder from a mixer or a drum. An undisturbed column of powder is extracted from a vessel. The column of powder may then be sectioned into subunits, using a discharge device, providing up to dozens of samples per insertion. Larger number of representative samples of controlled size from a powder bed can be acquired.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.

Abstract: This device is directed at filling multiple receptacles without losing integrity of the system. It is also directed at receiving a (sealed) container of receptacles (opened or stopper/closed), opening an access into the sealed container, retrieving receptacles, filling those receptacles, stoppering the receptacles after filling and ejecting the receptacles, either directly into the outside environment or into a closable sack or container, in the latter case while maintaining the integrity of the environment within the device and, if desirable, the sack or closed container.

Abstract: Rapid and efficient production and examination of formulations for polyurethane foams using only small amounts of materials are achieved by allowing the foam-forming mixture to foam in a container, preparing disks from sections of the container in which the foam is present and removing a plurality of cylindrical samples having substantially the same density from the disk.

Abstract: The semiconductor substrate is removed from a wafer or a chip wherein a defect has occurred and, thereby, the surface, which faces the substrate, that contacts the semiconductor substrate in an element formation portion is exposed. A cross section of the element formation portion is exposed through the irradiation of a focused ion beam. Furthermore, a microprober is adhered to the sample and, then, the sample including a foreign substance that is considered to be a cause of defects is detached from the element formation portion. The extracted sample is moved onto a supporting base for analysis and the sample is secured to the supporting base for analysis by forming a tungsten film. Thereby, detailed information can be gained concerning a defective portion that is located, in particular, in the vicinity of the surface of the semiconductor substrate from among defective portions that have occurred in the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A sample holder and auxiliary apparatus are provided to position and hold a sample in the sample holder. A method of positioning and holding a sample in the sample holder is also provided. The sample holder preferably includes a holder body having a sample holding portion arranged therein. An opening in the sample holding portion is configured to receive a sample therein. An elastic member is configured to supply a holding force to hold the sample in the opening. The auxiliary apparatus preferably includes one or more holder supports configured to support a sample holder. The auxiliary apparatus is configured to receive the sample holder and force a sample holding member of the sample holder into a rearward position to permit the sample holder to receive a sample into an opening thereof.

Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: A permeameter having a hollow tube with a second tube slidably disposed within an internal chamber of the hollow tube, used in combination with one or more tables each of which correlates a specific rate of reading fall rate of water within the hollow tube with a unique soil hydraulic capacity of the soil being tested. The second tube has an air hole and a slot which are used in causing water contained in the hollow tube to seep into an auger hole. A reducing connector is secured to the bottom of the hollow tube which provides the means for maintaining the second tube within the internal chamber of the hollow tube. The second tube is secured in the extended position by a compression fitting attached to the reducing connector. A conventional measuring tape, having consecutive markings showing continuous ¼, ½, and 1 inch distances, is affixed to the outside surface of the hollow tube such that the numbers extend vertically along the length, or longitudinal central axis, of the hollow tube.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for preparing material samples includes a rotatable drum support assembly, a drum rotatably contacting the drum support assembly, a fan, and a powered drive mechanism. The drum includes a hollow main section and first and second hollow end sections attached to the main section. The first hollow end section includes a first end wall tapering to a first outer aperture. The second hollow end section includes a second end wall tapering to a second outer aperture. The fan is mounted approximate to the first outer aperture for establishing forced air flow through the drum toward the second outer aperture. The drive mechanism rotatably communicates with the drum support assembly for rotating the drum. The apparatus is useful for preparing samples such as paving materials for test such as the determination of specific gravity and absorption.

Abstract: A sampling system includes a rocket body, and a first sampling vessel coupled to the rocket body, wherein, during operation, a propellant is discharged from the rocket body and causing the rocket body to be propelled towards a body of liquid. The sampling system may also include a deployment line coupled to the rocket body at a first point on the line, the deployment line also coupled proximate to a launching area at a second point on the line, wherein, subsequent to the discharge of the propellant, the rocket is retrieved by an operator using the deployment line.

Abstract: A sample holder and auxiliary apparatus are provided to position and hold a sample in the sample holder. A method of positioning and holding a sample in the sample holder is also provided. The sample holder preferably includes a holder body having a sample holding portion arranged therein. An opening in the sample holding portion is configured to receive a sample therein. An elastic member is configured to supply a holding force to hold the sample in the opening. The auxiliary apparatus preferably includes one or more holder supports configured to support a sample holder. The auxiliary apparatus is configured to receive the sample holder and force a sample holding member of the sample holder into a rearward position to permit the sample holder to receive a sample into an opening thereof.

Abstract: In an arrangement for producing a directional and cooled gas jet in an ion source with a gas inlet or a UV/fluorescence detection cell including a gas inlet, wherein a capillary extends with one end into the interior of the ion source which is evacuated, the one end is provided with a nozzle for discharging a gas sample into the ion source while being subjected to adiabatic cooling and the width of the nozzle opening is at most 40% of the inner diameter of the capillary and the capillary is heatable for preventing condensation of gas sample components in the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a silicon dioxide content of a phosphoric acid bath for etching silicon nitride and a system for etching silicon nitride bath utilize a sensor. In particular, the apparatus for assessing the silicon dioxide content of a phosphoric acid bath for etching silicon nitride of the present invention contains a sensor for measuring the NH3 concentration of the phosphoric acid bath, a storage unit for storing data which define a relationship between the silicon dioxide content and the NH3 concentration, and a device for calculating the silicon dioxide content of the basis of the measured NH3 concentration and the stored data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are delivered through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.

Abstract: An automated device that couples a pair of differently sized sample loops with a syringe pump and a source of degassed water. A fluid sample is mounted at an inlet port and delivered to the sample loops. A selected sample from the sample loops is diluted in the syringe pump with the degassed water and fed to a flow through detector for analysis. The sample inlet is also directly connected to the syringe pump to selectively perform analysis without dilution. The device is airtight and used to detect oxygen-sensitive species, such as dithionite in groundwater following a remedial injection to treat soil contamination.

Abstract: A condenser unit for use with a sample preparation device comprises and inner tube, a hollow outer sleeve, and a fluid conduit. The outer sleeve is coaxially disposed around the inner tube to define a condenser body. The fluid conduit is interposed between the inner tube and the outer sleeve. A first portion of the fluid conduit extends along an axial length of the condenser body and a second portion of the fluid conduit extends along a circumferential length of the condenser body. A stirrer assembly for stiring a substance in a container enables a quantity of the substance to be dispensed into and withdrawn from the container during a stirring operation. The stirrer assembly comprises a holow stir rod, a hollow agitator element, and a fluid sampling instrument. The stir rod and agitator element cooperatively define a stirrer assembly interior, such that the fluid sampling instrument can be movably disposed therein.