Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the CaCO3, content of a scrubbing liquid, which has been separated from a scrubbing liquid circuit of a scrubbing column.

Abstract: A sample introduction method for reducing carry-over is provided. After a sample introduction device in a total volume injection method draws a proper amount of a sample solution from a sample container and further draws a solution with the same composition as a mobile phase solution with a needle 24, the needle 24 is inserted into an injection port 25. When flow paths are switched to communicate a liquid feeder, a sample loop 23, the needle 24, the injection port 25, and a separation/detection section, the solution with the same composition as the mobile phase solution is forced into a gap between the injection port 25 and the needle 24. Therefore, the samples squeezed out of a tip section of the needle 24 during the switching of the flow paths are prevented from being forced into the gap between the needle 24 and the injection port 25.

Abstract: A shear valve for use in a high performance liquid chromatography system, the shear valve comprising a first shear valve member and a second shear valve member, wherein at least one of the first and second shear valve members is adapted to be moved with respect to the other, one of the first and second shear valve members comprises a plurality of ports, and the other comprises at least one fluid path for fluidly coupling respective ones of the ports in dependency on a relative movement position of the first and second shear valve members with respect to each other, wherein the first shear valve member is at least partially coated with an adhesion-promoting layer and a diamond like carbon layer on the adhesion-promoting layer.

Abstract: A period required for a time-consuming cross-contamination test is cut down or omitted, and a burden imposed on the customer by the costs of samples, reagents, etc. used in the test are reduced. A data failure caused by cross-contamination can be efficiently prevented. A maintenance service office establishes a connection via a communication line between a computer installed in the maintenance service office for maintenance of automatic analyzers and a customer's automatic analyzer or a personal computer placed in a customer's facility. The maintenance service office receives information regarding cross-contamination from reagent manufacturers and other customers (such as clinical examination rooms or centers) and validates it. The validated information is transmitted from the maintenance service office to the customer's automatic analyzer or personal computer via the communication line.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid, especially a self-contained disposable cartridge for single-use analysis, such as for single-use analysis of a small quantity of whole blood. The self-contained disposable cartridge facilitates a straightforward testing procedure, which can be performed by most people without any particular education. Furthermore, the apparatus used to perform the test on the cartridge is simple, maintenance free, and portable.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction device comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system including an inspection chip equipped with at least a pump connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to a micro-pump, a flow path through which a fluid flows, and a fluid mixing section for joining and mixing two or more fluids, and including a system body equipped with at least a base body, a chip connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to the inspection chip, a micro-pump unit in the base body including micro-pumps in substantially the same shape, a detection processor and a controller for controlling at least the functions of the micro-pump unit and the detection processor, and the joining amount ratio is adjusted to set the mixing ratio of two fluids to be joined in the fluid mixing section to be approximately m:n (not 1:1) by making the drive voltages of the micro-pumps substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting headspace vapor is generally disclosed comprising pressurizing a vessel containing headspace vapor with a carrier gas and subsequently venting the sample mixture through an adsorbent trap and out a vent. A flow controller is employed to gradually increase the flow therethrough as the pressure drops as a result of the gradual depletion of headspace vapor in the vessel and, in certain embodiments, the flow controller maintains a constant flow rate. Due to the time saved, in some embodiments, multiple pressurization-venting cycles are implemented to maximize the amount of vapor extracted from the vial. Due to the constant flow rate, in certain embodiments, the pressure decay is monitored and compared to reference values in order to determine whether the sample vessel has a leak or other defect.

Abstract: A device for collecting a sample and for depositing the sample in a sample-receiving port of a measuring apparatus comprises a first connection element (8) with three connections for fluid, and a second connection element (7), and a hollow needle (5) for collecting and depositing the sample. A first feed line (9) for a first washing liquid is connected via a first pump to a first connection for fluid of the first connection element (8). A second feed line (10) for a second washing liquid is connected via a second pump to a second connection for fluid of the first connection element (8). A connection for fluid of the second connection element (7) is connected to the third connection for fluid of the first connection element (8), and the second connection element (7) is connected to a dosing device (1) and to the hollow needle (5). A valve (2) is arranged between the third connection for fluid of the first connection element (8) and the second connection element (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for isolating toxins and collecting an eluate from a sampling column for subsequent testing and to methods of extracting and collecting an eluate using the same systems. Preferably, the systems comprise a sample holder such as an immuno-affinity column for holding the sample and a self-contained fluid delivery system that can deliver liquid, e.g., reagents, and gaseous fluids, e.g., compressed air. More preferably, the fluid control system of the fluid delivery system provides some amount of pressurized gas continuously to the headspace of the column even when a fluid is not being forced through the resin gel in the column.

Abstract: A method for collecting a sample volume containing at least one analyte of interest from a liquid analytical sample having undesired contaminants disposed at or near the sample surface, and an analytical device for performing the method are disclosed. The method comprises providing the sample, providing a first pipetting device comprising a first reusable pipetting needle which aspirates from an upper region of the liquid analytical sample a portion comprising the undesired contaminants and discards the portion, washing the first reusable needle with a washing liquid, providing a second pipetting device comprising a second reusable pipetting needle or a disposable pipetting tip which aspirates the sample volume from the liquid analytical sample after the first pipetting device discards the aspirated portion of the liquid analytical sample, and discharges the sample volume for analysis, and washing the second reusable needle with a washing liquid or disposing the disposable tip.

Abstract: The clinical analyzer includes a cuvette carrier that is moved in a manner to provide flexible assay timing and variable incubation periods. Multiple assays having such varied incubation times can be run concurrently in random-access, avoiding timing conflicts. Fluid delivery stations are placed around the cuvette carrier in positions that are independent of assay timing. The cuvettes move in unison, in multiples of incremental steps, along a closed geometrical path. The cuvette carrier is movable variable distances in opposite directions in a single time cycle to position specific cuvettes at specific locations for delivery of sample or reagent. The direction of movement of the cuvette carrier is preferably based on a determination of the shortest distance between the cuvette and respective fluid delivery stations. However, in each time cycle there is a net progressive incremental stepwise movement of the cuvettes in a selected direction.

Abstract: The sheath flow forming device includes: a container for storing sample fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sample fluid; a second container for storing sheath fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sheath fluid; a flow cell having a sample fluid inlet for receiving sample fluid supplied from the supply port of the first container, a sheath fluid inlet for receiving the sheath fluid from the supply port of the second container, and an outlet for discharging the mixture of the sheath fluid and the sample fluid; a first pump for supplying a sheath fluid to the sheath fluid inlet; a second pump for suctioning fluid within the flow cell through the outlet of the flow cell; and a first drive source for driving the first pump and second pump.

Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: Provided is a panel (3) for analysis having a chamber inside for transferring a sample liquid dispensed as a drop on an injection port (14). The injection port (14) is formed to protrude in a direction away from the chamber, a recessed section (12) is formed around the injection port (14), and the injection port (14) is arranged on the side of a rotating axis center (11) of a holding member (101) for the panel for analysis in an analyzer. Thus, even when a sample liquid is adhered around the injection port, contamination and shortage of the sample liquid can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometer capable of breaking even a sample molecule having a large molecular weight by a CID process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mass spectrometer includes an ionizing source 10 for turning a sample into ions, mass-separating sections 40 and 60 for mass-separating the sample ions, a detecting section 20 for detecting the mass-separated ions, and a collision section (collision cell) 51 located on an ion path extending from the ionizing source 10 through the mass-separating sections 40 and 60 to the detecting section 20. It also includes a cluster generator 30 for producing clusters of atoms or molecules. The clusters produced by the cluster generator 30 are introduced into the collision cell 51. The use of the clusters having a huge mass as the target gas in the CID process enables the collision energy of the sample ions to be efficiently assigned to the breaking of the ions.

Abstract: A metering device for aspirating and dispensing a liquid includes a housing; a pumping medium, preferably a gas containing chamber contained within the housing; a channel having a proximate end in fluid communication with the chamber and a distal end in fluid communication with an external environment; a heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold to the gas containing chamber; and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor for measuring gas pressure inside the chamber, or multiple chambers.

Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and a liquid chromatography apparatus including the sample injection apparatus are provided. The sample injection apparatus includes a sampling vessel into which a sample is supplied, a sampling needle for aspirating and ejecting the sample, a cleaning part into which a cleaning liquid for cleaning at least the sampling needle is supplied, a sample injection part for injecting the sample ejected from the sampling needle into a moving liquid, and a needle transfer part for transferring the sampling needle among the sampling vessel, the cleaning part and the sample injection part, wherein the cleaning part includes an ultrasonic vibrator for generating an ultrasonic wave in the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A method for placing a receptacle in a device for sampling liquid is described. It utilizes a device for sampling a liquid present in the receptacle, enabling the method of placing said receptacle to be applied. This method includes placing the receptacle, such as a bottle, having an opening and containing a liquid of interest, in a device for sampling the liquid. The sampling device having a sampling needle. The method further includes a linear movement of the receptacle and a simultaneous pivoting movement of the needle, during which movements the free end of said needle is moved between a terminal position outside said receptacle and a terminal position inside it. The longitudinal axis of the needle and the perpendicular plane of the opening forming a substantially constant intersection during the placing of the receptacle. The preferred industrial application of the invention is to the field of in vitro diagnosis.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (100) includes a dispensing arm (110), a driving motor (120), and a transmitting/buffering unit (180). The dispensing arm (110) conveys a fluid drawn at a predetermined drawing position to a predetermined discharge position and is capable of rotating. The driving motor (120) rotates the dispensing arm (110). The transmitting/buffering unit (180) includes a crank shaft that rotates through a driving force of the driving motor (120) and a crank rod that is coupled with the crank shaft, rotates through rotation of the crank shaft thereby rotating the dispensing arm (110).

Abstract: A sample loading device for loading and injecting a sample of a specimen is provided. The device comprises an injection channel having a sample injection spot, the injection channel adapted for feeding a fluid comprising a specimen. It further comprises an injector for injecting the specimen into the fluid along the injection channel and a separation device adapted for separating a sample from the specimen at the sample injection spot. Furthermore it comprises a control unit adapted for controlling the separation device in response to a detected physical parameter of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of introducing solution into the wells of a multiwell plate comprised of a substrate having multiple wells on at least one principal surface thereof. The wells are imparted dimensions, shapes, and surface configurations such that when said multiwell plate is positioned in stationary fashion with the openings of said wells facing upward, said solution does not enter said wells even when the openings of said wells are covered by said solution, and the solution is positioned on said principal surface of said multiwell plate having wells and a centrifugal force oriented from the well opening toward the bottom is applied to introduce said solution into said wells. Provided is a method for conveniently filling vessels (wells) with a solution such as a reaction solution, even when the vessels (wells) number in excess of 1,000, and even when the dimension, shape, and surface configuration of the vessels (wells) do not permit fluid to flow into the vessels (wells).

Abstract: A method of detecting a sample contained in sample liquid, comprising the steps of: a step of injecting the sample liquid into a container having a micro-space and provided with stirring particles in the micro-space; a step of inclining the container into which the sample liquid has been injected at a prescribed angle of inclination with respect to the vertical direction; a step of causing the sample liquid to be fluidized by sedimentation of the stirring particles in the inclined container; and a step of bringing the fluidized sample liquid into contact with a reagent stuck to an inner wall face of the micro-space in advance.

Abstract: This invention concerns an automatic sampler (AS) associable with two or more chromatographic analysis instruments (GC1, GC2, GCn), such as gas chromatographs for example, which can be interfaced with two or more separate data systems (DS1, DS2, DSn), each operating in an independent manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.

Abstract: A sample injection apparatus and sample injection method capable of sufficiently reducing carry-over, having simple cleaning means for a short cleaning time period, a small influence of vibration of the cleaning means, and a small error in the amount of injected sample and preventing the durability of a sampling needle from being lowered, and a liquid chromatography apparatus having the sample injection apparatus are provided.

Abstract: A sampling device and a system for testing of sample liquid are proposed. Very simple and prompt testing of the sample liquid is enabled in that the sampling device has a reservoir for the dilution liquid and that the taken-up sample liquid can be delivered by the dilution liquid directly to the testing area.

Abstract: A specimen is sequentially sampled by a probe, and at least one of the number of times of cleaning and a cleaning time when cleaning the probe is changed based on at least one of the number of times of sampling of the specimen by the probe and a sampling amount of the specimen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically performing liquid microextraction on liquid samples includes the steps of controlling movement of a syringe between a cleaning station, a sample station containing a plurality of discrete sample vials and an instrument injector station. Movement of the syringe is controlled automatically for cleaning the syringe, obtaining a sample of each sample in each discrete sample vial, one at a time, and injecting the collected sample into the instrument injector, and then repeating the sequence steps for all discreet samples.

Abstract: A method for sampling reaction products includes delivering a reactant through a sampling probe to contact a substance deposited on a substrate and reacting the reactant to form a reaction product. At least a portion of the reaction product is withdrawn through the sampling probe and analyzed. The sampling probe is contacted with the substrate during at least a portion of the delivering, reacting and withdrawing steps.

Abstract: A method for automated loading of liquid sample to a liquid chromatography testing device is provided including installing a disposable tip on a probe, moving the probe with an automated liquid handler to a loading position proximate to a sample, and drawing a sample into the disposable tip. The probe is then moved to an injection position proximate an injection port, and the sample is injected from the disposable tip into the injection port. Also provided are the novel injection ports. After injection of the sample, the disposable tip is then removed from the probe. These steps may be repeated a plurality of times to sequentially load a plurality of samples. An exemplary method of the invention is directed to use with a liquid chromatography apparatus. An apparatus for assisting in the removal of the disposable tip is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing liquid samples packed in tubes (6) closed with a top (7) capable of being perforated, includes a support (4) for the tubes and a unit (8) for sampling an aliquot from each tube and delivering it into a receptacle for treatment and/or analysis, the unit (8) including a hollow needle (45) connected to a suction/delivery device and vertically mobile; the support (4) has a circular tray provided with several tube-holders (5) on its periphery and capable of rotating about a vertical axis to bring a position successively and selectively the tubes (6) borne by the tube-holders (5) in line with the unit (8); each tube-holder (5) is connected to the tray (4) through a linkage (31) with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An automatic sample analyzer includes: a pipette, a pipette driving device which moves the pipette to a sample vessel present in a predetermined position to cause the pipette to suck up a sample from the sample vessel, and then moves the pipette to an open vessel provided in another predetermined position to cause the pipette to discharge the sample into the open vessel, and an analyzing section for analyzing the discharged sample, the pipette driving device comprising a vertically movable main arm and an elongated guide arm cantilevered by the main arm and extending horizontally, the guide arm having a smaller flexural rigidity than the main arm, wherein the main arm vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be sucked up from the sample vessel, and the guide arm guides the pipette to the open vessel and then vertically moves the pipette when the sample is to be discharged into the open vessel.

Abstract: A sampling probe for delivering a reactant to a substance deposited on a substrate to form a reaction product and for transporting the reaction product to a product analyzer for analysis. The probe includes a tip positionable over the substance on the substrate. The probe has a recess in the tip sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the reaction product. The probe has a product sampling passage extending from the recess adapted for connection to the product analyzer for transporting the portion of the reaction product to the product analyzer. Further, a reactant delivery passage extends to an outlet at the recess for delivering reactant to the substance on the substrate to form the reaction product.

Abstract: A sheath liquid supplying apparatus includes a syringe including a piston and a cylinder slidably accommodating the piston and a stepping motor for causing the piston to slide in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder has an injection/suction hole of a sheath liquid positioned at a distal end thereof and a gas introducing hole positioned at a side wall thereof for introducing gas into the cylinder.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of chemical analysis by full automation of a microsyringe pump autosampler apparatus. The microsampling feature of this invention makes it possible to analyze small sample volumes undiluted. The time for sample preparation is minimized by the use of the autosampler apparatus, which performs the tasks of aspirating, mixing, and dispensing sample mixtures, and washing the apparatus, in a single sequence of steps.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysing liquid samples packed in tubes (6) closed with a top (7) capable of being perforated, includes a support (4) for the tubes and a unit (8) for sampling an aliquot from each tube and delivering it into a receptacle for treatment and/or analysis, the unit (8) including a hollow needle (45) connected to a suction/delivery device and vertically mobile; the support (4) has a circular tray provided with several tube-holders (5) on its periphery and capable of rotating about a vertical axis to bring a position successively and selectively the tubes (6) borne by the tube-holders (5) in line with the unit (8); each tube-holder (5) is connected to the tray (4) through a linkage (31) with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of performing one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis with or without gel in an automated way. The two dimensional electrophoresis can be performed either separately or continuously. Both electrokinetic and hydrodynamic forces can be used to facilitate sample transfer from the first to the second dimension. The samples can be detected on-line by using common detectors like UV-Vis, laser induced fluorescence (LIF), and mass spectrometry (MS).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample handling device for an analytical device, comprising a sampler provided with a holder, a movable holding arm for the holder and a support for the holder, said support being arranged in a stationary manner with respect to the holding arm, said holder being transferable between a suspended position on the support and a position located on the holding arm and being releasable from the holding arm by a pulling force exerted by the holding arm substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latter.

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: Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in a measuring system, the test tubes being carried by a test tube carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22), each of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube.

Abstract: An on-line sampling and analysis system and method in which a sampling line inlet pipe receives a continuous flow of a suspension or a slurry having particulates, such as grains, seed or phosphate rock, for rapid analysis of the contents therein in a flowing stream. A sample presentation area such as a window is positioned below the flow of the suspension or slurry in an assembly allowing for the depositing of a sample of solid content from the suspension or slurry which is collected for viewing by a computer controlled video camera. The camera is provided for imaging the sample of the solid content collected at the sample presentation area, and a personal computer analyzes images provided by the camera to characterize the content of the fluid media.

Abstract: A present micro array manufacturing apparatus includes a substrate placement portion 11 on which a plurality of substrates can be arranged, a tighter plate 12 for storing a solution including a living body sample, a solution storing member 52 for taking in the solution from the tighter plate 12 and storing the solution therein, and a needle 51 which can be inserted into the solution storing member 52 to allow the solution stored in the solution storing member 52 to adhere onto each of the substrates by a given quantity, wherein the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are moved in directions where they approach and part away from the substrates to thereby form spots on the substrates. And, the individual operations of the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are carried out by single drive means 32.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the concentration of analytes in a sample. The device has a surface with an extraction coating thereon. The method is carried out while the sample is highly agitated to maintain a substantially constant boundary layer. The sample is brought into contact with the coating for a limited time so that all the analytes that pass through the boundary layer are adsorbed by the coating. The amount of analytes in the coating is determined and the concentration of those same analytes in the sample is then calculated from the diffusion coefficient of the analytes. The device is first calibrated using analytes of known concentration.

Abstract: The liquid sample take-up device comprises two layers of concentric tubing. An outer tube has a fluid take-up end for selective immersion in a liquid to be sampled, and a liquid connection spaced from the fluid take-up end adapted to receive a chemical reagent under pressure, creating a reagent flow toward the take-up end. An inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and has an open end adjacent to the outer tube take-up end. The inner tube is adapted to fluid connect to a negative pressure source, higher than the reagent pressure, to create a fluid flow within the inner tube in a direction away from the open end, whereby sampled liquid and reagent are mixed adjacent the inner tube open end and within the outer tube take-up end. When the outer tube take-up end is not immersed in a liquid to be sampled, air is drawn into the outer tube take-up end and into the inner tube open end, creating a series of air bubbles, each bubble separated by a volume of reagent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively concentrating an analyte on an apparatus by evaporating solvent from the analyte. Concentration is performed by heating or by flowing a gas stream over the analyte to evaporate solvent from the analyte. The invention also provides a method to be used in conjunction with the apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-held syringe-like device has needle containing a trap with a barrel and plunger to draw air into and out of the needle through the trap. In a method of operating the device, particulate matter in air is retained in the trap and subsequently analytes from the trap are desorbed in an analytical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe device for determining the concentration of highly volatile components in liquids and/or gases, with a probe body (1) comprising a probe core (2) and a probe finger (3) being permeable for the highly volatile components, in the area of probe core (2) or of probe finger (3) a sensor (4) for the highly volatile components being provided, and comprising a protective tube (5) enclosing probe finger (3) and having passage openings (7). The invention teaches that protective tube (5) is configured as a piston (5) of a sluice device (6) having a measuring position and a servicing position of piston (5), and that passage openings (7) of piston (5) are disposed such that piston (5) has in addition the function of a slider valve sleeve, with probe finger (3) being connected over passage openings (7) in the measuring position to a measuring space (8) and in the servicing position to a servicing space (9) separated from measuring space (8).

Abstract: The liquid to be measured flows through a flow-pipe and bathes the end (1) of a pivoting probe in a spectrophotometric cell (2). One measuring surface (15) of the probe (2) remains immersed in the liquid whose level is advantageously assured by an overflow barrier (19); but when the probe has pivoted, the measuring surface opens onto a duct (23) in which a rinsing liquid flows and leads into the flow-pipe and cleans it. This rinsing is quick and safe and requires no dismounting of the probe. The invention applies in particular to liquids containing radioactive products such as uranium and/or plutonium.