Abstract: Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

Abstract: A gas sampling lance with a gas sample pipe for sampling gases wherein the gas sample pipe is divided in a lance pipe and a connecting pipe which connects the lance pipe to a gas scrubber, a first scraper to clean the inside of the lance pipe and a second scraper to clean the inside of the connecting pipe.

Abstract: Air quality measurement system, method and apparatus are described. The air quality measurement system is also referred to as air constituent measurement system. Various air-quality parameters such as, for example, particulate matter, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, H2S, CO2, HCL, NH3, CH4, VOC etc. can be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for demolding and analyzing a direct analysis sample formed from a molten metal material contained within a sample chamber assembly, wherein the sample chamber assembly comprises at least a sample housing, a cover plate and closing means, comprising: a cabinet defining an interior and comprising at least one opening for the sample housing to enter the cabinet, and analyzing means located inside the cabinet for analyzing an analysis surface of the sample; demolding means adapted to remove at least the closing means to expose at least part of the analysis surface of the sample; and transporting means adapted to hold and transport the sample housing at least between a sample demolding position, where the closing means is removed by the demolding means, and a sample analysis position, where the analysis surface of the sample is analyzed by the analyzing means, and wherein the sample demolding position and the sample analysis position are different from each other.

Abstract: Powered sampling systems, devices and methods of surface sampling are provided herein. A portable handheld sampling device can include an actuator operably coupled with a sampling head supporting a sample medium. One or more sensor indicate when a suitable force or pressure is applied by the sampling device as well as the duration of sampling. The actuator can provide movement of the sampling medium, such as rotational movement. The sampling device can provide guidance to a user to facilitate standardized sampling according to a sampling protocol. The sampling device and system can include communication means to facilitate automatic sample logging and period updates of sample protocols. System for creating and managing sampling plans and test results are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems, devices, and methods for agricultural sample collection. In one aspect, a sample collection system includes an aerial robotic platform, an arm assembly coupled to the aerial robotic platform and comprising an arm that extends away from the aerial robotic platform, and a sample collector connected to a distal end of the arm, wherein the sample collector is configured to selectively remove one or more samples of agricultural material from a plant to be analyzed.

Abstract: The system, configured for being on board an aircraft, includes a probe for collecting samples of contrail, a chamber for collecting the samples, a collecting conduit for conducting the samples from the collecting probe the collecting chamber and at least one device for measuring at least one parameter characterizing the samples in the collecting conduit while they are conducted from the collecting probe to the collecting chamber. By virtue of the system, it is not necessary to use a second aircraft that follows the aircraft for collecting samples of contrail.

Abstract: An automatic plant tissue sampler and a method for operating the same are provided. The sampler can include a plant handler configured to transport a plurality of plants to an imager. The imager may be configured to image plants to identify a sampling location. The automatic plant tissue sampler also includes a sampler configured to remove a tissue sample from the sampling location of plants, and a collection vessel configured to receive the tissue samples. The automatic plant tissue sampler may transport a plurality of plants to an imager and images the plurality of plants to identify a sampling location. The automatic plant tissue sampler can remove a tissue sample from the sampling location of the plurality of plants and store the tissue samples in a collection vessel for testing.

Abstract: A kit-of-parts for assembling an apparatus for verifying Explosive Trace Detector responses includes an alignment tool and a dispenser. The alignment tool has a body with a top cavity open on a top side and configured to receive the dispenser housing or a sampling medium head of a sampling medium. The sampling medium head has a sample collection area. The body has a bottom cavity to receive a hammer arm. The body has one or more sampling media cavities disposed between the top cavity and the bottom cavity, each configured to receive another sampling medium having a respective sample collection area. The top cavity and sampling media cavities are in communication with each other via a common slot. The top cavity and sampling media cavities are configured to receive different sampling media and to align the dispenser housing with the sample collection area of each of the different sampling media.

Abstract: A device having a fixing support, a swinging mechanism, a suction tube assembly, and a pump body mechanism. The suction tube assembly has a slide rail component and a retractable suction tube component disposed therein, one end of the slide rail component is connected to the swinging mechanism; the suction tube component comprises a suction tube internally provided with a cavity and an opening disposed above the cavity, and a first conduit disposed in the suction tube, one end of the first conduit is inserted in the cavity, the other end of the first conduit is connected to the pump body mechanism. The fixing support is fixedly connected to the toilet body; the suction tube component swings towards the center of the toilet under the effect of the swinging mechanism, so that the suction tube component receives urine, such as a sample for health analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filter testing for use within an air handling system. The air handling system may include one or more scan assemblies. The scan assembly may include a track system using one or more magnetic arrays.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to demarcation templates for demarcating a test area on a test surface and for providing visual guidance to a user to precisely and accurately swab the test surface in order to determine the presence and/or concentration of an analyte of interest on the test surface. In one aspect, the analyte of interest is a hazardous contaminant. Some templates can include alignment markings around the border demarcating the test area to provide such guidance to users, and can include graphical use instructions on a removable central portion of the template. The template can be adhesive to be securely fixed to the test surface for accurate demarcation of the test area throughout sampling.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in optimizing ethanol yield from agricultural products. The method includes imaging agricultural products to determine predicted ethanol yields for the agricultural products and assigning characterizations to the imaged agricultural products based on their predicted ethanol yields. An apparatus is provided for collecting, retaining, and/or transporting bulk quantities of agricultural products. The apparatus includes an analyzer configured to image the agricultural products for use in determining the predicted ethanol yields. And, a system is provided for tracking and/or monitoring agricultural products.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to suction all powders and granular materials in a container such as a drum to transport them. The powders and granular materials have low flowability, since over time they have been compacted due to their own weight or vibrations from the outside or humidity. The machine (1) for suctioning powders and granular materials comprises movable tables (2, 3) that the container that stores the powders and granular materials is mounted on and that horizontally move, a device (8) for driving the tables, a double-layered suction nozzle (11) that is located above the tables and is connected to a suction source, a device (12) for moving the nozzle up and down in the container mounted on the tables, and a controller for controlling the devices, wherein, while moving the tables, the suction nozzle is inserted in proper positions in the container to suction the powders and granular materials.

Abstract: During the fabrication of microstructure devices, such as integrated circuits, particles may be analyzed by displacing or removing the particles from the device surface and subsequently performing an analysis process. Consequently, a well-defined measurement environment may be established after removal of the particles, which may be accomplished on the basis of nanoprobes and the like. Hence, even critical surface areas may be monitored with respect to contamination and the like on the basis of well-established analysis techniques.

Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.

Abstract: A sequential sampler for runoff water. The sampler includes a rail member installed to be sloped downward in one direction; a plurality of storage members that move to a downward direction of the rail member; a stopper installed at a middle portion of the rail member that intermits a movement of the storage members; a device of supplying runoff water and inducing drop of storage cylinder that drops runoff water inside of the storage member stood by at a front portion of the stopper and drops the storage cylinder of the storage member stored with the runoff water after elapsing a predetermined time; and an intake pump of runoff water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method in which an annular or spiral droplet holder formed of wire is used to hold a droplet in a state of being hung therefrom or being contained therein. A means for moving the droplet holder is added to the droplet holder to enable droplet transfer. To merge two droplets, they are brought into contact. To drip the droplet held by a droplet holder formed of wire, the droplet holder is deformed using an external force. A light path which passes through a droplet is set to enable optical measurement. The present invention enables inexpensive, simple droplet transfer. An inexpensive, simple configuration for handling droplets in the fields of chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, and automatic blood analysis can be realized according to the present invention.

Abstract: A sequential sampler for runoff water. The sampler includes a rail member installed to be sloped downward in one direction; a plurality of storage members that move to a downward direction of the rail member; a stopper installed at a middle portion of the rail member that intermits a movement of the storage members; a device of supplying runoff water and inducing drop of storage cylinder that drops runoff water inside of the storage member stood by at a front portion of the stopper and drops the storage cylinder of the storage member stored with the runoff water after elapsing a predetermined time; and an intake pump of runoff water.

Abstract: In a micro-liquid transfer apparatus including two washing tanks (first washing tanks A and B), operations to transfer a sample are carried out using two pin tools (pin tools A and B) alternately. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a liquid, the other pin tool B is waiting in a state where the lower end portions of their associated pins are immersed in the first washing tank B. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a very small amount of liquid, the lower end portions of the respective pins of the other pin tool are washed, whereby the liquid transfer operations can be made in progress with no interruption and thus the generation of the operation waiting time can be prevented.

Abstract: An aerodynamic sampler for sampling particles from a surface or a flowing gas stream is provided. The sampler can include an arcuate-shaped shroud having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being directed in a first direction and the second opening oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first opening. A gas nozzle having at least one gas outlet directed generally in the first direction can be included and may or may not be located at least partially within the shroud. The gas nozzle is operable to supply a gas jet to a surface that is proximate the first opening of the shroud. In addition, a suction device operable to pull or suck the gas proximate the first opening through the second opening and afford for the gas to enter a detector is provided. The arcuate-shaped shroud can be a bell-shaped shroud with the first opening located at a bottom of the bell-shape.

Abstract: A sampling device having an elongate member positioned in the connecting section of a swing type auger is provided. The member has a channel facing into a flow of particulate matter passing through the connecting section and an open end. The member is attached to a rotating shaft. When the auger system is in operation and particulate matter is flowing through the connecting section, the arm rotates perpendicularly through the flow of particulate material and a portion of this particulate material is collected in the channel of the rotating member. The rotation of the member causes the collected particulate material to move along the length of the rotating member until it is thrown out the open end of the member, where a sample can be collected through an aperture in the side of the connecting section.

Abstract: A pick-and-place module for test handlers includes a main body, and a kit. The main body has N-th vacuum paths (where N is plural). The kit has M-th pickers. The M-th pickers are provided so as respectively correspond to M-th vacuum path parts (where 1?M?N), which are formed to respectively correspond to all or some of the N-th vacuum paths formed in the main body, and holds semiconductor devices or releasing the held semiconductor devices using vacuum pressures. The kit is detachably mounted to the main body.

Abstract: Provided is a blood diagnosis method and a dialysis machine, using a diagnostic marker which is versatile and which can contribute to the improvements in dialysis treatment and the evaluation of clinical effects, the method including a step for collecting a blood sample from a dialysis patient before and after dialysis; and a step for making a diagnosis regarding the collected blood sample based on a biomarker, wherein the biomarker is identified in advance based on the correlation between the urea clear space (CS) or the cellular membrane clearance (Kc) and profiles of mRNA or proteins.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing high priority samples from a primary conveyor and transferring such samples directly to an analyzer's sampling location even if other samples have been previously removed from the conveyor and are in a queue to be analyzed.

Abstract: Handheld solid powder sampling and dispensing devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The handheld device has an ergonomically contoured outer surface to be held by a user. Actuation of an outer member of the device causes a predetermined quantity of a powder to be loaded within the device. Actuation of a plunger mechanism causes the predetermined quantity of powder to be dispensed. The outer member and the plunger mechanism are independently operable. Advantageously, the target delivery quantity of powder can be varied by a device adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: In a micro-liquid transfer apparatus including two washing tanks (first washing tanks A and B), operations to transfer a sample are carried out using two pin tools (pin tools A and B) alternately. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a liquid, the other pin tool B is waiting in a state where the lower end portions of their associated pins are immersed in the first washing tank B. While one pin tool A is being mounted on a pin tool holder and is being used to transfer a very small amount of liquid, the lower end portions of the respective pins of the other pin tool are washed, whereby the liquid transfer operations can be made in progress with no interruption and thus the generation of the operation waiting time can be prevented.

Abstract: A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A core sample extraction system for extracting a plug from soil and removing the plug from the device so that the soil and any roots in the plug can be analyzed includes a boring tube including a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end is driven into soil to isolate a plug of the soil when the boring tube is struck by a mallet. An extraction assembly is positioned in the boring tube. The extraction assembly engages the plug in the boring tube and pushes the plug out of the bottom end when the extraction assembly is forced through the boring tube.

Abstract: A liquid pipetting apparatus for dispensing liquid of minute volume for use in a survey instruments of a hemanalysis machine, a genetic screening, and a pharmaceutical screening, etc., is disclosed. The liquid pipetting apparatus comprises a liquid holding member for holding the liquid, and capable of dispensing the liquid from one end, and a driving member for moving the liquid holding member forward and backward along the dispensing direction, the liquid holding member being moved by the driving means, thereby dispensing the liquid held on the liquid holding member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sample delivery for a sample analyser, which has a delivery device for samples which can be loaded with exchangeable liners, which are tubular at least at the inlet end and hold the sample, the liners, on which there is respectively fitted at the gas inlet end a transporting head which holds the liner by means of a seal hereby having a friction fit, being arranged such that they are inserted at predetermined locations in a magazine and/or in sample containers, a changing device, which is equipped with a gripper for the transporting heads of the liners, being used and on the basis of a predetermined program, the changing device gripping the respective liner at a predetermined place on its transporting head and inserting it into the delivery device in a sealing manner, the sample delivery being performed and, subsequently, the liner being removed from the delivery device by the changing device, by gripping its transporting head, and also to a liner handling system for this.

Abstract: A lightweight, economical, mass-producible, reusable airfoil can be deployed in an airspace while in or attached to any moving vehicle for the purpose of collecting air samples. A frame has an airfoil shape that provides pressure differentials that preferentially direct particulates and contaminants of differing size and mass to different areas of an absorbent media attached or integral to the frame. The absorbent media are readily detachable from the frame for sanitary and efficient transfer to facilities where the samples can be analyzed.

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: An apparatus is provided for detecting whether a person has handled explosives, narcotics or other substances of interest. The apparatus includes a metallic sample collection surface on which a person may place a finger. Upon removal of the finger, the metallic sample collection surface is moved to a desorber. The desorber heats the metallic surface sufficiently to vaporize residue transferred from the person. The vaporized residue then is transmitted to a detector for analysis. The detector also may include a fingerprint reading apparatus for reading the fingerprint of the person and comparing the fingerprint to known fingerprint data.

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: The present invention relates to a spotting device for fabricating microarrays of biological materials and a spotting pin inserted therein. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a spotting device, which comprises several pins and pin-guiding holder that allows the pins to move accurately and rectilinearly toward up-down direction by guiding and supporting pins at several points, and spotting pins inserted therein.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is characterized by a sampler and a sample collection station. The sampler is stationary and periodically delivers discrete product samples to a stationary inlet to the sample collection station. The sample collection station includes a deck having a plurality of passages in linearly aligned spaced relationship, a plurality of sample collection containers, and inlets to the sample collection containers that are in communication with associated ones of the deck passages. The deck is linearly indexed in both directions of movement along the linear alignment of the deck passages to place selected ones of the deck passages into communication with the stationary inlet, so that product samples delivered by the sampler to the sample collection station are directed into selected ones of the sample collection containers.

Abstract: A cannula for use in transferring small volumes of fluid materials, such as in a parallel reaction process. The cannula comprises a long thin needle having various end (port) configurations, and an adapter for connecting the needle to a fluid line. The adapter may include the combination of a reservoir and transition, or simply a transition.

Abstract: A sample suction apparatus includes: first through third members; a drive source; and a suction needle provided on the third member. The drive source reduces a distance between the first member and the third member to perform: a first action of shifting the first member toward the third member to contact the first member with a portion of a specimen vessel; a second action of shifting the second member together with the third member toward the first member to contact the second member with another portion of the specimen vessel so that the specimen vessel is sandwiched between the first and second members; and a third action of shifting the third member toward the first member to bring the third member close to the second member so that the suction needle is inserted in the specimen vessel.

Abstract: Collecting rods are pre-greased for use with a rotorod sampler. Multiple collecting rods are molded in one piece with a header to form a group. The collecting rods are attached to the header by thin gates so that they can be easily broken off for use. Multiple groups are combined into an assembly that is adhered to a container lid and dipped into a pre-greasing suspension to pre-grease the collecting rods. The container lid is attached to the rest of the container to enclose the pre-greased collecting rods for shipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling sub-surface soil gas samples and detection of distinctive chemical tracer compounds in the soil gas samples employing an aboveground sampling apparatus. The aboveground sampling apparatus does not include any device that penetrates the soil surface or man-made structures imposed upon the soil surface. Rather, the above-ground sampling apparatus evacuates soil gas samples through the soils surface or through mad-made structures imposed upon the soil surface, such as asphalt or concrete, and passes the soil gas sample through an adsorbent bed containing adsorbent material specific for the distinctive chemical tracer compounds.

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 deep lysimeter including a hollow vessel having a chamber, a fill conduit extending into the chamber through apertures, a semi-permeable member mounted on the vessel and in fluid communication with the fill conduit, and a line connection for retrieving the lysimeter.

Abstract: A containment cartridge for extracting and preserving a soil sample comprises a cylindrical sampling barrel for insertion into the soil for collecting a soil sample.

Abstract: Collecting rods are pre-greased for use with a rotorod sampler. Multiple collecting rods are molded in one piece with a header to form a group. The collecting rods are attached to the header by thin gates so that they can be easily broken off for use. Multiple groups are combined into an assembly that is adhered to a container lid and dipped into a pre-greasing suspension to pre-grease the collecting rods. The container lid is attached to the rest of the container to enclose the pre-greased collecting rods for shipment.

Abstract: The drop-by-drop evaporation of a liquid or solution is controlled by monitoring the disappearance of each successive droplet and by actuating the deposition of the next droplet until the desired volume is deposited. In the case of a solution, non-volatile residue (NVR) is collected on a deposition surface plate as a relatively small mound. One of a variety of methods may be employed to measure the evaporative behavior of each droplet and to key the deposition procedure. The process is preferably carried out employing a clean deposition surface plate that is maintained at or below the boiling point of the particular liquid or solvent being deposited. The environment is preferably controlled so that inadvertent contamination is precluded from interfering, and thus the method permits the automatic, micro-processor controlled evaporation of liquids with the resultant deposition of non-volatile residues from solutions within relatively short periods of time.

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 multi-channel dispensing head including a plurality of micropipettes, each micropipette having an electrically actuatable trigger device with a ground and signal terminal; and a shared carrier having a plurality of receptacles located in a one- or two-dimensional arrangement and sized and shaped to receive said micropipettes, each receptacle having a ground and signal contact, wherein the ground and signal contacts on the carrier are spaced apart in the direction of a longitudinal axis extending through the respective micropipettes and each of the ground and signal contacts on the carrier contacting the ground and signal terminals of the trigger devices, respectively.