Abstract: A system for detecting particles in a clean environment includes and ensemble manifold having a plurality of sample ports, a delivery port, and flow junction having no open-close valves or other flow selectors connecting all of said sample ports to said delivery port. In one embodiment, the ensemble manifold is mounted directly on a particle detector using a snap-on connector. A plurality of fluid sources are located in a clean environment, each of the fluid sources fluidically connected to one of the sample ports.

Abstract: A dosing device is provided and comprises a withdrawal container and a dosing means comprising at least one dosing unit which is a piston-cylinder unit designed as a disposable member. The piston-cylinder unit discharges into a receiving container and valve means is provided to control flow into and out of the piston-cylinder unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for collecting a fluid specimen and testing it are disclosed that avoid unduly exposing the tester to the specimen and eliminate the possibility of contaminating the remaining portion of the collected fluid. The device includes a first compartment for collecting the fluid and provides controlled volumes of fluid from the first compartment to a second compartment where the fluid is accessible to test strips. Fluid from the first compartment is transferred to the second compartment by use of a fluid metering valve having a valve cylinder with one or more wells formed on the surface of the cylinder. The fluid metering valve is fluidly connected to the first compartment at a first valve position and is fluidly connected to the second compartment at a second valve position.

Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed after a predetermined time period and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.

Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.

Abstract: A combination purging system and sampling system is provided for sampling gas from a pipeline. A flow path 40 provides fluid communication between a sample bottle 45 and the pipeline. The sample bottle 45 is initially filled with an inert gas for purging air from the flow path 40 and venting to atmosphere. A supply valve 46 controls flow between the pipeline and the flow path 40, and a bleed valve 35 controls venting from the flow path 40 to atmosphere. The relationship and positioning between the valves and the flow path prevents condensation from entering the sampled gas while purging and sampling.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system has a drift cell (60) enclosing a first fluid. An inlet chamber (62) communicates with the body of first fluid via an orifice (74). A series of negative pressure pulses is applied to the first fluid, causing a sample of a second fluid to be drawn in through the orifice (74). The sample is then entrained into the air flow of a closed loop circulatory system and is detected or measured by an ion mobility spectrometer. A second chamber may be linked to the first chamber, with the negative pressure pulses provided by the second chamber.

Abstract: A sampling system for capturing samples of trace elements in ambient air comprises a multi-port valve coupled to a plurality of sorbent tubes. Each tube is connected to the multi-port valve by means of pairs of the valve ports. The multi-port valve is constructed and operated in a predetermined sequence to create a flow path through the multi-port valve. The flow path directs an air sample to only one connected sorbent tube at a given time and for a given time interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus therefor for depositing a flattened droplet on a partially absorbent surface comprising the steps of providing a narrow bore transfer tube having a proximal end and a distal end and containing a microvolume of liquid, the proximal end connected to a pneumatic system adapted for issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas into the tube and drawing an incoming flow of displacement gas therefrom; and issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet towards the end of its discharge for flattening the droplet on the surface.

Abstract: The apparatus makes it possible to change a desired sample volume—even during operation—in a simple manner without mechanical intervention, with any accumulation solids of a sample contained in a sample collecting vessel being avoided, so that a sample representative of the medium is obtained. The apparatus comprises a control unit which controls a pneumatic control gear and switches a pump by means of which the medium is drawn into a sample collecting vessel via a hose or tube used as a suction line. A detection unit incorporated in the suction line signals the presence of the medium to the control unit, which then controls the time period for taking the desired volume of the sample. The sample volume obtained is drained off into a sample container via a drain device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the device comprising a trough which holds cleaning fluid and whose lower region has a fluid duct for filling and/or emptying purposes and whose upper region has at least one feed pipe which leads into at least one nozzle directed into the trough interior. Advantageously, the device has a cylindrical trough and an insert with nozzles which is screwed into the trough. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the material to be washed being introduced into the trough interior and sprayed with a washing fluid. The device can also be used to flush the interior of a pipette needle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for depositing a flattened droplet on a surface. The method includes the steps of providing a tube with a distal end that contains a microvolume of liquid, issuing an outgoing flow of displacement gas for slowly discharging substantially the entire microvolume of liquid as a droplet on the surface, and controllably blowing one or more bubbles into the droplet for flattening the droplet on the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a predeterminable volume of components of solution mixtures with a metering device for the solution mixture, a separator that is downstream of said metering device and is intended to separate out undesired components contained in the solution mixture, and a vacuum unit for evaporating the solution mixture, which is precleaned in the separator, to the predetermined volume, whereby a conveyor having a predeterminable rate of flow is upstream of the separator and a device for preventing the flow rate of the conveyor from being affected by the vacuum present in the vacuum unit is upstream of the vacuum unit.

Abstract: The invention is an air sampler which utilizes a hydrophobic filter and an entrapment fluid contained within a sampler body. Air to be sampled is bubbled through the entrapment fluid, which traps and retains a selected air component for later testing. Air which is thus bubbled through the entrapment fluid passes through a hydrophobic filter before leaving the sampler body. A hydrophobic filter prevents aqueous liquids from exiting the sampler body. This allows a higher rate of air flow, because the sampling fluid does not diminish as quickly due to suspended droplets exiting the sampler body. The sampler body may also be inverted to rinse down the walls of the sampler body without losing any liquid, due to the presence of the hydrophobic filter. The entrapment fluid can be poured or drained out of the sampler body.

Abstract: Instruments and processes according to the invention provide for the preparation of a fluid sample that has a substantially known concentration of a select particulate matter. In one aspect, the invention is understood as laboratory instruments for sample preparation. These instruments can include a filter that is submersible within a fluid suspension of particulate matter. To collect particulate matter from the fluid suspension, the instruments can cause a fluid flow that pulls fluid across the filter to trap particulate matter against one surface of the filter. The instruments can then remove the filter from the fluid suspension and dispose the filter above a collection vessel such that the side of the filter that is carrying particulate matter is positioned above the opening of the collection vessel.

Abstract: A peristaltic-pump dispenser is mated to a prepackaged and sterilized plastic consumable, enabling the transfer of sterile fluids in a fast, aseptic manner. The transfer of fluid from a source reservoir to a destination reservoir can be accomplished in a single step, bypassing the aspirate-move-dispense steps required of conventional hand-held pipette techniques. The consumable preferably includes an injection-molded plastic piece that contains two tubes; an input spout and an output spout joined by a cross-brace. In order to provide a fluid path the spouts are joined by a flexible piece of pre-sterilized tubing which provides an acceptable interface to the peristaltic pump rollers, allowing for fluid flow. The spouts are constructed of a sterilizeable plastic such as polystyrene. The consumable is pre-sterilized and packaged using EtO, Gamma irradiation, or other suitable techniques.

Abstract: Aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source are obtained by an apparatus and process for obtaining the chemicals. The apparatus includes the use of one or more capillary tubes which have on their interior surfaces an absorbent material, a suction device for drawing the aroma chemicals through the capillary tubes, and a connecting tube which connects the capillary tubes and the suction device. A system for collecting and analyzing the aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source is disclosed which has one or more capillary tubes, a suction device, a connecting tube, a thermal desorber which desorbs the aroma chemicals directly from the capillary tubes, a cryogenic focusing device, and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid sampling device and method using a chamber in which a vacuum is created to draw a liquid sample through a sample intake tube assembly into a sample receptacle placed in the chamber. The vacuum is created by a vacuum pump attached to an entry port in the chamber. The sample intake tube assembly is inserted through a second entry port in the chamber. One end of the sample intake tube assembly is placed in the open sample receptacle located in the chamber, while the other end is placed in the sample site. The independence of the sample intake tube assembly and the vacuum pump stem promotes sample purity. The sample intake tube assembly has a flexible collar which is inserted into and creates a seal with the entry port of the chamber.

Abstract: A sample introduction probe for introducing a gas sample to a mass spectrometer, having an inner pipe for conducting the sample to be analyzed, and an outer pipe installed outside of the inner pipe. An opening is installed at one end of the inner pipe for enabling entry of the sample into the inner pipe. A pump is installed on a side of the one end of the inner pipe, and a probe tip heater is provided for heating the one end of the inner pipe, a heater for heating the inner pipe.

Abstract: The invention discloses a flow proportional fluid sampler. A turbine pump unit has a pump that is powered by the fluid flow of the test site, such as a stream, thereby eliminating the need for outside power for the pump and proportioning the volume of sample taken to the flow velocity. The invention also incorporates a simple pulse counter that monitor's the revolutions of the turbine propeller and can be used to measure velocity. The invention also provides a collection and distribution unit that can collect and store numerous samples in a small, light-weight container.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting a sample of a fluid comprising a sampling apparatus for use in natural or man-made bodies of fluid comprising a polymer-based or metal collection capillary, a capillary filling means attached to said capillary and at least two collapsible sample demarcation indicators affixed to said capillary. The apparatus of the instant invention is deployed by first inserting a polymer-based or metal collection capillary below the surface of the fluid body from which a sample is to be withdrawn then filling the capillary using the capillary filling means, monitoring the flow of fluid from the fluid body to the internal chamber of the submerged collection capillary and then causing the cessation of said flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sampling a body of water in which discrete samples are successively withdrawn from a body of water and analyte is extracted from the respective samples while integrating the analyte which is extracted from successive samples. A filter unit in which male and female fittings may be locked together, and unlocked to allow replacement of filter membranes/screens discs or elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen collector and detector system for detecting emanating hydrogen from the test surface of materials, a hydrogen collector for use in such a system and a method for using the hydrogen collector in such a system. The present collector comprises a flexible plate, which has constructed on its receptor face raised grooves or high spots. These are presented approximately parallel to an approximately flat test surface or approximately tangential to a curved test surface, and form guiding channels along which hydrogen emanating from the test surface can be drawn and sent to an associated detector system. For use on a magnetizable surface, the present collector plate may comprise magnets by which it can firmly yet removably be attached to the test surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling particles from a processing chamber used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices includes a sampling line sequentially having a sampling port, a sampling air valve, a particle sampler and an isolation valve. A pumping line is connected between the isolation valve and a pump, and a discharge line is connected between the pump and a discharge port. The apparatus includes a purge line sequentially having a purge gas source, a purge air valve, and a divergence end. A purge-sampler line connects the divergence end to the sampling line between the sampling air valve and the particle sampler, and includes a purge-sampler air valve. A purge-pump line connects the divergence end to the pumping line, and includes a purge-pump air valve.

Abstract: A portable sampler able to collect airborne particles present in the surrounding air with characteristics of sampling air at particular aspiration flow corresponding to a medium value of current volume of air (ten liters per minute) that is mobilized by an adult subject during quiet respiration at rest, directly at 10-20 cm from mouth and nose of the examined person. This instrument equipped with a particular model of disposable sampling chamber permits valuation of pollen grains, allergens, mycetes, bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic particles with different possibilities of use in allergology, hygiene, work medicine, and legal medicine.

Abstract: On-line rheological measurements are made on a process flowing material, such as a polymer melt, utilizing a rheometer of the type in which an inlet pump delivers a relatively large volumetric flow of diverted process material from a process main stream to an inlet site located in very close proximity to the entrance of a capillary passage, and a metering pump draws a smaller portion of the volumetric flow of the diverted material from the inlet site through the capillary passage for return to the process main stream. The viscosity of the diverted material is measured as a function of the rate of flow of the material through the capillary passage and the pressure drop between spaced apart locations along the capillary passage.

Abstract: An incremental positioner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the incremental positioner includes a motor, a drive shaft, a motion converter and a rack. The motion converter engages the rack and, impelled by the motor and drive shaft, causes the rack to move. The motion converter transmits and converts the continuous rotary motion of the motor to a linear intermittent motion of the rack. To generate such intermittent motion, the motion converter is physically configured so that even though the motion converter is in constant motion, it urges the rack to move on a periodic basis. In other words, during each revolution of the motion converter, the rack “dwells” (i.e., does not move) during a first portion of the cycle, and advances during a second portion of the cycle. Each time the rack advances, it does so by a characteristic incremental distance.