Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid handling and processing tool for analyzing a biological sample. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a fluid processing and detection module for processing a liquid sample and for detecting analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A nebuliser outlet comprises an inlet end and an outlet end, a first channel and one or more second channels arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end. The first channel is configured to receive a capillary, and the one or more second channels are configured to pass gas to the outlet end. The nebuliser outlet is a single integrated component.

Abstract: A duct detector may include a detection chamber and a control circuitry stacked vertically on top of the detection chamber. A sealing gasket may seal a contact between a substrate of the control circuitry (e.g., the seal may be at the bottom surface of a printed circuit board containing the control circuitry) and the detection chamber such that particles analyzed the detection chamber may not damage the control circuitry. Therefore, by providing a sealed barrier between the control circuitry and the detection chamber, the sealing gasket allows for stacking the control circuitry and the detection chamber. As the seal does not create a barrier (the barrier is for the detection chamber) for a repair personnel to access the control circuitry, repairs to the duct detectors may be easier because the seal may not have to be broken and resealed during the repair process.

Abstract: A portable sample loading device (1,4,7) include a base (11,41,71) and a fixing device (11,41,71) connected to the base (12,42,72). The base (12,42,72) can support a chip (2,5) and a sample loading connector (3,6). The fixing device (12,42,72) can detachably retain the chip (2,5) and the sample loading connector (3,6) on the base (11,41,71). The base (11,41,71) includes a front surface (110,410,710) and a back surface (111,411,711) opposite to the front surface (110,410,710). The front surface (110,410,710) includes a supporting surface for supporting the chip (2,5). A region of the supporting surface (112,412,712) corresponds to a sample inlet of the chip (2,5) is recessed toward the back surface (111,411,711) to form a receiving space (114,117,414,714) for receiving the sample loading connector (3,6). The receiving space (114,117,414,714) further defines a sample injection hole (115, 415,715) corresponding to the sample inlet of the chip (2,5).

Abstract: A system for sampling aerosols, for purpose of predictive analyses, from fractured test specimens is provided. The system includes a test enclosure, a load apparatus, and an aerosol sampling pack in fluid communication with the test enclosure. The test enclosure is sized to partially or completely receive the test specimen therein, and the load apparatus is configured to impart a mechanical load (e.g., tension, bending, torsion, shear forces, or compression) on the test specimen. The aerosol sampling pack receives solid aerosols that are generated upon fracture of the test specimen.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a catheter comprises an extension tube, an extension connector, and an indicator assembly. The extension tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The extension tube further has an inner bore and an opening placing an interior of the extension tube in fluid communication with an exterior of the extension tube. The extension connector is coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube. The indicator assembly is comprised of a sealing member, a wicking member, and an indicator. The sealing member including a first side and a second side. The wicking member includes a wicking tab to be disposed within the opening of the extension tube. The indicator is in fluid communication with the wicking member. The sealing member is at least partially clear to allow visual inspection of the indicator once the indicator assembly is coupled to the extension tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for isolating a sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analysis system, such as sample analysis via ICP-MS. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve configured to permit and block access of a vacuum source to the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect presence or absence of a fluid at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block access of the vacuum source to the first valve upon detection of the fluid at the first valve to isolate the fluid within the sample reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides an analytic nebuliser device for delivering a sample in aerosolised form, the device comprising a nebuliser nozzle configured to receive a flow of said sample and generate a plume of aerosolised sample spray and a chamber configured to receive a flow of make-up gas and connecting with a plurality of microchannels having outlets arranged around and adjacent to said nebuliser nozzle wherein the microchannels are configured to produce a make-up gas stream with high linear velocity around said aerosolised sample spray to shape and direct said plume. The invention extends to a mass spectrometry or spectroscopy system including the above analytic nebuliser device, to provide in operation the aerosolised sample spray to an ionisation device of the system.

Abstract: A transfer line for a GCMS arrangement, the transfer line comprising: a transfer probe having a probe bore to receive a GC column; a sealing cap movably mounted at a first end of the transfer probe; and a resilient element arranged to bias the sealing cap away from the first end of the transfer probe.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in analytical instrumentation that provides continuous transfer of a known molar quantity of gas from a source having an unknown gas mixture and varying pressure. In addition to the upstream and downstream paths of typical flow control devices, the device has a midstream path to introduce a carrier gas at a known elevated pressure. The device has at least three equal-volume ballast vessels and a valve arrangement to cycle the ballasts through at least three states: fill, equilibrate, and empty. The ballasts fill with the upstream gas, pressurize and equilibrate at the midstream pressure, and empty to the downstream path. The cycle of each ballast is timed in phased relationship to the other ballasts to keep the flow relatively uninterrupted; as one fills, another equilibrates, and another empties.

Abstract: A sampler for liquid chromatography is described. The sampler includes an injection valve and a sample loop. The injection valve includes one waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. The sample loop port includes a first loop part and a second loop part. The injection valve can be configured to have LOAD position and INJECT position. The injection valve can also be configured to have one or more additional positions such as a FULL PURGE position, a PUMP PURGE position, and a NEGATIVE PRESSURE position.

Abstract: A nebuliser outlet comprises an inlet end and an outlet end, a first channel and one or more second channels arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end. The first channel is configured to receive a capillary, and the one or more second channels are configured to pass gas to the outlet end. The nebuliser outlet is a single integrated component.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices and system that can be used to fill a sample cell. In some examples, the system can be configured with a pressure device configured to provide a negative pressure to accelerate filling of the cell with the sample. In some embodiments, the negative pressure can be used to fill a flow cell at a selected fill rate.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a catheter having an extension tube, an extension connector and an indicator assembly. The extension tube has a proximal end and a distal end, and, an inner bore. The extension connector has a body with a central bore, with the proximal end of the extension tube coupled to a first end of the body. The extension connector further includes a slot in the body defined by lower end wall and upstanding walls extending therefrom, terminating at an upper opening. A radial passage extends from the central bore to the at least one slot. The indicator assembly has an indicator that is structurally configured to change color in the presence of a chemical indicative of a bladder infection. A wicking member is in fluid communication with the radial passage and the indicator, with the wicking member being positioned between the radial passage and the indicator.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a catheter comprises an extension tube, an extension connector, and an indicator assembly. The extension tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The extension tube further has an inner bore and an opening placing an interior of the extension tube in fluid communication with an exterior of the extension tube. The extension connector is coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube. The indicator assembly is comprised of a sealing member, a wicking member, and an indicator. The sealing member including a first side and a second side. The wicking member includes a wicking tab to be disposed within the opening of the extension tube. The indicator is in fluid communication with the wicking member. The sealing member is at least partially clear to allow visual inspection of the indicator once the indicator assembly is coupled to the extension tube.

Abstract: A fluidic device (100) is described for locally coating an inner surface of a fluidic channel. The fluidic device (100) comprises a first (101), a second (102) and a third (103) fluidic channel intersecting at a common junction (105). The first fluidic channel is connectable to a coating fluid reservoir and the third fluidic channel is connectable to a sample fluid reservoir. The fluidic device (100) further comprises a fluid control means (111) configured for creating a fluidic flow path for a coating fluid at the common junction (105) such that, when coating, a coating fluid propagates from the first (101) to the second (102) fluidic channel via the common junction (105) without propagating into the third (103) fluidic channel. A corresponding method for coating and for sensing also has been disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication facility (FAB) is provided. The FAB includes a group of processing tools. The FAB also includes a number of sampling tubes connecting the group of processing tools. In addition, the FAB includes a sampling station which includes a connection port, a valve manifold box and a controller. The valve manifold box is used for switching a gas sample from one of the processing tools to the connection port. The controller is sued for controlling the connection of the valve manifold box and the sampling tubes. The FAB further includes a metrology module. The metrology module is connected to the connection port of the sampling station and is used to perform a measurement of a parameter related to the gas sample.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring an inspection target on the basis of vibration generated when the inspection target has been irradiated with laser light includes a condensing position deriving portion configured to derive an amount of adjustment of a distance between condensing lenses of a laser condensing unit configured to condense the laser light on the basis of a distance between a laser device configured to radiate the laser light and an irradiation location of the laser light and a communicating portion configured to transmit control information including information representing the amount of adjustment to the laser condensing unit.

Abstract: There is provided a piston of a cartridge for extracting nucleic acids comprising: a cylindrical upper body having a hollow; a lower body having two ports; a control rod module combined to the other end of the upper body to seal the other end and move up and down along the hollow; and a rotation control module that is combined to the shaft of the lower body to transmit a driving force to the lower body.

Abstract: A microfluidic product utilizing gradient surface energy coatings for fluid control comprising a plurality of fluid passages wherein at least one fluid passage comprises a coating configured to control liquid flow wherein the coating configured to control liquid flow comprises a gradient surface energy coating from a proximal location to a distal location on a surface of the fluid passage. The product can include uniform regions and surface gradient regions in the same passage. Coating compositions and product dimensions can be selected to provide control over different flow properties including fluid velocity, reduction and acceleration of fluid flow, and starting and stopping fluid flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in introducing samples to an analytical instrument. The systems and methods are adaptable to process either a liquid sample or a gaseous sample, including samples containing particle contaminants, for subsequent analysis using an analytical instrument.

Abstract: This sample injection device is provided with a plunger drive unit for driving a plunger by a pulse motor, an encoder for detecting an operating position of the pulse motor, and a control unit for adjusting a reference position of the tip end of the plunger with respect to the syringe based on the operating position detected by the encoder when the tip end of the plunger is brought into contact with the end portion in the syringe on the tip end side.

Abstract: A method and a system for analyzing a physical characteristic of a film sample are described herein. The system includes a material holder system configured to hold the film sample; a dart testing system configured to test a physical characteristic of the film sample; and a moving system configured to move the held film sample to be analyzed or tested between stations. The moving system is configured to move the held film sample in the material holder system to the dart testing system.

Abstract: A liquid sample analysis method including communicating a specific flow path with an aspirator via a branch flow path, aspirating air from the aspirator, aspirating a liquid sample into the sample supply path from the aspirator so that an entire amount of the aspirated air is accommodated in the branch flow path, communicating a sample extrusion path with a sample port, communicating a sheath fluid supply path with a sheath fluid port, and isolating the branch flow path from both the sample supply path and the specific flow path, extruding the liquid sample in the sample supply path so as to inflow into the sample flow path by causing a sheath fluid to inflow into the sheath fluid flow path from the sheath fluid supply path and causing the sheath fluid to inflow into the sample supply path from the sample extrusion path.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: In medical analysis devices and automatic specimen examination systems, the specimen conveyance mechanism is constituted by a plurality of belt lines. During installation or maintenance of the specimen conveyance mechanism, it is necessary to confirm the existence of steps at the joints of these belt lines and the parallelism of the conveyance line. According to the present invention, it is possible to lighten the burden of this work with a test tube type or conveyance holder type inspection device provided with a sensor and battery for operation. Also, even when an operator cannot visually confirm the conveyance line from outside, it is possible to confirm the state of the conveyance line.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of switching an apparatus operation mode, such as automatic reexamination, without stopping measurement by efficiently using a rack. The automatic analyzer includes a storage unit that stores an operation mode, such as automatic reexamination, of the automatic analyzer, a detection unit that detects an operation mode switching rack inserted into an insertion unit, and a control unit that switches the operation mode stored in the storage unit on the basis of the detection of the operation mode switching rack by the detection unit. The control unit applies the switched operation mode to an examination object rack transported from the insertion unit to a transport line after the operation mode switching rack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in an in vitro diagnostics setting may include an automation track, a plurality of carriers configured to carry a plurality of sample vessels along the automation track, and a characterization station including a plurality of optical devices. A processor, in communication with the characterization station, can be configured to analyze images to automatically characterize physical attributes related to each carrier and/or sample vessel. A method may include receiving a plurality of images from a plurality of optical devices of a characterization station, wherein the plurality of images comprise images from a plurality of perspectives of a sample vessel being transported by a carrier, automatically analyzing the plurality of images, using a processor, to determine certain characteristics of the sample vessel, and automatically associating the characteristics of the sample vessel with the carrier in a database.

Abstract: A liquid handling device has an accommodation part for accommodating a liquid, two or more flow paths each opening to a lower part of a side wall surface of the accommodation part, and a liquid movement suppression part that is disposed in the lower part of the side wall between the openings of two of the flow paths that are adjacent to each other and slows or stops the movement of the liquid along the corner formed by the lower surface of the accommodation part and the side wall surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microfluidic device comprising a chip; a flow channel being disposed in the chip; the flow channel being in communication with an entry port and an exit port; the flow channel being operative to permit the flow of a library from the entry port to the exit port; a substrate; the substrate being disposed upon the chip; the substrate being operative to act as an upper wall for the flow channels; and a plurality of receptors; the plurality of receptors being disposed on the substrate; the plurality of receptors being operative to interact with an element from the library.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sample by utilizing a shearing force in the presence of a size stabilizer to break apart the sample to obtain nucleic acid molecules in a usable size range. Once nucleic acid molecules are obtained, magnetic nanoparticles are used to concentrate and clean the nucleic acid molecules for further testing.

Abstract: An injection device comprising: a housing defining a space; a seat located in said space, the seat being configured for receiving a flow path element capable of injecting a pressurized fluid into the injection device through the seat; a pressure source for pressurizing a medium in said space, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the pressurized fluid in said flow path element and said medium.

Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an optically sensible element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the optically sensible element, and a sensor to sense the physical alteration.

Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating a nebulant comprising a nebulant flow conduit and a counter-flow conduit, or preferably, a plurality of alternating nebulant flow conduits and corresponding counter-flow conduits eg in layered or coaxial arrangement. and wherein at least a portion of the nebulant flow conduit and said counter-flow conduits define respective opposed sides of a gas permeable membrane. In use a nebulizer is in communication with the nebulant flow conduit and the nebulant flow and counter-flow are in the same or opposite directions and act to concentrate the amount of active in a droplet eg from 35 wt % to 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide in water to disinfect and/or sterilize an article.

Abstract: A fluid jet may be delivered by an outlet to dislodge particles from an object, such as a person. An image sensor may determine a target location on the object for delivering the fluid jet. In some embodiments, the image sensor may locate particles of interest to determine the target location. A steering mechanism may direct the fluid jet, so that it impacts the target location. The dislodged particles may then be captured for analysis. A distraction mechanism may distract the object and/or mask the sound of the fluid jet to prevent the object from realizing the fluid jet has been delivered. Additional substances and/or tags may be delivered by the outlet to the object and/or particles.

Abstract: A liquid-metering device comprising a droplet generator including a reservoir and, connected to the latter, a displacement space which is modifiable by an electromechanical transducer and which has an outlet opening and, upon excitation of the transducer, shoots a liquid droplet from a cold area into a heatable area through or counter to a gas stream generated by a gas source. To make the device suitable for automatic and quasi-continuous liquid metering in process analysis, a heatable evaporation chamber is provided through which the liquid to be metered flows via valves, and, between the evaporation chamber and the reservoir, a condensate chamber is connected via further valves. The condensate chamber and the reservoir are connected via additional valves and a pressure regulator to the gas source.

Abstract: Automated sample injection apparatus, multiport valves, and chromatography systems containing an automated sample injection apparatus and/or a multiport valve are disclosed. Methods of making and using automated sample injection apparatus and multiport valves within chromatography systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a mass cytometer or mass spectrometer, a sample of elemental tagged particles is transferred from a dispersion to a gas flow through a carrier aerosol spray for atomization and ionization by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source. The configuration of the sample transfer apparatus allow for total consumption of the sample by passing the sample spray through a deceleration stage to decelerate the spray of particles from its high velocity expansion. Following the deceleration stage, the decelerated sample of particles can be accelerated and focused through an acceleration stage for transferring into the ICP. This effectively improves the particle transfer between the sample spray and the ICP.

Abstract: Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a fluid pathway for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of said fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving means being spaced from said fluid pathway so that fluid in said pathway will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. Said fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid from said channel is contacted with said fluid receiving means either by bringing the fluid receiving means and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving means.

Abstract: A control device controls driving of a pulse motor to cause liquid that is sucked into a syringe in a single suction process to be discharged over a plurality of discharge processes. The control method of the control device is a method that controls driving of the pulse motor so that rotation of a ball screw for executing each discharge process starts from an identical rotational angle position relative to a slit of a coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample analyzing chip. The chip can prevent upper and lower substrates of a channel from being attached to each other due to deflection on a micro channel and can solve the problem of the sample drying up within a measuring time of a target. Also, the chip can prevent bubbles from being generated in a central portion of the micro channel.

Abstract: In a gas sample analysis device including a metering tube, sample gas supply channel, carrier gas supply channel, evacuation channel and collection tube, there is provided a first channel switching valve which switches between a load state in which the metering tube is interposed between said sample gas supply channel and the evacuation channel and an injection state in which the metering tube is interposed between the sample gas supply channel and gas analysis device; and a second channel switching valve which, in the load state or injection state, switches between a collection tube interposition state in which the collection tube is interposed between the sample gas supply channel and the metering tube or between the metering tube and the gas analysis device, and a collection tube shunt state in which the collection tube is not interposed.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus comprising: a transporting device for transporting a sample; a plurality of measuring units, each measuring unit measuring a sample transported by the transporting device; a determination result obtainer for obtaining a determination result representing whether the sample requires remeasurement based on a measurement result by a predetermined measuring unit among the plurality of measuring units; a designation receiver for receiving a designation of one measuring unit for remeasuring the sample determined to be remeasured; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device so as to transport the sample determined to be remeasured to the designated measuring unit. An analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection system, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The sampling device includes a support frame and a motorized actuator, with a piston, attached to an end of the support frame. A sample arm has an upper end disposed at an end of the support frame opposite the motorized actuator and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A cable and pulley mechanism links the sample arm to the piston. A fluid conduit within the sample arm has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to an autosampler. The cable and pulley mechanism pivots the sample arm when the motorized actuator pushes or retracts the piston to position the inlet at desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: A method and a device for holding in readiness, transporting, processing and archiving thermoanalytical samples are disclosed. The sample containers, into which the thermoanalytical samples to be investigated are to be introduced, are provided in a magazine.

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: The invention is directed to multi-fluidic cartridges for sample analysis and to methods of using said cartridges. In one embodiment, the cartridge comprises: (a) a first conduit beginning at a sample entry port for receiving a fluid sample and in fluid communication with one or more sensors; (b) a plurality of rupturable fluidic pouches, each containing a different fluid and in fluid communication with a respective delivery conduit configured for delivering a respective fluid to said first conduit; and (c) at least one pneumatic pump configured to move said fluid sample to said one or more sensors and for transporting at least one of said different fluids to said first conduit.

Abstract: A testing system includes a base, a frame installed on the base, a platform, a first driving mechanism, a second driving mechanism, a locating component, a third driving mechanism and a control unit. Two guiding tracks and a sliding component which slides along the two guiding tracks are disposed under two sides of the platform. The second driving mechanism is connected to the sliding component, and the third driving mechanism is disposed on the sliding component and connected to the locating component. The control unit is for controlling the first driving mechanism to drive the platform to move in a first direction, so that the locating component presses a portable electronic device disposed on the base. The control unit is further for controlling the second driving mechanism and the third driving mechanism to drive the locating component to move in a second direction and a third direction.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including at least one porous material connected to a high voltage source, in which the porous material is discrete from a flow of solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet discharge apparatus that includes a nozzle for discharging a droplet from a tip thereof, and a discharge unit for injecting a gas toward the tip of the nozzle.