Abstract: A sample chamber is configured to accommodate a target such that a portion of the target is removable as a sample. A carrier gas injection system is configured to introduce a carrier gas into the sample region from a first position and a second position within the sample chamber such that at least a portion of the sample is entrainable by the carrier gas within the sample region. A portion of the sample region is located between the first position and the second position. A sample transport conduit is configured to transport at least a portion of the sample entrained by the carrier gas to a location outside the sample chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for contamination-free transfer of samples is described. The device comprises an elongated member having an internal cavity and pressure-sensitive region. The internal cavity is in communication with at least a first open end of the elongated member. The pressure-sensitive region is disposed at a first distance from the first open end thereby forming a sampling portion of the device. The portion between the pressure-sensitive region and the second end forms a handling portion of the device. The pressure-sensitive region provides a stress concentration that increases the sensitivity to pressure. The device is used by contacting a sample with the first open end thereby causing sample to be received into the internal cavity of the sampling portion. The device is then inserted into a receiving container for use in the desired chemical analysis instrument.

Abstract: A microchip includes a channel permitting a sheath liquid to flow therethrough; and a microtube for introducing a sample liquid into a laminar flow of the sheath liquid flowing through the channel; wherein liquid feeding is performed in the condition where a laminar flow of the sample liquid introduced through the microtube is surrounded by the laminar flow of the sheath liquid.

Abstract: A test apparatus of gases is provided for transmitting gases in a plurality of gas tubes to a test tube for testing, the test apparatus including a test main body, a cover plate and a connecting component for selection. The test main body includes a container tank; gases inside the container tank are exhausted via an exhaust tube. The cover plate is disposed on the test main body for sealing the container tank. The cover plate includes a central channel and a plurality of surrounding channels that surround the central channel. The central channel connects the test tube and the surrounding channels respectively connect the gas tubes. The connecting component for selection is disposed rotatably in the container tank toward a rotating direction and is attached closely to the cover plate. The connecting component for selection includes a central gas outlet and a gas inlet.

Abstract: Provided is a microparticle measurement device that can deliver a liquid that is used in the analysis of microparticles in a stable manner. The microparticle measurement device includes a plurality of first tank units to which a liquid is supplied from the outside, and which are respectively connected in parallel, and a bulb unit that is connected to the plurality of first tank units, and which switches to a state in which it is possible to deliver the liquid to a flow channel through which microparticles flow. According to this microparticle measurement device, in addition to performing liquid delivery from a portion of first tank units, in which the replenishment of liquid has been completed, to a flow channel, it is possible to supply liquid from the outside to first tank units other than the first tank units that are delivering liquid.

Abstract: Processing a liquid sample (204) having an analyte (206) by reducing a pressure in a container (200) including the liquid sample to less than atmospheric pressure and maintaining a reduced pressure in the container. Reducing the pressure in the container (200) and optionally agitating the liquid sample increases an amount of vapor-phase analyte (206) above the liquid sample. In some cases, a concentration of the vapor-phase analyte is further increased, for example, with a chemical trap (502). The vapor-phase analyte can be provided to a chemical analyzer (302).

Abstract: In a first mode, a monitoring system inputs humidified gas through at least a portion of a conduit. At least a portion of the water in the humidified gas adheres to the inner surface of the conduit, inhibiting contaminants in the gas sample from adhering to the inner surface. The water in the humidified gas may also push any contaminants adhered to the surface of the sample line back out the sample line. In a second mode, after previously passing the humidified gas through the conduit, the monitoring system controls a flow of a gas sample including the contaminants through the conduit to a gas analyzer. The one or more layer of water on the inner surface of the conduit prevents or reduces a buildup of undesirable contaminants on an inner surface of a conduit that conveys gas samples.

Abstract: A blood measuring apparatus includes: first and second chambers which communicate with each other through an aperture; first and second electrodes which are disposed respectively in the first chamber and the second chamber; and a controller: which performs blood measurement by causing a current to flow between the first and second electrodes in a state where diluted blood is contained in the first chamber and diluting solution is contained in the second chamber; and which performs electrolysis by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes in a state where diluting solution is contained in the first and second chambers, thereby producing washing solution, and which performs washing on at least the aperture, and the first and second chambers by using the produced washing solution.

Abstract: A sampling device allows samples to be taken from a fluid that is pressurized and/or contains volatile components. The sampling device has a sampling housing (121, 521), an inlet (10, 110, 510), an outlet (11, 111, 511), a measuring cell (17, 317, 517) and a valve unit (118, 534). The valve unit has a valve which, in a first position, connects the inlet to the outlet by way of the measuring cell. In a second position, the valve connects the inlet directly to the outlet, while also disconnecting the measuring cell from both the inlet and the outlet. The valve unit also has at least one adjustable flow restrictor, through which the flow of the fluid through the sampling device is regulated.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus and method receives milk from a milking machine and discharges discrete samples of the milk for analysis. In the method, milk is collected in a chamber, excess milk is emptied from the chamber by an emptying parts which reduces the milk in the chamber to a predetermined level, and milk samples of predetermined quantity are successively discharged through respective outlets located at different heights within the chamber and which are opened in turn from the uppermost outlet to the lowermost outlet.

Abstract: The solution reservoir apparatus of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus securely affixes an evaporation-preventing membrane to a container when a capillary is inserted or withdrawn, without extending the cathode end of the capillary. The solution reservoir apparatus comprises a container for reserving a sample or solution, a cover having a bore through which the capillary is passed and covering the container, an evaporation-preventing membrane having a capillary hole through which the capillary is passed, and a container holder for holding the container. The evaporation-preventing membrane has a projection provided at the periphery of the capillary hole, the projection of the evaporation-preventing membrane is engaged with the bore on the cover when the evaporation-preventing membrane is positioned on the cover, and the evaporation-preventing membrane is supported by the cover.

Abstract: A sample holder for receiving a sample includes a sample receiving device for clamping the sample, which is assigned a holding means which has at least two prongs protruding from the sample receiving device for a gripping means. Also disclosed are a receiving device, a sample holder magazine, a sample feeding system, a clamping device and an examining device.

Abstract: A liquid sample introducing apparatus capable of executing a process with high reliability and high speed is realized. An injection valve includes a sample storage loop connected to a mobile phase flow passage for supplying a sample to a detector of a liquid chromatograph apparatus. A sample is sucked in a needle through a valve and a pipe by a syringe, being introduced to the sample storage loop, being supplied to the mobile phase flow passage. A washing solution from a washing solution bottle is supplied to the needle by a washing unit through the valve and the pipe to wash the inner wall of the needle. The washing solution from the washing solution bottle is supplied to a washing tank by the washing unit through the valve and a pipe to wash the external wall of the needle in the washing tank.

Abstract: Heat sinks for use in assemblies for preheating liquid samples prior to their introduction into an analytical stream. The heater assemblies have a heat sink having a metallic heater block and a heating element for heating the block. The block has a basin for receiving a liquid sample and allowing heat to be transmitted from the block to the sample. A drain at the lower end of the basin allows sample in the basin to flow out of the basin. A passageway extends through the block from the drain to an exterior surface of the block and provides a conduit for sample flowing from the drain, A temperature sensor is mounted in a cavity in the block and extends into the basin to measure the temperature of sample in the basin. A temperature sensor is mounted in a cavity in the block and measures the temperature of the block.

Abstract: An injection device (100) comprising: a housing (102) defining a space (104); a seat (110) located in said space (104), the seat (110) being configured for receiving a flow path element (116) capable of injecting a pressurized fluid into the injection device (100) through the seat (110); a pressure source (132) for pressurizing a medium in said space (104), thereby reducing the pressure difference between the pressurized fluid in said flow path element (116) and said medium.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system or fast-loop is provided for transferring a liquid sample from a liquid source to a remote liquid sample analyser. The system comprises a capillary that connects the liquid source and the liquid analyser. When the system is used, liquid flows from the liquid source to the liquid analyser via the capillary. The capillary may form a looped circuit between the liquid source and the liquid analyser.

Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.

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: A module unit comprises fluid modules with at least one fluid conduit protruding through the module unit, which is formed of conduit portions merging into each other, which traverse the fluid modules and on side faces of the fluid modules open in fluidic interfaces. Two fluid modules each are releasably connected with each other on opposing side faces, whereby the fluidic interfaces are coupled with each other on opposing side faces. On opposing side faces at least one magnetic element each is provided laterally away from the associated conduits portion. The magnetic elements of opposing side faces are located opposing each other and magnetically attract each other.

Abstract: The present invention removes an air bubble attaching to a detection part arranged in a concave portion on a wall surface in a flow path or an air bubble generated in the vicinity without requiring an external driving force, in a simple configuration. Specifically, the present invention includes: a liquid sample flow path for circulating a liquid sample; a detection part contained and arranged in a stepwise concave portion formed on an inner wall surface of the liquid sample flow path; and a projection part provided at a position facing to the stepwise concave portion on an inner wall surface of the liquid sample flow path, for generating a turbulent flow on a front side of an opening of the stepwise concave portion.

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: The invention provides a method for sampling gas in a flue gas stream (31) of an incineration furnace (1) or another CO2-containing gas stream. The method comprises sampling CO2 from the flue gas stream (31) of the incineration furnace (1) and storing CO2 from the flue gas stream (31) in a storage device (5). The storage device comprises a solid, preferably silica- or alumina-based CO2 storage material, which can be regenerated. The method further preferably involves transporting the storage device (5) to an analysis site (10) comprising an apparatus for 14C analysis, retrieving at least part of th stored CO2 from the storage device (5) and determining, based on the 14C analysis, the ratio of biomass-derived and fossil-derived CO2 in the flue gas stream (31).

Abstract: A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit.

Abstract: Implementations for mobile sampling of one or more target substances are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A test piece transfer apparatus includes a transfer mechanism for transferring a test piece in a transfer direction. The transfer mechanism is provided with a test piece holder for holding the test piece, and with a driving portion. The test piece transfer apparatus further includes a test piece adjusting mechanism cooperating with the transfer mechanism for adjusting the direction of a test piece being transferred. The test piece holder includes a lower surface holding portion, an upstream holding portion and a downstream holding portion. The lower surface holding portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the test piece. The upstream holding portion is arranged on an upstream side of the test piece in the transfer direction. The downstream holding portion is arranged on a downstream side of the test piece in the transfer direction.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: A solution feeding device for feeding a sample solution which is precisely adjusted in the mixed quantity of a standard solution is realized. The solution feeding device comprises: a mixing module (100) including a first passage (101), a second passage (102), and a third passage (103) for providing communications of the midways of those two passages with a higher passage resistance than those of the two passages; a first storage unit (10) communicating with one end side of the first passage for storing a sample solution; a suctioning nebulizer (20) communicating with the other end side of the first passage for sucking the sample solution; a second storage unit (30) communicating through an on-off valve (31) with one end side of the second passage for storing a standard solution; and a syringe pump (40) communicating with the other end side of the second passage for sucking and discharging the standard solution, respectively, in the open state and the closed state of the on-off valve.

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: A microfluidic device includes a sample chamber accommodating a sample, a first sample distribution unit connected to the sample chamber and receiving the sample, a sample transfer unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and forming a path for transferring the sample, and including a first connection unit connected to the first sample distribution unit and a second connection unit, wherein the distance from the center of rotation to the second connection unit is greater than the distance from the center of rotation to the first connection unit, a second sample distribution unit connected to the second connection unit and receiving the sample transferred via the sample transfer unit after filling the first sample distribution unit, and first and second analysis units respectively connected to the first and second sample distribution units and analyzing ingredients of the sample.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection assembly, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The auxiliary sampling device includes a support frame with a pivot member. A linear actuator having a piston is attached to the support frame. A rotatable sample arm assembly has an upper end attached to the piston and to the pivot member of the support frame, and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A fluid conduit within the sample arm assembly has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to the autosampler. The linear actuator pushes or retracts the piston to vertically pivot the sample arm assembly until the inlet reaches desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit.

Abstract: A system for sampling a fluid includes a conduit having an inner surface with a substantially constant, unobstructed diameter between upstream and downstream points. A sample line having an inlet and outlet provides fluid communication outside of the conduit. An inlet port in the sample line is radially inward from the upstream point and faces substantially upstream inside the conduit. A sensor is in fluid communication with the sample line. A method for sampling a fluid includes providing fluid communication through a sample line to a conduit having an inner surface with a substantially constant, unobstructed diameter between upstream and downstream points, wherein the sample line has an inlet port radially inward from an upstream point and facing substantially upstream inside the conduit. The method further includes flowing at least a portion of the fluid through a sensor in fluid communication with the sample line.

Abstract: Gas is supplied from positive pressure (105 Pa or more) to an analysis device of high vacuum (10?2 Pa or less) precisely and stably, while keeping conditions constant and replicating the conditions, and performing switching to a desired gas within a short time. According to a gas introducing device and a method, a plurality of types of gases are synthesized in a mixing chamber, the synthesized gas is introduced and the pressure of the gas is reduced by a pressure reducing pump to a pressure ranging from 0.1 Pa to 0.1 MPa, and the depressurized gas is introduced to a gas analysis device through a switching operation using a gas switching valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological and/or chemical sample in a liquid droplet (1) is provided. The apparatus includes a processing compartment (20), a base (21) and at least one circumferential wall (25). The processing compartment (20) is defined by at least a part of the base (21), at least a part of the circumferential wall (25) and an inlet member (4). The inlet member (4) is located on top of the processing compartment (20), and includes at least one droplet inlet channel (3), which extends through the inlet member (4) and includes a contraction (2) between the inlet opening (28) of the droplet inlet channel (3) to the environment and the outlet opening (27) to the processing compartment (20). There is furthermore provided a method of processing a biological and/or chemical sample in a liquid droplet (1).

Abstract: A specimen analyzing apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting component information regarding a component in a specimen contained in each of analyzing containers, the analyzing containers comprising first and second analyzing containers; an analyzing part for analyzing the component information detected by the detector; a transporting device for transporting specimen containers each containing a specimen, the specimen containers comprising first and second specimen containers; an operation mode selector for selecting one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a first supplying device for supplying the specimen of a first amount; a second supplying device for supplying the specimen of a second amount grater than the first amount; and a supply controller for controlling the first and second supplying devices in accordance with an operation mode selected by the operation mode selector, is disclosed. A specimen analyzing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and method of use thereof for facilitating the analysis of samples of sub-slab soil gas that comprise an adapter body that includes, a first barbed portion, an external engaging portion, a threaded collar portion, a second barbed portion, and an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adapter body. The device may further include a tubular body with an interior cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second barbed portion of the adapter body to produce a mating engagement therebetween.

Abstract: After being dispensed, a sample that needs to be quickly measured passes through another unit and is transported to an automatic analyzer. A plurality of units are provided for functions of processing including a dispensing unit that dispenses the sample stored in a sample vessel into another sample vessel. At least one discharge line discharges the sample from the dispensing unit to a transport line and a line that is perpendicular to the discharge line. A reverse direction transport line transports the sample in a direction reverse to a direction in which the sample loaded in the system is transported to the dispensing unit. The sample that is processed by the dispensing unit is transported to a storage unit located on the upstream side of the system, through the reverse direction transport line.

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: The invention relates to a gas sampling device comprising a probe for sampling gas, an exploiting device for exploiting the gases sampled, a pipe for transmitting the gases sampled by the probe to the exploiting device, and means for lowering the pressure of the gases sampled in the pipe, to lower the dew point of the gases sampled, the means for lowering the pressure comprising an expansion nozzle arranged in the probe and communicating with the pipe, and a suction device for sucking the gases sampled in the pipe through the exploiting device. Application of the invention to the analysis of hot gases loaded with water vapor.

Abstract: An analytical system and method that enables more efficient transport of movable devices (22) among stations (24, 25, 26). According to one aspect of the invention, the system and method permit operational timesharing of a transport mechanism (34) for the movable devices. According to another aspect of the invention, control of the transport mechanism is effected on an event-driven basis. The invention has particular application to an adaptive, motion and fluids system for automating the sample handling/management process associated with analytical processes and especially bioanalytical processes such as introducing samples into LC and HPLC systems.

Abstract: A method and a device for preparing a qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples are presented. The device affords the possibility of delimiting and isolating a specific region of a solid or liquid sample. A liquid, e.g. a solvent or extracting agent, is added in the delimited and isolated region. Thereafter the created mixture of substance and liquid is, in a plug-shaped fashion, pressed out of the closed region by means of a neutral liquid or the same liquid, and supplied to the measuring instrument in the form of a highly concentrated solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for collecting and storing chemical samples and transferring those samples to analytical devices for analysis. In one implementation the device includes an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals. In another implementation, the device includes an analytical device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with a sampling device. In another implementation, the device includes a sampling device having an interface for transferring samples and electrical signals with an analytical device.

Abstract: A device for use with a detection means and a solvent source for sampling low volatility hazardous chemicals within a sample matrix is comprised of a sonicator having a probe for providing mechanical agitation to the sample matrix; means for transporting solvent gas from the solvent source to the sample matrix; means for transporting sample gas from the sample matrix to the detection means; and a heating element for heating the sample gas, solvent gas, and sample matrix. The device may include a thermocouple for providing a temperature reading. It also may include a plurality of interchangeable probe tips of different shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solids dosing device for finely divided solids, comprising sampling means for withdrawing a sample from a sampling jar and dosing means for inserting a prescribed amount of finely divided solid material into a testing jar, a dosing accuracy of at least 0.1 g being achieved with the solids dosing device and characteristics of the dosed amount substantially corresponding to those of the sample in the sampling jar. The invention also relates to an automated analyzer for determining properties of finely divided solids, comprising a depot for sampling jars and testing jars, analysis devices for the analysis of samples, manipulators for the movement and positioning of sampling jars, solids dosing devices and dosing devices for liquids. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the automatic analysis of finely divided solids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: Provided is an analysis method in which increase in a background can be prevented in a simple manner without cost. The analysis method of the present invention is carried out using a sample analysis tool 10 including a development member 11 in which a developing solution supply portion 12, a sample supply portion 13, and a detection portion 14 in which a substance 17 that specifically binds to an analyte 16 in a sample is immobilized are provided in this order from upstream to downstream along the flow of a developing solution. A sample solution is supplied to the sample supply portion 13, and a developing solution is supplied to the developing solution supply portion 12 simultaneously with the supply of the sample solution or prior to the supply of the sample solution. By the development of the developing solution in the development member 11 in the presence of a labeled specifically binding substance 15, the sample solution is introduced to the detection portion 14.

Abstract: A metering capillary and method for providing at least one defined volume of a target constituent of a sample is provided, the method comprising providing at least one metering capillary having at least two openings; at least partly filling the metering capillary with the sample; carrying out a constituent separation for the at least partial separation of at least two constituents of the sample inside the metering capillary; and dividing the metering capillary into at least two partial pieces, wherein at least one of the partial pieces contains the defined volume of the target constituent.

Abstract: A hermetic sample holder for use in performing microanalysis of a sample under a controlled atmosphere environment. The sample holder comprises a sample holder body with a sample cavity to receive the sample and a cover movably mounted to the holder body between an open position to allow access to the cavity and a closed position to seal the cavity. The cover is secured in and released from the closed position at least in part by a pressure differential between the cavity and the ambient atmosphere. The cover may be biased toward the open position. The cover may be pivotally mounted about an axis that is perpendicular to a sealing surface of the cover and/or movable in a direction along the pivot axis. A valve may be provided to allow direct evacuation of the cavity to create a pressure differential. An adjustable clamp may be located in the cavity to secure the sample.