Abstract: A system for processing samples by a robotic platform has a tray that defines a well defining a drain. The well has a bottom surface, an access port in fluid communication with the drain, and an insert adapted to be received in the well. The insert has a bottom wall and a side wall. At least one of the bottom wall and the side wall define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the insert is in fluid communication with the well when the insert is inserted into the well.

Abstract: Two new sample cells for use with a new nanocomposite material process system are described. A new computer automated processing system incorporates integrated impedance spectroscopy sensing and electric directed morphology, particularly for use with new nanocomposite materials. The two new mold and sensor cells solve the problem of sample deformation during curing by adding a vented cavity behind the electrodes; and, the problem of air entrapment and bubble formation in a sample by providing a channel for injecting the sample from top to bottom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sample holder 20 for delivering or receiving a fluid sample to or from fluid processing equipment such as a chromatography column 5 (FIG. 1). The sample holder 20 comprises a sliding seal 25 within a reservoir. The sliding seal 25 is displaceable within the reservoir 15 by means of a fluid pressure differential and includes a valve 260 operable when the sliding seal reaches or substantially reaches an end of its displacement, said valve including a stem 251 having a tapered portion 259 for cooperating with a tapering aperture 262 having a complementary taper, for substantially preventing fluid flow when so cooperating, said stem 251 being displaceable away from said aperture 262 and out of said cooperation at said end of its displacement, to open the valve 260.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid sample holder 20 for delivering or receiving a fluid sample to or from fluid processing equipment such as a chromatography column 5 (FIG. 1). The sample holder 20 comprises: a sample fluid reservoir 15; a sample fluid port 23; a buffer fluid port 21; and a sliding seal 25 within the reservoir 15 having an external area 258 (FIG. 3) which generally sealing engages with a wall of the reservoir 15 thereby defining first 22 and second 24 fluid separated regions in the reservoir 15. The sliding seal 25 is displaceable within the reservoir 15 by means of a working fluid pressure differential between the first 22 and second 24 regions to thereby change the respective volumes of the first and second regions, and the external area at least is formed from a plastics moulded material which elastically flexes when subjected to a pressure differential greater than the working fluid pressure differential and when so flexed allows fluid flow between the first and second regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of measuring electric and magnetic properties, and specifically relates to a sample holder (1) to be connected to a device (2) for supporting a sample holder in order to measure the dielectric and/or magnetic properties of a sample (3), said supporting device (2) comprising: first and second connectors (4, 5) suitable for allowing an electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough, and for being connected to a means (6) for transmitting the electromagnetic wave and to a means (7) for circulating the electromagnetic wave after passing through the supporting device (2) and the sample holder (1), respectively, which is suitable for transmitting all or part of the electromagnetic wave from the first connector (4) to the second connector (5) according to a reference axis (x) and for being removably arranged therebetween, the sample holder (1) comprising an outer tubular body (11) that is coaxial to said reference axis (x), and a cavity (8) in which the sample (3) is to be hou

Abstract: The analyzer mixes the material to be analyzed and the flux in sample holders supported by a movable platform within the furnace. A tilt member is provided having multiple stations. Each station has an upstanding pin offset from the center point of the station in a different direction. The platform is indexed relative to the tilt member such that the sample holder aligns with each station, in sequence. As the sample holder aligns with each station, the platform is moved toward the tilt member such that the pin of the aligned station abuts and tilts the sample holder in a different direction. The repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with sudden stops. The analyzer can be used with a special sample holder.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices involving tube carriers adapted for compatibility with 96-well format shorten and automate fluid handling during homogenization, extraction, or other processing of biological samples for high throughput analysis.

Abstract: A test specimen holder includes a specimen engaging portion operable to selectively engage and hold a test specimen. The test specimen holder includes a first shield disposed around the specimen engaging portion wherein a first gap is formed between the shield and the specimen engaging portion to remove heat from the specimen engaging portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample holders that can be used to retain a sample support effective for use in direct sample analysis. In some embodiments, the sample support can include a first and a second plate with apertures to permit a sample to be analyzed using direct sample analysis.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample platforms that are configured to permit electrical coupling between a sample support and electrical ground. In some examples, a sample platform configured to receive a sample support effective to retain a sample for direct sample analysis and comprising an aperture for receiving at least one electrical coupler configured to engage the sample support and provide electrical coupling between the sample support and ground is described.

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: In a sample-processing system that includes one or more function modules and one or more buffer units each combined as a pair with one of the function modules, in case of device stoppage due to failure, since a number of sample racks are held in the buffers, resetting involves a huge amount of time for storage of the racks. In addition, if the system configuration includes a plurality of buffer units, the resetting time increases with the number of buffer units. Sample rack ID reading means is provided in each buffer unit and during resetting, IDs of the sample racks in the buffer unit are read in the buffer unit. The buffer unit then uses the read information to make an inquiry to a control unit as to transport destinations of each sample rack. After this, sample processing based on transport destination instructions from the control unit is restarted using the buffer unit as a restarting position.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: An in situ optical specimen holder is disclosed which allows imaging and analysis during dynamic experimentation. This holder assembly includes a set of focusing and reflection optics along with an environmental cell. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to optically excite the specimen in the presence or absence of fluid and the source of such radiation may be located within the body of the holder itself. The spot size of the irradiation at the specimen surface can be varied, thus exciting only a specific region on the specimen. The window type cell provides a variable fluid path length ranging from the specimen thickness to 500 ?m. The holder has the provision to continuously circulate fluids over the specimen. The pressure within the cell can be regulated by controlling the flow rate of the fluids and the speed of the pumps.

Abstract: A sample substrate configured for samples of biological material is provided. The sample substrate has a dual chambered sample well separated by a wall that may be punctured or otherwise breached to allow mixing of material contained in the two initially separate chambers. The chambers are connected by channels to fluid reservoirs, wherein the channels can be staked to prevent further fluid flow into and out of the chambers. Methods of loading a sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a levelling mechanism having an upwardly directed reference surface adjustably mounted on a frame for supporting the base of liquid sample containers in substantially level orientation. The apparatus further includes a container positioning member having a horizontally extending main body formed with a plurality of substantially vertical container-receiving sockets. These sockets are each open at their bottom ends, so as to allow the bases of liquid sample containers to project therethrough while held within the sockets adjacent their top rims. In this manner, when the container positioning member is placed down upon the levelling mechanism, the bases of the sample containers come to rest in contact with the reference surface. Such action levels the containers to facilitate accurate automated volume measurements of liquid samples within the containers to be taken, which accuracy, in turn, increases the accuracy of automated particle counts subsequently made with the liquid samples.

Abstract: A transducer with a measuring cell and a housing within which the measuring cell is accommodated, The housing has a measurement opening and at least in a fastening section has an electrically insulating surface, wherein the housing has at least one biocidally active surface at least in an area surrounding the measurement opening.

Abstract: A cuvette module comprises a cuvette carrier and a cuvette held by the cuvette carrier. An intermediate chamber is formed in the cuvette carrier. The cuvette carrier comprises an electrically conductive plastic material. The cuvette has a different material than the cuvette carrier and the wettability of the cuvette carrier is greater than the wettability of the cuvette. A method transfers a predetermined amount of liquid from a transport container to a cuvette, employs a cuvette module. The method makes it easier to check whether the intermediate chamber still contains a sufficient amount of liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method to quantitatively measure concentrations of volatile organic compound vapors below the ground surface using a preferably “fully” passive device that is placed in a drilled or bored hole for a specified period of time, wherein the sampler constrains the uptake rate to match values that minimize or eliminate the starvation effect and provide acceptable sensitivity for most soil types as calculated via mathematical models.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system (100) comprising a reader (150) with a sensor unit (155, 156) and an accommodation Space (151) for an exchangeable cartridge (110). The cartridge (110) is held in said accommodation space (151) by at least one contact element (111) which has an increased thermal resistance and/or a contact area of reduced size. Thus a more homogenous temperature distribution can be achieved within the cartridge (110), reducing distortions which might adversely affect optical measurements.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device comprising a housing that comprises a viewing port, a means to provide illumination, and test tube wells so configured such that the observer views the test tubes from the side.

Abstract: A modified multi-function specimen box is provided. The modified multi-function specimen box includes a box body (1). A box cover (2) is disposed on an opening of the box body (1). A fixed rotary spindle (4) is disposed on the box cover (2). The fixed rotary spindle (4) is capable of freely rotating with respect to the box cover (2). A sampling spoon (5) is disposed at the bottom of the fixed rotary spindle (4). A filter screen (3) is disposed in an inner cavity of the box body (1) in a direction perpendicular to the box cover (2), and the filter screen (3) divides the box body (1) into a liquid addition cavity (11) and a liquid suction cavity (12). The present invention achieves the dilution, uniform mixing, and filtration of a specimen.

Abstract: A specimen kit having a tiny chamber is disclosed for a specimen preparation for TEM. The space height of the chamber is far smaller than dimensions of blood cells and therefore is adapted to sort nanoparticles from the blood cells. The specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over a true distribution status of nanoparticles in blood. The extremely tiny space height in Z direction eliminates the possibility of aggregation of the nanoparticles and/or agglomeration in Z direction during drying; therefore, a specimen prepared under this invention is suitable for TEM observation over the dispersion and/or agglomeration of nanoparticles in a blood.

Abstract: The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.

Abstract: A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collection sled for collecting a waste droplet stream 122 in a waste stream catcher that is located below sample collectors. Contamination of collected samples is reduced by collecting the waste droplet stream at a position that is below the sample collectors. A waste trough is provided that gets progressively larger in a downward direction, which prevents backsplash of waste fluid from the collection cavity. Standard sample collector tubes, as well as 8-well strips and microscope slides can be used with the collection sled to collect sample particles.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: An improved deposition aid for manual sample preparation, particularly on flat MALDI sample supports, comprises a holder for a sample support with several sample sites, which is adapted to standardized sample supports for ionization with matrix-assisted laser desorption and a device which projects a two-dimensional optical image, or a suitable sequence of images, onto the sample sites. The image, or sequence of images, is constructed such that a selected sample site or group of selected sample sites is highlighted in a way which can be perceived by the human eye, at least with respect to neighboring, not-selected sample sites. The deposition aid also includes an interface for confirming the manual deposition and/or a device for the automatic detection of a manual deposition process; and a guidance system which selects a sample site or group of sample sites, and controls the device accordingly.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to sample tubes comprising a cylindrical elongate tube having a gripping section with at least one discontinuity extending radially about the outside surface of the elongate tube. Methods of making sample tubes and their use in sample handlers are also described.

Abstract: The automatic analysis system is equipped with a mechanism to transport a sample container having a stopper body, the system comprising: a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses a predetermined amount of sample accommodated in the sample container; a stopper body removing/mounting mechanism that removes the stopper body from the sample container; a control unit that stores therein association between the sample container and the stopper body of the sample container; the stopper body removing/mounting mechanism that in accordance with the association stored into the control unit, mounts the stopper body back on the sample container containing the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism; and a stopper body transport mechanism that transports the sample that the stopper body removing/mounting mechanism has removed at a stopper removing position to a stopper mounting position.

Abstract: There are provided a bio-chip for secondary ion mass spectrometry and a method of fabricating the same, the bio-chip, which is a bio-chip for analyzing a biochemical material using the secondary ion mass spectrometry, including: a substrate; and core-shell particles positioned above substrate, wherein the core-shell particles each include a metal nanoparticle as a core and a metal shell surrounding the metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: A double tilt sample holder for in-situ measuring mechanical and electrical properties of microstructures in transmission electron microscope (TEM) is provided. The sample holder includes a home-made hollow sample holder body, a sensor for measuring mechanical/electrical properties, a pressing piece, a sample holder head, a sensor carrier. The sensor for measuring mechanical/electrical properties is fixed on the sensor carrier on the sample holder head by the pressing piece, while the sensor carrier is connected to the sample holder head through a pair of supporting shafts located on sides of the sample holder head. The sensor carrier can tilt within the plane perpendicular to the ample holder head by revolving around the supporting shafts (i.e. tilting along Y axis at an angle of ±30°). The sample holder also allows obtaining mechanical/electrical parameters concurrently.

Abstract: A method for producing a microfluid component includes: Producing a single polymer layer made of at least one plastic or a plastic composite and having a microfluid structure, fitting the polymer layer with at least one semiconductor element, and/or with at least one electronic component, and/or with an optical or optoelectronic component, sealing the microfluid structure.

Abstract: It is to provide a device for sampling feces that enables an accurate and quantitative evaluation by decreasing the variations of feces sampling levels, wherein the confirmation of the presence or absence of feces sampling can be performed hygienically and simply from an outside of a container.

Abstract: Sample holding system, including methods and apparatus, including a holder defining a well having a wicking promoter that encourages flow of a sample to the bottom of the well. Methods of making and using the holder are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically passive device and method for in-situ acoustic emission, and/or releasing, sampling and/or measuring of a fluid or various material(s) is provided. The device may provide a robust timing mechanism to release, sample and/or perform measurements on a predefined schedule, and, in various embodiments, emits an acoustic signal sequence(s) that may be used for triangulation of the device position within, for example, a hydrocarbon reservoir or a living body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fecal specimen collector. The fecal specimen collector consisting of a top cover, a bottle body, a specimen output end and a bottom cover, wherein a lower portion of the top cover forms a sampling end which may be inserted into the bottle body through an upper end of the bottle body, the top cover is connected with the upper end of the bottle body, the specimen output end is hermetically coupled with a lower portion of the bottle body, and the bottom cover surrounds the specimen output end and couples to the bottle body, wherein a convex is formed on the inner center of the bottom cover, and is inserted into a specimen output port of the specimen output end. The fecal specimen collector according to the present application has a small and delicate structure which has the advantages of easy operation, convenient portability and pollution free, etc.

Abstract: In a sample cell that is sealed with an X-ray transmission sheet after a sample such as a liquid fuel or the like is contained therein, when an internal pressure is increased, a cup end surface is deformed so as to increase an internal capacity of the sample cell before the X-ray transmission sheet serving as a window part is expanded. The cup end surface is formed by folding a film-like material and, when the internal pressure of the sample cell is increased, the cup end surface is unfolded outwardly of the sample cell to increase the internal capacity of the sample cell. The increase in pressure is relieved by the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the X-ray transmission sheet is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A quantitative sample transfer device for receiving and holding a sample while it is weighed and for transferring the weighed sample material into a flask without losing any sample, the quantitative sample transfer device having a hollow central body segment with a flat bottom surface, a first hollow neck at one end of the central body, a second hollow neck at the opposite end of the central body, a removable first cap for occluding the first hollow neck, a removable second cap for occluding the second hollow neck, an opening in the central body for introducing a sample into the body, a lid permanently attachable to the body segment over the opening that remains permanently closed once closed and a set of lateral ridges on at least one neck that allow for the release of air when a solvent is introduced into the transfer device to flush any remaining sample into the container. The lid may be hinged to the body segment.

Abstract: A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: A method for attaching a frozen specimen to a manipulator probe tip typically inside a charged-particle beam microscope. The method comprises cooling the probe tip to a temperature at or below that of the frozen specimen, where the temperature of the frozen specimen is preferably at or below the vitrification temperature of water; bringing the probe tip into contact with the frozen specimen, and bonding the probe tip to the frozen specimen by flowing water vapor onto the region of contact between the probe tip and the frozen specimen. The bonded probe tip and specimen may be moved to a support structure such as a TEM grid and bonded to it by similar means. The probe tip can then be disconnected by heating the probe tip or applying a charged-particle beam.

Abstract: A vessel includes a cylindrical section, a bottom section, a lower ring, and an upper ring. The cylindrical section includes an inside and, an outside vessel surfaces, an upper end region terminating at a rim circumscribing a vessel opening, a vessel groove formed at the outside vessel surface in the upper end region, and a lower end region axially spaced from the upper end region. The bottom section is disposed at the lower end region. The lower ring includes annular lateral and an annular flange portions. The lateral portion is disposed in the vessel groove and includes an outer lateral surface concentric with the inside vessel surface. The flange portion includes an upper and a lower flange surfaces perpendicular to the inside vessel surface. The upper ring includes an inner section extending over at least a portion of the rim, and an outer section securely engaging the upper flange surface.

Abstract: A sample holder for use in a scientific instrument requiring accurate and precise measurements of temperatures. The sample holder includes a ceramic sample cup diffusion bonded to a ceramic beam or to a ceramic adapter. A thermocouple is welded to the bottom of the sample cup.

Abstract: A computer accepts dead-oil properties of a reservoir fluid sampled from a well. The dead-oil properties are the measured composition of the reservoir fluid after volatile components of the reservoir have substantially vaporized. The computer analyzes the dead-oil properties and a constraint to produce estimated live-oil properties of the reservoir fluid. The live-oil properties are the composition of the reservoir before the volatile components have substantially vaporized. The computer uses the estimated live-oil properties to make a decision regarding the well.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-dimensional ion mobility analyzer are disclosed that have more than one drift chamber and can acquire multi-dimensional ion mobility profiles of substances. The drift chambers of this device can, for example, be operated under independent operational conditions to separate charged particles based on their distinguishable chemical/physical properties. The first dimension drift chamber of this device can be used either as a storage device, a reaction chamber, and/or a drift chamber according to the operational mode of the analyzer. Also presented are various methods of operating an ion mobility spectrometer including, but not limited to, a continuous first dimension ionization methods that can enable ionization of all chemical components in the sample regardless their charge affinity.

Abstract: Sample bags having at least one multilayer wall are described. The multilayer wall may include an inner layer and a sealing layer. The sealing layer is outside of the inner layer and forms a seam around at least a portion of the sample bag. In certain embodiments, the inner layer comprises a patterned periphery. The patterned periphery extends into the seam to provide the inner layer with a mechanical stability. The inner layer may be a thin metal foil or a plastic film and the sealing layer may include a sealing surface of a thermoplastic, wherein the thermoplastic of each sealing layer may be fused to form a seal around the periphery of the sampling bag. The sample bag thereby an inner layer with a low permeable, low adsorption layer coupled with a second layer providing an effective seal results in a sample bag with improved sample gas stability.