Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a modifiable headspace for measuring a concentration of volatile releases from a sample. The invention includes a collapsible housing for containing the air sample and a plurality of spacers between the housing and the sample surface for separating them from one another. The plurality of spacers permit the distance between the housing and the sample to be adjustable.

Abstract: A dual-manifold assembly is provided for the rapid, parallel transfer of liquid reagents from a microtiter plate to a solid state microelectronic device having biological sensors integrated thereon. The assembly includes aspiration and dispense manifolds connected by a plurality of conduits. In operation, the aspiration manifold is actuated such that the aspiration manifold is seated onto an array of reagent-filled wells of the microtiter plate. The wells are pressurized to force reagent through conduits toward the dispense manifold. A pressure pulse provided by a standard ink-jet printhead ejects nanoliter-to-picoliter droplets of reagent through an array of printhead orifices and onto test sites on the surface of the microelectronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a modifiable headspace for measuring a concentration of volatile releases from a sample. The invention includes a collapsible housing for containing the air sample and a plurality of spacers between the housing and the sample surface for separating them from one another. The plurality of spacers permit the distance between the housing and the sample to be adjustable.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquid transfer device for an analysis apparatus with a liquid transfer cannula (5) and a capacitive liquid level detector to detect the immersion of the liquid transfer cannula (5) in an analysis liquid contained in a vessel. To reliably check if the liquid transfer cannula (5) is submerged in the analysis liquid or immersed for example in foam it is proposed additionally that resistance is measured by a measurement section (16) in the liquid transfer cannula (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic tip and a random access print head for the transfer of microfluidic quantities of fluid. The print head can randomly collect and deposit fluid samples to transfer the samples from a source plate to a target. The print head can also be programmed to create a direct map of the fluid samples from the source plate on the target or to create any desired pattern or print on the target. The tip and print head can be used for a wide variety of applications such as DNA microarraying and compound reformatting. In one preferred embodiment, the tip is used as a capillary or “gravity” pin to draw or collect source fluid and “spot” or deposit the fluid onto the target via physical contact (touch-off). In another preferred embodiment, the tip is used in conjunction with an aspirate-dispense system to actively aspirate source fluid and deposit the fluid via a contact or non-contact approach.

Abstract: A pipette for the handling of a syringe. The pipette has jaw chucks which are adjustably arranged with respect to the plunger receptacle, being pivotably mounted on a plunger-gripping device. The syringe is insertable with opened jaw chucks with the plunger head only partially contacting the jaw chucks. The jaw chucks are laterally engageable on the plunger head upon insertion of the syringe. The engaging movement of the jaw chucks on the plunger head is regulated according to the invention so that the engaging movement has a substantially tangential component with respect to the surface of the plunger head. As a result, a desired and form-locking connection to the plunger head of the syringe results that requires a small amount of force.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing valve particularly adapted for dispensing precise microfluidic quantities of fluids. The valve includes a valve portion and a solenoid actuator that are in fluid isolation from one another. The valve portion includes a plunger and seat combination and the actuator is substantially decoupled from the fluid path through the valve. The fluid path through the valve is substantially non-tortuous, thereby minimizing localized fluid pressure drops, and hence undesirable gaseous bubble precipitation within the fluid. The valve is also configured to substantially prevent bubble accumulation. The valve can further include a bubble trap for trapping and removing bubbles.

Abstract: A hand-held, single-channel dispenser/aspirator is disclosed. The present dispenser/aspirator comprises a body portion for gripping the dispenser and a head portion. In some embodiments, the head portion includes a valve, a liquid conduit and a removable liquid reservoir. The liquid conduit places the liquid reservoir and the dispensing valve in fluid communication. A gas conduit received by the body portion of the dispenser is operable to pressurize the fluid reservoir, or draw a partial vacuum therein. Controls located on the body portion operate the dispenser. The liquid reservoir is advantageously disposed near the valve, so that a relatively short length of liquid conduit is required to operatively connect the reservoir and the dispensing valve, thereby improving the accuracy of the dispensing operation.

Abstract: The device serves for the transfer of microobjects, in particular of biological objects, from a current substrate (9) to a target substrate. In this case, use is made of a displaceable pipette system which is connected to a pressure generating device for aspirating in and flushing out the biological objects. The pipette system is disposed in a micromanipulator (3) and consists mainly of a substantially vertically disposed microcapillary (1) having a clear width of 1 &mgr;m to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The liquid sample take-up device comprises two layers of concentric tubing. An outer tube has a fluid take-up end for selective immersion in a liquid to be sampled, and a liquid connection spaced from the fluid take-up end adapted to receive a chemical reagent under pressure, creating a reagent flow toward the take-up end. An inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and has an open end adjacent to the outer tube take-up end. The inner tube is adapted to fluid connect to a negative pressure source, higher than the reagent pressure, to create a fluid flow within the inner tube in a direction away from the open end, whereby sampled liquid and reagent are mixed adjacent the inner tube open end and within the outer tube take-up end. When the outer tube take-up end is not immersed in a liquid to be sampled, air is drawn into the outer tube take-up end and into the inner tube open end, creating a series of air bubbles, each bubble separated by a volume of reagent.

Abstract: A metallic hollow polygonal column having a smooth outer surface is immersed into a molten slag and immediately pulled up. The contact plane of the slag adhered on the outer surface of the hollow polygonal column is used as the analytical plane. The method of the hollow column has a thickness of 3 mm or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in which at least two liquid or semi-liquid reagents can be stored separately. When used, the inventive device enables precise, chronologically defined, sequential reagent discharge in a reaction chamber by means of a linear movement without any prior mixing of said reagents.

Abstract: A no purge sampler for collecting fluid samples includes a flexible tube having a sealed first end and a second end, the tube defining an interior cavity, a buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment secured to the tube, and a check valve disposed at the second end of the tube. To collect fluid samples, the no purge sampler is lowered into the fluid to be sampled. The buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment is filled with an appropriate ballast to allow the sampler to sink to a desired level. Once the sampler reaches the desired depth, the sampler is moved up and down to pump water into the collapsed tube. The check valve is opened each time the sampler is pulled upwards allowing fluid to enter the interior cavity. The up and down motion is repeated until the interior cavity of the tube is filled with fluid. Once the interior cavity is filled, the pressure of the fluid in the tube causes the check valve to close, thereby preventing additional fluid from entering the interior cavity.

Abstract: A sample bag for collecting a sample of gaseous constituents defines a sample chamber with a wall that allows a constituent to diffuse therethrough, and defines an auxiliary chamber on the other side of the wall to receive the diffusing constituent. Advantageously, a control gas may be provided in the auxiliary chamber to control the rate of net diffusion across the wall of the sample chamber. The control gas may be the same as the sample gas.

Abstract: A sample bag for collecting a mixture of gasses for analysis is made of a modified polymer consisting essentially of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and at most about 2.0 percent perfluoropropylvinylether (PPVE).

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

Abstract: A particulate sampler is provided for conveying exhaust gas from exhaust gas source to analysis equipment. The particulate sampler includes a probe for receiving the exhaust gas and a transfer tube for conveying the exhaust gas from a tailpipe to a mixer. The mixer mixes the exhaust gas and a dilution gas from a dilution source. A dilution tunnel mixes and conveys the exhaust gas and dilution gas from the mixer to analysis equipment such as a filter or gas analyzers. A flow pulsation cancellation device includes an actuator in communication with at least one of the tailpipe, probe, transfer tube, mixer, and dilution tunnel for introducing a canceling pressure pulse to minimize the effects of pressures pulses present from the tailpipe within the sampler. The actuator may be a moveable membrane or a fluid flow control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, and an apparatus, for forming a prescribed concentration of a substance in a mixture with a fluid, from a comparatively dilute mixture. The mixture is most preferably a solution of a solute in a solvent. The following summary and description generally discuss the invention in terms of a particularly preferred solution and a preferred use for that solution; however, in its broadest embodiments, the invention encompasses both the use for other solutions, and the use for a suspension of a solid substance in a fluid to form a mixture (which can also be referred to as a slurry). The invention provides for significant economic, safety and quality benefits over conventional evaporative systems.

Abstract: It has been hard to suck the high viscosity sample by using the syringe and to stop the suction of the sample. A sample sucking-discharging device in the invention comprises an injector provided with a cylinder and a piston installed in the cylinder so as to move up and down; a main body for holding the cylinder of the injector; a gear or a pair of gears held in the main body so as to rotate on an axis right-angled to the moving direction of the piston; a first rack, of which one end is connected with the piston, for moving with meshing to the gear or the pair of gears; and, a second rack held in the main body so as to move in the direction opposite to or crossing with the moving direction of the first rack.

Abstract: An exchangeable oscillating pipette needle for an automatic analyzer for examining biological body fluids is provided, in which the analyzer has a holder provided with a tension spring, and with which the oscillating arm, carrying the pipette needle and resting on a knife-edge bearing, is fixed in a stationary position and is releasably connected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing a sample of flowable material from a closed system inside a receptacle without exposing the sample to the ambient environment. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening at one end for receiving a receptacle and stopper. An end cap is removably mounted to the housing for opening and closing the opening. An inlet is provided in the housing for feeding a cleaning or sterilizing agent or the flowable material to be sampled into an interior of the housing. A clasp is provided to manipulate the receptacle to separate the receptacle and the stopper while the stopper and receptacle are inside of the housing. Once the receptacle and the stopper are separated, the flowable material is fed into the receptacle through the inlet. The clasp is then manipulated to reattach the receptacle and the stopper in order to capture the flowable material.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.

Abstract: A method and device for storing and dispensing specified subsets from a collection of tens, hundreds or thousands of different reagents to specified locations within microtitre trays or microarray substrates or the like. The reagents of interest are stored in racks of syringe-like dispensers. These dispensers and/or substrates and/or actuators are controllably moved by automated means to a dispensing position where a single action, vibration and weighing system transfers a controlled quantity to a specified location in a microtitre tray or the like. Deficits of the prior art, such as evaporation, cross-contamination, oxidation, waste of reagents and lab-ware, and human operator non-reliability are overcome.

Abstract: An autosampler for manipulating a specimen container into and out of a furnace of a parent instrument is disclosed. The autosampler has upper, lower and middle gripping fingers which grip and stabilize a crimped wire, which has a large bend therein. The middle gripping finger is positioned between and opposed to the upper and lower gripping finger and has a portion at one end thereof sized and shaped to receive the bend of the crimped wire. The gripping fingers grip and hold the crimped wire while a tray table moves to place the specimen container on a hook at the bottom of the crimped wire. If the specimen container is sealed, a hole may be punctured therein by a puncturing apparatus, which has a housing which is movable between an upper and lower position and biased toward the lower position. A pin is positioned inside the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the contamination-free delivery and discharge of liquid into and from a reaction vessel 15, having a tube 1, one end of which [lacuna] designed as a first connection fitting 2 for connection to a pipette or the like and the other end of which has a first opening 3. In order to avoid contamination when the reaction vessel is filled with and drained of liquids, it is proposed that a second connection fitting 4, which is in communication with at least a second opening 8, is provided in the vicinity of the first end.

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

Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a hollow tubular body (a) of a cross-section size larger than the diameter of any single particle but smaller than twice the diameter to accommodate passage of a single particle at a time through the hollow tubular body and (b) of a length to accommodate a predetermined number of particles. The apparatus includes an obstruction within the body that permits passage of fluid but prevents passage of a particle. The apparatus also includes a force applicator at one end of the tubular body to apply a force to draw a flow of fluid and particles into an end of the element to fill the hollow tubular body with particles along a length of the body up to the obstruction and to maintain the force so as to retain the particles within the body while transporting the retained particles to a location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing a high density biological or chemical array onto a solid support. Specifically, the apparatus is made up of a plurality of open ended channels collectively forming a matrix. The matrix has been redrawn and cut such that the pitch of the channels on the loading end is larger than the pitch of the channels on the liquid delivery end. The upper portion of each channel serves as a reservoir, while the opposing end, which has been formed by the redrawing process, is diametrically sized such that liquid in the reservoir is retained by capillary pressure at the delivery end. At any point along the height of the capillary reservoir device, all cross-sectional dimensions and areas are uniformly reduced. In other words, the on-center orientation of any two channels, also referred to as the pitch between 2 channels, measured as a function of the diameter of any cross section, is constant throughout the structure.

Abstract: In a method for detecting trace substances or environmental properties, wherein a collection structure including a collection-active material is layed out following a predetermined pattern, and, after a certain exposure time, the collection structure is reeled in and the collection structure is analyzed in a location-dependent manner, the analysis values are correlated with the layout pattern of the collection structure to establish an analysis value pattern over the area in which the collection structure was layed out.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets out a sample measuring loop connected to a valve system. The valve system connects also to a sample additive loop. The valve system connects to a sample source and an additive source. They fill the loops. The valve system connects also to a wash fluid and gas source to clear the loops and valves to enable measured mixing and delivery to a sample analyzer.

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

Abstract: There is provided a method of optimizing recipe of in-situ cleaning process for process chamber after a specific process on semiconductor wafers by using Residual Gas Analyzer Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (RGA-QMS). According to the present invention, a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices comprises: a process chamber; process gas supply line for supplying process gas into the process chamber; a waste-gas exhaust line for removing the waste-gas from the process chamber after process; a supply line for supplying a CiF3 gas into the process chamber; a sampling manifold for sampling the gas inside process chamber by using pressure difference; and RGA-QMS for analyzing the sampling gas, and the optimization of the end points according to gas flow, pressure, and temperature of the cleaning process for the process chamber is achieved through the analysis by above RGA-QMS.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multipurpose groundwater sampler device are shown and described, each having a sample tube part of which forms a sample chamber, a top portion having a handle, a novel inlet portion, a sediment trap, novel valve means and a means to join the assembly together. The novel inlet portion is of a size and shape that facilitates rapid filling of the sample chamber and facilitates the collection of layers of fluid which can be measured in the sample chamber to directly represent the in situ thickness of a stratified layer. The novel valve means also facilitates fast filling and incorporates a sediment trap, which keeps sediments from interfering with the valve workings. The multipurpose groundwater sampler device of the present invention is adapted to be provided with an extension tube of the same inside opening as the sample chamber to extend the wide inlet a greater distance from the valve means for collecting thick layers of stratified liquids at their in situ thickness.

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

Abstract: A non-flashing fluid sampler for use in obtaining a well fluid sample. The sampler comprises a body defining a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber and a sampling port therein. The sampling port is in communication with the first chamber and with an outside zone outside the body. The second and third chambers are initially isolated from one another by a control valve. Upon activating the control valve, fluid may flow from the second chamber to the third chamber through a flow restriction. An extendable floating piston is disposed between the first and second chambers, and the floating piston defines a variable volume therein. An initial amount of well fluid flows into the variable volume, thus trapping dirty fluid, and subsequently, a well fluid sample is flowed into the first chamber. An isolation valve is provided for allowing hydrostatic pressure into the sampler after the fluid sample has been taken.

Abstract: A burette tip (1) for metering a titrating agent consists essentially of a burette body (10) with a seat (3) for a membrane and with such a membrane (2). The burette tip (1) comprises, for protecting the membrane (2) and the seat (3) against mechanical damage, a covering (4, 5, 15) which at least partly encloses and covers the membrane (2) and the seat (3). The membrane (2) is clamped between the burette body (10) and a cover part (5) and is held in the burette body (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which comprises a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The dispensing component can be used for the precise infusion of pharmaceutical fluids to an ambulatory patient at controlled rates. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is partially received within a novel adapter subassembly that can readily be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component.

Abstract: A non-flashing fluid sampler for use in obtaining a well fluid sample. The sampler comprises a body defining a first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber and a sampling port therein. The sampling port is in communication with the first chamber and with an outside zone outside the body. The second and third chambers are initially isolated from one another by a control valve. Upon activating the control valve, fluid may flow from the second chamber to the third chamber through a flow restriction. An extendable floating piston is disposed between the first and second chambers, and the floating piston defines a variable volume therein. An initial amount of well fluid flows into the variable volume, thus trapping dirty fluid, and subsequently, a well fluid sample is flowed into the first chamber. An isolation valve is provided for allowing hydrostatic pressure into the sampler after the fluid sample has been taken.

Abstract: A device for carrying out solid phase microextraction is a tubular member having one closed end and one open end with an extracting surface within said tubular member. The extracting surface can be an extracting phase coating extending over a zone within the tubular member. The tubular member has a heater that can be used for either or both drawing fluid carrier into the tubular member or assisting in desorbing analytes into an injector of an analysis instrument. The tubular member can also be mounted in a housing with an airtight cavity and a plunger. A method of operation of the device is also provided. Previously, samples were analyzed using liquid-liquid extraction or using cartridges. Both of these methods are relatively expensive and time consuming. Both of these methods also require the use of solvents which can be difficult and expensive to dispose of.

Abstract: An array is created by moving a dispenser toward a solid support until a tip of the dispenser touches the support, withdrawing the tip from the surface and releasing a drop of 5 nanoliters or less in an area smaller than 1 mm.sup.2 to create an array of at least 100 spots.

Abstract: A differential pressure monitor measures the pressure at a plurality of heights in a filter bed. A preferred embodiment of the monitor comprises an elongated body, a plurality of pressure sensors located on the elongated body for obtaining the pressure readings, a control means for determining differential pressures from the pressure readings, each differential pressure being the difference in pressure between pressures measured at two different heights in the filter bed, and transmission means to transmit the pressure readings from the pressure sensors to the control means. Methods of monitoring and controlling the performance of a filter bed during filtration and during backwashing also are provided. Two such methods include measuring turbidity levels in a filter bed and obtaining water samples from a filter bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for sample volatilization and collection has a housing which includes volatilization and collection equipment mounting adaptation(s) and a pressure gage for monitoring internal pressure of such equipment. The housing can contain power and/or power line(s) to include for heating the equipment and/or providing a vacuum for the equipment, and/or a device for providing an internal vacuum for the equipment; additional condition monitoring gage(s), and so forth. The apparatus can include the equipment, which can be especially adapted for Noack-type testing.

Abstract: What is described are methods and apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample. The methods include the steps of: forming a composition containing the sample, an assay-performance-substance which contains a component linked to a label compound capable of chemiluminescing when triggered, and a plurality of particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and/or the assay-performance-substance; incubating the composition to form a complex which includes a particle and the labeled component; collecting the complex in a collection zone; introducing into the collection zone a trigger capable of triggering the label such that the label luminesces; and measuring the emitted luminescence to measure the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

Abstract: A sample collector of this invention includes a projectile projecting unit n which a projectile is loaded and which has a projecting outlet for projecting out the projectile loaded therein, an enclosed container which is communicated with the projecting outlet of the projectile projecting unit, which has a projectile passing hole arranged at a position located away from the projecting outlet, the passing hole allowing the projectile to pass through it after the projectile is projected out from the projecting outlet, and which covers a space between the projecting outlet of the projectile projecting unit, and a kinetic energy absorbing mechanism which is arranged around a projectile path between the projecting outlet of the projectile projecting unit and the projectile passing hole of the enclosed container. The kinetic energy absorbing mechanism may be an independent active type such as brushes or an integral passive type structured by a part of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of a chemical sample from the fingers of an individual for subsequent analytical analysis comprises a token having a base and a substrate on the base. The substrate defines an area such that when the token is removed from a token dispenser the fingers of the individual come into contact with the substrate. Sufficient force must be applied by the fingers of the individual to the substrate when the token is removed from the token dispenser that a chemical sample is transferred from the fingers of the individual to the substrate. The token is then presented for analysis. The substrate may be polytetrafluoroethylene or cotton. A token handler for use in association with the token and an analyzer is also disclosed. Additionally, a method of using the token to obtain a chemical sample from the fingers of an individual is disclosed.

Abstract: An application disclosed for collecting a plurality of gas or liquid samples at a plurality of vertical heights above a surface. The apparatus comprises a vertical support member, a sample support rod connected to the vertical support and moveable between a vertical position and a horizontal position, and one or more sample receivers, freely and pivotally suspended from the sample support rod from points along the rod, for trapping airborne material. The sample receivers maintain vertical orientation as the sample support rod is pivoted from a vertical to a horizontal position during collection of the samples.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for sampling-dispensing a specimen comprises a nozzle body and an annular elastic bag made of an elastic member and formed to cover the outer circumferential surface at the distal end portion of the nozzle body such that fluid such as air can be sealed in the inner space of the elastic bag. When a specimen sampling-dispensing tip is mounted to the nozzle apparatus, fluid is supplied into the elastic bag, with the distal end portion of the nozzle body kept inserted into a mounting section of the tip, so as to expand the elastic bag such that the outer circumferential surface of the bag is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the mounting section of the tip so as to ensure a hermetic contact therebetween.

Abstract: To facilitate collection of sample, for analysis in an ion mobility spectrometer or the like, a collection device is provided which can be mounted on the fingers, for example two fingers, of a user's hand. The collection device is formed of top and bottom layers of a sheet material, which are secured together along three sides and open end along a fourth side, to enable the user's fingers to be inserted. Mounted on a user's fingers, the device is run over surfaces of interest to collect a sample. It is then placed in a frame holder, and then inserted into an inlet station of an analysis device. There, any substances of interest are caused to pass into the analysis device for a reading to be taken.