10292results about "Slide valve" patented technology

A process device providing total fluid flow control is provided. The device includes a closure mechanism disposed in a flow conduit. The closure mechanism, which is preferably an iris-type diaphragm, provides a variable internal diameter. The device includes a differential pressure sensor for sensing the differential pressure on opposite sides of the diaphragm. A controller receives an indication of differential pressure and generates a control signal to an actuator that actuates the closure mechanism. The closure mechanism, differential pressure sensor and controller create a closed-loop flow controller in a single process device.

An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.

Methods and apparatus for calibrating a plurality of gas flows in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate processing system may include a cluster tool comprising a first process chamber and a second process chamber coupled to a central vacuum transfer chamber; a first flow controller to provide a process gas to the first process chamber; a second flow controller to provide the process gas to the second process chamber; a mass flow verifier to verify a flow rate from each of the first and second flow controllers; a first conduit to selectively couple the first flow controller to the mass flow verifier; and a second conduit to selectively couple the second flow controller to the mass flow verifier.

In a first embodiment, this invention includes an integrated robot apparatus for performing combinatorial chemistry synthesis protocols and having interchangeable work-stations, robot arm tools, and reaction vessels and reaction vessel arrays. The work-stations and tools are specialized to perform tasks necessary for the synthesis in a plurality of the reaction vessels grouped in a plurality of the reaction vessel arrays. Preferably, these elements function interchangeably because they have standardized sizes and conformation. The work-stations and tools include those for fluid dispensing or aspirating from individual reaction vessels or from all the reaction vessels in an array simultaneously. The reaction vessels can include, alternatively, stackable, ball-sealed reaction vessels, microtitre-like reaction vessel arrays, arrays of independent reaction vessels, valve-sealed reaction vessels, septum-sealed reaction vessels, and syringe reaction vessels. In alternative embodiments, this invention includes these work-stations, tools, reaction vessels and reaction vessel arrays in various combinations or sub-combinations either for use in partially integrated robots or for manual or standalone use.

A test card for drugs of abuse has a thin flat member having the size and shape of a business card. A plurality of immunoassay test strips extend longitudinally from top to bottom at the card and are fastened side by side in parallel on one or both sides of the test card within the outline of the card. Each test strip is reactive to provide a visual indication in response to a particular drug of abuse. The test card thus provides for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Processes are also disclosed for making the drug test card with test strips on one and both sides of the card.

The present invention provides devices and methods for collecting, storing or transporting liquid suspension of biological specimens containing analytes of interest in a dry state. The dried biological specimens containing analytes of interest are reconstituted and released for subsequent analysis by compressing the matrix in the device. Also provided are kits for collecting, storing, transporting and recovering biological specimens containing analytes of interest.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for storing a particle-containing liquid. The storage apparatus comprises a microfluidic convoluted flow channel having a plurality of article capture regions. The storage channel is preferably an isotropic spatially periodic channel. Sedimented particles can be resuspended following storage. This invention further provides a microfluidic analysis cartridge having a convoluted storage channel therein. The sample analysis can use optical, electrical, pressure sensitive, or flow sensitive detection. A plurality of analysis channels can be included in a single cartridge. The analysis channels can be joined to reagent inlets for diluents, indicators or lysing agents. A mixing channel can be positioned between the reagent inlet and the analysis region to allow mixing and reaction of the reagent. The cartridge can include additional valves and pumps for flow management. The analysis cartridge can be a self-contained disposable cartridge having an integral waste storage container. This invention further provides a sheath flow assembly. The sheath flow assembly includes a sample channel and first and second sheath fluid channels positioned on either side of and converging with the sample channel. The assembly also includes upper and lower sheath fluid chambers positioned above and below and converging with the sample channel. The flow cartridges of this invention can be formed by molding, machining or etching. In a preferred embodiment they are laminated. This invention further provides a method of fabricating a laminated microfluidic flow device. In the method, flow elements are formed in rigid sheets and abutting surfaces of the sheets are bonded together.

Described herein is microfluidic device for joining fluids and a related method for doing the same. The device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic junction, an outlet channel, and a plurality of circuit units. A microfluidic junction is an area for converging multiple fluids. An outlet channel is capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction. An outlet channel includes a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between the first end and the second end of the outlet channel. The device also includes a plurality of circuit units. Each circuit unit includes a source channel with a first end capable of receiving sample fluid and a second end connected with the microfluidic junction; a branch channel connected with the source channel at an intersection; and a flow diversion system capable of differentially directing fluid flowing through a source channel either into the microfluidic junction or into a branch channel.

This invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a fluidics layer having microfluidic channels and one or more regulating layers that regulate the movement of fluid in the channels. The microfluidic devices can be used to mix one or more fluids. At least a portion of the fluidics layer can be isolated from the regulating layer, for example in the form of a shelf. Such isolated portions can be used as areas in which the temperature of liquids is controlled. Also provided are instruments including thermal control devices into which the microfluidic device is engaged so that the thermal control device controls temperature in the isolated portion, and a movable magnetic assembly including magnets with shields so that a focused magnetic field can be applied to or withdrawn from the isolated portion or any other portion of the microfluidic device. Also provided are methods of mixing fluids. The methods include stacking a plurality of alternating boluses of different liquids in a microfluidic channel, and moving the stacked boluses through the channel. In another method, the boluses are moved into a diaphragm valve having a volume able to accommodate several boluses, and then pumping the liquids out of the valve.

The present invention provides a nitride-based semiconductor light emitting device basically comprising a first conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer, active layer and second conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer, which are sequentially formed on a light-permeable substrate in this order. The light emitting device further comprises an insulating light-scattering layer formed on at least one surface thereof. The insulating light-scattering layer is made of an insulating material having a light permeability of more than 50% and is formed at an outer surface thereof with a roughened pattern for the scattering of light.

A system and method of managing a social network are disclosed. The method includes the step of recording the IDs and corresponding personal information of users who have subscribed to a service via a network, in a user DB; the step of recording corresponding relationships between the users and relationship indices R, reflecting the degrees of trustworthiness of the users having the corresponding relationships, in a relationship information DB; and the path search step of evaluating one or more paths based on the relationship indices R of respective links constituting the paths and providing evaluation results to a first user so that the first user can select an optimal path from among the paths existing between the first user and a second user on the social network constructed with the users used as nodes and the corresponding relationships of the users used as the links.

Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that regain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and / or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and / or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

A safety valve control system may include a remotely operable control assembly, a first transducer, a valve assembly, and a compressor assembly in communication with the control assembly. The control assembly is operable to actuate the pump and valve assemblies to supply fluid to actuate the safety valve into open and closed positions, in response to one or more signals received from the first transducer. A method of operation may include maintaining the safety valve in an open or closed position while sensing a physical property with the control system; communicating a signal corresponding to the sensed physical property to the control system; and automatically closing or opening the safety valve in response to a comparison of the sensed physical property to a pre-set condition.

A closure device for a vacuum closure of at least one opening in a wall having a valve place, at least one piston-cylinder unit, at least one carrier unit, at least one cylinder bore hole, at least two sealing rings, and a line. The valve plate is associated with an opening and is displaceable between an open position in which it releases the opening, a position in which it covers the opening but is raised from the wall and a closed position in which it covers the opening and contacts the wall. The at least one piston-cylinder unit serves to displace the valve to the different positions and includes a pneumatically actuated piston. At least one carrier unit is connected to a piston rod which serves to displace the valve to the different positions.

A system for injecting an injectate into patient includes a first pressurizable container for holding the injectate; a patient interface in fluid connection with the first pressurizable container, the patient interface being adapted to pass the injectate into tissue of the patient; a powered injector in operative connection with the first pressurizable container to pressurize the injectate; a controller system in operative connection with powered injector; and a stereotactic localization frame adapted to be placed in operative connection with the patient interface to assist in controlling localization of the patient interface. A system for processing cells (and / or other injectate components) includes a container and a plunger adapted to be slidably positioned within the container. The system includes at least one inlet port through which a fluid can enter the system and at least one effluent port through which an effluent can exit the system. The plunger section forms a sealing engagement with the inner wall of the container such that rearward motion of the plunger is adapted to draw fluid into the system via the inlet and forward motion of the plunger is adapted to force effluent out of the system via the effluent port.

A sample chamber is formed by a housing sealed against a microscope slide. The housing has fluid ports, including a well formed over at least one port. In a rinse station, rinse solution is drawn from a reservoir through the chamber to a waste reservoir. At a fill station, an aliquot of reagent already placed in the well is driven into the chamber. The reagent may be driven into the chamber by first drawing a vacuum on the chamber through the aliquot of reagent and then releasing the reagent to be drawn into the chamber by the vacuum.

The invention relates to management of contact lists in a presence enabled application supported by a communication system and having a client side on a user equipment and a server side within a presence enabled network accessible by the users through said communication system, the application being of a type in which uses of the application form time-variable virtual communities of users that temporarily interact for the purposes of the application. The method includes: users' registration with the server-side of the application, to provide candidates for the virtual communities; creation, from the candidates, of a list of the members of each virtual community in a buddy list management unit in the presence enabled network; notification of the buddy list by the list management unit to client units in the user equipment of members of the community; and displaying the notified list on the user equipment of each member receiving it.

The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16–19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.

Test strip device for accepting a liquid sample and forming an even fluid front across the test strip. When the sample is applied to a contacting surface, it runs down the surface where it collects between the contacting surface and a slope surface. As the sample collects, it evenly reaches fluid flow contact with an absorbent membrane. As a result, the sample forms an even fluid front across the membrane, improving the performance of the test strip device. Methods for using the device to accept a sample and to detect an analyte in the liquid sample are also provided.

The present invention relates to a sterile sample collection device for fluids and a method of using the same. It is comprised of a transfer device having a body with a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to tube which is then connected to a collection bag. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when in the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.

Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

The present invention relates to a sterile transfer device for fluids, be they liquids or gases. It is comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Preferably, it is a central bore formed through the entire length of the body. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components.

A valve assembly including a housing having a flow channel and an annular surface surrounding the flow channel, a slide plate movable to a closed position, and a seal ring positioned between the annular surface and the slide plate. The seal ring includes a first and second sides, a first surface extending between the first and the second sides and facing towards the annular surface of the housing, and a second surface axially spaced from the first surface and extending between the first and the second sides and facing towards the slide plate. The second surface includes a continuous annular sealing portion for contacting the slide plate when the seal ring is biased against the slide plate so that a fluid-tight seal can be formed between the continuous annular sealing portion and the slide plate, and at least one passageway positioned between the annular sealing portion and the second side.

A well configuration unit configured to connect to a zipper manifold, and comprising a bridge connector header comprising an axial throughbore and a horizontal throughbore. A frac manifold connector is connected to the axial throughbore of the bridge connector header and comprises a mandrel that is axially movable and a hydraulic setting tool configured to move the mandrel from an open position, in which fracturing fluid is allowed to flow from the zipper manifold to a connected frac tree, to a closed position, in which the mandrel and its associated cup tool prevent fracturing fluid from flowing to the connected frac tree. A bridge connector is connected to the horizontal throughbore of the bridge connector header and comprises two bridge spools configured to connect the zipper manifold to the same frac tree.

Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

A sleeve valve for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve which are relatively movable between a first position in which at least one opening in the first sleeve is aligned or misaligned with at least one opening in the second sleeve in order to admit or shut off the fluid flow. The first sleeve is provided with a radially movable sealing element that has a sealing surface adapted to rest against the second sleeve around the second sleeve opening, and at least one tension element presses the sealing element with its sealing surface against the second sleeve. A method for the assembly of such a sleeve valve includes a sealing element and a tension element placed in the outer sleeve opening and a clamping tool is adapted to the opening in the sealing element and moved outwards together with the sealing element until the sealing element is flush with the inner surface of the outer sleeve. Thereafter, the inner sleeve is inserted into the outer sleeve and the sealing element is allowed to rest against the inner sleeve and the clamping tool is removed.