The present disclosure provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for sample preparation and/or analysis. A microfluidic device can include a first channel having a sequence of (n) chambers each having a first volume (v). The first channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the first channel that fluidically isolate the first channel. The microfluidic device can further include a second channel in fluid communication with the first channel. The second channel can include at least one second chamber having a total second volume that is at least equal to the total volume of the first channel (n*v). The second channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the second channel that fluidically isolate the second channel from the first channel.

Disclosed are a linkage control device and a blood gas analyzer adopting the linkage control device. The linkage control device comprises a power unit and a rotating component (4) provided with bosses (41, 42). The power unit generates power to drive the rotating component (4) to rotate. The linkage control device further comprises valve components (5, 6, 7, 8), a signal control unit, sensing switches, and sensing pins (43, 44, 45, 46). The valve components (5, 6, 7, 8) are matched with the bosses (41, 42) of the rotating component (4) in a pushing manner. The signal control unit controls the start or stop of the power unit. The sensing switches are connected to the signal control unit via signals. The sensing pins (43, 44, 45, 46) are arranged in pair with the sensing switches and are arranged on the rotating component (4).

A high-speed transportation system, the system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube; a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube, and at least one tube sealer arranged along the at least one tube and configured to create an airlock in the at least one tube. In embodiments, the tube sealer may include a gate valve and/or an airbag.

A flap-gate valve having a replaceable wear surface, methods of replacing a wear surface with a replacement wear surface, and methods of retrofitting an existing flap-gate valve with components adapted to work in conjunction with a replaceable wear surface.

A gate valve includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, the body defining a sensing bore; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. A method of sensing an aspect of a water control system includes gaining access to the water control system through an access bore in a gate valve; at least temporarily removing water for testing from the access bore; and sensing an aspect of the removed water.

There is provided a slit valve, comprising: a first slit valve portion having a first window therethrough, the first window is sized to permit passage of an object through the first window; wherein the first window is surrounded by a first area of the first slit valve portion; a second slit valve portion that comprises a first sealing element and a first positioning module; wherein the first positioning module is arranged to move the first sealing element in relation to the first window; wherein at least one slit valve portion of the first and second slit valve portions comprises at least one first gas opening for emitting pressurized gas so as to assist in a creation of a first gas cushion between the first area and the first sealing element when the first sealing element is placed adjacent to the first window thus creating a seal between the first and second slit valve portions.

A method of installing an Emergency Flow Restrictor Device (EFRD) on a pipeline without stopping the flow of fluid through the pipeline includes the steps of: assembling first and second face plates on a pipeline such that the first and second sealing face are in face to face, spaced relation; assembling a cutting device between the first face plate and the second face plate; assembling a valve body that has an access opening on a length of pipeline such that the valve body encloses the first and second face plates and the cutting device; installing an access valve on the access opening; operating the cutting device to sever the pipeline between the first and second sealing faces; retracting the cutting device and severed section of pipeline; and attaching a valve gate member of the EFRD to the access opening.

There is disclosed a unique water treatment system which incorporates a unique primary valve. The primary valve comprises an interconnected first part and second part. The first part attaches to a water source and provides untreated water to water treatment units which are controlled by the second part of the primary valve. Untreated water flows to a first water treatment unit and subsequently through a valve to the second part of the primary valve and to use or to a second water treatment unit. From the second water treatment unit the water flows to the second part of the primary valve and to use. The second part of the primary valve has a unique bore and slideable shaft valve structure. The water treatment units can purify the water and/or add substances to the water.

A substrate processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vacuum transfer chamber including a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces between the top and the bottom surfaces, including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface; a transfer robot, disposed in the vacuum transfer chamber, for transferring a substrate; a load lock module connected to the first side surface; a pipe, connected to a purge gas supply source, for supplying a purge gas into the vacuum transfer chamber; one or more gas ports provided in the top surface in the vicinity of the second side surface and connected to the pipe; and one or more exhaust ports, provided in the bottom surface in the vicinity of the first side surface, to which an exhaust pump for exhausting the purge gas supplied into the vacuum transfer chamber is connected.

A valve manifold has a housing with a central mixing chamber and a shell surface. The shell surface of the valve manifold has at least two valve ports, with each valve port being associated with one valve. A first valve port has three openings, and additional valve ports each having three openings. A respective first opening of the valve ports is in direct fluid communication with the central mixing chamber, and the second and third openings of the valve ports are each in fluid communication with an inflow or outflow via a duct. A bottom of the mixing chamber, in relation to a plane arranged perpendicularly to a vertical longitudinal axis of the housing, has a slope towards the first opening of the first.