G01N1/28

CELL EXTRUDER AND CELL EXTRUSION METHOD
20230033198 · 2023-02-02 ·

A cell extruder of the present invention comprises: a pressure vessel in which a sample is dispensed; a regulator for adjusting a set pressure of nitrogen gas injected into the pressure vessel and then maintaining a constant pressure; an input valve for opening and closing the injection of nitrogen gas into the pressure vessel; an exhaust valve for removing the internal pressure of the pressure vessel; a filter holder which is provided with a membrane filter soaked with a reagent, so that the sample in the pressure vessel is fed through by the nitrogen gas and crushed into extracellular vesicles; and a collection container in which the extruded sample is stored. According to the present invention, pressure can be freely adjusted by the regulator. That is, the flow rate of the membrane according to pressure can be controlled, thus allowing the validation of a biopharmaceutical production method using an extracellular vesicle extruder. In addition, during cell extrusion, a sintered disc can be removed and cells can be extruded by using only a membrane. Vesicles can be produced within a fine pressure adjustment range (at a fine low pressure at which the membrane is not torn) in which no sintered disc is required.

Automated container capping/decapping mechanism

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and an elevator with a chuck guide that contact the container holder as the chuck is lowered by the elevator to position the chuck with respect to the cap of the container held in the holder and to hold jaws of the container holder in a closed position. In embodiment, the chuck guide includes a yoke with opposed arms and spindles located near distal ends of the arms that engage beveled shoulders of the container holder.

Automated container capping/decapping mechanism

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and an elevator with a chuck guide that contact the container holder as the chuck is lowered by the elevator to position the chuck with respect to the cap of the container held in the holder and to hold jaws of the container holder in a closed position. In embodiment, the chuck guide includes a yoke with opposed arms and spindles located near distal ends of the arms that engage beveled shoulders of the container holder.

Mass spectrometry histochemistry of peptides from formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
11614450 · 2023-03-28 ·

The present invention in general relates to a method of localization and structural characterization of peptides in a formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded biological sample using matrix assisted ionization (such as in MALDI). Specifically, the invention relates to the combination of the development of a sample preparation protocol which does not require any enzymatic digestion nor antigen-retrieval steps, with highly sensitive mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry histochemistry of peptides from formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
11614450 · 2023-03-28 ·

The present invention in general relates to a method of localization and structural characterization of peptides in a formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded biological sample using matrix assisted ionization (such as in MALDI). Specifically, the invention relates to the combination of the development of a sample preparation protocol which does not require any enzymatic digestion nor antigen-retrieval steps, with highly sensitive mass spectrometry.

APPARATUS AND METHODS TO PRODUCE SOIL MAPS
20220349815 · 2022-11-03 ·

Disclosed are improved soil mapping methods and apparatus that enable a user to efficiently analyze soil and create accurate soil maps to enable the user to determine soil content. The apparatus includes a probe cylinder, an extractor cylinder, a collector assembly, a first stepper motor, a roller assembly, a mixing motor, a contact probe, a cleaning brush motor, a bracket assembly for a mix motor, brush motor, and probe, an extruded aluminum bracing, a gear track, a second stepper motor, a scraper assembly, a third stepper motor, a probe, and one or more hyperspectral sensors. The apparatus relies on less expensive, faster, and more accurate data points that provide actionable real-time information by automating the current labor-intensive soil testing process. The apparatus serves the agricultural industry by advancing precision soil mapping technology to support proactive and efficient fertilizer use. Further, the apparatus helps farmers to increase crop yields, optimize input costs, and protect the environment by supporting fertilizer efficiency.

CREATING A HYDROGEN SULFIDE CRUDE OIL REFERENCE STANDARD
20230035469 · 2023-02-02 ·

A method and a system for creating a reference standard for hydrogen sulfide concentrations in crude oil are described. The method includes receiving a volume of crude oil in a vessel. A hydrogen sulfide gas is flowed from a pressurized gas cylinder to the vessel to form a hydrogen sulfide gas-crude oil mixture. The hydrogen sulfide gas continues to flow from the pressurized gas cylinder to the vessel at a set pressure for a predetermined time to adjust the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the hydrogen sulfide gas-crude oil mixture to a hydrogen sulfide threshold concentration. The flow of the hydrogen sulfide gas into the vessel is stopped.

CREATING A HYDROGEN SULFIDE CRUDE OIL REFERENCE STANDARD
20230035469 · 2023-02-02 ·

A method and a system for creating a reference standard for hydrogen sulfide concentrations in crude oil are described. The method includes receiving a volume of crude oil in a vessel. A hydrogen sulfide gas is flowed from a pressurized gas cylinder to the vessel to form a hydrogen sulfide gas-crude oil mixture. The hydrogen sulfide gas continues to flow from the pressurized gas cylinder to the vessel at a set pressure for a predetermined time to adjust the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the hydrogen sulfide gas-crude oil mixture to a hydrogen sulfide threshold concentration. The flow of the hydrogen sulfide gas into the vessel is stopped.

SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS OF CANNABINOID CONCENTRATION USING SIMPLIFIED LIQUID EXTRACTION
20230036010 · 2023-02-02 ·

Various approaches preparing Cannabis flower samples for analysis of cannabinoid content, the method comprising the steps of weighing the sample in a portable or benchtop balance; adding, to a container, the weighed sample and a solvent; agitating the vial and thereafter extracting a liquid component therefrom; and analytically analyzing the sample using the solvent based on the weight and a volume of the extracted liquid.

Mounting press and closing device for a mounting press
11486801 · 2022-11-01 · ·

The present disclosure relates to a mounting press for hot mounting a sample, comprising: a mounting cylinder for receiving the sample, having a main cylinder axis and a cylinder opening, the main cylinder axis extending inside the mounting cylinder and out through the cylinder opening, a sliding closure with a sliding carriage, an upper piston and a closing lever that is operatively connected to the upper piston, wherein the sliding carriage is configured so as to be displaceable in a direction transverse to the main cylinder axis, for example by means of the closing lever, and wherein in a position of use of the sliding carriage the upper piston can be driven to or into the cylinder opening of the mounting cylinder, wherein the closing lever has at least one open position and one closed position and can be transferred from the open position into the closed position, and wherein the closing lever cooperates with the upper piston such that the upper piston closes the cylinder opening when guiding the closing lever from the open position into the closed position when the sliding carriage is in the position of use.