A sample input interface for inputting samples into a detecting unit of an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer. The sample input interface comprises a sample input port comprising an outer input-port side configured for plugging-in an open end of a sample container and an inner input-port side, an aspiration needle comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, where the downstream end is fluidically connected or connectable to the detecting unit and where the upstream end is configured to alternately couple to the inner input-port side and to a fluid supply port. The outer input-port side is further configured to alternately couple to a fluid supply port while the upstream end of the aspiration needle is coupled to the inner input-port side in order to rinse the sample input port with fluid aspirated by the aspiration needle from a fluid supply unit via the sample input port.

A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor. The control unit activates the pneumatic system to prepare the sample and provide it to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also processes measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Described herein are apparatuses and methods for conditioning particles. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods are configured for first-in-first-out transit of particles through a chamber containing a conditioning fluid.

Systems and methods for automatic sampling of a sample for the determination of chemical element concentrations and control of semiconductor processes are described. A system embodiment includes a remote sampling system configured to collect a sample of phosphoric acid at a first location, the remote sampling system including a remote valve having a holding loop coupled thereto; and an analysis system configured for positioning at a second location remote from the first location, the analysis system coupled to the remote valve via a transfer line, the analysis system including an analysis device configured to determine a concentration of one or more components of the sample of phosphoric acid and including a sample pump at the second location configured to introduce the sample from the holding loop into the transfer line for analysis by the analysis device.

A gas sampler includes a connection portion connectable to an introduction piping connected to a sample tank, a switching valve for switching a connection state between the connection portion and a sample loop, a pump, and a control device. A buffer flow path between the sample loop and the pump is configured to be selectively connectable to any one of a plurality of buffer tanks different in volume. A volume of the buffer flow path is greater than a volume of the introduction piping by a predetermined amount. The control device operates the pump in a state in which the switching valve is in a closed state to set an inside of the buffer flow path to a negative pressure, and thereafter stops the pump and make the switching valve in an open state to fill the sample loop with a sample gas by using the negative pressure of the buffer flow path.

A fluid processing system may include a flow control cassette comprising at least one interface sensor chamber in fluid communication with at least one of a plurality of separate channels, the at least one interface sensor chamber defined at least in part by a wall, and at least one capacitive sensor disposed on the wall of the at least one interface sensor chamber. The fluid processing system may include, in the alternative or in addition, at least one syringe comprising a wall defining a barrel having a first end and a second end, the barrel having a bore with or without a piston or plunger disposed therein, and at least one capacitive sensor disposed on an outer surface of the wall of the syringe.

Systems and methods are described for isolating a sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analysis system, such as sample analysis via ICP-MS. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve configured to permit and block access of a vacuum source to the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect presence or absence of a fluid at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block access of the vacuum source to the first valve upon detection of the fluid at the first valve to isolate the fluid within the sample reservoir.

Provided are systems and methods of sample preparation and analyte detection.

Systems and methods are described to determine a prioritization schedule for samples handled by a system with multiple remote sampling systems. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an analysis system at a first location; one or more remote sampling systems at remote from the first location, the one or more remote sampling systems configured to receive a liquid segment and transfer a liquid sample to the analysis system via a transfer line; and a controller communicatively coupled with the analysis system and the one or more remote sampling systems, the controller configured to assign a priority value to a sample for analysis by the analysis system and to manage a queue of samples received from at the one or more remote sampling systems on the basis of the assigned priority value.

A gas sampler (30) is provided with a connection portion (C1) connectable to a sample tank (20), a sample loop (PL) for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank (20) to the connection portion (C1), pneumatic switching valves (V1 to V6) for switching a flow path connected to the sample loop (PL), a control piping (81) for transmitting a driving pressure to the switching valves (V1 to V6), a pump (31) for suctioning an inside of the sample loop (PL), and a pressure accumulation tank (80) for accumulating the pressure generated by the operation of the pump (31) as a source pressure.