Abstract
Artemis
QS14 Thermoelectrically Cooled CCD Camera
According to Artemis, this new camera is considered versatile and ideal for users that need rapid, high-quality images in low-light conditions. The new QS14 CCD camera features the ICX-285 CCD sensor and provides 1.4-megapixel high-resolution imaging and a frame rate three times faster than the Artemis CCD TS14 camera. The QS14 is supplied complete with an Artemis CCD Software Development Kit, with custom drivers and plug-ins for many commercially available image capture packages to quickly and easily integrate the camera into a range of laboratory equipment.
More: www.artemisccd.com
Bel-Art Products
Scienceware Colony Counter
This new handheld unit enables users to count colonies of bacteria or other microorganisms grown on agar plates. It marks, counts, and gives an audible and visual alert each time a count is registered on the digital display. The lightweight, comfortable to hold, pen-style design reduces the likelihood of error, combining all aspects of counting into one motion. Error is further reduced by the ability to count both up and down to verify sample counts. Able to store up to 35 sample counts in its memory, it can also display the sum total of all colonies counted. The display has a backlight for easy viewing in low-light conditions, the audible alert can be turned off if desired, and the counting function can be locked to prevent error during breaks between counting. Long-life red and black felt-tip markers, a protective storage case, and a 3V lithium battery are included. Also available is a complete counting system that includes the new Colony Counter, a magnifier, light box, AC adapter, and counting grid.
More: www.belart.com
FEI Company
NanoManipulator and Gas Injector Solutions for DualBeam Systems
According to FEI Company, the new EasyLift nanomanipulator for its DualBeam systems allows for improved ease of use, reliability, precision, and integration in preparing ultra-thin samples for analysis in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The new MultiChem gas delivery system, used for direct beam-induced deposition and etching of materials, provides superior control and flexibility over the gas injection process and features simplified maintenance.
EasyLift is designed specifically for in situ liftout (INLO) TEM sample preparation and other demanding nanomanipulation activities. EasyLift is available on the Helios NanoLab and Versa 3D DualBeam systems.
The MultiChem targets applications where it is critical to further improve the properties of the materials deposited, better optimize the deposition or preferential etching process parameters, or etch materials with new gases. It is a compact, integrated, and automated solution supporting up to six precursors and advanced controls for optimizing the gas flux, delivery, and mixing of chemistries. It also ensures faster and simpler maintenance of the precursor crucibles. The MultiChem is available on the Helios NanoLab systems.
Hudson Robotics
RapidWash High-Speed Washer
For 96-well and 384-well microplates, standard height and deep-well, this new washer offers high-throughput washing for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, cellular assays, and other processes requiring washing and aspirating. According to Hudson Robotics, it is the smallest (9.25-inch wide × 15-inch deep footprint) automated plate washer on the market. The RapidWash has high speed: less than 9-s 96-well fill/aspirate cycle and low residual volume of <2 µL per well.
More: www.hudsonrobotics.com/products/liquid-handling/rapidwash
Micronic
Univo Electric Decapper DC480
This addition to Micronic’s redesigned “blue-white” line of productive sample handling equipment is compatible with all Micronic tubes (up to 1.40 mL) as well as with tubes and caps of other brands. Through an improved user interface, the operator is able to select any rack to decap without using different adapters for different tube sizes or brands.
Easy to install and operate, the compact Univo Electric Decapper DC480 removes and disposes of the push caps from a full 96-tube storage rack in 8 s. Operation is safe and user-friendly—simply place a rack of capped tubes onto the access tray, push the start button, and the Univo Electric Decapper DC480 will gently remove all the caps in one action. The integrated cap disposal device ensures that caps cannot be reused.
The decapper can be used as a stand-alone instrument or be integrated into a fully automated laboratory environment.
More: www.micronic.com
Precision Power International (PPI)
LPR Series of IPPS with Local Monitoring
According to PPI, these systems offer a lower cost power protection monitoring alternative to PPI’s standard LPS Smart Monitoring and Reporting Systems. The LPR Series of Instrument Power Protection Systems (IPPS) enables communications between the IPPS and the protected load, which might be an instrumentation system or stand-alone laboratory asset, and a local computer. The LPR Series product line comes standard with a local interface cable and software to allow real-time monitoring of the IPPS, as well as shutdown signaling capability of the equipment being protected, should the design autonomy time limit of the IPPS approach. The LPR Series software supports the most common operating systems (Novell, UNIX, VMS, Windows LINUX), has modular and layered architecture, and works for all degrees of network complexity.
During a power failure and when backup time limits are approaching, the LPR Series software takes a number of key actions. These user-configurable actions ensure that processes are stopped, open files are closed, and unattended systems are shut down as the laboratory directs. When the power returns, the laboratory can opt for automatic restart or select that the auto-restart be disabled to ensure key startup protocols have been completed. The LPR Series also has an emergency shutdown capability to power down the IPPS in the event of a catastrophic laboratory condition.
The new PPI LPR Series can be easily upgraded to include the expanded LPS Series Global Smart Monitoring and Reporting capability. The addition of the SNMP protocol, including an interface card and software, allows the upgraded IPPS to communicate via a local LAN and/or the Internet connection for global monitoring, communication, command, and control.
R. Stahl
9147 Series Ex i Isolators for Vibration Sensors
R. Stahl has extended its ISpac family of Ex i isolators. Added functionality allows the transmitter supply units the use of vibration sensors in hazardous areas.
These sensors for condition monitoring of plants and instruments allow users to detect any damages at an early stage. Most vibration sensors are designed with the protection class Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) and require the use of isolators. The new 9147-type supply units support a wide range of these sensors and transmitters. An easily accessible rotary switch allows for quick and easy configuration. One- and two-channel versions are available. The two-channel version saves 50% space in the switching cabinet, thereby reducing indirect installation costs. An optimal signal-to-noise ratio ensures highly precise signal transmission. Like all ISpac isolators, the modules are available as single units on a DIN rail, with a common power supply and collective error message via the pac-Bus or in pac carriers. The pac carriers enable factory prewiring of plants, thus facilitating final mounting or retrofitting at a later date and ensuring error-free installation of the isolators.
More: www.stahl.de
SP Scientific
ThermoJet ES Thermal Test Enclosures
Developed in conjunction with Khoury Industries, this new line of thermal enclosures for the ThermoJet ES precision temperature cycling system may be used to isolate a device under test (DUT) at a precise temperature insulated from external conditions, thereby providing the optimal conditions for highly accurate testing. They maintain a uniform stable temperature with real-time thermal measurements on a DUT, are available in either clamshell or hood configurations, and allow temperature testing of a variety of device sizes into almost any test setup, enabling characterization, qualification, and fault isolation on components or production-level testing. All thermal test enclosures are electrostatic discharge free and/or electromagnetic interference shielded. Fully compliant with CE Standards, the ThermoJet ES offers enhanced data logging capabilities that allow the system to be used for device characterization through advanced trending and data analysis. The system also allows easy data transfer to a PC using a USB memory stick.
More: www.spscientific.com
Retrofitted ControLyo Nucleation On-Demand Technology for Freeze Dryers
ControLyo Nucleation On-Demand Technology can now be retrofitted to a wide range of previously installed production freeze dryers. The ControLyo technology by Praxair is licensed exclusively by SP Scientific for use on development freeze dryers with shelf surface areas <1.0 m2. The technology is incorporated into the SP Scientific Lyostar 3 freeze dryer.
According to SP Scientific, ControLyo technology offers improved vial-to-vial uniformity, reduced cycle times, easier process scale-up, reduced protein aggregation, and better conformance to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s process analytical technology and quality by design initiatives.
The technology is scalable to production freeze dryers. Many commercial production dryers can be relatively quickly and easily retrofitted to benefit from the advantages offered by ControLyo technology. It has been demonstrated on production freeze dryers as large as 300 ft2 (27 m2) that controlled nucleation was achieved in nearly 9000 vials, ranging in size from 20 to 100 mL with fill volumes of one-fourth and one-half.
More: www.spscientific.com
T&D Corporation
RTR-505-mA Wireless Current Logger
The RTR-505-mA can measure 4- to 20-mA currents and be used to measure current directly or from the output of a wide variety of sensors. The unit has accuracy of ±0.05 mA and resolution of 0.01 mA. It features a large LCD display, capacity for 16,000 readings, IP64 water resistance, and up to 4 years of battery life with the “L” version. Compatible with all TandD RTR-500 Series Wireless Data Collectors, the RTR-505-mA can be seamlessly integrated into a wireless network with other logger types. They can be monitored locally, through a cellular phone system, or anywhere in the world over the Internet.
Advanced features include real-time monitoring and warning notifications. The communication range is up to 500 ft, which can be extended with the use of a repeater.
More: www.tandd.com
Westermo
DDW-142 Ethernet Line Extender
The DDW-142 is the latest addition to Westermo’s Wolverine range of line extenders, which uses SHDSL technology to establish a high-speed connection between Ethernet networks using any existing twisted pair cables. The DDW-142 is a compact, fully managed device with Layer 2 switch functionality that enables effective Ethernet networks to be created over distances of up to 15 km. Data rates of up to 30.4 Mbits/s are possible, which makes the device suitable for connecting complex networks that may include a large number of devices requiring high bandwidth. An integral two-port 100-Mbit switch allows two Ethernet devices to be attached, and an RS-232 port enables legacy devices to be easily incorporated into the IP network.
To support the installation and maintenance of increasingly complex networks, the DDW-142 is designed to be easy to set up, requiring no configuration for simple point-to-point communications. For larger networks, a web interface is provided, and a CLI allows even more complex configuration.
The Wolverine range is also supplied with a cable distance calculator that uses data from real-world applications to enable installers to calculate the speed and achievable distances using different types of cable. Once installed, SHDSL diagnostics and management functions enable indication of line degradation, allowing planned maintenance. Should maintenance be required, a backup and restore facility enables configurations to be quickly downloaded from a USB stick.
The DDW-142 can operate in extreme temperatures (–40 °C to +70 °C) and where EMC and vibration levels are high. Total galvanic isolation and transient protection of the electronics contribute to an MTBF of 437,000 hours.
More: www.westermo.com
Ziath
DataPaq Express Rack Reader
This new camera reader has an image capture time of just 1 s and is marginally larger than the SBS rack itself. According to Ziath, this makes it ideal for robotic integration and the smallest rack reader on the market. The DataPaq Express Rack Reader is considered easy to set up, with only a few minutes for configuration. After a one-time automatic calibration, the rack reader is ready to read all makes of SBS format 2D barcoded tubes. Because the scanner is camera based, it takes a picture of the barcodes and then decodes them, meaning it is significantly quicker than scanner-based 2D barcode readers. The DataPaq software makes it simple to export to Excel, XML, or text, and scanned images can also be saved.
More: www.ziath.com