Product News

EXpressLO LLC has released the Aspirato lift out module for the EXpressLO ex situ lift out station. The Aspirato module enables faster processing of FIB specimens by improving lift out speed and specimen placement, allowing users to maximize the advantages of the EXpressLO grids and lift out method. ‘‘Researchers are always challenged to find ways to achieve higher throughput. Aspirato improves speed, specimen manipulation accuracy, and positioning reliability for lift out to our patented EXpressLO grids, which are uniquely designed to allow specimens to return to the FIB for further processing,’’ says Lucille Giannuzzi, president of EXpressLO. ‘‘More control over specimen positioning to our grids enables users to quickly place the area of interest in the optimal position for either FIB post processing or for S/TEM imaging. In addition, because Aspirato is a module, it can be implemented on all of our units, eliminating concerns over obsolescence of older systems.’’ These solutions benefit FIB users in industry and at universities, in both the life sciences and physical sciences. The solutions are easy to use, and provide a fast and a cost effective alternative to executing lift outs inside an expensive FIB instrument. For more information: EXpressLO LLC, 5483 Lee St, Unit 12, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971; tel: 321/663-3806; fax: 321/413-0251; e-mail: info@EXpressLO.com; web: www. expresslo.com. Universal Testing Machines Feature Dual Pressure and Digital Control

Dr. Betteridge then gave some light-hearted suggestions for solving the problem of nomenclature, after which Dr. van der Linden presented flowers to Ms. Ellen Abeling and Mrs. Tilly Sijpesteyn who had been responsible for running the conference office and who had provided much invaluable help.
Finally, the conference was formally closed and everyone came away having learned a great deal about the state of the art of flow analysis, and having spent a very pleasant week in one of the most beautiful cities of Europe.
Proceedings of the conference will appear in a special edition of Analytica Chemica Acta to be published shortly.  0471-032-751 In this, the third edition, the work has been reorganised and most parts have been thoroughly revised and rewritten.
The chapter on 'Operations with Gases' has been deleted as little progress has been made in this technique since the previous edition. The work is now composed of eight chapters, each contributed by an expert or group of experts and covering a fundamental aspect of laboratory engineering, and each is subdivided into subject sections.
As an example the first chapter 'Selection of Materials for the Construction of Equipment' starts with a short introduction describing mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of materials; continues with a fairly detailed account of the corrosion of metals and the ways in which protection against corrosion may be achieved; briefly looks at non-metals, and concludes with a section dealing with the practical evaluation of chemical resistance. Included are tables referring to the general chemical resistance of common metals and general properties of a number of non-metals.
Other chapters are titled 'Laboratory Heat Transfer', which covers the whole field of temperature measurement and control, heating, cooling and insulation; 'Grinding, Blending, Screening and Classifying', 'Pumps and Flow Measurement'; 'Glove Box Technique'; 'Mixing'; 'Vacuum Technique'; and 'Solvent Re-moval, Evaporation, and Drying'. In each of these major aspect chapters a mathematical description is given where it appears necessary, types of equipment ranging from simple laboratory scale to small industrial scale are described and illustrated, and an extensive list of references on 'Solvent Removal' deals with the subject in a too mathematical way with little information on available equipment. The index of twenty-three pages would .appear to be perfectly adequate.
The book is well produced with numerous figures, tables and illustrations of a consistent quality. It is doubtful whether it would find much use in the small analytical laboratory except as background reading, but in a larger organisation its depth of detail on such a wide range of subjects would make it a well used reference book.

T.G. Alliston
Product l'xlews Desk-top computer Hewlett-Packard have introduced the latest addition to their range of modular desk-top computers, the System 45B. System 45B features a standard memory of 56266 bytes, which is expandable up to a maximum of 448,906 bytes. The operating system is held in its own room so all this memory is available to the user. It also has built-in mass storage with two tape cartridge drives (one optional).
Other features include a 31 cm CRT with a standard alphanumeric mode and a graphics option. In the alphanumeric mode, the CRT can display up to 1920 characters, and the graphics option can be used to generate and display data plots, two and three dimentional drawings, charts, etc. A copy of the display can be made by the internal printer/plotter. A range of standard peripherals can also be linked to the system. System 45B has a typewriterstyle keyboard with alphanumeric control, editing keys, and 32 userdefinable, special function keys, and uses enhanced ANSI BASIC language. In addition to the standard keyboard, optional keyboards with special characters for German, French, Spanish and Scandanavian languages are available.
The Hewlett-Packard library of software packs enables the system to be quickly tailored to application requirements such as engineering design, business management, statistical analysis, financial planning and instrument control. The .analyser has a range of applications, for example the adequacy of ventilation in anaesthesia increasing patient safety or to detect changes in circulation, metabolism or respiration, providing early indication of danger.
It can be used to check the effect of respiratory depressing drugs and anaesthetic drugs to avoid overdosage, and enables the user to control anaesthetic gas flow to optimise gas usage for economy and reduce room air contamination. In addition, it can be used to test the efficacy of blood transfusion, to control pulmonary circulation during cardiac by-pass, and to monitor weaning after anaesthesia. Combined with other instrumentation, the CD-300 can be used in pulmonary physiology for long function tests, non-invasive measurement of dead space, and measurement of CO 2 production rate. Similarly it can be used in research for the analysis of pulmonary mechanisms, for metabolic monitoring during hypothermia orhypertension, and for the control of drug therapy. The CO 2 percentage reading can be corrected for effects of N20 gas automatically.

Trace metal analyser
Tecator have introduced a trace metal analyser which uses the principle of potentiometric stripping analysis. The Striptec system is intended mainly for the analysis of toxic metals (Pb, Cd) in aqueous samples. Metals can be analysed over a concentration of ppb to 10 ppm without preconcentration or dilution. The sample must be in an ionic solution and then apart from acidification no pretreatment of the solution is required. Several metals can be detected and their concentrations measured in a single analysis. The procedure for analysis is controlled by a programming module, the 1069 Processing unit.

Ultracentrifuge
Beckman have introduced the L8 microprocessor controlled ultracentrifuge series. Microprocessor control on the L8 ultracentrifuge automates procedures and duplication of run conditions. The operator selects rotor speed, run time and other parameters by finger pressure on a touch control panel. During the run real-time data are displayed on a digital readout panel. Audible and visual signals show the Ultracentrifuge from Beckman status of operating conditions. The Multipurpose instrument Memory-PacTM programmable module The Spectroplus-D is now available from stores the set parameters and allows for MSE Scientific Instruments. This instruduplicate runs of the LB. The LS's ment is capable of measuring absorbance, Uttra-8TM drive is a frequency-con-fluorescence, pH, millivoltsand dissolved trolled induction motor that drives the oxygen concentration. The new model rotor directly and is located inside the incorporates a digital display and offers vacuum seal. Other built-in features an expanded pH scale. A new robust include a dry-cycle that removes moisture from the chamber so that the next run can be started instantly, and programs for slow starts with shallow gradients and for zonal rotor operations. To run a titration, the relevant cartridge is first fitted into the body of the digital titrator. Titrant is then dispensed into the sample by turning the control knob on the titrator, the result in mg/1 displayed digitally. Titration can be performed with less than ml of reagent, without using a burette.
The Christie Electronics have developed a 12 scales etc to simplify specific heat, heat channel data logger (CD12)to extend capacity or glass transition measuretheir range of instruments. The CD12 merits. Any three parameters can be will accept analogue signals from therm-recalled or plotted against a fourth. The ocouples and sensors with variable 'recall' facility also increases the report signal input sizes from 12V to 100MV. options open to the analysis. Widely differing voltage settings can be The 1090 System allows a wide accommodated during any single sum range of analytical routines and is fully due to a good degree of interchannel compatible with the current range of common mode noise reception, their thermal analysis accessories.
Recorded data can then be analysed by Du Pont (UK) Ltd., 64a Wilbury Way, computer systems with suitable ISO-Hitehin, Herts, UK.
compatible input facilities. A special option allows data to be recorded on tapes compatible with Texas Silent Mass analysis '700' dual cassette terminals.
After loading samples onto sample The data logger is housed in a light turrets (6 or 16 capacity) the new autoweight environment proof casing and matic Micromass 54E for solids isotopic the easy-to-operate controls minimise mass analyses operates completely auto-Scanning electron microscope operator error. A three digit display matically. Accuracy of the instrumen-Joel have added the JSM-T200 to their provides a visual check on incoming tation and associated software prodata from each of the channels being grammes has been tested using the NBS range of scanning electron microscopes. The specimen is displayed on the high resolution screen and can be focussed fully automatically. Other automatic features such as evacuation and image recording are included, and all have manual override control.
The specimen chamber is large and Thermal analysis system contains two separate stages a eucen-Du Pont have introduced the 1090 tric one for 20 mm working distance thermal analysis system for academic and one to accommodate large speciand industrial research. This micro-recorded, uranium standard and a value of 20 Christie Electronics L td., Charlton Kingg 0.09% typically obtained. Industrial Estate, Cireneester Road, New procedures can be tested by Cheltenham, Glos, UK. skilled operators prior to incorporation into standard software ratings using the manual override facilities provided. VG Mieromass, VG Isotopes Ltd., Ion Path, Road Three, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3BX, UK. mens up to 5" diameter at 48 mm processor controlled instrument allows working distance. A wide throat data storage and playback in addition to Chromatography diffusion pump is situateddirectlybelow data collection and analysis. It also MSE have introduced the ISCO model the specimen chamber to provide incorporates significant improvements 1840 monitor for column and liquid improved vacuum conditions. Available in acquisition, handling and reporting of chromatography, which allows continoptions include x-ray energy dispersive thermo analytical data. The system is uously selectable UV wavelengths down anab is, an integral sputter coater, based around a versatile programmer] to 190 nm. Standard buffers and proother signal detectors and alternative recorder with an alphanumeric key-cedures that are unsuited for fixed cameras. The instrument is suitable for board, a printer[plotter and a visual short wavelength detectors operating at 206 or 214 nm can therefore be used. The Beckman LB-3 continuously-moni-capability allows any combination of The LC-75, a variable wavelength toring CO 2 analyser has been designed nine ramp and three step programs to detector from Perkin-Elmer, has an for application in intensive care, neonto-be stored. Purge gas can be automati-accessory auto control unit which logy, anaesthesia and neurosurgery. The cally selected, saving operator time and combines electronic logic and positive self-cleaning sampling system monitors attention. The 1090 continuously monilinkages to lead the user step-by-step the patient circuit for 41/2 minutes. Any tots sample temperature in contrast to through chromatographic peak analyaccumulated moisture in the sample heater termperature which it displays sis.
system is removed by reversing the linearly in 0.2C increments over the The LC-75 Autocontrol Module gas flow for 30 seconds, operational range of -190 to 1600C. offers rapid and easy absorbance ratio-

The analyser has audible and visual
The 1091 disk memory of eight ing, pushbutton spectral scanning, backalarms to indicate high and low CO 2 million bits retains all experimental ground correction of mobile phase levels. Variable sample rate of 50-400 data at maximum sensitivity, regardless absorbance effects during gradient operaml/min makes the LB-3 suitable for of recorder settings, tion, and selection of optimum waveboth neonatal and adult monitoring.
All experimental data are recorded length for each portion of the chroma-Other features include a built-in three-in memory at maximum sensitivity togram. Other features include a pushspeed strip-chart recorder, automatic regardless of recorder setting. This button autozero, injection marking, calibration and readout in mmHg. coupled to a recall facility allows direct LED readout of absorbance, The LB-3 can also be coupled to a data to be replotted at lower or higher stored wavelengths and time, and suitable oxygen analyser such as the sensitivities, and other smaller or larger retention of specific wavelength/ New loducts II Temperature controller and alarm units Eurotherm have announced two additions to their range of solid-state temperature control equipment. Type 211 is a programmer/temperature controller which permits any process programme to be preset in up to eight different levels and seven time segments between levels. The set programme which is permanently displayed on.the front-panel can only be altered using a security key. The programme can be reset or frozen at any stage. A fast run option allows sequence checking prior to operation.
The instrument can be specified with an integral high-stability controller, or can provide a set-point for an external controller. The memory is protected against power supply failure.
Type 145 is an indicator which provides remote temperature readout on a 31A digit LED display, and also has two alarm channels that can be set at any level above or below 300C.

X-ray spectrometer
An energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer has been developed by Philips to interface with their PV 9100 multi-channel analyser. Designated the PV 9500, the new system automatically identifies all elements from sodium to uranium in solids, powders and liquids. The system has a compact two-cabinet construction so that the spectrometer and analyser consoles can be independently sited.
The capacity of the sample chamber enables samples measuring up to 10 cm Volume No. 5 October 1979 high by 10 cm diameter to be accommodated. The Si (Li) detector assembly is cooled with liquid nitrogen which needs replacing every 12 days. The 4000channel analyser with dual interlocking bus structure optimises the data collection and processing efficiency. The single keyboard input is provided with a series of dynamic function keys that give step-by-step guidance through the analytical procedures. Results and analytical parameters are presented on a colour video monitor, with a choice of presentation modes.
The modular design of the system enables the PV 9500 to be supplied as a basic qualitative version, or with full quantitative capability. In the basic instrument results are presented as spectral line intensities, recorded on a digital printer. Optional computer packages provide direct readout of element concentrations and automatic recalibration. This software includes a range of calculation routines and a choice of analytical procedures. For dedicated process or quality control applications, the spectrometer can be supplied with a single source unit such as the Philips 500 Hz monoalternace system. Where analytical needs are more varied, the PV 8350 can be equipped wi.th more than one modular source unit, while a specially developed system allows different types of measurement to be interchanged in less than a minute.