New Products

A new multiple stage static mixer for applications requiring thorough mixing with low head loss has been introduced by Westfall Manufacturing. The model 3053 three-stage in-line mixer consists of a length of pipe fitted with tabbed fins featuring a precise geometry that turns flow inside-out for mixing liquids and gases. The fins are radially disposed inside the pipe. This static mixer produces a 1.64 K value and a typical CoV of 0.014. Available fabricated from polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or 316 stainless steel, with or without a Teflon coating, the mixer can be supplied in pipe diameters from 1/2 to 120 in. According to Westfall, the mixers are easy to install and highly clog-resistant. They are suitable for any chemical mixing task requiring low head loss and are offered with one, two, or three sets of tabbed fins.—Westfall Manufacturing Company, 15 Broad Common Road, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809–2721. (888–928-3747) www.westfallmfg.com

Olympus has added two new motorized microscopes to its BX3 series: the BX53 advanced research microscope and the BX43 clinical and research microscope. They are complete microscopy systems that can be customized to meet users’ specific needs. Their motorized components are controlled by Olympus cellSens software, also recently introduced with enhanced functionality. According to Olympus, the BX53 offers flexibility, ease of operation, and excellent optical performance in various advanced transmitted light techniques. The system's eight-position motorized filter turret is claimed to make advanced fluorescence smooth, simple, and repeatable for researchers in fields such as cytogenetics. With the automated integration of objectives and the motorized universal condenser, users can turn their BX53 system into a fluorescence, phase contrast, darkfield, or differential interference contrast prism research microscope with the touch of a button. Other motorized components include the attenuator wheel (used instead of a neutral density filter to attenuate the light source) and the fluorescence illuminator. For users who prefer to control the automated functions by means of a handset, Olympus offers a unit that provides custom programmability alongside factory presets for common observation techniques. The BX43 motorized microscope has been optimized for users who need to control microscope functions automatically to ensure maximum repeatability and streamlined operation over long hours of use, as in clinical laboratories and research settings where the same operations are repeated frequently. Because operators can adjust numerous settings with the touch of a button, researchers and clinicians can now achieve repeatable conditions with minimal opportunity for user error. The instrument's motorized functionality also may help alleviate the physical stress of repetitive motion and ensure a consistent, comfortable

workflow. Both the BX43 and BX53 motorized microscopes are available with the same convenient programmable handset.—Olympus America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034. (800–645-8160) www.olympusamerica.com

The TruProcess analyzer from Thermo Fisher Scientific is a new near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer for real-time blend analysis, drying, and other process analytical technology applications. According to the company, the new analyzer is easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes and provides fast, reliable, real-time process analysis while optimizing manufacturing throughput, ensuring product quality, and lowering production costs. In addition, the analyzer includes micro-electro-mechanical systems technology that transforms a traditional NIR spectrometer into a process-line NIR sensor. The small, lightweight enclosure of TruProcess allows for interfacing with a wide range of pharmaceutical process equipment. It features an integrated position sensor and wireless communications, can complete a scan within 1 s, and can monitor blending rates of up to 25 rpm. The analyzer is compatible with Thermo Scientific method development software to allow for both qualitative and quantitative applications including drying, blending, and moisture analysis.—Thermo Fisher Scientific, 81 Wyman Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454. (781–622-1000) www.thermofisher.com

Unlike traditional mini centrifuges, the MyFuge 12 from Benchmark Scientific uses a new design that eliminates the need to change rotors when switching between microtubes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strips. The included COMBI-Rotor spins 12 microtubes and four PCR strips simultaneously, which is double the capacity of most conventional mini centrifuges. Smaller tubes, such as 0.5–0.6 ml, may be used with optional adapters. With a fixed speed of 5500 rpm that produces 2000 xg, this centrifuge is designed for quick spin downs. The user simply closes the lid and the unit quickly ramps up to maximum speed. When the lid is opened, the rotor quickly decelerates for easy sample removal. At 5.5 in. wide and less than 4.5 in. tall, the MyFuge 12 is a personal-sized centrifuge that will fit comfortably in the palm of a hand as well as on any benchtop.—Benchmark Scientific Inc., 116 Corporate Boulevard, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080. (908–769-5555) www.BenchmarkScientific.com

AMETEK Programmable Power has expanded its Sorensen SG series of programmable precision high-power dc power supplies with four new output voltage offerings of 10, 15, 20, and 30 V_dc to add to its current range of 40–800 V_dc. The new lower voltage units have output power specifications ranging from 4 to 15 kW. The 20 V_dc model can supply up to 750 A in the standard 3U package, while the 10 V_dc, 12 kW unit can deliver up to 1200 A in the same 3U form factor. Other features of the expanded output voltages of the Sorensen SG series include improved voltage and current slew rates, both up and down programming, and improved power factor correction, with 3-phase 208, 400, and 440/480 V_ac input. The standard unit supports both 50/60 and 400 Hz ac input frequency. The SG series delivers up to 15 kW in 3U. Depending on the output voltage, one to six modules can be configured in a single chassis to deliver 5–30 kW of power. These can easily be paralleled to achieve up to 150 kW of total power. All the SG series models are available with either Sorensen general-purpose intelligent (SGI) or general-purpose analog (SGA) control. Units with SGI control combine onboard intelligent controls with the reliable power electronics common to all SG series supplies. These controls enable sequencing, constant power mode, and save/recall of common setups, making the SGI suitable for repetitive testing using complex or compliance waveforms. A vacuum fluorescent graphical display in eight languages, context-sensitive “soft” keys, and a front panel keyboard simplify programming of the SGI. Units with SGA control are designed for users who require simple front panel analog controls or remote analog control. With the same high performance power electronics as the SGI, the SGA provides useful features such as 10-turn potentiometers for setting voltage and current, 31/2-digit light-emitting diode readout plus front panel over-voltage protection preview, adjustment, and reset. Units with SGI control come with standard analog control and an RS-232C port. GPIB/IEEE 488.2 and LXI Ethernet ports are optional. Units with SGA control come standard with remote analog control and can be fitted with an RS-232C port, a GPIB/IEEE 488.2, and an LXI Ethernet port as optional features.—AMETEK Programmable Power, 9250 Brown Deer Road, San Diego, California 92121. (858–450-0085) www.programmablepower.com

Spellman High Voltage Electronics’ new ESC series electrostatic chuck high voltage power supplies feature clean, accurate, easily controlled voltages for semiconductor-based electrostatic chuck wafer applications. These well-regulated supplies precisely secure wafers during lengthy process cycles. In addition to units featuring a true floating bipolar output with associated floating center tap point, versions are available with a ground-referenced reversible output. Comprehensive fault diagnostic circuitry monitors power supply functionality and communicates status data to the user interface. Spellman's ESC series power supplies are housed in compact, lightweight packages designed for OEM installations requiring minimal system footprint space.—Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corporation, 475 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, New York 11788. (631–630-3000) www.spellmanhv.com

Diba Industries’ new HydroPLuS level sensor features continuous monitoring of non-volatile fluid levels for clinical and scientific applications. According to the company, its pressure sensing technology provides constant, accurate fluid level readings. HydroPLuS is compatible with any vessel shape or material and mounts internally for uninterrupted monitoring. Designed to operate in both pressurized and vacuum applications, the sensor has no moving parts for maximum reliability. Foam is not read as part of liquid level and there is no need to disconnect the sensor when filling or emptying the container.—Diba Industries, 4 Precision Road, Danbury, Connecticut 06810. (203–744-0773) www.dibaind.com

Master Bond has developed polymer system EP37–3FLF for applications where highly flexible, impact-resistant bonds are required. This optically clear, two-component epoxy has very high resistance to cryogenic temperatures and severe thermal cycling. Its low exotherm makes it a reliable potting, encapsulating, and casting system, especially where wider cross section thicknesses are specified. It has a combination of properties that allows it to cure without stressing delicate electronic components. Serviceable over the range of 4 K–250° F, EP37–3FLF cures at room temperature in 2–3 days, faster at elevated temperatures. This epoxy offers a convenient, non-critical 1 to 1 mix ratio by weight or volume and a low mixed viscosity of 1400–1500 cps. Users can work with a 100-g mass of the adhesive at room temperature for up to 90 min. EP37–3FLF has a bond shear strength exceeding 2000 psi and a T-peel strength of 25 pli. This flexible epoxy has an elongation of 180% and superior electrical insulation properties with a volume resistivity of 1.0 × 10¹⁴ Ω cm. It bonds well to a variety of substrates including metals, glass, ceramics, rubbers, and many plastics. Applications may be found in the optical, electrical, electronic, computer, and OEM industries. EP37–3FLF is sold in pint, quart, gallon, and five-gallon container kits and has a six-month shelf life unopened and stored at room temperature.—Master Bond Inc., 154 Hobart Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601–3922. (201–343-8983) www.masterbond.com

The SPECTRO MS is a fully simultaneously measuring mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma. With its direct charge detector, the instrument simultaneously records 75 elements and their isotopes from lithium to uranium with every measurement. With a newly developed ion optic and a double-focusing sector field mass spectrometer with Mattauch-Herzog geometry, the SPECTRO MS can deliver more precise and reproducible results than conventional sequential mass spectrometers, according to the company. The isotope ratios offer insight into the age and origin of rock samples and can be used to determine the “fingerprint” of rock, mineral, and ceramic samples. Rare earth metals are especially important geochemical indicators whose relative presence helps establish conclusions as to tectonic environment and history. Until now, simultaneous determination of isotope and element contents was only possible to a certain degree, making analyses time-consuming and expensive. The SPECTRO MS simultaneously records 210 isotope concentrations and ratios to four decimal places during every measurement and is claimed to do so more economically than sequential mass spectrometers. Detection limits for the SPECTRO MS are in the low parts-per-trillion range. The SPECTRO MS is easy to operate; users obtain categorized, reproducible results with the press of a button.—SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH, Boschstrasse 10, 47533 Kleve, Germany. (+49–2821-892–2106) www.spectro.com

Harvard Apparatus has released the Pump 11 Elite series infusion pump for smooth and accurate flows from1.28 pl/min to 88.28 ml/min. Expanded capabilities include a high resolution color liquid crystal display touch screen and an intuitive icon interface. Simple to complex methods can be created, saved, and run without a personal computer. Methods may be downloaded to the pump or emailed to peers and new versions of software upgraded remotely via USB connection. A vertical orientation optimizes bench space and reduces experimental dead volume. According to Harvard Apparatus, the Pump 11 Elite series infusion pump combines durable design and high performance fluidics. It is available in standard and remote configurations suitable for a wide variety of applications.—Harvard Apparatus, 84 October Hill Road, Holliston, Massachusetts 01746. (800–272-2775 or 508–893-8999) www.harvardapparatus.com

The new member of Biohit's eLINE single-channel pipette family has a range from 0.1 to 5 μl and a “super pipetting” (SP) feature. Problems in small volume pipetting, such as difficulty getting all the liquid out of the tip and cross-contamination, usually occur in applications such as PCR and Microwell dispensing. According to the company, extremely rapid piston movement allows the new pipette's tip to be completely emptied. This makes it possible to dispense the very small volumes from the air, which is not possible with the regular pipettes. Pipetting small volumes against the receiving vessel's wall or under the liquid surface to get all of the liquid out of the tip causes contamination risk, decreased precision, and slow pipetting work. Usually contamination can be avoided by changing the tip between dispensing. With the eLINE 0.1–5 μl, however, dispensing from the air enables continuous work with the same tip because there is no need to touch the vessel or liquid. When the potential of the microplate causes the drop to stick to the surface of, for example, the microplate well, the SP feature makes it possible to get the dispensed volume inside the well.—Biohit Inc., 3535 Route 66, Building No. 4, Neptune, New Jersey 07753. (800–922-0784 or 732–922-4900) www.biohit.com

Warner Instruments has introduced the OTS 5000 automatic oscillating tissue slicer for sectioning fixed or fresh tissue. Engineered for maximum stability, the OTS 5000 slicer head minimizes z-axis vibration, allowing for even the most delicate tissue to be cut successfully. The OTS-5000 features a user-programmable cutting window to minimize time between harvesting consecutive slices by allowing the section-cutting range of the blade to be customized to the specimen sample. Samples may be sectioned in two different modes: one section at a time, altering tissue thickness between manually triggered passes, or multiple uniform slices performed automatically. The OTS-5000 is also available with a refrigerated controller and tray to maintain tissue temperature between 0–10° C.—Warner Instruments, 1125 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06514. (800–599-4203 or 203–776-0664) www.warnerinstruments.com

Scientific instrumentation is typically housed in an enclosed room with just enough access for operation or service. The heat generated from equipment, personnel entering and exiting the room, and the enclosed facility itself can all affect the performance of sensitive instrumentation. To help ensure optimum instrument performance and maintain a consistently cool environment without adding air turbulence, JEOL has developed a radiant cooling system for the instrument laboratory. The JEOL hydro-radiant panel system is custom-designed and fitted to each room, with consideration for heat load, local weather, facilities, and instrument requirements. It consists of wall-mounted water circulating panels, acoustic absorbing materials, a water chiller, plumbing, an optional air exchange system, and a wall-mounted remote controller. The complete system insulates the instrument laboratory from temperature fluctuations. The average temperature in the laboratory is maintained within 0.2° C (0.36° F)/h when optimized. This hydro-cooling system controls room temperature without air turbulence, noise, or vibration. In addition to microscopy laboratories, the radiant panel system is suitable for any instrumentation where optimal performance would be affected by temperature fluctuations in the room.—JEOL USA, Inc., 11 Dearborn Road, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960. (978–535-5900) www.jeolusa.com

Bitplane has launched new IMARIS 7.3 software, announcing enhancements to pivotal features within several Imaris software modules that will permit cell biologists and neuroscientists to perform increasingly more challenging 3D and 4D visualization and analyses. New capabilities include novel segmentation functions in ImarisCell, advanced filters in Imaris MeasurementPro, and further expansion of ImarisXT. The new ImarisCell takes analysis of relationships between cells and cellular components further by using plasma membranes for segmentation of cells. With cellular organelles treated as biologically meaningful units, users can detect and analyze multiple populations of vesicles inside cells. Imaris MeasurementPro offers a new array of flexible filters to measure and visualize similarity between segmented objects. ImarisXT is now available for Mac OS X and offers additional Java support crucial for improved bi-directional data exchange with MATLAB, IMAGEJ, and other software.—Bitplane Inc., 425 Sullivan Avenue, Suite No. 3, South Windsor, Connecticut 06074. (860–290-9211) www.bitplane.com