Dolomite provides precise control over pressure and flow rates

The new Mitos Sensor Units from Dolomite provide a flexible system for measuring and displaying pressure and flow rates in microfluidic systems. With a real-time display and low internal volumes, each sensor is designed to minimise interference with the liquid flow. All data is clearly displayed on the Mitos Sensor Display unit, which interfaces with each of the sensor units using a simpush-and-click action. Comprising of 5 flow rate sensors and 1 pressure sensor (-0.5 - 30bar), the complete range is fully interchangeable and each device can run stand-alone or integrated with a Mitos P-Pump for the efficient logging of flow rate output. All data is easily transferrable to a PC for further analysis via USB.

Ongoing enhancements to the system will soon enable the flow rate sensors to communicate with the Mitos P-Pump to create a closed loop pumping system. This will enable the user to automatically control flow rates using pressure, providing the ultimate in smooth liquid flow.

The new Mitos Sensor Units from Dolomite provide a flexible system for measuring and displaying pressure and flow rates in microfluidic systems.

For further information , view website: www.dolomite-microfluidics.com  Refer to page 300 

Built by your needs: The new Olympus BX3 research microscope systems

Following on from the highly successful BX2 range, the BX3 systems from Olympus provide users with a 'blank canvas' to fully define their own working environment: from the microscope and imaging components, through software workflows and GUIs, right down to the positioning of the controls on the desktop. The manual BX53 frame offers complete system flexibility with optional coded and automated modules and the BX63 frame provides advanced automation as standard. As a result, the Olympus BX3 microscopes combine perfectly with imaging modules, cameras and the cellSens software programmes to enable users to build a system intimately designed to their specific needs.

With a host of peerless features, the Olympus BX3 range provides researchers with the perfect microscope system, whatever their requirements:

Ultimate flexibility
The BX63 has been developed with a unique, personalisible control concept, providing the user with multiple options for managing the entire microscopy and imaging process. At the forefront of this concept, is the programmable touch-panel control that greatly simplifies observation and imaging tasks, and can be placed wherever the user would like. It controls all of the components of the imaging system, enabling users to change the objective, mirror unit and observation method, as well as navigate and focus the sample.

In addition to the touch-screen control, the BX63 can also be fitted with a detachable remote control providing the effect of traditional mechanical knobs for focus (Z) and stage position (X, Y). Furthermore the unit features also buttons for changing between observation methods, objectives and mirror units, as well as for adjusting light intensity. The X, Y stage control can be fixed on either side of, or even separated from, the main control unit, providing absolute user preference for placement. As a result the microscope matches the user's working style and not vice versa.

The BX63 control concept doesn't just provide control over the motorised components; it also automates many of the optical adjustments required on changing between contrast methods. This contrast management automates condenser position, top lens; aperture stop; field stop; polariser; fluorescence shutter; mirror turret position and light intensity according to the respective objective and contrast method selected by the user.  These automation steps ensure maximum efficiency and ease-of-use.

Ambidextrous
The Olympus BX3 research microscope systems introduce a new level of flexibility for users, putting them in command of where to place controls. For example on the BX53, the transmitted attenuation filters and fluorescence shutters can be operated from either side of the frame, which also features the centrally positioned illumination intensity control dial. The ergonomic fine focus adjustment handle can be placed on the left or the right to match the position of the stage handle, which also is available in left- or right-handed configurations. If the microscope is fitted with an Olympus digital camera, the optical path switch can be attached on both sides of the ergonomic tilting tube. For the ultimate in documentation convenience, a remote exposure button is available, which can be placed freely.  As a result, users maintain full control over their workspace, consequently improving workflow efficiency as everything is exactly where they want it.

Illumination
As well as the standard halogen light source, the Olympus BX63 can be fitted with a novel true-colour LED system. This provides a colour rendering index matching that of a halogen bulb with a daylight filter, due to its unique wavelength profile. This makes it ideal for high colour clarity across the entire range of brightfield stains, which is not possible with standard LED illumination systems. Apart from the unique colour rendering features, users also benefit from excellent life-spans (approximately 20,000 hours) and the low power consumption of the true-colour LED providing exceptionally low running costs and reduced downtime.

Fluorescence champion
Olympus has introduced a new fluorescence illumination concept based around the unique fly-eye lens system which provides unmatched homogeneity for fluorescence illumination, ensuring even illumination across the entire field of view whatever the wavelength. This, coupled with high transmission and minimal auto-fluorescence of the entire optical pathway, ensure the BX3 microscopes are the perfect platform for fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the new 8 position filter turret not only provides the capacity for even the most comprehensive multi-colour fluorescence studies, but also offers fast, tool-free mirror cube exchange. The cubes themselves are designed to maximise S/N by capturing >99% of stray light and using advanced multi-layer filters with steep cut-offs for highly defined wavelength selection. The signal-to-noise ratio is further improved through the use of Olympus's low auto-fluorescence immersion oil.

With the capability to use mercury or xenon arc burners, highly stabilised EXFO X-Cite arc-burners, as well as the CoolLED fluorescent LED systems, users have an extensive choice for their fluorescence illumination.

Automation
The BX53 enables users to build a system that suits their needs. The optional coded nosepiece and mirror turret modules enable the automatic recording and sharing of microscope magnification and setting information for comparing, measuring and scaling images. An extensive range of motorisation components are also available for the BX53, including nosepiece, mirror turret, universal condenser, ND filter wheel and stage, enabling it to be matched precisely to the needs of the user and provide similar contrast management capabilities to the BX63.

The BX63 is completely motorised and is uniquely focused via the nosepiece rather than stage, which enables the stage to be fixed making it more stable. The motorised stage is also new and is driven by advanced, high precision, ultrasonic Piezo technology, providing silent, smooth and extremely precise operation. The stage can even be positioned by hand enabling rapid gross sample alignment while highly accurate encoders continuously read-out X,Y position. The excellent encoding enables the user to set precise coordinates and navigate directly to them at high speed.

Control and coordination
The true power of a motorised BX3 microscope comes to the fore when using the cellSens software to control complex imaging processes such as multiple image alignment (MIA), multi-position or Z-stack acquisition. The fully customisable control concept of the Olympus BX3 microscope systems continues seamlessly with the cellSens software, with personalisible tool placement and user-definable workflows. The cellSens software family is also perfectly placed to provide all tools required to power your ideal system, whatever that maybe.

For further information, e-mail: microscopy@olympus-europa.com or view website: www.microscopy.olympus.eu  Refer to page 291

Vinyl Compounds choose Oxford Instruments
Magnetic Resonance MQC Benchtop NMR system
for quality control of their PVC-based products

Oxford Instruments, the supplier of benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), is pleased to report that Vinyl Compounds have purchased a new MQC Benchtop NMR system. This underscores their commitment to the best quality products through investment in the latest QC instrumentation.

With 35 years in the PVC compound industry, Vinyl Compounds produce an extensive range of rigid, flexible and specialty grades of PVC. These products range from standard industry formulations to highly technical and customer bespoke formulations. Materials will be formulated to meet the chemical, mechanical and physical properties required of the final product. Through the company's continual investment programme, they have established a modern manufacturing facility capable of producing in excess of 60,000 tonnes of PVC compound and dry blend per annum.

The standard industry test to measure softness requires a 24 hour conditioning period. While this is still performed, Vinyl Compounds have developed their own in-house procedure whereby they can predict the softness level of the product in a matter of minutes using their MQC benchtop NMR system. Having built up a library of data, they have shown a linear correlation between plasticiser content as measured by NMR with the 24 hour test. This means they can rapidly test materials for the customers to ensure a rapid turnaround, a responsiveness that keeps them in the forefront of PVC suppliers.

Vinyl Compounds' Commercial Director, Richard Loynes, commented on the company's latest investment: "Having been users of Oxford instruments' robust and reliable NMR technology for over thirty years, it was natural for us to purchase a new MQC system. It reflects the company commitment to our customers where we aim to continually provide improved support through investment in the latest technology available to us."

Oxford Instruments' latest benchtop NMR analyser offers fast, reliable Quality Control measurements in a compact, up-to-the-minute package, ideally suited to the needs of Vinyl Compounds. The MQC features a compact magnet for minimum benchtop footprint; modular design for easy serviceability; upgradeable firmware, and software self-diagnostics to aid servicing. The MQC uses Oxford Instruments' acclaimed MultiQuant and EasyCal software packages, allowing simple calibration and measurement of up to four constituents in samples. Every MQC system is supplied complete with application specific software and hardware.

For further information, view website: www.oxford-instruments.com/mqc or e-mail: Johnpaul.cerroti@oxinst.com  Refer to page 318

Agilent Technologies Instruments chosen in
major upgrade of Virginia Tech's Chemistry Department

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has recently completed a major sale of instrumentation to Virginia Tech's department of chemistry, to be used in undergraduate teaching labs. Financial details were not disclosed.

Approximately 7,000 Virginia Tech chemistry students per year will have access to seven new Agilent 5975C gas chromatography/mass spectrometry systems, six 240FS atomic absorption spectrometry systems, a major upgrade to the department's nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy console, a 6100 Series single quadrupole liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry system, a Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer, and a Cary 100 UV/Vis spectrophotometer.

"This upgrade will enormously enhance the undergraduate laboratory experience for all students enrolled in chemistry classes--majors and non-majors," said professor Jim Tanko, chair of the Virginia Tech chemistry department. "Virginia Tech will provide unprecedented, state-of- the-art facilities in support of undergraduate education. We are particularly excited that general chemistry labs for freshmen have been equipped with GC/MS equipment. We believe Virginia Tech is the first in the nation to offer this experience on such a large scale."

"Agilent is excited to be a part of this project," said Bob Walker, Agilent regional manager. "Virginia Tech's chemistry department is transforming science education by bringing students in contact with modern, industry-standard technology early in their academic experience. Also, thanks to Agilent's expanded portfolio, customers can now fully equip their laboratories with a complete suite of analytical tools from a single vendor and receive world-class products and support.

For further information, view website: www.agilent.com  Refer to page 297