Abstract: Microfluidic probe head for processing a sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers. The microfluidic probe head includes: an inlet, an outlet, a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel and a fluid bypass connecting the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. The first fluid channel delivers the sequence of separate liquid volumes from the inlet toward a deposition area, the fluid bypass allows the spacers to be removed from the first fluid channel obtaining a free sequence of separate liquid volumes without spacers, the first fluid channel delivers the free sequence of separate liquid volumes to the deposition area, and the second fluid channel delivers the removed spacers from the fluid bypass to the outlet. The present invention also provides a microfluidic probe and method for processing a sequence of separate liquid volumes.

Abstract: A standard for testing measurement systems for aqueous chlorine species analysis includes an openable storage vessel and an aqueous composition including a compound having the formula R1R2NCl where R1 and R2 are independently methyl, ethyl or propyl, wherein the aqueous composition is storage stable within the openable storage vessel.

Abstract: An anti-evaporation tube for use with an in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided. The anti-evaporation tube includes an anti-evaporation tube body configured to be automatically inserted in a container and to limit evaporation of one or more fluids in the container and an alignment portion disposed on the anti-evaporation tube body. The alignment portion is configured to automatically align the anti-evaporation tube body within the container and cause the anti-evaporation tube body to remain aligned within the container. The alignment portion includes one or more openings disposed on an upper area of the anti-evaporation tube body. The one or more openings are configured to provide ventilation.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods including those that provide storage and/or facilitate fluid handling of reagents are provided. Fluidic devices described herein may include channel segments positioned on two sides of an article, optionally connected by an intervening channel passing through the article. The channel segments may be used to store reagents in the device prior to first use by an end user. The stored reagents may include fluid plugs positioned in linear order so that during use, as fluids flow to a reaction site, they are delivered in a predetermined sequence. The specific geometries of the channel segments and the positions of the channel segments within the fluidic devices described herein may allow fluid reagents to be stored for extended periods of time without mixing, even during routine handling of the devices such as during shipping of the devices, and when the devices are subjected to physical shock or vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting analytes in a liquid sample may include an elongated primary channel through which an ionic species flows, the primary channel extending through a primary channel member, a first regenerant channel through which a regenerant flows, the first regenerant channel extending adjacent to the primary channel and being formed in a first block, a first charged barrier having exchangeable ions capable of passing ions of only one charge, positive or negative, and of blocking bulk liquid flow, the first charged barrier disposed between the primary channel member and the first block for separating the primary channel from the first regenerant channel, and a first sealing member disposed between the first charged barrier and the first block defining the first regenerant channel.

Abstract: Provided are pipette tip trays for use in biotechnology applications. In certain embodiments, provided are pipette tip trays having one or more of the following features: (i) lacking an external hinge between the lid and the rack, and (ii) having snap plate fasteners configured to releasably secure a snap plate to a base.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head for providing a sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers, the separate liquid volumes including a respective target substance associated with a respective target area, the microfluidic probe head including an inlet and an outlet; a first fluid channel fluidly connected to the inlet, the first fluid channel configured for delivering an injection liquid from the inlet to a respective target area; a second fluid channel fluidly connected to the outlet, the second fluid channel configured for delivering liquid volumes from the respective target area to the outlet; and a spacer insertion unit fluidly connected to the second fluid channel, the spacer insertion unit configured for inserting spacers into the second fluid channel between the liquid volumes to provide the sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for measuring adsorption/desorption of contaminants onto surface bed sediments and a method of using the device. The measurement device includes a sediment sample disc, a sample holder, a reaction cylinder, a liquid collection cylinder, and a liquid circulating member from inside to outside, the liquid circulating member consisting of rubber pipes and a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a solid phase microextraction sampling instrument for inserting into or through a solid or semisolid material to extract a component of interest from a sample, comprising a support structure at least partially coated with an extraction phase for extracting the component of interest, a protrusion that shields the coating during insertion, where the distances within a cross-sectional plane of the sampling instrument are greater than or equal to the corresponding distances in all of the cross-sectional planes located between the cross-sectional plane of interest and the insertion end of the sampling instrument. The present disclosure also discusses methods of making the instrument, desorption chambers, and methods for desorbing a component of interest from the instrument.

Abstract: Microscale fluidic devices and components thereof having a fluid retention groove, as well as systems and methods related thereto. The fluid retention groove facilitates uniform bonding of microfluidic device components.

Abstract: In one arrangement, a cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a holding compartment, first and second fractioning compartments, and a number of flow channels formed within the cartridge body. A predetermined quantity of fluid can be held in the holding compartment when the cartridge body is held in a first orientation, and can be poured from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment by rotating the cartridge body about a predefined rotation axis to a second orientation, spilling the fluid from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment through one of the flow channels. The first fractioning compartment is such that when the cartridge body is in the second orientation, not all of the fluid can be contained in the first fractioning compartment, and fluid that overflows the first fractioning compartment flows through a second flow channel to the second fractioning compartment.

Abstract: A pipetting device (100) for an apparatus for processing a sample or reagent is disclosed. The pipetting device (100) comprises a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least a first coupling unit (104) adapted to be coupled to a first pipetting tip (108) and a second coupling unit (106) adapted to be coupled to a second pipetting tip (110), and a selection element (138) for selectively allowing a coupling of the first coupling unit (104) to or releasing the first coupling unit (104) from the first pipetting tip (108) and for selectively allowing a coupling of the second coupling unit to or releasing the second coupling unit (106) from the second pipetting tip (110). The selection element (138) is mechanically coupled to the first coupling unit (104) and the second coupling unit (106). Further, an apparatus (198) for processing a sample or reagent and a method for pipetting a sample or reagent are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the analysis of chemical compositions of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon blends. This method, in particular embodiments, may apply specifically to the problem of analyzing extremely complex hydrocarbon-containing mixtures when the number and diversity of molecules makes it extremely difficult or impossible to realistically identify and quantify them individually in a reasonable timeframe. Particular SEC (size exclusion chromatography)-based methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be used to measure, e.g., the molecular size, weight, and/or volume, whether in absolute or relative manner, of the various components of eluate from the SEC stationary phase (e.g., a permeable gel). This analytical method is applicable on a wide variety of hydrocarbonaceous materials, and especially useful for, but not limited to oil, maltenes of oil, asphalt binders and asphalt binder blends, which may contain wide varieties of different types of additives, modifiers, and chemistries.

Abstract: A capsule (100) comprising a housing (110) in which are disposed nanofluidic biosensors (120), a fluid connecting element (140), a filter (150) and a cover (160) is described. The capsule (100) allows the analysis of a fluid sample (300) that would be deposited in the capsule system (100) by a pipette (400). The fluid sample (300) is filtered when passing through a filter (150), then transferred by a fluid connecting element (140) to the inlets of one or several nanofluidic biosensors (120). The capsule system (100) is disposed on an external support (200), and finally an optical or an electrical measurement unit (500) is used to measure the molecular interactions in the nanofluidic biosensors.

Abstract: A method and microfluidic device are provided for containing a droplet having an outer surface at a predetermined location. The microfluidic device includes a plate having an upper surface and a central region communicating with the upper surface. The central region is adapted for receiving a droplet of fluid thereon. The central region includes an outer periphery that defines a first fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid on the central region from flowing therepast. A second fluid constraint extends about the first fluid constraint. The second fluid constraint is configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast. A third fluid constraint extends about the second fluid constraint. The third fluid constraint configured for discouraging fluid flowing therepast.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head for providing a sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers, the separate liquid volumes including a respective target substance associated with a respective target area, the microfluidic probe head including an inlet and an outlet; a first fluid channel fluidly connected to the inlet, the first fluid channel configured for delivering an injection liquid from the inlet to a respective target area; a second fluid channel fluidly connected to the outlet, the second fluid channel configured for delivering liquid volumes from the respective target area to the outlet; and a spacer insertion unit fluidly connected to the second fluid channel, the spacer insertion unit configured for inserting spacers into the second fluid channel between the liquid volumes to provide the sequence of separate liquid volumes separated by spacers.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform including a microfluidic layer and a contact layer. The microfluidic layer is embedded with a microfluidic structure including a micro-channel and a fluidic sample contained in the micro-channel. The contact layer is able to be attached to the microfluidic layer, and includes a first heater for heating a first area of the microfluidic structure to a first temperature and a second heater for heating a second area of the microfluidic structure to a second temperature. The microfluidic layer and the contact layer rotate together during operation. A method for controlling a sample in the micro-channel of the microfluidic structure.

Abstract: Gas detector tube templates are described. Gas detector tubes may be used to determine the concentration of target gases in a sampled gas either visually or electronically. Gas detector tubes for visual reading have the length-of-stain demarcations printed or etched on the transparent tube. However, the demarcations may interfere with electronic reading of gas detector tubes. Embodiments of a gas detector tube template may be used to accurately and reliably read gas detector tubes that do not have concentration demarcations printed on the tube in the working area adjacent to the chemical reagent. The gas detector tube template may have a gas detector tube holder capable of reversibly receiving a gas detector tube and two scale card holders. The gas detector tube template could have a left and right scale holder hingedly connected to the gas detector tube holder. The gas detector tube template may be used with scale cards capable of being, reversibly received in the scale rockets.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein related to an apparatus including a fluid flow plate and a microfluidic valve assembly. The fluid flow plate includes a plurality of polymer layers that define a fluid flow passage through the microfluidic valve assembly. The microfluidic valve assembly includes a valve seat, a flexible membrane, a valve cavity, a valve head, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively control pressure applied by the valve head to the flexible membrane, such that in a first actuator state the valve head depresses the flexible membrane into the valve cavity and into contact with the valve seat, thereby preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly, and in a second state, the valve head and the flexible membrane are retracted substantially out of the valve cavity allowing fluid to flow through the valve assembly. In various implementations, the valve seat and/or the flexible membrane include an elastomer layer.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a cavity with an opening and an aperture; and a plunger that includes a first member, that fits through the aperture, that is associated with a first seal. The plunger includes a second member associated with the first seal and a second seal that together form a first chamber, within the cavity, in which a first reagent is stored. The plunger includes a safety mechanism that controls movement of the plunger within the cavity. The apparatus includes a frangible seal that covers the opening and together with the second seal forms a second chamber, within the cavity, that stores a second reagent. When the first end is depressed and the safety mechanism is disengaged, the frangible seal is breached causing the evacuation of the first reagent or the second reagent through the opening.