Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for carrying out a sample preparation for an analysis apparatus, in particular a chromatograph, comprising a sample vessel (1), which can be closed by a self-sealing cover and has a sample compartment (31) for receiving a substance to be examined, further comprising a holder, which has a heating wire coil (13) and into which the sample vessel (1) with the sample compartment (31) can be inserted for heating the substance to be examined, and further comprising a power supply for the heating wire coil (13) which is based on a constant current source and is controlled proportionally by pulse width modulation.

Abstract: Provided is a simplified steam sterilization indicator pack that is able to improve reliability of Bowie & Dick Test, and also is able to be downsized and improves handling. A steam sterilization indicator pack comprises: a pack which accommodates a sterilization confirmation indicator part that comprises steam transmitting adjustment layers 20, 20, of which total thickness is 5-25 mm, arranged so as to sandwich a sterilization confirmation indicator sheet 22 applying a printed pattern which colors or discolors due to contacting with steam, in a paper container 12 that passes steam more than the steam transmitting adjustment layers, and the steam transmitting adjustment paper sheets 18 include a sheet that has at least a density of 0.75 g/cm3 so that in a case where pressurized steam is introduced at 134° C. for 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine for a device of a measuring system for determining an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample, wherein the magazine contains consumable analytical elements in a plurality of chambers. According to the invention, a data carrier, on which information is stored, is fastened to the magazine, the information indicating which magazine chambers are not intended for removal of a consumable element due to manufacturing defects. The invention further relates to a device, the control unit of which suppresses access by the removal unit to predefined magazine chambers, to a measuring system comprising such a device and a magazine, and to a method for controlling the removal unit of the device.

Abstract: A separation/detection column that can detect a component separated by a separating agent having an optical responsivity which is the same as that of a component in a sample. The separation/detection column is configured by filling one end of a tube 1, having an ultraviolet transparency, with a first filler that has an ultraviolet responsivity and a separation ability to separate the component in the sample, and by filling the other end of the tube 1 with a second filler that has an ultraviolet responsivity which is different from that of the first filler and does not have the separation ability via a spacer 4 constituted by quartz wool, and moreover by inserting an end cap 5 constituted by quartz wool into the other end of the tube 1.

Abstract: A nanopore device includes a multi-layer structure comprising a surface defining an aperture extending through the multi-layer structure, wherein at least the surface comprising a minimal diameter comprises a monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having a silicon-oxygen-silicon bond, the monosilane functionalized silicon dioxide having the following structure: wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12; R2 and R3 are each independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, or a tert-butyl group; and R4 is a chloride, a carboxylic acid group, an amine group, an amide group, a thiol group, an alcohol group, an acyl chloride group, an acyl bromide group, an acyl iodide group, an alkene group, an alkyne group, or a polyether group. Also disclosed are methods for making, wetting, and operating the nanopore device.

Abstract: A chemical composition analyzer may be used to optically determine and report chemical compositions associated with natural gases within a gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This analyzer includes a number of optical sensors which may be used to perform spectroscopic spectrographic analysis in order to determine the chemical composition of the natural gas. Additionally other sensors may be used to measure other physical properties associated with the natural gas. These sensors are tied to a data collection system wherein the output of the optical sensors and sensors used to measure the physical properties of the natural gas may be combined and processed in order to determine in a nearly continuous fashion the chemical composition associated with the natural gas at various locations within the gas collection and transmission infrastructure. This real time compositional analysis may be used to determine valuations of the gas or to optimize other processes or equipment configurations.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining total chlorine in liquids, the device including an indicator carrier that is impregnated with a color indicator that contains Michler's thioketone, the indicator carrier additionally containing as a color indicator at least one azine as well as an iodide, in particular potassium iodide and/or sodium iodide.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for determining a property of a sample. The apparatus has a chamber (11, 13) for receiving at least a part of the sample and contains a rotor (15) adapted to rotate within the chamber (11, 13). The apparatus (1) also has a space (17) between the rotor (15) and the chamber (11, 13) which may be at least partially occupied by the sample, driving means (14) for rotating the rotor (15), and a detector (39) arranged to detect the rate of rotation of the rotor (15). The apparatus may also have two parts, a sample strip (5) for receiving the sample and a receiving member (3) for receiving the sample strip (5) and carrying out measurements on the sample. The rotor (15) may be magnetized across its diameter. The driving means (14) may be a magnetic driving means. The sample may be a blood sample. The property to be determined by the sample may be the prothrombin time of the blood or plasma.

Abstract: An optical biosensor including a bio-sensing unit configured to receive an optical signal and generating a sensed optical signal, the wavelength of which varies according to a result of sensing a biomaterial; and a spectrometer including a plurality of ring resonators for dividing the sensed optical signal according to a wavelength and generating a plurality of output optical signals, respectively.

Abstract: The present application provides apparatus and methods for determining the density of a fluid sample. In particular, it provides a sensor device which can be loaded with a fluid sample such as blood, and which further comprises at least one oscillating beam member or resonator. Exposure of the blood sample to clotting agents allows a clotting reaction to commence. The device allows the density of the sample fluid to be monitored with reference to the oscillation of the vibrating beam member, thus allowing the monitoring of the clotting of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: A method of operating the automated sample workcell for processing one or more biological samples is presented. The method comprises receiving one or more biological samples. Each biological sample is contained in a sample tube. Each sample tube is a tube type. If a test order was received for at least one of the biological samples, the test order being indicative of one or more first processing steps, the workcell can automatically execute the one or more first processing steps. If the test order was not received, one or more second processing steps can be determined based on the tube type of the sample tube that contains the at least one biological sample and the one or more second processing steps can then be executed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a colorimetric detection kit comprising a unit containing chemical reagents and a sample collector for collecting a sample analyte from a surface and a separate unit for visualizing a possible reaction of the chemical reagent and sample, the unit holding the chemical reagents and sample collector being placeable on the visualization unit, whereby when the chemical reagents are released, they are directed onto the sample collector for reaction and the reacted reagents absorbed on a visualization media, such that the presence of a specified analyte in the sample results in a color change in the visualization media.

Abstract: Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.

Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.

Abstract: A time indicating label for attachment to a tube, the label comprising: (A) An impermeable facesheet optionally adapted to accepting a graphic before or after attachment of the label to a tube, (B) An activation layer comprising a polymer matrix and an activating agent, the activation layer in contact with the facesheet, (C) A release liner impermeable to the activating agent and in contact with the activation layer, (D) A timing layer comprising a film-forming polymer and a pigment, the timing layer in contact with the release liner, (E) A dye layer comprising a film-forming polymer and an organic solvent soluble dye and in contact with the timing layer, and (F) A base layer comprising a material impermeable to the activating agent and dye and in contact with both the dye layer and the activation layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.