Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic tape cassette comprising an analytical test tape, a supply spool for winding off unused test tape and a take-up spool for winding used test tape, a housing and a rotational lock for the take-up spool at least against inadvertent unwinding of test tape, wherein the rotational lock comprises one of a locking teeth arrangement, friction elements, and a catch spring and spring latch arrangement.

Abstract: Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, methods and processes are adapted and arranged to efficiently produce both hydrogen and oxygen, while at the same time producing electricity. Advantageously, virtually no undesirable by-products are produced, thus yielding environmentally friendly sources of fuels and energy. Through the cyclic use and re-use of acidic compounds, and especially sulfuric acid, water is processed to produce hydrogen, oxygen and electricity. One or more of the hydrogen, oxygen and electrical output of the methods, devices and apparatus of the invention can be stored, or can be used in many ways, for example, in a fuel cell to produce additional electricity or other reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biochip comprising a substrate and a three-dimensional mesoporous layer on top of it, wherein the mesoporous layer on top is chemically modified to recognize labeling DNAs, proteins, peptides, saccharides, and cells. In addition, this invention also discloses a method for forming the biochip with a three-dimensional mesoporous layer, including a blending process, a heating process, a coating process, a gelation process, a drying process, and a surface modification process.

Abstract: Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.

Abstract: An analytical test tape instrument includes an exchangeable test tape unit which comprises a test tape provided with a plurality of test elements to which body fluid can be applied. The test tape instrument also includes a tape drive that can be coupled with the test tape unit to wind the test tape so that the test elements can be successively made available at an application site. The tape drive has a direct current motor and a reduction gear unit arranged between the direct current motor and the test tape unit.

Abstract: A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduce risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing a modified specimen such as a dried blood spot, plasma or serum specimen, for an analyte of interest, such as cholesterol. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the level of the analyte of interest in the medium from which the modified specimen was obtained (e.g., from a patient's blood) is determined based on the level of an analyte in a solution formed from the modified specimen and on the level of at least one normalizing analyte. The analyte and normalizing analyte each may be an ion, compound, biochemical entity, or property of the specimen. Also disclosed are a fluid collector and a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device includes a housing, and a test strip disposed within the housing having a membrane with a detection region and a collection region. A sample meter includes a first end for absorption of a test sample, and a storage section that receives and stores at least a component of the test sample. An opening in the housing is sized for insertion of the sample meter into the housing such that the storage section of the sample meter is disposed adjacent the collection region of the membrane. The test sample component is transferable from the storage section to the collection region for subsequent migration to the detection region. An activatable isolation mechanism is provided within the housing and is disposed so as to isolate portions of the sample meter storage section upon activation thereof such that a defined length of the storage section is presented to the collection region of the membrane.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient and accurate approach for conducting parallel assays.

Abstract: An analytical strip including a substrate and a channel structure is disclosed. A substrate has a flat surface and the channel is formed on the flat surface according to a predetermined pattern. The surface of channel structure is not lower than the surface of the substrate. The channel has a hollow-matrix conformation and the channel is more hydrophilic than the flat surface of the substrate is. The strip also contains a reaction material formed in the hollow-matrix.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system (100) for sensing the presense of an analyte in a fluid includes a nanotube sensor element including a plurality of nanotubes and positioned for exposure to a fluid; an optical source capable of generating optical radiation (102), the radiation having a source frequency and a fluence selected to generate a nonlinear optical response by the nanotube sensor element; an optical detector (110) capable of measuring the nonlinear optical response by the nanotube sensor element; and logic in electrical communications with the optical detector to sense the presense of an analyte in the fluid based on the nonlinear optical response measured by the optical detector.

Abstract: A container for holding a biologic fluid sample for analysis is provided which includes a chamber and a label. The chamber includes a first wall, a transparent second wall, and a plurality of features including features spatially located within the chamber. The transparent second wall permits a fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber to be imaged through the second wall. The plurality of features, including those spatially located within the chamber, are operable to enable the analysis of the biologic fluid. The label directly or indirectly contains information regarding the features and the spatial location of the features within the chamber. The sample is analyzed by an analytical device that utilizes the information communicated through the label.

Abstract: A fuel cell cartridge includes a fuel pouch to store fuel, the fuel pouch including a fuel outlet; a pressing unit to press the fuel pouch; a variable resistor provided near the fuel pouch; a sensor provided on the pressing unit to read a resistance value of the variable resistor; and a contact pad to transmit an output voltage determined by the resistance value outside the fuel cell cartridge.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

Abstract: A micro structure for sensing a substance using light scattering includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a metallic material, a second layer over the first layer, and a mask layer over the second layer. A plurality of nano holes are formed through the mask layer and the second layer, wherein the plurality of holes are defined in part by internal surfaces on the second layer and the mask layer. Two or more structure layers are formed on the mask layer and the internal surfaces in the plurality of holes. The two or more structure layers comprise different material compositions.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient and accurate approach for conducting parallel assays.

Abstract: A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduced risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.

Abstract: The present invention provides for increasing fluorescence detection in surface assay systems while increasing kinetics of a bioreaction therein by providing low-power microwaves to irradiate metallic materials within the system in an amount sufficient to increase heat thereby affecting the kinetics of a bioreaction therein.