Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A device and method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A method of metering and mixing a dose of a sample liquid with a diluent liquid includes introducing a sample liquid into a channel defined in a housing. The housing defines a pocket open to the channel and sized to both collect a metered dose of the sample liquid, and to retain the collected dose by capillary force when the channel is emptied. The sample liquid is then removed from the channel under conditions that enable retention of the collected, metered dose of the sample liquid in the pocket. Following a cleaning step, a volume of diluent liquid is introduced into the channel to induce diffusion and mixing of the diluent liquid with the dose of sample liquid to form a mixture.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing tap, such as for use in screening assays, includes a dispensing tube translatable within a sealed reservoir housing. The tube has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity open at a lower end of the tube, and a metering aperture extending through a side wall of the tube between the inner cavity and the outer surface to define a known volume. The tube is movable against a seal at a lower end of the reservoir housing between a first position, in which the metering aperture is disposed below the seal, and a second position, in which the metering aperture is disposed above the seal and exposed to the reservoir for entraining a discrete dose of a sample liquid within the aperture. An injector is configured to inject a known quantity of a diluent into the inner cavity of the tube and into fluidic contact with the dose of sample liquid in the aperture, such that the dose of sample liquid diffuses into the diluent to form a discrete mixture for dispensing from an open end of the tube.

Abstract: A window having a window panel that slides in a frame and at least one balancer that is secured to the window panel is disclosed. The window is of the tiltable hung type having a vertical operating position in which the balancer slides with the window panel in the frame and a tilted position in which the balancer remains secured to the window panel. The balancer includes an extensible member having a first end operatively coupled to the balancer and a second end operatively coupled to a frame so that the balancer can exert a force on the window panel to assist against the force of gravity when the window panel is in the vertical operating position. A method of constructing a tiltable hung window with a balancer secured to the window panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing tap, such as for use in screening assays, includes a dispensing tube translatable within a sealed reservoir housing. The tube has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity open at a lower end of the tube, and a metering aperture extending through a side wall of the tube between the inner cavity and the outer surface to define a known volume. The tube is movable against a seal at a lower end of the reservoir housing between a first position, in which the metering aperture is disposed below the seal, and a second position, in which the metering aperture is disposed above the seal and exposed to the reservoir for entraining a discrete dose of a sample liquid within the aperture. An injector is configured to inject a known quantity of a diluent into the inner cavity of the tube and into fluidic contact with the dose of sample liquid in the aperture, such that the dose of sample liquid diffuses into the diluent to form a discrete mixture for dispensing from an open end of the tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods for integrated packaging, shipping, storage and precise dispensing of extremely small volumes of liquids such as aqueous solutions and compounds dissolved in organic solvents are disclosed. Devices of the invention include a sealed reservoir with an integrated metering tap. The tap includes a metering tube, which is translatable between a fill position inside the reservoir and an expel position outside the reservoir. The metering tube includes: (1) a tube end closure in a lower portion of the tube, (2) a port above the tube end closure, and (3) a piston in an upper portion of the tube. The piston is movable between a down position that seals the side port and an up position above the port. Movement of the piston from the up position to the down position can displace from 10 nanoliters to 20 microliters, e.g., from 20 nanoliters to 2 microliters, or 50 nanoliters to 500 nanoliters.

Abstract: A window having a window panel that slides in a frame and at least one balancer that is secured to the window panel is disclosed. The window is of the tiltable hung type having a vertical operating position in which the balancer slides with the window panel in the frame and a tilted position in which the balancer remains secured to the window panel. The balancer includes an extensible member having a first end operatively coupled to the balancer and a second end operatively coupled to a frame so that the balancer can exert a force on the window panel to assist against the force of gravity when the window panel is in the vertical operating position. A method of constructing a tiltable hung window with a balancer secured to the window panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for integrated packaging, shipping, storage and precise dispensing of extremely small volumes of liquids such as aqueous solutions and compounds dissolved in organic solvents are disclosed. Devices of the invention include a sealed reservoir with an integrated metering tap. The tap includes a metering tube, which is translatable between a fill position inside the reservoir and an expel position outside the reservoir. The metering tube includes: (1) a tube end closure in a lower portion of the tube, (2) a port above the tube end closure, and (3) a piston in an upper portion of the tube. The piston is movable between a down position that seals the side port and an up position above the port. Movement of the piston from the up position to the down position can displace from 10 nanoliters to 20 microliters, e.g., from 20 nanoliters to 2 microliters, or 50 nanoliters to 500 nanoliters.