Abstract: The invention refers to a puncturing device for generating a puncturing wound by means of a replaceable lancet that comprises a coupling element for transmitting a torque, whereby the puncturing device comprises a lancet drive which, for a puncture, transmits a torque to an inserted lancet that is coupled to the lancet drive by means of its coupling element such that the inserted lancet performs a puncturing motion in the form of a rotational motion about a geometric axis. According to embodiments of the invention, the geometric axis extends through the coupling element.

Abstract: Systems and method for optically imaging objects and in particular optical patterns or codes onto a detection device by a pinhole aperture are described. According to an embodiment of the invention these systems have optical attenuation elements between the illumination devices and the object which substantially compensate the system-inherent imaging detects caused by the pinhole aperture and in particular the system-inherent peripheral decrease in brightness of an image of the object formed by a pinhole aperture on the detection device. According to an embodiment of the invention, the optical attenuation elements change the illumination intensity of the object in such a manner that the central areas of the object are illuminated at a lower light intensity than its peripheral areas. As a result of the subsequent imaging of the object by a pinhole aperture, the central areas of the object are imaged onto the detection device at a higher light intensity than the peripheral areas of the object.

Abstract: Systems and method for optically imaging objects and in particular optical patterns or codes onto a detection device by a pinhole aperture are described. According to an embodiment of the invention these systems have optical attenuation elements between the illumination devices and the object which substantially compensate the system-inherent imaging detects caused by the pinhole aperture and in particular the system-inherent peripheral decrease in brightness of an image of the object formed by a pinhole aperture on the detection device. According to an embodiment of the invention, the optical attenuation elements change the illumination intensity of the object in such a manner that the central areas of the object are illuminated at a lower light intensity than its peripheral areas. As a result of the subsequent imaging of the object by a pinhole aperture, the central areas of the object are imaged onto the detection device at a higher light intensity than the peripheral areas of the object.

Abstract: A method of isolating a biological material by a) providing a biological material which is bound to a porous matrix (C11), and b) compressing the matrix under conditions where the biological material is released from the surface of the matrix into an elution liquid. brings about the advantage that the emission of aerosols into the environment is greatly reduced. It is also possible to obtain highly concentrated and minute amounts of solution. The method is also easy to automate.

Abstract: Dispensing device for dispensing small quantities of fluid comprising a compressible balloon with an end-to-end capillary inserted within the walls of the balloon in such a way that the one end of the capillary communicates with the interior of the balloon and the other end of the capillary communicates with the exterior space. The balloon has at least one opening through which the interior space of the balloon communicates with the exterior space. The at least one opening has a flow resistance that is designed so that a fluid contained in the capillary is expelled when the balloon is compressed. The present invention also comprises a system and method for the metered dispensing of fluids.

Abstract: Subject matter of the invention is a method of binding a biological material to a solid phase by providing a sample liquid containing the biological material in a sample vessel (A) having an inner contour (A17); then a hollow body (C) which has a contour (C12) that matches the inner contour (A17) is introduced into the sample vessel (A) while being closed with respect to the sample vessel by means of a porous matrix (C11); the sample liquid can enter the structural form (C) through the porous matrix (C11). This method is easy to automate and reduces the generation of aerosols.

Abstract: A lid for closing an opening of a vessel includes a lid body configured to engage the opening, with the vessel having a defined shape. The lid body includes an engagement part which engages a corresponding surface of the vessel, thereby closing the opening. A handling element is disposed on an outer portion of the lid, with the handling element extending in parallel with an axis of the vessel. The handling element is for handling the lid for opening and closing the vessel.

Abstract: A system for the temperature adjustment treatment of liquids, especially during the isolation and amplification of nucleic acids with a reusable thermostat element and a disposable heating element has the advantage of a particularly simple means of conducting temperature adjustment treatments. This system facilitates the execution of sample preparation and amplification in a single vessel.

Abstract: A vessel for reducing contamination of liquids is formed of a vessel body with an inlet opening and an outlet opening therein. A closing device is attached to the vessel body adjacent the outlet opening. The closing device closes the outlet opening, and includes a normally closed one-way valve which is openable by a predetermined pressure from within the vessel body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a diagnostic test carrier (1) containing a supporting layer (2) with a detection layer (3) arranged thereon containing reagents required for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample and an inert layer (4) covering the detection layer (3) wherein the inert layer (4) is arranged at such a distance (5) from the detection layer to enable a capillary active liquid transport between the detection layer and inert layer (3,4), characterized in that the inert layer (4) extends beyond the detection layer and wherein the area (10) that extends beyond the detection layer is attached to the supporting layer (2) in such a way that a continuous capillary active liquid transport between the inert layer and detection layer (4,3) and between the inert layer and supporting layer (4,2) is possible and in addition the inert layer (4) contains several holes (7) in the area of the detection layer (3) through which the sample to be examined and the components contained therein can be applied to the d

Abstract: A sample application zone and detection zone are arranged on a pile-like complex made of a fleece and a porous membrane which are in a direct or indirect contact that enables passage of liquid through the contact area and the membrane is a polyamide, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyether sulfone or polysulfone membrane which transports liquid significantly slower over the area than the fleece.

Abstract: An analytical device is used for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample. The device includes a fleece layer including fleece material and polyester fibers, and a reagent for determining an analyte. The reagent is for entering into a detectable reaction with the analyte. The polyester fibers are heat-meltable copolyester fibers containing terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: An analytical device determines the analytes in a liquid sample. This device includes a layer of flat material which has a sample application area and a detection area thereupon. The detection area includes a reagent for determining the analyte, and the absorbent sample application area and the absorbent detection area are disposed within a liquid impermeable boundary. The layer of flat material also includes an absorbent connector which is disposed such that the sample application area and the detection area are connected by the absorbent connector. The liquid impermeable boundary and the absorbent connector prevents liquid from being transported between the sample application area and the detection area, except through the absorbent connector.

Abstract: An analysis test strip and a process for the production of analysis test strips with a longitudinal carrier upon which is fixed at least one test field. The test field material is produced batchwise in an amount sufficient for a plurality of test strips, and thereafter, in a chronologically separate working step, is continuously fixed in the form of at least one band onto a parallel-running substantially wider band of test strip carrier material. The band as a whole is cut up transversely to its longitudinal direction into a plurality of test strips. Prior to the cutting up, a bar code is applied to the carrier band running parallel to the edges thereof of such high information density that it is suitable as a store of batch-specific information necessary for the quantitative evaluation of the reaction which has previously been obtained by investigation of the test field material of one batch.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for making a test strip and a test strip made by such method having a longitudinally extending carrier and a test field thereon. The carrier has a layer of magnetizable material thereon in which an amount of data for the storage of information has been applied in the longitudinal direction of the magnetizable material. The carrier has a recess near each end thereof adapted to provide a required alignment and positioning of the strip.

Abstract: An analysis test strip and a process for the production of analysis test strips with a longitudinal carrier upon which is fixed at least one test field. The test field material is produced batchwise in an amount sufficient for a plurality of test strips, and thereafter, in a chronologically separate working step, is continuously fixed in the form of at least one band onto a parallel-running substantially wider band of test strip carrier material. The band as a whole is cut up transversely to its longitudinal direction into a plurality of test strips. Prior to the cutting up, a bar code is applied to the carrier band running parallel to the edges thereof of such high information density that it is suitable as a store of batch-specific information necessary for the quantitative evaluation of the reaction which has previously been obtained by investigation of the test field material of one batch.

Abstract: Pre-coated microscope slides are produced on a large scale by spraying a dyestuff solution on to microscope slides which are passed at a constant speed under a spray nozzle, the pattern of which is kept rectangular by means of a mask. Apparatus for carrying out the process includes a conveyor belt, a regulatable spraying device positioned above the conveyor belt and a mask positioned between the spraying device and the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Pre-coated microscope slides are produced on a large scale by spraying a dyestuff solution on to microscope slides which are passed at a constant speed under a spray nozzle, the pattern of which is kept rectangular by means of a mask.