Abstract: A teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container includes a teat and a flow restrictor with a through-opening. The teat comprises a mouthpiece, with a suction opening, and a main body which is formed integrally on the mouthpiece and widens relative to the mouthpiece. The flow restrictor defines a maximum flow of the liquid passing through the suction opening from the liquid container. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece, and the suction opening has a greater cross-sectional surface area than the through-opening of the flow restrictor. The teat unit permits a feeding action that is as true to nature as possible, since the mouthpiece can be deformed very considerably, without substantially impairing the flow restriction.

Abstract: A teat unit has a flexible teat, a receiving head and a dimensionally stable base part. The teat is arranged on the receiving head. The receiving head and the base part are connected to each other by a releasable plug connection, and the receiving head has a securing element for securing the teat unit on a drinks container. This teat unit permits a great many possible configurations of the individual parts and, therefore, an optimization of their individual functions.

Abstract: A teat for connection to a receiving unit of a drink container has a main body and, adjoining the main body and tapered relative to the main body, a mouthpiece with at least one suction opening. The teat has a first connector element for connection to the receiving unit, a second connector element for connection to the receiving unit, and a suction channel. The suction channel extends within the mouthpiece, extends and opens via a first end into the suction opening and is directed via a second end towards the main body. This second end forms the first connector element for leaktight connection to the receiving unit. The main body is designed such that it is adapted to be turned back towards the suction opening of the mouthpiece. This teat is adapted to be connected to the feeding bottle in a simple and hygienic manner and is easy to clean.

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber (11) of a cartridge (12) which contains a chip shaped carrier (14), an active surface (15) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge (12) into a cartridge holder (16) which holds cartridge (12); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder (16) and thereby cartridge (12) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge (12) back and forth between a first angular position (26) and a second angular position (28) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position (27) at which active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge (12). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel (13) with respect to active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14).

Abstract: A new apparatus is disclosed that can be assembled quickly and reliably. The apparatus contains a transfer module, at least two support modules firmly connected to said transfer module and at least two carrier elements firmly connected to said transfer module and bearing said transfer module. The apparatus is particularly useful for performing multistep analytical processes that require precise access of tools of a transfer tool to items on a working area.

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber (11) of a cartridge (12) which contains a chip shaped carrier (14), an active surface (15) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge (12) into a cartridge holder (16) which holds cartridge (12); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder (16) and thereby cartridge (12) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge (12) back and forth between a first angular position (26) and a second angular position (28) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position (27) at which active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge (12). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel (13) with respect to active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14).

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber (11) of a cartridge (12) which contains a chip shaped carrier (14), an active surface (15) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge (12) into a cartridge holder (16) which holds cartridge (12); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder (16) and thereby cartridge (12) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge (12) back and forth between a first angular position (26) and a second angular position (28) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position (27) at which active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge (12). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel (13) with respect to active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14).

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing said liquid into a chamber (41) of a cartridge (42) which contains a chip shaped carrier (44) having an active surface (45) which carries an array of oligonucleotides, said active surface (45) facing the inner surface of a wall (46) of said cartridge, said chamber (41) having a narrow interior and including a channel (43), a portion of said channel lying between said active surface (45) of said chip shaped carrier (44) and the inner surface of said wall (46), a rigid segment (47) of said wall (46) being adapted to be swung of a predetermined angle back and forth about a torsion bar (59), swinging of that segment (47) in one sense moving one end thereof towards said active surface (45), and swinging of that segment (47) in the opposite sense moving said one end of that segment (47) away from said active surface (45), (b) positioning said cartridge (42) into a cartridge holder (56) which holds said cartridge, said

Abstract: A device for receiving a chip shaped carrier having an active surface, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids and which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device. The device comprises: a cartridge having an opening for receiving a liquid sample and including casing parts (14, 15); a casing part having an inner surface and outer surface, a first cavity for receiving a chip shaped carrier, and means which provide access to that first cavity and thereby to the active surface of the chip shaped carrier; a sealing material which is at least once reversibly liquidifiable; the shape and dimensions of first cavity, chip shaped carrier, and sealing material, being chosen that the chip shaped carrier fits into the space delimited by the sealing material. The process for mounting the carrier in the cartridge essentially consists in placing the carrier in the first cavity and liquidifying the sealing material.

Abstract: A device for receiving a chip shaped carrier having an active surface, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids and which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device. The device comprises: a cartridge having an opening for receiving a liquid sample and including casing parts (14, 15); a casing part having an inner surface and outer surface, a first cavity for receiving a chip shaped carrier, and means which provide access to that first cavity and thereby to the active surface of the chip shaped carrier; a sealing material which is at least once reversibly liquidifiable; the shape and dimensions of first cavity, chip shaped carrier, and sealing material, being chosen that the chip shaped carrier fits into the space delimited by the sealing material. The process for mounting the carrier in the cartridge essentially consists in placing the carrier in the first cavity and liquidifying the sealing material.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for packaging a chip shaped carrier having an active surface which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleotides. The invention further provides processes for assembling the devices. The invention also provides systems for carrying out evaluations and/or monitoring methods involving electro-optical reading of an activce surface of a chip shaped carrier.

Abstract: A device for receiving a chip shaped carrier having an active surface, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids and which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device. The device comprises: a cartridge having an opening for receiving a liquid sample and including casing parts (14, 15); a casing part having an inner surface and outer surface, a first cavity for receiving a chip shaped carrier, and means which provide access to that first cavity and thereby to the active surface of the chip shaped carrier; a sealing material which is at least once reversibly liquidifiable; the shape and dimensions of first cavity, chip shaped carrier, and sealing material, being chosen that the chip shaped carrier fits into the space delimited by the sealing material. The process for mounting the carrier in the cartridge essentially consists in placing the carrier in the first cavity and liquidifying the sealing material.

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing said liquid into a chamber (41) of a cartridge (42) which contains a chip shaped carrier (44) having an active surface (45) which carries an array of oligonucleotides, said active surface (45) facing the inner surface of a wall (46) of said cartridge,

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber (11) of a cartridge (12) which contains a chip shaped carrier (14), an active surface (15) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge (12) into a cartridge holder (16) which holds cartridge (12); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder (16) and thereby cartridge (12) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge (12) back and forth between a first angular position (26) and a second angular position (28) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position (27) at which active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge (12). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel (13) with respect to active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14).

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for transporting components within an automatic analyzer system. In order to provide a simple and low cost apparatus for transporting components within an automatic analyzer system, the apparatus comprises a component carrier suitable for holding a plurality of components; transport means for transporting the component carrier from a first position in a first apparatus which has a first housing and forms part of the analyzer system to at least a second position in a second apparatus which has a second housing and also forms part of the analyzer system; and a third housing containing the transport means and connected with the first housing of the first apparatus and aligned with the second housing of the second apparatus.

Abstract: A device for packaging a chip shaped carrier having an active surface which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids.

Abstract: Alignment apparatus for use in conjunction with other equipment for alignment rolls on processing equipment comprising a housing having a central longitudinal axis and a coaxial central bore having a generally cylindrical inner surface and a plug having a generally cylindrical outer surface dimensioned so that the plug may be rotatably mounted in the central bore with a longitudinal axis of the plug in coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the central bore and with planar surfaces of the plug and the housing at the end of the central bore in mating engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the relative coverage of a predetermined portion of a sheet of translucent material with an opaque medium such as ink or photographic emulsion, comprising: a light source for providing a relatively constant intensity source of light over a predetermined measuring area; a positioning device for positioning the predetermined portion of the sheet of material to be measured over the predetermined measuring area of the light source; a light measuring device for measuring the relative amount of light from the light source which is transmitted through the predetermined portion of the sheet of material to be measured, whereby the relative amount of opaque medium coverage of the portion of the sheet to be measured is readily determinable by comparison of the measured amount of light transmitted through the predetermined portion of the sheet to be measured with predetermined calibration values.

Abstract: A web width control apparatus for controlling the ratio between web width change and web thickness change during a web length varying operation in a web transport system of the type including a moving web of relatively extensible maerial having a series of repeat length portions therealong which are designed to be presented at a web processing station at a preselected constant design length value and in which each said repeat length portion is subject to stretching or shrinking in length depending upon the tension provided in the region of the web in which said repeat length portion is positioned; and further including a first set of nip rolls operable at a selected surface velocity and a second set of nip rolls operable at a selectively variable surface velocity with respect to the surface velocity of said first set of rolls for causing relative length change in a web portion positioned therebetween for adjustably maintaining the respect length portions of the web at said predetermined design length value at

Abstract: A carton separating apparatus for separating a carton from a stack of cartons comprising a rotatable body; a drive shaft connected to said rotatable body; a plate mounted axially adjacent said rotatable body; a separating blade removably attached to said plate and having a side surface facing said rotatable body and defining an axial gap therebetween adapted to receive a portion of a carton; a single screw device supporting and connecting said plate to said rotatable body and including a first threaded portion of one pitch connected to said rotatable body and a second threaded portion of another pitch connected to said plate whereby rotation of said single screw device causes differential relative axial displacement of said rotatable body and said plate while maintaining a parallel relationship between opposite gap defining surfaces thereof; and a detent device to biasingly hold said screw device in selected incremental adjusted positions.