Abstract: Distribution valve comprising: a stationary element comprising a first valve bearing surface, said stationary element comprising a plurality of first fluid ports and at least one second fluid port, each of said fluid ports emerging at said first valve bearing surface and being in fluidic communication with a corresponding conduit provided in said stationary element; a movable element comprising a second valve bearing surface in contact with said first bearing surface, said movable element being arranged to be movable with respect to said stationary element and being arranged to bring at least one of said first ports into fluidic communication with said second port in function of the relative position of said movable element with respect to said stationary element; characterised in that: said stationary element comprises a mixing chamber in fluidic communication with one of said first fluid ports.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensing device, for conducting measures on liquid samples, is disclosed, which includes a housing having: a first opening defining an inlet and/or an outlet for a liquid sample; a detection chamber including a sensor; a first microfluidic path connecting the first opening to the detection chamber, such that the detection chamber can be filled in with the liquid sample; a second opening designed so as to allow the application of a negative and/or positive pressure within the housing; a second microfluidic path connecting the second opening to the detection chamber; a third opening designed so as to allow the application of a negative and/or positive pressure within the housing; a third microfluidic path connecting the third opening to the first microfluidic path; and a waste chamber arranged in the second microfluidic path.

Abstract: Fluid dosing system (1) comprising: a dosing chamber (3) divided in a fluid-tight manner by means of a displaceable membrane (5) into: a) a dosing compartment (3a); and b) a working fluid compartment (3b) filled with a working fluid having a bulk modulus of at least 1 GPa; a first fluid port (3c) in fluidic communication with said dosing compartment (3a); a second fluid port (3d) in fluidic communication with said working fluid compartment (3b); an expansion reservoir (9) in fluidic communication with said fluid second port (3d) and filled with said working fluid; a bidirectional pump (7) in fluidic communication with said second port (3d) and said expansion reservoir (9) so as to be able to pump said working fluid bidirectionally between said working fluid compartment (3b) and said expansion reservoir (9); a flow sensor (13) arranged to measure flow of said working fluid based on displacement of at least part of said expansion reservoir (9).

Abstract: A method dispenses and/or aspirates a predetermined volume of fluid from a chamber. The chamber includes a lower portion containing fluid and an upper portion containing gas. The method includes measuring an initial pressure in the upper portion and introducing or evacuating a known quantity of gas into or out of the upper portion. The volume of gas in the upper portion is determined based on the volume of gas introduced or evacuated from the upper portion and a measured change in pressure in the upper portion. An upper portion target pressure that will dispense or aspirate a predetermined volume of fluid is determined. A controllable valve is opened while the pressure in the upper portion of the chamber is monitored. Once the target pressure is reached, the predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed or aspirated, and the controllable valve is then closed.

Abstract: An apparatus dispenses and/or aspirates a predetermined volume of fluid from a chamber. The chamber includes a lower portion for containing fluid and an upper portion for containing gas. The apparatus includes a controllable valve arranged to be in fluid communication with the lower portion of the chamber, a pressure sensor arranged to be in fluid communication with the upper portion of the chamber, a pump configured to be in fluid communication between a source of gas and the upper portion of the chamber, and a controller in operative connection with the controllable valve, the pressure sensor, and the pump. The controller is configured to receive signals from the pressure sensor and to control operation of the pump and operation of the controllable valve based on said signals from the pressure sensor. A method for dispensing and/or aspirating a predetermined volume of fluid utilizes this apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sample sorter system adapted to receive and sort samples according to predetermined criteria. The sample sorter system comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive and retain fluid and samples. The receptacle is operatively coupled with a drive and with a power source such that actuation of the drive causes the rotation of at least one circular component, which in turn causes the development of a flow regime in the receptacle such that the samples suspended in the fluid are conveyable along a closed path to at least one sample handling site that are positioned along said closed path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microinjection apparatus (100) for microinjection of substances into individual substances comprising at least one carrier (120, 130) on which at least one sample is immobilizable. In embodiments, the apparatus comprises at drivable support (110) on which at least one carrier is positioned, wherein the support drives the at least one carrier in a closed loop to a respective plurality of stations along the loop. The plurality of stations constitutes at least one sample-substance-providing station (141), at least one sample-substance microinjection station (142) and at least one sample-extraction station (143).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microinjection apparatus (100) for microinjection of substances into individual substances comprising at least one carrier (120, 130) on which at least one sample is immobilizable. In embodiments, the apparatus comprises at drivable support (110) on which at least one carrier is positioned, wherein the support drives the at least one carrier in a closed loop to a respective plurality of stations along the loop. The plurality of stations constitutes at least one sample-substance-providing station (141), at least one sample-substance microinjection station (142) and at least one sample-extraction station (143).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sample sorter system adapted to receive and sort samples according to predetermined criteria. The sample sorter system comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive and retain fluid and samples. The receptacle is operatively coupled with a drive and with a power source such that actuation of the drive causes the rotation of at least one circular component, which in turn causes the development of a flow regime in the receptacle such that the samples suspended in the fluid are conveyable along a closed path to at least one sample handling site that are positioned along said closed path.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a valve block that can be attached onto a vessel or can be connected to a reservoir. The valve block is characterized by an intake valve, a supply and dosing cylinder in which a supply and dosing plunger is slidably accommodated, and an outlet device for the liquid. The valve block and the supply and dosing cylinder preferably form an integral unit.