Abstract: An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A sampling kit includes firstly a sample tube, which includes a container part for holding a sample and a cap for sealing the container, and secondly a plastic foil instruction sheet. The sheet provides information related to a sample taking process using of the sample tube, which information is printed thereon or is provided in the form of one or more documents held in one or more pockets thereof. The sheet is provided with a support body for holding the sample tube, or at least a container part of the sample tube, during the sampling taking process, the support body and the bottom end of the sample tube being shaped such that they cooperate, to support the sample tube in an upright position.

Abstract: A method of producing a cell culture chip, in which a first adhesive is film-formed on a first substrate having transparency such that a first adhesive layer and a recessed portion on which one or more cell culture flow paths are formed face each other, and a second adhesive is film-formed on the first substrate such that a second adhesive layer and a flat portion around the recessed portion face each other, thereby obtaining a cell culture flow path substrate, the first adhesive containing a polyester-based resin having a glass transition temperature of 5° C. or higher, and the second adhesive containing a polyester-based resin having a glass transition temperature of lower than 5° C.

Abstract: A smear preparing apparatus includes: a smear unit that prepares a smear slide by smearing a sample on a slide; a buffer solution preparation unit that prepares diluted buffer solution by diluting a highly-concentrated buffer solution; a diluted staining solution preparation unit that prepares diluted staining solution by diluting a highly-concentrated staining solution with the diluted buffer solution; and a stain unit that stains the smear slide prepared by the smear unit with the diluted staining solution.

Abstract: A glass panel unit manufacturing method includes a punching step and a pillar mounting step. In the punching step, a punch punches at least one of a plurality of portions from a base material of a sheet to form at least one pillar. Each of the plurality of portions is surrounded by a corresponding one of a plurality of loop-shaped grooves in the base material. In the pillar mounting step, the at least one pillar is mounted on a surface of a first substrate including a glass pane.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including a display area on which a plurality of display elements is disposed and a non-display area on which one or more wires for driving the plurality of display elements are disposed. A back cover is attached to one surface of the display panel and has a plurality of openings. A roller unit winds or unwinds the back cover and the display panel, and a lifting unit moves the back cover and the display panel in a vertical direction. The plurality of openings overlaps the display panel, and each of the plurality of openings is disposed to be staggered with one or more of the openings in an adjacent row. A size of the back cover is larger than a size of the display panel.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including a display area on which a plurality of display elements is disposed and a non-display area on which one or more wires for driving the plurality of display elements are disposed. A back cover is attached to one surface of the display panel and has a plurality of openings. A roller unit winds or unwinds the back cover and the display panel, and a lifting unit moves the back cover and the display panel in a vertical direction. The plurality of openings overlaps the display panel, and each of the plurality of openings is disposed to be staggered with one or more of the openings in an adjacent row. A size of the back cover is larger than a size of the display panel.

Abstract: An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidic connector, to combine with a microfluidic chip cartridge, comprising: a base, having a plurality of through holes; and a plurality of soft tubes, penetrating the base via the through holes and fixed on the base, and having a Shore A hardness in a range of 50-99, wherein an end of the plurality of soft tubes is protruded from a first side of the base to form plurality of protrusion portions and each protrusion portion has a length in a range of 0.5-10 mm. The present invention also provides a microfluidic chip cartridge and a fluidic connector assembly.

Abstract: A device and system for extracting simultaneously a plurality of test tubes from one or more aligned racks is provided. The device is operably adapted to extract test tubes having a body with a first diameter and a top portion with a lip having a second larger diameter. The aligned racks generally form collectively a rectangular footprint and provide opposing longitudinal shoulders.

Abstract: A glass panel unit manufacturing method includes a punching step and a pillar mounting step. In the punching step, a punch punches at least one of a plurality of portions from a base material of a sheet to form at least one pillar. Each of the plurality of portions is surrounded by a corresponding one of a plurality of loop-shaped grooves in the base material. In the pillar mounting step, the at least one pillar is mounted on a surface of a first substrate including a glass pane.

Abstract: Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from an expanding mandrel pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include circumferentially spaced apart segments for engaging an interior surface of a pipette tip, an annular base disposed below the segments, a distal elastomeric element disposed around a distal stem portion for sealing against the interior surface of the pipette tip, upwardly extending circumferentially spaced apart arms each supporting a different segment, and a stop disk for abutting a stop shoulder in a pipette tip. The pipette tips include a groove in a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, a pipette tip stop shoulder surface, a third cylindrical section, and a sealing seat surface.

Abstract: A chemical extraction apparatus has absorbent material for absorbing or adsorbing volatile chemicals from a breath of a user. The chemical extraction apparatus is positioned within such that breaths from the user flow over the absorbent material thereby causing volatile chemicals in the breaths to absorb or adsorb into the absorbent material. The absorbent material is then analyzed to determine the amount of chemicals absorbed or adsorbed into the absorbent material. Based on such analysis, various diseases or conditions can be detected or diagnosed.

Abstract: Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from a pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include a proximal elastomeric element, a distal elastomeric element, and a coupler stop shoulder surface between the elastomeric elements. The pipette tips include a groove in a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, a tip stop shoulder surface at the interface of the first and second cylindrical sections, a third cylindrical section distal to the second cylindrical section, and a sealing seat surface at the interface of the second and third cylindrical sections. When the pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip coupler, the proximal elastomeric element abuts the tip groove, the coupler stop shoulder surface abuts the tip stop shoulder surface, and the distal elastomeric element abuts the sealing seat surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for enriching compositions for polymerase enzyme complexes. In particular, the methods, compositions, and systems of the present invention remove free polymerases from the compositions using one or more purification steps, including protease treatment, thus enriching the compositions for polymerases complexed with a template nucleic acid.

Abstract: Pipette assembly comprising a pipette device, a pipette tip, and an expanding mandrel collet coupling device coupling the tip to the pipette device, the coupling device comprising: circumferentially spaced apart segments, an annular base disposed below the segments and comprising a distal portion, an elastomeric element circumscribing the distal portion, and upwardly extending circumferentially spaced apart arms attached at first ends to the annular base and having upper free ends each supporting a different one of the segments configured to expand between a first and a second greater circumference for engaging a first interior working surface of the tip in concurrence with the elastomeric element sealing against a second interior working surface below the first surface and in concurrence with an abutment between a disk exteriorly disposed about a medial portion of the arms and a stepped interior shoulder of the tip disposed between the first and second working surfaces.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling a pipetting machine a pipetting machine, and a method for controlling a pipetting machine, wherein the control unit controls at least one actuator for moving a pipetting device between receptacle units for liquids to be pipetted and for receiving or dispensing liquids to be pipetted. The control unit, by selecting one or more graphic receptacle unit equivalents which correspond to receptacle units, assigns at least one transfer parameter to the receptacle unit equivalents. The transfer parameter corresponds to a transfer volume, which is to be received from the receptacle unit corresponding to the respective receptacle unit equivalent or is to be dispensed into the receptacle unit corresponding to the respective receptacle unit equivalent. The control unit is additionally designed so that selected source receptacle unit equivalents are simultaneously assignable to multiple target receptacle unit equivalents.

Abstract: A droplet ejecting head includes a board, a pressure chamber, a nozzle, and an actuator configured to cause a pressure change in the pressure chamber in response to an electrical signal supplied from a drive circuit. The drive circuit is configured to set the electrical signal at a first voltage level, change the electrical signal to a second voltage level, set the electrical signal to a third voltage level during a time period after changing the electrical signal from the first voltage level to the second voltage level, the time period being equal to a primary natural oscillation period of the actuator when the pressure chamber and the nozzle are filled with solution, and set the electrical signal to the first voltage level after the time period has elapsed. The third voltage level is between the first and second voltage levels or equal to the second voltage level.

Abstract: A microchip includes a vessel portion, an elastic member, and a flow channel which leads a liquid sample to the vessel portion. After a liquid sample is put in the vessel portion, the liquid sample is heated while pressure is applied with respect to an inner portion of the vessel portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multichannel label-free biosensing fiber-optic system, which comprises one or more light sources coupled into optical fibers, one or more optical fiber circuits for performing coupling or/and directional transmission of optical-fiber guided lightwaves, one or more optical-fiber-input and optical-fiber-output optical switches, a plurality of optical fibers provided with label-free optical sensing elements working in the reflection manner on the optical fiber ends, and the light detection parts, wherein the optical-fiber-input and optical-fiber-output optical switch is provided with a plurality of outputs and/or a plurality of inputs, and with the plurality of outputs and/or plurality of inputs, by the switching function, the reflected light from the label-free optical sensing elements working in the reflection manner on the designated optical fiber ends is received by the light detection part, so that multichannel sensing is realized.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow particle is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a hollow particulate; (b) soaking the hollow particulate in an amine solution to form amine groups on the surface of the hollow particulate; (c) adding a polypeptide, and the polypeptide is linked to the amine groups on the surface of the hollow particulate; and (d) adding a target molecule, and the target molecule is bound to the amine group which are still not bound.

Abstract: An isolator system including: a box-shaped body case having, in an interior thereof, a work space for operation in a sterile environment and also having, in a front surface thereof, an insertion portion into which a worker's arm is inserted; and an air-conditioning portion configured to supply gas in the work space of the body case or to discharge gas in the work space, a bottom of the work space being configured with a work plate, a discharge path configured to discharge gas in the work space being formed below the work plate, the work plate being configured with first and second work plates obtained by dividing the work plate into right and left parts, a receiving portion being located below the first work plate, the receiving portion being arranged extending towards the second work plate on a side edge of the first work plate, the side edge of the first work plate being in contact with the second work plate, a side edge of the second work plate for being in contact with the first work plate being placed de

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid sampling, storage, transfer and delivery device comprising housing containing a porous nib. The porous nib in the device contacts the sample, collects the sample, stores the sample, transports the sample inside its porous matrix and releases the sample from the porous matrix upon demand.

Abstract: A micro fluid dosing unit includes a test container containing biomaterial needing oxygen. The test container has at least one first container which contains water and at least one second container which contains a pharmacological substance, wherein the first and the second containers have a container outlet leading to the test container and are mounted on a common valve carrier plate containing control channels, which includes control channel ports for control valves to be coupled thereto. In the valve carrier plate a separate valve control chamber is formed for each container, which is sealed by a membrane, wherein associated container outlets are opened and closed by the membrane movement.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices have been developed to perform a range of high-throughput biochemical and cell-based assays over recent years. A design for a microfluidic device has been developed that resembles a microtiter plate, by placing the test chambers (each test chamber contains cells) and top-loading drug inlets (at least one per test chamber) in a grid according to the ANSI/SBS standards, yet offers the miniaturization and fluid handling advantages of microfluidics. This ensures that the device design is compatible with fluid handling and imaging equipment already in use for drug screening. A range of topologies have been determined that allow placement of various elements of this microfluidic network within the grid alignment constraints. A resistance equalization methodology has also been developed to reduce variability across assays run in different chambers of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An improved deposition aid for manual sample preparation, particularly on flat MALDI sample supports, comprises a holder for a sample support with several sample sites, which is adapted to standardized sample supports for ionization with matrix-assisted laser desorption and a device which projects a two-dimensional optical image, or a suitable sequence of images, onto the sample sites. The image, or sequence of images, is constructed such that a selected sample site or group of selected sample sites is highlighted in a way which can be perceived by the human eye, at least with respect to neighboring, not-selected sample sites. The deposition aid also includes an interface for confirming the manual deposition and/or a device for the automatic detection of a manual deposition process; and a guidance system which selects a sample site or group of sample sites, and controls the device accordingly.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus that is mounted on a rotation driver and induces a flow of a fluid according to a centrifugal force includes a lower structure having a microfluidic structure including a recovery chamber for accommodating a target material separated from a sample and a channel for forming an inflow path of the target material to the recovery chamber; an upper plate forming an upper wall of the recovery chamber and the channel; and a lid formed integrally to the upper plate and removable from the upper plate to open at least a part of a top of the recovery chamber.

Abstract: A lab member for use in a laboratory liquid handling system including a pipetting module and a drive system, the pipetting module including first and second pipettors, the first and second pipettors including first and second pipettor shafts, respectively, a first pipetting tip extending from an end of the first pipettor shaft, and a second pipetting tip extending from an end of the second pipettor shaft, includes a lab object and first and second integral adapter structures. The first and second adapter structures are configured to engage the first and second pipettor shafts, respectively. The first adapter structure is configured to releasably secure the lab member to the first pipettor shaft.

Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic system is disclosed, including a clinical diagnostic instrument with a disposable cartridge. The disposable cartridge is capable of performing diagnostic and analytical functions including filtering samples such as plasma from whole blood and running assays and collecting measurements of analytes or biomarkers.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject having cancer who is likely to benefit from treatment with a combination therapy with a MAPK pathway inhibitor, such as a RAF inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, or ERK inhibitor, and a GEF or HDAC inhibitor is provided. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof is also provided and includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a MAPK inhibitor, such as a RAF inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, or ERK inhibitor, and an effective amount of a GEF or HDAC inhibitor. A method of identifying targets that confers resistance to a MAPK pathway inhibitor is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting cell particles in a liquid flow, which comprises a flow-defining block including a flow chamber receiving a sample conduit and a flow cell having a flow channel. The system also comprises a strobe block including a imaging device for taking an image of a jet flow ejected from the flow-defining block and a plurality of droplets in a given image area. The flow-defining block and the strobe block are detachably connected each other. Further the strobe block includes a nozzle plate having a nozzle channel between a receiving end and a nozzle. The flow-defining block includes a discharge end opposite to the receiving end and a channel enlarged portion of which cross section taken along a predetermined plane perpendicular to a flow direction has an area increasing towards the discharge end. The discharge end and the receiving end have substantially the same open distance in the predetermined plane perpendicular to the flow direction.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine (2) and at least one transfer element (3) for transfer of said medium, said transfer element (3) comprising a duct (45) for transfer of said medium provided at one end with a needle (31), a septum (32), and a maneuvering unit (33) of said needle (31), said transfer element (3) also comprising means for locking (61, 65) adapted to cooperate with complementary locking means (15) of said magazine (2) to lock said needle (31) in a waiting position, said locking means (61, 62, 65) belonging to said maneuvering unit (33) and cooperating with said complementary locking means (15) at a location of said magazine (2) distinct from the location through which said duct (45) issues from the cavity (20), at the opposite end from the needle (31).

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A resin dispenser for nano-imprinting includes a housing including a lower chamber in which a resin is filled, a slit defined in a lower part of the lower chamber and through which the resin is discharged, and an upper chamber in which a pressure-applying fluid is filled, and a membrane separating the lower and upper chambers from each other, and of which an edge is fixed on a middle part of the housing, where the fluid is configured to apply the pressure to the membrane and protrude the membrane toward the slit of the lower chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a microfluidic device including the valve unit. The valve unit includes: a valve substance container containing a valve substance, the valve substance including a phase change material that is solid at ambient temperature and melts by absorbing energy; a valve connection path connecting the valve substance container to a channel forming a fluid passage; and a pair of drain chambers formed along the channel at both sides of the valve connection path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed.

Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.

Abstract: A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: Provided is a fluidic device including: a support member; a porous layer; and an adhesive layer bonding the support member and the porous layer with each other. A partition wall made of a thermoplastic material is formed in the porous layer. The support member has a heatproof temperature that is higher than a melting start temperature of the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: A mixing device for liquid chromatography for the radial mixing of at least two fluids comprises a tubular mixing line, and a helical flow-guiding element arranged in the mixing line. One or more spacing elements located within an interior region of the mixing line are adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the outer sides of the helical flow-guiding element and an inner wall of the mixing line. A mixing unit according to the present invention may include such a radial mixing device, with a longitudinal mixing device being connected downstream from this radial mixing device.

Abstract: A dual inlet microchannel device and a method for using the device to perform a flow-through kinetic assay are described. A microplate having an array of the dual inlet microchannel devices and in particular their specially configured flow chambers is also described. Several embodiments of the dual inlet microchannel devices and specially configured flow chambers are also described.

Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.

Abstract: A microfabricated device is fabricated by depositing a first metal layer on a substrate to provide a first electrode of an electrostatic actuator, depositing a first structural polymer layer over the first metal layer, depositing a second metal layer over said first structural polymer layer to form a second electrode of the electrostatic actuator, depositing an insulating layer over said first structural polymer layer, planarizing the insulating layer, etching the first structural polymer layer through the insulating layer and the second metal layer to undercut the second metal layer, providing additional pre-formed structural polymer layers, at least one of which has been previously patterned, and finally bonding the additional structural layers in the form of a stack over the planarized second insulating layer to one or more microfluidic channels. The technique can also be used to make cross over channels in devices without electrostatic actuators, in which case the metal layers can be omitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of pre-treatment and staining, according to a protocol, of a biological sample disposed upon the surface of a carrier, the method comprising the step of recording at least one parameter relating to at least one protocol step in a non-volatile memory located either upon or within the carrier or a device incorporating the carrier. Also disclosed is a device comprising: a non-volatile memory; a surface of the device adapted to carry a biological sample; and communications means electrically coupled to the memory for enabling data transmission to or from an external apparatus. Also disclosed is a method of controlling processing of a biological sample disposed upon a carrier, comprising: providing, upon or within the carrier or an apparatus holding the carrier, a non-volatile memory having information relating to sample processing priority or protocol; reading the information; and scheduling the processing based upon the information.