Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.

Abstract: The inventive device serves for simultaneous supply of nonvolatile reactant liquid to a plurality of mixing points or to a plurality of reactors, the device comprising a reservoir vessel, a supply line and a splitter which divides the supply line into a group of downstream lines. Each individual downstream line is functionally connected to one mixing point or one reactor and each is equipped with a restrictor element, the restrictor elements and at least parts of the downstream lines being in contact with a sheath having a temperature control unit.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses capillary action to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.

Abstract: A device for receiving and dispensing liquids has a plurality of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) which are respectively arranged on a piston plate (2) and a cylinder plate (3). The liquid is received and dispensed by displacing the pistons (1?) in the cylinders (1?) by changing the distance between the plates (2, 3), perpendicularly to the plate planes, by means of a drive mechanism (6) and a plate guiding system. The volume can be determined by an upper abutment (4) and a lower abutment (5), at least one of said abutments being regulatable by a regulating means (8). The device is suitable for handling precise volumes of a larger number of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) in a technically simple manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface assisted fluid loading and droplet dispensing on a droplet micro actuator. A droplet actuator is provided and includes one or more electrodes configured for conducting one or more droplet operations on a droplet operations surface of the substrate. The droplet actuator further includes a wettable surface defining a path from a fluid reservoir into a locus which is sufficiently near to one or more of the electrodes that activation of the one or more electrodes results in a droplet operation. Methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A pipette (110) includes an ejector member (140) with an ejector end (142) configured to be moved from the retracted position (147a) to the extended position (147b) to eject a gripped pipette tip (120) from an end portion (132) of the body (130) of the pipette (110). The pipette (110) further includes an adjustment device (160) configured to adjust the extended position (147b) of the ejector end (142) with respect to the body (130) and a lock device (200) configured to selectively inhibit operation of the adjustment device (160) to adjust the extended position (147b) of the ejector end (142).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the developing of immuno-stained biological samples. The systems disclosed herein are automated and are configured to control one or more steps of the developing procedure. Reagents may be added using automatic syringe dispensing. Reagent temperature, reagent stirring, and wash procedures are programmable and can be separately controlled for separate immuno-staining procedures that are performed at the same time.

Abstract: A dispensing device and an analyzer capable of improving dispensing accuracy as well as improving jamming detection accuracy can be realized by having a short distance between a syringe and a suction tip. The dispensing device 10 includes an upper fixed unit 10A, a lower movable unit 10B which is connected to the upper fixed unit 10A, the movable unit being relatively movable with respect to the upper fixed unit 10A, and a Z-axis movement mechanism 55Z which moves the upper fixed unit to and fro. A syringe 4 and a plunger 13 are held by the upper fixed unit 10A. A tip nozzle 8 is attached to the lower movable unit 10B. An interior space of the syringe 4 and an interior space of the tip nozzle 8 are connected with each other by a connection tube 1 having flexibility.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: A multi-chambered deposition pin wash station is provided. The wash station includes a lower chamber and an upper drain basin connected by a plurality of wash tubes. Cleaning fluid is provided to the lower chamber and passes through the cleaning tubes into the upper drain basin. The cleaning tubes are adapted to clean a single deposition pin with a single tube per wash cycle.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for manipulating particles can include a substrate and one or more obstacles, each obstacle comprising a plurality of aligned nanostructures including a plurality of nanoparticles or a plurality of polymer layers, or a combination thereof. The obstacle on a substrate can be forests with intra-carbon nanotube spacing ranging between 5-100 nm for isolation of particles such as very small viruses and proteins.

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: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).

Abstract: A sample collector and test device is disclosed. The sample collector and test device may be used together as a diagnostic tool for collecting and assay of analytes contained in a sample. A sample collector is also disclosed which may be used with existing sample containers and or test devices. The sample collector may indicate sample adequacy when a sufficient volume of sample has been collected for assay and may also include a sample retaining feature which retains a portion of expressed sample for confirmatory testing, if desirable. The sample collector may also include a mechanism for expressing sample in a sample collector and/or test device. A test device is also disclosed for retaining and assay of an expressed sample. The disclosed test device may be used with existing sample collectors. In a preferred embodiment, test device is used with a preferred sample collector.

Abstract: A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.

Abstract: A nozzle system for use in a flow cytometer for analyzing particles in a fluid stream and a method of orienting particles in a flow cytometer. The nozzle system may include a nozzle having a longitudinal axis, an interior surface defining a fluid flow path for orienting particles in the nozzle, and a downstream orifice through which a fluid stream exits. The nozzle system may also include a conduit positioned to introduce a core stream containing particles at a location offset from the longitudinal axis and a baffle downstream of the conduit to deflect the fluid stream. The method may include the steps of causing a sheath fluid to flow through the nozzle, introducing a core fluid stream into the sheath fluid at a location offset to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and deflecting the core fluid stream with a baffle.

Abstract: A spotter that includes a plurality of spotting heads, each of the plurality of spotting heads having a discharging portion at a tip portion, the plurality of spotting heads form an m×n array (m, n>1) with m spotting heads arranged lengthwise and n spotting heads arranged crosswise; and a pitch varying mechanism configured to vary an array pitch of the plurality of spotting heads arrayed in a lengthwise direction and an array pitch of the plurality of spotting heads arrayed in a crosswise direction.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid dispensing and concerns a pipette comprising at least one aspiration channel with a piston. At the lower end of the aspiration channel there is an extension channel (3) and at its end a pipette tip mounting piece (4) onto which a pipette tip (5) is attached. On the pipette tip mounting piece there is a surrounding groove (17) and in the groove a sealing ring (18). The width of the groove in the axial direction is at least 1.1 times the thickness of the sealing ring in the axial direction. When the mounting piece is pushed into the pipette tip, the inner wall of the tip can move the sealing ring upwards in the groove. The construction can provide a reliable sealing despite of inherent dimension differences between different tips and mounting pieces.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid delivery system are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a thin film valve device and a thin film valve control apparatus in which a hole or a channel in the body of the thin film valve device is opened and closed using the heat generated from a heat generating apparatus and the centrifugal force. The thin film valve device and the thin film valve control apparatus are applicable to, for example, a diagnostic lab-on-a-chip that can detect a trace amount of a material in a fluid, a rotatable bio-disc in which a bio chip, such as a protein chip and a DNA chip, is integrated, and the like.

Abstract: A pipette device including a metering liquid receptacle designed to be filled, at least in part, with working fluid and which has a pipette opening as a first tapering of cross-section of flow, a pressure change device which is designed to change the pressure of the working fluid in the metering liquid receptacle, and a throttle point in a pipette duct designed to be filled with working fluid as a further tapering of cross-section of flow. The throttle point is arranged fluid-mechanically between the metering liquid receptacle and the pressure change device and is dimensioned in such a way that a ratio of a flow resistance of the pipette opening for dispensed metering liquid to a flow resistance of the throttle point for working fluid, which flows through the throttle point when the metering fluid is dispensed, is less than 0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus for pipetting laboratory samples into a pipetting container which can be connected to the pipetting apparatus, which pipetting container is in particular designed according to the invention, comprising a container side and a first connection section, by means of which the pipetting container can be connected to the pipetting apparatus, and comprising an information carrying device with at least one information section, which carries information, on this container side; the pipetting apparatus comprising an electric information reading device, by means of which information contained on the information reading device can be read when the pipetting container is connected to the pipetting apparatus, and which comprises at least one electric sensor device, which comprises at least one sensor section, opposite to which a measuring space is formed, wherein the sensor device is configured to read the information content of at least one information section when the latter

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A pipette for a pipette system comprising a pipette and a syringe. The pipette housing has a longitudinal axis. A syringe to be handled with the pipette is insertable with its fastening portion and plunger head into the pipette housing and is removable or discardable from said pipette housing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipette housing, i.e., axially. The syringe has as cylinder and a plunger with a plunger head which projects out of the end of the cylinder even when the plunger has been completely inserted into the cylinder. A pipette housing comprises an axially accessible plunger gripping device for the plunger head of the syringe. An actuating device for the plunger gripping device is mounted on the plunger displacing device and is axially displaceable with said adjusting device.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter includes a front attachment part to which a test piece is attached, a measurement part for measuring a component of blood collected via a blood guide passage in the test piece, and a monitor for displaying the measurement results obtained by the measurement part. When the device is placed on a horizontal plane by referring to the display face of the monitor as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side and placing the display face of the monitor upward, the central axis of the test piece extends obliquely downward toward the front side. The blood glucose meter comprises a main part provided with the monitor and a linking part between the main part and the front attachment part. The top face of the linking part is placed roughly parallel to the central axis line and is provided with an ejector lever.

Abstract: A plate handling system for a sampling device with a drawtube that includes a vertical actuation system that adjusts the vertical distance between the drawtube and a sample tray, a horizontal linkage system that positions a sample tray in a horizontal plane, and a drive system that drives the rotational motion of the horizontal linkage system. The horizontal linkage system includes a base arm that rotates about a base joint, and a sample arm that rotates about a sample arm joint on the base arm.

Abstract: Method for transport of suspensions containing mechanically sensitive material with a sample-transporting device comprising transport conduits and at least one system for accelerating a sample or aliquot through the transport conduit from at least two burets.

Abstract: A sample chamber array is provided. The sample chamber array may comprise at least one reservoir in fluid communication with at least one sample chamber, and a movable portion defining the sample chamber. The reservoir is fillable with a liquid biological sample. The movable portion may be movable with respect to the remainder of the sample chamber from a first position to a second position. In the first position the movable portion is concave and the sample chamber is without biological sample. In the second position the movable portion is convex and the sample chamber comprises biological sample. The movement of the movable portion to the second position causes a pressure drop to transport the biological sample into the sample chamber from the at least one reservoir. Methods for processing a biological sample and methods of making a sample chamber array are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.

Abstract: A syringe, defined by a cylinder and by a piston slidingly engaged in the cylinder itself, is actuated after having inserted the cylinder within a gripper and having axially fed the syringe through the gripper so as to move an outer flange of the cylinder into contact with the gripper and/or the piston in a stop position within the cylinder.

Abstract: A microreaction device or system (4) includes at least one thermal control fluidic passage (C,E) and a principal working fluidic passage (A) with average cross-sectional area in the range of 0.25 to 100 mm2, and having a primary entrance (92) and multiple secondary entrances (94) with the spacing between secondary entrances (94) having a length along the passage (A) of at least two times the root of the average cross-sectional area of the passage (A). The device or system (4) also includes at least one secondary working fluidic passage (B) having an entrance (102) and multiple exits (106) including a final exit (106), each exit (106) being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the multiple secondary entrances (94) of the principal fluidic passage (A).

Abstract: A system for titrating liquids, with a syringe or tip, comprising a holding device and at least one tag and a metering equipment, comprising an additional holding device for holding the syringe or tip on the holding device, a reading device for reading the tag of the syringe or tip held by the additional holding device, a driving device having a motor, which is detachably coupled with a plunger of the syringe when the same is held by the additional holding device, or which is coupled with a plunger which is arranged in a cylinder which is coupled with the tip via a fluid conduit, when the same is held by the additional holding device, an operating device for operating the metering equipment and a control device, connected with the operating device, the reading device and the driving device, which controls the movement of the plunger depending of the tag of the inserted syringe or tip.

Abstract: A system for preparing biological sample contains a body including a proximal side and a distal side, a plurality of mandrels, a plurality of resilient elements, a plurality of fluid dispensers, and one or more samples. The mandrels are moveably positioned within the body, where each resilient element engages a respective one of the mandrels. Each of the fluid dispensers is configured to engage a distal end of a corresponding one of the mandrels. Each sample comprises a solution containing one or more nucleic acid sequences contained within at least one of the fluid dispensers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated sampling and dispensing device comprising a flexible container, a dropper with a sampling rod and a sample removing vessel disposed therebetween. The device of the present invention can be conveniently used for collecting specimen and dispensing the same after a reaction in a single device by simple manipulation of severing the sampling rod and turning the container upside down. Also by using the present device a constant amount of specimen can be used for each reaction which leads to a reliable and reproducible result.

Abstract: Three-dimensional microfluidic devices including by a plurality of patterned porous, hydrophilic layers and a fluid-impermeable layer disposed between every two adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layers are described. Each patterned porous, hydrophilic layer has a fluid-impermeable barrier which substantially permeates the thickness of the porous, hydrophilic layer and defines boundaries of one or more hydrophilic regions within the patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. The fluid-impermeable layer has openings which are aligned with at least part of the hydrophilic region within at least one adjacent patterned porous, hydrophilic layer. Microfluidic assay device, microfluidic mixer, microfluidic flow control device are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a specimen into a flow cytometer comprises: a syringe having a hollow barrel containing the specimen, a plunger partially within the barrel and a needle that extends into a volume of a nozzle of the flow cytometer; a one-way port in the nozzle forming a seal against the needle; a mounting platform coupled to both the syringe and to the flow cytometer; and a syringe pump coupled to the plunger, the syringe pump comprising a motor, a drive mechanism coupled to the motor; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the motor operates the drive mechanism so as to cause the clamping mechanism to depress the plunger into the barrel.

Abstract: A method for dosing a liquid using a pipette with adjustable dosing step size and an indicating equipment and a syringe that can be operated using the pipette. The syringe is detachably connected to the pipette. The dosing step size is set, or the dosing step size set before is maintained. The dosing volume adjusted via the dosing step size is indicated. Liquid is aspirated into the syringe. Dosing steps are performed, counted and the number of performed dosing steps and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling the syringe is determined and indicated. After performing the maximum number of dosing steps possible without refilling the syringe, either the syringe is detached, or the steps are performed again. The overall performed number of dosing steps with the set dosing step size is counted, and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling is determined and indicated.

Abstract: An interface device for bio-chip at least comprises an interface unit, said interface unit consisting of instrument interface layer, fluid channel layer and sample interface layer. The instrument interface layer has at least one instrument interface. The fluid channel layer has one hollow-out fluid channel. The sample interface layer has at least one sample interface, and both ends of said fluid channel connect to the sample interface and the instrument interface respectively. The interface device separates sample solutions from the instrument interface by gas or liquid in the fluid channel, thus to avoid direct contacts between sample solutions and instrument interface which will cause pollution, and omitting cleaning processes after using instruments. With simple structure, easy operation and low cost, it applies to chemistry field, biology field and medical analysis field.

Abstract: A pipette for actuating a syringe, with a bar-shaped housing, a first fixture with a first opening at the lower end of the housing for putting in a first fastening portion on the upper edge of a cylinder of the syringe, a fixture body with a second fixture and a second opening on the lower end of the housing, for putting in a second fastening portion on a piston of the syringe, an actuating element, a tooth bar connected to the fixture with a tooth in the housing, a pawl, pivotally mounted on the actuating element in the housing, an adjusting element for adjusting the step size of the steps, a covering, movably arranged on the tooth bar at the side of the pawl, and a coupling element arranged on the covering.

Abstract: A method and analytical device for collecting a sample volume containing at least one analyte of interest from a liquid analytical sample having contaminants disposed at or near the sample surface. The liquid analytical sample is provided. A first pipetting device comprising a first pipetting needle aspirates from an upper region of the liquid analytical sample a portion comprising the contaminants and discards the portion. The first needle is washed with washing liquid. A second pipetting device comprising a second pipetting needle, or a disposable pipetting tip, aspirates the sample volume from the liquid analytical sample after the first pipetting device discards the aspirated portion and discharges the sample volume for analysis. The second needle is washed with washing liquid or disposed of.

Abstract: A test specimen that has one or more chemical substances fixed to prescribed plural independent positions on a substrate, and the quantities of the chemical substances fixed at the respective prescribed positions are the total of integer multiples of existence quantity units defined for the respective chemical substances in the range from 1 amol to 1 nmol (excluding the case in which the total quantity is zero).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a disposable cartridge suitable for use in detecting the presence of analytes in fluid samples. The cartridge is designed to provide “lab on a chip” capabilities and comprises a plurality of sample storage reservoirs and analytical compartments/channels. A valve system based on valve disks aids in securely transferring samples from storage reservoirs to analytical channels and detectors with minimal use of common channels, which reduces risk of cross-contamination.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.

Abstract: A method for depositing samples, in which at least one sample (10) is arranged on a substrate (30), comprises the following steps: positioning a sample dispenser (20) above the substrate (30), and actuating the sample dispenser (20) so that the sample (10) is moved from the sample dispenser (20) along a trajectory (11) to a predefined deposition position (32) on the substrate (30), wherein at least part of the trajectory (11) is shielded against electrical interference fields. Also described is a substrate (30) for receiving samples (10), comprising a substrate body (31), on the surface of which at least one deposition position (32) is provided, and a shielding electrode (40), which is designed so as to electrostatically shield the space above the at least one deposition position (32) against electrical interference fields.

Abstract: A solid-phase extraction pipette (20) is provided for extracting substances comprising: a generally hollow body (29) having an inlet (21), a stem (22), and an elastic chamber (28); a first extraction media (27) arranged within the hollow body; and a first fit (24) contained within the hollow body and configured to prevent the first extraction media from exiting the body. The body may be made of a transparent material such as low density polyethylene. The chamber may be configured for movement from a first expanded form having a first volume to a second contracted form having a second volume less than the first volume.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sealing fluidic component based on a capillary enclosing a fluid conduit and having an exterior surface being at least partially coated with a coating of a meltable material, wherein the method comprises melting the meltable material of the coating at least at an end portion of the capillary, and resolidifying the melted material to thereby form, at the end portion, a sealing integral with the coating and constituted at least partially by the meltable material.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.