Abstract: A system for automatically creating a denaturation curve is disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments, a movement system including a unit having a plurality of cannulas is used. The cannulas are in fluid communication with a fluid system, which allows the cannulas to draw in and dispense fluid. A measurement system is included which draws fluid from a well into a detector to determine a characteristic of the fluid. A controller is used to control these systems and also to create a denaturation graph from the measured characteristics. In another embodiment, a plurality of formulations may be created using the system.

Abstract: A method of actuating a valve, comprises operatively coupling the valve with an electroosmotic pump; flowing a fluid through the electroosmotic pump; and generating a fluidic pressure of at least 0.75 PSI to actuate the valve, wherein the electroosmotic pump comprises one or more thin, porous, positive electroosmotic membranes and one or more thin porous, negative electroosmotic membranes; a plurality of electrodes comprising cathodes and anodes, and a power source; wherein each of the positive and negative electroosmotic membranes are disposed alternatively and wherein at least one of the cathodes is disposed on one side of one of the membranes and at least one of the anodes is disposed on the other side of the membrane and wherein at least one of the cathodes or anodes is disposed between a positive and a negative electroosmotic membrane.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a phase-gate zone for receiving an isolation buffer therein. An output zone receives a reagent therein. A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone.

Abstract: A flow passage device is provided, with which a liquid is easily introduced and introduction of air bubbles into a flow passage along with a liquid when the liquid is introduced into the flow passage can be decreased. A flow passage device according to the present invention includes a flow passage through which a fluid flows in a direction different from a vertical direction, an introducing space that has a supply port opening toward the vertical direction and introduces a liquid into the flow passage, and a buffering space that connects the flow passage to the introducing space. The buffering space allows a gas-liquid interface to be formed due to surface tension. A direction in which the gas-liquid interface faces is different from the vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the precise, repeatable dispensing of small, sample fluid volumes, especially as related to the printing of microarrays for biological and/or chemical testing. A pressure tuning module meters fluid volumes for aspiration and dispensation and builds pressure for fluid dispensation, in conjunction with a microvalve that precisely controls the volume of the fluid dispensed under the built pressure. A pressure source can be switched in line to efficiently purge the apparatus of residual sample fluid. A working fluid can be optionally aspirated into the system, prior to aspirating the sample fluid, in order to maximize sample fluid recovery.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for fragmenting nucleic acid. The apparatus includes a sample reservoir that comprises a fluid having nucleic acids. The apparatus can also include a shear wall that is positioned within the sample reservoir. The shear wall includes a porous core medium that has pores that are sized to permit nucleic acids to flow therethrough. The apparatus also includes first and second chambers that are separated by the shear wall. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with each other through the porous core medium of the shear wall. Also, the apparatus may include first and second electrodes that are located within the first and second chambers, respectively. The first and second electrodes are configured to generate an electric field that induces a flow of the sample fluid. The nucleic acids move through the shear wall thereby fragmenting the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A plunger for mixing a biological sample with a reagent in a tube is moved up and down reciprocally to agitate the biological sample and the reagent for subsequent extraction of the material from the mixture to be analyzed. The plunger's agitation facilitates the concentration of the extracted material to reach an extent where a correct analysis is possible. The plunger of the present invention has a shape of a hollow cylinder with an aperture at the bottom, a plurality of slots formed on the cylindrical surface, and an opening formed at the top. The plunger allows a pipette to draw the extracted material in the test tube out from the opening at the top of the plunger without removing the plunger, and prevents drawing out the fragments of the sample after the biological sample and the reagent have been sufficiently mixed.

Abstract: A bottle top dispenser for handling liquids having a piston-cylinder arrangement in an outside housing. At least one actuating button (49) that can be pressed downwards is arranged on the upper side of the outside housing. The outside housing (2) can be provided with ventilation openings (48) that can be hidden beneath the actuating button (49). The bottle arrangement is also characterized by a specific arrangement of a sensor system (65) in relation to a measuring strip (64) on a piston rod (28). The path measuring signal can be evaluated by means of a magnetoresistive sensor system, especially such a system based on the AMR effect. The arrangement of the measuring strip (64) in relation to the longitudinal central axis of the piston rod (28) is of considerable importance.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) for handling specimen slides (21) encompasses a coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides (21), the coverslipping module (14) applying first a mounting medium and then a coverslipping means onto the specimen slides (21). The apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) further has an output unit (18) for outputting the specimen slides (21), which unit encompasses a drying unit (32) for at least partial extraction of at least one solvent from the applied mounting medium of the specimen slides (21) arranged in the output unit (18).

Abstract: A sensor module (38, 40, 42) for a tissue processor (20) has a thermal sensor (66) for measuring a temperature of a container (30, 32, 34) of the tissue processor (20), and further has a position sensor for detecting a working position of the container (30, 32, 34).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for rapid analysis of members of a combinatorial library. The apparatus includes a plurality of reactor vessels for containing individual library members, a fluid handling system that apportions a test fluid about equally between each of the vessels and a housing for enclosing the reactor vessels, the housing defining a pressure chamber, wherein the housing is configured to sustain a pressure substantially above atmospheric pressure. This allows for simultaneous screening of library members at high pressure by providing a small pressure differential on reactor components. The disclosed apparatus is especially useful for screening library members based on their ability to catalyze the conversion of fluid reactants.

Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.

Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A proboscis for use with a diagnostic instrument includes an elongated main body having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end includes an orifice which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A fluid splash guard is affixed to the main body at the distal end, and provides protection for the orifice and lumen from being clogged with a sample fluid.

Abstract: A method including automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further including generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.

Abstract: A sample aspirating apparatus including a pipette which aspirates a sample, wherein the pipette is able to penetrate a cap of a capped container; a cap sensor which detects the cap of the capped container; a driving section which moves the pipette upward and downward; a crash sensor which detects a crash of the pipette with an obstacle; and a controller which controls the driving section to move the pipette, and stop the pipette when the crash sensor detects a crash by the pipette, wherein when aspirating a sample from a container after the cap sensor has detected a cap, the controller controls the driving section to move the pipette downward regardless of the detection by the crash sensor and thereby cause the pipette to penetrate the cap of the container. A sample analyzer which includes the above mentioned sample aspirating apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid channel device capable of easily opening the liquid channel from the closed mode, including a base plate in which a liquid channel, through which a liquid containing at least one of a sample and a reagent, flows, and a metering chamber for holding the liquid, are formed to at least one side thereof, the metering chamber has a liquid transport section for transporting the liquid inside the chamber downstream, and this liquid transport section is operated by means of external pressing on a cover plate in the area opposite the metering chamber.

Abstract: A device for holding a sample for optical fingerprinting analysis comprises a carrier, and a distribution of non-specific interacting surfaces extending across said carrier. At least one fluidic channel allows a fluid sample to flow through at least a part of said carrier to get in touch with one or more of said non-specific interacting surfaces. One or more optical windows adjacent to said non-specific interacting surfaces enable optical analysis of results of said sample getting in touch with said non-specific interacting surfaces at multiple locations of the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus, for pipetting a fluid sample in accordance with at least one mode of operation of the pipetting apparatus, which is controlled by an operating parameter set, which is associated with a corresponding mode of operation, wherein the electric control device of the pipetting apparatus is designed to automatically store the at least one parameter value set determined by the user to be the at least one historic parameter value set for this mode of operation in the memory device, and is designed to provide, after the operating parameter set for this mode of operation has changed, the at least one automatically stored historic parameter value set for this mode of operation again for the subsequent control of the at least one, same, pipetting process. The invention also relates to a method for operating the pipetting apparatus.

Abstract: A handle pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, said cylinder having a movable piston, an elongate handle (1), by which the pipette can be manually gripped, said handle having an upper part, and in the upper part of the handle, a sideways extending finger support (7), which finger support (7) is at least partly flexible and/or it can be shaped by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for manipulating laboratory pipettes in a programmable manner. The present invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for allowing a user to instruct the device to perform a specific process; identifying the type, location and identity of the consumables to be used; manipulating a plurality of pipettes for performing the liquid handling; monitoring the process during and after its execution; generating a detailed report for the plurality of actions. Other aspects of this invention include optimization of the liquid dispensing performances of a pipette; monitoring and controlling individual actions by means of vision; virtualization of the protocol definition by means of a reality augmented software interface; integration of the system in a conventional laboratory environment workflow.

Abstract: A sample holder, such as a microscope slide, is provided in the form of a card-shaped substrate or plate, preferably for use in an analytical reader. The sample holder comprises at least one hole, preferably a plurality of holes, for receiving a sample to be analyzed. The at least one hole extends completely through the substrate and is sized such that the sample is held within the at least one hole by means of the surface tension of the sample against the force of gravity. Optionally the substrate comprises a first upper substrate and a second lower substrate that together embed a porous membrane. As a further option the sample holder comprises a first cover attached to the top side of the first upper substrate and/or a second cover attached to the bottom side of the second lower substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial sliding seal component (10), particularly for use in metering devices, such as syringes, pipetting piston-cylinder arrangements, and the like, comprising a sealing component (12) working together with at least one pretensioning component (14), wherein the sealing component (12) comprises a sealing segment (16) extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, on which a sealing surface (18) facing in a first radial direction for sealing and sliding contact in at least the axial direction is formed on a working surface extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, preferably running in the circumferential direction, and on which a pretensioning surface (20) extending in a second radial direction opposite to the first is formed for engaging with the pretensioning component (14) for transferring the radial pretensioning force, wherein the pretensioning component (14) comprises a sp

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter thus reducing the injuries resulting in repetitive stress injury to the thumb and hand. The new ergonomic pipette tip incorporates a separate sealing member constructed from an elastomer that is coupled to the more rigid and chemically inert elongated tubular member that becomes the receptacle for transferring the fluid sample aspirated by the pipetter. The new elastomeric sealing member allows for greater sealing capability or squeeze between the pipetter barrel and the new pipette tip while lowering the coefficient of friction between the mating parts, thus decreasing the axial ejection forces require to overcome the breakaway friction between the new ergonomic pipette tip and the pipetter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory device for handling liquids comprising a unit for handling liquids and an operating and/or display unit, wherein a device module comprises the unit for handling liquids, an operating and/or display module physically separate from the device module completely or partially comprises the operating and/or display unit, and means are provided for wirelessly communicating between the device module and the operating and/or display module.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A self-contained, mobile assay facility built in a modified armored truck is completely equipped to melt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid cash, by bullion, wire transfer, or by an open hedge. Either a transfer or hedge is initiated and confirmed from the assay facility. The ingots may be safely stored or shipped directly from the mobile facility to a wholesaler for further processing.

Abstract: It is possible to correctly determine whether a change in the pressure or flow rate is caused by normal opening and closing operations of a check valve and to monitor in real time whether an operation of a check valve is normal or abnormal in a liquid supply device. Light is introduced in the check valve and a change in the quantity of light transmitted through or reflected by the check valve, caused by the opening and closing of the valve is detected, so that the opening and closing operations of the check valve can be directly detected. The check valve is arranged in a pipe in the liquid supply device, and a change in the pressure in the pipe is monitored on the basis of a signal from a pressure sensor and a signal which represents the opening and closing of the check valve.

Abstract: A laboratory liquid handling system includes a pipetting module, a lab member, and a drive system. The pipetting module includes a pipettor including a pipettor shaft and a pipetting tip extending from an end of the pipettor shaft. The lab member includes a body and at least one adapter structure including an interlock feature configured to laterally receive and interlock with the pipettor shaft to releasably secure the lab member to the pipettor shaft. The drive system is operable to: selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to engage the pipettor shaft with the interlock structure to secure the lab member to the pipetting module; move the pipetting module to transport the lab member secured thereto; and selectively move the pipettor shaft laterally relative to the interlock structure to disengage the pipettor shaft from the interlock structure to thereby release the lab member.

Abstract: A detection apparatus having a read head including a plurality of microfluorometers positioned to simultaneously acquire a plurality of the wide-field images in a common plane; and (b) a translation stage configured to move the read head along a substrate that is in the common plane. The substrate can be a flow cell that is included in a cartridge, the cartridge also including a housing for (i) a sample reservoir; (ii) a fluidic line between the sample reservoir and the flow cell; (iii) several reagent reservoirs in fluid communication with the flow cell, (iv) at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the flow cell; and (v) at least one pressure source configured to move liquids from the reservoirs to the flow cell. The detection apparatus and cartridge can be used together or independent of each other.

Abstract: A sample treatment apparatus is designed to directly monitor a pressure signal from a pressure sensor to examine pressure fluctuations resulting from a sample's sway before a discharge of the sample, so that the discharge is performed after the confirmation of the absence of pressure changes. The apparatus has a detection function that allows a discharge to be started even before a pressure fluctuation vanishes completely, by allowing the operator to set a desired number of pressure monitorings, monitoring time, or pressure amplitude. The detection function also allows an alarm to be raised when a pressure fluctuation has not fallen within a given range. The sample treatment apparatus therefore allows discharge of more accurate amounts of samples.

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: The multichannel capillary biosensor system includes a selecting valve system for selection of the sample or a reagent. The selecting valve system is connected to a second valve system accommodating a sensing channel and a first bypass channel. The second valve system is connected to a directing valve system having at least two positions, with a first position being connected to a second bypass channel and a second position being connected to a detector for detecting the analyte. The device has a pump connected at one end to the second bypass channel and the detector and at a second end to a waste vessel. The device also has a control system for controlling the device. The analyte can be selected from the group of microorganisms, macromolecules, and small molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and first and second caddy segments. The first caddy segment comprises first and second electrodes. The second caddy segment comprises first and second reservoirs disposed on a first surface of the second segment, a channel disposed on a second surface of the second segment, and first and second vias extending between the first and second surfaces. The first caddy segment is attached to the first surface of the second caddy segment. The card is attached to the second surface of the second caddy segment such that the card provides a closed surface for the device.

Abstract: This passive one-way valve is used in a connection portion between first and second flow channels, and includes: an inlet portion into which a fluid from the first flow channel flows; an elastic portion for blocking the inlet portion; a rigid portion for supporting the elastic portion from a side opposite to the inlet portion across the elastic portion; a gap portion formed around the rigid portion; and an outlet portion which is in communication with the gap portion for letting the fluid flow out into the second flow channel. Furthermore, the inlet portion is hermetically sealed by the elastic portion being pressed against the inlet portion side by the rigid portion. According to this passive one-way valve, it is possible to provide a simple and inexpensive passive one-way valve without requiring special equipment such as a vacuum pump and pressurized air, and to provide a microfluidic device using the same.

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 vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A method of generating a plurality of pipettes. The method comprises providing a tubular element, cutting the tubular element to form a plurality of two pipettes length components each having a length of about two target pipettes, simultaneously rotating the plurality of two pipettes length components, heating a central portion of each one of the rotated two pipettes length components, stretching each two pipettes length component to extend the respective central portion, and dividing each two pipettes length component at the extended central portion to form the two target pipettes.

Abstract: Polymer-based micro-cantilevers for depositing material onto a surface include, in one embodiment, a body portion, an elongated beam portion sized smaller than and extending from the body portion and having a length greater than about 500 microns. The body portion includes a reservoir and the elongated beam portion having a passageway disposed therein. The passageway has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet opening at a distal end of the elongated beam portion. The passageway comprises a width greater than 10 microns to about 100 microns, and a height of about 25 microns to about 100 microns. Methods for delivering fluid and living cells using the polymer-based micro-cantilevers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap having a plurality of rib structures situated on an inner wall of the cap to facilitate the formation of air passageways as the cap is penetrated by a pipette tip. The air passageways aid in venting air from a fluid-holding vessel closed with the cap.

Abstract: A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through the use of a PDA which includes a health management program stored in the PDA that prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary, and transmits the data summary from the PDA to a second processing unit through a communication port. A drop-down list related to subjective symptoms is provided, which includes stress and depression. A touch screen is provided for a graphical user interface. The health management program also provides prompts for the entry of diet data, and further displays drop-down lists related to daily activities and alerts for medication delivery.

Abstract: A reagent kit is provided comprising a plurality of containers with top-side openings, a common support structure or a plurality of support structures associated to the containers, and a plurality of caps. Each container and cap is mountable or provided on the common or the associated support structure, wherein each cap is formed essentially rectangular, having two shorter edges and two longer edges, and comprises: a cap body, a lid hinged to the cap body so to pivot around a pivot axis at least between closed and opened positions, the pivot axis being essentially parallel to the shorter edges. The containers and associated caps are arranged in a row along a connecting line such that the pivot axes are orthogonal to the connecting line. For at least one of the containers, an end portion of the cap body opposite to the pivot axis is not covered by the lid.

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: A sealing pipette tip includes features to seal the tip directly against the piston in an air displacement pipette, avoiding the need for a piston seal within the pipette. This configuration reduces potential points of failure, allows the pipette-tip interface to be optimized, and improves liquid handling characteristics of the pipette.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vapor or liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a metal seal aligned and in contact with hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of said metal seal. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.

Abstract: A metabolite monitoring system comprising a microdialysis probe including a semi-permeable membrane and a probe flow path passing from an inlet through a sensing volume adjacent to said semi-permeable membrane to an outlet, a fluid delivery device for delivering dialysate to said inlet; and a metabolite monitoring system associated with said outlet for monitoring a concentration of at least one metabolite in said dialysate from said microdialysis probe, wherein said fluid delivery device is configured to deliver a pulsed flow of said dialysate to said inlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus having a diptube and also a metal seal aligned and in contact with the hardened opposing flat surfaces of a top wall member and a protuberance on a side wall member, wherein the hardened opposing flat surfaces of the top wall member and the protuberance have a hardness greater than the hardness of the metal seal. The apparatus further has a temperature sensor and a source chemical level sensor extending through a centrally located portion of the top wall member and generally vertically downwardly to a sump cavity centrally located on a bottom wall member. The dispensing apparatus may be used for dispensing of reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices.