Abstract: The present invention provides a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device in the form of an integrated structure in which a droplet may be transported by a digital microfluidic array and transferred to a microfluidic channel. In one aspect of the invention, a hybrid device comprises a first substrate having a digital microfluidic array capable of transporting a droplet to a transfer location, and a second substrate having a microfluidic channel. The first and second substrates are affixed to form a hybrid device in which an opening in the microfluidic channel is positioned adjacent to the transfer location, so that a droplet transported to the transfer location contacts the channel opening and may enter the channel. The invention also provides methods of performing separations using a hybrid digital and channel microfluidic device and methods of assembling a hybrid digital microfluidic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nozzle assembly that is compact in size and that uses plastic tubing as an injection needle. Standard plastic fittings are utilized, which are inexpensive and widely available. The nozzle assembly has a simple construction and can be easily assembled and disassembled in a few minutes by a user. Cleaning and/or replacement of parts is inexpensive. Plastic tubing can be used as an injection needle that has superior qualities over commonly used stainless steel injection needles. Flexure of the injection needle tubing is prevented because of the compact size of the nozzle cavity.

Abstract: A handheld electronic pipette including several features aimed at improving ease of use, including a color dot matrix display, an intuitive thumb-operated two-axis controller, and multifunction soft buttons adjacent to the display. A simple and consistent user interface facilitates easy access to various modes of operation, including a manual pipetting mode and a remote mode.

Abstract: A fragrance product is disclosed including a container containing liquid fragrance and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the liquid fragrance including a transport assembly and a tube connected to the transport assembly and extending into the liquid fragrance. The tube and the liquid fragrance each have a refractive index, and the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the liquid fragrance is not greater than about 0.04.

Abstract: Provided herein are substrates for matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric analysis. Each spot includes 3-hydroxypicolinic acid matrix and no analyte.

Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a microfluidic substrate having an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample, a spray unit having an inlet to receive the eluent and an outlet to emit a spray of the eluent, and a force-applying unit. The spray unit has a deformable portion defining the inlet and having an elastic modulus that is lower than an elastic modulus of the microfluidic substrate. The force-applying unit, such as a spring, is disposed to urge the deformable portion in contact with the substrate to form a substantially fluid-tight seal.

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: A flow cytometer is provided which includes an interrogation flow cell and a plurality of assay fluidic lines extending into the interrogation flow cell. A method of operating such a flow cytometer includes priming the interrogation flow cell with a sheath fluid and injecting different assay fluids into a flow of the sheath fluid through the plurality of fluidic lines. A fluidic line assembly is provided which includes a plurality of capillary tubes coupled to a base section configured for coupling to an interrogation flow cell assembly of a flow cytometer. The capillary tubes are dimensionally configured such that when the fluidic line assembly is arranged within the flow cytometer and fluid is dispensed from one or more of the capillary tubes at a given pressure differential with respect to an encompassing sheath fluid within the interrogation flow cell the fluid is substantially centrally aligned within the interrogation flow cell.

Abstract: A frame for a microfluidic chip may be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame is adapted at least for one of the following features: receiving the microfluidic chip; protecting the microfluidic chip; and, positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame. The microfluidic chip is movable relative to the frame.

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: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a metering device, in particular a multi-channel metering device. The sealing assembly serves to seal pipette tips with respect to the metering device. A multi-channel metering device comprises a multiplicity of openings arranged in one plane. A sealing plate with holes in the grid of the openings abuts this plane. Each pipette tip is provided with an annular collar which has an abutting face and is pressed against the sealing plate by force closure so as to enclose one hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro-fluidic chip including a hollow area into which a charged droplet is introduced, and an electrode configured to be provided toward the hollow area. Movement direction of a droplet in the hollow area is controlled based on electric force acting between a charge given to the droplet and the electrode.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for attaching a fluid cell to a planar substrate. The planar substrate may have on it sensors or devices for detecting components within the fluid, and/or be treated to selectively bind or react with components within the fluid. Substrates might include solid-state IC integrated circuit sensor microchips, glass slides, genomic and proteomic arrays, and or other suitable substrates that can make conformal contact with the fluid cell. The fluid cell can be mounted directly on top of the substrate to easily create a fluidic system in a wide variety of implementations. The assembly does not require modification of the substrate; all the fluidic connections are inherent in the apparatus. The present device can be made using low-cost materials and simple methods.

Abstract: A flow cytometer is provided which includes an interrogation flow cell and a plurality of assay fluidic lines extending into the interrogation flow cell. A method of operating such a flow cytometer includes priming the interrogation flow cell with a sheath fluid and injecting different assay fluids into a flow of the sheath fluid through the plurality of fluidic lines. A fluidic line assembly is provided which includes a plurality of capillary tubes coupled to a base section configured for coupling to an interrogation flow cell assembly of a flow cytometer. The capillary tubes are dimensionally configured such that when the fluidic line assembly is arranged within the flow cytometer and fluid is dispensed from one or more of the capillary tubes at a given pressure differential with respect to an encompassing sheath fluid within the interrogation flow cell the fluid is substantially centrally aligned within the interrogation flow cell.

Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of separation of compounds by electrophoresis in which the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely as samples are introduced directly into the separation tubes of the chip at the collection site, and therefore, it is not necessary to have separate fluid paths or individual sample storing apparatus that have been necessary for the conventional electrophoresis; it is easy to make the chips as the structure of the chip becomes extremely simple, and high-density arrangement of the separation tubes is enabled; and further, the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely without interference in the storage tubs by using a non-polar solvent as the solvent of the sample storage tub.