Abstract: A device is provided, comprising a cell trap comprising a plurality of micro-chambers, each micro-chamber configured to hold a cell. The device can further comprise a manipulator array comprising a plurality of manipulators, each manipulator in spatial communication with a respective micro-chamber, wherein each manipulator comprises a needle, a stage, and an actuator, wherein the needle is mounted to the stage, and the actuator is operable to apply force to the stage in a direction to move the needle to penetrate a cell in the respective micro-chamber.

Abstract: A pipette for use with a pipette tip includes a housing, a pin on the bottom end of the housing holding a pipette tip having first means for form-fit connection and a second means for form-fit connection which can be shoved onto the pin, constricting the pin, and/or expanding the tip before form-fit connection with the pin, a drive apparatus, at least one locking sleeve arranged concentric to the pin which is guided toward the pin in the housing, wherein the locking sleeve has a locked position having a pin in the inside constricted by shoving on a pipette tip, and/or is bordered on the outside by a tip shoved onto the pin, preventing a release from the pin, and the locking sleeve is upwardly displaceable out of the locked position so that the pin, and/or the tip is released, and the tip is removable from the pin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid handling devices that include integrated card and pipette tip devices, for use with multichannel liquid dispensing devices.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for picking a target material from a sample.

Abstract: The invention further relates to a method for producing said pipetting device.

Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller may include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette controller; a pressure tank pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; a pump pneumatically connected to the pressure tank and configured to inject air into the pressure tank to create positive air pressure inside the pressure tank; an aliquot valve controlling airflow between the pressure tank and the pipette holder; and an electronic control. The electronic control may open and close the aliquot valve.

Abstract: A pipette device having a pipette unit (1), a positioning unit (4), a micro-dosing unit (5) and a control device (6). The micro-dosing unit (5) is implemented separately from the pipette unit (1). However, it can be coupled to the pipette unit (1) in a precisely defined relative position. The pipette unit (1) thus has a coupling device (10) and the micro-dosing unit (5) has a corresponding counter-coupling device (11). One of the two devices can be switched. By switching the coupling device (10) and/or the counter-coupling device (11), the micro-dosing unit (5) can be coupled to the pipette unit (1) or decoupled from the pipette unit (1) as desired. If the micro-dosing unit (5) is coupled to the pipette unit (1), it can be moved to different operating positions together with the pipette unit (1).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-chamber plate with a built-in sample, including: settling a micro-chamber plate for sample injection at a micro-chamber plate receiving part formed with an upper opening; disposing a cover for micro-chamber plate receiving part to cover the upper opening, the cover for micro-chamber plate receiving part having a provisional storing part and an auxiliary covering part connected with the provisional storing part and formed with a through-hole for auxiliary covering part; and manufacturing a micro-chamber plate with a built-in sample by putting the micro-chamber plate receiving part, on which the cover is disposed, into a centrifugal separator which can apply vacuum, applying centrifugal force and injecting a sample solution provisionally stored in the provisional storing part into the micro-chamber plate through a vessel communication part which is formed at the provisional storing part to be communicated with the micro-chamber plate receiving part.

Abstract: Many applications in cell biology, genetic engineering, cell-based therapeutics, and drug discovery require precise and safe methods for introducing membrane-impermeable molecules into cells. This can be implemented satisfactorily by microinjection. However, disadvantages of traditional manual microinjection include high degree of operator skill, low throughput and labor-intensiveness. Many studies have focused on developing automated and high-throughput systems for microinjection to address these limitations. However, none have provided sufficient throughput for applications such as ex vivo cell therapy, where manipulation of many cells is helpful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro chamber plate, and more particularly, to an analytic micro chamber plate in which a plurality of reaction solutions including a primer or probe selectively reacting with a nucleic acid react with each other without cross-contamination to measure and analyze a fluorescence level in real-time so as to analyze biological sample solution including a large amount of nucleic acids. Also, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the analytic chamber plate. Also, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a micro chamber plate with a built-in sample used for manufacturing the analytic chamber plate. Also, the present invention relates to an apparatus set for manufacturing the micro chamber plate with a built-in sample.

Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing fluid is presented. The cartridge comprises a valve. The valve comprises a pumping chamber for pumping the fluid. The valve positions a pumping chamber conduit. The pumping chamber conduit is connected to the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a plunger for changing the volume of the pumping chamber. The cartridge further comprises a reservoir conduit for connecting the reservoir with the valve. The valve positions the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the reservoir conduit. The cartridge further comprises an outlet conduit for dispensing the fluid. The valve further rotates the pumping chamber conduit to connect with the outlet conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus, and a method for producing the same, comprising: —a valve arrangement having at least one valve device for setting a pipetting pressure, wherein the valve device comprises a valve chamber; —at least one pump device, which is connected to the valve chamber to generate a chamber pressure in the valve chamber; —a pipetting channel, to which the pipetting container can be connected, and; —a bypass channel, which is open to the surrounding environment; wherein the pipetting channel and the bypass channel are each connected to the valve chamber; —and wherein the at least one valve device is designed such that, to generate the desired pipetting pressure in the pipetting channel, the chamber pressure is distributed in a metered manner by the valve device between the pipetting channel and the bypass channel.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for detecting and/or identifying one or more specific microorganisms in a culture sample. Indicator particles, such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-active nanoparticles, each having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest, can form a complex with specific microorganisms in the culture sample. Further, agitating magnetic capture particles also having associated therewith one or more specific binding members having an affinity for the one or more microorganisms of interest can be used to capture the microorganism-indicator particle complex and concentrate the complex in a localized area of an assay vessel for subsequent detection and identification. The complex can be dispersed, pelleted, and redispersed so that the culture sample can be retested a number of times during incubation so as to allow for real-time monitoring of the culture sample.

Abstract: A system for inserting reagent or macrobeads into bores of a sample plate is disclosed comprising an insertion device arranged to retain one or more reagent or macrobeads by means of a vacuum whilst inserting the reagent or macrobeads into bores of the sample plate.

Abstract: The pipetting method is directed to mounting and ejecting a disposable pipette tip. The pipetting system has one or more tip mounting shafts with an upper locking section and a lower sealing section. The upper locking section has outwardly extending lobes spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member. The lower sealing section on the tip mounting shaft is located below the stop. As the mounting shaft is inserted into the collar of the disposable pipette, the collar distorts out of round and engages the lobes on the upper locking section of the tip mounting shaft. Contemporaneously, the lower sealing section of the mounting shaft seals against the barrel of the disposable pipette tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for metering liquids, for example a pipette or a metering button. The device comprises a joint forming a seal between a hollow cylinder and a piston housed inside the cylinder, the piston being moved vertically so as to suck in or expel the liquid. During the metering operation, the joint remains fixed with respect to the movement of the piston and comprises parts formed by portions having dedicated geometric and mechanical characteristics which make it possible to locally optimize the functions the sliding, sealing, and fastening in the cylinder.

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 dosing device comprises a housing. The housing has a slot-shaped opening in the axial direction. The respective region of a setting cylinder located inside the housing can be seen from the exterior through the opening. The setting cylinder can be radially rotated or set by way of a setting wheel. Quantitative indications of the discharge volumes for various syringe types at various settings are arranged in columns on the setting cylinder in the form of a table. The cylinder is oriented relative to the window in the housing such that at a given angular setting of the cylinder the correct discharge volume is visible in the window for every syringe type.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may function to transfer samples in a controlled environment. The system may include a sample container configured to convey a sample from a first device to a second device. The first device may be under pressure and the second device may be under vacuum. The second device may include a load chamber which functions to accept the sample from the sample container. The second device may include a pump chamber coupled to the load chamber using a conduit such that the pump chamber is in fluid communication with the load chamber as required. The second device may include a high vacuum pump coupled to the pump chamber. The second device may include a vacuum pump coupled to the pump chamber through the high vacuum pump in sequence. The second device may include an orifice sized to significantly restrict the flow of fluids through the conduit coupling the pump chamber to the load chamber, wherein the orifice is configured to allow for a transition from a viscous into a molecular flow.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer includes a detector and a controller. The detector includes a light source for emitting light to a prepared measurement sample and a light-receiving section for receiving light transmitted through the measurement sample. The controller is configured to performs operations comprising acquiring, based on the light detected by the detector, ratio information reflecting a ratio between a first value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reaction starting stage and a second value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reacting ending stage, and acquiring, based on the ratio information, a fibrinogen concentration in the blood sample.

Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positive displacement sampling pipette (1), comprising a control rod (8) the bottom end (16) of which controls the displacement of a device (20) for gripping the top end (86) of a piston (82) belonging to a capillary-piston assembly (84) intended to cooperate with said pipette, According to the invention, the pipette includes an ejection rod (86) of said capillary-piston assembly, movably mounted with respect to said control rod (8) such that its bottom end (54) can exert an ejection strain on the top end (86) of the piston (82) accommodated in the gripping device (20), during a relative displacement between the ejection rod (46) and the control rod (8).

Abstract: A device for collecting, treating and dispensing a biological sample is described. Use of the device permits integration of sample collection, sample treatment, and sample dispensing.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sensing molecules. A twin-nanopore probe includes a first channel and a second channel. A first pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the first channel to generate a positive pressure. A second pressure-controlled reservoir is connected to the second channel to generate a negative pressure. A container includes ionic solvent with molecules, and a tip of the twin-nanopore probe is submerged in the container of the ionic fluid with the molecules. The first channel, the second channel, the first pressure-controlled reservoir, and the second pressure-controlled reservoir are filled with the ionic fluid. The first pressure-controlled reservoir drives the ionic fluid out of the first channel and the second pressure-controlled reservoir draws in the ionic fluid with the molecules and solvent through the second channel. A flow of ionic current in the twin-nanopore probe is measured to differentiate the molecules that flow through the second channel.

Abstract: A capillary dispenser includes at least one plunger-cylinder unit having a cylinder module and a plunger module disposed together on an axis. The cylinder module has an inner cylinder that is pneumatically connected to at least one capillary. The plunger module includes a hollow plunger that is closable on one side and is movable in the inner cylinder along the axis between an upper end position and a lower end position of the plunger module.

Abstract: A handheld multichannel air displacement pipette is modular in construction and includes compliant joints and molded plastic components in place of various machined metal, glass, and ceramic components found in traditional multichannel pipettes. These improvements are made without sacrificing performance in channel-to-channel consistency, accuracy, and precision. The multichannel pipette is inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, reliable, and easy to assemble and service.

Abstract: A sample preparation dosing unit for liquid dosing is provided comprising an inlet port and an outlet port fluidically coupling the sample preparation dosing unit to a supply and target, respectively; a pump, fluidically arranged between the inlet port and the outlet port; an outlet flow restrictor with an outlet flow resistance, fluidically arranged between a pump outlet and outlet port; and a control arrangement with a branch, a control valve, and a control flow restrictor with a control flow resistance. The branch divides the flow at the pump outlet into an outlet flow through the outlet flow restrictor and into a control flow through the control flow restrictor. The control flow downstream of the control flow restrictor is fed, depending on the state of the control valve, either into the outlet port thereby merging with the outlet flow downstream of the outlet flow restrictor, or into a bypass conduit.

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: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.

Abstract: It comprises, in addition to a sampling system (3), at the outlet of a vat (1) containing the liquid to be sampled, a selector (4) that establishes switching on an array of similar vats (1), and especially a suction unit (5) that operates by releasing compressed air into a nozzle (28); the airflow direction is controlled by a valve (29) between a direction directed toward the outlet (6), causing the suction of the liquid from the vat (1), and an opposite direction when the valve (29) is closed, feeding the liquid back into the vat (1) and cleaning the pipe (2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus providing for receiving liquids and for applying liquids on sample carriers.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: A multichannel pipette with a base body, several spigots for clamping up pipette tips, arranged parallel side by side in a row, protruding from the base body and mounted on the base body so as to be movable in their longitudinal direction, at least one displacement equipment with a displacement chamber and a displacement member dislocatable therein, wherein the displacement chamber is connected to connection holes in the spigots in order to eject or aspirate air through openings of the connection holes in lower ends of the spigots, a first drive device, connected to the displacement member and adapted to dislocate the displacement member in the displacement chamber, first spring elements, engaging on the spigots and on the base body, wherein the spigots are dislocatable upward in their longitudinal direction from a starting position against the spring action of the first spring elements.

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 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 multi-channel wellplate filling system has a peristaltic pump for pumping fluid through multiple flexible tubes. The system also includes multiple pipette tip mounting shafts arranged in a linear array and in fluid communication with a respective flexible tube of the tubing set. Disposable pipette tips are mounted on the pipette tip mounting shafts. A controller operates the peristaltic pump in reverse and forward directions respectively in order to aspirate liquid into disposable pipette tips mounted on the pipette tip mounting shafts and dispense liquid in a metered amount from the disposable pipette tips into a wellplate positioned on a wellplate platform in the system. The system can also be converted into a wellplate wash station.

Abstract: Sample processing methods and systems to collect and dilute a biological sample. A device collects a predetermined volume of sample in one chamber, seals the chamber upon activation, and mixes the sample with a predetermined volume of reagent.

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: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus, in particular for pipetting a fluid sample by aspiration into a pipetting container by means of air under a pipetting pressure, said pipetting apparatus comprising: a valve arrangement having at least one valve device for setting a pipetting pressure, wherein the valve device comprises a valve chamber; at least one pump device, which is connected to the valve chamber to generate a chamber pressure in the valve chamber; a pipetting channel, to which the pipetting container can be connected, and; a bypass channel, which is open to the surrounding environment; wherein the pipetting channel and the bypass channel are each connected to the valve chamber; and wherein the at least one valve device is designed such that, to generate the desired pipetting pressure in the pipetting channel, the chamber pressure is distributed in a metered manner by the valve device between the pipetting channel and the bypass channel.

Abstract: An enhancement water system to produce a serving of enhanced filtered water is described. The present system describes a faucet mount water enhancement system that includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a source of water at the inlet, and a filter component within the housing. Source water is converted into treated water as it flows through the filter component under the influence of pressure. The housing further includes an outlet for outflow of treated water. A first enhancement module is disposed outside the housing adjacent the outlet and the first enhancement module is effective to dispense a desired amount of a first enhancement for use in combining with treated water dispensed from the outlet.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a reagent fluid dispensing device may be provided. The reagent fluid dispensing device may include a chamber for receiving a reagent fluid, the chamber having a first opening and a second opening; a first fluid conduit connected to the first opening of the chamber; a reservoir connected to the first fluid conduit, the reservoir having a first opening, wherein the first opening of the reservoir is connected to the first fluid conduit to form a passive valve, wherein the reservoir is dimensionalized for storing a predetermined volume of the reagent fluid; and a pneumatic conduit connected to the second opening of the chamber, wherein selective application of pneumatic pressure to the chamber through the pneumatic conduit transfers the reagent fluid from the reservoir to the chamber through the first fluid conduit. According to various embodiments, a microfluidic device including the reagent fluid dispensing device, and a method of dispensing a reagent fluid may be provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for the automated pipetting of fluids are disclosed as well as a method for calibrating the system. A channel pump having at least one tip-sided port connected to a pipetting tip by a tip-sided pump conduit for generating a positive or negative pressure in the pipetting tip, and at least one reservoir-sided port connected to a system fluid reservoir by a reservoir-sided pump conduit is provided. The channel pump when operated at a nominal flow rate exhibits a fluid backflow caused by a pressure difference in the tip- and reservoir-sided pump conduits which results in an effective flow rate compared to the nominal flow rate. Such a pressure difference can be used to determine an extended pipetting period which extends a pipetting period of the channel pump operating at the nominal flow rate, and to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a plurality of liquid volumes sequentially to a reaction site is provided, the apparatus comprising a vessel having a plurality of solid spacers arranged in linear order therein so as to define a series of adjacent voids, separated by individual solid spacers, for receiving said liquid volumes, the vessel being provided in a lateral wall with a plurality of reversibly sealable openings through which the liquid volumes for delivery to the reaction site may be introduced into the voids defined therein, and an outlet port, the spacers being movable within the vessel such that, in use, liquid volumes disposed in the individual voids are deliverable sequentially through the ‘outlet port to the reaction site. Also provided are units, such as disposable cartridge units, comprising such an apparatus coupled to a reaction site and systems comprising such units together with means for interrogating the reaction site to determine the outcome of the reaction.

Abstract: A pipette component for use in performing an experimental procedure with a fluid sample and a pipette, the pipette component including: a pipette interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a body of the pipette; a tip interface configured to engage sealingly and separably with a replaceable tip; and an experiment region configured to receive at least part of the fluid sample by operation of the pipette, and configured to perform at least part of the experimental procedure in the experiment region using the at least part of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A dosing device for liquids, with a distributor rail and a plurality of dosing units for the liquid that are hydraulically connected to the replaceable distributor rail. Each dosing unit has a valve unit, preferably a suction valve, a discharge valve and a discharge cannula. A piston-cylinder unit is detachably arranged on each valve unit for drawing in and measured discharging of the liquid. Each valve unit has a hydraulic connection element for detachable hydraulic connection to the distributor rail. The distributor rail has an elongate fluid supply line, a supply connection for the liquid being provided on an end of the distributor rail and dosing unit connections being distributed laterally along the length of the rail. Each of the dosing unit connections are detachably coupled to the hydraulic connection elements of the dosing units. The distributor rail is a replaceable part made of a preferably recyclable, injection-moldable plastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration method, a filter-incorporated tip and a filtration device, and its object is to perform efficient and swift isolation of a target substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for liquid transfer and performing reactions. In one aspect, a system includes a liquid transfer device having a housing having a pipette tip and a plunger assembly; and a reaction chamber, wherein the housing of the liquid transfer device is configured to sealably engage with the reaction chamber. In another aspect, a liquid transfer device including a housing having a pipette tip; and a plunger assembly disposed within the housing and the pipette tip, wherein a portion of the plunger assembly is configured to engage a fluid reservoir such that the plunger assembly remains stationary relative to the fluid reservoir and the housing moves relative to the plunger assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling system may be used in a fluid displacement apparatus to magnetically couple a drive shaft to a piston. The magnetic coupling system may include first and second magnetic couplers at the ends of the drive shaft and piston, respectively. The first magnetic coupler and second magnetic coupler may be configured to exert an attractive force. A bearing between the magnetic couplers reduces friction and side loading.