Abstract: The present invention is to present an analyzer, comprising: a container holder for holding a liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes a container body having an opening at a top end and containing a liquid, and a cover for sealing the opening; a liquid aspirating device comprising a liquid aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid within the liquid container held by the container holder; and an opening device for opening the opening such that the liquid aspirating tube is able to be inserted into the liquid container, by conducting a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation releases a sealing state between the cover and the opening under a condition that the cover is covering the opening, and the second operation moves the cover to a position at which the opening is not being covered by the cover under a condition that the sealed state is being released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing more reliable wireless communication and power to sensors in electrically challenging bioprocess environments is disclosed. An unconnected antenna is located within the bioprocess environment, preferably in the same plane as the primary powered antenna. This unconnected antenna, also referred to as reflective antenna, enhances and confines the electromagnetic field created by the powered antenna. This reflective antenna is incorporated in or proximate to the devices containing a sensor or communication device. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna is incorporated into the filter housing. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into the filtering element itself. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into or affixed on the disposable bioprocess components, such as bags and tubes.

Abstract: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

Abstract: A reducing agent container having a multi-function and having a container body thereof is provided with at least a heat exchanger which permits a heating medium using an engine as a heat source thereof to circulate therein for performing the heat exchange with a liquid reducing agent and a strainer which filtrates foreign substances from the liquid reducing agent, the heat exchanger and the strainer being attached to a top board of the container body. Further, a suction pipe capable of sucking the liquid reducing agent from the inside of the container body is connected to the strainer, and a supply port for the liquid reducing agent from which the foreign substances are filtrated is formed in the strainer. Thus, the whole of strainer is not exposed to the outside air, especially, the wind during traveling, and accordingly, the freezing of the urea aqueous solution in the strainer can be suppressed.

Abstract: In a pretreatment apparatus for transferring and mixing a specimen liquid and a reagent in a reagent reservoir, comprising containers for holding the specimen liquid and the reagent, flow paths connecting the containers in series, and a dialysis flow path including a dialysis membrane facing to the flow path, the mixing is brought about by transferring the liquid from the containers to the flow paths and a return by stoppage of transferring the liquid, and subsequently the liquid is made flow into the dialysis flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for limiting adsorptive and/or oxidative protein losses in a sample.

Abstract: A rotating device including a main body, a tray, a cover and a motor is provided. The tray is disposed in the main body and is adapted to support an object. The cover is disposed in the main body and is adapted to cover the object. The motor is disposed in the main body and is adapted to drive the object to rotate. When the object rotates to cause a liquid on the object to move away from the object, the cover prevents the liquid from moving to the main body. In addition, a blood analysis equipment is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible container (10) for capturing and or storing saliva, blood or any other body fluid, or biological sample of contained DNA and or other nucleic acid for immediate or later analysis. This bag holds one or more strips (22) assembled from purpose prepared absorbent matrix. A desiccant-containing pouch may be bonded to the interior of the storage device. When the flexible container is manipulated to the open position, the matrix, which is bonded to the interior, becomes exposed. A specimen can then be applied to this matrix. When opened, the bag stands up on its own, allowing the matrix to dry. Upon closure, the air-dried specimen-containing matrix withdraws inside the bag. This flexible container provides in one package, without the need for direct handling of the matrix, a specimen holding means, and protective storage within a substantially airtight, light-proof, and moisture-proof environment for a considerable period of time.

Abstract: Collection containers for urine and other liquid samples are described. The collection containers include a handle attachment which allows a handle to be attached. Use of the handle reduces the likelihood that patients will soil their hands while providing urine and other samples into the collection container. In addition, the handle attachment allows a portion of the sample to be transferred through it and into a handle that also acts as a test container. The collection containers are also biodegradable and reduce the amount of waste generated.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: A label including a label body having an upper surface and a bottom surface and a light-transmissive portion and an opaque portion is disclosed. The label includes an adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface for affixing the label body to a portion of a container. An excitation-activatable material arranged to contain machine readable information is disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of the light-transmissive portion of the label body. The machine readable information is undetected by a detector in ambient light, and detectable by the detector upon application of an excitation wavelength to the excitation-activatable material.

Abstract: A sample processing system, and a method in relation thereto, adapted to automatically process a sample, e.g. a faecal sample, prior to the analysis of the sample. The system comprises a sample container for collecting a sample, and a control unit comprising a stored processing recipe that includes parameters to be used to automatically perform the processing of the sample. The control unit is adapted to generate robot control signals, obtained from said processing recipe, to be applied to a robot arranged to move the sample container between different units of the system and to generate control signals to a specific unit when the sample container is about to be treated by that unit.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) comprises a working film (10) for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with an electrode array (20) when the working film (10) of the cartridge (1) is placed on said electrode array (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial.

Abstract: Provided is a sample packing device for packing a sample with respect to a microchip for performing reaction of a micro component contained in the sample, the microchip at least including: a sample reservoir; a reaction reservoir; and a channel connected between the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir, in which a package including a sample chamber packed in advance with the sample is mounted on the microchip so as to pack the sample in the sample chamber into the sample reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample chamber with a cover plate and a bottom plate which is joined thereto in a fixed manner, wherein a recess is provided in the cover plate so that a reservoir is formed by the bottom plate, wherein a planar element with holes is provided in the reservoir, wherein the holes have a predetermined arrangement and/or size.

Abstract: An adhesion method capable of strongly adhering two members without using an adhesive and without impairing a fine structure or optical properties of a joining surface, and a biochemical chip and optical component made by the same are provided. The adhesion method includes step A of forming a coating film 13 of a first film compound having a first functional group on a first joining surface 11 of a first member 21, step B of forming a coating film 14 of a second film compound having a second functional group on a second joining surface 12 of a second member 22, and step C of bringing the first joining surface 11 into contact by pressure with the second joining surface 12 while bringing a coupling agent having at least one coupling reactive group that forms a bond by a coupling reaction with the first functional group and the second functional group into contact with the first and second functional groups to form bonds by the coupling reaction.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: A specimen collection container includes inner and outer tubes. The inner tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The sidewall includes an inner surface and an outer surface having at least one annular protrusion extending therefrom. The inner tube includes at least one funnel portion adjacent the top end for directing a specimen into the inner tube interior, and an annular ring disposed about a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent the top end. The outer tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an annular recess adapted to receive a portion of the annular protrusion therein. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and a portion of the top end of the outer tube abuts the annular ring.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.

Abstract: A reservoir is supported by a base in a vertical position. A reciprocating member is positioned in the reservoir forming an internal chamber. The chamber receives growth factor starting material through an inlet in the reciprocating member. After the inlet is sealed, the reciprocating member increases the volume of the chamber to apply negative pressure to the growth factor starting material within to produce activated growth factors. The activated growth factors are extracted from the chamber through an outlet in the reciprocating member. Optionally, the growth factor starting material is held in the chamber to separate into fractions.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.

Abstract: A chip assembly for use in a microfluidic analysis system, such as a patch clamp apparatus, comprises a chip having an outer wall, a carrier structure comprising an aperture for receiving the chip, the aperture defining an inner wall, wherein the chip is arranged in the aperture with a liquid tight seal between the outer wall of the chip and the inner wall of the aperture. The chip may be sealed and bonded to the carrier structure by means of a bonding material, such as an UV curing adhesive. A through hole in the chip is aligned with the aperture in the carrier structure. A method for manufacturing the chip assembly is further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluid-containing pouches and to methods for forming fluid-containing pouches. In one embodiment, the invention is to a fluid-containing pouch, comprising first and second opposing sheets, and a fluid (e.g., a calibrant fluid, a reactant fluid or a wash fluid) disposed between the first and second opposing sheets. The first sheet and the second sheet have a substantially liquid and gas impermeable perimeter seal. The sheets may be sealed, for example, by one or more of heat crimping, pressure crimping, heat and pressure crimping, ultrasonic welding, metal-to-metal welding or laser welding. Fluid-containing pouches sealed according to the disclosed methods and apparatuses show substantially improvement in terms of reduced gas exchange, notably CO2 pressurization levels.

Abstract: In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, a zirconium crucible is provided for melting an analytical sample and is capable of inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible by using a high-purity crucible, improving the durability of high-purity zirconium as an expensive crucible material, and increasing the number of times that the zirconium crucible can be used. With this zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, the purity excluding gas components is 3N or higher, and the content of carbon as a gas component is 100 mass ppm or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction controller, wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction container and the reaction controller comprise one or a plurality of reaction chambers in which liquid is storable, and a wall that surrounds the reaction chamber, and the entirety or a part of the wall is formed by a temperature raising and lowering body that can raise or lower the temperature thereof according to a signal from an instructing part provided outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for sterilizing implantable biomaterials. In particular, the invention relates to a process for sterilizing collagen-containing implantable biomaterials and storage thereafter.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices.

Abstract: A blood sampling device is provided having holder with a manipulating end and an absorbent probe on the opposing end. The probe is of hydrophilic polymer sized to directly absorb a predetermined volume of up to about 30 microliters of blood. Ribs on the holder position the probe within a compartment of a container to prevent contact with the container. The ribs also position the probe within extraction wells.

Abstract: Sample container for holding and transferring a liquid sample and method thereof. The sample container includes an inlet configured to allow a liquid sample to enter a sample container, and an outlet configured to allow one or more droplets of the liquid sample to exit the sample container by one or more acoustic ejections respectively. The inlet and the outlet are in different locations.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a cap and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample. The biological sample is retained in a predetermined containment area of the container to maintain the biological sample immersed in the reagent without regard to the orientation of the container.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a biological material container between a sterile field and a nonsterile field and substantially maintaining sterility of the biological material container includes a housing assembly that removably houses the biological material container. The system also includes a port defined by the housing assembly, and the port provides communication into the biological material container from outside the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first member that covers a first portion of the biological material container such that a second portion of the biological material container extends from the first member. The housing assembly also includes a second member that covers the second portion of the biological material container. The second member is removably coupled to the first member to expose the second portion of the biological material container. A keying member that keys the transportation system in a centrifuge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell isolation apparatus includes: a cylinder member that is inserted into a container into which a reagent is to be introduced; a net which is stretched over the cylinder member; a tissue acquiring unit that is projected from the cylinder member; and a bottom lid portion that is configured by a bottomed pipe in which a first hole that communicates an interior with an exterior is formed, and that is fitted to a bottom portion of the cylinder member in a state where the net and the tissue acquiring unit are accommodated.

Abstract: A spherical dialysis chamber with a heavier cap (the density of cap material is higher than that of the dialyzer) or the distribution of weight is such that it is higher weight distribution is towards the cap, so that it tilts always towards the bottom of the container containing the dialysis buffer.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.

Abstract: A device for limiting sample evaporation. The device has a vessel body having a body exterior surface and at least one body interior surface. The at least one body interior surface has one or more walls defining a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit means. The first chamber has a first chamber opening for receiving at least one of the groups selected from a sample and a sample dispensing device. The first chamber opening defines the border of the body exterior surface and the body interior surface. The conduit means is in communication with the first chamber and the second chamber for receiving at least one of the group consisting of sample from said first chamber, a sample from a sample dispensing device and a sample dispensing device passing through or into the conduit means for placing the sample in the conduit means or into the second chamber.

Abstract: A reaction vessel with a bottom drain opening supporting a selected unpressured head of fluid by the surface tension of the fluid. A device processing zone includes a support for spaced rows of reaction vessels, passages communicating with their drain openings of supported vessels, and a pressure source for selectively draining fluid through the drain openings. Generally horizontal bar magnets are supported for selected vertical movement between the vessel rows. A dispensing head has X discharge openings selectively positionable over X selected reaction vessels. A metering pump mechanism selectively meters X a selected quantity of fluid a bulk supply (where X is at least four), and selectively pumps the metered selected quantities through the drain openings to the selected reaction vessels. Methods of drawing fluid from the vessels using the pressure source, and moving the magnets to form a pellet of analyte are also included.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into slots in the protective sheath fixing the slide into position in protective sheath. Fixation points are built on the side of the slide to allow a user or automated system to place and retrieve protective sheath.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for binding particles for the separation and/or isolation of biological materials. In particular, a container is provided including a suspension of binding particles for the isolation of biological material, inner walls forming an elongate groove at the bottom of said container, and a cover having openings and/or being penetrable for a linear arrangement of multiple pipets or pipet tips, said openings being located above and parallel to said elongate groove.

Abstract: A single-used matrix sampling device for the single-used, disposable or autoclavble packed-bed bioreactor is provided herein. The present invention includes a tube means and a matrix collecting means. The matrix collecting means configured for collecting the cell culture matrix includes a receptacle and a pulling means connected to the receptacle or the matrix collecting means could be scoop-like in configuration; the tube means is configured for preventing the matrix collecting means from being contaminated while mechanically or pneumatically sampling; and the tube means could be sealed to enclose the sampled matrix collecting means after sampling. A single-used matrix sampling method for a single-used, disposable or autoclavble packed-bed bioreactor is also provided. The present invention could be utilized to aseptically collect the cell culture matrix from the packed-bed bioreactor without requiring to face the risks of contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vessel for withdrawing blood, the vessel containing a solution which comprises a guanidinium salt, a buffer substance, a reducing agent, and/or a detergent as components. The vessel is particularly suited for withdrawing blood which is to be analyzed with respect to nucleic acids.

Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose, a disposable and removable cartridge for providing easy access to test strips, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose has a disposable and removable cartridge, a retaining member which releasably retains the test strips in a stacked configuration, and a housing. The disposable and removable cartridge has a rigid lid attached to a flexible body.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.