Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercable hermetic cover (2) for a bioassay cartridge (4) with at least one reaction chamber (6). Characteristic for the invention is that: the cover (2) comprises at least a top layer (8), a middle layer (10), a bottom layer (12), and sites intended for piercing (14); and the cover (2) has, at the sites (16) intended for piercing, a hollow space (18) between the top layer (14) and the bottom layer (12). The present invention also relates to a system (20) comprising a bioassay cartridge (4) and a cover (2) for the cartridge (4). The present invention further relates to use of the cover (2) for covering the cartridge (4).

Abstract: A method of rapidly detecting trace materials including biohazards, toxins, radioactive materials, and narcotics in situ is disclosed. A corresponding apparatus is disclosed. A trace of the material is collected on a pad of the card component, collected by swiping the pad on suspected surface or exposure to the suspected air volume. A novel card component is disclosed that when inserted in a chemical detection unit (CDU), releases reaction chemicals from flexible walled capsules in desired sequence. The exposed pad containing trace material and chemicals are heated in the chemical detection unit to produce a spectral pattern that is analyzed by the optical electronics in the CDU and results are displayed, stored and/or transmitted over a communications network.

Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.

Abstract: A fraction collector where fractions of liquid are sequentially dispensed from a dispensing means into a plurality of receptacles arranged in a cassette in the fraction collector, by displacing the dispensing means relative to the receptacles, the receptacles being arranged at predefined positions with respect to the cassette and the cassette being arranged at a predetermined position with respect to the fraction collector, wherein the cassette is retained at the predefined position with respect to the fraction collector by a magnetic arrangement.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a slide for analyzing target analytes of a suspension. The slide can be used to collect and hold the target analyte for imaging or further processing. The slide comprises a well section, including wells into which the target analyte can be stored. The wells may be removable and sized to fit into a second apparatus, such as a PCR thermocycler, for additional processing. Alternatively, the wells may hold processing vessels, such as PCR tubes, the processing vessels being used for downstream processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

Abstract: A biological sample well plate includes a plate member having a top surface and a plurality of wells therein, each well being defined by an opening in the plate member top surface and an inner well surface that slopes downwardly to a well bottom having an upwardly extending projection, such that each well bottom of the plurality of wells defines a circumferential trough.

Abstract: A microreactor with at least one cavity, which comprises a bottom, a side wall and an opening disposed opposite the bottom, has a cross-section intersecting the side wall parallel to the bottom, the cross-section having a shape diverging from a round, square or rectangular shape.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges and has disposable cartridges each with a bottom layer, a top layer and a gap therebetween. A base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and at least one electrode array with electrodes works with a cover plate at the sites and a control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing them with voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The cover plate has an electrically conductive material that extends parallel to the array. A selection of disposable cartridges and a method for manipulating samples in liquid droplets that adhere to a hydrophobic surface can be used with the system.

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: A system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in urine samples which includes: 1) several disposable cartridges for holding four disposable components including a centrifuge tube, a pipette tip having a 1 ml volume, a second pipette tip having a 0.5 ml volume, and an optical cup or cuvette; 2) a sample processor for receiving the disposable cartridges and processing the urine samples including transferring the processed urine sample to the optical cups; and 3) an optical analyzer for receiving the disposable cartridges and configured to analyze the type and quantity of micro-organisms in the urine sample. The disposable cartridges with their components including the optical cups or cuvettes are used in the sample processor, and the optical cups or cuvettes containing the processed urine samples are used in the optical analyzer for identifying and quantifying the type of micro-organism existing in the processed urine samples.

Abstract: A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided.

Abstract: A microwell plate is described, including a frame 2 that has a frame plate 4 made of a first material having holes 2?, and a vessel 3 formlockingly connected to the frame plate 4 and made from a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate including soft block ester units, derived from monomers including an alpha, omega C6-20 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, a dihydroxyaromatic compound, and a carbonate source.

Abstract: A microfluidic disk includes: a disk-shaped main body; a receiving container; an injection channel; a mixing channel; a reaction container; and a discharge container.

Abstract: An object is to provide a micro plate treating device and micro plate treating method capable of handling a larger number of kinds of solution or suspensions or a larger volume of solutions or suspensions per work area by use of a normalized micro plate without enlarging the scale of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for processing fluids and to a fluid processing device (1) for use in a centrifuge comprising: (a) a first holder (14) form-fit to the shape of a first tube (18) for holding said first tube (18) whereby said first tube (18) has a first cross section (A1); and (b) a second holder (22) form-fit to the shape of a second tube (26) for holding said second tube (26) whereby said second tube (26) has a second cross section (A2) that is different from said first cross section (A1). With the fluid processing devices and the methods according to the invention, it is possible to simplify the centrifugal processing steps for a given fluid processing sequence and to automate them.

Abstract: A fluidic device for conveying liquid to a well of a microplate. The device includes a support structure configured to be mounted along the microplate. The device also includes a microfluidic tube coupled to the support structure. The tube has an inlet, an outlet, and an open-sided channel that extends longitudinally therebetween. The tube has a cross-section that includes an interior contour with a gap therein. The gap extends at least partially along a length of the tube. The tube is configured to convey liquid to the well of the microplate when the tube is held in a dispensing orientation.

Abstract: A device is provided by means of which biomolecules in samples in a volume range from <1 ?l to 500 ?l can be received, treated and stored in a quick, reproducible and loss-free manner as easily, effortlessly and practically as possible, and without any risk of damaging the device. The device includes sample vessels that are configured, in terms of size and shape, as dimensionally and positionally stable capillaries that are open at both ends, the longitudinal walls of which are completely or partially made of a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that is used for detecting liquids or substances from liquids and includes a plunger that has a porous plunger layer which is pressed onto a sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is surrounded by elevations which spatially separate the sensors from each other like walls. In at least one embodiment, when the plunger layer is pressed onto the sensor array, the walls are pressed into the pores of the plunger layer. Liquid-tight connections are created between the walls and the plunger layer while liquid remains over the sensors. The liquid can be measured. In at least one embodiment, when there is direct mechanical contact between the plunger layer and the sensors, the liquid over the sensors is located in open pores on the surface of the plunger layer. No liquid flows between the pores and across the walls when pressure is applied to the plunger layer such that closed reaction chambers are created.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of manufacturing a sample chamber, comprising the steps of: providing a first (20) and a second (30) component, the first component (20) comprising an elastomer; treating the elastomer in the region of a contact surface of the first component (20) and/or treating a contact surface of the second component (30) with a plasma, with plasma waste gas, and/or with a reactive gas; and connecting the contact surface of the first component (20) with the contact surface of the second component (30).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for analyzing a biomaterial. The apparatus includes: a first substrate including a plurality of micro-pillars formed to protrude to a predetermined height, the biomaterial being attached to one surface of the micro-pillar; a second substrate including a plurality of micro-wells, the micro-pillars being insertable into the micro-wells when the first substrate-and the second substrate are combined with each other; and at least one spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate when the first substrate and the second substrate are combined with each other.

Abstract: A versatile drug testing device (a lateral flow diagnostic testing device) includes a flat transparent carrier with a top and a bottom with the carrier having a series of independent parallel grooves formed therein running from adjacent to the top to adjacent to the bottom of the carrier, each groove having a first opening and a second opening above the first opening therein adjacent to the bottom of the carrier, at least one drug test strip installed in one of said grooves with its absorbent pad contiguous to the openings and a cover layer attached to the carrier operable to sealing close each of said grooves whereby the bottom of the device can be immersed in a specimen of urine, body fluid, or other biological specimen to wet the pad of the at least one test strip though the ingress of the specimen though the associated openings and the test results on the test strip can be easily viewed through the transparent carrier.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A probe array base including probe-holding portions which are periodically arranged on a solid base member and which have grooves is prepared by anisotropically etching a single-crystalline silicon substrate. Probe solutions are supplied to the probe-holding portions by capillary action from a plurality of tank arrays having a certain cylinder period. This allows a probe array to be completed. The probe array is used as, for example, a DNA or antigen chip, has a high degree of integration, and is capable of holding a constant and sufficient number of probe molecules.

Abstract: Eight containers (1) containing substances (602, 702) are held in holes (71) in a support (70). The eight containers (1) containing different substances or the same substances in different amounts graduated in mole equivalents form a set (69) of containers containing substances, which set can be used for carrying out a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat retaining device for solving problematic adhesion of a container to the heat retaining device. The heat retaining device includes a supporting rod, a top plate, a bottom plate, a heat retaining body, and a supporting spring. A pressing force applied to the container contained in the hole of the heat retaining body compresses the supporting spring to move the heat retaining body downward along the supporting rod. Release of the pressing force moves the heat retaining body upward by an elastic force of the supporting spring until the heat retaining body comes into contact with the top plate.

Abstract: A meniscus reducing member for use in a vessel for containing a liquid including a surface feature overlying at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel. The surface feature includes at least two surfaces for contacting the liquid that cooperate to reduce a width of a meniscus formed at an interface between the liquid and the surface feature by physically altering a contact angle between the liquid and the surface feature.

Abstract: Provided is a multiwell plate for an easy liquid removal, wherein the mutiwell plate includes a well with at least one pore in the sidewall defining the well, and a method of analyzing a target material using the multiwell plate.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: It is intended to obtain a photosensitive resin composition that is capable of forming a highly fine pattern with a high aspect ratio while attaining the high adhesion of the pattern to a substrate, having low autofluorescence, and being exceedingly suitable for producing a biochip that causes exceedingly low damage on cultured cells. The photosensitive resin composition for forming a biochip of the present invention contains: an epoxy compound (A1) of a particular structure having an oxycyclohexane skeleton having an epoxy group; an epoxy compound (A2) of a particular structure which is a polyvalent carboxylic acid derivative having an epoxidized cyclohexenyl group; a cationic photoinitiator (B); and a solvent (C).

Abstract: A device and a method are used for measuring the filling level of a fluid for monitoring a dispense/aspirate process in reaction vessels, including at least one cavity for dispensing and aspirating the fluid, where the cavity is provided with a filling level sensor whose signals, transmitted to an evaluation unit, are evaluated to determine the filling level, the at least one cavity is assigned a receiving body which is closed at the bottom and is separated from the cavity for receiving the fluid, the filling level sensor is at least one thermistor extending along the outside of a wall of the receiving body without coming in contact with the fluid, the evaluation unit evaluates the temperature influence of the thermistor in dispensing, aspirating and in retention of the fluid in the receiving body to detect the filling level, in this way the process monitoring in washing the reaction vessels is improved.

Abstract: An insert for a sample chamber of a multi-well plate, which delimits the sample chamber upwardly, so as to form a measurement space, when the insert is in the state in which it is fitted into the sample chamber. The insert has at least two portions with outer contours differing from one another, one of the portions being a sealing portion with a continuous sealing surface, which sealing portion is adapted to a corresponding, in particular hollow-cylindrical sealing portion, with a likewise continuous sealing surface, of the sample chamber, in such a way that the insert sealing portion and the sample chamber sealing portion can be connected to one another releasably and in a liquid-tight manner by means of a press fit.

Abstract: A microplate apparatus having a bottom plate defining a plurality of very small microwells (for example, each having a volume of 0.02 or less) for containing sample material and a top plate defining a plurality of domes, each of which housing a sensors for measuring biological parameters, such as cellular oxygen consumption, pH changes, calcium uptake, and metabolic reduction of fluorescent dyes. The top and bottom plates may be composed of quartz. The microplate assembly may be fabricated using a method involving applying an etching solution to each of the top and bottom plates to create the domes and microwells. Additionally, etching solution may be applied to the bottom plate to create a raised lip region around each of the microwells. The etched-away areas surrounding the lip regions facilitate the changing of microwell solution without disrupting the samples.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: A sample manager of a liquid chromatography system uses a sample tray having a base with side walls separated by a cross wall that divides the base into two compartments. The side walls and cross wall bound each compartment on three sides. A fourth side of each compartment is open. Each compartment is sized to closely receive a sample-vial carrier. Each compartment has a magnet affixed to a bottom surface at an edge of the open fourth side. Each of two drawers slides into the open fourth side of one compartment. Each drawer has a support surface with a magnet affixed at an edge of its bottom side, which aligns with the magnet affixed to the bottom surface of the compartment. The magnet of the drawer and the magnet of the compartment bias the drawer into its compartment when the magnets are brought into proximity of each other.

Abstract: Disclosed in an embodiment herein is a well plate system including a well plate device, including three plates disposed above one another. The two top plates include wells disposed therein which are in fluid communication with one another, and which when the device is in a resting position, the second plate rests on top of the third plate to create a fluid sealed well. The third plate includes fluid drainage openings, such that when the system is in an activated position, the plates are moved such that the fluid within the wells exits through these openings. The system can be fully automated, and can include one or more motors to control movement of the plates. The system can also operate manually with a hinge connected to the plates.

Abstract: A universal tray holder assembly on a CTC prep and load instrument is disclosed. The assembly contains sample tray and a tray support block attached directly to the sample tray, support legs attached to the tray support block at a first edge of the support legs, and clamps attached to the support leg at a second edge that is distal to the first edge. The sample tray is reversibly detachable from the tray support block when the clamps are attached to the x-beam rail, and removal and subsequent replacement of the sample tray onto the support block results in no change in the x and y positions of any sites on the sample tray relative to the positions before tray removal. The invention saves time during installation and removal because the operator does not need access to the back of the chromatograph instrument. Positions do not need to be re-taught if access to underneath the sample tray is needed. Trays can be changed without the need for purchasing a different tray holder.

Abstract: The embodiments describe methods for controlling the particles generated when cleaning and drying a wafer in a spin rinse dryer (SRD) module. In some embodiments, the substrate surface is cooled by dispensing deionized (DI) water across the surface of the substrate, while the substrate rests on the SRD chuck. In addition, a method for controlling the particles generated when sleeves in a processing module or SRD contact a substrate surface during a clamping operation or when the sleeves are removed from the substrate surface is provided. A bottom edge or lip of the sleeves and/or the surface of the wafer contacting the sleeve is wetted during clamping/unclamping operations. Alternatively, the substrate may be wetted prior to clamping/unclamping operations.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: A testing device uses a selectively deformable substrate to capture and retain spherical beads for genetic experimentation. A method of fabricating the device is described in which a silicon substrate can be coated with a photosensitive, bio-compatible polymer for photolithographic patterning using a single mask exposure. The polymer is patterned with a matrix of wells, each well capable of expansion to accept placement of a bead in the well, and contraction to secure the bead in the well. The polymer can exhibit piezoelectric properties that cause it to respond mechanically to a selected electrical excitation.

Abstract: Relates to a microplate carrier (1) for a microplate (2), in whose wells (3) magnetic particles (5), which are suspended in a liquid (4), with or without samples adhering thereto are located, the microplate carrier (1) comprising permanent magnets (6) generating magnetic fields which are implemented to collect and retain the magnetic particles (5) on the floor (14) and/or on the walls (7) of the wells (3) of this microplate (2). The microplate carrier (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises two permanent magnets (6) situated diametrically opposite in relation to the well (3) for each well (3) of the microplate (2), which have the same polarity directed toward the well (3) and whose magnetic axis (25) is at least essentially perpendicular to the footprint of the microplate (2) to be placed. A corresponding method based on the use of the microplate carrier (1) is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel multiwell array comprising a plurality of wells, the majority of which have a unique cross-sectional shape whereby each well within the array can be identified and so tracked whilst the contents of the array are investigated. The invention also concerns a computer and a programmable data storage device for use with the array and an imaging apparatus including any one or more of the afore features or aspects.

Abstract: A microtitration plate, comprising: a frame which is made of at least one laser-inscribable plastic completely or in at least one area, and a multiplicity of receptacles arranged in the frame and having an opening on one side of the frame which are made of a plastic other than the laser-inscribable plastic.

Abstract: A suction device for a matrix array of pipette tips includes a tray configured to hold a liquid dispensed by the pipette tips. The tray includes an open-pore tray bottom. A suction tray cooperates with the open-pore tray bottom so as to form a vacuum chamber with the open-pore tray bottom forming a constituent of the vacuum chamber. A suction element is indirectly connected to the tray via the vacuum chamber so as to be configured to actively draw liquid over an entire surface into the vacuum chamber by suction via the tray bottom.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: A reaction cassette for biochemical assay, a biochemical assay device including the reaction cassette, and a biochemical assay method performed by using the biochemical assay device are provided. The reaction cassette includes a first space, a second space, a third space, and an inner wall. The first space is configured to accommodate liquid and includes a first opening facing upward. The second space includes a second opening whose direction is perpendicular to the direction of the first opening. The first space and the second space are disposed such that when the reaction cassette is rotated, liquid in the first space can flow into the second space. The third space is located under the first space and includes a third opening whose direction is the same as the direction of the first opening. The inner wall connects the second opening and the third opening, which serves as a liquid flow channel between the second space and the third space.