Abstract: The shock tube comprises a tube, a first electrode, a second electrode and a stopple, wherein the tube is internally provided with a cavity for accommodating a target liquid sample. The first electrode is arranged at one end of the tube. The second electrode is arranged in the stopple, and the outer end of the second electrode can be electrically connected with the exterior via an opening of the stopple. The stopple is internally provided with an elastic piece connected with the second electrode. The outer side of the elastic piece is connected with the stopple, and the inner side of the elastic piece is connected with the second electrode. The invention further provides a cell electroporation device where the shock tube can be placed.

Abstract: Inventions include methods and systems for evaluation of agriculture sites and execution of actions for improving various site parameters in a sustainable manner. In embodiments, a method for characterization and improvement of an agricultural site includes: receiving a set of agriculture samples from an agriculture site or in association with an agricultural process; generating sample data upon processing the set of samples with a set of sample processing operations; generating a set of features upon performing a set of transformation operations upon the set of data streams; returning an analysis characterizing a status of the agriculture site in relation to at least one perturbation, upon processing the set of features; and executing an action for at least one of maintaining and improving the agriculture site, based upon the analysis. The inventions implement features associated with composition, network properties, and emergent properties as biomarkers for characterizing statuses of sites under analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems comprising multiple fluidically-coupled chamber volumes. In particular, provided herein are cell culture systems that incorporate fluid flow between multiple cell culture volumes, and method of use thereof for the culture of multiple related cell/tissue types.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transporting sample using a first vacuum configuration and subsequently isolating the sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analysis system, where a second vacuum configuration transports other fluids through the system. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve having at least a first vacuum configuration to fluidically couple a first vacuum line with the first valve and having a second vacuum configuration to fluidically couple a second vacuum line with the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect presence or absence of a fluid at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block access of the first vacuum line to the first valve upon detection of the fluid at the first valve.

Abstract: A medical system includes a reusable apparatus and a disposable fluid circuit, the disposable fluid circuit being coupled to the reusable apparatus and the reusable apparatus being configured to move a fluid through the disposable fluid circuit to perform a procedure. The medical system also includes a controller coupled to the reusable apparatus and configured to control the reusable apparatus to move the fluid through the disposable circuit according to the procedure, to store a procedure record in a memory, to await a procedure termination input, and if the procedure termination input is received, to request at least one input corresponding to a procedure termination reason and to add the procedure termination reason corresponding to the input to the procedure record if received.

Abstract: A system and method for gripping, torqueing and releasing an element so as to cap and/or decap a container, such as those typically utilized to house specimens in laboratory environments. The system is driven by a single bi-directional motor linked to a coupler assembly via a rotating threaded shaft. The coupler assembly is configured to engage with an element, such as a cap or container, via mechanically-biased splines that are actuated without any complex linkages, or operative connection to the motor or other powered components. The system employs an ejector nut and an ejector, both of which are concentrically positioned about the threaded shaft. The ejector nut translates along the shaft as a function of the shaft's rotation, so as to permit the retraction of the ejector when an element is engaged in the coupler assembly or cause the ejector to extend into the coupler assembly to disengage the element.

Abstract: A waste liquid receptacle includes first and second cover members for covering first and second openings, respectively. The first cover member is made of a material that is configured to: (i) be plastically deformed upward by a first suction force in a state where a second negative pressure is generated in an upper space; and (ii) plastically deform downward by a depressing force against the first cover member downward in a state where an openable and closable lid is open and the second negative pressure is released. The second cover member is made of a material that is configured: (i) not to be plastically deformed by a second suction force in a state where a first negative pressure is generated in a waste liquid receipt space; and (ii) to be broken without being plastically deformed when a depressing force is applied to the first cover member.

Abstract: The present invention is a cuvette assembly for use in optically measuring at least one characteristic of particles within a plurality of liquid samples. The cuvette assembly comprises a main body having internal walls and external walls, and a plurality of cuvettes within the main body at least partially being defined by the internal walls. Each of the plurality of cuvettes has a liquid-input chamber for receiving a respective one of the plurality of liquid samples, a filter, and an optical chamber for receiving a respective filtered liquid sample caused by passing the respective one of the plurality of liquid samples through the filter. Each of the optical chambers includes an entry window for allowing transmission of an input light beam through the filtered liquid sample and an exit window for transmitting a forward scatter signal caused by the particles within the filtered liquid sample.

Abstract: A device and a process to count a number of colonies present in a set of samples. The colony counting device has a storage device with plural storage locations. A handling system is operative to convey samples to analyze from storage locations to an analysis area and from the analysis area to storage locations. An imaging device is operative to acquire a plurality of images of a sample to analyze, the plurality of images including all or a part of the analysis area. A processing unit is operative to implement, for each sample to analyze, a detection step to detect the presence of colonies by analyzing an image of the plurality of images of the sample and a determination step to determine the number of colonies present in the sample by counting the colonies whose presence have been detected during the detection step.

Abstract: Coordinated conveyors in an automated system. A system comprises a plurality of conveyors, which each comprise a plurality of segments, and one or more stations. An instruction is received to perform an operation that requires at least one station to process at least a first item held by a first segment of a first conveyor and a second item held by a second segment of a second conveyor. In response to the instruction, one or both of the first and second conveyors are moved, such that the first segment and the second segment are aligned at the station. After alignment, one or more instruments of the station process the first item and the second item.

Abstract: A vial and system are configured to simplify fluid input and extraction therefrom. The vial has a first end opposite a second end and with a collapsible sidewall. The sidewall can be collapsed, such as by imparting a differential pressure between an interior and exterior of the vial, for simplified fluid extraction and smooth extraction without disturbing boundaries between separated components. The vial typically has a bulb at a first end and a neck extending away from the bulb and toward the second end. An inlet spaced from the first end can be configured to attach to various different interfaces or processing elements for input and output of fluids. A support cup can be provided for use with the vial during centrifugation to allow the vial to withstand any centrifugation forces. Various fluid processing methodologies are supported by the collapsible vial, especially including methods of separation of components of blood.

Abstract: A method and device performing the method for estimation of cell count, such as sperm cell count, is disclosed. The device may be a kit including a cartridge configured to hold fluid, such as seminal fluid, and an instrument configured to centrifuge the cartridge. The cartridge and instrument are configured such that, during operation or centrifugation, they are securely attached to each other. The cartridge has a component with a defined cross-sectional volume. The defined cross-sectional volume is used to mark the component with markings, allowing a user of the device to read the markings and estimate cell volume and, thus, concentration. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for isolating a sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analysis system, such as sample analysis via ICP-MS. A system embodiment can include, but is not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve configured to permit and block access of a vacuum source to the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect presence or absence of a fluid at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block access of the vacuum source to the first valve upon detection of the fluid at the first valve to isolate the fluid within the sample reservoir.

Abstract: A discoid sample holder (1), on which a device (2) for carrying out at least one processing step is formed. According to the invention, a slot (3), into which a sampling instrument (4) can be introduced, and a mechanism (5) for releasing a sample from the sampling instrument (4) arranged in the receptacle (3), is formed in the sample holder.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides fluidic systems having a plurality of reaction sites surrounded by optical barriers to reduce the amount of optical cross-talk between signals detected from various reaction sites. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing fluidic systems and methods of using the systems.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for separating and/or purifying one or more molecules released from one or more fluid compartments or partitions, such as one or more droplets. Molecules can be released from a fluid compartment(s) and bound to supports that can be isolated via any suitable method, including example methods described herein. The disclosure also provides devices that can aid in isolating supports bound to molecules.

Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor (GMR sensor) for detecting analytes in the sample. The assembly is pneumatically and electronically mated with the reader unit via a pneumatic interface and an electronic interface such that the parameters may be implemented via the control unit. The pneumatic system is contained within the unit and has pump(s) and valve(s) for selectively applying fluid pressure to the pneumatic interface of the assembly, and thus through the communication channels, to move the sample and mixing material(s) through and to sensor.

Abstract: The cell handling device includes a container having a section to store cells; a cell detection unit for detecting a cell stored in the section; a head device for conducting picking of cells, and transfer and release of the picked cells; a control unit; and a determination unit for making a determination of a cell state including at least one of the number, properties, and arrangement of the cells based on a detection result of the cell detection unit. The control unit causes the head device to execute, according to a state determination result obtained by the determination unit, one operation selected from among operation of picking all the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a part of the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a new cell and releasing the cell in the section, and operation of terminating processing of the section.

Abstract: Embodiments of lab automation workstations are disclosed in which the pod that performs pipetting operations is integrated with pipette tip-loading functionality. To generate the necessary tip-loading force, a dual drive system is used that is symmetric about the Y-axis to allow for offset or partial tip box loads by dynamically centering the drive force (e.g., the tip-loading force) over the reaction load. This minimizes the need for oversized linear motion components while still allowing for the generation of high tip-loading forces needed to properly load a large number of pipette tips simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods applicable, for instance, to pipette robots. A pipette robot can perform one or more operations regarding deck calibration, one or more operations regarding pipette tip/probe calibration, one or more operations regarding pipette tip pick up, and/or one or more operations regarding tip ejection.

Abstract: A spheroid cell culture article including: a frame having a chamber including: an opaque side wall surface; a top aperture; a gas-permeable, transparent bottom; and optionally a chamber annex surface and second bottom, and at least a portion of the transparent bottom includes at least one concave arcuate surface, is disclosed. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for dissolving sample substances such as drug molecules. Also disclosed is use of the method for device for testing dissolution rates of the sample substances. It utilizes lyophilic matrices that create conditions for discriminating the dissolved sample substance from undissolved sample substances. This is aimed at preventing dispersion of the undissolved sample substance to avoid any substantial membrane effects.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic system is provided to automate analysis of samples to predict a medical condition, such as pregnancy or chronic kidney disease. The system may provide test strip usage automation. The medical diagnostic system may include a sample collection component, collection cup contamination protection mechanism, sample volume control component, test strip reader component, which may be manifested as a lateral flow strip reader, flow reader, sample analytic component, data processing component, data communication component, networked data management component, and device cleaning mechanism. A method to automate analysis of samples to predict a medical condition using the medical diagnostic system is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of substrate-based devices disclosed herein comprise a polymeric substrate with a hydrophobic polymer coating that defines wells or openings on the polymeric substrate and/or serves as an adhesive agent between stacked substrates of the device. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of plate frames that can be used to align and hold well plate devices described herein. Methods of fabricating the disclosed devices also are described.

Abstract: A storage box for plastic pipette tips that has a frame part with two longitudinal walls and two transverse walls that enclose an interior space laterally. The storage box has a support plate arranged on the upper side of the frame part with a large number of bearing openings that plastic pipette tips can be inserted. The storage box also includes a pipette tip contact piece on the underside of the frame part for contacting a plastic pipette tip inserted into one of the bearing openings.

Abstract: An autosampler for obtaining mass spectra from a plurality of fluid samples, in particular gaseous samples including a plurality of containers including sample sources providing the samples, wherein each one of the containers provides a docking port for being connected with a connector for enabling access to an inside of the respective container via the connector in order to obtain the respective sample from the respective container via said connector. The autosampler further includes an ionisation source for ionising at least a part of the samples, and a mass analyser for obtaining the mass spectra from the ions. The ionisation source is moveable within the autosampler sequentially to each of the containers for connecting the connector to the docking port of the respective container for collecting the sample from the respective container for ionising at least a part of the sample and obtaining the mass spectra from the ions.

Abstract: A cuvette comprising a pyramidal shaped cavity with four sides surfaces, which are connected to each other by curves, wherein side surfaces and curves merge into a transition area that is located above a ring followed by a cone above the bottom of the pyramidally shaped cavity.

Abstract: An analysis method and device including detecting at least one particle of matter in a fluid inside in a reaction chamber and correlating a change in the particle to a physicochemical property of the matter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and a method for capillary chemiluminescence detection. The device comprises a liquid adding device, wherein the liquid adding device comprises: a bottom end of a funnel cup connected to a top end of the capillary body; a mounting bracket with one or more grooves; a liquid reagent cup disposed in each of the one or more grooves, a reagent set in the cup body, and a sealing film disposed at the opening of the cup body, a bottom end of each of the one or more grooves is connected to a top end of the funnel cup; a puncture device disposed in an inner bottom end of each of the one or more grooves. The present invention has the advantages of reducing the cost of the instrument, improving the reliability of the operation and so on.

Abstract: A sample processing tubule is provided including, from a proximate to a distal end, an opening through which a sample is introducible, at least three segments, and an extraction port operatively connected to a distal segment of the at least three segments. The extraction port enables extraction of a reaction mixture in the distal segment of the tubule without piercing the tubule or one or more seals separating each of the segments in the tubule.

Abstract: A system for conducting an assay comprises a power source (16), a controller (13) for controlling the assay and a plurality of assay units (14) operatively connected to one another such that the controller can communicate with the assay units and the system is capable of conducting the assay. An assay device comprises a substantially circular body (24) having a plurality of chambers in fluid connection such that fluid can pass between said chambers and a central hub (200) having a sample inlet (202) disposed therein for receiving a sample.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a storage device having a first storage assembly with a plurality of first storage racks and a second storage assembly with a plurality of second storage racks surrounding the first storage racks. At least one of the first and second storage assemblies includes a removable carrier rack configured to align with a selected storage rack of the other first or second storage assembly. A protective cover device includes first and second protective cover assemblies respective disposed on top ends of the first and second storage assemblies. At least one of the first and second protective cover assemblies is openable at an area corresponding to the top of the carrier rack to permit removal of the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for providing irradiation energy, imaging, and detecting X-ray fluorescence from a volume in a sample. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing the delivery of irradiation energy to a target in a sample.

Abstract: A reagent cartridge including (a) a support having reservoirs; (b) a main channel within the support, the channel having first and second ends exiting the support; (c) a pump channel that connects to the main channel between the first and second ends; (d) a valve manifold in the support, including (i) a first passage at the first end of the main channel, (ii) a second passage at the second end of the main channel, (iii) a first master valve between the pump channel and the first end of the main channel, (iv) a second master valve between the pump channel and the second end of the main channel, and (v) reservoir valves for regulating flow from individual reservoirs to the main channel. The valves can be normally closed diaphragm valves formed by magnetic pistons attached to an elastomeric sheet that is sandwiched in the support.

Abstract: Apparatus (200, 300, 400) for component positioning comprises at least one receptacle (212, 412) configured to receive a number of components (103) to be placed on a target substrate (108, 111), agitator (210, 410) configured to exert force impulses, such as abrupt force impulses, on the receptacle so as to cause the components to change their position inside the receptacle, inspection equipment (216, 316, 416) configured to verify the position of the components inside the receptacle, and pick and place equipment (206, 306, 406) configured to pick one or more components from the receptacle that fulfil a predefined position criterion and place the components on the target substrate. A related method for component positioning is presented.

Abstract: An instrument for processing a biological sample includes a chassis. Connected to the chassis is a tape path along which a tape with a matrix of wells can be automatically advanced through the instrument, a dispensing assembly for dispensing the biological sample and a reagent into the matrix of wells of the tape to form a biological sample and reagent mixture, a sealing assembly for sealing the biological sample and reagent mixture in the tape, and an amplification and detection assembly for detecting a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the matrix of wells in the tape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid extraction instrument including a base, an outer housing connected with the base, and an instrumental main body positioned inside the outer housing and mounted to the base; and the instrumental main body includes an electrical power pack, a main control device, a first motor set, a second motor set, and a third motor set.

Abstract: Samples in an array of containers are processed by mounting the containers on a sample stage, moving magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a first column of containers to apply a magnetic field, moving the magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a second column, and moving heater elements into proximity with the container bottoms of the first column. While the magnetic field is applied to the containers of the second column, heat energy may be applied to the containers of the first column. The process may be repeated for additional columns. The containers may also be shaken to agitate the samples. A single apparatus may perform heating, shaking, and magnetic field application, without needing to transport the containers to different stations.

Abstract: Urine analysis system that couples or integrates with a toilet. Wirelessly links to a computer, such as a user's mobile device to accept control inputs and report urine test results. Accepts user input to initiate testing and deploys a urine collector into the toilet bowl above the water to collect a urine sample. The collected urine sample is dispensed onto multiple regions of a test matrix that may perform many urine tests simultaneously. A single test matrix may include multiple types of tests, such as immunochromatography and colorimetric assays. An optical imaging system detects reaction of the urine with reagents integrated into the test matrix. Analysis of images may be performed locally or on a remote server. The system may store an inventory of test matrices to support daily testing for long durations, for example 6 months or more before refilling.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to conducting assays with an apparatus including a substantially transparent assay cartridge loaded with magnetic beads, and a magnet carrier base positioned below a scanning platform holding the assay cartridge. The assay cartridge includes magnetic beads, sample and control solutions in some wells, and assay reagents in others. A microcomputer controls a DC motor which controls movement of the magnet carrier base, and causes the magnetic beads to travel from one well to another. An electromagnetic coil-spring assembly induces mixing of well contents with the magnetic beads on actuation. The assay cartridge is authenticated by sending its encoding to a server or website, and assay instructions are provided remotely to the microcomputer. Following assay completion, the cartridge can have color change or other assay indication detected, and the results sent to the server or website or another recipient.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, the robot is controlled to hold at least one of a pipette and a container containing a liquid and to change a position of the pipette relative to the container so as to make a tip of the pipette contact a sediment in the container. In the second step, the robot is controlled to move the pipette in an upward direction from a predetermined position in the container with the tip of the pipette in contact with an inner side surface of the container.

Abstract: A method for processing a specimen includes controlling a robot to open a lid of a composite container. The composite container includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first opening. The second container includes an insertion portion, a protrusion portion, and a second opening. The insertion portion is insertable into the first container through the first opening. The protrusion portion is protrudable through the first opening. The second opening is disposed on the protrusion portion and coverable by the lid. After the lid has been opened, the robot is controlled to take the second container out of the first container. After the second container has been taken out of the first container, the robot is controlled to cover the first opening using the lid.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and mold apparatuses for forming devices facilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids by a user, such as a first liquid followed by a second liquid. In some cases, the first liquid is a relatively harsh liquid and the second liquid is a relatively mild liquid.

Abstract: A sampling system is provided. The sampling system includes a housing. Mounted to the housing is a Hall effect sensor. A probe configured to contact a sample is inserted into the housing. The probe includes an elongated portion and a restorative spring inserted onto the elongated portion of the probe. The restorative spring provides sufficient restorative force to return the probe to a relaxed position. The Hall effect sensor is configured to sense a field strength generated by the proximity of the restorative spring of the probe in the extended position.

Abstract: A multiwell assembly includes a microplate and a cover. The microplate includes a set of wells. Each well defines an opening. The cover includes a body and a shutter. The body of the cover is disposed over the microplate. The shutter is mounted to the body such that the shutter is movable over a range of travel between a first position, in which the shutter occludes the openings of the set of wells, and a second position, in which the shutter is in offset relationship to the openings of the set of wells to permit access to the set of wells through the respective openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: a pipetting chamber; a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber; a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including: at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction; and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track; and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: Covers for microwells, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the liquids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate and comprise alignment adjusting members for adjusting the alignment of the cover with a microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: A method is described for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer by providing at least one reagent and at least one solid consumable from a supply module which is docked to the analyzer, followed by undocking the supply module from the analyzer and removing it therefrom. Also described is a respective system and a supply module for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are automated systems for performing various biochemical and molecular biological procedures, including processor-controlled execution of protocols involving multiple steps performed in, on, or with liquid microdroplets. Example protocols are the various Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols, but the subject systems are not limited to performing PCR protocols. Formation of a microdroplet of the sample for use in the described systems is achieved by bringing an amount of the sample into contact with a hydrophobic milieu, such as a superhydrophobic surface or hydrophobic liquid.