Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a liquid which contains said particles, said liquid being contained in an elongated vessel (11) having a length axis (12), said vessel being arranged in a vessel holder (13) with its length axis (12) in a substantially vertical position, said vessel (11) having a bottom and a tapered cross-section that diminishes towards the bottom of the vessel and a side wall (14) which has an outer surface which forms an angle with the length axis (12) of said vessel (11).

Abstract: There is described a sample holder for decomposition or extraction of a sample material, the sample holder comprising: a frame adapted to receive at least two open-ended sample recipients having sealing caps thereon for holding the sample material; and a rack cover releasably securable to the frame and comprising at least two compression caps to be positioned on the sealing caps in order to exert a pressure thereon, thereby forming a pressure-relief valve for each one of the at least two open-ended sample recipients.

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 heat block with an insulating collar for use in thawing frozen cells and viruses for vaccine production.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a test tube in which insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction is performed includes a heat insulating mount and a heating member. The heat insulating mount has a main body provided with a receiving space for receiving a bottom of the test tube, a lateral channel communicated between the receiving space and an ambient environment, and an upper channel communicated between the receiving space and the ambient environment for insertion of the test tube. The heating member is inserted into the lateral channel for stopping at the bottom of the test tube. The apparatus can minimize the influence caused by the high temperature generated from the heat source on the heat dissipation of the reaction mixture in middle and upper sections of the test tube. The apparatus is suitable for the fluorescent detection of PCR reaction.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating materials contained in tubes, including cellular materials and tissues, to release their contents for scientific analysis. The apparatus includes a control enclosure containing a base and a motor, and an interchangeable module that connects to the motor. The interchangeable module includes a tube supporting structure and a rotatable hub connected to one or more strikers positioned to impact the tubes, resulting in agitation of tube contents. Interchangeable modules allow for different shapes and sizes of tubes to be used with a single control enclosure. The apparatus includes a means to measure the rotational velocity of the rotatable hub and a method for using the speed to determine the number of tubes in the apparatus, or the mass or volume of samples contained in tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for blocking nucleic acids by means of photoactivating intercalating agents, comprising: a housing (1) with an upper wall (1a) with one or more through holes (2), intended for inserting therethrough one or more test or microcentrifuge tubes (3), each of which contains a respective sample (M) including nucleic acids and photosensitive intercalating agents mixed in liquid form, and one or more LEDs (L1, L2, L3, L10, L20, L30) mounted inside the housing (1) such that they emit light, according to one or more determined directions, towards respective parts (3a, 3b and 3c) of said of tubes (3), to photoactivate the intercalating agents in order to covalently bond them to free or accessible nucleic acids.

Abstract: A vial retainer system for an automated processing apparatus. The vial retainer system includes a track mounted to the processing apparatus, a rack adapted to slide in a longitudinal direction on the track, and a vial retainer positioned over the rack. The rack is movable in a distal direction to install the rack on the processing apparatus, and in a proximal direction, opposite the distal direction, to remove the rack from the processing apparatus. The rack is adapted to hold one or more vials in an upright orientation. The vial retainer has one or more a sloped surfaces inclined such that a distal end of each sloped surface is closer to the track than a proximal end of each sloped surface.

Abstract: According to an example of the invention, a test tube holder includes a holder body including a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical hollow portion, at least three guide grooves in the cylindrical wall and open on the inner peripheral side and upper end surface side, cam grooves which face the guide grooves and inclined obliquely upward, a plurality of holder members for test tube attachment which are fitted individually in the guide grooves of the holder body so as to be movable vertically and radially, cam pins which engage with the cam grooves so as to guide the holder member vertically and radially, and an urging spring which elastically urges the holder member to be pushed up so that the holder member is pressed upward and toward the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: A samples storage system for pharmaceutical development in which the usable volumes of ultramicrotubes (384 tubes) are increased and smooth insertion and extraction of ultramicrotubes is possible irrespective of the positions of the ultramicrotubes. The samples storage system includes tubes in which samples are sealed and a storage rack for vertically accommodating a plurality of the tubes in a grid pattern. Each tube is of a rectangular hollow tubular cross-section and the intersect is tapered toward the bottom portion of the tube. Corner portions of the outer four side surfaces of the tubes are chamfered. The storage rack has engagement partition walls forming open-ended sections in a grid pattern inside the rack frame. The height of the walls is smaller than the length of the tube, and tube-supporting pins project vertically from the intersections of the grid.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus that make more accurate and reduces risk of filling reaction chambers of cartridge cells with blood samples to conduct blood coagulation tests of the type employing the plunger technique are disclosed. A cartridge holder is provided that secures a test cartridge in a fixed upright position and deflects the plunger flag of each cartridge cell to enable manual insertion of a blood dispenser deeply into the reaction chamber to fill the reaction chamber and avoid contamination of surfaces of the cartridge outside the reaction chamber. Preferably, the cartridge holder provides illumination of the reaction chamber during filling, so that the user can judge when the reaction chamber is properly filled with blood dispensed from the blood dispenser. The cartridge holder may incorporate image magnification to facilitate viewing of the reaction chamber as it is filled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a cartridge that includes slots for storing biosample capillary tubes. The cartridge has the same form factor as data tape cartridges to allow the cartridge to be handled by the same robotic mechanisms that handle data cartridges in an automated tape library. One aspect of the disclosure concerns a cartridge comprising an enclosure that includes a movable door to provide access to a tube holder in the enclosure. The tube holder includes cylindrical holes or slots for receiving capillary tubes which contain biosamples scanned and analyzed an automated tape library.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Abstract: A support stand for test tubes and more particularly to an easy to manufacture and economical test tube stand which facilitates handling of test tubes and samples contained therein in a field environment, particularly in a rugged field environment where the test tubes and samples are subject to significant movement and instability for example on a boat or truck during procurement and initial analysis of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a test tube in which insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction is performed includes a heat insulating mount and a heating member. The heat insulating mount has a main body provided with a receiving space for receiving a bottom of the test tube, a lateral channel communicated between the receiving space and an ambient environment, and an upper channel communicated between the receiving space and the ambient environment for insertion of the test tube. The heating member is inserted into the lateral channel for stopping at the bottom of the test tube. The apparatus can minimize the influence caused by the high temperature generated from the heat source on the heat dissipation of the reaction mixture in middle and upper sections of the test tube. The apparatus is suitable for the fluorescent detection of PCR reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a test tube in which insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction is performed includes a heat sink and a tube rack. The heat sink has a main body with a through hole for insertion of the test tube. The through hole has a relatively big diameter section and a relatively small diameter section located below the relatively big diameter section. The tube rack is mounted on the heat sink for insertion of the test tube. The apparatus can ensure that the temperature at the liquid level of the reaction mixture is lower than the temperature suitable for conducting the primer annealing step in the polymerase chain reaction process.

Abstract: A sample tray assembly includes a first tray. The first tray defines a first slot and is disposed on a generally horizontally-oriented plane. The sample tray assembly also includes a second tray adjacent to the first tray. The second tray is configured for translational movement substantially parallel to the generally horizontally-oriented plane of the first tray between a retracted position and an extended position. The second tray defines a second slot. The second slot and the first slot are substantially aligned when the second tray is in the retracted position. The sample tray additionally includes a base member supporting the first tray. The second tray is slidably coupled with the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing reagent usage, comprising the steps of providing a retainer, at least one group of loopholes being provided on the sidewalls of the retainer; providing a colorimetric glass, adapted to be inserted into the retainer, for receiving the first reagent to be observed through said loopholes; providing a cap, for capping the colorimetric glass and the retainer into a whole, after the colorimetric glass being inserted into the retainer. The present invention mainly uses a reagent tube with a retainer having a new structure, a colorimetric glass and a cap, storing the first reagent only in the colorimetric glass, and the volume of the colorimetric glass is far less than that of the current reagent tube, thus the usage of the reagents can be reduced effectively.

Abstract: A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. Support fingers extend horizontally from the wall toward the open longitudinal side and are vertically aligned between the recesses to secure capped tubes in a generally vertical direction in a longitudinally extending vertical plane. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.

Abstract: A centrifuge having two arcuate slots to receive resilient, bendable mounting flanges that each carry a plurality of test tubes in side by side relation. The resilience of the mounting flanges enables them to flex and assume either the curvature of the slot, or a linear configuration enabling the flanges to be suspended in a flat condition, such as on a test rack. The arrays of test tubes is attached to the flanges via living hinges that enable the flexing to occur. The advantages are that simplified identification of individual test tubes, as well as reduced likelihood of intermixing of spillage are realized.

Abstract: A vessel for use in clinical analysis including an open top, a closed bottom, and at least four tapered sides. A method for collecting magnetic particles in a fluid comprising the steps of providing a magnet and a vessel containing magnetic particles in a fluid, attracting the magnetic particles to the magnet, and moving the magnetic particles with the magnet out of the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for repairing injured, infected, or otherwise damaged connective tissues. Such repairs use injectable combinations of: (i) stromal precursor cells, which can be obtained from a patient via liposuction, and which can mature rapidly into muscle, ligament, tendon, or other types of connective tissue cells that are needed at a repair site; and (ii) platelets, which will accelerate and promote a repair process, and which can be obtained from the patient's blood. When mixed together, stromal precursor cells and platelet cells will act synergistically, to generate new tissue which can replace or repair damaged tissue. Devices and methods are disclosed for processing an already-centrifuged layer of “spun fat”, obtained from a liposuction extract, to remove unhelpful materials and concentrate the stromal precursor cells, before the stromal cells are mixed with platelet cells for injection into a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.

Abstract: A sample tube holder for receiving and holding a sample tube having a cylindrical shape, a length symmetry axis and an outer diameter lying in a predetermined range. The sample tube holder comprises a solid body comprising at least one elongated chamber adapted for receiving a longitudinal portion of a sample tube, and an elastic element associated with and located outside of said chamber. When a sample tube is arranged in the chamber there is a gap between the sample tube and the side walls of the chamber, and the elastic element is in direct contact with at least three points of the outer surface of the sample tube, the elastic element thereby holds the sample tube and brings the length symmetry axis of the sample tube into coincidence with the length symmetry axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A specimen container carrier for a conveyor in a laboratory automation system which includes a circular body driven by the conveyor and container holding elements arranged in the circular body, the container holding elements being maintained in a container holding position by respective elastic elements and are connected to each other by synchronization elements forcing the specimen container to remain coaxially positioned with respect to the circular body.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: A vial storage rack for storing vials having a base. The storage rack includes a support surface and support members positioned relative to the support surface to define a plurality of vial receptacles. Each vial receptacle is sized to receive and support a respective vial base. An opening is defined through the support surface in each vial receptacle. Each opening has a size smaller than the size of the vial base.

Abstract: Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a sample tube carrier having an elongated body and walls defining apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a respective one of the sample tubes. The walls define elongated openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the sample tubes and extends along at least a portion of a length of the respective sample tube, and the elongated openings enable viewing of information on the outer surfaces of the sample tubes. The example rack also includes an elongated retention bar to be pivotally coupled to one end of the sample tube carrier. The retention bar has openings, each of which is positioned over a respective one of the apertures, and the openings are dimensioned to prevent removal of the sample tubes from the sample tube carrier through the retention bar.

Abstract: Improvements in a test tube rack are presented. The test tube rack has a main body with a plurality of test tube insertion holes. A switch is placed on the bottom of every hole and the switch is triggered upon insertion of the tube and upon depressing the test tube within the rack. A counting circuit is connected to a readout device, such as light source or a display. When the test tube rack is connected to a power source the readout device displays the number of times the switch that is associated with each test tube was pressed. The smart test tube rack allows an operator to track which test tube where chemicals have been added. The readout can include multiple colors to track the inclusion of multiple chemicals by counting or changing colors.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a cuvette in an optical beam path of an optical measuring instrument, with a shaft for axially inserting a cuvette, and means for pressing a cuvette against at least one wall surface of the shaft, which comprise at least one arrangement of a magnet, stationarily arranged with respect to the shaft, and a magnet movable with respect to the same, which are oriented such that the movable magnet tends to occupy a certain position with respect to the stationary magnet, in which the movable magnet engages at least partially into the shaft.

Abstract: A rack device for a sample distribution system includes a rack having receptacles for sample carriers and a rack carriage. The rack carriage and the rack can be solidly connected to one another by a latching device that can be released without the use of tools.

Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.

Abstract: A reciprocating film type evaporator for solvents and other chemicals which eliminates the need for a large powerful motor, and other associated equipment such as rotary gaskets, by using reciprocation, versus 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: A reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus includes a substrate carrying a plurality of reaction surfaces and, a plate having a plurality of wells, alignable with one of the reaction surfaces and forming a fluid tight well about each reaction surface when the plate and the substrate are sealingly affixed to each other in a frame. The plate is formed of a flexible material which may have an adhesive on one surface. Interlocking latch members are formed on the plate and the frame for releasably latching the plate and the frame in a position for sealing attachment to the substrate.

Abstract: A quality control device for a blood analyzer using whole blood, which specifically can be used to check the correct operation of the blood analyzer. The device includes a storage for storing control bloods by cooling; a mechanism for bringing the control bloods back to the temperature specified by the control blood manufacturer; a stirring mechanism used for resuspension of the cells; and a mechanism for sampling the blood thus prepared.

Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run. Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.

Abstract: A rack for holding containers containing liquids used in clinical chemistry analyzers. The rack comprises (a) a frame having two or more sections, each section being adapted for receiving a liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving a first liquid containing component which is adapted for being removably but tightly mechanically connected to said frame, (b) at least one movable part adapted to be removably coupled to a shaker device, the movable part being adapted for receiving and holding a second liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving the movable part and allowing motion of the movable part within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Provided is a punching apparatus for use in dispensing, having a blood specimen contained therein, and punching a dispensing hole in a plug body of a test tube serving as a specimen container closed by the plug body whose upper end opening is made of a rubber or synthetic resin material, the apparatus comprising a guide rail serving as a transport passage which transports the test tube while the plug body thereof is held at the upper side in a vertical state, an elevating mechanism provided at a punch position P in the middle of the guide rail, and an ultrasonic cutter which is supported by the elevating mechanism, and which is lowered when the test tube reaches the punch position, thereby punching a dispensing hole immediately before penetrating the plug body from a top face thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic opening and closing of reaction vessels. It comprises a holding device for the non-rotatable holding of one or more reaction vessels, a gripper for the gripping of a lid for the reaction vessel, wherein the gripper has gripping jaws to take hold of the lid, and a holding arm with a rotating mechanism for rotatable holding of the gripper. The gripping jaws are arranged in such a way that, when the lid is inserted into the area between the gripping jaws, it is held by the latter through frictional contact, and the gripper has no active operating device for opening and closing the gripping jaws.

Abstract: A device for gripping a reaction cuvette, in particular in an automatic appliance for analyzing chemical or biological samples, the device comprising a gripper head (16) formed by a channel-section member (18) having its side flanges (20) extended by elastically-deformable tabs (22) for resiliently clamping on a reaction cuvette.

Abstract: The invention provides a rack system containing an adapter for convenient application of small volumes of sample in a vessel to analysis.

Abstract: A microchip processing apparatus processes a microchip with at least one main separation channel. The microchip processing apparatus includes a holding part configured to hold the microchip, a container containing a sample or a reagent, and a dispensing probe having a needle formed on a tip of the dispensing probe. The dispensing probe is actuated to be inserted into the container from above the container, to draw the sample or reagent, and to inject to a prescribed position on the held microchip. A dispensing probe driving mechanism moves the dispensing probe between prescribed positions of the microchip and the container.

Abstract: With the aid of the invention, a chemical analyser, a method for sample-based analysis, a device for handling cuvettes, and a loading method are provided. The chemical analyser (1) according to the invention comprises a rotatable incubator (20), in which there are openings (21) for receiving cuvettes (70), and analysis means (60) arranged around the incubator (20), as well as a loading device (40) for loading cuvettes (70) into the openings (21). The loading device (40) of the analyser (1) comprises a feed funnel (30), which is arranged to bend a straight cuvette (70) to fit the opening (21), and a ram (41), which is arranged to load a cuvette (70) into an opening (21) in the incubator (20) through the feed funnel (30).