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: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated handling of a fluid biological sample in an analytical instrument. Furthermore, the invention provides containers as well as instruments and systems suitable for the automated handling and processing of the fluid biological sample and discloses production methods for the manufacture of the containers.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: Laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a plate or tray having a plurality of wells, and a drain in fluid communication with each of the plurality of wells. The plate is a one-piece design having a honeycomb structure that brings high rigidity to the plate in order to accept very high centrifugal load. The design also maximizes the well volume and active filtration area while remaining in compliance with SBS format.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a blood or other biological fluid sample in a quiescent state, whereby particulate constituents of biological samples that contain sparse populations of interesting cellular species can be enumerated and inspected using an optical scanning instrument. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining increased cellular or particulate concentrations within the use of said optical scanning method.

Abstract: Methods for venting or drying (e.g., lyophilizing) samples contained in a multi-well plate. One method involves providing a multi-well plate that includes wells that each contain a sample and define an opening substantially sealed with a filter element that permits permeation of at least one gas and substantially prevents permeation of microbes. Another variant includes introducing a sample into a well via an opening defined by the well, covering at least a portion of the well opening with a filter element, and permitting gas to enter or exit the well substantially only through the filter element. An assembly is also described that includes a multi-well plate and a sheet defining a plurality of caps, wherein each of the caps includes a microbe-impermeable filter element. Another multi-well plate assembly includes a filter positioned to extend across at least a portion of the well opening.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for capturing proteins or peptides from a sample mixture and analyzing the captured proteins or peptides via high throughput electrospray ionization (ESI) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (HT MALDI MS) are provided. The methods and compositions are useful in large scale, simultaneous analyses of proteins and peptides present in a cell(s), tissue(s), or biological fluid(s).

Abstract: A lid that individually covers each of the wells in a microplate and methods for fabricating and using the lid are described herein. The lid includes a series of downwardly protruding necks each of which is sized to fit and seal against one of the wells formed within the microplate. And, each neck has a surface covered with a rubber-like substance that ensures a relatively tight seal with each well. In operation, the lid and microplate are preferably used together to grow protein crystals using a hanging drop vapor diffusion crystallization process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for concentrating and measuring low levels of cells in biological samples. The apparatus, or concentration device, consists of two chambers with an optically level collection membrane intermediating between the chambers. The collection membrane filters the biological sample, trapping cellular elements of interest. A vacuum may be attached to the device to assist in filtration. The surface area of the collection membrane matches the view field of a standard imaging system and the device can be mounted on a standard microscope stage. All the cells in the sample volume are collected onto the membrane. The view field provides a fixed volumetric area for cell counting. Since the volume of sample tested is known, the total number of cells in the original sample may be calculated. The sample reservoir of the concentration device may also be used for sample preparation.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A sample carrier generally comprises a sample node operative to carry a discrete sample and an identifier co-located with the sample node and operative to provide information associated with the sample. A sample carrier receiver may comprise a container having a first opening configured to receive the sample node and a second opening configured to receive a specimen. Embodiments of a sample carrier receiver may include one or more conduit systems configured and operative to distribute liquid specimen material to the second opening of the container.

Abstract: A dual vacuum chamber manifold for processing well plates. A lower vacuum chamber (35) is formed by arranging a first well plate (25) in the base of the manifold and an upper vacuum chamber (45) is formed above the first well plate by arranging a second well plate on a manifold top plate (34). Pumping on the tipper vacuum chamber via an upper vacuum port (56) generates a vacuum to urge liquid from the upper well plate into the lover well plate. A non-return path between the vacuum chambers ensures that pumping on the upper vacuum port (56) also evacuates the lower vacuum chamber, thereby preventing a pressure differential arising around the lower well plate (25). To process the lower well plate, pumping on a lower vacuum port (58) is performed which closes the non-return path to the second vacuum chamber and thus evacuates the lower vacuum chamber alone.

Abstract: A well plate seal includes a matt having a plurality of spaced apart wells for engaging and sealing a plurality of exit ports in a multi-well extraction plate. Unidirectional flow control valves are disposed in each of the plurality of matt wells for enabling liquid flow out of each of the exit ports only upon application of a pressure differential across each exit port.

Abstract: A biological assay device for use in molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, genomic analysis, combinatorial chemistry, and in the general field of the analysis of molecules that may be deposited on supports of various kinds is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes a fluidic or microfluidic device, which integrates fluidic capability into existing multi-well plates of standard configuration, for performing either single or continuous fluidic manipulations in a high-throughout format. Methods for the use and manufacture of these devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simultaneous processing of multiple fluid samples. The apparatus comprises a multiple well plate for holding a plurality of sample reservoirs for simultaneous processing of multiple samples. The wells are configured in the plate in staggered rows. The well plate is dimensioned to be compatible with a vacuum manifold or positive pressure system either as a stand-alone unit or in conjunction with a separate fluid handling system. The apparatus may further comprise a sample collection plate having the same number of wells as the multiple well plate. The wells in the samples collection plate are arranged in the same staggered configuration as the wells in the well plate and are sized for holding sample collection vials. When the well plate and sample collection plate are assembled in a manifold, the vials in the sample collection plated are aligned directly beneath the sample exits of corresponding sample reservoirs in the well plate.

Abstract: A bead dispensing system is provided for delivering small amounts of substances onto substrates. The system can include, for example, a movable support structure having an array of spaced-apart projections depending from its lower side. An attraction source, such as a vacuum, magnetic, and/or electrostatic force, is operable at each projection end region to attract and retain one bead. The projection array can be aligned with an array of bead-receiving regions of a substrate, e.g., an array of spaced-apart wells of a micro-plate or card. In one embodiment, a plurality of reagent-carrying beads are picked up, retained at respective projection end regions, and moved to a location over a multi-well plate. The beads are then released in a fashion permitting each bead to land in a respective well. The system of the invention is particularly useful for fabricating arrays of reagents.

Abstract: A multi-well plate is disclosed for holding chemical compounds for heating in a microwave oven. The plate is a substantially planar member having wells arranged in an array of rows and columns in its upper surface. The plate has heat reservoirs in the form of fluid filled channels or elongated solid bodies positioned lengthwise along the side portions of the plate to reduce temperature gradients among the wells across the length and width of the plate. The heat reservoirs prevent or mitigate heat loss from the wells near the side portions of the plate and ensure that the compounds in all of the wells have a uniform temperature.

Abstract: An adapter plate transforms a vacuum manifold designed for standard multi-well plates that are commonly used in biochemical laboratories into one that can be used for columns such as chromatographic columns, filtration columns, and the like. The plate contains an array of male-female-type complementary connectors, each connector fitted with a removable plug that seals the connector off when not in use. The plate thus allows the manifold to be used for as few as one column or any number up to the total number of connectors in the plate.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a well-less filtration device that includes a pre-filter layer; a support layer; and at least one layer of solid phase extraction medium disposed between the pre-filter layer and the support layer. At least a portion of the pre-filter layer, support layer and solid phase extraction medium are ultrasonically welded together to form a pattern of filter cells and land areas with the land areas being disposed between the filter cells. The filter cells of the device may be arranged to conform to a standardized array format.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microplate for performing crystallography studies and methods for making and using such microplates. In particular, the microplate has a frame which includes a plurality of wells formed therein. Each well includes a first well and a second well. The first well includes a relatively small reservoir having a substantially concaved form capable of receiving a protein solution and a reagent solution. The second well includes a relatively large reservoir capable of receiving a reagent solution that has a higher concentration than the reagent solution within the first well, wherein the protein solution and the reagent solution within the first well interact with the reagent solution within the second well via a vapor diffusion process which enables the formation of protein crystals within the first well. The microplate may be sized so that it can be handled by a robotic handling system and/or a liquid handling system.

Abstract: A method and system for economically packaging microarrays into sealed reaction chambers and storage vessels. A pocket strip is manufactured as a linear sequence of pockets, or wells, into which microarrays are positioned. A cover strip is then heat sealed to the upper surface of the pocket strip to create a linear sequence of sealed reaction chambers or storage vessels each containing a microarray. Mechanical features or optical features are included along the length of the pocket strip to facilitate mechanical translation and positioning of microarrays embedded within the microarray strip. Septa are affixed to, or embedded within, the cover strip to provide resealable ports through which solutions can be introduced into, or extracted from, the reaction chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crystallization unit including a solvent reservoir in gaseous communication with a plurality of chambers. Preferably, a plurality of crystallization units are arrayed in the form of a crystallization tray. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a crystallization tray 10 including a rectangular array of crystallization units 26. Each crystallization unit includes a central reservoir 28 and four drop chambers 32 arranged in a cruciform configuration around central reservoir 28. Each drop chamber 32 is connected to central reservoir 28 by a diffusion channel 30. Each drop chamber 32 also includes a shoulder which is capable of supporting a cover slip from which a drop of solution, containing the substance to be crystallized, can be suspended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method of use for that device for the automated preparation of nucleic acid from a biological sample. The device relates to a cassette in which all chemical manipulations occur, which includes a storage/transfer strip where the prepared nucleic acid is deposited and stored without contamination. Moreover, the waste of the preparation protocol is contained in the cassette, which, upon the separation of the filled storage/transfer strip is completely sealed off from the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive device can prepare nucleic acid preparations from up to 24 different biological samples at a time.