Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembleable unit of cassettes for containing specimens for histological examination. The cassettes are each designed for stacking relation one to another by snap locking means which are preferably configured to provide an audible sound and “click” feeling when stacked. A cover is provided to complete a stack, thereby providing an integral unit for case management. The unit is so integrated that it can be handled and will not disengage the stacked cassettes in the usual handling process in the laboratory. It is also readily processed in a paraffin bath for preparing the contained specimens for microtomy. Thus, a stabilized unit is provided for multiple specimens from a single source and maintaining them in sequential order without individual handling.

Abstract: A disposable device is provided for culturing and/or packaging and transporting ready-to-use viable cells cultured on membranes, gels or micro porous substrata. The device includes a housing base defining an interior for culturing cells. The membrane to be used for culturing the cells is placed inside the housing base and fixed with a ring. The base is closed by a lid, which is designed to protect the underlying cells during transport as well as minimize the volume of media used during culture, as well as transport. Media leakage is prevented by the silicon gasket as well as the snaps provided in the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a receptacle for accepting nutrient media, especially for bacterial cultures. Said receptacle comprises a dish and a lid that covers the dish. The dish and the lid each have a circular bottom (dish bottom and lid bottom) and an annular wall (dish wall and lid wall) that projects from the bottom. One of the walls, preferably the lid wall, has an at least slightly larger internal diameter than the external diameter of the other wall, preferably the dish wall, such that one wall can be slid onto the other wall to close the dish. In order to be able to safely handle the receptacle, engaging means which prevent the dish and the lid from being accidentally released when the same are mutually engaged, are associated with the dish and the lid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A thin multiwell plate for use in the transportation of microbes, animal cells, DNA, etc. The multiwell plate of the present invention comprises a sheet laminate, wherein the laminate has multiple hollow parts in which a water adsorbent material is retained. A multiplicity of microbe samples, etc. can be transported conveniently and safely by causing the water adsorbent material to retain a microbe-containing solution, a DNA sample solution, etc. In particular, an ultrathin multiwell plate can be provided due to construction with a sheet laminate, thereby rendering the transportation thereof extremely easy.

Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cell culture device, including a container, and a carrying assembly; the container has an opening and holds the cell culture medium, and the carrying assembly is immersed in the cell culture solution from the opening of the container. The present invention also discloses a carrying assembly used for cell culture, including a cover, a supporter, and a vessel, wherein the cover and the vessel are connected by the supporter.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a test specimen with an extremely small volume. The cartridge has a test chamber and a vestibule through which the test fluids are inserted into the test chamber. The cartridge has a stopper having a pair of seals, the first of which seals the test chamber inlet between the vestibule and the test chamber, and the second, of which seals the mouth of the vestibule so that when the stepper is in place, the test chamber is closed to the admission of air or other contaminants and the vestibule is similarly closed against escape of the overflow from the test chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a to a cell culture dish and particularly to a Petri dish. In the present cell culture dish the wall portion of the base and the top portion of the cover are both provided with markings enabling the correlation of particular cell growth areas to particular coordinates permitting retrieval of particular growth areas avoiding disturbing markings provided on the bottom of the dish.

Abstract: A pipette guide for a standard well plate provides improvements over conventional guides. The improvements include: reference characters to signify a columns of wells exposed, an aperture for viewing those characters, a angled slot and open ended isolator for improved ergonomic function and visibility, a multilevel slide to help prevent contamination and a bi-directional selection assembly for selecting a 96 or 384 well plate.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for preparing a biological specimen (20), where the biological specimen (20), prior to being examined in e.g. a microscope, is dried, embedded in wax and optionally sliced, and where the biological specimen (20) is placed in a container (1) with a lid/clamping member (2) that is closed, in which it is retained by a biasing element (6), the specimen (20) remaining in the same closed container/lid (1, 2) during the subsequent drying and embedment operations, whereupon the container (1) is removed from the lid (2) and the specimen (20) prior to any slicing operations.

Abstract: A culture dish assembly includes a polygonal culture dish with a bottom wall and a side wall enclosure formed by a plurality of generally planar panels joined consecutively to one another by non-planar corners. The side wall enclosure includes a generally planar top edge. Inner surface regions of a plurality of the planar panels are formed with a plurality of projections or recesses that are spaced from one another and spaced from the corners. A splash guard includes engagement flanges disposed for nesting with inner peripheral surface regions of the panels of the side wall enclosure. The engagement flanges include projections or recesses disposed for releasably engaging the projections or recesses on the side wall enclosure to hold the splash guard on the culture dish without creating stress concentrations in the corners.

Abstract: The invention provides a biologically active substance transfer sheet which can be formed with simple steps, a cell culture kit which comprises a cell culture plate and a biologically active substance transfer sheet, a producing method therefor, and a method for screening cell culture conditions with cells. The transfer sheet is prepared by providing biologically active substances having biological activity in plural areas on a sheet base, and biologically active substances are supplied from the sheet to culture regions provided on the plate.

Abstract: A contact plate for growing cell cultures, bacteria cultures, and the like, comprising a base and a cover. The base has a bottom wall for holding the culture medium and the like, and a circumferential sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and attached thereto. The base further incorporates a flange extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the sidewall. The cover has a top wall, which has a larger diameter than the base sidewall, and a circumferential sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and attached thereto. The contact plate has a locking means for securely holding the cover to the base of the contact plate in the locked position, wherein the locking means comprises an inter-engaging rib and groove arrangement.

Abstract: A culture dish assembly includes a polygonal culture dish with a bottom wall and a side wall enclosure formed by a plurality of generally planar panels joined consecutively to one another by non-planar corners. The side wall enclosure includes a generally planar top edge. Inner surface regions of a plurality of the planar panels are formed with a plurality of projections or recesses that are spaced from one another and spaced from the corners. A splash guard includes engagement flanges disposed for nesting with inner peripheral surface regions of the panels of the side wall enclosure. The engagement flanges include projections or recesses disposed for releasably engaging the projections or recesses on the side wall enclosure to hold the splash guard on the culture dish without creating stress concentrations in the corners.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, transporting and storing biological specimens. The apparatus includes a base having a tray portion for receiving the biological specimen and a lid operably connected to the base and moveable with respect to the base between a first closed position in which the tray portion is covered by the lid and a second open position wherein the tray portion is exposed for receipt or removal of the biological specimen.

Abstract: A process of forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A main support having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations. The main support is equipped with a flat support temporarily attached to its first surface. All samples are loaded simultaneously. A flat surface of each sample, where the flat surfaces are a common plane, is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support. The samples are retained in position within the perforations against the flat support using at least one cover. The flat surfaces of the samples are in predefined locations and are all in a common plane.

Abstract: A sterile housing for the cultivation of micro-organisms has a container closed by a cover with a culture medium within the walls and base. The cover has a bottom forming a base and walls connected to the bottom, and the lid is set on the container and includes a peripheral sealing zone having a flat section recessed relative to the bottom of the container. A concave inner seal is fixed to the peripheral sealing zone of the lid to hermetically seal the box by enclosing the container, enabling the inner seal to be removed without exposing the culture medium.

Abstract: A device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish with a bottom wall and at least one sidewall to define an interior cavity, at least one channel formed on the bottom wall to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologics in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall for partitioning the interior cavity into a plurality of compartments. The barrier wall maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall may also provide fluid communication between compartments.

Abstract: Chemical processing apparatuses which incorporate a process vessel, such as a crucible or retort, and which include a gas separation or filtration system. Various embodiments incorporate such features as loose filtration material, semi-rigid filtration material, and structured filtration material. The vessel may include material that is a microwave susceptor. Filtration media may be selected so that if it inadvertently mixes with the chemical process or the reaction products of such process, it would not adversely affect the results of the chemical process.

Abstract: Multiwell plates with lids that reduce evaporation in the wells adjacent the edge of the plates are disclosed. The lids control the amount of evaporation from the multiwell plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological culture growth and observation device (1) comprising a cup-shaped tray (2) for containing or receiving a growth medium for said biological culture and a cap (4) which matches said tray (2) and which can be snapped on and off said tray (2), characterized in that said cap (4) and tray (2) are provided with means (5) to snap on/off said cap (4) on/off the inner walls (6) of said tray (2) and in that said cup-shaped tray (2) is realized with walls (7) having a first circumferential edge (8) on which a removable seal (10) can be fixed to cover the surface of said edge (8) and the cap (4) snapped on the tray (2) before the first use of the device (1).

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing evaporation of sample materials from the wells of multiwell plates are disclosed which find particular utility when the plates are placed in a stacked configuration. An example of the methods includes providing at least a first multiwell plate which is configured to be placed in a stacked configuration with at least one second multiwell plate, the at least first multiwell plate having a plurality of wells for receiving sample material therein and opposing side walls which extend around the plate and which define a ridge spaced inwardly of the side walls and extending around the plate between the side walls and the plurality of wells, the method including at least partially filling the ridge with a liquid such as water or buffer solution. The ridge can include one or more ribs which extend upwardly from a lower surface of the ridge to help reduce sloshing of the liquid contained within the ridge and to add structural strength and rigidity to the multiwell plate.

Abstract: Protected stopper for test-tubes, including a substantially cylindrically extending elastomer inner body arrangeable to close a test-tube including a sealing portion formed to be inserted inside the mouth of the test-tube and a collar piece connected above the sealing portion and projecting radially with respect to the latter to receive, in bearing contact therewith, the mouth of said test-tube. The stopper includes a substantially cylindrical cover, closed at the top and mounted to cover the inner body. An engaging mechanism for simultaneously securing the inner body to the cover and the stopper to the test-tube are included, consisting of a plurality of projections extending on the inside of the side wall of the cover, coming into contact with the outer wall of the test-tube and spaced from the closing wall of the cover to form a contact step capable of constraining the projecting collar piece of the inner body.

Abstract: An apparatus for culture is provided, which apparatus enables to increase the ratio of a culture medium solution to the number of cells while keeping the density of the cells at a high level and diminishing the absolute number of the cells. The apparatus comprises a container having at least one concave part and at least one member (x) selected from the group consisting of a gelatinous material, a sponge material, and a mesh material, wherein the member (x) is placed within the concave part of the container, has at least one hollow by which a part or parts of a surface of the container in the concave part is bared, and holds a solution containing culture medium components. Further, processes for preparing the apparatus, culturing methods that use the apparatus, a method for studying or observing an influence of a substance to be examined on cells or a piece of a tissue, a kit for making the apparatus, and a flat substrate for culture are provided.

Abstract: A sterilizable bio-reactor comprising a three-dimensional reactor culture assembly substantially equivalent to a bone marrow micro environment, an inert bio-compatible scaffolding material located on a base of the reactor culture assembly to provide a micro environment identical to the micro environment in human bone marrow, for cultivating stem cells in the scaffolding, forming part of a sterilizable bio-reactor device, and a process for the expansion of haemopoietic stem cells derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood for therapeutic use, comprising growing haemopoietic stem cells in the bio-degradable non-toxic bio-compatible scaffold while providing necessary nutrition and gasses cultivating the stem cells in the scaffolding material to provide for the cell growth in the bio reactor, and supplying mobilizing oxygen and carbon dioxide to maintain gas tension for optimal expansion of the stem cells, and circulating media containing micro and macro nutrients and growth factors to establish gradients within the

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for screening a single cell or a small group of cells for a desired biological activity. In particular, the present invention provides for delivering cell(s) to a plurality of cell isolation regions of a cell isolation device, transferring the cell(s) to a plurality of wells of a cell expansion device and detecting the potential desired biological activity of the cell(s). Each of the cell isolation regions comprise a bioaffinity region capable of binding a single cell or a small group of cell(s). This binding of cell(s) may be accomplished through the use of bioaffinity ligands immobilized in the bioaffinity regions of the cell isolation regions. Preferably, the wells of the cell expansion device encompass a cavity that provides sufficient volume for cell proliferation.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A lockable contact plate is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking members, each comprising a radial sheath and a sheath-engaging tab.

Abstract: A lockable Petri dish is disclosed wherein the lid and base of the dish are provided with at least two pairs of locking members, each comprising a radial sheath and a sheath-engaging tab.

Abstract: A multi-well plate assembly has a well plate with a plurality of closed-bottom, open-top wells of substantially uniform square cross-section between the closed bottom and the open top. An insert plate is nested with the well plate and has a top wall substantially covering the open tops of the wells. Inserts project down from the top wall and into the respective wells, such that each insert is nested in a corner of the well. Access ports are formed through the insert plate for alignment with a corner of the respective well opposite the insert. The access port is formed partly through the top wall of the insert plate and partly through the sidewall of the insert.

Abstract: A multi-well plate cover and assembly comprises a lid and a gasket. The lid is formed of a resilient material and configured to apply a compressive spring force to the surface of the gasket to seal the wells in a multi-well plate when the cover is secured to the multi-well plate. The lid has members for mechanical manipulation and for attachment to the multi-well plate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for performing high-throughput preparation and screening of salts and polymorphs of drug candidates. The invention is directed towards enhancing the pre-formulation discovery process used for drug development. In particular, processes that determine suitable salts and processes that discover substantially every polymorph that can form from a particular drug candidate are provided. The processes are performed using several apparatuses that are specifically configured to carry-out various steps in a high-throughput characterization process. One such apparatus is configured for synthesizing a plurality of library members based on, for example, a library model generated by a computer system. Another apparatus may filter the synthesized solution to provide a substantially pure mixture that can be subjected to salt or polymorph testing.

Abstract: A microplate cover assembly which is compatible with manual workstations or robotic handling systems used for high throughput screening. The cover assembly includes a cover, a pressure plate and a layer of sealing material. The cover is shaped such that when it is engaged with a microplate, the cover exerts a compressive force on the pressure plate, which in turn disperses the force in a substantially uniform manner across the layer of sealing material. The cover and pressure plate also include laterally-extending tabs which allow it to be engaged with or disengaged from a microplate in a fully automated fashion.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: An analyzer system has a base housing (1) and a sample tray (4) with at least two holding accommodations (5) for containers (32) of samples that are to be analyzed. The sample tray (4) is movably supported on the base housing. A drive mechanism (2) inside the base housing advances the tray (4) so that the containers (32) move in steps along a prescribed track to an analyzer module (16), where the samples are subjected to an analysis. A lid-opening device (50) is arranged along the prescribed track at a place that the sample containers (32) reach before they arrive at the analyzer module (16). The lid-opening device (50) serves to open lids (32?) of a predetermined shape and thickness (H) by which the sample containers (32) may be covered. The lids (32?) are preferably made of a non-magnetic material containing a magnet-anchor element.

Abstract: A culture apparatus and cultivation method are provided which enable liquid materials such as cells or blood plasma to be evenly cultivated by making current density uniform.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, and optionally, for performing magnetic separation of cells desired to be cultured. The cell culture apparatus preferably comprises a frame; at least one gas permeable membrane securedly sealed in a leak-proof sealing to a frame and an opposing surface comprising a rigid surface in forming a culture chamber therebetween; and at least one resealable aperture to allow substances to be introduced into, or withdrawn from, the culture chamber.

Abstract: A collection device and method of use for excised tissue immobilization, removal of core samples from immobilized tissue and transport of the tissue for specimen radiography and pathological analysis. The collection device is comprised of a base member having an annular bottom wall and a side wall upwardly extending from the peripheral edge of the side wall, a lid member having a top wall and a skirt circumscribing the side wall and extending downwardly therefrom, and an incremental latching mechanism for securing the lid member to the base member. The side wall of the lid member includes a plurality of apertures positioned around at least a portion of the circumference of the side wall. In use, a tissue specimen placed in the base member is immobilized by compressing the tissue between the top wall of the lid member and the bottom wall of the base member and securing the lid member and base member together with the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A lid body 200 is divided, on its front side, into three parts, that is, a pair of first movable parts 220 in the form of curved plates on both sides of the body and a second movable part 230 in the form of a flat plate in the middle of the body. A container body 100 is provided with a front engagement member 131 which is displaceable in front and in the rear of the body 100. The first movable parts 220 have front engagement members 221 formed at their front ends to be engageable with the front engagement member 131. While, the second movable part 230 has a disengagement member 231 formed at the front ends. The first movable parts 220 on elastic deformation are engaged with the front engagement member 131. When the second movable part 230 is subjected to depression of its upper face at the front end so that the disengagement member 231 causes the front engagement member 131 to be displaced forward, the engagement of the front engagement member 131 with the front engagement members 221 is released.

Abstract: A culture dish assembly includes a polygonal culture dish with a bottom wall and a side wall enclosure formed by a plurality of generally planar panels joined consecutively to one another by non-planar corners. The side wall enclosure includes a generally planar top edge. Inner surface regions of a plurality of the planar panels are formed with a plurality of projections or recesses that are spaced from one another and spaced from the corners. A splash guard includes engagement flanges disposed for nesting with inner peripheral surface regions of the panels of the side wall enclosure. The engagement flanges include projections or recesses disposed for releasably engaging the projections or recesses on the side wall enclosure to hold the splash guard on the culture dish without creating stress concentrations in the corners.

Abstract: Provided is a device comprising a plurality of microchambers having a closed vented environment, wherein each microchamber is in operative communication with a filling port and a vent aperture. The device further comprises a base which is sandwiched between two liquid-impermeable membranes, with at least one of the membranes being gas permeable. Also provided is a method for introducing a fluid into a plurality of microchambers of the device, wherein each filling port is aligned with a pipette tip, and the fluid is introduced into and through the filling port. The fluid then flows along a fluid flow groove providing fluid flow communication between the filling port and the microchamber, and into the microchamber.

Abstract: An assaying device composed of a test cartridge/cassette and cap/cover. When attached, the cap/cover seals the top of a sample well/opening on the cartridge/cassette in a fluid tight manner, to protect from contact with and contamination of the tested sample (for example, urine for drug testing), provide easier, cleaner handling of the test cartridge/cassette and prevent intermixing of another sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for forming an array of powder samples arranged in predefined locations where all samples have a flat surface in a common plane has been developed. A monolithic block having a main support section having at least N perforations from a first surface of the main support through a second surface of the main support in predefined locations, where N is the number of samples in the array is provided. The monolithic block also has a flat support section covering the perforations of the main support section. All N samples are loaded simultaneously with sample X in perforation X of the main support where X is an integer from 1 to N. A flat surface of each sample where the flat surfaces are a common plane is formed by forcing the samples within the perforations against the flat support.

Abstract: A microorganism culture plate and methods for its fabrication and use is provided. The culture plate comprises a splash-guard that attaches to an upper rim of the plate. The splash-guard forms a removable, hermetic seal with the rim to prevent liquid media or other fluids from spilling or leaking out of the plate. The splash-guard as defined by a frame of film, according to an embodiment, has an aperture situated over a volume of the culture plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to microscale cell handling apparatus which exhibit bulk fluid flow properties superior to prior art microscale cell handling devices. The microscale cell handling apparatus described herein comprises at least two flow paths, each of which extend between an inlet region and an outlet region of a void that can be filled with fluid. The apparatus includes a microscale flow path (i.e., a flow path having a cross-sectional area of about 1 to 1000 square micrometers at its narrowest point) and a non-microscale flow path (i.e., a flow path having a cross-sectional area greater than 1000 square micrometers at its narrowest point). The apparatus can have multiple microscale and non-microscale flow paths. The void can be enclosed within a cover.

Abstract: A system for holding a slide. The system includes a housing having a side wall and a top. The top includes a recess surrounded by an outer rim. The system also includes an inlet port in communication with the recess and an elevating mechanism capable of receiving the slide and for raising the slide toward the top of the housing to engage the slide with the outer rim to form an analytical cavity. Together these elements form an analytical cavity in which the assay may be performed.

Abstract: Contact plates are provided including a base member and a lid. The base member has a sidewall extending circumferentially around a peripheral edge portion thereof to define a sample receiving area. The lid has a sidewall extending circumferentially around a peripheral edge portion thereof. A plurality of ribs extend from an inner surface of the sidewall of the lid. The ribs are configured to provide an interference fit engagement between the sidewall of the base member and the sidewall of the lid when the lid is attached to the base member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container intended for use in cell culture. The container includes a first and a second sheet that are secured to one another in the vicinity of their periphery so as to form an interior volume intended to receive cells and at least one access route designed to allow the introduction and/or the recovery of cells. Each of the sheets includes at least one layer made of a polymer material that allows the cells to adhere. Moreover, at least one of the two sheets is thermoformed. The invention also relates to a system including at least two elements connected together as a closed circuit by a tube. One of the elements is a container of the invention. The invention also includes the use of such containers and systems for culturing adherent cells and/or cells that are suspended in the medium.