Abstract: A multiwell plate device is provided having a frame, a substantially flat substrate and a multiwell structure supported by the substrate. The multiwell structure includes multiple bottomless wells formed therein. The substrate is supported by the frame and may be processed by an automated arrayer or instrument that is used to print or spot arrays in a pattern on a reaction surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the multiwell structure may be engaged with the substrate and the multiwell structure and substrate may be engaged with the frame in an upright orientation. For scanning or other analysis, the multiwell structure and substrate may be disengaged from the frame, inverted 180°, and then reengaged with the frame in the inverted orientation.

Abstract: A cover slip for forming a chamber of the type for use with a hybridization reaction or similar molecular search. The cover slip has a surface and two substantially parallel, opposed edges bounding the surface. A spacer has a pair of spacer segments, and each spacer segment extends along substantially a full length of a different one of the opposed edges, thereby forming a chamber between the spacer segments, the cover slip and the substrate. The chamber receives the specimen when the cover slip is placed on the substrate with the spacer sandwiched therebetween. The cover slip has a thickness providing a beam stiffness permitting the cover slip to maintain a substantially constant distance between the surface and the substrate when a liquid is introduced between the cover slip and the substrate. In another embodiment, the spacer extends along the perimeter of the cover slip and has discontinuities forming two channels across the perimeter for introducing the liquid therethough.

Abstract: A multiwell plate device is provided having a frame, a substantially flat substrate and a multiwell structure supported by the substrate. The multiwell structure includes multiple bottomless wells formed therein. The substrate is supported by the frame and may be processed by an automated arrayer or instrument that is used to print or spot arrays in a pattern on a reaction surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the multiwell structure may be engaged with the substrate and the multiwell structure and substrate may be engaged with the frame in an upright orientation. For scanning or other analysis, the multiwell structure and substrate may be disengaged from the frame, inverted 180°, and then reengaged with the frame in the inverted orientation.

Abstract: A rack for holding specimen slides. The rack has a frame with opposed support bars having opposed openings for supporting opposite ends of the specimen slides. The support bars have edges connected to sides of the frame, so that the support bars are resiliently deflectable with respect to the frame. The rack of specimen slides is containable in a slide case for purposes of transportation. The slide case has a base with a first latch portion, and the rack has a second latch portion. As the rack is positioned adjacent the base, the first and second latch portions are placed in juxtaposition to releasably secure the rack in the base. A cover is positionable over the base such that the base and cover fully enclose the rack of specimen slides. As the cover is closed over the base, the cover pushes the specimen slides against the opposed support bars, thereby deflecting the support bars and securing the specimen slides in the slide case.

Abstract: A cover slip mixing apparatus having a support and a flexible cover slip positioned over and forming a chamber between the support and the cover slip. A device is positioned with respect to the support and cover slip for applying a force on the cover slip and flexing the cover slip toward the support, the flexing cover slip providing a mixing action of a material located in the chamber. A microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluid path disposed in the substrate. A flexible cover is positioned over the substrate and the fluid path, and a device is positioned with respect to the substrate and the cover. The device is operable to apply forces to the cover and flex the cover to act on fluid in the fluid path.

Abstract: A microscope slide having on a first side an opaque, scratchable coating located at a marking region of the slide, and on a second opposing side located generally behind the scratchable coating at the marking region, a contrastingly-colored coating. Upon scribing an identification mark into the scratchable coating and thus removing the scratchable coating where scribed, the contrastingly-colored coating on the second side of the slide becomes visible from the first side of the slide in the area scribed.

Abstract: A culture slide kit for use in growing or differentiating various cell and tissue cultures, wherein the kit comprises a slide, a compartment and a bonding element. The compartment has sidewalls with an upper extremity and a lower margin, and is adapted to be operatively positioned on the upper surface of the slide. The bonding element is adapted to seal and releasably adhere the lower margin of the compartment sidewalls to the upper surface of the slide. Furthermore, the bonding element exhibits a greater bond strength with the compartment sidewall lower margin than with the upper surface of the slide, so that when the compartment is separated from the slide, substantially all of the adhesive is effectively removed from the slide.

Abstract: Novel vertical electrophoresis cassettes having pull cords for opening the cassettes following electrophoresis runs are disclosed. Uniquely, the electrophoresis cassettes have pull cord assemblies positioned along the opposing vertical side edges of the front and back plates and between the front and back plates. More particularly, the pull cord assembly comprises a pull tab integrally connected to a tear strip. The front and back plates of the electrophoresis cassette are held together by either a soft-curing adhesive or adhesive tape positioned along the opposing vertical side edges of the cassette. The tear strip of the pull tab assembly is positioned between the adhesive or adhesive tape and spacers. To open the cassette, the pull tab is grabbed and the tear strip rips through the adhesive or adhesive tape to open the cassette along one vertical side thereof.

Abstract: A glass slide having a top surface and a bottom surface. The slide has at least one marking surface which has a first visual appearance when viewed from the top, and a second visual appearance when viewed from the bottom so as to allow the surface to be easily distinguished.

Abstract: A container for handling and transporting glass slides. The container comprise a base support having at least one slide retention well for receiving a single glass slide and a cover for engagement with the base support. A projection is provided on the cover for alternating access to different portions of the slide as desired.

Abstract: A container for initially holding a plurality of individual packages and later holding a plurality of slides in a spaced apart relationship. The container comprises a base portion having a receiving well and a top cover for mating with the base portion. The receiving well is designed so as to hold at least one box initially and later to hold a plurality of microscope slides placed therein.

Abstract: A microscope slide having on one side a raised marking surface formed of pigmented resinous material, such as an epoxy resin, which dries to a matte finish which is absorptive and retentive of marking ink, and on the other side, behind the raised marking surface, a frosted marking surface.