Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling dispensing devices and/or for dispensing a medicament include a sealing element fixed in a receiving space of the dispensing device with a specific assembly parameter. A plurality of sealing elements is produced in batches, and all sealing elements of a batch are fixed with the same assembly parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for use in a device for administering a liquid medical formulation, to a method for producing the nozzle in the form of a microfluidic component and to a tool for producing microstructures of the microfluidic component. The nozzle is formed by a plastics plate with groove-like microstructures which are covered by a plastics cover on the longitudinal side in a fixed manner. The production method includes a moulding process in which a moulding tool is used, which moulding tool has complementary metal microstructures which have been produced from a semiconductor material in an electrodeposition process by means of a master component.

Abstract: A system for testing the proper functioning of an atomiser for dispensing a fluid in the form of an aerosol is proposed, wherein the system comprises the atomiser and a test apparatus, wherein the atomiser comprises a container holding the fluid, and a housing part for inserting and/or replacing the container, wherein the container is movable relative to the housing part in order to dispense the fluid and the test apparatus comprises a measuring device for measuring the movement of the container when the fluid is dispensed. In addition, a method for testing the proper functioning of an atomiser for dispensing a fluid in the form of an aerosol is proposed, wherein the atomiser comprises a container holding the fluid, and a housing part for inserting and/or replacing the container, wherein the container is moved relative to the housing part in order to dispense the fluid and the movement of the container is measured and/or analysed when the fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: A spray head for an aerosol tank, and an aerosol tank having a spray head is provided, which includes a fluid exit valve for spraying a low-solvent fluid. The fluid exit valve of the aerosol tank defines an axial fluid exit direction. The spray head includes a capillary tube for routing the fluid and for nozzle-less spraying of the fluid. An entry end of the capillary tube is axially joined to the fluid exit valve when the spray head has been seated on the aerosol tank. An exit end of the capillary tube is open to the ambient atmosphere. In the spray head, the capillary tube runs from the entry end to the exit end in an arc of approximately 90°.

Abstract: A device and a method are proposed for actuating a carpule, in which a piston is displaced in the carpule by means of a ram that is telescopically extensible by rotation, and in this way a liquid medicament formulation is expelled. For carrying out different processes, different operating movements are provided, particularly the operation of an operating element in different directions and/or the operation of different operating elements. This promotes simple, intuitive and safe operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating blood, more particularly an apparatus (1) for absorbing blood (19) and separating blood components, e.g. blood plasma, as a sample liquid (2). Said apparatus (1) comprises a feeding device (13) for absorbing the blood (2), a device (15) for separating blood components as a sample liquid (2), a duct which preferably absorbs the sample liquid (2) exclusively by means of capillary forces, and a device for filling the duct (3) with sample liquid (2) in an inlet or feeding zone (18) of the duct (3). The separating device (15), in particular a membrane, is curved, especially convexly shaped, and the apex of said curved, especially convex shape projects into the filling device.

Abstract: A process and a laminating device for producing a microfluidic device are proposed, wherein a film is pressed onto a carrier under the effect of heat and thereby attached to it. During the attachment the film is lifted by the blowing in of gas on the carrier side to prevent it adhering in a non-attachment region and is vented on the remote side. The device is compressed between a holder and a thermode of the laminating device during the lamination. An elastic intermediate layer is arranged in each case between the device and the holder and between the device and the thermode, for evening out the contact pressure and obtaining uniform attachment of the film to the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic structure (1), comprising at least one cavity (10) having at least one inlet opening (11) and at least one outlet opening (12), wherein the cavity (10) can be filled with a liquid or a liquid can flow through the cavity and at least one element (13) is provided inside the cavity (10), which element stops the flow of the liquid at least temporarily and/or diverts the flow of the liquid at least in some regions within the cavity (10). According to the invention, the at least one element (13) is formed by a recess (13) introduced into a wall of the cavity (10), which recess (13) has at least one first region (14) at which the liquid stops at least temporarily and/or is diverted at least in some regions and at least one second region (15) at which the liquid preferably flows into the recess (13). Such a microfluidic structure makes it possible to fill the cavity (10) without air inclusions.

Abstract: Process for joining a foil or a membrane. The invention relates to a method for joining at least one foil-like or membrane-like part to a structural part (9), wherein the foil-like or membrane-like part is separated by means of a tool (2) from a semi-finished product (3) and is held on the tool (2) by applying a reduced pressure, and wherein the foil-like or membrane-like part is placed on the structural part (9), and is in turn held on this (9) and joined to this (9) by applying a reduced pressure. By means of the method a precise, reliable and readily automatable joining of a foil-like or membrane-like part to a structural part (9) is possible. A device (1) is also proposed, with which the method according to the invention can readily be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sample separation, particularly for blood separation, in which the sample liquid is introduced into a feed device. The sample flows vertically through a separating device such as a filter or a membrane, so that sample particles are retained and separated off. The sample liquid thus separated, particularly blood plasma, is received by an inlet chamber underneath the separating device and conveyed by means of a channel in the lateral direction out of the inlet chamber. Particularly advantageously, the channel extends into the inlet chamber, the channel being formed by a recess in the base of the inlet chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (4) of a biosensor, comprising at least one first device (6) for receiving a sample liquid, wherein the device (6) is connected via a distributor channel (7) to further receiving devices (8 to 11), into each of which a feed channel (71, 72, 73, 74) branching off from the distributor channel (7) opens, and the feed channels (71, 72, 73, 74) are arranged in succession in flow direction (S) of the sample liquid passed on through the distributor channel (7). In accordance with the invention, it is envisaged that, in the distributor channel (7), in each case between two immediately successive feed channels (71, 72; 72, 73; 73, 74) in flow direction (S), at least one region (K) for at least temporary slowing or stoppage of the capillary flow of the sample liquid has been inserted.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a fluidically conductive floor element, a cover, and a film disposed between the elements. The cover or the floor element and the film include a filling opening for filling microfluidic channels in one of the elements having sample fluid. Pins engage in corresponding holes in the film and the associated element. By way of deforming a pin, a friction fit is produced with the wall of a hole, and a head contacting the associated substrate in a form-fitting manner is formed. A press tool is placed on a head end of a pin at a predetermined pressure, and heat transfer into the pin takes place during a weld time. The pin material is brought to above the glass transition temperature and/or the melting point, and a friction fit between the pin and the wall of the hole is formed by flowing the pin material in the hole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing at least one sample solution with at least one reagent in at least one chamber of a microfluidic cartridge such that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by way of at least one movable component. In this way the loss of sample liquid or analyte can be reduced.

Abstract: A device and a method for separating a supernatant of a liquid sample are proposed, in which an outlet is closed off by a water-soluble membrane that dissolves after a certain length of time so that the supernatant of the sample is automatically drained away after centrifugation. The water-soluble membrane may in principle may also be used for other purposes for temporarily retaining a liquid in a holding chamber.

Abstract: In a method of producing trench-like depressions in the surface of a wafer, particularly a silicon wafer, by plasma etching, in which the depressions are produced by alternate passivation and etching, each depression in its final geometry is provided with a protective layer of the polytetrafluoroethylene type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic apparatus for producing a volume flow that is uniform over time in a metering process. In various solution processes or reaction processes it is essential to have a specified given volume flow or mass flow of fluid available to ensure reliable dissolution of the reagent or ensure that the reaction takes place. In microfluidic apparatus in which separation of particles from a fluid, particularly blood, is carried out through a membrane, the volume flow through the membrane decreases continuously. In order to achieve a uniform volume flow during metering, it is envisaged that first of all a reservoir is filled from a first channel, so that the contents of the reservoir can then be fed to the metering process by opening a fluid stop. The emptying of the reservoir takes place with a uniform volume flow of 0.05 microliters per second to 10 microliters per second.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filtering a liquid sample, wherein first capillary-driven filtration occurs and, after initial filling, pressure-operated filtration is performed by applying a vacuum or a positive pressure.

Abstract: A device is proposed having a separating device for filtering a liquid sample and having a conveying device. A positive pressure or negative pressure can be generated by means of the conveying device, for accelerating or assisting the filtration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for filling at least one cavity with a liquid via: partly filling a cavity of a semifinished product containing at least two cavities, covering the semifinished product at least in some areas, so as to prevent the escape of liquid from the semifinished product, displacing at least some of the liquid from the already partially filled cavity, such that at least one other cavity is completely filled by a portion of the displaced liquid and another portion of the displaced liquid at least partially fills at least one overflow.

Abstract: Sample liquid is collected in a chamber downstream of a separating device. Adjoining the chamber are a plurality of channels which guide the sample liquid to one or more investigating regions.