Abstract: A device and a plurality of microfluidic platforms for taking up and especially studying or manipulating a sample liquid, a measuring instrument for use with the device and platforms, and a process for performing the studying or manipulating of the sample liquid. Very simple, hygienic and user-friendly handling is enabled in that the platforms which are connected to one another in a sealed state and can each be individually separated and individually, preferably simultaneously, opened for taking up of a sample, such as blood, for, e.g., performing a glucose determination.

Abstract: A device and a method for collecting blood and separating blood plasma as a liquid sample using a channel that absorbs the liquid sample by capillary forces. To obtain a uniform filling of the channel with the liquid sample and an effective separation, deaeration takes place in a transverse direction to the main filling direction or to the longitudinal direction of the channel, immediately downstream of a separation device in an inlet region of the channel.

Abstract: A device and a process for testing a sample liquid in which especially the ELISA process can be carried out very easily, rapidly and with high precision. To do this, a sample liquid and a dilution liquid are each supplied to several metering chambers of different volumes, so that the sample liquid can be diluted into assigned reaction chambers in one dilution step in different dilution ratios. Different liquids can be supplied in succession to the reaction chambers by means of a common receiving chamber. The liquids are transferred from the reaction chambers into the assigned test chambers to stop the detection reaction.

Abstract: A device for the intake or manipulation of a fluid, in particular, a liquid, and a method for the production of a device of this type in which a flat, non-preformed covering film is laminated onto a carrier, a three-dimensionally shaped or convex chamber wall being formed solely by means of the laminating process. The chamber wall which forms a boundary of a chamber for the fluid is partially deformable. The device is simple to produce and can be used universally.

Abstract: A discharge device with a metered dose valve is proposed. The metered dose valve comprises an inlet valve, a metering chamber and an outlet valve. In order to allow discharge of fluid from the metering chamber in multiple steps, a user can depress and release an actuation member multiple times in a selected discharge state wherein refill of the metering chamber with new liquid is prevented.

Abstract: A device and a process for manipulation of a liquid, the ability of a liquid to flow from a first channel section in a second channel section being temporarily stopped by means of a capillary stop before it flows from the first channel section into the second channel section. Control which is accurate in time is easily enabled by the two channel sections being moved relative to one another for bridging or cancelling the capillary stop, especially being brought into contact.

Abstract: A microfluidic network having at least one channel which is open on the top side and in which one end of at least one hollow fiber is inserted and a process for making it. For this it is provided that the outside dimensions of the hollow fiber are matched to the inside dimensions of the channel, capillary channels being formed between the hollow fiber and the walls of the channel. The network is covered with a cover film or plate which closes the channel and preferably fixes the hollow fiber temporarily in the channel, and the capillary channels are filled with a fluidically sealing cement. In the area of the inserted end of the hollow fiber, a capillary stop structure is formed so that the cement as it is added it cannot seal the inserted open end of the hollow fiber.

Abstract: A discharge device, an evaporator and a method for evaporating a liquid to the atmosphere in which the liquid is supplied to an evaporation surface only by a capillary.

Abstract: The comprises at least one sample receiving chamber for a sample liquid, and a distributor channel for sample liquid connected to said at least one sample receiving chamber, with at least one such distributor channel extending from each sample receiving chamber. The sample support further comprises at least one reaction chamber entered by an inflow channel branched off said at least one distributor channel, and a venting opening for each reaction chamber. Each distributor channel and each inflow channel are dimensioned to have the liquid transport through the distributor and inflow channels effected by capillary forces. In each reaction chamber, the entrance region of the inflow channel is provided with a means for generating a capillary force causing the sample liquid to flow from the inflow channel into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray head for atomising a medium using a pressurised propellant, with a spray head body (10) which comprises a fastening ring (6) and an actuating element (20) movably connected thereto, a holding element (12) which comprises an inlet port (24), an adjoining duct section (26) and a holding section (28), and a duct element (14) which has an outlet port (62) for the medium and which has in at least one section a diameter such that the medium to be discharged atomizes in the flow of propellant, the duct element (14) preferably being a capillary pipe or capillary tube and/or having a constant diameter over its entire length, the duct element (14) being arranged in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and, preferably, being bent through approximately 90° in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and the holding element (12) preferably being connected to the spray head body (10).

Abstract: A discharge device and a method for evaporating a liquid to the atmosphere are proposed. The liquid pressurized by gas is supplied to an evaporator via a flow restriction device which restricts the flow rate of the liquid such that continuous release and evaporation of the liquid is possible. Further, an evaporator is proposed. The evaporator comprises an evaporation surface which is designed preferably by microstructuring such that the surface area is increased and/or the liquid forms an essentially uniform film on the evaporation surface.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining the viscosity of a fluid are proposed. Very simple and accurate determination is enabled in that the magnetic particles in the fluid are set into vibration by a magnetic field which varies over time. A measurement of the amplitude and/or phase of particle vibration is used to determine the viscosity or an associated quantity, such as the coagulation of blood or the glucose content.

Abstract: A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g/s.

Abstract: A sampling device and a system for testing of sample liquid are proposed. Very simple and prompt testing of the sample liquid is enabled in that the sampling device has a reservoir for the dilution liquid and that the taken-up sample liquid can be delivered by the dilution liquid directly to the testing area.

Abstract: The device (10) for the stepwise transport of liquid, particularly of sample liquid to be analyzed, through several reaction chambers located in series in terms of flow while utilizing capillary forces comprises at least one channel (14) through which liquid is transportable on the basis of capillary forces. Further, the device (10) comprises at least two closed vent holes (38,40,42) which are in fluid communication with the channel (14) at connection sites (22,24,26) spaced from each other along the channel (14). The connection sites (22,24,26) divide the channel (14) into several channel sections (44,46,48). The fluid connections between a respective channel section (44,46,48) and the vent holes (38,40,42) allocated thereto can be opened separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for collecting blood and separating blood plasma as a liquid sample, by means of a canal that absorbs the liquid sample by capillary forces. The aim of the invention is to obtain a uniform filling of the canal with the liquid sample and an effective separation. To achieve this, deaeration takes place in a transverse direction to the main filling direction or to the longitudinal direction of the canal, immediately downstream of a separation device in an inlet region of the canal.

Abstract: A device and a process for testing a sample liquid in which especially the ELISA process can be carried out very easily, rapidly and with high precision. To do this, a sample liquid and a dilution liquid are each supplied to several metering chambers of different volumes, so that the sample liquid can be diluted into assigned reaction chambers in one dilution step in different dilution ratios. Different liquids can be supplied in succession to the reaction chambers by means of a common receiving chamber. The liquids are transferred from the reaction chambers into the assigned test chambers to stop the detection reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for atomizing a liquid product using a propellant, which may be integrated into aerosol packs, for atomization of a liquid product. The liquid product may have a high viscosity. The total flow rate ranges from about 0.5 grams per second to about 0.01 grams per second through a single capillary tube. The liquid product is atomized within a capillary tube. The apparatus may be designed as a handheld unit or as a stationary or mobile unit using a plurality of capillary tubes.