Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conduct of chemical reactions, comprising: a reaction slider in which are formed a multiplicity of through holes serving as reaction chambers, a selector slider located on the upper surface of the reaction slider and having at least one continuous control orifice, wherein the selector slider is movable relative to the reaction slider in such a way that its control orifice may be brought into alignment with one of the reaction chambers of the reaction slider, so that a through connection to supply the reaction chamber with a predetermined reagent may be made, and a chemical slider, located beneath the reaction slider and provided with passages to supply chemicals to the individual reaction chambers of the reaction slider. The invention is distinguished on the one hand by a device to apply a predetermined force to the sliders and on the other hand by a valve assembly by means of which chemicals may be supplied to the chemical slider in premixed form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatic implementation of chemical or biological methods in sample vessels, more particularly for sequencing and amplifying nucleic acid sequences, including a pipette apparatus and a thermocycler, the pipette apparatus comprising a pipette arm for pipetting sample substances and/or chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the pipette apparatus and the thermocycler are configured as spatially separated workstations and that a handling arm for moving at least one sample vessel containing sample substances or chemicals and configured separate from the workstations is provided.

Abstract: 1. Biochip for the most comprehensive possible detection of the genome of Escherichia Coli K 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover pad. It is used for covering a plurality of reaction wells open to the upper surface configured in a plate-shaped body provided for implementing chemical and/or microbiological reactions such as e.g. the PCR process. The cover pad is made of an elastomer, it comprising a soft backing which is provided with a backing plate for stiffening, and the backing plate is curved such that when a compressive load of at least 5 N is applied to the full surface area of the backing plate by a planar compression body the backing plate elastically conforms thereto in assuming a corresponding shape free of curvature. The cover pad can be lifted off from the reaction wells by a low force even when the reactions implemented in the reaction wells create a vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid gripping device for automated handling lids of sample vessels, the lids comprising a spigot to be grasped by the lid gripping device, and the lid gripping device is provided with a collet chuck for grasping the spigot of a lid. The lid gripping device comprises a positioning element for actively actuating the collet chuck, resulting in only minor forces needing to be applied for actuating the lid gripping device, thus permitting application more particularly in robotic devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocycler apparatus for implementing chemical and/or biological reactions and a method for activating the thermocycler apparatus. The thermocycler apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a basebody in which for accommodating one or more reaction vessels open at the top an accommodating portion is configured. For closing off the accommodating portion of the basebody a cover is provided. Spring elements are arranged on the thermocycler apparatus such that the cover and the reaction vessel(s) are urged together and the reaction vessels are closed off directly by the cover or by means of an interlayer.The invention is characterized by an electrochemical linear motor arranged such that the cover and the reaction vessel(s) are urged together by a pressure higher than that produced by the spring.