Abstract: A piezoelectric motor with form-locked drive mechanism avoiding step losses and undefined step sizes caused by environmental conditions such as temperature, surface quality and air humidity by engaging actuator teeth interacting with the toothed structure of a driven rack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, system and method for the visual alignment of a pipettor tip and a reference point marker. The invention also relates to a use of the device. The device comprises a mirror and two lenses inside the device and four windows, wherein two first windows are perpendicular to each other, the mirror is arranged behind one of the two first windows, the two lenses are each arranged behind two second windows, one of the first windows and one of the second windows are arranged parallel to each other, and one of the first windows and one of the second windows are arranged perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to a device for incubating a sample. The present disclosure provides an incubator for shaking and/or heating at least one sample. The device comprises at least one inductor placed below an induction heating plate. A heat conducting plate is mounted onto the induction heating plate. The device further comprises a moving arrangement for placing the sample onto the heat conducting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for producing an orbital movement in a plane (20) is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a lower shaft (40) and an upper shaft (30), being parallelly and eccentrically attached to one another, and a platform (50) mounted on the upper shaft (30). A ring gear (60) is attached to the platform (50) and coaxially rotatable about the upper shaft (30). A gear wheel (80) is coaxially rotatably mounted on the lower shaft (40) and engages with the ring gear (60).

Abstract: A piezo shaker for shaking a probe is disclosed. The piezo shaker comprises a platform operatively connected with at least one piezo element, wherein the at least one piezo element deforms for controlled movement of the platform, wherein the piezo shaker further comprises transmission means connecting the at least one piezo element and the platform, and wherein the transmission means transmit the movement to the platform. The piezo shaker may comprise two piezo elements, arranged to operate along different directions, in particular perpendicularly.

Abstract: A system for connecting a reagent container to a socket. The container has a cap with an outlet comprising a collar having an opening on its side, the collar surrounding a spout with a movable valve. The valve has a tube surrounded by a disk. A plug is centrally arranged within one end of the tube so the outer walls of the spout form-fit with the inner side of the tube and the inner walls of the spout form-fit with the outer side of the plug for closing the spout. The plug is connected to one end of the tube and a socket for accommodating the outlet of the container's cap. The socket comprises at least two movable levers to engage into openings of the collar and a socket gasket on one side for taking up the tube of the valve and tubing on the opposite side to drain liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for transportation, separation and orientation in a head up position of cuvettes. The invention also relates to using the device or the system for transportation, separation and orientation in head up position of the cuvettes. The device comprises a pipe, a rotating auger, a motor, a guiding plate and a slide rail. The system further comprises at least one cuvette.

Abstract: A device and a method for dosing an uptake or a release of a liquid. The device comprises a pump pumping a fluid, a pump drive driving the pump, and a fluid channel connected to the pump. A tip is connected to the fluid channel comprising an opening for the uptake or the release of the liquid. At least one flow sensor measures a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid channel. A controller monitors and adjusts the flow rate and/or pressure in the fluid channel.

Abstract: A disposable dispenser unit is disclosed. The disposable dispenser unit comprises a fluid reservoir, a tag for storing information, a dispenser head having a pump chamber and at least one injector nozzle, and a means disposed at the dispenser head for attachment thereof to a diagnostic system, wherein the pump chamber comprises a piston and the piston comprises a volume which can be filled with fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a lysis buffer mixture that is stable in storage for isolating nucleic acids from biological, preferably diagnostic samples. The mixture is preferably associated with an extraction control. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved nucleic acid extraction system, which is cost-effective, stable and easy to use, thus fulfilling the requirements of a modern nucleic acid extraction system and containing, among other things, extraction controls. Embodiments relate to a lysis buffer mixture for isolating nucleic acids, said mixture containing non chaotropic salts, a special selection of detergents, a defined quantity of at least one nucleic acid as an extraction control, optionally lytic enzymes, optionally carrier nucleic acids and optionally other additives.

Abstract: Described is a system for the stabilization, conservation and storage of a nucleic acid, wherein the system comprises a test tube and a preferably freeze-dried stabilization mixture. Upon addition of a viscous bodily fluid to the mixture, the mixture dissolves and stabilizes the nucleic acid present in the bodily fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling at least one liquid into at least one cavity. The method comprises filling a predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid into the at least one cavity and determining if the liquid in the at least one cavity reaches a first liquid level in the at least one cavity. Filling the predetermined filling volume of the at least one liquid and the determining if the first level has not been reached, is repeated until enough volume of the at least one liquid has been added to the cavity or if the first level has been reached. The predetermined filling volume is equal to or smaller than a buffer volume above the first liquid level in the at least one cavity.

Abstract: Device for storing and dispensing cuvettes from a stack. The device has at least one cuvette stack receiving compartment, which may be a tube open at both ends, wherein one of the openings is provided with retaining springs, partly blocking the opening, so that the cuvette stack having been dropped into the compartment may come to rest on the retaining springs. The retaining springs are being spaced apart from the opening of the compartment by a distance that allows at least two cuvettes in the stack to stick out of the compartment opening. Furthermore, a cuvette separator with retaining spring spreaders is provided, moveable between a standby position away from the compartment and a cuvette separation position across the retaining spring opening of the compartment, and in between the two cuvettes, sticking out of the compartment.

Abstract: A structure (10) for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover (40) with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element (44) adjacent each opening (42) engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring receptacles between a plurality of receptacle-receiving structures disposed at different locations adjacent a transport track. The apparatus includes a receptacle carrier operatively engaged with the transport track and adapted to carry a receptacle and translate along the transport track. The receptacle carrier is further adapted to selectively stop at a transfer station with respect to any of the receptacles-receiving structures. The receptacle carrier includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move a receptacle with respect to the receptacle carrier to move a receptacle into and/or out of the receptacle carrier. The apparatus further includes a transfer position locating system to automatically determine a location of a transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each of the receptacle-receiving structures, thereby enabling the receptacle carrier to transfer a receptacle between the receptacle carrier and the receptacle-receiving structures.