Abstract: The present invention provides sensors and methods for determination of an analyte. The analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be used for the detection of analytes such as explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN). Methods of the present invention may be advantageous in that the high sensitivity of luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) spectroscopy can allow for the reliable detection of small changes in luminescence intensity.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a fluorite crystal and an exposure apparatus including this fluorite crystal. A method of manufacturing a device using the exposure apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A handling device for samples and reagents to be used in testing in a system. Carriers of samples and reagents are loaded on a platform which detects the presence of, and proper loading of, such carriers. The carriers are moved from the platform by a transporter to a bar code reader for identification. A reagent container is rotated during reading to facilitate identification. The transporter further moves identified reagent carriers to a carousel on which the carriers automatically secured for storage awaiting use in testing. The carousel rotates, and selected reagent containers rotate on the rotating carousel, during storage.

Abstract: A plate liner detachably engageable onto a microarray plate (or underdrain plate component thereof), suited for preventing or confining pendant drop formation. It is provided either as a stand-alone item, or—preferably—in kit form, within a sanitary package, together with other pre-matched microarray filtration components.

Abstract: An assembly and method for performing parallel chemical experiments, in particular crystallisation experiments. The assembly has a main body having a first and a second face on opposite sides thereof. Multiple bores extend through said main body between said first and second face. Tubular liners are provided having openings at opposite ends thereof, each liner removably fitting in a bore in the main body. First closure means close the openings of the liners at the first face of the main body. Second closure means close the openings of the liners at the second face of the main body. The first and second closure means are fastenable to said main body, so that an experimentation chamber is defined within each liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container.