Abstract: A food processing vat is provided with blade assemblies that extend from opposing sides of a rotating shaft. The blade assemblies may be curved or otherwise face different directions at different locations along their respective lengths. The vat may have a pair of rotating shafts and the rotation of the shafts may be timed so that the blade assemblies of the shafts simultaneously travel through a common swept volume. The blade assemblies may be positioned on the shafts so that they intermesh through each other while simultaneously moving through the common volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for processing of a liquid sample, for example for the detection of components in a sample of blood. The cartridge comprises a fluidic system with an intake port (12) leading via an intake capillary channel (13) to a storage chamber (14). Moreover, a feeding capillary channel (15) leads from the storage chamber (14) to a detection chamber (16). The design of the cartridge (10) is such that the intake capillary channel (13) that connects the intake port (12) to the storage chamber (14), has a capillary suction pressure sufficiently high to drive some sample from the intake port to the storage chamber without need of any additional pressure. Furthermore the cartridge a flow control element (18, 20) adapted to be externally controllable such that the sample can be drawn from the storage chamber (14) towards the processing chamber (16) without any active pumping.

Abstract: There is described an indicator device for indicating the passage of time, the indicator device comprising an indicator section and a barrier section adjacent thereto, said indicator section comprising: an indicator material; a substrate material; and a first adhesive layer; the indicator material and the substrate material being in the form of one or more layers; the indicator material displaying different visible properties in response to the presence or absence of a chemical agent and/or the concentration thereof; the barrier section comprising a removable barrier layer, the removable barrier layer being substantially impermeable to the chemical agent; wherein on removal of the removable barrier layer, the concentration of the chemical agent in the indicator section changes over time, effecting a visible change. The device may be used to detect the presence/absence of oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, an amine, ammonia, and/or carboxylic acids or to indicate the passage of time.

Abstract: Complete nucleic acid library preparation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a thermal chip module comprising multiple CLC reaction wells; one or more plate locations; a robotically controlled liquid handler configured to transfer liquid between the one or more plate locations and the thermal chip module; and a bulk reagent dispenser configured to access each CLC reaction well of the thermal chip module.

Abstract: A blood sampling transfer device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. The blood sampling transfer device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion. After separation, the blood sampling transfer device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The blood sampling transfer device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The blood sampling transfer device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the blood sampling transfer device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a mouthpiece for use with an electronic analyzer for breath analyte detection in an individual. The mouthpiece includes a biosensor and a hydration system. The biosensor includes a chemically active area where a chemical reaction takes place and the hydration system delivers a liquid to the chemically active area of the biosensor to at least one of enhance, enable, and facilitate the chemical reaction. The mouthpiece further includes hardware to transmit breath analyte data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic platform for optical biosensing, the platform including an optical substrate, a layer provided on the substrate, and a channel formed within the layer and defined by the layer and the substrate through which fluid can flow, the channel including a channel constriction that gradually narrows along a length of the channel to a point at which the channel is physically sized and configured to trap a microsphere suspended in the fluid when the fluid flows through the channel so that the microsphere cannot pass the channel constriction.

Abstract: A liquid-chromatography module includes a microfluidic cartridge housing a microfluidic substrate with a channel for transporting fluid. The microfluidic substrate has fluidic apertures through which fluid is supplied to the channel. One side of the cartridge has nozzle openings, each aligning with a fluidic aperture in the microfluidic substrate and receiving a fluidic nozzle. A clamping assembly has a plunger that is movable into a clamped position and an end housing that defines a chamber. One wall of the end housing has a fluidic block with fluidic nozzles extending into the chamber. A second wall has a slot through which the cartridge enters the chamber. When moved into the clamped position while the cartridge is in the chamber, the plunger urges the cartridge against the fluidic block such that each fluidic nozzle enters one nozzle opening and establishes fluidic communication with one fluidic aperture in the microfluidic substrate.

Abstract: A luminescent Ir(III) complex is used to develop a label-free G-quadruplex-based assay for lead ions in liquid or solution. In particular, the present invention describes method for monitoring lead ion concentration in water.

Abstract: A luminescent Ir(III) complex it used to develop a label-free G-quadruplex-based assay for lead ions in a liquid or aqueous solution. In particular, the present invention describes method for monitoring lead ion concentration in water.

Abstract: An ejection structure includes a connector and an ejection element. The connector includes an opening and an ejection guiding groove for ejecting. The opening is received a biosensor test strip. The ejection guiding groove is disposed on a side of the connector and a front end of the guiding groove is communicating with the opening for receiving the biosensor test strip. The ejection element is assembled in the ejection guiding groove and comprises an actuating part used for contacting the biosensor test strip then ejecting the biosensor test strip along the ejection guiding groove from a rear end to the front end. Therefore, it omits extra assembled elements and simplifies the ejection structure so as to enhance the smoothness of the ejection mechanism.

Abstract: Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

Abstract: There is described an indicator device for detecting a change in atmospheric conditions, the indicator device comprising an indicator section and a barrier section adjacent thereto, said indicator section comprising: an indicator material; a substrate material; and a first adhesive layer; the indicator material and the substrate material being incorporated into one or more layers; wherein the indicator material displays different visible properties in different atmospheric conditions, and wherein the barrier section provides a semi-permeable seal configured to allow controlled flow to the indicator of an atmospheric agent that effects a change in visible properties of the indicator material. There is also described a method for preparing an indicator device, and products derived therefrom. The indicator device may be used to detect oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, an amine and/or ammonia, or to indicate the passage of time.

Abstract: A photostructurable ceramic is processed using photostructuring process steps for embedding devices within a photostructurable ceramic volume, the devices may include one or more of chemical, mechanical, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic devices, all made in part by creating device material within the ceramic or by disposing a device material through surface ports of the ceramic volume, with the devices being interconnected using internal connections and surface interfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogen detection sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The hydrogen detection sensor is manufactured by using hydrothermal synthesis method to synthesize a molybdenum oxide (MoO3) nanostructure, and irradiating UV light thereon to form an MoO3—Pd nanocomposite comprising the molybdenum oxide nanostructure with palladium (Pd) catalyst particles, and coating the MoO3—Pd nanocomposite on a substrate. As such, a visible color change from the MoO3 before and after exposure to hydrogen may be so obvious that the sensing or sensitivity of hydrogen and the long-term stability may be substantially improved. In addition, the manufacturing process is simple, and the manufacturing costs may be reduced.

Abstract: Fluid containment pressure vessel that eliminates the outer support housing present in certain conventional vessels, and provides an improved cap-to-body interface. In certain embodiments, the cap is threaded and configured to threadingly engage with the body of the pressure vessel, and has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the pressures in the device without the need for a support housing. In certain embodiments, an interlock mechanism is provided that prevents the cap from being opened (e.g., removed from the body) while the device is under pressure. In certain embodiments, a pressure relief valve is provided with a pre-loaded biasing mechanism to achieve the required pressure release rate. The vessel can be used for sample preparation, including purification or concentration of samples, particularly protein samples.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a semiconductor chip having a main chip surface. The microfluidic device further includes an encapsulation body embedding the semiconductor chip, the encapsulation body having a main body surface. A microfluidic component extends over the main chip surface and over the main encapsulation body surface and traverses an outline of the main chip surface.

Abstract: An integrated “lab-on-a-chip” microfluidic device performs nucleic acid sample preparation and diagnostic analysis from test samples containing cells and/or particles. The device analyzes DNA or RNA targets, or both, from a common test sample. Dried and/or liquid reagents necessary for nucleic acid sample preparation and analysis are contained on the device, such that the device only requires addition of test sample. Clay mineral and alkaline buffer reagents are employed for overcoming the problems of nucleic acid degradation and contamination during sample preparation. The device may include a composite filter to separate plasma or serum from other blood constituents when the test sample is a blood product. The microfluidic device utilizes a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, membranes, pumps, and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of the liquid sample, in particular, in order to prepare nucleic acids and perform further diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a breach or contamination indicating elastomeric article for indicating a breach or contamination by a selected chemical or group of chemicals, the article having an exterior and interior and comprising: (1) an interior elastomeric layer selected to resist permeation by the selected chemical(s); and (2) exterior thereto, a contiguous or dis-contiguous first indicating layer comprising a dye or pigment and an opacifying agent, the dye or pigment providing the layer with color, the first indicating layer changing color and/or opacity when contacted with a selected chemical such regions of the article where the layer is so contacted contrast with non-contacted regions. A subsequent, interior layer can provide a safety buffer allowing for removal or disposal prior to any potential for harm. A second, interior indicating layer can be used to make the warning louder when a serious breach is occurring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for performing an assay to detect an analyte in a fluid sample comprising a channel with reagent deposits comprising a flow control reagent positioned at one or more defined locations therein and a method for producing such a device. In particular, the invention relates to a microfluidic device.