Abstract: An ultra-high-speed fully automatic precision spectral analysis system for rare earth metals and its working method is disclosed. The system includes a central control server, a precision numerical control rotary table communicatively connected with the central control server, a sample loading-clamping device, an automatic weighing device, an automatic ranging device, an analyzing surface machining device, a rare-earth spark emission spectrometer, and an automatic marking device; the sample loading-clamping device is arranged to fix a test sample of a rare earth metal, the automatic weighing device is arranged to weigh the test sample in real time, and the automatic ranging device, the analyzing surface machining device, the rare-earth spark emission spectrometer, and the automatic marking device are set up around the precision numerical control rotary table to perform the corresponding work processes respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are instruments and related methods for measuring oxidative potential (OP) in airborne particulates, particularly PM2.5. The instrument is formed from three main components: a sample injector, a sample incubator and a measurement system. The instrument provides an automatic measure of five OP endpoints in a relatively rapid time frame of less than 3 hours. In this manner, additional parameters beyond the gross particle concentration or mass per unit volume is obtained, including the biologically-relevant OP associated with PM2.5.

Abstract: A method, a mobile device and a kit for performing an analytical measurement are disclosed, wherein outliers are eliminated. In the inventive method, a mobile device having a camera and a test strip for performing a color-change detection reaction are provided. A sample is applied to a test field of the test strip and an image of at least part of the test strip is captured. A region of interest in the image is determined and associated with a first sub-set of pixels. A color distribution is evaluated and outliers are eliminated in the first sub-set of pixels. A sub-region of interest is determined within the region of interest and is associated with a second sub-set of pixels. Mean values of the color distributions of the first sub-set of pixels and the second sub-set of pixels are compared to thereby determine homogeneity information of the image.

Abstract: A sample tube includes a barcode split into components at the bottom of the sample tube. Each barcode component stores less than the full data output from the barcode, but the components combine to full data output. Redundant diagonal components provide for error checking. A center region between the barcode components supports an electrical circuit or an optical or acoustic window. The sample tube may have a sidewall with a substantially cylindrical open end and non-cylindrical end closed with a bottom, the non-cylindrical end orienting the sample tube in a rack. Additional non-cylindrical surfaces are provided to orient the sample tube relative to complementary surfaces at a gripper. The sample tube of a particular application is positioned in an acoustic dispensing system where acoustic waves are transmitted through a center window for surveying and dispensing.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a reagent storage system for a microfluidic device includes a microfluidic chamber formed in a microfluidic device. A blister pack to store a reagent includes an electrically conductive membrane barrier adjacent to the chamber. A thinned region is formed in the membrane barrier, and a conductive trace is to supply electric current to heat and melt the thinned region. Melting the thinned region is to cause the membrane barrier to open and release the reagent into the chamber.

Abstract: An extraction operation room is provided. The extraction operation room is provided with a multi-stage Z-direction extraction arm and an X-direction pushing system. Movement on a multi-distance road section in a Z-axis direction is realized by using the multi-stage Z-direction extraction arm, such that the movement of an extraction member on the multi-distance road section in the Z-axis direction is realized, thereby greatly increasing the depth or length of the movement in a Z axis. The corresponding X-direction pushing system is provided, and the X-direction pushing system realizes the movement of a tank cover of a sample storage tank or a storage box in an X-axis direction. An operation space is given when the movement in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction are implemented, and meanwhile, the extraction structure is reasonable in design, small in occupied space, relatively low in cost, and convenient and intelligent to operate.

Abstract: A syringe device and methods for device for separating liquids of different densities are provided where the syringe device includes a hollow syringe barrel, a perforated plunger seal with a seal hole, and a hollow plunging tube with a closed bottom with at least one tube hole.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette assembly, including a plurality of syringes of different volumes and a powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification, operation, and ejection of said syringes.

Abstract: Temperature-controllable reagent cartridges and systems for controlling the temperature in such reagent cartridges are provided. An example such system may include a reagent cartridge having reagent reservoirs located at least in part within an interior plenum volume of a cartridge housing. In such an example system, each reagent reservoir may be defined, in part, by a sidewall, and a first reagent reservoir may be spaced apart from a second reagent reservoir to form a fluid flow passage between corresponding sidewalls thereof. A fluid inlet through the cartridge housing may be provided that fluidically connects the interior plenum volume with a fluid supply port of a temperature control system of an analysis instrument when the reagent cartridge is received by the analysis instrument; a fluid outlet through the cartridge housing that fluidically connects the interior plenum volume with a fluid return port of the temperature control system may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for collecting, preserving and/or transporting biological samples.

Abstract: Provided is an automated analyzer comprising an ultrasonic cleaner capable of obtaining a consistent cleaning effect regardless of the operating temperature environment. This automated analyzer comprises: a dispensing mechanism having a nozzle for dispensing a sample or reagent; an ultrasonic cleaner 26 for cleaning the nozzle; and a control unit 28. The ultrasonic cleaner comprises: a cleaning tank 206; an ultrasonic vibrator 205; and a vibration head 209 that extends from the ultrasonic vibrator to the cleaning tank and has a distal end part that is inserted into the cleaning tank. The control unit inserts the nozzle into the cleaning tank and carries out a heating operation for heating the ultrasonic vibrator by driving the ultrasonic vibrator according to a driving condition different from that for a cleaning operation for cleaning the nozzle by driving the ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: A capturing of target cells from a biological sample is achieved by inducing a flow of the biological sample in a flow channel (30, 60) of an upstream microfluidic device (1). Target cells present in the biological sample are captured in cell channels (20) of the upstream microfluidic device (1). Once at least a minimum number of target cells are captured in the cell channels (20), the flow of the biological sample in the flow channel is reduced and are verse flow is applied at the upstream microfluidic device (1) to release the target cells captured in the cell channels (20) of the upstream microfluidic device (1) and enable transfer the target cells into cell channels (120) of a downstream microfluidic device (100).

Abstract: A system for imaging captured cells comprising: an illumination module configured to illuminate a target object; a platform configured to position the target object in relation to the illumination module; a filter module configured to filter light transmitted to the target object and/or to filter light received from the target object, an optical sensor configured to receive light from the target object and to generate image data; and a focusing and optics module configured to manipulate light transmitted to the optical sensor. The system can further comprise one or more of: a control system configured to control at least one of the illumination module, the platform, the focusing and optics module, the filter module, and the optical sensor; a tag identifying system configured to identify and communicate tag information from system elements; a thermal control module configured to adjust temperature parameters of the system; and an image stabilization module.

Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a handheld, powered positive displacement pipette assembly, including a plurality of syringes of different volumes and a powered positive displacement pipette having unique mechanisms for the retention, identification, operation, and ejection of said syringes.

Abstract: A capillary tube holder is provided for holding a capillary tube. The capillary tube holder includes a holder insert and a holder base. The holder insert includes a capillary groove configured for receiving the capillary tube. The holder base is configured for slidably receiving and retaining the holder insert therein.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescence generating device and a digital PCR analysis system including the same. The fluorescence generating device includes a clad layer on a substrate, an optical waveguide arranged in a first direction within the clad layer, and a housing which is disposed on the optical waveguide and the clad layer and has a micro fluid channel extending in a second direction. The optical waveguide includes an input waveguide which is provided within one side of the clad layer and provides excitation light to a liquid drop within the micro fluid channel to generate fluorescent light, and an output waveguide which is provided within the other side of the clad layer and has an output inclined surface that reflects the fluorescent light.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: Provided are devices for carrying out reactions, which in some embodiments can include a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth reservoirs disposed on first and second surfaces, wherein the first and second surfaces are configured to move relative in to each other between first, second, third, fourth, and fifth positions to expose the first, second, third, and fourth reservoirs to each other or isolate the first, second, third, and fourth reservoirs from each other, as desired. In some embodiments, the devices include one or more detection windows that are substantially transparent to light in the ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectrum to allow assaying the extent to which a reaction has proceeded and/or to determine an optimal degree thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed devices for performing reactions including but not limited to conjugation reactions as well as to optimize the same.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chemiluminescence detector. The chemiluminescence detector includes a reagent storage device, configured to store a reagent; a reaction device, configured to support a plurality of support reaction containers and perform a sample adding operation, a reagent adding operation and an incubating operation, the reaction device including a reaction outer disc mechanism configured to support the reaction containers and perform the reagent adding operation and an uniform mixing operation and a reaction inner disc mechanism configured to support the reaction containers and perform the incubating operation; a reagent storage device, a separate injection device, a cleaning device and a measuring device are arranged around an outer periphery side of the reaction outer disc mechanism.

Abstract: The inventive concept relates to a complex for detecting gas responsive to gas to be tested. The complex for the detecting the gas contains a nanostructure made of an oxide semiconductor, and a Terbium (Tb) additive supported on the nanostructure.