Abstract: A heat exchanger of the regenerative type which is capable of being utilized for transferring heat between incoming and outgoing building ventilation air. The article includes internal elements into which heat is transferred from the air, and from which heat is transferred to the air (3), between and around which air may flow. It preferably includes staggered internal heat exchange elements within a certain range of dimensions, elements for structural support of the heat exchange elements (4), and an outermost external wall (5).

Abstract: A flow apparatus for measuring at least one biophysical property of one or more components is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more microfluidic devices. Each microfluidic device comprises: a sample channel having a sample inlet port for introducing a sample fluid flow comprising one or more components at a first flow rate into an elongate distribution channel, an auxiliary channel having an auxiliary inlet port for introducing an auxiliary fluid flow at a second flow rate into the elongate distribution channel. The distribution channel is configured to enable a lateral distribution of the components from the sample fluid flow into the auxiliary fluid flow. Each microfluidic device further comprises two or more capillary channels provided downstream and in fluid communication with the distribution channel, at least one outlet port provided downstream of each of the capillary channels.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device is provided. The fluid flow controller comprising, at least one high resistance fluid pathway provided between an inlet port and a connection port; at least one low resistance fluid pathway between the inlet and connection port; and at least one valve configured to enable fluid flow through the high resistance fluid pathway, the low resistance fluid pathway or both.

Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow in an array of fluid pathways on a microfluidic chip is provided. The device comprising: two or more resistors provided upstream of the chip wherein each upstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at an upstream end of a fluid pathway; two or more resistors provided downstream of the chip wherein each downstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at a downstream end of a fluid pathway, wherein the values of the resistances are selected in order to control a proportion of fluid that flows through each fluid pathway.

Abstract: A single-layer valve is provided. The valve comprises a microfluidic pathway at least partially defined by a flexible membrane which is configured to deform when subjected to an actuation torque, and a discontinuity bounded by a first surface. The length of the discontinuity is constant across the full width of the first surface. The valve is configured such that the actuation torque on the membrane is larger in a first direction than a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.

Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow in an array of fluid pathways on a microfluidic chip is provided. The device comprising: two or more resistors provided upstream of the chip wherein each upstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at an upstream end of a fluid pathway; two or more resistors provided downstream of the chip wherein each downstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at a downstream end of a fluid pathway, wherein the values of the resistances are selected in order to control a proportion of fluid that flows through each fluid pathway.

Abstract: A pedestal for loading a sample into a microfluidic device is provided. The pedestal comprising, a surface for receiving the sample and positioning it above a port; and a side support configured to provide a liquid barrier by the action of surface tension.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device is provided. The fluid flow controller comprising, at least one high resistance fluid pathway provided between an inlet port and a connection port; at least one low resistance fluid pathway between the inlet and connection port; and at least one valve configured to enable fluid flow through the high resistance fluid pathway, the low resistance fluid pathway or both.

Abstract: A single-layer valve is provided. The valve comprises a microfluidic pathway at least partially defined by a flexible membrane which is configured to deform when subjected to an actuation torque, and a discontinuity bounded by a first surface. The length of the discontinuity is constant across the full width of the first surface. The valve is configured such that the actuation torque on the membrane is larger in a first direction than a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fluidic system is provided. The system comprises: a rigid housing (12), a plurality of flexible reagent containers (14) contained within the housing (12); wherein each reagent container (14) has a connection port (16) through which a reagent can flow, in use, on the application of pressure. The system further comprises a single pressure source (18) configured to apply pressure to the interior of the rigid housing (12); a microfluidic device configured to analyse one or more fluids provided from the plurality of reagent containers; and a plurality of channels (20) configured to transfer fluid from the plurality of reagent containers (14) to the microfluidic device. The ratio of resistances provided by a combination of the connection ports and the plurality of channels dictates the ratio of flow rates of the reagents. The claimed system allows for an accurate control of the various reagent flow rates while minimizing fluctuations in the relative flow rates.

Abstract: An agitation device for agitating products held in wells of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate is disclosed. The device is arranged to retain a microplate and to agitate an agitation member comprising an array of agitation projections which enter the wells of the microplate. The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member for the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An agitation device for agitating products held in wells of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate is disclosed. The device is arranged to retain a microplate and to agitate an agitation member comprising an array of agitation projections which enter the wells of the microplate. The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member for the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A droplet dispensing apparatus has a piston rod driven by a solenoid, the rod for connection to a piston of a droplet dispensing syringe, in which the output member from the solenoid is directly connected to the rod through the entire impulse produced by the solenoid.

Abstract: A droplet dispensing apparatus has a piston rod driven by a solenoid, the rod for connection to a piston of a droplet dispensing syringe, in which the output member from the solenoid is directly connected to the rod through the entire impulse produced by the solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically surveying items in a monitored area. The device is equipped with a transmitting and/or a receiving device. The aim of the surveying device is to provide an economical way for surveying electronically protected items. To this end, the surveying device is made up of individual layers of material, which taken individually are flexible and possessed of a low level of resistance, but when combined are characterized by a high level of rigidity and resistance.