Abstract: An adaptor for receiving a fluidic device (12) and facilitating connection of the device (12) to a similar device or other object, the device having defined therein at least one fluid pathway (24), the adaptor being capable of receiving fluid from said at least one pathway (24) and having connecting means (28) for connecting to the, or each fluid pathway (24), so as to substantially immobilise the pathway(s) with respect to the device, thereby preventing damage to the pathway(s), the means for connecting each pathway provides a fluid tight seal, so that in use fluid passes to/from the device, without leakage, to a similar device.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a plurality of articles for laser marking comprising a support plate (16) having a plurality of apertures (18) extending from a first surface of the plate (15) to a second surface of the plate (17). The apertures are dimensioned to receive said articles (12) at the first surface of the plate (15), so that the at least a portion of the article is exposed through the aperture (18). Preferably apertures are defined by tapering walls. In use a laser (30) is directed towards a protruding portion of the article (21). The extent to which the articles protrude through the aperture (18) is significantly less than the variation in diameter of articles (12) to be laser marked. This eliminates the need for the laser to focus on individual articles (12).

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a coded chemical library, which method comprises synthesising the chemical library on a plurality of synthesis particles and writing code on the synthesis particles using high-energy radiation during library synthesis, so as to provide the chemical library on a plurality of coded synthesis particles, and wherein the identity of library compounds associated with a synthesis particle is established by reference to its code.

Abstract: A radiofrequency encoded chemical library synthesis particle which comprises a read-only radiofrequency tag linked to a solid phase. Chemical libraries synthesised on such particles and their use in biological screening methods.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a chemical library, which method comprises synthesizing the library on a plurality of individually coded synthesis particles and wherein the particles are tracked during library synthesis under the control of robotic apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids, comprises first and second channels defining flow paths, for permitting fluid flow of respective first and second immiscible fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to, or adjacent to, one another and communicate with one another to define a region in which, in use, a stable interface between the fluids is formed. One, or more, dimensions of the region are varied along the length of the interface in a direction of fluid flow to compensate for variation in the properties of the fluids during the carrying out of the process and thereby maintain stability of the interface.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a micro engineered structure and a capillary or other tube and a method for connecting the tube to the structure. The micro engineered structure is composed of at least one substrate 2 in which fluid flow channels 6 are formed, connecting to an aperture 12 into which the tube 14 is inserted. A sealant material is flowed into the aperture around the tube and then hardened in order to seal the tube within the aperture.