Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic devices with a valve-like structure (3), through which magnetic particles can be transported with minimal transport of fluids. This allows sequential processing of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A visual display panel (1) comprising: a front face (3); an array of optical display elements, a plurality of fluid flow conduits, each conduit extending through the panel from an aperture on the front face; and a manifold (32) in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid flow conduits, the manifold having one or more manifold inlets (38) fluidly coupled to a fluid pump (33) for displacing fluid through the conduits.

Abstract: A machine (1) is equipped for printing a pattern on a substrate (20). The machine (1) comprises a table (10) for supporting and moving the substrate (20), and a print head (30) for firing ink droplets towards the substrate (20). Further, the machine (1) comprises a cover plate (40) which is arranged such as to encompass the print head (30), wherein the print head (30) partly extends through a hole in the cover plate (40). During a printing process, evaporation of solvent which is part of the ink droplets starts as soon as the ink droplets land on the substrate (20). The presence of the cover plate (40) has an equalizing effect on the evaporation rate over the printed pattern. As a result, a height distribution of all printed elements of the pattern is within predetermined limits, once the elements have dried up.

Abstract: A machine (1) is equipped for printing a pattern on a substrate (20). The machine (1) comprises a table (10) for supporting and moving the substrate (20), and a print head (30) for firing ink droplets towards the substrate (20). Further, the machine (1) comprises a cover plate (40) which is arranged such as to encompass the print head (30), wherein the print head (30) partly extends through a hole in the cover plate (40). During a printing process, evaporation of solvent which is part of the ink droplets starts as soon as the ink droplets land on the substrate (20). The presence of the cover plate (40) has an equalizing effect on the evaporation rate over the printed pattern. As a result, a height distribution of all printed elements of the pattern is within predetermined limits, once the elements have dried up.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic devices with a valve-like structure (3), through which magnetic particles can be transported with minimal transport of fluids. This allows sequential processing of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink jet device and method for producing a biological assay substrate (41) by releasing a plurality of substances onto the substrate (41) The device comprises at least a print head and a plurality of substance containers (60, 61, 62) connectable thereto, and mounting means (55) for the containers, whereby at least part of the containers (60, 61, 62) is provided with identification means (63) The device further comprises reading means to read information contained in the identification means (63).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus 1 for transferring cells 2 suspended in a fluid 3 from the fluid 3 to a substrate 17. The apparatus 1 comprises a transfer device 8 having an exterior surface 9, an interior cavity 10, and a plurality of passages 11 each having a first end 12 at the exterior surface 9 and a second end 13 in fluid 5 communication with the cavity 10 and each having a diameter corresponding to a predefined size of the cells 2 to be transferred. The apparatus further comprises a pressure regulating device 14 capable of regulating a pressure in the cavity 10 so as to establish a pressure difference between the first and second ends 12, 13 of each passage 11, a container 4 for containing the fluid 3, and a flow device 7 capable of causing the fluid 3 to flow across the 10 exterior surface 9 when in contact with the fluid 3.

Abstract: Beam manipulation member for use in an optical tweezers system, the beam manipulation member comprising at least one optical element, being controllably deformable in order to act on a laser beam in response to signals coming from the optical tweezers system. The beam manipulation member may be used to change the focal distance of the optical tweezers system and also to deflect the laser beam.

Abstract: A visual display panel (1) comprising: a front face (3); an array of optical display elements, a plurality of fluid flow conduits, each conduit extending through the panel from an aperture on the front face; and a manifold (32) in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid flow conduits, the manifold having one or more manifold inlets (38) fluidly coupled to a fluid pump (33) for displacing fluid through the conduits.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink jet device for the controlled positioning of droplets of a substance onto a substrate, the device comprising at least a print head with a nozzle designed to eject the droplet, the device further comprising at least one acoustic sensor arranged for detecting the landing of the droplet on the substrate. A feedback loop stops the printing process the moment the landing of a droplet is not detected within a predetermined delay time.

Abstract: A method of providing a track (12) on a substrate (10) includes a first step wherein a first liquid (1) is applied to the substrate (10) in accordance with a desired double pattern (11) and, upon solidification of said first liquid, a second step wherein a second liquid (2) is applied within the double pattern (11), forming the track (12) upon solidification. The double pattern (11) laterally bounds the track (12). The liquids (1, 2) may be applied by a dispenser or an ink jet printer. The first and the second step may be carried out in one operation, wherein the application of the first liquid (1) has a lead (3) over the application of the second liquid (2). A narrow track (12) may be formed when the first liquid (1) has a head group that adheres to the substrate (10) and a tail that repels the second liquid (2).

Abstract: This method of providing a track (12) on a substrate (10) includes a first step wherein a first liquid (1) is applied to the substrate (10) in accordance with a desired double pattern (11) and, upon solidification of said first liquid, a second step wherein a second liquid (2) is applied within the double pattern (11), forming the track (12) upon solidification. The double pattern (11) laterally bounds the track (12). The liquids (1, 2) may be applied by means of a dispenser or an ink jet printer. The first and the second step may be carried out in one operation, wherein the application of the first liquid (1) has a lead (3) over the application of the second liquid (2). A narrow track (12) may be formed when a first liquid (1) is used which contains a compound having a head group that adheres to the substrate (10) and a tail that repels the second liquid (2).