Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an automatic analysis apparatus capable of setting a dispensing mechanism for measuring dispensing accuracy and a dispensing volume, and capable of performing dispensing accuracy measurement without absorbance measurement. Regarding a dispensing accuracy, a dispensing mechanism to be measured is designated. Parameters including a dispensing volume and the like are input. A dispensing operation of the input dispensing volume is automatically performed for each designated dispensing mechanism. A reaction vessel contains, for example, a reagent of the input dispensing volume which has been dispensed by the designated dispensing mechanism. By measuring a weight of the reagent in the reaction vessel, or the like, it is possible to measure the dispensing accuracy of the designated dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: Busbar comprising a supporting body (1) made of a tough-hard material, and at least one electrical conductor (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, . . . ), wherein the conductor (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, . . . ) is connected to the supporting body (1). The supporting body (1) comprises a seal (3) that is made of a rubber-elastic material, which encloses the conductor (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, . . . ) on the outer circumferential side with an annular sealing region (4) in a sealing manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a laboratory sample contained in a laboratory sample container is presented. The apparatus comprises an optical sensing unit for sensing a transmittance at different vertical positions through the laboratory sample container and a tip sensing unit having a tip. The tip sensing unit is adapted to provide a tip sensing signal (tLDS) depending on a position of the tip relative to the sample. The apparatus also comprises a process control unit adapted to control the secure and reliable pipetting of the laboratory sample in response to both the transmittance and the tip sensing signal (tLDS) provided by the tip sensing unit.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an automatic analysis apparatus capable of setting a dispensing mechanism for measuring dispensing accuracy and a dispensing volume, and capable of performing dispensing accuracy measurement without absorbance measurement. Regarding a dispensing accuracy, a dispensing mechanism to be measured is designated. Parameters including a dispensing volume and the like are input. A dispensing operation of the input dispensing volume is automatically performed for each designated dispensing mechanism. A reaction vessel contains, for example, a reagent of the input dispensing volume which has been dispensed by the designated dispensing mechanism. By measuring a weight of the reagent in the reaction vessel, or the like, it is possible to measure the dispensing accuracy of the designated dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a laboratory sample contained in a laboratory sample container is presented. The apparatus comprises an optical sensing unit for sensing a transmittance at different vertical positions through the laboratory sample container and a tip sensing unit having a tip. The tip sensing unit is adapted to provide a tip sensing signal (tLDS) depending on a position of the tip relative to the sample. The apparatus also comprises a process control unit adapted to control the processing of the laboratory sample in response to the transmittance and the tip sensing signal (tLDS) provided by the tip sensing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of freezing a liquid substance contained in at least one receptacle, comprising the steps of: providing the liquid substance in at least one receptacle, providing a cooling chamber and a cooling device having a cooling surface; setting the temperature of the cooling surface, starting a freezing procedure by placing the receptacle with the liquid substance therein on the cooling surface to form a seed or initial zone of nucleation; and continuing the freezing procedure to completely freeze the substance.

Abstract: Embodiments show a method for fabricating a cavity structure, a semiconductor structure, a cavity structure for a semiconductor device and a semiconductor microphone fabricated by the same. In some embodiments the method for fabricating a cavity structure comprises providing a first layer, depositing a carbon layer on the first layer, covering at least partially the carbon layer with a second layer to define the cavity structure, removing by means of dry etching the carbon layer between the first and second layer so that the cavity structure is formed.

Abstract: A seal including a sealing ring (1) made from an elastomeric material, an intermediate ring (2) made from a polymeric material, and a supporting ring (3), the sealing ring (1), the intermediate ring (2) and the supporting ring (3) being arranged concentrically with respect to one another, and the sealing ring (1) and the supporting ring (3) being arranged in each case on the sides of the intermediate ring (2) which face away axially from one another. The sealing ring (1), the intermediate ring (2), and the supporting ring (3) form a pre-assembled unit (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft-tissue implant for use in the medical field which has an antibacterial effect. The soft-tissue implant, which may for example be a breast implant, has at least one antibiotic substance bound to the implant surface in first and second configurations that release the antibiotic substance, after implanting in an animal body, at short term and long term release rates. The first and second configurations are each present at one or more common surface locations. The soft-tissue implant has an antibacterial effect that prevents or reduces the deposition of bacteria and the formation of bacteria-containing biofilms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft-tissue implant for use in the medical field which has an antibacterial effect. The soft-tissue implant, which may for example be a breast implant, has at least one antibiotic substance bound to the implant surface in first and second configurations that release the antibiotic substance, after implanting in an animal body, at short term and long term release rates. The first and second configurations are each present at one or more common surface locations. The soft-tissue implant has an antibacterial effect that prevents or reduces the deposition of bacteria and the formation of bacteria-containing biofilms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for quantifying a target nucleic acid (target) in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a fluid transfer process, including the steps: providing an allowable pressure profile; detecting a pressure occurring in the course of the fluid transfer process; comparing detected pressure with the allowable pressure profile and signaling an error, if the detected pressure is not within the allowable pressure profile. The allowable pressure profile is defined by interpolation points, the interpolation points being based on a probability function representing a family of pressure courses of a plurality of fluid transfer processes. The allowable pressure profile can be divided into at least two distinct process sections, each section corresponding to a distinct process phase of the fluid transfer process. The probability function is calculated from a family of test pressure curves and reflects the statistical behavior of the pipette system.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring an actuator displacement, has a housing with a first recess having a first and second plunger displaceably mounted. These plungers are actively connected via at least one transfer chamber by a fluid. The active connection causes the second plunger to be displaced when the first plunger is moved and vice versa. The transfer chamber is hydraulically coupled via a sealing gap to a compensating chamber compensating the pressure differences, in a delayed manner. The transfer device also has a chamber device with a compensating chamber, a chamber housing, and a first plunger. The chamber device has a device with a first body with a recess including a second body, and with an elastomer placed in the recess between the first and second body. The elastomer has a first groove extending at least partially along the recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (a measurement device) for on-line measurements on cells, in particular for measuring soluble analytes and dissolved gases on samples in a sample area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring a fluid transfer process, including the steps: providing an allowable pressure profile; detecting a pressure occurring in the course of the fluid transfer process; comparing detected pressure with the allowable pressure profile and signaling an error, if the detected pressure is not within the allowable pressure profile. The allowable pressure profile is defined by interpolation points, the interpolation points being based on a probability function representing a family of pressure courses of a plurality of fluid transfer processes. The allowable pressure profile can be divided into at least two distinct process sections, each section corresponding to a distinct process phase of the fluid transfer process. The probability function is calculated from a family of test pressure curves and reflects the statistical behavior of the pipette system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a computer program to detect the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method, an apparatus and a computer program that detects the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device with electrical means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a computer program to detect the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method, an apparatus and a computer program that detects the liquid leakage of a liquid transfer device with electrical means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for quantifying a target nucleic acid (target) in a test sample.

Abstract: The combination of two mechanisms of detection in a single device yields a method which allows the simple quantification of analyte determinations. Suitable formats and reagent kits are suggested.