Abstract: There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.

Abstract: There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.

Abstract: There is provided a sample processing cartridge comprising a. a sample entry location; b. a closed sample processing chamber; c. a sample analysis location comprising a sample analysis well; d. a first channel fluidly connecting the sample entry location and the sample processing chamber; e. a second channel connecting the sample analysis location and the sample processing chamber, the second channel comprising a closed or closable second channel valve; wherein the sample processing chamber comprises a second channel port providing fluid connection between the second channel and the sample processing chamber, the second channel port being positioned in a sample accumulating region of the sample processing chamber. There is also provided a sample processing system comprising the cartridge, and methods of use of the cartridge and processing system in a sample processing assay.

Abstract: There is provided a device (1) for carrying out an assay to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample, the device (1) comprising a body in which is formed: •a) a sample entry well location comprising a sample entry well (22) or means for engaging with a sample entry well (22), the sample entry well (22) having a first volume; •b) an amplification well location comprising an amplification well (56) or means for engaging with an amplification well (56), the well (56) having a second volume less than or the same as the first volume and in which a nucleic acid amplification reaction of the target nucleic acid may be effected; •c) a first channel (60) linking the sample entry well (22) with the amplification well (56); •d) a diluent well location comprising a diluent well (35) or means for engaging with a diluent well (35), the well (35) being sealed, having a third volume greater than the second volume and being openable to an unsealed configuration; •e) a second channel (65) linking the diluent well (35), when in

Abstract: There is provided a device (1) for carrying out an assay to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample, the device (1) comprising a body in which is formed: • a) a sample entry well location comprising a sample entry well (22) or means for engaging with a sample entry well (22), the sample entry well (22) having a first volume; • b) an amplification well location comprising an amplification well (56) or means for engaging with an amplification well (56), the well (56) having a second volume less than or the same as the first volume and in which a nucleic acid amplification reaction of the target nucleic acid may be effected; • c) a first channel (60) linking the sample entry well (22) with the amplification well (56); • d) a diluent well location comprising a diluent well (35) or means for engaging with a diluent well (35), the well (35) being sealed, having a third volume greater than the second volume and being openable to an unsealed configuration; • e) a second channel (65) linking the diluent well (35), wh

Abstract: A device (1) for carrying out a chemical or biochemical reaction and detecting the results is described. The device may be used in an assay to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample. The device includes (i) a well (8) in which a chemical or biochemical reaction such as a nucleic acid amplification reaction may be effected in a liquid phase or a receiver for such a well; (ii) a channel (16) extending from the well; (iii) a lateral flow assay device (32) arranged to receive liquid contents from channel, on a bibulous membrane thereon. The membrane contains elements that are able to detect the products of the chemical or biochemical reaction such as a target nucleic acid. Methods for using such devices and apparatus for carrying out assays using these are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for conducting a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction wherein at least one wall of said vessel comprises a metallic layer and an inner non-metallic layer. Reaction systems comprising combinations of vessels of the invention and apparatus for heating them, as well as particular reactions vessels are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for distributing a solid, gel, powder or viscous test substance in an extraction fluid, the apparatus comprising a flow cell for holding the test substance and having an inlet and an outlet; an extraction chamber located between said inlet and outlet comprising a convergent nozzle; and a recirculating pump for driving extraction fluid: (i) into the flow cell via the inlet; (ii) through the extraction chamber; and (iii) back to the flow cell via the outlet, whereby a pressure differential is established across the extraction chamber such that the velocity of the extraction fluid is greater at the outlet than at the inlet; characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a tortuous path flow control valve (TPV) located at the outlet and configured to permit flow of extraction fluid and extracted test substance but to prevent or retard passage of said test substance through the outlet.

Abstract: A device (1) for carrying out a chemical or biochemical reaction and detecting the results, such as an assay to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample, said device comprising (i) a first well (8) in which a chemical or biochemical reaction such as a nucleic acid amplification reaction may be effected in a liquid phase or a receiving means for such a first well; (ii) a first channel (16) extending from the first well; (iii) a lateral flow assay device (32) arranged to receive liquid contents from said first channel, optionally by way of second well, on a bibulous membrane thereon, wherein said membrane contains elements that are able to detect the products of the chemical or biochemical reaction such as a target nucleic acid. Methods for using such devices and apparatus for carrying out assays using these are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for conducting a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction wherein electrically conducting polymer is arranged to act as a heating element. The profile of the electrically conductive polymer differs in different regions of the vessel so as to control thermal gradients. The profile of the electrically conductive polymer may be arranged to either increase or reduce the thermal gradient. Reaction systems comprising combinations of vessels of the invention and apparatus for heating them, as well as particular reactions vessels are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for conducting a chemical or biochemical reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction wherein at least one wall of said vessel comprises a metallic layer and an inner non-metallic layer. Reaction systems comprising combinations of vessels of the invention and apparatus for heating them, as well as particular reactions vessels are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is provided for use in an inhaler comprising a pressurised container, and a metering chamber, and a valve mechanism wherein the inlet and outlet valves are separate and can be operated independently. The pressure of the fluid in the canister is used to aid the opening of the outer valve so reducing the force to fire a dose. A variant of the valve mechanism allows the user to select from a range of dose volumes bv appropriate orientation of the stem.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.