Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer for investigating a liquid sample in a sample tube, in particular a glass sample tube (12), has a sample bushing (1) surrounding the sample tube having a bore into which one end of the sample tube is inserted with tight fit. The sample bushing (1) is preferably substantially cylindrical and the bore extends along the cylindrical axis. The NMR spectrometer has a gripping device (13) for handling the sample bushing (1), the gripping device (13) having at least three gripping fingers (14a-14d), and the outer periphery of the sample bushing (1) has at least one groove (2) into which the gripping fingers (14a-14d) can engage to press onto the two outer edges of the groove (2) when the gripping device (13) is closed. The cooperation between the groove and the gripping device permits fully automated, precise handling of the samples.

Abstract: A compound handling system handles a multiplicity of chemical or biological compounds or samples, and is especially adapted for high throughput screening of compounds that are stored and handled in aliquotted form. Aliquots are contained in individual containers and the containers are arranged in racks having holding spaces open at opposite ends. Insertion and removal of the containers is effected in either direction of movement, and each container may be sealed with foil to protect its integrity.

Abstract: A washing system comprises a support for holding several cartridges. Each cartridge has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. Wash blocks are movably coupled to the support, each having two needles for penetrating the inlet and the outlet of a respective cartridge when the wash blocks are moved towards the support. Tubing is coupled to the needles for flowing liquid through the chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device adhering to the skin comprising a housing with a rigid base fixable on a patient's skin by means of an adhesive layer which has an adhesive surface, essentially co-extensive with the base, contacting the skin and which is fixed to the base by a reduced surface in comparison to the adhesive surface contacting the skin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of test tubes (11) in a measuring system, the test tubes being carried by a test tube carrier (21) which comprises a plurality of compartments (22), each of which is adapted for receiving and holding a test tube.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a multiplicity of chemical, biochemical or physical processes in parallel has a plurality of switching blocks (1), to which a multiplicity of reaction vessels (5) are removably fastened. Liquids, gases and/or solids can be supplied to and/or extracted from the reaction vessels (5) through the switching blocks (1). Each switching block (1) comprises a gas duct plate (11) and a functional plate (12) which is arranged so that it can be displaced on it. The gas duct plate (11) has a multiplicity of through-holes, a gas duct and a multiplicity of gas duct holes extending from the gas duct to the functional plate (12) and the functional plate (12) has a multiplicity of through-holes and depressions open to the gas duct plate (11). Depending on the position of the plates, through-holes, depressions or sealing surfaces of the functional plate (12) are located opposite to through-holes and gas duct holes of the gas duct plate (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing temperature control and agitation to a plurality of reaction vessels comprises a plurality of elastic receptacles on a block, each receptacle supporting a reaction vessel below its neck, and, a plurality of elastic couplings, each coupling retaining a reaction vessel at its neck section. A flow channel is provided within the block to transfer a liquid temperature control medium to the reaction vessels. The flow channel is routed to each receptacle individually, thereby supplying the medium directly to the corresponding reaction vessel. A shaking arrangement is provided to agitate the reaction vessels by moving the receptacles horizontally relative to the couplings. The greatest deflection of each reaction vessel occurs at its base, while the neck sections are subjected to slight movement.

Abstract: A washing system comprises a support for holding several cartridges. Each cartridge has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. Wash blocks are movably coupled to the support, each having two needles for penetrating the inlet and the outlet of a respective cartridge when the wash blocks are moved towards the support. Tubing is coupled to the needles for flowing liquid through the chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: An integrally built, linear array of cuvettes is made of a plastic material. Every cuvette of the array has the same shape and dimensions. Neighboring cuvettes are connected to each other by a single web. Each of the single webs has a curved shape and each cuvette has means forming integral part thereof and serving for accurately positioning the cuvette into an opening of a cuvette holder and means for removably connecting the cuvette to the cuvette holder. Each cuvette has an upper chamber and a lower chamber having a common symmetry axis passing through the centers of both chambers. Each of the upper and lower chambers has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cross-section of the upper chamber at the central part thereof is larger than the cross-section of the lower chamber. The lower chamber has an open lower end. The upper chamber has an open top end and an annular bottom wall having a central circular opening which connects the upper chamber with the lower chamber.

Abstract: A washing system comprises a support for holding several cartridges. Each cartridge has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. Wash blocks are movably coupled to the support, each having two needles for penetrating the inlet and the outlet of a respective cartridge when the wash blocks are moved towards the support. Tubing is coupled to the needles for flowing liquid through the chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: A microdispensing system is useful for the open-jet dispensing of liquids. A valve having a valve chamber is bounded by an impermeable elastic membrane and is filled with the liquid for dispensing. One or more liquid supply lines lead to the valve chamber. An outlet closed from the exterior by the membrane in the position of rest leads from the chamber to a dispensing nozzle. An actuator chamber is disposed on the other side of the membrane. In the actuator chamber, an electromechanical drive is connected to the membrane for the purpose of briefly lifting the membrane from the outlet. The actuator chamber is closed in such manner that it can be subjected to a pressure differing from atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A compound handling system handles a multiplicity of chemical or biological compounds or samples, and is especially adapted for high throughput screening of compounds that are stored and handled in aliquotted form. Aliquots are contained in individual containers and the containers are arranged in racks having holding spaces open at opposite ends. Insertion and removal of the containers is effected in either direction of movement, and each container may be sealed with foil to protect its integrity.

Abstract: An improved injection device has a casing containing an active substance reservoir, a cannula communicating with the reservoir, a device for inserting the cannula, and pump means for discharging the reservoir contents through the cannula. The cannula 11 is fixed relative to the casing and projects beyond the underside of the casing to the depth required for injection. The cannula is surrounded by a protective element which is moved by a spring drive from a first end position in which the protective device projects beyond the underside of the casing and beyond the cannula to a second end position in which the protective device does not project beyond the underside of the casing.