Abstract: A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled.

Abstract: A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument, the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled.

Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or more multiple sample vessels are placed in between the module such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimensional that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.

Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or multiple sample vessels are placed in between the modules such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.

Abstract: An improved tube including a closure portion, a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge, a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap. The body portion including a sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms and engages a wall defining an opening in a sample block of a polymerase chain reaction amplification device, and the first outer wall dimension of the sample portion reduces to a smaller second outer wall dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for treating and analyzing a biological specimen. The biological specimen is introduced into a processing device and treated thermally, mechanically, chemically or any combination thereof within the processing device to alter at least one constitutive characteristic of the biological specimen and to release or create one or more biological indicators from the biological specimen. The biological specimen is further contacted with a treated polymeric material so that at least a portion of the polymeric material binds to the one or more biological indicators.

Abstract: A thermocycling device and method of operating a thermocycler instrument, the instrument including a sample holder, at least one thermal cycling element, and at least one first and second temperature sensors, for causing the sample holder containing the at least one sample to undergo polymerase chain reaction amplification by repeated cycling between at least a denaturation heating stage and an annealing cooling stage. The first temperature corresponding with the temperature of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one first temperature sensor, and a second temperature corresponding with the temperature external of the sample holder is monitored using the at least one second temperature sensor. Based upon the first temperature and the second temperature, the power that is delivered to the at least one thermal cycling element of the instrument is dynamically controlled.

Abstract: An improved tube including a closure portion, a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge, a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap. The body portion including a sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms and engages a wall defining an opening in a sample block of a polymerase chain reaction amplification device, and the first outer wall dimension of the sample portion reduces to a smaller second outer wall dimension.

Abstract: A thermocycler apparatus and method for rapidly performing the PCR process employs at least two thermoelectric modules which are in substantial spatial opposition with an interior space present between opposing modules. One or multiple sample vessels are placed in between the modules such that the vessels are subjected to temperature cycling by the modules. The sample vessels have a minimal internal dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the modules that facilitates rapid temperature cycling. In embodiments of the invention the sample vessels may be deformable between: a) a shape having a wide mouth to facilitate filling and removing of sample fluids from the vessel, and b) a shape which is thinner for conforming to the sample cavity or interior space between the thermoelectric modules of the thermocycler for more rapid heat transfer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the collection and handling of biological or chemical specimens. The invention provides a device and a method for collecting and preparing patient samples, such as sputum, to be used in downstream diagnostics tests. The invention reduces the handling and exposure of healthcare workers to the sample by the use of a bag in which hermetic seals are utilized to separate sample aliquots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for collecting treating and analysis of biological or chemical material by introducing a source material into a specimen container, transferring the source material to a processing device and thermally, chemically and/or mechanically treating the source material to alter at least one constitutive characteristic of the source material and to release or create a target material from the source material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric system which demonstrates piezoelectric properties over a large temperature range of from room temperature to approximately 1360 degrees centigrade. The piezoelectric system is sequentially comprised of a first electrically conductive layer, a layer of (Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5) in other than a monoclinic phase, (preferably orthorhombic demonstrating small x-ray crystalographic <0 0 1> and <1 11 0> peaks), and a second electrically conductive layer. A preferred method of fabrication involves sputter deposition of both said layer of (Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5) and said second electrically conductive layer.