Abstract: A liquid evaluation device including a cartridge with one or more channels formed between two closely spaced substrates is disclosed. The cartridge includes one or more liquid flow structures, each of which can be located in a deposition region for a channel, an entrance region for the channel, and/or an interior region of the channel. Each liquid flow structure is configured to facilitate liquid flow to shape and/or locate the liquid in the channel for measuring a volume of the liquid located in the channel.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation device including a cartridge with one or more channels formed between two closely spaced substrates is disclosed. The cartridge includes one or more liquid flow structures, each of which can be located in a deposition region for a channel, an entrance region for the channel, and/or an interior region of the channel. Each liquid flow structure is configured to facilitate liquid flow to shape and/or locate the liquid in the channel for measuring a volume of the liquid located in the channel.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include a first plate and a second plate located in close proximity to the first plate. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include one or more additional attributes and/or the system can include one or more additional components for performing the evaluation.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include an upper plate and a lower plate located in close proximity to the upper plate. The lower plate includes a deposition region for dispensing liquid. The extent of the deposition region in one or more directions can be defined by a repellant barrier, such as a boundary with a set of areas configured to be repellant to the liquid. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can be configured to have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action.

Abstract: A cartridge for evaluating the volume of an aliquot of liquid is described. The cartridge can have one or more well tabs that pivot into a position in which liquid dispensed into a corresponding well is placed in contact with a capillary and surface tension draws the liquid from the well into the capillary. Comparison of the liquid-air interface with markings on or near the capillary, can reveal the volume of liquid dispensed. One or more additional features, such as well tabs that are stable in a substantially vertical orientation and/or a groove for protecting and/or self-aligning the capillary can ensure that the device operates properly.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include a first plate and a second plate located in close proximity to the first plate. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include one or more additional attributes and/or the system can include one or more additional components for performing the evaluation.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: A cartridge for evaluating the volume of an aliquot of liquid is described. The cartridge can have one or more well tabs that pivot into a position in which liquid dispensed into a corresponding well is placed in contact with a capillary and surface tension draws the liquid from the well into the capillary. Comparison of the liquid-air interface with markings on or near the capillary, can reveal the volume of liquid dispensed. One or more additional features, such as well tabs that are stable in a substantially vertical orientation and/or a groove for protecting and/or self-aligning the capillary can ensure that the device operates properly.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more fluids comprising pulsing the flow of two fluids selected from the two or more fluids, reversing the flow of one of the pulsed fluid, bringing into contact the fluids and causing them to mix. A device for mixing the fluids is also provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic embryo scaled channels for handling and positioning embryos provide the opportunity to evaluate and treat embryos in improved manners Fluid flow is used to move and position embryos within microfluidic channels and channel geometries may be used to place embryos at specific locations. Surface properties and compliance (deformation) properties of embryos are evaluated as a predictor of viability. The microfluidic channels provide the opportunity for fine controls of pressure to conduct various evaluations at forces slightly below which damage to embryos is known to occur.

Abstract: A microfluidic embryo handling device and method in which biological rotating of embryos is simulated. Fluid flow is used to move and position embryos without assistance of electrical stimulus or other means which may produce undesired heating of biological medium used as the fluid for transporting and position. Continuous or pulsed flow is maintained around an embryo or embryos in the device. The device provides an excellent simulation of biological conditions and may be used for culturing, sorting, testing, evaluating, fertilizing and other similar typical handling operations. An embryo may be parked at a desired location to carry out such a typical operation, while the microfluidic handling device maintains fluid flow around the embryo.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a capillary for electrophoresis. The cartridge has a body defining a passage along which the capillary is threaded. Exits are provided on the body for extending the ends of the capillary to access external fluid sources. The same cartridge may be used for different lengths of capillaries. An aperture is provided on the cartridge for optical detection of electrophoretic separation in the capillary held in the cartridge. The cartridge may include a hollow space defined about the capillary for circulating coolant fluid.

Abstract: A proximity type image intensifier having an evacuated electrically conductive tube envelope is described. The image intensifier tube includes improved structure for supporting components within the tube envelope. The support structure includes a support ring having a first inwardly extending edge portion which defines a support surface for supporting the component, and a second inwardly extending edge portion which defines a compression surface and component access aperture. The retaining ring includes a planar inner surface and an outer edge surface. The inner surface contacts the component supported in the support ring. The retaining ring is allowed to expand whereupon the outer edge surface engages the support ring compression surface. Radial expansion of the retaining ring creates an axial compression force between the retaining ring inner surface and the support surface about the circumference of the component being supported.