Abstract: A thermocycling device includes a sample holder, a thermal reference and a heating and cooling device which is arranged between the sample holder and thermal reference. The heating and cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with the sample holder and with the thermal reference. The thermocycling device further includes a reference heating and cooling device for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling, and a heat sink which is in thermally conductive contact with the reference heating and/or cooling device.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus having a masking device for obscuring part of at least one of a patterning device used for patterning a projection beam before imaging the patterned beam onto a substrate. The masking device includes a first masking structure to obscure said part of said patterning device in a first direction and a second masking structure to obscure said part in a second different direction, wherein said first and second masking structure are disposed in the vicinity of said focal plane in a mechanically uncoupled arrangement with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a thermocycling device (10), comprising at least one sample holder (11), at least one thermal reference (12) and at least one heating and/or cooling device (13), which is arranged between said sample holder(s) and said thermal reference. Said heating and/or cooling device is in thermally conductive contact with said sample holder(s) and with the thermal reference. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one reference heating and/or cooling device (14) for maintaining the temperature of the thermal reference at a predetermined temperature level during cycling and a heat sink (15) which is in thermally conductive contact with said reference heating and/or cooling device (14).

Abstract: The invention provides an analysis device (1) and method, that enables repeatedly pumping a sample fluid (50) with one or more analytes through a substrate (10) with one or more binding materials, even when the wetted substrate has a relatively low bubble pressure. Thereto, the device (1) comprises a first volume (16) and a second volume (18), and a return channel (22) with a valve (24) as well as a pump (20). The pump (20) can establish a pressure difference between the first volume (16) and the second volume (18), to pump the sample fluid (50) through the substrate (10), thereby allowing analyte to bind to the substrate. By opening the valve (24) and establishing a reversed pressure difference, sample fluid (50) bypasses the substrate (10) through the return channel (22). After closing the valve, the device is ready for a subsequent cycle, if desired.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a bearing configured to support a first part with respect to a second part of the apparatus in a first direction such that the first part is moveable in a second direction relative to the second part. The bearing passively supports the first part in three degrees of freedom. The first part is coupled to at least one permanent magnet, and the second part is coupled to at least two permanent magnets. The permanent magnet of the first part is positioned substantially between the permanent magnets of the second part. A field orientation of the permanent magnets is substantially parallel to the first direction and the permanent magnet of the first part has a substantially opposite polarity to at least one of the magnets of the second part.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, a processing apparatus, a sample unit, a reagent unit and a method for processing a biological sample in the inside of the sample unit. The system comprises at least a processing apparatus and a sample unit, the sample unit comprises a plurality of microfluidic elements, the processing apparatus comprises actuation means capable of actuating at the microfluidic elements such that a quick, cheap and accurate analysis of the biological sample is possible.