Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: A pallet comprising: (a) a base tray having one or more walls extending upward from the tray to create a perimeter around a central portion of the base tray; (b) an insert disposed on the central portion of the tray within the perimeter of the base tray, the insert being recessed from a terminal edge of the one or more walls; (c) a post secured within the perimeter of the tray and extend away from the base tray; and (d) a support assembly secured to the insert and positioned along the central portion of the base tray free of contact with the one or more walls, wherein the support includes a pair of support panels that are interconnected and secured to the insert free of an adhesive.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: A bearing for guiding reciprocating vertical movement of a pressure diffuser screen assembly may include: a bearing cylinder; a screen extension having an upper portion configured to couple to a lower portion of the pressure diffuser screen assembly, the screen extension having a screen extension outer diameter less than a pressure diffuser screen assembly outer diameter and less than an inner diameter of the bearing cylinder; and a bearing assembly configured to couple to the screen extension at a lower portion of the screen extension, the bearing assembly having a bearing assembly inner diameter corresponding to the screen extension outer diameter and a bearing assembly outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the bearing cylinder. An inner diameter of the bearing cylinder may provide a bearing surface for the bearing assembly.

Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for producing single and multiple compartment film wrapped pouches. Multiple linear motors allow aspects of the forming, filling, cutting and discharging to run at different speeds. The pouches are formed, filled and discharged from platens that are secured to movers that proceed through the packaging process by following magnetic fields created by independently controlled linear motors. Overall, cycle time is decreased as a result of speeding up parts of the process, including the platen return process, possible because there is no mechanical connection and not a single conveyor moving the platens while the other parts of the process may be simultaneously slowed down or even temporarily stopped. Changeover of platens, to accommodate different products, such as single compartment pouch to multiple compartment pouches, is also simplified because platens are simply connected to the movers and are thus easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A pallet comprising: (a) a base tray having one or more walls extending upward from the tray to create a perimeter around a central portion of the base tray; (b) an insert disposed on the central portion of the tray within the perimeter of the base tray, the insert being recessed from a terminal edge of the one or more walls; (c) a post secured within the perimeter of the tray and extend away from the base tray; and (d) a support assembly secured to the insert and positioned along the central portion of the base tray free of contact with the one or more walls, wherein the support includes a pair of support panels that are interconnected and secured to the insert free of an adhesive.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: A pallet comprising: (a) a base tray having one or more walls extending upward from the tray to create a perimeter around a central portion of the base tray; (b) an insert disposed on the central portion of the tray within the perimeter of the base tray, the insert being recessed from a terminal edge of the one or more walls; (c) a post secured within the perimeter of the tray and extend away from the base tray; and (d) a support assembly secured to the insert and positioned along the central portion of the base tray free of contact with the one or more walls, wherein the support includes a pair of support panels that are interconnected and secured to the insert free of an adhesive.

Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for producing single and multiple compartment film wrapped pouches. Multiple linear motors allow aspects of the forming, filling, cutting and discharging to run at different speeds. The pouches are formed, filled and discharged from platens that are secured to movers that proceed through the packaging process by following magnetic fields created by independently controlled linear motors. Overall, cycle time is decreased as a result of speeding up parts of the process, including the platen return process, possible because there is no mechanical connection and not a single conveyor moving the platens while the other parts of the process may be simultaneously slowed down or even temporarily stopped. Changeover of platens, to accommodate different products, such as single compartment pouch to multiple compartment pouches, is also simplified because platens are simply connected to the movers and are thus easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.