Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Abstract: A sonicator assembly, including: a microplate defining a plurality of wells; a manifold for containing a transducer fluid that is thermally coupled to the plurality of wells of the microplate; an ultrasonic generator operable for applying an ultrasonic excitation to the wells of the microplate; one or more of a heating module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively heating the transducer fluid and a cooling module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively cooling the transducer fluid; and a controller operable for controlling operation of the ultrasonic generator and the one or more of the heating module and the cooling module. The controller is further operable for monitoring a temperature and a pressure within the manifold. A temperature of the plurality of wells is controllable over a temperature range from 4° C. to 95° C. Optionally, the plurality of wells include a plurality of heat-resistant round-bottom hydrophilic wells.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative devices for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels and illustrative methods for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels. A plate handling device includes a base having a first and second base member configured to hold a plate, wherein the base is adapted to expand and contract to secure the plate to the plate handling device. A handle having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the handle is adapted to actuate the expanding and contracting of the base to secure and hold the plate. An outer handle member fixedly attached to the first base member. A user interface member fixedly attached to the second base member, wherein the user interface member is pivotably attached to the lower end of the handle and pivotably receivable in portions of the outer handle member.

Abstract: The present technology generally relates to a tissue sample coring system. Select embodiments of a tissue sample core extractor include a drill head, a drill bit, a tube, and a pump. The drill bit may have a hollow coring head configured to separate a core from a tissue sample and retain the core therein. The drill bit may include a central passageway fluidly coupling the hollow coring head to a port extending radially from the central passageway through the drill bit, where the tube is aligned with the port and movable to selectively abut the drill bit to create a fluid seal between the tube and the port such that the pump can cause a fluid to flow through the tube, pressurize the central passageway, and eject the core. The tissue sample core extractor may further include a trigger configured to move the tube and/or cycle the pump.

Abstract: The present technology generally relates to a cryogenic tissue sample storage system. Select embodiments of a tissue sample storage system include a tray having a first well configured to receive a first tissue sample therein a second well configured to receive a second tissue sample therein. The tray can include a first well identification feature associated with the first well and a second well identification feature associated with the second well. The storage system can further include a lid hingedly associated with the tray and movable between (a) a first position in which the first and second wells are occluded by the lid, and (b) a second position in which the first and second wells are externally accessible. The first well identification feature can be unique from the second well identification feature.

Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.

Abstract: A double and triple barrel electrode for the simultaneous measurement of pH and P.sub.CO2 ; and pH, P.sub.CO2 and P.sub.02 employing a membrane in conjunction with a pH fluid and fluids responsive to CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2. The responsive fluids exhibit a pH change upon a change in the concentration of the particular analyte in the responsive fluid. The liquid membrane is selectively permeable to H.sup.+ ion, and permeable to CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 gas.