Abstract: An actuator system that picks up workpieces aims to shorten tact time and to reduce damages to workpieces. The actuator system includes an actuator that picks up a workpiece, an external force detection sensor that detects a physical quantity that is correlated with an external force that is applied to the workpiece, a head unit that is connected to the actuator and the external force detection sensor without a communication network, the head unit being configured to control the actuator based on a sensing result from the external force detection sensor when a pickup request signal that is a signal requesting pickup of the workpiece is received, and a control device that is connected to the head unit over the communication network, the control device being configured to transmit the pickup request signal to the head unit.

Abstract: In a method for verifying the accuracy of hybridization experiments in which a plurality of probe biopolymers are hybridized to sample biopolymers, information concerning the hybridization level for each of the probe biopolymers obtained from the hybridization experiment is displayed together with similarity scores representing the similarities between base sequences of the respective probe biopolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-sensitive, inexpensive biochip reader for reading a biochip as compared to a fluorescence method. The biochip reader is provided with an X-Y stage (3) for mounting a biochip (6) and scanning the biochip (6) in a two-dimensional manner, a controller (4) for the X-Y stage, a magnetic sensor (1) for reading the magnetic field strength, an ohmmeter (2), and a computer (5) for signal processing. As a result, a high-performance, inexpensive biochip reader can be provided without using an expensive laser or an expensive optical system, by employing a magnetic sensor and a disk driving mechanism generally used in a hard disk drive and the like.

Abstract: A method for displaying microarray information by which unknown but useful information is extracted from a mass amount of sample information obtained with microarrays. Luminescent intensity information of sample spots obtained with the microarrays is standardized for each microarray and displayed as a graph as a difference from the standardized luminescent intensity of a sample spot of interest. Accordingly, information can be compared without being influenced by a difference of experiment status between the microarrays or a difference of physical properties between the samples. A three-dimensional graph is displayed by sorting the set of samples and the set of microarrays to which the sample spots belong, under predetermined conditions, and assigning the set of sorted samples and the set of sorted microarrays to X-axis and Y-axis, and the accumulated luminescence intensity to Z-axis.

Abstract: Determination of PCR products amplified by PCR can be readily and surely conducted even if multiple types of primers are used therein. By using a biochip of a glass slide with primers for the PCR implanted thereon, competitive PCR is performed in one tube with the multiple types of primers, and amplified PCR products are detected by use of the primers on the biochip.

Abstract: The present invention detects and quantities only specific hybridization bindings. A biochip 10 which is spotted with a plurality of probe biopolymers is accommodated in a container 20 into which a washing solution is supplied from a liquid supplying unit 23. A heat block 31 controls the temperature of the biochip according to a predetermined time pattern. A pickup unit 55 picks up an image of the spot surface of the biochip at predetermined pickup intervals. The plurality of images picked up with the pickup unit are stored in a computer 40. By analyzing the images for individual spots, hybridization can be detected with high reliability for every spots without being influenced by optimal hybridization temperatures which differ depending upon the types of probes on the spots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hybridization device, case, support and labeling reagent which can enhance the efficiency of the hybridization reaction, save more time for the reaction and improve the detection sensitivity. A case (1) comprises: a metal support (2) made of platinum-covered titanium and having probe DNA immobilized thereon; counter electrodes (2a) and (2b) for applying a voltage between the metal support (2); a cap (3); and a filler port (23). As a result, a hybridization reaction can be performed in an efficient manner in a short time. In addition an electrogenerated chemiluminescent substance may be used for detection.

Abstract: Provided are a spotting pin capable of sequential and uniform spotting and a device for fabricating biochips using the spotting pin. The spotting pin of the present invention capable of sequential spotting includes an internal hollow tube of a tubular shape, an external tube slidable on an outer surface of the internal hollow tube, a piston of which one end is fixed to said external tube and which is made slidable inside the internal hollow tube, a spring disposed inside the external tube for resisting the force to move the external tube toward a direction of a tip of said internal hollow tube, and a stopper provided in a position of a given distance from the tip of the internal hollow tube.

Abstract: In a method for verifying the accuracy of hybridization experiments in which a plurality of probe biopolymers are hybridized to sample biopolymers, information concerning the hybridization level for each of the probe biopolymers obtained from the hybridization experiment is displayed together with similarity scores representing the similarities between base sequences of the respective probe biopolymers.

Abstract: The present invention detects and quantitates only specific hybridization bindings.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring an inclination angle of the tapered surface of a plaster die duplicated from the prepared tooth in the field of restorative dentistry is disclosed. The device is used also for scraping operation for the was pattern. It includes a turnable tool holding plate which is turnably held in a slot formed on the lower part of a core so as to turn about a support shaft. A rotary ring with its lower end face cut to a predetermined inclination angle, for instance, 7 degrees is rotatably fitted onto the core in such a manner that the lower inclined face comes in contact with the upper faces of wing-shaped lateral projections of the tool holding plate with a transversely extending shaft disposed therebetween. The transversely extending shaft is inserted through the tool holding plate at the same inclination angle as that of the lower inclined end face of the rotary ring so that its axis intersects with the axis of the support shaft.