Abstract: Disclosed are substance detection and identification devices, and methods of using them for detection and identification of substances in ambient surroundings, on surfaces of objects, inside closed items or in fluids. A substance detection and identification device may comprise a housing, an opening in the housing for passage of sample material therethrough, a sensing unit located in the housing and an array of sensing elements configured and operable to interact with sample material in the vicinity thereof for detecting one or more specific substances and generating sensing data indicative thereof. A sample path defined in the housing between the opening and the sensing unit is used for facilitating flow of the sample material towards the sensing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are substance detection and identification devices, and methods of using them for detection and identification of substances in ambient surroundings, on surfaces of objects, inside closed items or in fluids. A substance detection and identification device may comprise a housing, an opening in the housing for passage of sample material therethrough, a sensing unit located in the housing and an array of sensing elements configured and operable to interact with sample material in the vicinity thereof for detecting one or more specific substances and generating sensing data indicative thereof. A sample path defined in the housing between the opening and the sensing unit is used for facilitating flow of the sample material towards the sensing unit.

Abstract: A device cooling an item having a cooling chamber having a cooling cavity with a top opening sized and shaped for receiving the item, at least one cooling element which cools the cooling cavity during a cooling session, an elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the item, from and into the cooling cavity, via the top opening, and a control unit which controls the elevation mechanism according to at least one of a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity during the cooling session, a measurement of a temperature in the cooling cavity after the cooling session, and a duration of the cooling session.

Abstract: Cell carrier structures using dynamic flow of cell bearing, washing, or nourishing fluid, from an input reservoir region to an output reservoir region. A common feature of the several structures by which this can be achieved is the presence of channels generally having low height or other cross section, such that the cell bearing fluid readily traverses these channels by capillary action. Optional pumping assistance can also be provided. The capture wells or traps are disposed generally along the length of these channels such that the cells have multiple chances of being captured in a trap or well. The traps or wells are structured such that only a single cell can be trapped in each well or trap, and the disposition of the wells or traps as appendages to the fluid flow channels facilitates the washing or nourishing of the cells while their proliferation or development is being observed.

Abstract: There are provided cell carrier devices for use in cell observation systems, enabling determination of the location of the region under observation by virtue of coding information present in the field of view of the viewing device, even at high magnification. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided holders (10) for hole-type cell carriers (12) having structures that enable repeated contacting of cells with fluid from both above and below the cells. Other embodiments are also disclosed. The holders comprise a platform (52) for the cell carrier and a cover slip (46). Means to enable capillary flow of liquid between said platform and said cover slip are also provided.