Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator.

Abstract: A system determines the location of a tip of a hypodermic needle by moving a needle along a path, shining light from two sources onto respective portions of the path, and analysing signals received from the respective light sources that have been reflected by the needle.

Abstract: Information about a drug-containing vessel is determined by capturing image data of the curved surface of a cylindrical portion of a drug-containing vessel. The image data is unfurled from around the curved surface, binarised, and a template matching algorithm employed to determine that the label information comprises candidate information about the vessel and/or the drug.

Abstract: Injection device (2) comprising a housing (3), a syringe cradle (12) for removably receiving a syringe (1) having a needle (7), a container (10) with a flange (11), a plunger (9) and a removable needle cap (8) in the housing, and a system for performing automated injection comprising: —a cap actuation mechanism (4) for gripping, storing and retrieving the needle cap, —a syringe actuation mechanism (5) for moving the syringe in an injection direction (Id) from a position where the needle is inside the housing to an injection position where the needle projects out of a needle port of the housing on a skin contact face of the housing, and —a plunger actuation mechanism (6) for advancing the plunger for administration of the liquid drug.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator. A docking station using such a microfluidic cartridge and a process for analyzing a biological sample involving a docking station and a microfluidic cartridge are also described.

Abstract: Information about a drug-containing vessel is determined by capturing image data of the curved surface of a cylindrical portion of a drug-containing vessel. The image data is unfurled from around the curved surface, binarised, and a template matching algorithm employed to determine that the label information comprises candidate information about the vessel and/or the drug.

Abstract: A system determines the location of a tip of a hypodermic needle by moving a needle along a path, shining light from two sources onto respective portions of the path, and analysing signals received from the respective light sources that have been reflected by the needle.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator. A docking station using such a microfluidic cartridge and a process for analyzing a biological sample involving a docking station and a microfluidic cartridge are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to using persistent luminescence nanoparticles, functionalised if necessary, in the form of an diagnosis agent for an in vivo optical imaging. Said nanoparticles are preferably consist of a compound selected from a group comprising (1) silicates, aluminates, aluminosilicates, germanates, titanates, oxysulphides, phosphates and vanadates, wherein said compounds contain at least one type of metal oxide, (2) the sulphides comprise at least one metal ion selected from zinc, strontium and calcium, and (3) metal oxides, wherein said compounds is doped with at least one rare earth ion, and possibly with at least one transition metal ion. In a preferred embodiment, the diagnosis agent is used for an organism vascularization imaging. A method and kit for detecting or quantifying in vitro a substance of biological or chemical interest in a sample by using said pre-functionalised nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus comprises a light-tight enclosure in which are enclosed: a detector adapted to detect a light signal emitted from a sample, a reflecting device comprising first and second reflecting portions reflecting toward first and second portions of the detector a signal emitted from first and second portions of the sample, the second reflecting portion reflecting toward a third portion of the detector a signal emitted from a the third portion of the sample and previously reflected by the first reflecting portion, a fourth portion of the detector directly detecting a signal emitted from a fourth portion of the sample.

Abstract: A luminescence imaging installation is disclosed comprising a lightproof enclosure containing: a support receiving a sample to be imaged; a detector detecting a luminescence image from the sample to be imaged; and a light reflector device reflecting light towards the detector The light reflector device surrounds the support at least in part and presents at least two portions that are inclined relative to each other, each reflecting light towards the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to using persistent luminescence nanoparticles, functionalised if necessary, in the form of an diagnosis agent for an in vivo optical imaging. Said nanoparticles are preferably consist of a compound selected from a group comprising (1) silicates, aluminates, aluminosilicates, germanates, titanates, oxysulphides, phosphates and vanadates, wherein said compounds contain at least one type of metal oxide, (2) the sulphides comprise at least one metal ion selected from zinc, strontium and calcium, and (3) metal oxides, wherein said compounds is doped with at least one rare earth ion, and possibly with at least one transition metal ion. In a preferred embodiment, the diagnosis agent is used for an organism vascularisation imaging. A method and kit for detecting or quantifying in vitro a substance of biological or chemical interest in a sample by using said pre-functionalised nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A luminescence imaging installation is disclosed comprising a lightproof enclosure containing: a support receiving a sample to be imaged; a detector detecting a luminescence image from the sample to be imaged; and a light reflector device reflecting light towards the detector. The light reflector device surrounds the support at least in part and presents at least two portions that are inclined relative to each other, each reflecting light towards the detector.