Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) headband operable to fit around a user's head. The TEC headband includes a pair of TEC devices spaced apart a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is sized to position the TEC devices on either side of a forehead of the user. Each TEC device includes a cooling plate and a heating plate. The TEC devices are operable, via a Peltier effect, to conduct heat from the cooling plate to the heating plate when a current is conducted therethrough. A pair of heat sinks are positioned in thermal contact with the heating plate of each TEC device. Each heat sink is operable to conduct heat away from its associated heating plate. A housing is operable to contain the pair of TEC devices and pair of heat sinks. The TEC headband is operable to cool the user's forehead when placed thereon.

Abstract: A genetic analysis device particularly for determining the presence or absence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within specific sequences of DNA. The device includes a housing, at least one glass slide member, and an elastomeric member with channels thereon. Oligo arrays are spotted on the glass slide member(s) and subjected to DNA samples, reagents or the like. A plurality of openings or ports allow entry of samples, reagents or wash materials, while a plurality of exit ports or openings allow removal of such materials. The assay devices can be used for multiple samples or a single sample. A plurality of synthesis devices can be positioned in a support base in order to allow sampling in an automated manner. The synthesis devices can be provided in a 96 well microtiter format.

Abstract: Multiple fluid sample processors and systems for high throughput chemical synthesis and biological assays and/or processing. A multi-layered fluidic array having microchannels, reservoirs and reaction wells is subject to robotic and automated handling. A pressure pumping system is utilized for fluid delivery and control through the synthesis process. The sizes of the micro-sized channels, apertures, and valves are adjusted to optimize fluid distribution and channel filling. The fluid sample processors can be grouped together in a microtiter format to increase the speed, quantity and efficiency of the processing.

Abstract: An optical detection system is adapted particularly for detection of biological reactions, especially fluorescent or chemilluminescent reactions. An excitation source, preferably a laser, illuminates a portion of an object to be examined, the portion preferably comprising one microlocation out of an array of microlocations. An intervening optical detection platform serves to direct the excitation radiation, preferably through use of a scanning system, most preferably through use of an x-y mirror-based scanning system to the portion of the object to be illuminated. A detector, preferably a photomultiplier tube, receives the emitted radiation from the objects to be examined, the detector being characterized in that the diameter of the region examined by the detector is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the illuminated region, and comprises less than the entire surface of the object to be examined, and most preferably images a whole or a part of a single microlocation.

Abstract: A genetic analysis device particularly for determining the presence or absence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within specific sequences of DNA. The device includes a housing, at least one glass slide member, and an elastomeric member with channels thereon. Oligo arrays are spotted on the glass slide member(s) and subjected to DNA samples, reagents or the like. A plurality of openings or ports allow entry of samples, reagents or wash materials, while a plurality of exit ports or openings allow removal of such materials. The assay devices can be used for multiple samples or a single sample. A plurality of synthesis devices can be positioned in a support base in order to allow sampling in an automated manner. The synthesis devices can be provided in a 96 well microtiter format.

Abstract: An optical detection system is adapted for detection of biological reactions. An excitation source illuminates a portion of an object to be examined, the portion preferably comprising one microlocation out of an array of microlocations. An intervening optical detection platform serves to direct the excitation radiation to the portion of the object to be illuminated. A detector receives the emitted radiation from the object to be examined, the detector being characterized in that the diameter of the region examined by the detector is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the illuminated region, and comprises less than the entire surface of the object to be examined, and most preferably images a whole or a part of a single microlocation. In operation, a microscopy system is formed in which the excitation radiation is substantially in focus at the surface of the object to be examined.

Abstract: Tissue (10) from the colon or bowel is pretreated with a Ringers solution and mounted onto a ring (12) submerged in oxygenated Ringers solution (32), with first and second current electrodes (34,36) and first and second voltage electrodes (38,40) positioned within the solution (32) closely adjacent the tissue. A sequence of current pulses of different frequencies (44) covering a broad frequency range are applied via electrodes (34,36) to the tissue and corresponding impedance and resistance values are obtained (46). Comparison of impedance/resistance values establishes separate and distinct ranges of values for normal, cancerous and premalignant tissues.

Abstract: A genetic analysis device particularly for determining the presence or absence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within specific sequences of DNA. The device includes a housing, at least one glass slide member, and an elastomeric member with channels thereon. Oligo arrays are spotted on the glass slide member(s) and subjected to DNA samples, reagents or the like. A plurality of openings or ports allow entry of samples, reagents or wash materials, while a plurality of exit ports or openings allow removal of such materials. The assay devices can be used for multiple samples or a single sample. A plurality of synthesis devices can be positioned in a support base in order to allow sampling in an automated manner. The synthesis devices can be provided in a 96 well microtiter format.

Abstract: A tissue testing chamber having a hollow, electrically insulative housing separable into two parts or halves, each half including a plate-like working electrode and spaced therefrom an annular measuring electrode, with electrical leads provided to each of the electrodes for interconnection with external control and measuring equipment. Each housing half or test chamber half has a cavity communicating with both the working and measuring electrodes and an open end. The housing halves clamp the test specimen between them. A quantity of Ringer's solution is added to each housing cavity and the four electrodes are then connected in a four electrode impedance bridge with selectively variable impedances (e.g., capacitance) which on bridge balance provides capacitance of specimen.

Abstract: Two probes for tissue impedance measurement each have first and second conductive rings unitarily arranged with an insulative member separating the rings. The conductive rings are coaxially arranged and have individual lead wires connected thereto which extend from one end of the probe for connection to external processing and measuring equipment. One probe is of a size enabling insertion within a blood vessel while the other is for location in an epithelial cavity. In use an alternating test signal is applied to the electrodes of each probe and measurements are taken between the two sets of measuring electrodes determining the impedance of the cavity wall tissue lying between the two probes without passing current through the tissue.

Abstract: Two probes for tissue impedance measurement each have first and second conductive rings unitarily arranged with an insulative member separating the rings. The conductive rings are coaxially arranged and have individual lead wires connected thereto which extend from one end of the probe for connection to external processing and measuring equipment. One probe is of a size enabling insertion within a blood vessel while the other is for location in an epithelial cavity. In use an alternating test signal is applied to the electrodes of each probe and measurements are taken between the two sets of measuring electrodes determining the impedance of the cavity wall tissue lying between the two probes without passing current through the tissue.