Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.

Abstract: A multi-layer testing column has a chamber having a longitudinal axis and a first end having a first aperture. A plurality of membrane layers are vertically stacked within the chamber and include at least a plurality of solid-phase substrates each carrying a different anti-analyte. A sample can be placed in the chamber such that specific analytes of the sample are bound to the anti-analytes. A sensor can then be used to receive a signal from the substrates and to generate a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A mouthpad for cleaning teeth and oral transmucosal drug delivery has a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of upper and lower teeth of a human jaw. The plate is positioned between the upper teeth and lower teeth such that when the teeth are rinsed with a liquid, the liquid flows primarily through the crevices between individual teeth and physically detaches the adhering residue within. Alternatively, using fluids containing drugs for rinsing while biting on the plate can deliver drugs through the oral mucosa. A method of cleaning teeth and delivering drugs through oral mucosa using a plate positioned between the upper and lower teeth is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample vessel may comprise a tubule having an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, a generally rigid container receiving at least a portion of the tubule; and an interface in fluid communication with the opening in the tubule. The at least one compressible section may have a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact. The interface may facilitate delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening. A sample vessel may also comprise a tubule having a plurality of lumens and a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact with one another and a pressure gate connecting at least two lumens to permit selective fluid flow between the at least two lumens.

Abstract: A mouth pad for cleaning teeth crevices has a U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth of the human jaw. The plate is positioned between the upper teeth and lower teeth such that when the teeth are rinsed with a liquid, the liquid flows primarily through the crevices between individual teeth, and physically detaches the adhering residue within. A method of cleaning teeth using a plate positioned between the upper and lower teeth is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for processing a biological sample includes a processing unit having at least one opening to receive a sample vessel and a plurality of processing stations positioned along the opening. The processing stations each have a compression member adapted to compress the sample vessel within the opening and thereby move the sample within the sample vessel among the processing stations. An energy transfer element can be coupled to one or more of the processing stations for transferring thermal energy to the sample at a processing station. The device can be used for PCR processing of nucleic acid samples. A sample vessel of the present invention can be a tubule flow-chamber having a plurality of segments separated by pressure gates. The sample vessel minimizes sample handling by providing a closed tubule in which distinct processing steps can be carried out in each of the segments of the tubule.

Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.

Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing, apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.

Abstract: A flow cell for monitoring blood or any other cell suspension under flow prises a rigid transparent base having a pair of holes with inlets and outlets. One hole transfers the cell suspension from a supply to a flow channel and the other hole transfers the tested suspension back from the flow channel to a receiver. A flow plate is sandwiched between the base and a transparent plate. The flow channel is a wide hole in the middle of the flow channel plate which can be an integral part of either the base or the transparent plate. The transparent plate covers the flow channel plate and a rigid cover covers the transparent plate with a hole enabling a microscope objective to approach the flow channel plate. The transparent plate and the cover are attached to each other firmly by any conventional method or the transparent plate can be an integral part of the cover.