Abstract: The staining and sticking system includes a staining device and a sticking device provided separately from the staining device. The staining device stains a specimen in a predetermined color by dipping a basket containing a glass slide with the specimen in a plurality of tubs sequentially. The sticking device sticks a cover film piece onto the stained specimen on the glass slide, which has been taken out of the basket transferred from the staining device by transfer means. A staining control unit and a sticking control unit are interconnected so as to communicate with each other. Sticking condition data, related to the basket fed from the staining device, out of staining condition data and sticking condition data inputted to the staining control unit correspondingly to baskets, are sent from the staining control unit to the sticking control unit, and then the sticking device sticks the cover film piece.

Abstract: A device for dispersing a sample of dry powder onto a surface in a dispersion chamber. The device includes a dispersion chamber situated in an environment, and a pressure source that provides a pressure difference between the environment and an inside of the dispersion chamber. The surface is positioned in the dispersion chamber. The sample of dry powder is introduced into the dispersion chamber through a membrane that is interposed between the environment and the inside of the dispersion chamber and on which the sample is disposed. The membrane is rupturable so as to open into the dispersion chamber when a predetermined pressure difference across the membrane is exceeded. This permits entry of a fluid in the environment through the ruptured membrane, and movement of the dry powder sample in an evenly dispersed manner without producing an ordered movement of powder grains in the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a gripper system, and which includes a floating gripper carriage, which is configured to move independently from said pipetting system. The pipetting system and said gripper system are configured to utilize a common motor. In alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a stripper assembly. The pipetting system and the stripper assembly are configured to utilize a common motor. In another alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, which includes a stripper assembly, a main carriage assembly, and a gripper assembly, where the stripper assembly and gripper assembly are both configured to move independently from the main carriage assembly. Also a method is disclosed for distributing material samples for laboratory processing.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: Protein crystallization screening and optimization droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a screening droplet actuator is provided and includes: (a) a port for introduction of one or more crystallization reagents and/or one or more protein solutions; and (b) a substrate including: (i) an array of two or more mixing wells; and (ii) electric field mediated microfluidics for moving droplets comprising the crystallization reagents and protein solutions into the mixing wells. Optimization droplet actuators, systems including screening droplet actuators, methods of screening protein crystallization conditions, and methods of testing conditions for growing a crystal are also provided.

Abstract: A micro integrated analysis system includes a testing chip, system main body and heat insulating section. The chip has a pump connecting section to communicate with micro pumps; a mixing flow path for mixing a specimen and reagent and for reaction processing by heating; and a testing flow path for performing a predetermined test of a mixed solution heated and processed for reaction. The system main body has a holding section to hold the testing chip; micro pumps for injecting a specimen and reagent; a heating section for heating the mixing flow path; and a detection section for performing a test in the testing flow path. The heat insulating section insulates flow path portions continuing from both an inlet end and outlet end of a heated flow path area of the mixing flow path, from heat of the heating section so as to prevent a rise in temperature.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for structural mapping of a macromolecule comprising an amount of persulfide effective to generate hydroxyl radicals upon contact with an aqueous solution. The present invention further relates to methods for structural mapping a macromolecule in an aqueous solution and methods for structural mapping a plurality of macromolecules in parallel, wherein each macromolecule is in a separate aqueous solution.

Abstract: An automated standards sampling apparatus (50) and method for using such, apparatus are described. The apparatus can be integrated with a liquid analyzer to form a compact, integrated liquid analysis unit. When used in combination with a specially adapted vial se of standard liquids, the apparatus provides a system for automated, substantially error-free periodic calibration and accuracy verification for an online TOC analyzer (52). The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention facilitates the easy introduction of known concentrations of standard solutions and “grab” samples into online TOC analyzers to satisfy regulatory compliance, calibration, and validation requirements.

Abstract: There is described a heating system for independently heating at least one sample recipient containing a sample, the sample recipient provided in a sample holder, comprising: a heating chamber having at least one opening and adapted to receive the sample holder; at least one microwave generator for generating microwaves; at least one microwave applicator inside the heating chamber connected to the at least one microwave generator, the at least one microwave applicator comprising an oven cavity portion for creating a mini microwave cavity around a single sample recipient in the sample holder, and for applying microwaves generated by the at least one microwave generator directly to the single sample recipient; and a control unit for controlling the at least one microwave generator.

Abstract: An interface is provided for coupling a sample source, including a TOC/TN analyzer to an isotope detector, including an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The interface comprises a sample conduit having an inlet for fluid connection with the sample source and an outlet for fluid connection with the isotope detector. A sample trap is fluidly connected in the sample conduit. A helium bypass conduit is has an inlet for fluid connection with a helium supply line and an outlet for fluid connection with the sample conduit. The interface traps the target sample while contaminants are exhausted. The sample is released from the sample trap and is carried to the isotope detector on a stream of helium. Effluent contaminants are not held in the interface. There is no significant fouling of the interface or contamination of samples carried to the isotope detector.

Abstract: A container is configured to provide sequential access to contents therein, and includes an upper portion and a lower portion connected to the upper portion by a hinged portion, the lower portion defining an interior space bearing a moveable tray and an opening through which the moveable tray may move, the moveable tray defining an interior volume configured to receive at least one device therewithin. The container also includes at least one device borne by the moveable tray, at least one cavity for receiving the at least one device disposed in the upper portion and at least one insert located between the upper and lower portions, the at least one insert comprising at least written indicia thereon.

Abstract: A valve unit and an apparatus having the same include a plug which includes a phase change material in a solid state at a room temperature and a plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material. The fine heat-dissipating particles dispersed in the phase change material dissipate heat by absorbing an electromagnetic wave energy generated by electromagnetic wave radiation from the outside and block fluid flow in a path formed by a channel. As an external energy source irradiates an electromagnetic wave on the plug, the plurality of fine heat-dissipating particles dissipate heat and the phase change material becomes molten, thus opening the path to allow the fluid to flow.

Abstract: Multiwell droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a substrate is provided and comprises: (a) one or more input ports for introduction of one or more reagents and/or samples; (b) a regular array of processing wells; and (c) a network of droplet transport pathways comprising pathways that provide direct or indirect droplet transport from each of the input ports to each of the one or more processing wells. Varying droplet actuators and systems related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: Providing the desired volume of a liquid within a biochemical analyzer by aspirating an excess slug of liquid from a container into a probe, ejecting a portion of the excess liquid, and then dispensing the desired volume of liquid into a container.

Abstract: A production apparatus, for producing a probe array, comprises a liquid discharging device for discharging a liquid containing a probe capable of being specifically bonded to a target substance in order to form a spot on the carrier, a detector for detecting whether the spot is formed or not by observing a surface state on the carrier, and a controller for controlling the liquid discharge device to again discharge the liquid to form the spot on the carrier if the detector detects that the spot has not been formed on the carrier.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a flowing electrolyte battery comprising a containment member associated with at least one of a stack of a flowing electrolyte battery and an electrolyte reservoir of a flowing electrolyte battery and a sensing member for sensing a fluid leak within the containment member.

Abstract: Trapping, recycling, and other techniques involving catalysts are provided by this invention. The present invention provides for the retention of catalysts and other immobilized entities within a reaction region. In one aspect, the invention promotes such retention by incorporating support material regions including relatively little (or, in some cases, substantially no) catalyst (and thus, a relatively large number of catalyst adsorption sites) which can trap catalyst as it is transported through the downstream support material. In some cases, such arrangements can be achieved by using multiple beds arranged in series. In other instances, the amount of catalyst can be varied within a single bed to achieve the desired effect. The embodiments described herein can be used in systems in which the catalyst is covalently or non-covalently associated with the support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device including a microfluidic structure formed in a platform in which various examinations, such as an immune serum examination, can be automatically performed using the biomolecule microarray chip. The biomolecule microarray chip-type microfluidic device using a biomolecule microarray chip comprises: a platform which is rotatable; a microfluidic structure disposed in the platform, comprising: a plurality of chambers; a plurality of channels connecting the chambers each other; and a plurality of valves controlling flow of fluids through the channels, wherein the microfluidic structure controls flow of a fluid sample using rotation of the platform and the valves; and a biomolecule microarray chip mounted in the platform such that biomolecule capture probes bound to the biomolecule microarray chip contact the fluid sample in the microfluidic structure.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a liquid aspirator to be stuck into the closed container for aspirating a sample from a closed container; a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample using the aspirated sample; and an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample; the liquid aspirator including an elongated pipe, the pipe having a liquid flow path extending therein and a plurality of communicating sections provided in an outer surface thereof, at least one of the communicating sections communicating between an inside and an outside of the container when the pipe is stuck into the container.

Abstract: A microtiter plate transport device is configured to grip a microtiter plate in a first location. The microtiter plate transport device is configured to make a vertical approach to the microtiter plate and grip the microtiter plate in either a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation along either the opposing longer sides or the opposing shorter sides of the microtiter plate. The device comprises a Cartesian coordinate robot including a first gripping member and a second gripping member opposed to the first gripping member. The first gripping member and the second gripping member are supported by an arm configured to move along a vertical axis which extends between the first gripping member and the second gripping member. The first gripping member and the second gripping member are configured to rotate about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A collection container and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes at least one stabilizing agent in an amount effective to stabilize and inhibit protein degradation and/or fragmentation. The stabilizing agent is able to stabilize proteases in the biological sample, particularly at the point of collection, by inhibiting protein degradation and/or fragmentation in the sample when the sample is stored. The stabilizing agent includes one or more protease inhibitors.

Abstract: A system and method for automated handling of vials containing liquid medical specimens is disclosed. The robotic system processes the specimens for further downstream molecular analysis. The processing comprises automated vial cap removal, pipetting of the vial contents, transfer of the vial contents to a destination tray such as a multiwell plate, and recapping of the vial.

Abstract: A measuring unit includes a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume, a main channel communicating with the quantifying section, an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample, and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reagent splitting/dispensing method that can prevent contamination of an operation fluid when a reagent dispensing nozzle is in a waiting state and prevent falling of a droplet.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shape cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59).

Abstract: Provided is a punching apparatus for use in dispensing, having a blood specimen contained therein, and punching a dispensing hole in a plug body of a test tube serving as a specimen container closed by the plug body whose upper end opening is made of a rubber or synthetic resin material, the apparatus comprising a guide rail serving as a transport passage which transports the test tube while the plug body thereof is held at the upper side in a vertical state, an elevating mechanism provided at a punch position P in the middle of the guide rail, and an ultrasonic cutter which is supported by the elevating mechanism, and which is lowered when the test tube reaches the punch position, thereby punching a dispensing hole immediately before penetrating the plug body from a top face thereof.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a microfluidic system, comprising a pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures, and a chip manifold having channels disposed therein for routing pneumatic signals from respective ones of the apertures to a plurality of valves in a microfluidic chip, wherein the channels route the pneumatic signals in accordance with a configuration of the plurality of valves in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning pipettes in medical-technical applications including at least one pipetting apparatus with at least one pipette as well as several drive units for positioning a pipette tip and for moving it over a working area and transversely to a working area, a sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area supports the pipette, at least one pump drive with at least one pump and at least one pump chamber is provided for aspirating or dispensing a medium, such that by providing the at least one pump drive with pump and at least one pump chamber integrated in the sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area, the design of the positioning device becomes compact and precise pipetting is achieved.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for preparing a mixture, has a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber having a volume of at most 1 microliter, a first plurality of channels, each channel fluidly connecting 2 chambers, a plurality of chamber valves, each chamber valve controlling fluid flow out of one of the plurality of chambers, and a first plurality of channel valves, each channel valve controlling fluid flow through one of the first plurality of channels.

Abstract: A measuring chip is configured for separating and measuring a target component in a sample by rotation around first and second axes of rotation. The measuring chip includes a centrifugal separation tube that centrifugally separates the target component from the sample by rotating the measuring chip around the first axis of rotation; a first holding section installed in the bottom of the centrifugal separation tube, wherein non-target components other than the target component in the sample are introduced therein by rotation around the first axis of rotation, and the first holding section holds the non-target components during rotation around the second axis of rotation; and a measuring section connected to one end of the centrifugal separation tube that measures the non-target components introduced from the centrifugal separation tube by rotation around the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A test kit for testing production waste includes a plurality of components including reagents, test equipment, or a combination thereof, sufficient to perform analysis on production waste and at least one protective case for shipping and for using the plurality of components, the protective case including a top portion releasably engaged with a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top side attached at an inner face of the top side to a top edge of a continuous sidewall formed by a plurality of sides such that the top portion of the protective case includes a hollow interior cavity bound by the inner face of the top side and an inner face of the continuous sidewall, wherein the hollow interior cavity is open on a bottom side, and wherein the hollow interior cavity defines a water-tight enclosure opened on the bottom side, such that the top portion, resting on a support surface inverted on an outer face of the top side, is capable of forming a liquid reservoir.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method for predicting the risk of mortality and/or a cardiovascular event in a subject who suffers from the metabolic syndrome based on the determination of a natriuretic peptide and adiponectin in a sample of a subject. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to a therapy that intends to increase the level of adiponectin in a subject based on the determination of the aforementioned markers. Further disclosed are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A drug disposal and verification device includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has an injection port for receiving wasted drug solution and a disposal volume. A positive displacement flow measuring device positioned between the injection port and the disposal volume is used to measure the volume of wasted drug solution injected into the device. The positive displacement flow measuring device is also adapted to divert a small portion of the wasted drug solution to the second chamber. The second chamber holds a breakable test reagent ampule for quantitative testing of the wasted drug solution. The disposal volume of the first chamber may include at least one test strip for qualitative testing of the wasted drug solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.

Abstract: A wave-guide having an isolated coupling interface. In one variation, a constant negative pressure is maintained around the area surrounding the wave-guide. Coupling liquid may be directed to the tip of the wave-guide to provide the coupling interface between the wave-guide and a source fluid container. The suction from the constant negative pressure may remove excess coupling liquid and isolating the coupling liquid to the area around the tip of the wave-guide. The wave-guide assembly may also include mechanisms for adjusting the volume of fluid at the tip of the wave-guide. When the position of the wave-guide is displaced, fluid compensation mechanism may increase or decrease the volume of fluids at the distal end of the wave-guide to maintain proper coupling between the wave-guide and the source fluid container. Methods for utilizing negative pressure around the distal end of the wave-guide to isolate the coupling liquid are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems to related to sample collection, assays, and fluid control and management, including methods and systems to implement hand-held portable assays, to activate an assay system, to collect and prepare samples, to capture antibodies, and to trap or capture gas bubbles. Methods and systems disclosed herein, and portions thereof, may be implemented alone and/or in various combinations with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling microtomized tissue samples (1) which are arranged on an object carrier (2) and are provided with a machine-readable code (3), with a reader (4) serving to detect the information of the code (3) and a controller (5) serving to convert the information for handling purposes.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting apparatus (1) having a pipette tip (2) for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples; a pump (4) for generating negative pressure or positive pressure in the pipette tip (2) that is connected to the pipette tip (2) by means of a pump conduit (3); a fluid chamber (5) defined by the pipette tip (2) and/or the pump conduit (3); a measurement probe (6) functionally connected to the fluid chamber (5) for measuring the physical parameters resulting in this fluid chamber (5) during pipetting; and a device control system (7) with a processor (8), in which an activated computer program product enables the control system (7) of the pipetting apparatus (1) to individually accept or reject pipetted liquid samples on the basis of the physical parameters measured.

Abstract: Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid with the following features: the device has a carrier; the device has a first cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small amount of liquid; the first section of the first cavity is molded into the carrier; the first section is closed with a cover element and a blocking element; the device has a means for transmission of a force from the cover element to the blocking element which destroys the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or destroys the blocking element itself so that the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises a matrix of rotary flow reactors. The microfluidic matrix device offers a solution to the “world-to-chip” interface problem by accomplishing two important goals simultaneously: an economy of scale in reagent consumption is achieved, while simultaneously minimizing pipetting steps. N2 independent assays can be performed with only 2N+1 pipetting steps, using a single aliquot of enzyme amortized over all reactors. The chip reduces labor relative to conventional fluid handling techniques by using an order of magnitude less pipetting steps, and reduces cost by consuming two to three orders of magnitude less reagents per reaction. A PCR format has immediate applications in medical diagnosis and gene testing. Beyond PCR, the microfluidic matrix chip provides a universal and flexible platform for biological and chemical assays requiring parsimonious use of precious reagents and highly automated processing.

Abstract: Combinatorial processing including stirring is described, including defining multiple regions of a substrate, processing the multiple regions of the substrate in a combinatorial manner, introducing a fluid into a first aperture at a first end of a body to dispense the fluid out of a second aperture at a second end of the body and into one of the multiple regions, and agitating the fluid using an impeller at a second end of the body to facilitate interaction of the fluid with a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A porous thin film and a method are disclosed. The film has a generally uniform thickness and includes fused silica particles that provide multiple types of pores in the film. Particles are generally uniformly distributed on a surface and have a generally open structure that provides the film with an open interface readily accessible to fluids. The film provides for preconcentration of, e.g., heavy metals in fluid and gas samples that provides for direct determination of the analytes.

Abstract: In a microchemical device including a plurality of flow channels which feed liquids from at least one fluid supply device into a plurality of reaction zones, each of the plurality of flow channels has a plurality of minute flow channel members each of which has a cross sectional area smaller than that of the reaction zone. Thereby, the fluids are evenly fed into each of the microreaction members. Thus, a microchemical device capable of homogenizing a substance generated on respective reactions can be realized.