Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8).

Abstract: A pipetting aid device includes a support comprising a face, a plurality of light elements mounted in the support forming a two-dimensional array in the plane of the face, and first and second centering structures. The first and second centering structures are mounted to extend from the face of the support. The first centering structure includes a first and second pair of stop walls, wherein a pair of stop walls forms a corner. The second centering structure includes a third and fourth pair of stop walls. The first and third pairs of stop walls form corners of a first positioning zone of a first type of plate. The second and fourth pairs of stop walls form corners of a second positioning zone of a second type of plate. The first centering structure and the second centering structure are positioned outside both the first positioning zone and the second positioning zone.

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: A particle counter for analyzing blood has features which provide for automatic operation and preferably, also provide for portable use in a low resource setting. In a preferred embodiment, preferred embodiment, the device is used to obtain CD4 counts for AIDS diagnosis.

Abstract: A laminar flow device including a containing body and an air circulating unit is disclosed. The containing body is separated into a first containing part and a second containing part, with a surrounding wall of the first containing part having a processing window, with a cover being capable of sealing the processing window, and with the cover having a transparent part. The air circulating unit is received in the second containing part and expels low-temperature air into the first containing part.

Abstract: A cell isolation apparatus includes: a cylinder member that is inserted into a container into which a reagent is to be introduced; a net which is stretched over the cylinder member; a tissue acquiring unit that is projected from the cylinder member; and a bottom lid portion that is configured by a bottomed pipe in which a first hole that communicates an interior with an exterior is formed, and that is fitted to a bottom portion of the cylinder member in a state where the net and the tissue acquiring unit are accommodated.

Abstract: A device for sampling, transporting and/or disposal of fluid media in the nl and ?l-range comprises a substrate with an open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively, the substrate with the open or closed groove or capillary respectively is bent or arcuated at least at one location. The substrate comprises at least one end into which the open or closed capillary-like groove or channel respectively is extended, which end is shaped according to its application or use as e.g. needle-like, straight-lined cut, tip-like, at least most half circle-shape, rounded, etc.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is described that has a slug mixing arrangement. A reaction well has an input flow channel with a first valve near the reaction well, and a second valve further from the reaction well. A fluid source is connected to the segment in between the two valves. A second fluid source is connected behind the second valve. The channel between the two valves receives the first fluid by blind filling when the two valves are closed. The reaction well receives the first fluid followed by the second fluid when the first and second valves are open.

Abstract: Total analysis systems and methods for simultaneously monitoring a suite of biological and/or chemical species in water and/or other process systems are disclosed. The system provides a sample-volume controlled sensor array comprising a fluid delivery device and a plurality of optical sensor elements for determining the presence and total concentrations of multiple analytes in the process system simultaneously. Delivery means are provided to deliver a metered quantity of sample fluid to the sensor array. Image identification algorithms are provided for identifying the analytes based on image intensity, color pattern, positional arrangement, and the like. The methods incorporate multivariate optimization algorithms to analyze multiple sensor responses. This produces analytical results that are typically difficult to obtain without full system or variable compensation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the accurate quantitation of biomarkers in dried blood spots (DBS), including providing a substrate comprising at least one DBS, wherein the DBS comprises at least one biomolecule distributed on the substrate in a gradient pattern; excising at least one sector-shaped sample from the DBS; and assaying the biomolecule in the sector-shaped sample.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ejection chip for an inkjet printhead that includes at least one fluid via configured on the ejection chip for supplying fluid to one or more ejecting elements of the ejection chip. Each fluid via of the at least one fluid via includes a plurality of end-to-end coupled segments. Each segment of the plurality of end-to-end coupled segments is aligned at a skew angle with a consecutive segment. Further, the ejection chip includes a plurality of nozzles configured along a length of the each segment of the plurality of end-to-end coupled segments with a first nozzle spatial density. The configuration of the plurality of nozzles facilitates in achieving a predetermined print resolution with the first nozzle spatial density.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into slots in the protective sheath fixing the slide into position in protective sheath. Fixation points are built on the side of the slide to allow a user or automated system to place and retrieve protective sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a loading station (2) for microscope slides (7) with tissue specimens, a number of reagent stations (3) for staining of the tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides, a conveyor (5) for transfer of microscope slides (7) between the stations (3) in accordance with a staining program, an unloading station (10) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (19) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprise a photo station (25) with a digital camera (26) for automatic photographing with a background light source of the finished treated tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides (7).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: Provided are a base plate and a method for cortisol immunoassay, which enable immunoassay of cortisol with high sensitivity particularly in a clinically significant cortisol concentration range (that is, 1 ?g/dL to 30 ?g/dL). A base plate for cortisol immunoassay which has a cortisol albumin conjugate having a cortisol/albumin ratio of from 12 to 20 immobilized thereon is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation media, comprising an upstream layer, comprising fibers, wherein the upstream layer has a mean flow pore size of 8 microns or less; and a downstream layer, comprising fibers. The separation media is designed to separate red blood cells from liquid specimens such as blood and allow a filtrate, such as blood plasma, to flow from said downstream layer. Also provided is a diagnostic test device incorporating the separation media. Further disclosed is a method for separating red blood cells from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: A membrane incubation device, wherein the membrane incubation device is adapted to incubate sections of at least one membrane individually.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. A wide variety of shapes of fibers and other materials can be produced from this system through the use of polymerizable material.

Abstract: A plunger for mixing a biological sample with a reagent in a tube is moved up and down reciprocally to agitate the biological sample and the reagent for subsequent extraction of the material from the mixture to be analyzed. The plunger's agitation facilitates the concentration of the extracted material to reach an extent where a correct analysis is possible. The plunger of the present invention has a shape of a hollow cylinder with an aperture at the bottom, a plurality of slots formed on the cylindrical surface, and an opening formed at the top. The plunger allows a pipette to draw the extracted material in the test tube out from the opening at the top of the plunger without removing the plunger, and prevents drawing out the fragments of the sample after the biological sample and the reagent have been sufficiently mixed.

Abstract: Provided is an assay device and kit for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A flow cytometer is provided which includes an interrogation flow cell and a plurality of assay fluidic lines extending into the interrogation flow cell. A method of operating such a flow cytometer includes priming the interrogation flow cell with a sheath fluid and injecting different assay fluids into a flow of the sheath fluid through the plurality of fluidic lines. A fluidic line assembly is provided which includes a plurality of capillary tubes coupled to a base section configured for coupling to an interrogation flow cell assembly of a flow cytometer. The capillary tubes are dimensionally configured such that when the fluidic line assembly is arranged within the flow cytometer and fluid is dispensed from one or more of the capillary tubes at a given pressure differential with respect to an encompassing sheath fluid within the interrogation flow cell the fluid is substantially centrally aligned within the interrogation flow cell.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote control method which allows a technician, etc. in a support center to remote-control a clinical specimen processing device, and a remote control system, a status informing device and a control apparatus used for such a method. The remote control method of the present invention, which is a remote control method for remote-controlling the clinical specimen processing device that processes a clinical specimen, is designed so that an image of the clinical specimen processing device is picked up by an image pickup device, and the image picked up by the image pickup device is supplied to a control apparatus located at a remote place from the clinical specimen processing device through a communication network so that the picked-up image is displayed on the control apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing a film of a hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of a fluidic component is provided comprising subjecting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component to a physicochemical pre-treatment, contacting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component with a solution of the hydrophilic polymer, replacing the solution of the hydrophilic polymer with a gaseous medium in such a manner that firstly the inner surfaces of the fluidic component remain wetted with part of the polymer solution, and removing the solvent to produce a film of the hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of the fluidic component. The hydrophilic polymer used has a surface wettability for aqueous solutions which is higher than the surface wettability of the inner surfaces of the fluidic component itself.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.

Abstract: A cassette for performing multiplex PCR is described. The cassette allows for the automated amplification and detection of multiple nucleic acid targets while limiting contamination. The device facilitates a two-amplification, two-primer PCR protocol which results in highly specific, highly sensitive and semi-quantitative amplification of multiple nucleic acid targets. The cassette contains a cavity, a base with a plurality of chambers, a movable pipette for the transfer of reagents and a detection area. The cassettes are single use, disposable devices which may be loaded with reagents needed for the detection of multiple targets. The cassettes may be used in a hospital or clinical setting to quickly screen clinical samples and detect the presence of infectious agents.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway or separated by at least one barrier. A fluid flow modulator can be provided in the fluid processing passageway if a fluid processing passageway is provided. The barrier and/or fluid flow modulator can comprise a polysaccharide, a derivative of a polysaccharide, or a combination thereof. For example, the barrier can comprise a chitosan material.

Abstract: A specimen processing system comprising: a plurality of measurement units for acquiring a reagent from each of corresponding reagent containers, and performing measurement of a specimen for a common measurement item by using the reagent; a conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens to the measurement units; a reagent information acquirer for acquiring reagent information related to the reagent stored in each of the reagent containers; a conveying destination determiner for determining a conveying destination of specimens based on the reagent information acquired by the reagent information acquirer; and a conveyance controller for controlling the conveyance mechanism to convey specimens based on the conveying destination determined by the conveying destination determiner, is disclosed. Specimen conveyance method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic tile having a first substrate containing macrofluidic structures bonded to a second substrate containing microfluidic structures. The microfluidic structures correspond to the macrofluidic structures in the first substrate and provide fluid flow paths between the macrofluidic structures. One of the microfluidic structures is a washing siphon that provides a fluid flow path between a purification chamber and a waste chamber. The washing siphon is configured to be primed when a volume of liquid in the purification chamber exceeds a predetermined amount causing the washing siphon to initiate transfer of the liquid in the purification chamber to the waste chamber when the volume of the liquid in the purification chamber exceeds the predetermined amount.

Abstract: Gripping tool for automatic laboratory machines, with gripping appliances for gripping vessels, an appliance for converting and/or transferring of movements, the power take-off of which is coupled with the gripping appliances in order to drive them, a coupling appliance for detachable connection with a drive appliance of a tool support of an automatic laboratory machine, which is coupled with the drive of the appliance for converting and/or transferring in order to drive it, and a mounting appliance for detachable mounting of the gripping tool on the tool support of the automatic laboratory machine, while the coupling appliance is connected with the drive appliance of the tool support.

Abstract: A chemical analytic apparatus of the present invention is the one which proposes that a miniaturization, a making low-cost and portability are possible and also the operation of each process of separation, concentration and dilution of specimen is possible, and, which includes: an introduction means (S1) that introduces a droplet to which magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed into another liquid that differs from the droplet while maintaining a single droplet; a conveyance means by which the droplet that includes the magnetic particles is conveyed in another liquid of the introduction means by applying magnetic field externally to the magnetic ultrafine particles; and processing means (S2 to S6) by which operations for processing of chemical analysis are performed one by one in the process in which the droplet to which the magnetic ultrafine particles are mixed is conveyed by the conveyance means.

Abstract: A sample delivery system comprising (i) a cartridge comprising a body section adapted to hold a sealed sample vessel so as to fix the position of a seal of the sample vessel in relation to the cartridge; and (ii) apparatus adapted to receive said cartridge, said apparatus being provided with an opening system for opening said sealed sample vessel contained within the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides fluidic devices having incorporated electrodes. One device comprises a card and a caddy. The card includes a channel disposed within the card, first and second vias in fluid communication with the channel through an upper surface of the card, and first and second electrodes disposed on the upper surface of the card. The first via and first electrode are positioned adjacent to a first end of the channel, and the second via and second electrode are positioned adjacent to a second end of the channel. The caddy comprises first and second reservoirs. The caddy is attached to the card such that the first reservoir is positioned over the first via and a portion of the first electrode, and the second reservoir is positioned over the second via and a portion of the second electrode. A portion of each of the electrodes is accessible for dry electrical contact.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cassette and a measuring apparatus that can filter a sample for the optical measurement of an optically active substance and clean a sample flow channel by using a simple configuration. More specifically, the invention is directed to a cassette which includes a filter for filtering out a measurement interfering component from a sample, a container containing the filter, a cleaning liquid or cleaning agent for cleaning a sample flow channel, and a storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid or cleaning agent, and to a measuring apparatus having such a cassette.

Abstract: A method for producing an image of an object within a chamber of a microfluidic device includes providing the microfluidic device having x, y, and z dimensions and a chamber depth center point located along the z dimension. The chamber depth center point is located a known z dimension distance from a fiducial marking embedded within the microfluidic device. The method also includes placing the microfluidic device within an imaging system that includes an optical device capable of detecting the fiducial marking. The optical device defines an optical path axially aligned with the z dimension and has a focal plane perpendicular to the optical path. When the focal plane is moved along the optical path, the fiducial marking is maximally detected when the focal plane is at the z depth in comparison to when the focal plane is not substantially in-plane with the z depth.

Abstract: A sample processing device is disclosed, which sample processing device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, where the first substrate has a first surface comprising two area types, a first area type with a first contact angle with water and a second area type with a second contact angle with water, the first contact angle being smaller than the second contact angle. The first substrate defines an inlet system and a preparation system in areas of the first type which two areas are separated by a barrier system in an area of the second type. The inlet system is adapted to receive a sample liquid comprising the sample and the first preparation system is adapted to receive a receiving liquid. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic sample transport component, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, is arranged to move magnetic beads in between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: The application relates to taking a sample of liquid contained in a flexible closed container. The problem to be resolved relates to piercing the wall of the container with a non-cutting piece, whilst obtaining a precise and clean opening for accessing the liquid and preventing any unintended flow or spill of liquid. A device for taking a sample of liquid contained in a flexible bag comprises a first section having a base surface and a film perforating element protruding from the base surface. The device also includes a second section having a base surface surrounding a cavity, adapted for receiving the film perforating element of the first section. The first section has an adhesive surface surrounding the film perforating element, and the second section has an adhesive surface surrounding the cavity. Furthermore, one of the two sections has an opening in the base surface, inside of the adhesive surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To increase the rate of gas transfer in gas exchangers. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A gas exchange chip comprises substrates (1,2); two flow channels (3,4) formed in the substrates (1,2) and each having an inlet port and an outlet port; and multiple grooves (9) interlinking the flow channels (3,4). The grooves (9) have the size of their sectional area predetermined and have at least a part of the internal surface thereof rendered hydrophobic so as to permit the transfer of gas component while inhibiting any liquid passage. A sample water containing carbon dioxide is caused to flow through one of the flow channels (3) while pure water is caused to flow through the other flow channel (4) to thereby transfer the carbon dioxide contained in the sample water into the pure water.

Abstract: A calibration system characterizes luminescence measurement systems, in particular spectrally resolving, wide-field and/or confocal imaging systems. The calibration system has a baseplate with at least one flow-through channel, wherein the at least one channel is formed as a sample chamber for the luminescence measurement system, at least one reservoir in communication with the at least one channel and adapted to receive a liquid, and at least one focusing device integrated into a baseplate for setting a defined measurement beam focus of the luminescence measurement system to be calibrated by using a focusing surface.

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: An apparatus for mixing and separating magnetic particles in a liquid comprises a holder having a plurality of apertures configured as an array of rows and columns and a plurality of containers capable of receiving liquid containing magnetic particles, each container being sized to be placed in one of the apertures; plural magnets capable of being moved relative to the containers between a first position and a second position to change the position of the magnets and magnetic particles in the container; and a drive mechanism for moving the magnets between positions at a sufficiently high speed that the particles do not settle down due to gravitational forces during motion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.

Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. At least one structure is coupled with the downtube and extends substantially across the cross-sectional area of the interior volume taken in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of holes is formed in the structure enabling fluid flow therethrough. The structure coupled with the downtube may include a lower body portion and an upper body portion coupled with the lower body portion, wherein the plurality of holes is formed in the lower body portion adjacent to, and radially outward from, a periphery of the upper body portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a multi-component compound, in particular for dental purposes, comprising: —At least two cartridges (3), each cartridge (3) adapted for containing a component (4) of the multi-component compound and having a plunger (2) adapted for pressing out its component (4) from the cartridge (3); and—a driving device for said plungers (2) in which the driving speed is adjustable, wherein the driving device comprises a stepping motor (1), and a detector associated with the stepping motor for detecting at least one of a) the steps of the stepping motor and b) The load on the stepping motor. At low revolutions per minute, the stepping motor (1) offers higher torque as compared with the known DC motors, whereas it also offers high revolutions per minute, although with comparatively low torque, sufficient for rapid advance and retraction of the plungers (2).