Abstract: A device includes a reception chamber (5) for a cell suspension having an open bottom (6) extending opposite a cell deposition area (7) of the analysis plate (1), the bottom (6) of the chamber (5) being in fluid communication with an absorption material (14) for cell preservation liquid for absorbing the latter and enabling a homogeneous decantation deposition on the deposition area (7), the absorption material (14) being provided about the cell deposition area (7). The absorption material (14) includes a compressed area (16) extending between the bottom (6) of the reception chamber (5) and the analysis plate (1) about the cell deposition area (7), and a non-compressed area (17) extending about the compressed area (16).

Abstract: A sample presentation device for radiation-based analytical equipment is provided comprising a mounting base, a carrier carried by, and adjustable in position, typically in the vertical direction, relative to the mounting base, and an arm extending from the carrier and having at its opposite end a terminal member. Each of the carrier and terminal member has a coaxial connector for receiving two opposite end regions of a capillary tube that forms, in use, a reaction cell. A radiant heater, typically an infrared heater, is radially offset from the axis of the coaxial connectors for heating, in use, a capillary tube mounted by way of the coaxial connectors. The carrier and terminal member preferably have heaters associated therewith for heating the flow passages through them as and when necessary.

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a photo-voltage active material chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The photo-voltage active material is of a type which produces an interfacial photo-voltage electrical signal upon illumination. The particular photo-voltage active material chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-voltage produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-voltage produces signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the photo-voltage of the target sample versus the photo-voltage of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a metering device, in particular a multi-channel metering device. The sealing assembly serves to seal pipette tips with respect to the metering device. A multi-channel metering device comprises a multiplicity of openings arranged in one plane. A sealing plate with holes in the grid of the openings abuts this plane. Each pipette tip is provided with an annular collar which has an abutting face and is pressed against the sealing plate by force closure so as to enclose one hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a streamline-based device and a method for using the device for continuous separation of particles including cells in biological fluids. The device includes a main microchannel and an array of side microchannels disposed on a substrate. The main microchannel has a plurality of stagnation points with a predetermined geometric design, for example, each of the stagnation points has a predetermined distance from the upstream edge of each of the side microchannels. The particles are separated and collected in the side microchannels.

Abstract: A microreactor device comprises: a microchannel that sends one or more fluids; and a section that isolates vibrations to a first portion of the microchannel.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a tray and a processing component. The processing component has teeth configured to dice, mince, and mix the tissue in the tray. In some versions, teeth of a rotary member mesh with teeth of a stationary member, such that the tissue is ground between the meshing teeth. The rotary member may be moved in an orbital path relative to the stationary member. In some versions, the teeth of two rotary members mesh together, and the rotary members are rotated in opposite directions to grind the tissue. The rotary members may also be alternatingly moved up and down to perform initial dicing on the tissue. Once the tissue has been processed, the tissue may then be used in a therapeutic manner, such as by being incorporated with a scaffold and then implanted in the same patient from whom the tissue was originally harvested.

Abstract: A device is provided for facilitating preparation of a sample for imaging. The device includes a cartridge having a generally flat, upper surface, a lower surface, an input port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof and an output port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The cartridge includes a first recess in the lower surface thereof having a first end communicating with the input port and a second end communicating with the output port. A cover slip has an upper surface engageable with the lower surface of the cartridge such that a portion of the upper surface of the cover slip communicates with the recess in the lower surface of the recess.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. An improved pipette tip that includes the addition of an elastomeric material and cooperative means for insuring uniform interference and depth of penetration of the pipetter barrel as successive barrels are inserted and ejected. Also disclosed is an improved multiple-tip configuration with similar features that can be mounted to multiple barrels of a multi-pipetter as one tip instead of 8 or 12 individual tips. The addition of the elastomeric material allows for better sealing and eliminates alignment issues, high installation and ejection requirements while reducing the hand and thumb forces that due to repeated use will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: The invention encompasses microfluidic microarray assemblies (MMA) and subassemblies and methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, first and second channel plates are provided and are sealingly connected to a test chip in consecutive steps. Each plate includes microfluidic channels configured in a predetermined reagent distribution pattern. The test chip comprises a plurality of discrete test positions, each test position being located at the intersection between a first predetermined reagent pattern and a second predetermined reagent pattern, wherein at least one of said patterns is non-linear. The first channel plate allows the distribution of a first reagent on said test chip, wherein said first reagent is immobilized at said test positions. The second channel plate allows the distribution of a second reagent on said test chip, wherein said second reagent comprises a plurality of different test samples.

Abstract: Sample-collecting devices, articles and methods of use are disclosed. Premoistened sample-collecting devices comprise 1,2-propanediol as a humectant, which promotes the retention of a liquid solution on the sample-collecting device during storage. 1,2-propanediol as humectant can be compatible with proteins and other reagents used to detect an analyte.

Abstract: A system and method to safely dispose of hazardous liquid waste includes a glove box for conducting a test with a hazardous liquid material therein, the glove box having a drainage line connected to a waste tank for directing the hazardous liquid waste from the glove box to the waste tank. A waste disposal line and an air vent line are connected between the waste tank and a waste container. Double-valved connectors are positioned in the waste disposal line and in the air vent line allowing the liquid waste and air to flow between the waste tank and a waste container when the double-valved connectors are coupled together. When the double-valved connectors are uncoupled, both the waste tank and the waste container are completely sealed to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for microfluidic devices comprises a first magnetic connector with at least one orifice extending therethrough and a second magnetic connector. The first and second connectors are configured to magnetically attract each other. In one aspect, the first magnetic connector is configured to sealingly engage a surface of a microfluidic chip with the second magnetic connector disposed on an opposite side of the microfluidic chip. The first magnetic connector is configured to seal with the microfluidic chip about a channel opening in the microfluidic chip and provide flow communication between the channel opening and the orifice in the first magnetic connector. In at least one other aspect, the first magnetic connector and second magnetic connector each have at least one orifice and are configured to change a flow communication therebetween upon a rotation of the first or second magnetic connector with respect to the other magnetic connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the developing of immuno-stained biological samples. The systems disclosed herein are automated and are configured to control one or more steps of the developing procedure. Reagents may be added using automatic syringe dispensing. Reagent temperature, reagent stirring, and wash procedures are programmable and can be separately controlled for separate immuno-staining procedures that are performed at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue infiltration device (1) for samples (34) contained in cassettes (5). The tissue infiltration device (1) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid (12, 14, 16) having a property that can be predetermined can be filled into a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A plurality of cassettes (5) can be held by a transport device (4). Using the transport apparatus (6), a transport device (4) can be brought to a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and/or moved away from a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A sequence of operations (8) can be prescribed in which a transport device (4) runs through the liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration device (1).

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for staining of one or more samples, including providing one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to be inserted into an auto-staining instrument; and enabling one of one or more staining procedures appropriate for the one or more samples as a function of a choice of self-contained sample processing receptacle, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to process each inserted sample of the one or more samples within the self-contained sample processing receptacle.

Abstract: A cap having a plurality of spaced-apart grooves in a downwardly tapered inner wall of the cap to facilitate the formation of air passageways as the cap is penetrated by a pipette tip. The air passageways aid in venting air from a fluid-holding vessel closed with the cap.

Abstract: A workstation for pipetting provides for an ergonomic pipetting environment. Test tubes, centrifuge tubes, micro tubes and micro plates are inserted into a top plate, which is designed to hold such devices in a desired configuration. The top plate is adjustable with respect to height and planar angle, so that extensive pipetting efforts are less likely to result in repetitive stress related injuries.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing a substrate in a high temperature environment are provided. The invention includes a support frame having one or more apertures; one or more optical devices positioned in and aligned by the one or more apertures and adapted to detect an edge of a substrate. The invention may also include a controller secured adjacent an end of the support frame, coupled to the one or more optical devices, and adapted to receive information from the optical devices, process the information, and determine a center of a substrate based on the processed information. The support frame may be adapted to thermally shield the one or more optical devices and the controller. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus that make more accurate and reduces risk of filling reaction chambers of cartridge cells with blood samples to conduct blood coagulation tests of the type employing the plunger technique are disclosed. A cartridge holder is provided that secures a test cartridge in a fixed upright position and deflects the plunger flag of each cartridge cell to enable manual insertion of a blood dispenser deeply into the reaction chamber to fill the reaction chamber and avoid contamination of surfaces of the cartridge outside the reaction chamber. Preferably, the cartridge holder provides illumination of the reaction chamber during filling, so that the user can judge when the reaction chamber is properly filled with blood dispensed from the blood dispenser. The cartridge holder may incorporate image magnification to facilitate viewing of the reaction chamber as it is filled.

Abstract: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes a transporting device configured to transport a rack for holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples respectively, a barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the rack transported by the transporting device, and an aspirating device that includes an aspirating tube and a moving device configured to move the aspirating tube in a direction to insert the aspirating tube in a sample container. The sample analyzer further includes a controller configured to determine, based on the container type identifying information included in the barcode read by the barcode reader, an aspiration position for aspirating a sample in a sample container and to control insertion of the aspirating tube in the sample container at the determined aspiration position, and an analyzing part configured to analyze the sample aspirated by the aspirating device.

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: A method and system for releasing active ingredients into the surrounding atmosphere is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispersion rate of the active ingredient through the membrane is passively regulated by adjusting the porosity of the membrane. In another embodiment, materials with microfluidic channels of various diameters are interposed together so that the configuration of the channels approximates a venturi, thereby improving the flow of the solution through the microfluidic channels. In another embodiment, heat is applied to the top membrane layer to further accelerate the rate at which fluid is dissipated through the membrane structure. Devices incorporating membranes with the disclosed properties are also presented.

Abstract: A fluid aspirating/dispensing member includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition and a sealable cavity that, once sealed, permits the separation of particles from the remainder of a fluid sample within the sample cavity after centrifugation or other separation means. The fluid aspirating/dispensing members, either individually or as part of an array, increase the efficiency of sample processing before analysis by a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. A microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. The components are independently controlled by arranging the leads so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing method for mixing at least one small quantity of liquid, in which a quantity of liquid is applied in a reaction region and at least one surface sound wave is reacted with the quantity of liquid. The invention relates further to a mixing device for mixing at least one quantity of liquid for performing the method of the present invention, a use of the device, and a method of analysis for bond strengths on surfaces.

Abstract: A microchip device of the present invention includes: a microchip in which a liquid flow path is formed for liquid to flow; a gas flow path provided along the liquid flow path; and a plurality of gap sections formed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path and having one opening thereof facing the liquid flow path and the other opening thereof facing the gas flow path, the gap of the gap section being made so as to be gap through which gas can pass but the liquid cannot pass, and a gas liquid interface being formed at the gap section.

Abstract: A system for managing the inventory of reagents for a laboratory automation system. The system for managing the inventory of reagents comprises a controller, software for the controller, and a refrigerator capable of refrigerating reagents, detecting the presence or absence of reagents in the refrigerator, and detecting the location of reagents in the refrigerator. The system for managing the inventory of reagents is connected to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises at least one clinical analyzer. A typical system for managing inventories of reagents includes an operator interface for the loading of boxes of reagents and other supplies, radio frequency identification system for identification of inventory and tracking, robotic mechanisms for loading containers onto the track system and removing containers from the track system, de-capping equipment, refrigeration equipment, and information technology connections to laboratory analyzers and vendors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to plunger operated liquid dispensers, such as hand held pipettors, which are used to portion liquids. Specifically the invention relates to a reliable removal of a liquid from the liquid dispenser. According to the invention the plunger of the liquid dispenser is arranged into a speeded up movement while removing the liquid. This change in speed is preferably sudden.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for extracting gaseous specimens to be measured, preferably during the production of polycrystalline silicon, are disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention is a flange-like device (80), which is placed between each of the at least two pipe sections (11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 41a, 41b) of the outlet pipes (11, 21, 41).

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: The invention relates to a device for contactless control of magnetic beads on a microfluidic card by means of external magnetic fields, without having to use complicated mechanics or hydraulics. Based on a modulation of the gradient of a magnetic field, magnetic beads are lifted in a first step in a contactless way out of different reaction chambers of the microfluidic card. By means of a translation movement or a variation or modulation of the gradient of a magnetic field, horizontal transport of the magnetic beads over a mechanical barrier of the microfluidic card is facilitated in a second step. It is possible in a third step to use a further modulation of the gradient of the magnetic field to lower the magnetic beads into a desired further fluid zone.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.

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 current invention provide a microfluidic valve having a housing that includes a microfluid control port disposed adjacent to a microfluid exhaust port, where a movable rigid material having a first diameter is disposed in the housing between the microfluid control port and the microfluid exhaust port. The housing further includes a microfluid pressure port having a first microfluid pressure. The microfluid pressure port is connected to the microfluid exhaust port by a microfluid valve orifice having a second diameter, where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and when a second microfluid pressure is applied to the control port the moveable rigid material closes the microfluid valve orifice, where the first microfluid pressure is greater than the second microfluid pressure.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide various flow cells and a method for manufacturing the same, in which formation of a groove on a substrate and formation of components such as an electrode, auxiliary parts such as a pump are not necessary. The inventive flow cells are capable of realize complicated chemical analysis or synthesis or the like. A channel of a porous member provided on a sample-incompatible substrate is formed; the porous member is composed of an air non-contact region having a network structure and an air contact region covering the air non-contact region and having a lower pore density than the air non-contact region; in which a capillary force to be generated within the porous member is a drive force for pumping a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a reaction vial and a transfer mechanism. The housing defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing has transfer port defining an opening in fluid communication with the second flow path and a volume outside of the housing. The transfer port includes a flow control member to limit flow through the opening. The reaction vial is coupled to the housing and defines a reaction volume, which is in fluid communication with the transfer port via the second flow path. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a sample from an isolation chamber of an isolation module to the reaction chamber via at least the first flow path when the transfer mechanism is actuated. The transfer mechanism configured to produce a vacuum in the reaction vial to produce a flow of a sample from the isolation chamber to the reaction volume.

Abstract: A specimen preprocessing system includes a determination section for determining with respect to a height of a specimen container; a specimen container lifting mechanism for lifting an opening portion of the specimen container held in a specimen rack to a same predetermined level based on determination information data of the determination section; and a plug opening mechanism for opening a plug of the specimen container lifted to the same predetermined level by the specimen container lifting mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic control apparatus that includes at least one control means and a microfluidic control chip. When the microfluidic control chip is loaded to the control means, a needle provided to the control means is inserted into a reaction solution storage chamber of the microfluidic control chip, in which the reaction solution storage chamber is sealed with a sealing tape. Thus, fluid connection is easily formed between the microfluidic control chip and the control means without leakage.

Abstract: A device for applying a histological section to a slide is described. The histological section is generated by a cutting action performed by a blade of a microtome. The device comprises a positioning device having a component that is rotatably mounted to a bearing and has a receptacle for receiving and holding the slide, wherein the positioning device is designed such that the slide received in the receptacle can be rotated about an axis of rotation of the rotatably mounted component.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample; a display; a memory for storing an electronic manual for the sample processing apparatus; and a controller that is capable of showing a relevant part of the electronic manual on the display when a trouble has occurred in the sample processing unit, the relevant part of the electronic manual describing an operation procedure to deal with the trouble.

Abstract: A tissue processor for treating tissue samples comprises a process chamber (10) in which the tissue samples can be treated with at least one liquid. The process chamber (10) is formed as a vessel of a magnetic stirrer. In the process chamber, a stirring body (16) for stirring the liquid is arranged, wherein the stirring body (16) comprises at least one magnet (40a, 40b) with the aid of which the stirring body (16) can be set in rotation by a drive unit (20) of the magnetic stirrer, and at least one vane (28a to 28f) by which the liquid to be stirred is stirred when the stirring body (16) rotates. According to a first aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least three vanes (28a to 28f), according to a second aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least one further magnet (40b). The north pole (46) of the one magnet (40a) and the south pole (50) of the further magnet (40b) face the drive unit (20).

Abstract: A refill droplet facilitates the extraction of a droplet laterally from a channel in a microfluidic apparatus. Such extraction allows a discrete band of separated particles or solute molecules to be excised from a fluid stream and processed and analyzed separately. An extraction point is located along the length of the channel and includes an EWOD surface or similar microfluidic technology to extract a droplet. An opening in the channel opposite the extraction means is equipped with microfluidic technology to transport a refill droplet to the opening. The refill droplet is moved into the channel or column to occupy the area previously occupied by the extracted droplet. This prevents distortion or mixing of the bands of particles or molecules within the channel and prevents the draining of any portion of the fluidic system.

Abstract: In order to inhibit a gasket (1) adhered to a plate body such as a separator (3) of a fuel battery or the like from being adversely affected by an elution component from an adhesion means, the gasket has a main lip (11), a back surface seal portion (12) formed in a back surface of the main lip and closely contacted with a separator (a plate body to be adhered) (3), an adhesion portion (14) arranged in a position in an opposite side to a space (S) to be sealed with respect to the back surface seal portion (12) and adhered to a bottom portion (31a) of a gasket installation groove (31) of the separator (3) via an adhesive agent (2), and an adhesive agent sump (15) formed between the back surface seal portion (12) and the adhesion portion (14) and holding an excess adhesive agent (2a).

Abstract: A bridge (30) comprises a first inlet port (31) at the end of a capillary, a narrower second inlet port (32) which is an end of a capillary, an outlet port (33) which is an end of a capillary, and a chamber (34) for silicone oil. The oil is density-matched with the reactor droplets such that a neutrally buoyant environment is created within the chamber (34). The oil within the chamber is continuously replenished by the oil separating the reactor droplets. This causes the droplets to assume a stable capillary-suspended spherical form upon entering the chamber (34). The spherical shape grows until large enough to span the gap between the ports, forming an axisymmetric liquid bridge. The introduction of a second droplet from the second inlet port (32) causes the formation of an unstable funicular bridge that quickly ruptures from the, finer, second inlet port (32), and the droplets combine at the liquid bridge (30).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.