Abstract: A support pipette including at least one cylinder with an upper end and a lower end, each cylinder having a movable piston, and an elongate handle (1) with an upper part and a lower part, at which handle the pipette can be manually gripped, wherein the lower part (13.1; 13.2; 13.3) of the handle (1) includes a sideways protruding lower support (10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4; 10.5).

Abstract: A sample chamber is formed by a housing sealed against a microscope slide. The housing has fluid ports, including a well formed over at least one port. In a rinse station, rinse solution is drawn from a reservoir through the chamber to a waste reservoir. At a fill station, an aliquot of reagent already placed in the well is driven into the chamber. The reagent may be driven into the chamber by first drawing a vacuum on the chamber through the aliquot of reagent and then releasing the reagent to be drawn into the chamber by the vacuum.

Abstract: A device for automatically aspirating and/or dispensing liquids with precision, comprising a housing having an opening at a lower end with a fixed tip protruding out of the lower end; an interchangeable cartridge disposed inside the housing, the cartridge having a holding frame and a spool of tubing provided in the frame such that one end of the tubing is aligned with the tip; and an actuator enabled to automatically extrude part of the tubing so as to accommodate a preselected volume of liquid, aspirate and/or dispense the liquid through the extruded tubing, and disconnect the extruded tubing from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating slides has a base with a cavity, and a heater is located on a surface of the cavity. A tank, which supports a slide rack with the slides submerged in a slide treatment solution, is placed in the cavity with a tank surface immediately adjacent the heater. A temperature sensor is mounted in the base and is operable to provide a feedback signal representing a temperature of the liquid in the tank. A cover is removably hinged on the base to cover the tank. A control system is connected to the heater and the temperature sensor and has a user input/output that is operable to select a set temperature of the liquid and a cycle time.

Abstract: A reagent kit is provided comprising a plurality of containers with top-side openings, a common support structure or a plurality of support structures associated to the containers, and a plurality of caps. Each container and cap is mountable or provided on the common or the associated support structure, wherein each cap is formed essentially rectangular, having two shorter edges and two longer edges, and comprises: a cap body, a lid hinged to the cap body so to pivot around a pivot axis at least between closed and opened positions, the pivot axis being essentially parallel to the shorter edges. The containers and associated caps are arranged in a row along a connecting line such that the pivot axes are orthogonal to the connecting line. For at least one of the containers, an end portion of the cap body opposite to the pivot axis is not covered by the lid.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump (1) is equipped with a pump cylinder (2), a pump piston (7), a cylinder space (9), a pressure sensor (10), and a pressure channel (12). A main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) of the pump cylinder (2), for providing fluidic connection between the cylinder space (9) and the pressure sensor (10). In the improved alternative positive displacement pump (1), the main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) is located inside of the pump cylinder (2) or pump piston (7) and extends, at least in a foremost position of the pump piston (7), from a cylinder bottom (5) beyond or to an opening (11,11?) in the cylinder wall (4) or pump piston (7).

Abstract: Pressure fluctuations are sampled at fixed time intervals and subjected to arithmetic processing, using as a trigger the event (or a sign temporally close to that event) of the reverse motor rotation for the backlash correction, thereby discriminating normal suction from suction of sample liquid with undesirable air bubbles.

Abstract: By the conventional technique for dispensing more than one reagents accurately, the system is complicated and thus a compact and inexpensive system is difficult to realize. In the present invention, the pressurized dispensing system utilizing a capillary is realized, and in addition, in order to reduce the leakage of reagents different from the reagent dispensed, by forming air layers at the tips of the capillaries after dispensing, a compact, simple, inexpensive analysis apparatus is realized.

Abstract: There is provided a micropipette, a micropipette system, and a method for using a micropipette system capable of accurately sucking a desired quantitative volume of liquid for measurement. A micropipette system comprises a micropipette 1 including a liquid-holding chamber 12 that holds a liquid for measurement sucked in by capillary action through an opening 11 provided at an end of the liquid-holding chamber 12, the liquid-holding chamber 12 having an inner surface on which a photocatalyst layer 13 exhibiting a hydrophilic property at the time of light irradiation is formed, irradiation means 2 for emitting light toward the photocatalyst layer 13, and control means 3 for controlling the range of the area irradiated with the light from the irradiation means 2 in accordance with a desired quantitative volume of the liquid for measurement.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

Abstract: A bottle top dispenser for handling liquids having a piston-cylinder arrangement in an outside housing. At least one actuating button (49) that can be pressed downwards is arranged on the upper side of the outside housing. The outside housing (2) can be provided with ventilation openings (48) that can be hidden beneath the actuating button (49). The bottle arrangement is also characterized by a specific arrangement of a sensor system (65) in relation to a measuring strip (64) on a piston rod (28). The path measuring signal can be evaluated by means of a magnetoresistive sensor system, especially such a system based on the AMR effect. The arrangement of the measuring strip (64) in relation to the longitudinal central axis of the piston rod (28) is of considerable importance.

Abstract: A mobile intra-operative microscopic diagnosis laboratory capable of analyzing fresh tissue specimens and providing intra-operative consultation within 20 minutes is described. The mobile laboratory is preferably a van and contains a cryostat for freezing the fresh tissue specimens and a means for cutting the specimens. In addition, it also contains the means for reading the slides to make microscopic diagnosis and a means for handling for fresh tissue and a means for indicating various locations in the specimen, preferably by inking them. It preferably contains a stainer for staining the samples and an intercom for communicating the microscopic diagnosis back to the operating room.

Abstract: A laboratory automation system that is capable of carrying out clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, amplification of nucleic acid assays, and any combination of the foregoing, said laboratory automation system employing at least one of micro-well plates and deep multi-well plates as reaction vessels. The use of micro-well plates as reaction vessels enables the laboratory automation system to assume a variety of arrangements, i.e., the laboratory automation system can comprise a variety of functional modules that can be arranged in various ways. In order to effectively carry out immunoassays by means of micro-well plates, a technique known as inverse magnetic particle processing can be used to transfer the product(s) of immunoassays from one micro-well of a micro-well plate to another.

Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.

Abstract: Discussed are a diagnostic cartridge and a control method for the diagnostic cartridge. The cartridge includes a sample port through which a sample is injected, a first chamber moving the sample injected from the sample port, a second chamber moving a substrate solution, a first membrane formed at a distal end of the first chamber to function as a valve for preventing other substances from being injected into the first chamber after the sample is completely moved, and a second membrane formed at a distal end of the second chamber to function as a valve for preventing other substances from being injected into the first chamber after the substrate solution is completely moved.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system includes modules which are arranged next to each other in a row. Every module has a microfluidic part which rests on a contact surface of the module in a locally limited area and is forced against the contact surface by a fastening element. The microfluidic part includes a fluid channel system with fluid connections that are arranged on the top surface of the microfluidic part in edge areas relative to the adjoining microfluidic parts. The fluid connections of adjoining microfluidic parts are interlinked by respective connecting channels in a connecting part bridging the microfluidic parts, wherein the connecting part rests on the microfluidic parts in the edge areas. A clamping part rests against the lower surfaces of the adjoining microfluidic parts and is connected to the connecting part via an additional fastening element in the area between the microfluidic parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for controlling/manipulating materials flowing in a fluidic device. In particular, the methods of the invention create and utilize differences between dispersion rates and/or average velocity of materials in order to manipulate the materials.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump (1) is equipped with a pump cylinder (2), a pump piston (7), a cylinder space (9), a pressure sensor (10), and a pressure channel (12). A main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) of the pump cylinder (2), for providing fluidic connection between the cylinder space (9) and the pressure sensor (10). In the improved alternative positive displacement pump (1), the cylinder wall (4) comprises a piston sleeve (14) that is located on the inner side of the cylinder wall (4) and that extends over essentially the entire length of the pump cylinder (2) to the cylinder bottom (5).

Abstract: An analytical system for performing centrifugal analysis on a working fluid with different components includes a uniform-dividing unit with a reduced cross section to divide the working fluid, a separating unit connected to the uniform-dividing unit, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a detection compartment and a constant-quantity region connected to the separating unit through a separation channel. When rotating the uniform-dividing unit, the working fluid located at the uniform-dividing unit is transmitted to and separated by the separating unit, thereby causing one component of the working fluid to be separated from the other component and transmitted to the detection compartment through the constant-quantity region. With constant-quantity region, the detection compartment can be prevented from flushing by the excess of the separated component, and thus yield of product detection can be increased and different assays detection is carried out with a small sample volume at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a removable tip having a fluid-ejection mechanism, a first fitting extending from the enclosure and receptive to placement of the removable tip thereon, and a controller situated within the enclosure to cause the removable tip to eject the fluid. The fluid-ejection device may also include tip-extension assembly having an electrical cable connecting to the controller and having a second fitting receptive to placement of the removable tip thereon. The electrical cable permits the removable tip to be located substantially independently of the enclosure. The fluid-ejection device may further include tubings fluidically couplable with the removable tip through at least one of the first and second fittings to provide fluid to the removable tip and to regulate backpressure of the fluid within the removable tip.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.

Abstract: A needle (300) for handling a fluid in an analysis system (10), the needle (300) comprising a needle body (302) made of a ceramic material and having a fluid conduit (304) extending between a fitting end (306) and a seat end (308), the fitting end (306) being connectable to a fitting (402) and the seat end (308) being insertable into a seat (602), wherein the needle body (302) is tapering, particularly conically tapering, towards the fitting end (306), a fixing body (310) arranged on the needle body (302) next to the fitting end (306) for exerting an axial force when the needle body (302) is connected to the fitting (402), and a slide-on element (312) to be slid over the needle body (302) so as to push the fixing body (310) towards the fitting end (306).

Abstract: A sample input device for transferring liquid samples, typically blood samples, from sample containers, typically syringes, into analyzer devices for examining the composition of the samples, wherein the sample input device comprises retention elements for at least partly keeping particulate components of the sample from passing over from the sample container into the analyzer, and wherein the sample input device further contains at least one ventilation device that allows ventilating the sample container while transferring the sample from the sample container into the analyzer, typically when aspirating the sample via the analyzer.

Abstract: A flow cytometry nozzle and method for orienting sperm cells in a fluid flow path including an interior surface of a nozzle. The interior surface of the nozzle having a first, a second and a third axially tapered region for progressively accelerating the speed of a fluid stream in a downstream direction toward a nozzle exit. At least two of the regions having generally elliptical cross sectional shapes oriented in different directions for applying torsional forces to a fluid stream passing there through, tending to bring sperm cells in the stream into a desired orientation.

Abstract: A liquid container with an upper opening and a tube-shaped withdrawal chimney is disclosed. The withdrawal chimney extends into the container through the upper opening which has a liquid-permeable zone in the form of a finely-porous flow resistance element in its lower end region such that liquid exchange can take place between the withdrawal chimney and the container inner space which surrounds it via the flow resistance element. A venting groove formed by a radial recess of the casing wall of the withdrawal chimney in its upper region may be provided to ensure adequate venting of the space above the liquid level.

Abstract: A cap including a penetrable material adapted to be pierced by a fluid transfer device and an absorbent material positioned above the penetrable material. The absorbent material permits passage of the fluid transfer device and absorbs fluid material present on an outer surface of the fluid transfer device as it is being removed from the cap. The cap is useful for accessing the contents of an associated fluid-holding vessel multiple times.

Abstract: A component measuring apparatus is provided with a case having a cylindrical case main body and a cover arranged to cover the base end opening section of the case main body; a chip mounting section for mounting a chip; a light measuring section for detecting a prescribed component; a printed board whereupon a control section having a function of controlling the operation of the light measuring section is arranged; a liquid crystal display device; a battery arranging section for arranging a battery provided on the cover; an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the light measuring section on the leading end section of the case main body; and an O-ring arranged between the case main body and the cover on the base end opening section of the case main body. Sealing of inside the case is ensured by the O-ring.

Abstract: A liquid feeding system for a microchip performs: a first liquid feeding step in which a sample liquid in a sample liquid containing section is fed in the direction to a primary containing section via a reaction field; a second liquid feeding step in which, after the first liquid feeding step, the sample liquid is fed from the primary containing section in the direction to the reaction field; and a third liquid feeding step in which, after the second liquid feeding step, the feedings of the sample liquid from and to the reaction field and the primary containing section a rear side gas-liquid boundary face of the sample liquid in the first liquid feeding step and the front side and rear side gas-liquid boundary faces of the sample liquid in the second and third liquid feeding steps do not pass through the reaction field.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for generating droplets has a capillary tube mounted in a moveable member. The capillary tube is accelerated towards a plate, and then subject to rapid deceleration, e.g. by way of an impact, to promote separation of a droplet which is then deposited on the plate. The droplet can be entirely separated from the capillary tip before being deposited, or, for smaller droplets, the droplet merely extends from the capillary tip and is then drawn onto the plate by a wicking action. The plurality of capillary tubes can be mounted on the common support member to effect multiplexing of drops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for processing a sample and methods for aligning a cartridge. The cartridge includes a processing device for processing a sample, a body having a surface and bounded by at least one edge, and a plurality of positioning members defined by the surface for aligning the processing device relative to a conduit defined by the body between a cartridge input and a cartridge output.

Abstract: A method for applying reactive films containing solids to microporous membranes is provided wherein the membrane is firstly moistened and the reactive film containing solids is applied to the membrane while it is still moist. Membranes produced in this manner can contain reactive films having a high proportion of film openers and can be used advantageously in diagnostic elements for detecting constituents and, in particular, large hydrophobic analytes in body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable cassette, preferably for use in analysis technology, has at least one first part in which channel structures are cut out in the surface and a second part covering the first part in a sealing manner, with engagement regions for actuator elements being provided at pre-determined points. The first part and/or the second part are constructed of a rigid material and have a flexible material region associated therewith, with the rigid material and the flexible material region being manufactured in one piece using two-component injection molding technology.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining hydrodynamic focusing of a first fluid. The method includes pressurizing the first fluid and a second fluid at a pre-defined pressure from a pressure source. Further, the method includes controlling the first flow rate of the first fluid by passing it through a first flow circuit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the second flow rate of the second fluid by passing it through a second flow circuit. Moreover, the method includes passing the first and the second fluid though a converging section and hydrodynamically focusing the first fluid.

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 thus reducing the injuries resulting in repetitive stress injury to the thumb and hand. The new ergonomic pipette tip incorporates a separate sealing member constructed from an elastomer that is coupled to the more rigid and chemically inert elongated tubular member that becomes the receptacle for transferring the fluid sample aspirated by the pipetter. The new elastomeric sealing member allows for greater sealing capability or squeeze between the pipetter barrel and the new pipette tip while lowering the coefficient of friction between the mating parts, thus decreasing the axial ejection forces require to overcome the breakaway friction between the new ergonomic pipette tip and the pipetter.

Abstract: An integrated sample analysis system is disclosed. The sample analysis system contains (1) a sample preparation/analysis module having sample purification device comprising a monolith that binds specifically to nucleic acids and a sample analysis device comprising a microarray enclosed in a reaction chamber having a hydrophilic interior surface; (2) a temperature control module comprising a thermocycler having a thermally conductive temperature-control bladder; and (3) an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the microarray in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.

Abstract: A portable water filtration system that interconnects two, otherwise separate, water bottles arranged vertically such that water flows under gravitational pressure from a first water bottle through a filter configured to capture small particle impurities to a second water bottle and removes small particle impurities before they enter the second water bottle. The filtration system is implemented within a cap that can attach to a variety of standard water bottles, such as NALGENE™ water bottles. A removable connector ring attaches to the cap to connect a second water bottle to the system. When vertically aligned, water flows from a first water bottle through the filter element in the cap to the second water bottle to remove small and large particles.

Abstract: A microchip is provided, in which dead space provided only for holding excess fluid is made smaller. The microchip is formed by joining at least a first substrate with a trench formed on the substrate surface and a second substrate, and it has a fluid circuit formed by the trench and a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate and/or the second substrate has a projection for moving fluid and/or air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity during an operation of the microchip, and the projection is provided near an end portion of a through hole and/or an air vent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample isolation unit and having a diluent introduction port disposed therebetween for introduction of a diluent into the sample holding chamber. The volume within the sample holding chamber between the diluent introduction port and the sample isolation unit defines a metered volume of a sample for analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, preferably suitable for low range sample dilution, and preferably capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a sample metering device, comprising a sample holding chamber oriented between a sample entry port and a sample extraction unit, wherein a portion of said extraction unit defines a metered volume of a sample. A diluent may be transported over and/or through the extraction unit to form a diluted sample for sample analysis. In another embodiment, the invention is to an apparatus and method for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by various assays including immunoassays incorporating a sample dilution feature, capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field is provided. The devices and methods of the invention preferably are well-suited for high range sample dilution.

Abstract: A sorption micro-array (1) for sorbing a substance off an assay sample comprises a support (11) and a plurality of sorption elements (14). The plurality of sorption elements (14) is arranged in a well defined geometry in connection with the support (11), wherein the distance between each sorption element (14) and its adjacent sorption element (14) is predefined. Since all of the sorption elements (14) are arranged at a well defined location of the sorption micro-array (1), e.g. in a row with well defined distances from each other, the output of an analysis of substances sorbed by each of the sorption elements (14) can exactly be allocated to a well defined location of an assay sample from which the substances have been sorbed. Like this, it is possible to provide an exact chemical output image of the micro-distribution of the substances of the assay sample.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components. The probe has a dimension that is 8 mm or less in at least one projection coincident with an aspirate/dispense axis of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention can solve such a problem that a conventional tissue piece treating apparatus has difficulty of reduction in size and restriction on installation and stopping subsequent treatment operations when the amount of chemical supplied to a processing chamber is insufficient.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to surface tension controlled valves used for handling biological fluids. The valves controlled by optically actuating an electro-wetting circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for determining material properties and/or material concentrations of components of a sample, containing: a chromatographic separating column with a liquid mobile solvent; means for controlling the temperature inside the separating column between room temperature and 250° C.; means for creating a pressure level which is greater than ambient pressure inside the separating column; and a detector with a sample volume adapted to insert the components of the sample, is characterized in that the mobile solvent contains water to a large extent; means are provided for expanding the mobile solvent from the increased pressure level inside the separating column to the ambient pressure and for producing a phase change of the mobile solvent from the liquid to gaseous state; and means are provided for transferring the gaseous mobile solvent containing the components of the sample into the sample volume of the detector.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.