Abstract: A system for removing liquid waste from an automated diagnostic instrument. The system comprises (a) an accumulator having at least one inlet for waste liquids and at least one outlet for waste liquids; (b) a vacuum sub-system connected to the accumulator, the vacuum sub-system comprising a vacuum pump; and (c) a drain portion for removing waste liquids comprising a peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers. The liquid waste from the automated diagnostic instrument is moved by a pressure differential created by the vacuum pump and the peristaltic pump having spring-loaded rollers.

Abstract: A sensor instrument system for detecting and identifying analytes in fluids of a region contains a local sensor instrument and remote central station. The instrument includes a core technology employing a single sensor having two electrodes operated by an electrical frequency sweeping to generate two sets of patterned electrical information from a single measurement, a data transmission module and a GPS receiver module. The central station connects to a network means connected to a plurality of local receiving sites equipped with including the respective transceivers, so that the local analyte electrical information and geographic position information transmitted by the instrument can be wirelessly and remotely received and processed by the central station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample using an assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction vessel and a reaction controller, wherein temperature control of a liquid stored within the vessel can be performed with a high accuracy and faithful responsiveness. The reaction container and the reaction controller comprise one or a plurality of reaction chambers in which liquid is storable, and a wall that surrounds the reaction chamber, and the entirety or a part of the wall is formed by a temperature raising and lowering body that can raise or lower the temperature thereof according to a signal from an instructing part provided outside.

Abstract: There is provided a highly reliable autoanalyzer less liable to sample and reagent carry-over and capable of preventing contamination and precisely pipetting samples and reagents. Using a sample pipetting nozzle 27 having water-repellent surfaces, a sample is pipetted from a sample cell 25 to a reaction cell 4 having a hydrophilic bottom face.

Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a dye or chromophore chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The dye or chromophore is of a type which produces an electrical signal upon illumination. The particular dye or chromophore 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-induced charge movements (PICM) produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-induced charge movements produce signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the PICM of the target sample versus the PICM of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.

Abstract: A system and a method for the automated pipetting of fluids are disclosed as well as a method for calibrating the system. A channel pump having at least one tip-sided port connected to a pipetting tip by a tip-sided pump conduit for generating a positive or negative pressure in the pipetting tip, and at least one reservoir-sided port connected to a system fluid reservoir by a reservoir-sided pump conduit is provided. The channel pump when operated at a nominal flow rate exhibits a fluid backflow caused by a pressure difference in the tip- and reservoir-sided pump conduits which results in an effective flow rate compared to the nominal flow rate. Such a pressure difference can be used to determine an extended pipetting period which extends a pipetting period of the channel pump operating at the nominal flow rate, and to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a support surface to support a cartridge, a socket attached to the housing, and an actuator associated with the socket. The socket surface includes one or more socket positioning members, a plurality of electrical contacts and a plurality of magnets. The socket is configured to move relative to the support surface of the housing, with the one or more socket positioning members located in a fixed relation to the plurality of electrical contacts so that when the socket is spaced proximate to the support surface of the housing, the one or more socket positioning members engage with the one or more cartridge positioning members to align the plurality of electrical contacts of the socket with the plurality of electrical contact pads of the cartridge. The actuator is configured to align each magnet with a respective fluid conduit of the processing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system (100) for selectively processing a sample (130) according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example for detecting a certain target component in the sample. The system comprises a plurality of “specific reagent reservoirs” (120) that contain different sets of reagents, wherein each set is required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system (100) comprises a “universal reagent reservoir” in which reagents for several assays are provided, preferably reagents for all assays. The universal reagent reservoir may preferably be a cartridge (110) in which the processing of a sample (130) can take place and which comprises a plurality of binding sites that are selective for different target components. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample (130) at hand, the appropriate specific reagent reservoir (121b) is chosen and processed in the universal cartridge (110).

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 fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying analyte molecules and in particular to a component of this type in which a separation section is used for separating analyte molecules and other constituents of a sample, and in which provision is made of at least one sample chamber for receiving a sample containing the analyte molecules and at least one collecting chamber for receiving the purified analyte molecules. According to the invention, the microfluidic component has at least one integrated receptor device for detecting the presence and/or the concentration of the purified analyte molecules. In accordance with one advantageous development of the present invention, the separation section is formed by an electrophoretic gel filtration section.

Abstract: An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable 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 under the diaphraghm, 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterilization and disinfection apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a sterilization and disinfection apparatus for surgical equipment. Thus preferred embodiments may have a number of advantages over the prior art which can include: reduced risk of spillage of the sterilization fluid outside the sterilization apparatus; reduced risk of contamination of the equipment after sterilization through inadvertent contact with the equipment by the user; economy of use of the sterilization fluid; improved convenience of transport and storage of sterilized equipment in the sterilization apparatus; automatic override procedure to reduce the risk of overexposure of the equipment to the sterilization fluid if the correct sterilization cycle is not followed; automatic control of contact time of the equipment with the sterilization fluid to avoid over processing and resultant damage; and data logging to provide traceability of the previous sterilization cycles used.

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 biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.

Abstract: A fast, multiplexed PCR system is described that can rapidly generate amplified nucleic acid products, for example, a full STR profile, from a target nucleic acid. Such systems include, for example, microfluidic biochips and a custom built thermal cycler, which are also described. The resulting STR profiles can satisfy forensic guidelines for signal strength, inter-loci peak height balance, heterozygous peak height ratio, incomplete non-template nucleotide addition, and stutter.

Abstract: A dosing device for liquids, with a distributor rail and a plurality of dosing units for the liquid that are hydraulically connected to the replaceable distributor rail. Each dosing unit has a valve unit, preferably a suction valve, a discharge valve and a discharge cannula. A piston-cylinder unit is detachably arranged on each valve unit for drawing in and measured discharging of the liquid. Each valve unit has a hydraulic connection element for detachable hydraulic connection to the distributor rail. The distributor rail has an elongate fluid supply line, a supply connection for the liquid being provided on an end of the distributor rail and dosing unit connections being distributed laterally along the length of the rail. Each of the dosing unit connections are detachably coupled to the hydraulic connection elements of the dosing units. The distributor rail is a replaceable part made of a preferably recyclable, injection-moldable plastic.

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: 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: The present invention is directed to a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus for use with a liquid dispensing system of the type comprising a nozzle having a liquid dispensing tip and means for delivering the dispensed liquid through the nozzle onto a receiving substrate. Further, the invention provides a method of monitoring and measuring the volume of a liquid droplet as it is being dispensed from a liquid dispensing system comprising a nozzle having a dispensing tip. The main use for the invention is in the fields of drug discovery, genomics, medical diagnostics and other life science-related applications. The invention could also be used in other areas for example in the food industry, cosmetic industry or the chemical industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration method, a filter-incorporated tip and a filtration device, and its object is to perform efficient and swift isolation of a target substance.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for high-throughput screening of fluidic samples. In some embodiments, two chromatography columns are utilized in series. The first chromatography column can have a high affinity for phosphorylated compounds while the second chromatography column has a high affinity for one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: In a machine for manipulating toxic substances, an anthropomorphic robot transfers a container, which has a mouth closed by a cap made of perforable material, from a magazine for containers to a dosage station, set in which is a syringe provided with a needle, axially aligns the mouth with the needle, correcting the position of the mouth according to the position of the tip of the needle obtained from processing a number of images of the needle acquired from at least two distinct observation points, and finally approaches the container to the syringe in such a way that the needle perforates the cap and penetrates into the container to be able to inject or extract a substance into or out of the container.

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: 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 test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do

Abstract: A magnetic coupling system may be used in a fluid displacement apparatus to magnetically couple a drive shaft to a piston. The magnetic coupling system may include first and second magnetic couplers at the ends of the drive shaft and piston, respectively. The first magnetic coupler and second magnetic coupler may be configured to exert an attractive force. A bearing between the magnetic couplers reduces friction and side loading.

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 microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to received said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge of said cartridge or from said pipette.

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: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an integrated ‘lab-on-a-Pipette’™ which will provide sample-to-answer single cell genetic diagnosis for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and other forms of single cell analysis (SCA). SCA is a quickly growing field with substantial impact in prenatal testing, cancer biopsies, diabetes, stem cell research, and our overall understanding of heterogeneity in biology. However, single cell genetic analysis is challenging, inaccurate, and in many cases impossible, due to the small amount of sample (5 pg), and difficulties in handling small sample volumes (50-100 pL). The ‘lab-on-a-pipette’ device integrates a microaspiration tip with microfluidic analysis components to conduct in-situ, real-time single cell genetic diagnosis in a single device. The microaspiration tip extracts and encapsulate a cell into an ultra-low volume plug (˜300 pL).

Abstract: A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs.

Abstract: A system for fluid transport is provided where a quantity of fluid is held in a reservoir. A droplet generator is employed to generate droplets from the fluid, for example a nozzle-based system or a nozzleless system such as an acoustic ejection system. A generated droplet has a trajectory whereby it arrives at a target. A circuit is used to modify one or more characteristics of the generated droplet in a way which increases the likelihood that the droplet will not splash or bounce when it arrives at the target. The circuit may in different embodiments control the speed of the droplet or the Weber number of the droplet. The circuit may create an electric field in an area of space where the droplet passes. The circuit may charge the droplet by causing it to contact ions.

Abstract: A combined detector capable of simultaneously detecting both a value indicating a physical/chemical phenomenon such as a pH value and the intensity of an energy beam such as light. The combined detector comprises a physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) and an energy beam detecting system. The physical/chemical phenomenon detecting system (10) has a sensing section (21) whose potential varies with a physical/chemical phenomenon, a charge supply section (22) for supplying first charge to the sensing section, a charge supply control section (23) provided between the sensing section (21) and the charge supply section (22), a first charge storage section (26) for storing the first charge transferred from the sensing section (21), and a charge transfer control section (27) provided between the sensing section (21) and the first charge storage section (26).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes.

Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.

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 self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.

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 method for aspirating and/or dispensing liquids. The method includes preselecting a volume of liquid to be aspirated and/or dispensed; aspirating and/or dispensing the liquid through an actuator by extruding tubing in a spool included in a cartridge inside of a housing and aligning the extruded tubing with a fixed tip protruding partially out of the housing such that liquid can be aspirated and/or dispensed by a pump included in the actuator.

Abstract: To provide a sensing device using a piezoelectric sensor having an oscillation area for detection and an oscillation area for reference and capable of achieving a high measurement sensitivity by improving shapes of excitation electrodes. On a quartz-crystal piece 20a, there are provided strip-shaped left side area and right side area which are formed symmetrically to be separated from each other into left and right with respect to a center of a circle 53 being a contour of a planar shape of a reaction channel 52 and extend in a longitudinal direction in a parallel manner.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.