Abstract: A coupling frame includes a support body configured to contact at least one of the electrode tab and the electrode lead; a first perforating portion bent from one end of the support body; and a second perforating portion bent from the other end of the support body. The first and second perforating portions are inserted into the electrode tab and the electrode lead to pass through first and second points of a contact surface between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

Abstract: An object is to perform analysis of a target component contained in a small volume of blood sample at high accuracy using a normal component homeostatically present in blood. Provided is a blood test kit for analyzing a concentration of a target component in a blood sample by using a normal component homeostatically present in blood, the kit including: a diluent solution for diluting a blood sample; and a member selected from the group consisting of a first storing instrument in which the diluent solution is stored, a separating instrument for separating and recovering blood plasma from the blood sample diluted with the diluent solution, a holding instrument for holding the separating instrument, a second storing instrument for storing the recovered blood plasma, and a sealing instrument for keeping the stored blood plasma in the second storing instrument, in which an amount of the normal component which is derived from the member and may be contained in the diluent solution is defined.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a blood analysis method in which a high level of repeatability and reproducibility is achieved with respect to measurement values in a blood sample of 50 ?L or less, and a blood test kit which is used for the blood analysis method. According to the present invention, a blood analysis method including a step of diluting a collected blood sample with a diluent solution; a step of determining a dilution factor by using a normal value of a normal component which is homeostatically present in the blood; and a step of analyzing a concentration of a target component in the blood sample, in which a volume of the blood sample is 50 ?L or less, a dilution factor of blood plasma components in the blood sample is 14 or higher, and the diluent solution is a diluent solution which does not contain the normal component which is homeostatically present in the blood, is provided.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: A system (10) for removing a pipettable substance from a pre-filled container (20), which is closed off by a top (30) having at least one opening area (40), comprises an opening tool (100) having a tube (110), which has a cross-section corresponding substantially to the shape of the opening area and which comprises at a distal end (120) an endpiece (140) extending substantially obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which moves a part of the top (30) located inside the opening area (40) towards the container when the opening tool is applied, so as to form an opening in the top, and a point of attack (150) for a transporting tool (200). The opening tool (100) is designed to remain on the container (20) after use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A nozzle device which can perform accurate quantitative suction without being affected by a pressure when, for example, a nozzle (2) is inserted into a closed container (T). The nozzle device has the nozzle (2) that is inserted into the closed container (T) and that sucks a liquid in the closed container (T), an exposure to atmosphere mechanism (3) that opens the closed container (T) to the atmospheric air, and an opening/closing structure (4) that is arranged at a proximal end of the nozzle (2) and that has an internal flow channel (411) communicated with a flow channel in the nozzle (2) and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the internal flow channel (411), and an opening/closing control section (5) that controls the opening/closing mechanism.

Abstract: A sample liquid supply device includes a container tip into which the sample liquid is introduced, a hollow needle provided at one end of the container tip such that a hollow part thereof communicates with inside of the container tip, and a sealing member that covers an opening from which the sample liquid is introduced, wherein the sealing member has a puncture-sealing property achieved by elastic deformation.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated vacuum-controlled fluid collection system includes a mechanically-actuated vacuum controller (MAVC) to draw fluid into a chamber through the opening to the chamber. The system may include a releasable seal to seal the opening, and the MAVC may include a spring-loaded plunger to create a vacuum within the chamber when sealed. The system includes multiple fluid chambers, and may further include a single actuator or multiple corresponding actuators. The system may be configured to add a pre-loadable reagent to fluid drawn into the one or more chambers, and may be configured to add the reagent in proportion to a volume of the fluid. The system may be controllable to release collected fluid to another device, such as for assay and/or transport. The system may be configured to draw a liquid biological sample such as urine, and may include a fluid interface to draw fluid from a biological sample container.

Abstract: A method which allows easy perforation of a film covering a well of a reagent cartridge which is set to a dispensing device is provided. A pipette tip set to be used in a dispensing device of an automatic analyzer together with a reagent cartridge in which a reagent for biochemical analysis is enclosed, includes: a dispensing pipette tip for dispensing the reagent enclosed in the reagent cartridge; a perforating pipette tip having a leading end surface inclined relative to a central axis thereof; and a rack configured to store the dispensing pipette tip and the perforating pipette tip together.

Abstract: A digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges and has disposable cartridges each with a bottom layer, a top layer and a gap therebetween. A base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and at least one electrode array with electrodes works with a cover plate at the sites and a control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing them with voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The cover plate has an electrically conductive material that extends parallel to the array. A selection of disposable cartridges and a method for manipulating samples in liquid droplets that adhere to a hydrophobic surface can be used with the system.

Abstract: Fluid storage containers and analysis cartridges for use in assay processes are presented. In addition, systems comprising such storage containers and analysis cartridges and methods of using such containers and cartridges are presented as well. In specific embodiments, fluid storage containers are configured to be coupled to analysis cartridges in a first stage and a second stage.

Abstract: A compound container has a container main body forming a first accommodation chamber, an auxiliary container forming a second accommodation chamber, a mounting part on which the auxiliary container is mounted in the container main body, a cutting part which cuts a second accommodation chamber partition wall which partitions a part of the second accommodation chamber formed in the auxiliary container, a contents outlet port in the container main body, and an opening pouring element mounted on the contents outlet port and having another cutting part which cuts a first accommodation chamber partition wall which partitions a part of the first accommodation chamber formed in the container main body.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.

Abstract: It comprises, in addition to a sampling system (3), at the outlet of a vat (1) containing the liquid to be sampled, a selector (4) that establishes switching on an array of similar vats (1), and especially a suction unit (5) that operates by releasing compressed air into a nozzle (28); the airflow direction is controlled by a valve (29) between a direction directed toward the outlet (6), causing the suction of the liquid from the vat (1), and an opposite direction when the valve (29) is closed, feeding the liquid back into the vat (1) and cleaning the pipe (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip device for extraction of liquid, semi-solid or solid solutions to be chemically analyzed and the methods for their use. The pipette tip extraction device contains a screen or filter at its lower narrow end to contain solid particulate matter and a barrier at its upper wide end. The optional upper frit is to be made of material that permits liquid solutions to flow through it. In addition to the barrier and screen, the pipette tip extraction device may contain solid-phase sorbent. Through the use of a removable cap, the pipette extraction tip may also serve as a sample collection container or tip in which samples can be delivered to the top of the tip (e.g., for direct collection of samples, including solid samples). A new method for DPX extraction using liquid-liquid-solid-phase extraction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals include a foil layer and are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow needle (1) for a sample pipettor in an automated analysis instrument, which sample pipettor is suitable for withdrawing sample liquid from a sealed sample vessel by virtue of the cover or the cap of the sample vessel being pierced by the hollow needle (1). The hollow needle (1) has a substantially straight cylindrical basic shape with a tip (8) for piercing a cover and enables a removal of sample liquid, comparatively less susceptible to errors, from a sample vessel in an automated analysis instrument. In the region of the tip (8) of the hollow needle (1), a number of faces (22, 26, 28, 30) have been introduced in such a way that the radial force components resulting at the respective faces (22, 26, 28, 30) during an axial movement into an elastic material cancel one another.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

Abstract: A syringe comprises a syringe body (12) having an axial inner recess (14) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the syringe body (L), a piston (16) being guided in an axially moveable manner in said inner recess and contributing to the delimitation of a fluid-receiving volume together with a section of a wall (14a) radially delimiting the inner recess (14), and having a needle (24) that can be or is connected to a longitudinal end (12a) of the syringe body (12), wherein the needle (24) has a coupling geometry (28) at the longitudinal end (24a) thereof that is closer to the syringe body, wherein the needle (24) can be connected by said coupling geometry to a counter coupling geometry (30) of the syringe body (12), wherein the geometry composed of the coupling geometry (28) and counter coupling geometry (30) comprises an insertion section (32), which in the assembled state of the syringe (10) is received in a coupling recess (34) of the respectively other geometry, and wherein furthermore safety

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for the preparation and fractioned dispensing of samples of a fluid. The device of the invention comprises a body having formed therein guide means suitable for receiving a sample-taker member and for guiding it in translation through the device, and at least one preparation chamber enabling an aliquot of a fluid sample dispensed into the chamber by a said sample-taker member to be prepared in a stream of a suitable reagent. The guide means pass through the preparation chamber and communicate therewith to enable an aliquot of fluid to be dispensed into the chamber in a determined position of the sample-taker member in the guide means. The preparation chamber has an introduction orifice for introducing at least one reagent into the chamber for mixing the reagent with an aliquot, and at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing the mixture formed by said aliquot and said reagent to recovery and/or analysis means.

Abstract: Provided are a centrifugal force-based microfluidic device, in which biochemical treatments of samples are executed, and a method of fabricating the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device is mountable on a rotatable device and includes: a disk-shaped portion; and an inlet hole defined within, configured to receive fluid from outside the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device having a first opening with a first inner diameter, and a second opening disposed on the first opening having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter, and a depth of the second opening greater than a height of a fluid droplet formable in the second opening.

Abstract: A sample aspirating apparatus including a pipette which aspirates a sample, wherein the pipette is able to penetrate a cap of a capped container; a cap sensor which detects the cap of the capped container; a driving section which moves the pipette upward and downward; a crash sensor which detects a crash of the pipette with an obstacle; and a controller which controls the driving section to move the pipette, and stop the pipette when the crash sensor detects a crash by the pipette, wherein when aspirating a sample from a container after the cap sensor has detected a cap, the controller controls the driving section to move the pipette downward regardless of the detection by the crash sensor and thereby cause the pipette to penetrate the cap of the container. A sample analyzer which includes the above mentioned sample aspirating apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a sampler. The sampler includes: a chamber accommodating a fluid or solid reagent therein and being sealed at both ends with penetrable films; a tube joined with the chamber at one side, the tube having a hollow portion therein; and a movable bar having a tip which is formed at one end and has a specimen extracting portion, the tip being guided and moved through a hollow portion, the tip being adapted for mixing the specimen extracted by the specimen extracting portion with the reagent so as to form a diluted solution while penetrating through one end of the chamber and adapted for quantitatively discharging out the diluted solution while penetrating through the other end of the chamber.

Abstract: A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A reagent bottle includes a reservoir adapted to contain a reagent, a pipette tip defining a fluid channel extending into the reservoir and a resilient seal fixedly disposed within the reservoir and surrounding the pipette tip, the seal functioning to reduce reagent loss when the pipette tip is withdrawn from the reagent bottle. The fluid channel of the pipette tip is defined by the pipette tip being in direct fluid communication, or interrupted fluid communication, with the exterior of the reagent bottle, the pipette tip being directly or indirectly engageable through a fluid-tight fitting with a pipette. A base member of the reagent bottle is adapted for selective engagement with one or more rotation pin and has an indexing feature for properly aligning the reagent bottle within an automated system. The base member adapted for selective engagement with one or more spring pins for raising and lowering the reagent bottle.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) comprises a working film (10) for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with an electrode array (20) when the working film (10) of the cartridge (1) is placed on said electrode array (20).

Abstract: Provided is a sample packing device for packing a sample with respect to a microchip for performing reaction of a micro component contained in the sample, the microchip at least including: a sample reservoir; a reaction reservoir; and a channel connected between the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir, in which a package including a sample chamber packed in advance with the sample is mounted on the microchip so as to pack the sample in the sample chamber into the sample reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapid detection of a target nucleic acid amplification product while preventing cross-contamination between target nucleic acid amplification products and avoiding false positives, comprising the steps of: a) leaving the reaction tube unopened after the amplification reaction is finished, so as to prevent the target nucleic acid amplification product from leaking out and resulting in contamination; b) placing the unopened reaction tube inside an enclosed unit, making the target nucleic acid amplification product be transferred to a test strip from the reaction tube in a physically enclosed environment; c) performing detection in a visual read-out manner, and determining the result; d) discarding the enclosed unit in a safety place as a whole without opening it after the detection.

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 nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.

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 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) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for withdrawing respective liquid samples from vials (2) which are closed by closure caps (4) includes a plurality of racks (7) for accommodating the vials (2). A device (10) including a housing (25) is slideably carried on a gantry (9) which in turn is slideably carried on guide tracks (12) to provide two degrees of movement of the device (10) for selective alignment of the device (10) with the vials (2). An abutment member (43) is driven vertically by a second gearwheel (51) by a drive shaft (27) through a first gearwheel (40) and a dog clutch (52). A cannula which is secured within a first gear rack (33) is driven vertically by the first gearwheel (40). On engagement of the abutment member (43) with the closure cap (4) of the selected vial (2), the clutch (52) decouples the second gearwheel (51) from the first gearwheel (40) so that the cannula (28) is urgeable through the closure cap (4) into the vial (2).

Abstract: A reagent open mechanism of the luminescence measurement system comprises a triaxial actuator and a reagent dispensing nozzle which is driven by the triaxial actuator. A reagent cartridge where a reagent to be divided by the reagent dispensing nozzle is filled in a concave and the opening of the concave is sealed by an aluminum sheet can be set in. This reagent open mechanism comprises an open needle which is driven by the triaxial actuator and makes a hole in the aluminum sheet and a fixation block between the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle which arranges the reagent dispensing nozzle and the open needle in such location that the reagent dispensing nozzle or the open needle does not contact with a structure including the reagent cartridge in a Z-axis operation during opening time or reagent dividing and dispensing time.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.

Abstract: Devices, instruments, systems and methods are provided in which a primary line that receives a biological fluid is selectively sampled by a plurality of collection chambers. Selective sampling occurs by selectively accessing the primary line and selective engagement of a sampling pump under control of a microprocessor. Further, the instrument housing reversibly houses a drive assembly and sample collection housing to permit the interchangeability of drive assemblies and collection housings and thus enhance sterility or reduction of cost.

Abstract: There is provided a sample collection container, a sample collection apparatus, and a sample collection method used in a supercritical fluid system capable of collecting a multi-constituent sample contained in a supercritical fluid at low cost and high collection efficiency. The pressure of a supercritical fluid containing a sample is reduced to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure, and the depressurized supercritical fluid is forced to undergo adiabatic expansion to form gas-phase CO2 containing a liquid component in the form of aerosol. The gas-phase CO2 is fractionated for each constituent of the contained sample, transferred to a probe 60 of Liquid Handler, and dispensed into a large number of collection vials 300 under the atmospheric pressure, each of which is provided with a vial cap 100.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture contained in a chamber of a reaction vessel comprises a thermal surface for contacting a flexible wall of the chamber and an automated machine for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressure increase in the chamber is sufficient to force the flexible wall to conform to the thermal surface for good thermal conductance. The apparatus also includes at least one thermal element for heating or cooling the surface to induce a temperature change within the chamber.

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.

Abstract: A self dispensing reagent cartridge includes a vessel with a movable piston at one end and a puncturable self sealing septum at an opposite end. A hollow needle is located in alignment with the septum. The vessel is moved toward the needle to enable the needle to puncture the septum. The piston is then moved toward the septum to enable a predetermined amount of liquid in the vessel to be transferred outwardly of the vessel through the needle in an amount corresponding to the piston stroke.

Abstract: A reagent preparation and dispensing device includes a body. A reagent reservoir containing a reagent is disposed within the body. A solution reservoir containing a solution is disposed within the body. The device further includes an activator movably coupled with the body to open the reagent reservoir and the solution reservoir. The activator is operable to mix the solution with the reagent to form a reagent mixture. A dispensing reservoir tip is coupled with the body. The dispensing reservoir tip is sized and shaped to dispense the reagent mixture from the device.

Abstract: A method for reducing or eliminating the aspiration of foam into a metering probe includes the steps of providing a reagent supply container having a baffle having sealed ends and having a liquid reagent in it. A metering probe movable in a direction toward and away from the reagent supply container is provided. A closure is moved away from the opening of the container and both seals covering the first and second openings of the baffle are pierced allowing liquid to enter the baffle from the end of the baffle submerged in the liquid thereby providing a foam reduced or foam free zone. The metering probe is moved into the first opening of the baffle and into contact with the liquid in the baffle. A selected amount of liquid in the baffle is aspirated and the metering probe is moved out of the baffle.

Abstract: A micromanifold for connecting external capillaries to the inlet and/or outlet ports of a microfluidic device can employ a ferrule/capillary assembly that includes: (a) a ferrule comprising an elongated member and having a bore traversing from a proximal end to a distal end of the member, wherein the bore has an inner surface and wherein the distal end of the ferrule has a tapered, threaded exterior surface, and (b) a capillary that is positioned within the bore wherein the capillary's outer surface is in direct contact with the bore's inner surface. No mating sleeve is required for the one-piece ferrule. Alternatively, the capillaries can be bonded to channels that traverse the manifold and therefore obviate the need for a ferrule.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.