Abstract: An automated lidder and/or delidder apparatus to engage and disengage a lid from a microplate is disclosed. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate and a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate. In the lidding process, the apparatus presses down on the lid to insert each latch through a corresponding opening in the microplate until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In the delidding process, the apparatus inserts delidding posts into the openings to disengage the latches from the frame.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.

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: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).

Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A system for dispensing microdrops of reagent in small, precisely metered quantities maintains the fluid reagent to be dispensed in a reservoir under a controlled pressure. The reagent is dispensed through multiple nozzles connected to solenoid-actuated valves that control the flow of the reagent from the reservoir to the nozzles. Each valve is connected to one of the nozzles and electrical pulses are supplied separately to each of the valves to separately control the opening and closing of each valve to dispense predetermined quantities of the reagent through each nozzle at predetermined times.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating radioisotope thallium-201. The device includes an evaporation unit for a solution vial, a first glass vial connected to a first valve and a second valve, an ion exchange column connected to a third valve, a second glass vial connected to a fourth valve and a fifth valve, a collection vial for receiving solution from the fifth valve, a product vial with a membrane filter and a vacuum unit connected to the first valve, the fourth valve and a sixth valve. This device can separate out high-concentration thallium-201 solution from which radioisotope thallium-201 can be obtained.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in automated biological reaction systems comprising a barrel having a reservoir chamber, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion, a cap located on top of the upper portion of the barrel and connected to the reservoir chamber, the cap having an external surface with at least one hole therethrough, a valve comprising a biasing member and a hole sealer, the valve being located in the hole in the cap at the point where a downward force is applied against the cap, a coupler having a dispense chamber, the coupler being coaxial with the barrel and wherein the barrel lower portion moves into the dispense chamber during dispensing of fluid, and a vent located between the cap and the reservoir chamber, the vent including a vent opening and a vent material composed of oliophobic material.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a novel micro passage chip having such a structure that a fluid can be transferred without using a physical or mechanical squeezing means that is applied from above the substrate of the micro passage chip.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: An array of valves are arranged in n columns and m lines and which are each designed to control a fluid flow in an associated flow channel in a lab-on-a-chip system. The array includes at least two valves, every column having not more than one valve and every line having from zero to n valves. A device is used for actuating the valves. The valves are pressure-actuated. To produce the device, the flow channels are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the valves.

Abstract: A test module for biochemical processing and analysis, the test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving biochemical liquid, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent for addition to the biochemical liquid for use in chemical analysis of the biochemical liquid, wherein, the reagent reservoir has an outlet with a surface tension valve for retaining the reagent in the reservoir with a reagent meniscus until contact with the biochemical liquid removes the reagent meniscus.

Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus having a substrate including a channel through which a fluid is conveyed, a fluid container in which at least one kind of fluid is accommodated and which is disposed on the substrate so as to allow the fluid to flow toward the channel, and a fluid flow controller which controls a flow of the fluid toward the channel from the fluid container.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.

Abstract: A micro-valve (10) adapted for integration with a micro-fluidic device such as a micro-injector of a chromatograph, the micro-valve having a first substrate (12), a second substrate (14) having microconduits (36,38) and a seating surface (30), and an actuation membrane (16) positioned between the first substrate (12) and the second substrate (14) for opening or closing a fluid path (48) of the micro-valve (10) under a force applied by a mechanism such as a pneumatic or piezoelectric device, wherein said actuation membrane (16) is constructed from a poly(aryl ether ketone).

Abstract: A microfluidic diaphragm valve. The valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from said sealing surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, and, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively, wherein, each of the valves has a movable member for contacting the liquid, and a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively, and, a sensor in each of the flow-paths respectively, the sensor being responsive to contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, and, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively, wherein, each of the valves has a meniscus anchor and a meniscus relocation mechanism, the meniscus anchor being configured to form a meniscus that stops the liquid flow towards the outlet, and the meniscus relocation mechanism being configured to deform the meniscus at the meniscus anchor such that the meniscus contacts a surface downstream of the meniscus anchor and the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated surface tension valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, an actuator for displacing the movable member from a quiescent position to an actuated position where the meniscus is extended into contact with a surface downstream of the meniscus anchor such that the flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A peristaltic microfluidic pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The pump is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in the pumping chamber via movement of the fingers.

Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising a peristaltic microfluidic pump and control circuitry for the pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The control circuitry controls actuation of the plurality of actuators. The control circuitry is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in each pumping chamber via peristaltic movement of the fingers.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.

Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising one or more microfluidic diaphragm valves and control circuitry for the valves. Each valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from the sealing surface. The control circuitry is configured to control actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes a porous support having an agent that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample. The apparatus further includes a housing with an opening and defining an interior. The interior of the housing is in fluid communication with the porous support, and at least a portion of a fluid directed through the opening is directed through at least a portion of the porous support. The apparatus also includes a magnetic substrate for separating nucleic acid from a sample.

Abstract: A fluid processing device is provided that includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions. The barrier includes a mixture of a sequestering material and a reaction component. The reaction component can be at least one of a reactant, a reagent, a catalyst, an initiator, a promoter, a cofactor, an enzyme, a salt, or a combination thereof. The sequestering material can be a porous material, a dissolvable material, or both.

Abstract: Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing vessel having associated therewith a colorimetric member that is effective to change color in exposure to leakage of a gas contained in the vessel. The colorimetric member may be constituted by a film, e.g., of a shrink-wrap character, that contains or is otherwise associated with a colorimetric agent undergoing color change in exposure to fluid leaking from the vessel. Such shrink-wrap film may be applied to a portion of the vessel susceptible to leakage, or alternatively to the entire vessel, so that the film is colorimetrically effective to indicate the occurrence of a leakage event by visually perceptible change of color.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder for decomposition or extraction of a sample material, the sample holder comprising: a frame adapted to receive at least two open-ended sample recipients having sealing caps thereon for holding the sample material; and a rack cover releasably securable to the frame and comprising at least two compression caps to be positioned on the sealing caps in order to exert a pressure thereon, thereby forming a pressure-relief valve for each one of the at least two open-ended sample recipients.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve. The valve comprises an inlet port; an outlet port; a thermal bend actuator; and a valve closure member cooperating with the actuator. Actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the closure member, thereby regulating a flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device and microfluidic system with the device. The microfluidic device includes a substrate; a channel formed in the substrate and in which a fluid can move; a valve controlling flow of a fluid flowing along the channel and including a phase transition material which can be melted by energy such as electromagnetic wave energy; and a lens disposed on the substrate and adjusting an irradiating region of the valve, onto which the energy is applied.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for preparing a mixture, has a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of chambers, each chamber having a volume of at most 1 microliter, a first plurality of channels, each channel fluidly connecting 2 chambers, a plurality of chamber valves, each chamber valve controlling fluid flow out of one of the plurality of chambers, and a first plurality of channel valves, each channel valve controlling fluid flow through one of the first plurality of channels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (1) comprising a hydrophilic microchannel structure (2) in which there is a functional unit that comprises a microconduit I (17) in which there is an inlet end (16), an outlet end (18), and a capillary stop function I (24) in the form of a local non-wettable surface area (44). The capillary stop function (24) defines a segment of microconduit I (17). Microconduit I (17) is within at least a part of this segment (46) divided into two or more microchannels (42). A part of the non-wettable surface area (44a,b) is associated with an inner wall of each of the microchannels (42).

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a reaction chamber, a first gas providing unit and a liquid providing unit. The reaction chamber includes an inlet through which gas or liquid flows into the reaction chamber. The first gas providing unit and a liquid providing unit are connected to the inlet of the reaction chamber in a fluid communicable manner.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a functional unit that comprises a microconduit which a) is intended for the transportation of liquid aliquots, and b) has an inlet end and an outlet end between which there is a capillary valve I, which preferably is based on the presence of a local non-wettable surface area. Microconduit I further comprises one or more additional capillary valves, typically one. At least one of the additional valves is upstream of capillary valve I, such as at the inlet end of the microconduit.

Abstract: A microfluidic system based on centrifugal force and a bio cartridge for the microfluidic system are provided. The system includes a spindle motor, a rotatable frame detachably mounted on the motor and having a plurality of cells separated by partition walls, and the bio cartridge detachably accommodated in one of the plurality of cells. The bio cartridge includes a chamber for storing a fluid, a channel for transporting the fluid, and a valve for controlling the flow of the fluid. The valve may include a phase transition material, and exothermic minute particles dispersed in the material and generating heat when energy is applied thereto.

Abstract: The microfluidic system is constituted of modules that comprise one microfluidic unit and one corresponding electric control unit each and that are retained on a rear panel unit next to each other in a row. To prevent the formation of accumulation of ignitable or toxic gas mixtures a fluid conduit for a rinsing fluid extends through the rear panel unit. Branches lead from said fluid conduit to the modules, and said branches flowing into respective distributor compartments that extend vertically across the module height in the modules. Said distributor compartments are delimited in relation to the interior of the respective module by a distributor panel that is provide with openings. The interior of the respective module comprises, on its lower or rear surface, an exit opening for the rinsing fluid.