Abstract: An automated platelet function analyzer includes a sampling vessel, a preparation vessel, an analysis vessel, a sampling needle, an analysis solution syringe, a detergent syringe, and blood mixing devices. The sampling vessel is placed in a sample holder, which vacillates left and right. A method for platelet analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reagents to tissue mounted on slides, in the field of histology is disclosed. The apparatus holds a number of slides, in slide trays, which are loaded onto the apparatus. Each slide tray forms a batch of slides, with all the batched forming a group. The apparatus holds a number of reagents, grouped into a first group comprising bulk type reagents, and a second group comprising antibodies or probes, and detection systems, for identifying elements of the tissue. A group fluid dispenser, in the form of a robot arm, dispense reagents to the group of slides. Each batch of slides has its own batch fluid dispenser to dispense reagents onto the batch of slides. In on embodiment, the group fluid dispenser dispense antibodies, probes, detection reagents to all slides depending on the protocol defined for each slide, and the batch dispensers dispense bulk reagent to each batch, thus freeing the group fluid dispense from dispensing bulk reagents to all slides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating samples are provided. The system comprises a first membrane and a second membrane disposed within an enclosure. First and second reservoirs can also be disposed within the enclosure and adapted to contain one or more reagents therein. A first valve can be disposed within the enclosure and in fluid communication with the first reservoir, the second reservoir, or both. The first valve can also be in fluid communication with the first or second membranes or both. The first valve can be adapted to selectively regulate the flow of the reagents from the first reservoir, through at least one of the first and second membranes, and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: A micro fluidic device includes a valve/pump-unit with reduced dead volume having a substrate. The lower surface of the substrate includes two micro channels spaced apart by a valve area of the substrate that separates the two micro channels. A flexible membrane is arranged on the lower surface of the substrate facing an actuating element located in a through going cut-out of a cover element. Movement of the actuating element towards and away from the valve area of the substrate causes a pump and/or valve action of the flexible membrane area, respectively, to cause or stop a directed fluid flow between the two micro channels through a channel formed between the valve area of the substrate and the flexible membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated lab-on-a-chip device for carrying out a nucleic acid extraction process on a fluid sample containing cells and/or particles, the device comprising: (a) a sample inlet (1) for loading of a fluid sample, (b) a lysis unit (4) for lysis of cells and/or particles present in the fluid sample, (c) a reservoir of lysis fluid (7) for the lysis unit, (d) a nucleic acid extraction unit (5) downstream of the lysis unit, and (e) reservoirs of first washing buffer and eluant fluid (8, 9, 10) for the nucleic acid extraction unit, wherein the device further comprises (f) a mixing unit (6) downstream of the nucleic acid extraction unit, and (g) a source of mixing fluid (11) for the mixing unit. The reservoirs of lysis fluid, first washing buffer and eluant fluid may be provided parallel to one anther so that they may be actuated by a single pump.

Abstract: A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus includes a sample-injection valve, a sample pump, at least two sources of standards, and a selection valve. The sample-injection valve has an output port in fluid communication with a LC column, and an input port in fluid communication with a mobile-phase supply line. The at least two sources of standards are associated with at least two pharmaceutical compounds. The selection valve fluidically and selectably connects the sample pump to the at least two sources of standards, to the sample-injection valve, and to at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines associated with the at least two pharmaceutical compounds. A method for controlling a pharmaceutical manufacturing process includes switching the selection valve to alternately and repeatedly sample the at least two sources of standards and material flowing through the at least two pharmaceutical-manufacturing process lines.

Abstract: An automated real-time flow-through system capable of processing multiple samples in an asynchronous, simultaneous, and parallel fashion for nucleic acid extraction and purification, followed by assay assembly, genetic amplification, multiplex detection, analysis, and decontamination. The system is able to hold and access an unlimited number of fluorescent reagents that may be used to screen samples for the presence of specific sequences. The apparatus works by associating extracted and purified sample with a series of reagent plugs that have been formed in a flow channel and delivered to a flow-through real-time amplification detector that has a multiplicity of optical windows, to which the sample-reagent plugs are placed in an operative position. The diagnostic apparatus includes sample multi-position valves, a master sample multi-position valve, a master reagent multi-position valve, reagent multi-position valves, and an optical amplification/detection system.

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: 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 assembly (1;57) has at least one microfluidic flow path (17,27,29,35,38;82,85,95) and at least one inlet port (11,13,15;81,97,101) coupled to the flow path (17,27,29,35,38;82,85,95). The microfluidic assembly (1;57) has a first microfluidic device (7;63) that executes a microfluidic process and has a second microfluidic device (9;61). The microfluidic assembly (1;57) has an interface (5;65). The interface (5;65) couples the first microfluidic device (7;63) and the second microfluidic device (9;61).