Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing device to be used by inserting an analytical instrument 2 comprising a plurality of terminal portions 25A to 28A therein, the device including a plurality of terminals 42 and 43 having a shape of a flat spring to be in contact with the plurality of terminal portions 25A to 28A, and a disposal mechanism for disposing of the analytical instrument 2 after completing an analysis. Contact portions 46 and 47 in the plurality of terminals 42 and 43 having a flat-spring shape to be in contact with the plurality of terminal portions 25A to 28A are placed to be in non-parallel with a direction orthogonal to a disposal direction D1 of the analytical instrument 2 in planar view. The portions 46 and 47 in the plurality of terminals 42 and 43 having the flat-spring shape are preferably placed so as to have a symmetrical or substantially symmetrical positional relationship relative to a center line L1 of the analytical instrument 2 extending along the disposal direction D1.

Abstract: In an assembly for actuating a syringe, two gripping devices are designed to receive and withhold a containment cylinder and, respectively, a piston of the syringe, and are defined by respective pairs of jaws for gripping a flange of the containment cylinder and, respectively, of an end head of the piston, the jaws of at least one gripping device being mobile with respect to one another between a gripping position and a release position under the thrust of a corresponding actuation device.

Abstract: A unique combination of male and female gas connectors for one way transfer of gasses.

Abstract: Manifold and probe assembly for use a bioprocessing vessel. The manifold has a chamber which communicates with the interior of the vessel and a plurality of ports which communicate with the chamber. Elongated sensing probes are threadedly connected to the ports with end portions of the probes extending into the chamber. Gaskets having generally annular bodies with conically inclined beveled faces are mounted on the end portions of the probes, with the beveled faces engaging conically inclined surfaces of seats in the ports and the gaskets being axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing engagement with the probes. The seating surfaces have inner and outer sections with different angles of inclination which produce greater radial expansion and tighter sealing with the probes.

Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for enabling a plurality of processes to be conducted on a sample within a microfluidic or nanofluidic cartridge, the apparatus comprising: a) a plurality of processing modules for facilitating the processes conducted on the sample within the cartridge; b) a coupling means for reversibly coupling the cartridge to the apparatus; c) a transport means capable of bringing the cartridge coupled to the coupling means into communication with each of the processing modules; wherein the plurality of processing modules includes a component isolation module capable of facilitating a separation process within the cartridge, a manipulator module capable of facilitating the movement of fluids within the cartridge; and an optical module capable of interacting optically with the cartridge.

Abstract: A sterilized connection apparatus 4 includes a sealing unit 9 which forms a decontamination space S1 between an isolator 2 provided with a first cover body 11 and an incubator 3 provided with a second cover body 21, a decontamination medium supplying unit 10 which supplies a decontamination medium to the decontamination space S1 via a supply pipe line 41, and a discharge pipe line 43 which discharges the decontamination medium of the decontamination space S1. Since the decontamination space is formed as a circular decontamination space of a small capacity surrounding the cover bodies, decontamination can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for software-reconfigurable chemical process systems useful in a wide range of applications. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable “Lab-on-a-Chip” or “embedded chemical processor” is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal.

Abstract: A tube assembly, system and method for biological sample collection. In one embodiment, the tube assembly of the present disclosure includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanism for securing the first and second tubes.

Abstract: Provided are a microfluidic chip and a method of fabricating the same. The microfluidic chip includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate formed of a silicone resin, wherein the lower substrate and the upper substrate, bonded together, provide a channel through which a fluid can flow and a chamber to receive the fluid; and an organic thin film formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate except for portions on which the lower substrate and the upper substrate are attached to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for mixing and self-cleaning elements in microfluidic systems based on electrothermally induced fluid flow. The apparatus and methods provide for the control of fluid flow in and between components in a microfluidic system to cause the removal of unwanted liquids and particulates or mixing of liquids. The geometry and position of electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the liquid, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of dielectric properties within the liquid. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution, which is controlled by element and electrode geometries, electrode placement, and the frequency and waveform of the applied voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor cartridge for the examination of a liquid or solid sample, particularly a biological fluid like saliva or blood To this end provided is a connection system (1, 2, 3) for the connection of a cartridge (3) to a cartridge reader (1), comprising a sample collection device (2) for picking up a sample releasably connected to the cartridge (3) via a first locking device (5) before taking the sample whereby the cartridge (3) is releasably connected to the reader (1) via a second locking device (6).

Abstract: A fluid path structure in which the flow rate of fluid flowing in each flow path is equal to each other and in which each flow path has an increased flexibility in shape. The flow path structure has flow paths into which fluid is introduced. The flow paths include flow paths having different flow path lengths. The equivalent diameter of each part of each fluid path is set according to the flow path length of the fluid path so that the entire pressure loss of each flow path is equal to each other.

Abstract: Pressure equalizing device comprising a fluid container for attachment to a receptacle such as a vial to permit pressure equalization between the fluid container and the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device comprises a flow channel that is arranged to provide fluid communication into or out of the fluid container when the pressure equalizing device is attached to the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device also comprises a fluid inlet that contains a one-way valve that permits fluid to flow into the fluid container via said fluid inlet and that prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid container via said fluid inlet and filter-receiving means that are arranged to permit fluid flowing into or out of the fluid container to be filtered when the filter-receiving means comprises a filter.

Abstract: An analyzer enabling the user to hardly breathe in a malodor given off from a reagent when exchanging a reagent container is obtained. This analyzer, connected with a reagent container including a flexible container body storing the reagent, comprises an analyzer body analyzing an analyte with the reagent and reagent transporter having a first end connected to the analyzer body and a second end connected to the reagent container. The reagent transporter includes a first connectional part, detachably connected to the reagent container, having a first switching member forming and blocking a first passage between the analyzer body and the reagent container, while the first switching member blocks the first passage when the first connectional part is separated from the reagent container, and forms the first passage when the first connectional part is connected to the reagent container.

Abstract: An interface is provided for coupling a sample source, including a TOC/TN analyzer to an isotope detector, including an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The interface comprises a sample conduit having an inlet for fluid connection with the sample source and an outlet for fluid connection with the isotope detector. A sample trap is fluidly connected in the sample conduit. A helium bypass conduit is has an inlet for fluid connection with a helium supply line and an outlet for fluid connection with the sample conduit. The interface traps the target sample while contaminants are exhausted. The sample is released from the sample trap and is carried to the isotope detector on a stream of helium. Effluent contaminants are not held in the interface. There is no significant fouling of the interface or contamination of samples carried to the isotope detector.

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).

Abstract: A docking mechanism provided for analytical apparatus, such as an acoustic bio-sensor apparatus. The mechanism is operable releasably to receive a cartridge (58) for use in analysing a sample comprising a fluid and having a flow cell (104, 106; 304, 306) for the sample and an electrically operated sensor (92) for performing the analysis. The docking mechanism has a clamping mechanism (12, 8, 10) for urging a fluid connector such as ferules (50, 52) against the cartridge to provide a fluid connection between the flow cell inlet and a sample delivery device.

Abstract: A reagent cabinet for an automated processing apparatus. The reagent cabinet has a housing, and a drawer slidably mounted in the housing. The drawer has a lower deck adapted to receive a fluid reservoir, and an upper deck located above the lower deck and adapted to receive a fluid supply container. A supply connection hose is provided to selectively connect the fluid supply container to the fluid reservoir. A reservoir connection hose is provided to selectively connect to the fluid reservoir and to convey fluid from the fluid reservoir to a downstream location outside the cabinet. A pump is mounted on the drawer. The pump is adapted to convey fluid through either the supply connection hose or the reservoir connection hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted. In one embodiment, a first test strip comprises: a first measurement electrode connectable to a test meter; a first trace loop with a first associated resistance, where the first trace loop is connectable to the test meter; and a second trace loop with a second associated resistance, where the second trace loop is connectable to the test meter. The test meter is adapted to: receive the first test strip; connect to the first measurement electrode, the first trace loop, and the second trace loop; and obtain a first resistance ratio by comparing the first and second associated resistances.

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.

Abstract: In a microfluidic system, a magnetic clamp for sealing a flexible microchannel chip includes a base formed from a magnetically-attractable material. The base supports a window for viewing the face of the microfluidic chip. A ring with magnets uniformly distributed around it is disposed over the base. A transparent disk attached to the top of the ring has an inlet and an outlet for introducing and removing a fluid medium into a cavity defined the disk, the window, the center opening of the ring and the base. An elastomer cushion is attached to the inner surface of the disk. The magnetic force between the base and the magnets on the ring compresses the cushion against the microfluidic chip so that the microchannels are sealed against the window with a uniform and reproducible pressure.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an embedded wireless device such as a RFID tag molded into separate housing formed of any thermoplastic material compatible to that of the plastic material as the device to which the housing is to be attached. Subsequently, the housed tag assembly can be thermally bonded onto the device through many means which are well known and accepted in the industry.