Abstract: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: A small-sized reactor having practical utility in light of a bonding force, ease in observation, exemption from impurities and high resistance against pressure, is provided. In bonding a plural number of inorganic transparent substrates (11) to (13) to form a small-sized reactor, surfaces for bonding (16) to (19) of the inorganic transparent substrates (11) to (13), bonded on contact to one another, are initially polished and planarized. A part of the surface of each of the surfaces for bonding is then machined. The surfaces for bonding (16) to (19) are then hydrophilicity enhanced and washed with pure water. A film of pure water is swung off and removed by a centrifugal force. The resultant product is then heated with the surfaces for bonding in contact with one another. The surfaces for bonding, in contact with one another, may be bonded together by chemical bonding via oxygen to form small-sized reactors (1), (2) in which the inorganic transparent substrates (11) to (13) are bonded together strongly.

Abstract: A support device for a cytocentrifuge sample container includes a support body including spaced edge fingers and a clip hinged to the support body. The clip has a latch for each spaced edge finger of the support body and edge members each including lugs engaging slotted ledges in the sample container.

Abstract: The present invention describes Photolabile Compounds methods for use of the compounds. The Photolabile Compounds have a photoreleasable ligand, which can be biologically active, and which is photoreleased from the compound upon exposure to light. In some embodiments, the Photolabile Compounds comprise a light antenna, such as a labeling molecule or an active derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the light is visible light, which is not detrimental to the viability of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, in which the released organic molecule is bioactive and can have a therapeutic effect. In another embodiment, the photoreleasable ligand can be a labeling molecule, such as a fluorescent molecule.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for using assay preparation plates comprising wells with two trenches are presented. More specifically, well plates are presented that comprising an array of wells configured to retain a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid during an assay procedure, each well in the array comprising a first trench and a second trench, wherein the working volume of each well is between about 25 uL and about 10 mL.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an integrated system and method for humidity control and vapor-phase decontamination of laboratory equipment with a multi-component vapor, one component of which is water vapor. The laboratory equipment can be a sealable enclosure such as an incubator, isolator, glove box, clean room, fume hood, safety cabinet, or centrifuge. The carrier gas flow is preferably in a multiple-pass, closed-loop recirculating mode. The humidity control and decontamination can be carried out automatically without user intervention for an indefinite period of time once the system has been installed, the required utilities connected and the desired settings including temperature and humidity level programmed. The integrated humidity control and decontamination system can be retrofitted onto existing laboratory equipment.

Abstract: Fluid containers are disclosed which have fluid reservoirs in their closures. These reservoirs are advantageous to hold sacrificial fluid which lessens the loss of the fluid of interest to the outside through evaporation. The reservoirs may have openings to the inside or outside of the container, or to both. Reservoirs with openings to the outside serve to reduce evaporative loss by raising the partial pressure of fluid in the vicinity of the contact between the closure and the remainder of the container. The reservoirs may be refillable without opening the container. In one embodiment a fluid reservoir allows the zone of contact between the closure and the remainder of the container to be immersed in fluid, so that gases seeking to escape the interior of the container must pass through fluid.

Abstract: A label and labeling system for identifying the volume of a specimen within a specimen collection container are disclosed. The system includes providing a specimen collection container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween forming an interior adapted for receiving a specimen therein. The specimen collection container also includes a label having a label body disposed over at least a portion of the sidewall, in visual alignment with a colored background. At least one of the sidewall of the specimen collection container and the label body have printing disposed thereon having a color that is substantially identical to the colored background against which the specimen collection container will be viewed. At least one of the sidewall of the specimen collection container and the label body may have colorless indicia having a surface enhancement feature for providing visual distinction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring at least one property of cells or vesicles, characterized in that is divided into two chambers by a hydrophobic partition having a horizontal opening, these chambers containing electrolyte solution and said opening being closed by a lipid double layer. The invention is characterized in that at least one cell or vesicle contacts the lipid double layer. The invention also relates to methods involving the use of the measuring device and to arrays, measuring chambers and microtitration plates all suited therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale particle for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the particle, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the particle by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D particle, and the use of the particle in in-vivo or in-vitro applications The particle can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations The particle is coated with a biocompatible metal, e g gold, or polymer e g parvlene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the particle are made of any metal or polymer combinations.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The compositions include a random copolymer and a radiation additive, wherein the random copolymer includes propylene and less than 2 wt. % ethylene and exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 30 to 100 dg/min., the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 160 kpsi to about 200 kpsi and the polymer composition is adapted to produce a polymer article exhibiting low plate out, a haze at 20 mils of no greater than 15%, radiation stability and autoclavability.

Abstract: A floating chamber set may include a plurality of containers coupled to a frame such that each container translates vertically within a limited vertical range independent of the other containers. Each container may be perforated to allow liquid penetration.

Abstract: A control device is suitable for one-time dipping a urine reagent strip therein, comprises an elongated package having front and rear walls, a top portion and a bottom portion, and an elongated chamber partially filled with test urine. At least a portion of the front wall is substantially transparent or translucent. User information is on the rear wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale container for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the container, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the container by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D container, and the use of the container in in-vivo or in-vitro applications. The container can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations. The container is coated with a biocompatible metal, e.g. gold, or polymer, e.g. parylene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the container are made of any metal or polymer combinations.

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: Provided herein are apparatuses and methods for fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells. For example, some embodiments provide a disposable microfluidic device designed to position a sample to be in direct contact with a high frequency vibrating element that emits an ultrasonic frequency into the sample such that the vibrational energy transduced into the sample results in fragmenting nucleic acids or disrupting cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of radiotracers. In particular, this invention relates the isolation of radiotracers with containers filled with a stationary phase.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: An empty rack transport line is arranged at a lower stage and independent of a main transport line, a fast emergency line and a reverse line. In a rack stocker, an inclined transport line connects the empty rack transport line to the rack stocker. The rack stocker is arranged between a storage module and a loading module. The rack stocker is capable of continuously supplying and collecting empty racks, while transport lines do not cross each other. It is, therefore, possible to continuously supply and collect empty racks in a simple configuration, without an increase in the size system, an intersection of transport lines and a reduction in processing capability. In addition, it is possible to provide an automated sample testing system that is highly extendable for a facility size.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluid-containing pouches and to methods for forming fluid-containing pouches. In one embodiment, the invention is to a fluid-containing pouch, comprising first and second opposing sheets, and a fluid (e.g., a calibrant fluid, a reactant fluid or a wash fluid) disposed between the first and second opposing sheets. The first sheet and the second sheet have a substantially liquid and gas impermeable perimeter seal. The sheets may be sealed, for example, by one or more of heat crimping, pressure crimping, heat and pressure crimping, ultrasonic welding, metal-to-metal welding or laser welding. Fluid-containing pouches sealed according to the disclosed methods and apparatuses show substantially improvement in terms of reduced gas exchange, notably CO2 pressurization levels.

Abstract: A sample preparation kit is described, a representative one of which includes: a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body and comprising a convex part on an inner bottom of the container; and a crushing tool for crushing the tissue contained in the tissue container by using the convex part.

Abstract: A reagent tube configured with a stellated shaped pattern, on its bottom interior surface, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. The reagent tube may be used for transporting reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents, such as preparing polynucleotides extracted from the sample for amplification.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber includes, at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. The apparatus may comprise a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing clumping of cells in microfluidic devices by addition of diazolidinyl urea (DU). DU can be added to samples at the time of collection or can be added to samples post-collection. DU can also be pre-added to sample collection devices.

Abstract: An agitating device for agitating a blood sample in a sample container is disclosed. The agitating device includes a base comprising a horizontally-supported shaft, a container holder including a first hand and a second hand, the first hand having a first hole at one end and a first hold portion at other end, the second hand having a second hole at one end and a second hold portion at other end, the first and second holes through which the shaft is inserted, the first and second hands being rotatable relative to the shaft and the first and second hold portions faced each other, and an agitation drive unit including a contact member for contacting the container holder and a drive source for reciprocating the contact member contacting the container holder between a lower position and an upper position.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for conducting binding assays in an assay device that includes one or more storage and use zone. The storage zones of the assay device are configured to house one or more reagents used in an assay conducted in the use zone of the device.

Abstract: An observation apparatus can observe the temporal fluctuations of the two-dimensional distribution of oxygen concentration in the bottom sludge and also in the bottom water on the seabed at an observation site. The observation apparatus includes a pressure-resistant container main body section that has a pressure-resistant window and is hermetically sealed by a pressure-resistant container closure section, a sensor foil that contains an oxygen quenching material and is arranged at the pressure-resistant window, an excitation light source that is arranged at the pressure-resistant container main body section to irradiate the sensor foil and an image pickup apparatus that shoots the sensor foil.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for collecting and stabilizing blood that contain a blood stabilization agent which includes variegin or an analog thereof, a polysulfated disaccharide, or a combination thereof, each in an amount effective to stabilize blood. Methods of making and using the devices, and kits containing the devices, are also provided.

Abstract: A biochip package body, a method of forming the same, and a biochip package including the biochip package body are provided. The biochip package body includes a mounting package body having a mounting plate. The mounting plate has at least one protruding portion that protrudes therefrom. The protruding portion has a chip mounting portion and a chip protection portion. The chip mounting portion is disposed substantially in the center of the protruding portion. The chip protection portion surrounds the chip mounting portion.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to a process for producing a reagent container assembly made of plastic and a reagent container assembly are disclosed. The process may comprise: assembling a group of particular reagent containers, and joining the reagent containers to form the reagent container assembly where at least two of the reagent containers are permanently joined together by at least one welding process.

Abstract: Liquid receptacle with an opening for receiving liquid dispensed at a distance there above, wherein the receptacle comprises a liquid receiving member arranged in the vicinity of the opening and at an angle with respect to the motion of dispensed liquid to receive and direct dispensed liquid into the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.

Abstract: Described herein is a fluid cell for an optical microscopy tool having a solid state membrane having a first side and a second, opposing side; a first fluid chamber comprising a first fluid having a first refractive index located on the first side of the membrane; and, a second fluid chamber comprising a second fluid having a second refractive index located on the second side of the membrane, the second refractive index being different than the first refractive index. Also described herein is a method for imaging a single biomolecule, the method including generating a field of evanescent illumination at a solid state membrane between a first fluid and a second fluid having different refractive indexes; and detecting light emitted by optical detectors linked to the single biomolecules at the solid state membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a biological material container between a sterile field and a nonsterile field and substantially maintaining sterility of the biological material container includes a housing assembly that removably houses the biological material container. The system also includes a port defined by the housing assembly, and the port provides communication into the biological material container from outside the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first member that covers a first portion of the biological material container such that a second portion of the biological material container extends from the first member. The housing assembly also includes a second member that covers the second portion of the biological material container. The second member is removably coupled to the first member to expose the second portion of the biological material container. A keying member that keys the transportation system in a centrifuge is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microchip that allows a sample to be introduced into a region easily and accurately, and which makes it possible to obtain high analysis accuracy. The microchip includes an airtight region into which a solution is externally introduced; and positioning means for positioning a channel for injecting the solution into the region by penetrating a substrate layer forming the region with respect to a puncture part of the region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay which can be used on nasal secretions. The assay is used to determine the cause of nasal secretions, for example whether the secretions are due to an allergic reaction or a non-allergic reaction.

Abstract: A tamper-proof, point-of-collection specimen assay apparatus including three selectively connectable and sealable chambers, including a first chamber for receiving a specimen, a second chamber housing a specimen testing device and a specimen transfer site positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber for selectively depositing a portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the second chamber and a third chamber having inlets for depositing another portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the third chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the collection of biological samples. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a device comprises a collection medium having top and bottom surfaces and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample, a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium. The protective facing being sized and shaped to define a first void positioned to allow for the transfer of the biological sample through the protective facing and onto the at least one binding site of the collection medium, and a second void positioned to expose the position marker for alignment of the collection medium.

Abstract: A liquid container having a top opening, a base, and an extraction chimney which extends into the container and which is in alignment with the top opening is presented. The extraction chimney is intended for the withdrawal of liquid by a liquid-withdrawal element that is introduced into the liquid container through the extraction chimney. The extraction chimney has a liquid-permeable zone in its bottom region, adjacent to the liquid container base. The liquid permeability of the liquid-permeable zone of the extraction chimney can be adjusted between a setting for minimal liquid permeability and a setting for greater liquid permeability. The extraction chimney can be adjusted while the extraction chimney remains in the liquid container.

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: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.

Abstract: A reaction bottle which includes a container, container top, container interior a bottle cap removeably attachable to the container top, the bottle cap having a cap top and a cap cavity; a septa attached to the bottle cap and configured to releasably seal the container when the bottle cap is attached to the container top; a needle holder attached to the cap top; a hollow needle attached to the needle holder and located in the cap cavity; a needle conduit in fluid communication with the hollow needle; wherein the septa is configured to deform from an at rest state into a punctured state when pressure within the container interior reaches a first threshold value and the septa deforms into the cavity and is punctured by the hollow needle.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A phantom calibration body (12) for calibrating diffusion MRI device (16) that mimics a material such as a mammalian tissue is disclosed. The phantom calibration body (12) includes a homogeneous aqueous solution (30) that contains a mixture of low molecular-weight and high molecular-weight polymers housed in a container (14) that is placed in the diffusion MRI device (16) for obtaining one or more diffusion MRI images of the phantom calibration body (12). A measure of diffusivity is calculated for each of the one or more diffusion MRI images in order to calibrate the diffusion MRI device. Methods of using the phantom calibration body (12) to calibrate diffusion MRI device (16) are also disclosed.