Abstract: A device is provided by means of which biomolecules in samples in a volume range from <1 ?l to 500 ?l can be received, treated and stored in a quick, reproducible and loss-free manner as easily, effortlessly and practically as possible, and without any risk of damaging the device. The device includes sample vessels that are configured, in terms of size and shape, as dimensionally and positionally stable capillaries that are open at both ends, the longitudinal walls of which are completely or partially made of a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a suspension. A system includes a processing vessel, such as an Eppendorf tube, a syringe or a test tube, and a collector. The collector is sized and shaped to fit into a primary vessel, such as a test tube. The collector funnels the target material from the suspension through a cannula and into the processing vessel. The collector includes a funnel at a second end in fluid communication with the cannula. The cannula extends into a chamber at a first end of the collector that holds the processing vessel. In one implementation, the processing vessel is empty. In another implementation, the processing vessel includes at least one displacement fluid. In yet another implementation, the processing vessel may include at least one displacement fluid and at least one processing solution.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device comprising a magnetic base and a retention mechanism, as well as a method of evacuating liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles, are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises one or more wire clips. In certain embodiments, the magnetic base comprises apertures configured to receive the wire clips. The retention mechanism can be configured to secure a well plate to the magnetic base so that a user may evacuate liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles. In certain embodiments, the method comprises inverting the magnetic separation device and well plate. In particular embodiments, the method comprises rapidly and forcefully inverting magnetic separation device and well plate.

Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.

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 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. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting an organism from a culture medium includes a collecting tube having a cutting end portion, and a suction unit connected to the collecting tube. The collecting tube is capable of penetrating into and incising the organism in the culture medium. The suction unit is capable of generating a suction force to draw the incised organism from the culture medium through the cutting end portion.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of at least one compound with biological properties from blood, where said method is performed in sealed tubes at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing or preventing the bacterial contamination of the compound through handling. The method comprises the repetition, for as many times as is required, of the following steps: connecting a second container that is vacuum-sealed to an extraction device connected in turn to a first container that contains blood separated into fractions, waiting for a period of time until the required fraction(s) is/are transferred, and removing said second container, with it thus being possible to obtain several second containers with different compounds for different medical applications including biological therapies. The steps may be performed in a closed system, without removing the caps of the containers, or alternatively the first container may be opened prior to the introduction of the extraction device.

Abstract: An automated sample tube blotting system having one or more rotating grippers, a supply of absorbent material, a transporter, and an absorbent material removal mechanism. Each rotating gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip, and the one or more rotating grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the rotating gripper in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the absorbent material, and in a vertical direction towards and away from the absorbent material.

Abstract: An automated sample tube decanting system having one or more decanting grippers, a decant waste receptacle, a transporter, and means for rotating the decanting gripper. Each decanting gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip. The one or more decanting grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the one or more decanting grippers in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the decant waste receptacle.

Abstract: A meniscus reducing member for use in a vessel for containing a liquid including a surface feature overlying at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel. The surface feature includes at least two surfaces for contacting the liquid that cooperate to reduce a width of a meniscus formed at an interface between the liquid and the surface feature by physically altering a contact angle between the liquid and the surface feature.

Abstract: A method for transferring a quantity of analytes comprising at least stages of: predisposing a substantially homogeneous mixture of a predetermined initial quantity of at least an analyte and a liquid, obtaining a known concentration value or known amount of the analyte in the mixture; introducing into the mixture at least a collecting portion (3) of a sampling device (1) having a support body (2), the collecting portion (3) comprising a plurality of fibers (6) attached to and arranged on a first portion (2a) of the support body (2) by means of flocking, in order to define a flocked collecting portion (3) or a flocked tampon, such as to collect a part of the mixture on the collecting portion (3); and extracting the collecting portion (3) of the sampling device (1) of the mixture, retaining on the sampling portion (3) a predetermined known quantity of the mixture to be transferred.

Abstract: A biotip according to an embodiment of the invention moves a reaction mixture along a longitudinal direction under the force of gravity. The biotip includes a chamber formed of a transparent material and filled with a liquid having a smaller specific gravity than the reaction mixture and immiscible with the reaction mixture, and a seal that seals the chamber. The liquid has a volume resistivity of greater than 0 ?·cm and 5×1013 ?·cm or less.

Abstract: An over-torque resistant vial and closure assembly includes a vial having an outwardly projecting rib that cooperates with a stop surface provided on a closure. When the closure is threadably coupled to the vial, the stop surface of the closure engages the outwardly projecting rib of the vial so as to prevent over-torquing of the closure onto the vial.

Abstract: A reaction vessel (1) with an enclosing wall (4) and an opening (6) for holding liquids to be analyzed enables particularly flexible automatic processing and, at the same time, high quality measurement results. To this end, the enclosing wall (4) comprises a first section (10), in which at least the external surface has a substantially circularly symmetric design, and a second section (12), which has at least two planar areas (14), which comprise a light-transmissive material, are opposite to one another and arranged in parallel, and wherein the reaction vessel (1) has a means (12, 22, 26) for orienting the reaction vessel (1) in a receiving position.

Abstract: A vial and closure assembly including a vial and a closure configured to be threadably coupled to the vial. The vial has an opening end that is defined by a vial rim and at least one thread located proximate to the open end of the vial. The closure includes a top wall with a skirt wall depending from the top wall. A septum pocket is provided in the top wall and is configured to receive a septum positioned therein. A protrusion depends from the top wall, extends into the septum pocket, and is configured to engage the septum so that the septum creates an essentially vapor-tight seal with the vial rim when the closure is threadably coupled to the vial.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing prion protein having an aggregated conformation by contacting native conformation prion protein with aggregated conformation prion protein in a liquid preparation and subjecting this to at least one cycle or to a number of cycles of application of shear-force for fragmenting aggregates of prion protein, wherein the shear-force applied is precisely controlled. In addition to this process for amplification of aggregated state prion protein from native conformation prion protein, the invention relates to the aggregated state prion protein obtained by the amplification process, which aggregated state prion protein has one conformation, which is e.g. identical within one batch and reproducible between batches, e.g. as detectable by proteinase resistance in a Western blot.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a breakable multi-specimen storage vessel. The vessel comprises a tubular container comprising a lower end and an upper end. At least said upper end has an open end opening. The length of said container is continuously formed and provided with break portions at predetermined positions alongside thereof. Said container is adapted to be broken into a plurality of specimens. Further, an external surface of said container may be provided with a screw thread. Said screw thread is provided extending longitudinally along substantially the entire length of said tubular container and said internal surface is substantially smooth. The invention further relates to a break tool for breaking off specimens from a multi-specimen storage vessel such as a storage vessel according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid sample in a sample tube. The apparatus includes a base, a receptacle for receiving a sample tube, and a heating portion coupled to the base to selectively apply heat to the receptacle. A shaking portion is coupled to the base and supports the receptacle. The shaking portion selectively agitates the receptacle with respect to the base. A magnetizing portion is coupled to the base and movable to selectively change a magnetic field with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing biological samples (e.g., fecal samples) is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a system comprising a container, a collector, and a lid. Using the collector, a user may collect a sample. The sample may be inserted within the container. The lid may be secured and the container and sample contained therewithin may be transported to a testing facility. At the testing facility, the container may be used throughout the processing of the sample. Accordingly, the risk of cross-contamination may be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of an environment or process by measuring light emitted from a bioluminescent sample containing ATP, ADP, or alkaline phosphatase. The apparatus comprises a sample collection and analysis system used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The system includes an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device and one or more probe assemblies that optically cooperate with the instrument. The instrument includes a dark chamber with a reflective interior surface which may be concave or preferably spherical, and a photon detection sensor such as a multi-pixel photon counter sensor. A substantially transparent portion of the probe assembly, and liquid contained therein, focus bioluminescence toward the photon detection sensor.

Abstract: A sealing member includes a sealing portion that is used for a cap attached to a reagent container and covers an opening of the cap with an open-close movement by flapping around a predetermined point. The sealing portion has, on an outer circumference in the predetermined point side, an extending portion that extends outward of the opening. The extending portion contacts with an upper edge of the opening when the sealing portion covers the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a device magnetically separating a sample. The preferred material for the device is plastic. The device is a cuboid plate, which consists of one or two bottom sides and at least two lateral sides. The bottom side has wells on it to accommodate magnetic elements, and the magnetic element which is suitable to be accommodated into the wells comprising column shape, half-column shape, or half circular column shape magnetic elements. The magnetic element comprises permanent magnet or electromagnet, and the permanent magnet is selected from the group consisting of alnico, samarium cobalt, neodymium iron boron, or magnetic ceramic materials. The magnetic elements can adsorb the magnetic samples in the micro plate.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to sample tubes comprising a cylindrical elongate tube having a gripping section with at least one discontinuity extending radially about the outside surface of the elongate tube. Methods of making sample tubes and their use in sample handlers are also described.

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 the 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 spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: It is to provide a device for sampling feces that enables an accurate and quantitative evaluation by decreasing the variations of feces sampling levels, wherein the confirmation of the presence or absence of feces sampling can be performed hygienically and simply from an outside of a container.

Abstract: Provided are an RNase activity inhibitory compound to effectively control the activity of the RNase promoting degradation of extracted RNAs and, in addition, a sample storage container including the same. The RNase activity inhibitory compound and the sample storage container according to the present invention may be effectively used to store RNAs during RNA extraction or the extracted RNAs.

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 specimen collection container includes inner and outer tubes. The inner tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The sidewall includes an inner surface and an outer surface having at least one annular protrusion extending therefrom. The inner tube includes at least one funnel portion adjacent the top end for directing a specimen into the inner tube interior, and an annular ring disposed about a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent the top end. The outer tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an annular recess adapted to receive a portion of the annular protrusion therein. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and a portion of the top end of the outer tube abuts the annular ring.

Abstract: A filtration syringe having at least a first and second chamber separated by a fluid permeable membrane, which may be selectively permeable to solids of a certain size, allows aspirated particle-filled fluid to be filtered within the syringe. A centrifuge tube apparatus is also provided for centrifuging a sample collected in a syringe, the apparatus comprising: a syringe comprising at one end a narrowed outlet and means for connection to a needle and at the opposing end a partially inserted syringe plunger; and a syringe holder having an interior for accepting the syringe, wherein the interior comprises at least one ledge for resting the syringe in an inverted position within the holder to prevent further insertion of the plunger during centrifugation, further wherein the syringe holder is sized for insertion in a centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: When an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is used, samples must be introduced in a liquid state. Thus, sample decomposition by acids must be performed. Methods for decomposing samples using beakers or microwaves have caused several problems such as loss of volatile elements, excessive use of acids, emission of harmful gases, limitation of sample capacity and amount, and inconvenience of cleaning up. However, the present invention can treat many samples with one acid injection through gas condensation by both heating of a reaction container and air cooling of a collection pipe, wherein the reaction container is made of fluororesin (Teflon) or quartz. Also, if there are many samples, the samples can be treated at once. Furthermore, since the present invention can treat the samples with a conventional heating plate, the invention can be used at inexpensive costs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing more reliable wireless communication and power to sensors in electrically challenging bioprocess environments is disclosed. An unconnected antenna is located within the bioprocess environment, preferably in the same plane as the primary powered antenna. This unconnected antenna, also referred to as reflective antenna, enhances and confines the electromagnetic field created by the powered antenna. This reflective antenna is incorporated in or proximate to the devices containing a sensor or communication device. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna is incorporated into the filter housing. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into the filtering element itself. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into or affixed on the disposable bioprocess components, such as bags and tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing more reliable wireless communication and power to sensors in electrically challenging bioprocess environments is disclosed. An unconnected antenna is located within the bioprocess environment, preferably in the same plane as the primary powered antenna. This unconnected antenna, also referred to as reflective antenna, enhances and confines the electromagnetic field created by the powered antenna. This reflective antenna is incorporated in or proximate to the devices containing a sensor or communication device. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna is incorporated into the filter housing. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into the filtering element itself. In another embodiment, it is incorporated into or affixed on the disposable bioprocess components, such as bags and tubes.

Abstract: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

Abstract: A reaction container holder capable of inhibiting the lowering of the transfer efficiency of heat transferred from a rotating member to a bottom surface of a reaction container, and an analyzer comprising the reaction container holder, are provided. In a reaction container holder comprising: a retaining member unit comprising a plurality of container retaining sections for retaining reaction containers, which house a reaction liquid containing a reagent and a specimen; and a circular rotating member for detachably fixing the unit from above and rotating, the holder keeping the container at a constant temperature by transferring heat from a heat source through the rotating member to the container, the rotating member comprises a level difference section, an upper surface of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the container retained by the unit and above a bottom part of the section, when the retaining member unit is fixed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a biotechnological method for preparing and/or processing a biological sample, in particular for isolating at least one target biomolecule therefrom, which characterised in that at least one malodour counteractant is used for preventing, reducing, masking and/or suppressing malodour and/or malodour formation during the preparation and/or processing of said biological sample.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting oral fluid, comprising a vial formed with an inner specimen receptacle for receiving the oral fluid. The open top of the vial is cylindrical and formed with threads on a portion of its outer surface adjacent its open top. The specimen receptacle is disposed within the vial, spaced along its length from the inner surface of the vial and has a closed bottom end and an open top end. The entire periphery of the receptacle top end is sealingly secured to the inner surface of the vial proximal to but spaced from the vial's open threaded end. The bottom end of the vial can be open and flat and extend beyond the closed end of the specimen receptacle to enable the vial to be set on a horizontal surface. A funnel is removably placed in the open top end of the vial and narrows to an inner neck fits within the open top end of the vial.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a liquid which contains said particles, said liquid being contained in an elongated vessel (11) having a length axis (12), said vessel being arranged in a vessel holder (13) with its length axis (12) in a substantially vertical position, said vessel (11) having a bottom and a tapered cross-section that diminishes towards the bottom of the vessel and a side wall (14) which has an outer surface which forms an angle with the length axis (12) of said vessel (11).

Abstract: A specimen collection container includes inner and outer tubes. The inner tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining an interior. The sidewall includes an inner surface and an outer surface having at least one annular protrusion extending therefrom. The inner tube includes at least one funnel portion adjacent the top end for directing a specimen into the inner tube interior, and an annular ring disposed about a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent the top end. The outer tube includes a bottom end, a top end, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an annular recess adapted to receive a portion of the annular protrusion therein. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube and a portion of the top end of the outer tube abuts the annular ring.

Abstract: A reservoir is supported by a base in a vertical position. A reciprocating member is positioned in the reservoir forming an internal chamber. The chamber receives growth factor starting material through an inlet in the reciprocating member. After the inlet is sealed, the reciprocating member increases the volume of the chamber to apply negative pressure to the growth factor starting material within to produce activated growth factors. The activated growth factors are extracted from the chamber through an outlet in the reciprocating member. Optionally, the growth factor starting material is held in the chamber to separate into fractions.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.

Abstract: A method of random-access storage and retrieval of any particular compartmentalized samples from a integral array of storage compartments with an apparatus to wholly excise intact sample-containing compartments and then convey the liberated samples intact in their respective compartments to designated locations of an adapted receiving tray, where they are releaseably locked in place.

Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

Abstract: Method for handling microparticles in such a manner, that at least two treatment steps are performed for microparticles in the same vessel without moving the particles to another vessel. There are organs in the device for changing the solution without having to move the microparticles to another vessel.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing, treating, transporting and stabilizing a biological sample includes a container, a cap and a sample holder removably received in the container. The sample holder can be a platform-like device dimensioned to be supported on a ledge formed in the side wall of the container. The sample holder includes a central cavity for receiving the sample and immersing the sample in the stabilizing agent in the container. In another embodiment, the sample holder has a closure member for closing the open top end of the cavity. The container includes a liquid reagent in an amount sufficient to treat the biological sample. The biological sample is retained in a predetermined containment area of the container to maintain the biological sample immersed in the reagent without regard to the orientation of the container.