Abstract: There is provided a connector, for introducing or extracting a material to or from at least one receptacle, comprising a housing extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the housing comprising, at least at one end, a pierceable seal; a hollow needle mounted, at least partially, within the housing between the distal end and the proximal end of the housing, a first end of the hollow needle being connected or connectable to a first corresponding receptacle, and a second end of the hollow needle facing the pierceable seal at an end of the housing; and an actuating mechanism acting on the housing or the hollow needle to enable the hollow needle to pierce the pierceable seal thereby forming a communication through the pierceable seal, such that material is able to transfer through the connector.

Abstract: A lidded vessel assembly comprises a tubular vessel, a lid, and a latching device. The tubular vessel defines a vessel opening and comprises a vessel base, an inner wall, a sealing area and a parking area both defined on the inner wall and both positioned below the vessel opening. The lid comprises a lid base having an inside surface, and a plug projecting from the inside surface of the lid base. The plug is configured to be inserted through the vessel opening to engage the parking area to define a parking position, and configured to be further inserted through the vessel opening out of the parking area to bias against a portion of the sealing area to define a sealing position. The first latching device comprises a first latching element positioned on the inner wall of the vessel, and a second latching element positioned on the outside of the plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a body fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises a first chamber with a displaceable wall and a second chamber of a constant effective size, said second chamber being movable with respect to the displaceable wall, wherein the apparatus is designed to connect the first chamber and the second chamber during a longitudinally axial movement of the second chamber with respect to the displaceable wall and to transfer body fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber during a movement of the second chamber together with the displaceable wall.

Abstract: A tube for sample collection and sample processing in a tube rack includes an upper section, an intermediate section, and a lower section. The intermediate section connects the upper section and the lower section of the tube, and an inner diameter of the intermediate section can decrease from top to bottom. A fastening means can fix the tube in a tube rack. The tube can include a pierceable tube cap sealing the tube, and the tube rack can be configured such that the tube may be pulled off the tube cap by a centrifugation force. The tube can include a volume of density gradient medium covered by a separating gel to enhance sample separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a body fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises a first chamber with a displaceable wall and a second chamber of a constant effective size, said second chamber being movable with respect to the displaceable wall, wherein the apparatus is designed to connect the first chamber and the second chamber during a longitudinally axial movement of the second chamber with respect to the displaceable wall and to transfer body fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber during a movement of the second chamber together with the displaceable wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit with which a user can conveniently and hygienically collect bio-samples using a collecting rod. A collection kit for collecting a bio-sample using a collection rod according to the present invention comprises: a cap on the lower part of the central part of which a filter is detachably mounted, wherein a cover is formed on the upper part of the filter; a collection rod having a collection unit and a handle part; and a tube fastened with the cap and for accommodating the extraction solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration assembly (1) for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a drain member (30) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a drain channel space adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on an opposite axial side of the membrane support (10).

Abstract: A heating wire assembly including a heating wire and a plurality of fixing screws configured to fix the heating wire. When in repair or maintenance, the plurality of fixing screws is screwed out from the heating wire thereby facilitating the replacement of the heating wire.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for isolating high molecular weight (HMW) DNA using beads that are at least 200 ?m in diameter that utilizes a device for retaining the beads and where the purified DNA eluant exits the device without shearing the HMW DNA. In some embodiments, the method comprises precipitating the DNA onto the beads, washing the beads in the device, and then eluting the DNA from the beads therein while substantially avoiding shear. Compositions and kits for practicing the method are also provided.

Abstract: [Problem] To ensure that a fluid is prevented from overflowing from a well and exposing the user to a biohazard. [Solution] A cartridge for use in measuring a component to be measured contained in a fluid includes a recessed well, formed for storing the fluid, the well including: a lower barrel portion that defines a lower space having a closed bottom; and an upper barrel portion that is formed above the lower barrel portion and defines an upper space having an opening on the top end, wherein a step portion is formed between the lower barrel portion and the upper barrel portion, the step portion being formed on an inner wall surface of the well and defining a step that continuously connects the inner wall surface of the lower barrel portion and the inner wall surface of the upper barrel portion.

Abstract: Disclosed here are kits comprising pre-packed stabilizing solutions for stabilizing combinations of biomarkers at room temperature. Such kits can be better adapted for sample collection at a subject's dwelling, thus easing the burdensome requirement of sample collection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to new types of fluid packaging devices and methods of making and using such fluid packaging devices. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for packaging fluids. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device including a storage compartment; a fluid stored in the storage compartment; a first aperture on the storage compartment; and a second aperture on the storage compartment. The first aperture is initially sealed or closed before the use of the device and configured to be opened to receive a pneumatic pressure. The second aperture is initially sealed or closed before the use of the device and configured to be opened to allow the fluid to exit or enter the storage compartment via the opened second aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell storage tube, having: a main body including an accommodating chamber, an opening end and a closed end; a sealing member disposed at the opening end and sealing the accommodating chamber, the sealing member including an assembly part coupled to the main body, an end of the assembly part having a guiding chamber such that a lower part of the assembly part having an outer diameter gradually reduced in a downward direction, and an insertion part having a reticle arranged on a top thereof; a cover body disposed at the opening end, one side of the cover body configured with a through hole; and a sealing cover disposed on a top of the cover body and detachably coupled with the cover body, wherein the sealing cover closes the through hole of the cover body when the sealing cover is combined with the main body.

Abstract: A portable medical kit is for treatment of at least one medical condition having first and second levels of severity and includes a portable case having an interior chamber and at least two medicine holders each configured to retain a separate one of a first medicine and a second medicine within the chamber or at least one medicine holder configured to retain both of the first and second medicines within the chamber. A sheet retainer is configured to couple at least one treatment instruction sheet with the case. Further, a first visual indicator is attachable to the first medicine and a second visual indicator is attachable to the second medicine, the second indicator being readily visually distinguishable from the first indicator. Alternatively, the kit includes instructions to form the first indicator and the second indicator.

Abstract: A microneedle and a chip are disclosed for extraction of fluids. The microneedle (101) provided on a substrate (102), comprises an elongated body (503) extending from a distal end (504) with a bevel (505) to a proximal end (506) on the substrate along a longitudinal axis; the elongated body comprises a capillary bore (507) extending in a longitudinal direction thereof and defines a fluid path (508); the proximal end is integrally connected with the substrate and the capillary bore is in fluid communication with a fluid channel (309) of the substrate. The cross-sectional area of the capillary bore in the distal end is larger than the cross-sectional area of the capillary bore in the proximal end.

Abstract: A composite structure with high pressure resistance that is suitable for a flow channel is produced by reducing the number of components while maintaining the excellent chemical resistance and high stress tolerance inherent to a glass substrate and a resin substrate. A glass substrate surface is modified with a hydrolyzable silicon compound, and the glass substrate is brought into contact with the resin substrate. Subsequently, the contact surface between the glass substrate and the resin substrate is heated to a temperature from the glass transition temperature to the pyrolysis temperature of the resin substrate, eliminating gaps between the glass substrate and the resin substrate to bring them into close contact with each other, and causing chemical binding or anchor effects between the glass substrate and the resin substrate via the hydrolyzable silicon compound. Thus, the glass substrate and the resin substrate are firmly fixed to each other.

Abstract: A quality-sensing bottle cap includes a sensor array having a plurality of conductive polymeric sensors. In some embodiments, each sensor is exposed within a mechanical chamber and is in electrical communication with an interrogation interface. The mechanical chamber is configured, in an inactive state, to be closed off from a headspace above a liquid contained in a bottle sealed with the quality-sensing bottle cap and configured, in an active state, to be open to the headspace. The sensor array may be tailored for a particular application, such as the detection of olive oil aroma. The sensor array may, for example, allow discrimination among olive oils of different qualities (e.g., extra virgin olive oil, lampante virgin olive oil, and refined olive oil), as well as discrimination among olive oils with negative attributes (e.g., olive oils with unpleasant aromatic notes, such as “fusty,” “muddy sediment,” “musty,” and “rancid”).

Abstract: A micro-titration vessel may include a plurality of fins protruding outward from an exterior wall of a cup and flush with the bottom of the cup to provide stability to the vessel. Interior walls of the cup are angled inward at multiple points along the body of the cup, resulting in a small surface area at the bottom of the cup where titration occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and an actuator. The housing, which defines a reagent volume that can receive a reagent container, can be removably coupled to a reaction chamber. A delivery portion of the housing defines a delivery path between the reagent volume and the reaction chamber when the housing is coupled to the reaction chamber. The delivery path includes a protrusion such that the delivery path has a discontinuous inner surface. The actuator can be moved to convey a reagent from the reagent container into the reaction chamber via the delivery path.

Abstract: Kits, microfluidics devices, and assays for use in methods of spectroscopically determining a ratio of glycated hemoglobin to total hemoglobin in a whole blood sample are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a furnace for a transmission mode X-ray diffractometer and a transmission mode X-ray diffractometer using the same. The furnace for a transmission mode X-ray diffractometer includes a sample heating unit disposed adjacent to a quartz capillary accommodating a sample to heat the sample, and a main body disposed to surround the quartz capillary and the sample heating unit and having an insulating function for allowing the heated sample to maintain a thermal equilibrium state.

Abstract: There is provided a method of measuring a sedimentation parameter of suspensions or precipitants in a fluid medium sample, said method compromising providing at least one micro-cantilever sensor, said micro-cantilever sensor comprising at least two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and having a heater and piezo-resistive sensor integrated therein, pulsing the heater with one or more electrical pulses to induce heat generation in the micro-cantilever, sampling the output of the integrated piezo-resistive sensor to characterize a response of the micro-cantilever during sedimentation in the fluid medium sample, and determining a value of the sedimentation parameter from the characterized response. There is also provided an apparatus arranged to carry out the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid thermal cycling including a thermal diffusivity plate. The thermal diffusivity plate can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. An edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the thermal block assembly during thermal cycling.

Abstract: There is provided a device (1) for carrying out an assay to detect a target nucleic acid in a sample, the device (1) comprising a body in which is formed: •a) a sample entry well location comprising a sample entry well (22) or means for engaging with a sample entry well (22), the sample entry well (22) having a first volume; •b) an amplification well location comprising an amplification well (56) or means for engaging with an amplification well (56), the well (56) having a second volume less than or the same as the first volume and in which a nucleic acid amplification reaction of the target nucleic acid may be effected; •c) a first channel (60) linking the sample entry well (22) with the amplification well (56); •d) a diluent well location comprising a diluent well (35) or means for engaging with a diluent well (35), the well (35) being sealed, having a third volume greater than the second volume and being openable to an unsealed configuration; •e) a second channel (65) linking the diluent well (35), when in

Abstract: A stool container is provided with a lid body (2) having a lid part (2a) for sealing a container and a stool collection rod (2b) for collecting stool, a cylindrical container body (3) that has a liquid reservoir (3b) formed at the distal end thereof via a filter holding part (3a) and has an open proximal end, and an inner plug 4 that is inserted from the proximal end of the container body (3) in to the container body (3). The distal end of the inner plug (4) has a bottom surface (4a) that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and, in the center of the bottom surface (4a), a scraping part (4b) through which the stool collection rod (2b) can be inserted. A stool collection rod guide part is formed that comprises a plurality of sloping ribs (4c) disposed radially around the scraping part (4b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiplex slide plate for various types of assays. The slide plate may be pre-filled with special-formulated reagents in different reaction zones, and the reactions carry out independently in the reaction zones filled with special-formulated reagent.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein that are configured for use in laboratory testing, such as, for example, during a procedure including the monitoring and detection of chemical reactions. For example, the systems and devices described herein can be used during a procedure to monitor and detect polymerase chain reactions (PCR). In some embodiments, a sample container includes a container body that defines an interior volume and has an open end in fluid communication with the interior volume. A cap is sealingly engageable with the open end of the container body. The cap defines a receptacle that is configured to extend within a portion of the interior volume of the container body when the cap is sealingly engaged thereto. The receptacle can receive therein a sensor, such as, a temperature sensor that can monitor the temperature of a sample material disposed within the container body.

Abstract: A multi vessel ring (suitable for use with thermal cycler and PCR apparatus) comprises a ring body and a plurality of elongate tubes. Each tube has a proximal open end and a distal closed end, each elongate tube being integrally formed with the ring body, and being pivotally connected to the ring body between an initial position in which a longitudinal axis of each tube is generally parallel with an axis of rotation of the ring body, and a final position in which the longitudinal axis of each tube is inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the ring body. The multi vessel ring preferably further comprises a plurality of caps integrally formed with the ring body, and adapted to seal the proximal open end of respective tubes.

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: 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: A sample vessel may include a segmented tubule and an interface receiving the tubule. The segmented tubule may include an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, the at least one compressible section having a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact with one another, and at least two segments of the tubule being fluidically isolated from one another by a bonding of a fluid-tight seal between opposed sections of the tubule wall, wherein said fluid-tight seal irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections. The interface may facilitate delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening.

Abstract: A sample analysis apparatus configured to automatically press a start button upon installation of a sample tube is provided. The sample analysis apparatus includes: a body of the sample analysis apparatus; a door housing which may be provided in an opened state or a closed state, and configured to be coupled to the body of the sample analysis apparatus by a hinge; a tube accommodating unit included in the door housing and configured to accommodate the sample tube; a start button included in the body of the sample analysis apparatus and configured to start analysis of the sample; and an operating member positioned at a first position which is distant from the start button the sample tube is not installed in the tube accommodating unit, and a second position which is configured to operate the start button when a sample tube is installed and the door housing is closed.

Abstract: A sample collection device having a sample tube, funnel, and cap having a capsule and a piercing insert, the capsule having a stabilization solution. After depositing the sample into the tube via the funnel, the cap is screwed onto the tube, piercing the capsule and releasing the stabilization fluid into the tube. The device can be used at home without clinicial supervision for collecting a saliva sample and transporting the sample to an analysis location for DNA analysis.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: A computer includes a number of hard disk drives (HDDs), a number of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors correspondingly connected to the HDDs, and a number of jumpers. Each SATA connector includes a power supply pin, a spin-up pin, a ground pin, and a pin base with first to third pins. The first to the third pins are respectively connected to the power supply pin, the spin-up pin, and the ground pin. The second pin of each SATA connector is connected to either the first pin or the third pin by a corresponding jumper, thereby the corresponding HDD starts up with the computer or starts up at a preset time after the computer has started up.

Abstract: An interfacing cap for a reagent storage vessel is provided. The interfacing cap comprises a partitioning element having a structure corresponding to an opening of the reagent storage vessel, a projection fitting disposed on the partitioning element, a holder element, and a puncturing element coupled to the projection fitting.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: A blister package for a plurality of pipette tips comprises a support block with a plurality of molded pockets that extends into the support block from a first wall. The plurality of pockets is configured to receive the plurality of pipette tips. At least one reservoir located within the support block at a distal end of and in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of pockets. A closure member configured to close the plurality of pockets within the support block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercable hermetic cover (2) for a bioassay cartridge (4) with at least one reaction chamber (6). Characteristic for the invention is that: the cover (2) comprises at least a top layer (8), a middle layer (10), a bottom layer (12), and sites intended for piercing (14); and the cover (2) has, at the sites (16) intended for piercing, a hollow space (18) between the top layer (14) and the bottom layer (12). The present invention also relates to a system (20) comprising a bioassay cartridge (4) and a cover (2) for the cartridge (4). The present invention further relates to use of the cover (2) for covering the cartridge (4).

Abstract: Provided is a biomaterial detecting device for confirming or detecting a biomaterial reaction, and more particularly to a biomaterial detecting device, which is formed in a stick type to thereby be immersed in a tube containing a biomaterial solution to be tested; has an upper portion with a cap structure to thereby induce reaction with a biomaterial, and thus facilitate confirmation and detection of the biomaterial; and is formed in a cap structure to thereby prevent evaporation of a sample and infiltration of an external material at the time of a biomaterial reaction in the tube, and thus improve reliability in analysis.

Abstract: A microtube with a novel recessed concave top is described. The recessed top is at least 20-80% of the area of the entire cap and has a thickness from 0.025 mm to 1.0 mm. The recessed portion is smooth in structure and is optically transparent to allow all instrumental reading based on optical value reliable and accurate. The cap also has a unique plug design that has two parts. One part is the lower part that is a bit broader than the upper part. The upper part is a bit smaller than the opening. This structure allows the tube not to lose shape or allows the liquid to come out when the microtube undergoes lab conditions such as heating, cooling, spinning, boiling etc. the microtube holds a volume of about 0.01 ul to 1.00 ml of liquid.

Abstract: A sample collection system capable of collecting, storing and dispensing a liquid sample is disclosed. The collection system includes a collector composed of a material which has the unique ability to express constituents of interest at levels which are much more concentrated than their levels in the fluid samples from which they are expressed, where the expressed highly concentrated sample can then be used with modern rapid screening/testing protocols, such as solid phase assays, to test for the constituents of interest. Thus, it is now possible to obtain analytes of interest, such as the HIV protein antibodies, from saliva samples at concentrations that are detectable with systems and/or devices that are typically utilized only for blood serum or plasma testing. The collector is sized and shaped to fit within a recovery container, which, in turn, is sized and shaped to fit within a collection tube.

Abstract: A controlled release and self-resealing vessel assembly for high pressure microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The vessel assembly includes a microwave-transparent, heat expandable reaction vessel having at least two cylindrical portions axially adjacent one another, with one of the portions having a diameter larger than the diameter of the other portion. A transition portion is between the two cylindrical portions, the vessel mouth is in the larger-diameter portion, and a cylindrical retaining sleeve surrounds the vessel.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: A microtube with a novel recessed concave top is described. The recessed top is at least 20-80% of the area of the entire cap and has a thickness from 0.025 mm to 1.0 mm. The recessed portion is smooth in structure and is optically transparent to allow all instrumental reading based on optical value reliable and accurate. The cap also has a unique plug design that has two parts. One part is the lower part that is a bit broader than the upper part. The upper part is a bit smaller than the opening. This structure allows the tube not to lose shape or allows the liquid to come out when the microtube undergoes lab conditions such as heating, cooling, spinning, boiling etc. the microtube holds a volume of about 0.01 ul to 1.00 ml of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lid for a sample tube and a sample tube enabling ventilation or sealing depending on the closing position of the lid. Furthermore, a method for drying a sample and a use of the above lid or of the above sample tube for storing or drying a sample are subjects of the present invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic capsule (1) comprises a top lid (100), a middle piece (200) and a bottom piece (300) to be assembled to enclose a microfluidic substrate (400) for analysis of cells and biochemical reactions. The middle piece (200) comprises support structures in the form of support pillars (250) and walls (240) around a central light window (220) to provide mechanical support and prevent tension-induced structural deformations. When fully assembled, light windows (120, 220, 230) in the top lid (100), middle piece (200) and bottom piece (300) allows inspection of biological and/or biochemical samples positioned in the enclosed microfluidic substrate (400).

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.