Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies generally include at least one assay bar that includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar. Each well includes a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end, and at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom surface of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a dispenser bar that is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the top side of the assay bar, which includes one or more reservoirs that are configured to provide one or more reagents to the at least one secondary container located in each well of the assay bar.

Abstract: Automated sample processing systems may include onboard efficient high-speed mixing of at least two components with an automatic vertical force fluidic turbulent component mixer of which a mixed component may be aspirated and high-speed dispensed in a mixing vial. Other aspects may include single sweep applying a multi-treatment cleaning cycle to at least one slide. A multi-treatment cleaning cycle may include a washing treatment and a drying treatment. In yet other aspects the present invention may include an automated recovery sample processing system with the capability of detecting at least one immediate condition of a fortuitously terminated automatic sample processing run and perhaps even an automatic terminated sample processing run reconstruction calculator.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).

Abstract: A disclosed substrate processing apparatus comprises a heat exchange plate configured to heat and/or cool the substrate; plural protrusions provided on the heat exchange plate so as to allow the substrate to be placed on the plural protrusions, leaving a gap between the substrate and the heat exchange plate; a suction portion configured to attract the substrate onto the plural protrusion by suction through plural holes formed in the heat exchange plate; and a partition member that is provided on the heat exchange plate and lower than the plural protrusions, wherein the partition member is configured to divide the gap into two or more regions including at least one of the holes so that at least one of the two or more regions is two-dimensionally closed by the partition member.

Abstract: A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist's laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for testing a liquid specimen, which apparatus (2) comprises a container (4) for the liquid specimen, a response chart (6) which is operable in response to contact with the liquid specimen, and a result chart (8) for use with the response chart (6), and the apparatus (2) being such that: (i) the container (4) comprises a body portion (10), a lid (12), a test chamber (14), and openable means (16) which is adapted to be broken in order to allow the liquid specimen to pass from the body portion (10) into the test chamber (14); (ii) the response chart (6) comprises response portions (18) which are contacted by the liquid specimen, which become differently colored to indicate different characteristics present in the liquid specimen, and which are read at predetermined time intervals; (iii) the result chart (8) comprises result sectors (22), each result sector (22) is for indicating the result of a different test for the liquid specimen, and each result sector (22) has a plurality of differently color

Abstract: A histology tissue embedding apparatus having an outlet for embedding medium and a generally horizontal working area beneath the outlet for supporting a cassette. The working area includes a generally horizontal trimming surface having corrugations and being substantially flush with the remainder of the working area.

Abstract: Laboratory spatula having stalk regions with a hollow first end and a hollow second end and at manipulating regions may be used for collecting, transporting or storing a material. A manipulating region may be configured as a shovel region, a scoop region, a whisk region, a punch region, a sieve region, a loop region, a cutting edge, a spreading region, a grinding region, a hook region, a scraper region, a tweezer region, a grasper region, or a pick region. The spatula may be lightweight and disposable, and may be any appropriate size including micro size, a regular size, or a macro size. The spatula may also have an anti-stick surface. The spatula may be calibrated, and may include calibration marks or additional features.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: A continuous-flow (CF) magic angle sample spinning (CF-MAS) NMR rotor and probe are described for investigating reaction dynamics, stable intermediates/transition states, and mechanisms of catalytic reactions in situ. The rotor includes a sample chamber of a flow-through design with a large sample volume that delivers a flow of reactants through a catalyst bed contained within the sample cell allowing in-situ investigations of reactants and products. Flow through the sample chamber improves diffusion of reactants and products through the catalyst. The large volume of the sample chamber enhances sensitivity permitting in situ 13C CF-MAS studies at natural abundance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.

Abstract: A reagent container set is disclosed which comprises: a first reagent container for accommodating a first reagent to be used in a sample analyzer, the top part of the first reagent container having a first aspiration opening for inserting a first reagent aspirating tube to aspirate the first reagent; a waste fluid container for accommodating the first reagent used in the sample analyzer as a waste fluid, the top of the waste fluid container having a discharge opening for inserting a waste fluid discharging tube to discharge the waste fluid into the waste fluid container; a box for accommodating the first reagent container and the waste fluid container; and a container holding member for holding the first reagent container and the waste fluid container so that the first aspiration opening and the discharge opening are disposed at predetermined positions, the container holding member being maintained at a predetermined position within the box.

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: The invention concerns a device for analyzing a body fluid. The device includes a test tape having a carrier tape and test fields for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid, the test fields being distributed along the carrier tape and raised above the carrier tape and a container for the test tape. The container has a seal for passage of the test tape, wherein the test fields have a leading edge which runs against a sealing edge of the seal when the test field passes through the seal. The leading edge of the test fields or/and the sealing edge of the seal at least in parts are angled or curved relative to the transverse direction of the tape.

Abstract: A reagent vessel insert for a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or a pressure varying device includes an insert housing formed such that the reagent vessel insert is insertable in a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying device. The reagent vessel insert also includes at least one agitating element arranged in at least one interior volume such that a place and/or position of the at least one agitating element is changeable with respect to the insert housing. The reagent vessel insert is configured such that at least one material filled into the at least one interior volume is agitatable and such that, during an adjustment, at least one subunit of the at least one agitating element contacting at least one holding structure, by which the at least one agitating element is held in at least one semi-stable place and/or at least one semi-stable position.

Abstract: In a method for performing a solid-phase micro-extraction, a holding device connected to an extraction device and secured on an adapter is held, while an actuating device connected to a guide device is moved. A device for performing a solid-phase microextraction comprises an actuating device connected to a guide device, and a holding device connected to an extraction device, wherein the extraction device is guided at least partially in the guide device, and wherein the extraction device is movable relative to the guide device by means of an actuation of the actuating device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A syringe, defined by a cylinder and by a piston slidingly engaged in the cylinder itself, is actuated after having inserted the cylinder within a gripper and having axially fed the syringe through the gripper so as to move an outer flange of the cylinder into contact with the gripper and/or the piston in a stop position within the cylinder.

Abstract: Provided is an immobilization device for fitting a connecting member of a chip and a connecting member of a cover together, where a spatial clearance between the chip and cover is small. The immobilization device includes a substrate (102), a cover means (101) including a fitting means to fit with a chip (103) placed on the substrate (102), a rotating arm means (201) rotatably joined to a first joining means (301) of the substrate (102) and to a second joining means (302) of the cover means (101), and a parallel maintaining means (203) for fitting the fitting means and the chip (103) together with the fitting means and the chip (103) maintained in substantially parallel by the first joining means (301) or the second joining means (302) moving along a chip surface or a plane parallel to the chip surface. The fitting means rotates freely against the chip (103).

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: A device for the accommodation of a solid in a measuring cell (24), in which the release of the solid can be determined in a solution medium flowing through the measuring cell (24), has an insert (1) which can be introduced into the measuring cell (24) and which has a recess for the accommodation of a pressed disc (31). The recess for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31) is arranged on a side (16) of the insert (1) which faces the inflowing solution medium. A wall surface (32) of the insert (1) which surrounds the recess for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31) is tilted in the flow direction, so that the inflowing solution medium is transported laterally away from the pressed disc (31). The insert (1) has a housing (2) with a hole (3) through it, a sleeve (4) for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31), which can be accommodated in the hole (3), and a closure device (10). The housing (2) and the closure device (10) essentially consist of a plastic material and the sleeve (4) consists of metal.

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: A retaining clip for retaining reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement is formed as a unitary member and has first, second and third plates, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the first plate pivots towards the inner surface of the second plate, and the inner surface of the third plate also pivots such that the inner surfaces of the first and third plates at least partially face each other upon pivoting. The inner surfaces of the first and third plates are separated by a distance to accommodate the reagent test slides in a stacked arrangement. Alternatively, the third and second plates can be fixed rigidly to each other with only the first plate pivoting to at least partially face the third plate upon pivoting.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A decapping/recapping device for removing closures from sample tubes and for reclosing sample tubes with the same closures is presented. The device comprises individual closure holders, each holder comprising a passive closure gripper for holding a closure, at least one actuator for actuating the passive closure gripper when removing a closure from a tube or reclosing a tube with its respective closure and at least one tube gripper cooperating with the at least one actuator for biasing a tube and its closure away from each other when removing the closure and for biasing the tube and its closure towards each other when reclosing the tube. One actuator is coupled to one passive closure gripper of a closure holder when removing a closure from a tube or when reclosing a tube with its respective closure and is decoupled from a passive closure gripper when the closure holder is holding a closure.

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: Washing efficacy test apparatus (2) is provided which includes a holder (4) and a test soil device (6) for location with said holder (4). The test soil device (6) is in the form of sheet material with a test soil substance (34) provided thereon. The holder in one example includes two members (8, 10) between which the test soil device (6) is detachably attached so that the device (6) can be easily removed for inspection and maintained in a required orientation in the washing apparatus (2) in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction plate holding device and system associated therewith for controlling the environment surrounding a reaction plate, and in particular, to a bench-top reaction plate holder providing a controllable environment that fully surrounds a reaction plate.

Abstract: A diagnostic system with a handling system that has a loading bay to receive and hold a plurality of carriers. An identification device is configured to identify an identifying feature of the carriers to determine the type of contents loaded on each carrier. A transporter transports the carriers from the loading bay to a first or second location depending on the determined type of contents on each carrier. The transporter has random access to the plurality of carriers in the loading bay. A diagnostic process is conducted using the contents. A carrier, such a for reagents, has one or more holding portions, at least one of which can be moved or rotated with respect to the body of the carrier for mixing or stirring the contents of a container coupled therewith. Also, a retention member can be associated with a positioning device, such as a carousel, to lock and unlock the carrier with respect thereto.

Abstract: A device for holding a medical test strip is provided. The device comprises a receiving casing having an opening for receiving the medical test strip and a first stopping portion protruding from an upper surface of the receiving casing; an ejection base having a cover and a pusher beneath the cover, the cover downwardly extending a second stopping portion for sliding against the upper surface of the receiving casing; and an elastic member located between the receiving casing and the ejection base. When the pusher moves toward the opening by an external force to eject the test strip from the opening, the elastic member is compressed and the second stopping portion slides away from the first stopping portion. When the external force disappears, the second stopping portion slides toward the first stopping portion by a resilient force of the elastic member until the first stopping portion and the second stopping portion are engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis.

Abstract: A multidimensional chemical separation and analysis system is described including a prototyping platform and modular microfluidic components capable of rapid and convenient assembly, alteration and disassembly of numerous candidate separation systems. Partial or total computer control of the separation system is possible. Single or multiple alternative processing trains can be tested, optimized and/or run in parallel. Examples related to the separation and analysis of human bodily fluids are given.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving a test sample, particularly sample holders for combined examination of the test sample by a test procedure combined with another test procedure, which differs from the first test procedure, with a planar preparation component (1) in a transparent material with a preparation surface on which the test sample can be prepared, wherein a test path for the introduction of a test facility for carrying out the test procedure is formed on one side of the preparation component (1) and another test path for the introduction of a test facility for carrying out the other test procedure on the test sample is formed on an opposite side of the preparation component (1), wherein a supporting and covering element (3a) which has an aperture (5) through which the test path is formed is pressed against the preparation component (1) on one side (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention is to present an analyzer, comprising: a container holder for holding a liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes a container body having an opening at a top end and containing a liquid, and a cover for sealing the opening; a liquid aspirating device comprising a liquid aspirating tube for aspirating the liquid within the liquid container held by the container holder; and an opening device for opening the opening such that the liquid aspirating tube is able to be inserted into the liquid container, by conducting a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation releases a sealing state between the cover and the opening under a condition that the cover is covering the opening, and the second operation moves the cover to a position at which the opening is not being covered by the cover under a condition that the sealed state is being released.

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: 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: A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.

Abstract: A diagnostic test reader includes an assay interface, a locking mechanism, and a test unit. The assay interface is configured to receive a diagnostic assay. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a first push in a first direction toward the other of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader. The locking mechanism is also configured to unlock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to the one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a second push in the first direction. The test unit is configured to analyze the diagnostic assay.

Abstract: Liquid filter assemblies including an upper sample reservoir, a sample filter and a lower storage bottle are supported by a vacuum base. The base has a vacuum inlet port and, for connection to the liquid filter assembly, a vacuum outlet port. A vacuum is provided through the base to below the sample filter to draw sample liquid through the sample filter into the storage bottle. The base may include an auxiliary vacuum outlet port for connection with additional devices. The bases may be connected from one to another through auxiliary vacuum outlets and the vacuum inlets to make a chain of liquid filter assemblies supplied from one vacuum source. Alternatively, one base may include multiple vacuum outlet ports so that it may support and supply vacuum to a plurality of liquid filter assemblies.

Abstract: A method is provided for disposing of a liquid within an automated analytical system for processing a fluid biological sample, wherein a contamination prevention shield including channels for pipets or pipet tips is reversibly docked to a container for liquid waste in order to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. A tip rack assembly is provided for processing a fluid sample, the assembly including a rack for pipet tips and the contamination prevention shield. An analytical system is provided using the tip rack assembly, wherein cross-contamination is avoided.

Abstract: Provided is a sample packing device for packing a sample with respect to a microchip for performing reaction of a micro component contained in the sample, the microchip at least including: a sample reservoir; a reaction reservoir; and a channel connected between the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir, in which a package including a sample chamber packed in advance with the sample is mounted on the microchip so as to pack the sample in the sample chamber into the sample reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure describe a structure for mounting a biosensor in a microfluidic cartridge including a biosensor holder, a gasket seal, a strut, and a leaf spring using a method for maintaining constant pressure and a microfluidic cartridge including the same. The structure allows pressure to be evenly distributed to the biosensor in order to secure reproducibility and reliability of the detection signal, and enables integrated configuration of the cartridge by using a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: Washing efficacy test apparatus (2) is provided which includes a holder (4) and a test soil device (6) for location with said holder (4). The test soil device (6) is in the form of sheet material with a test soil substance (34) provided thereon. The holder in one example includes two members (8, 10) between which the test soil device (6) is detachably attached so that the device (6) can be easily removed for inspection and maintained in a required orientation in the washing apparatus (2) in use.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.