Abstract: A portable temperature transfer stand for holding thermo-conductive laboratory devices transferring thermal energy to laboratory devices is provided as well as its methods of use. The temperature transfer stand comprises at least one supporting structure (foot) and a stable stage, both comprising a thermal conductive material. The supporting structure is in direct contact with the stage which is in direct contact with a laboratory device.

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: Systems, devices, and methods for restraining a micro-object are provided. In one aspect, a micro-object restraint device is provided having a micro-barrier structure coupled to a support substrate, where the micro-barrier structure has two micro-object holding regions. Each micro-object holding region includes a micro-object receiving opening defined in the micro-barrier structure, a micro-object impeding opening at an internal region of the micro-barrier structure, and at least two contact points positioned adjacent to the micro-object impeding opening and oriented to contact and impede a micro-object at the micro-object opening. The two micro-object holding regions abut one another and the micro-object openings from the two micro-object holding regions are continuous.

Abstract: A spherical dialysis chamber with a heavier cap (the density of cap material is higher than that of the dialyzer) or the distribution of weight is such that it is higher weight distribution is towards the cap, so that it tilts always towards the bottom of the container containing the dialysis buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for investigating, measuring and/or detecting properties of chemical and/or biological fluids as well as to a device for performing these procedures and a system comprising a holder for holding at least one of said devices. A device for detecting properties of chemical and/or biological fluids may comprise a tubular structure with a cavity for accommodating the fluid, the tubular structure comprising a magnetizable and/or magnetic material, wherein the tubular structure comprises a segment that is transparent to light of wavelength 200 nm to 2000 nm.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into slots in the protective sheath fixing the slide into position in protective sheath. Fixation points are built on the side of the slide to allow a user or automated system to place and retrieve protective sheath.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose, a disposable and removable cartridge for providing easy access to test strips, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose has a disposable and removable cartridge, a retaining member which releasably retains the test strips in a stacked configuration, and a housing. The disposable and removable cartridge has a rigid lid attached to a flexible body.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.

Abstract: A portable temperature transfer device for transferring thermo energy to and/or from a laboratory culture plate is provided as well as its methods of use. The temperature transfer device comprises a base and a raised stage that comprises a thermal conductive material. The raised stage allows direct contact between individual wells of the laboratory culture plate and the temperature transfer device.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving fluid exchange across a microplate. A microplate having one or more internal modifications which aid the introduction and removal of fluids from the wells of the plate and minimize the damage caused to biological matter located therein upon introduction or removal of a pipette tip and/or fluids, and/or an apparatus for inclining the microplate at an angle from the horizontal and retaining the microplate in the inclined position, to facilitate fluid introduction and aspiration from the wells of the microplate.

Abstract: Assay device processing apparatus includes a rotatably mounted assay device vessel support; and a drive for rotating the support. The support is rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis so that, upon rotation, an assay device vessel attached to the support can be inverted.

Abstract: Provided is a reagent vessel which is inserted into a measuring cassette for measuring a biological sample. The reagent vessel includes: a reagent storage unit including at least one space in which a reagent that is to react with the biological sample is stored; and an adhesive cover sealing up the at least one space in which the reagent is stored, and being stripped off to discharge the reagent from the at least one space when the reagent vessel is inserted into the measuring cassette. Therefore, since a plurality of reagents are poured simultaneously and automatically into a measuring cassette through a reagent vessel, it is possible to simplify manipulations and minimize a measuring time. Furthermore, it is possible to resolve problems regarding storage and distribution of reagents.

Abstract: According to an example of the invention, a test tube holder includes a holder body including a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical hollow portion, at least three guide grooves in the cylindrical wall and open on the inner peripheral side and upper end surface side, cam grooves which face the guide grooves and inclined obliquely upward, a plurality of holder members for test tube attachment which are fitted individually in the guide grooves of the holder body so as to be movable vertically and radially, cam pins which engage with the cam grooves so as to guide the holder member vertically and radially, and an urging spring which elastically urges the holder member to be pushed up so that the holder member is pressed upward and toward the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cassette and a measuring apparatus that can filter a sample for the optical measurement of an optically active substance and clean a sample flow channel by using a simple configuration. More specifically, the invention is directed to a cassette which includes a filter for filtering out a measurement interfering component from a sample, a container containing the filter, a cleaning liquid or cleaning agent for cleaning a sample flow channel, and a storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid or cleaning agent, and to a measuring apparatus having such a cassette.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample container (10, 100, 500, 700) for biological sample material (23, 230), comprising an upper opening (11) that can be closed by a lid (14, 140, 540), a lateral wall region (12) and a base (13) and a hygroscopic substance (19, 190, 590, 790) contained in the interior of the sample container for drying sample material (23, 230) in the sample container, wherein the sample container is partitioned into at least two compartments, of which one is a sample compartment (16, 160, 560), and the other is a drying compartment (18, 180, 580) containing the hygroscopic substance, wherein the hygroscopic substance is connected to the interior of the sample container in a steam exchange connection, and wherein the sample compartment extends from an upper end, particularly equipped with an opening (40, 400), in the longitudinal direction to the opening in a flush manner to the base (13) of the sample container.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a closure for a container comprises at least two closure members. The relative position of the closure members with respect to each other is altered upon mating of the closure and container. The alteration of the relative position of the closure members may result in one or more of the members approaching the container more closely. The alteration may result in one or more of the members pressing against the container. The pressing may take place in such a way that exit paths for vapor from fluid in the container would require passage through the pressed surfaces.

Abstract: A clamping insert for cell culture includes: a lower support having: i. a hollow member sized to be engaged in a well of a microplate, the hollow member being open at both its ends and including a support surface at one of its ends, ii. first tightening elements, an inner holder sized to be fitted inside the hollow member, and including second tightening elements arranged to cooperate with the first tightening elements of the hollow member to tighten reversibly between the inner holder and the support surface of the lower support a porous substrate, the inner holder including an opened channel keeping free the porous substrate; retaining elements intended to cooperate with the well of the microplate to allow the clamping insert to be suspended in the well, sealing elements to hermetically seal the contact area between the clamping insert and the porous substrate.

Abstract: A thermoconductive reservoir device and adaptor.

Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A carrier holder that prevents contamination of a carrier before, during or after performing a test using the carrier is disclosed. The carrier holder includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member is substantially hollow and is configured to open radially outward at the second end. Further, the carrier holder includes one or more carriers within the elongated member. For performing a test using a carrier, one or more of a gaseous or a fluid sample is allowed to enter the elongated member through the second end. Thereafter, the carrier is dispensed directly into a receptacle when the receptacle is inserted into the second end.

Abstract: A workstation for pipetting provides for an ergonomic pipetting environment. Test tubes, centrifuge tubes, micro tubes and micro plates are inserted into a top plate, which is designed to hold such devices in a desired configuration. The top plate is adjustable with respect to height and planar angle, so that extensive pipetting efforts are less likely to result in repetitive stress related injuries.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus that make more accurate and reduces risk of filling reaction chambers of cartridge cells with blood samples to conduct blood coagulation tests of the type employing the plunger technique are disclosed. A cartridge holder is provided that secures a test cartridge in a fixed upright position and deflects the plunger flag of each cartridge cell to enable manual insertion of a blood dispenser deeply into the reaction chamber to fill the reaction chamber and avoid contamination of surfaces of the cartridge outside the reaction chamber. Preferably, the cartridge holder provides illumination of the reaction chamber during filling, so that the user can judge when the reaction chamber is properly filled with blood dispensed from the blood dispenser. The cartridge holder may incorporate image magnification to facilitate viewing of the reaction chamber as it is filled.

Abstract: A microfluidic system including: a substrate, one surface of which is covered with electrodes configured to move, under effect of an electric field, microdrops of a liquid phase including at least one functionalized ionic liquid; and capillaries for introducing a liquid extraction fluid onto the surface and for extracting the liquid extraction fluid from an orifice by forced convection, to obtain an extraction bath located on the surface for extraction of at least one chemical or biological compound from the liquid phase, and the bath is open to a surrounding space on at least two of its opposite sides, for moving, in contact with the surface, the microdrop upstream and downstream of the bath.

Abstract: A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.

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 device for applying a histological section to a slide is described. The histological section is generated by a cutting action performed by a blade of a microtome. The device comprises a positioning device having a component that is rotatably mounted to a bearing and has a receptacle for receiving and holding the slide, wherein the positioning device is designed such that the slide received in the receptacle can be rotated about an axis of rotation of the rotatably mounted component.

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) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of loading reagent in a specimen handling device is disclosed, where the apparatus includes a deck with a plurality of positions defined thereon and each of the positions visually marked by a distinct one of a first set of icons. Each of a plurality of trays is removably securable to a selected one of the positions on the deck and includes the distinct one of the first set of icons visually marking the selected one of the positions. Reagent receptacles on each of the plurality of trays are visually marked by a distinct one of a second set of icons, and a kit is provided with a plurality of containers with selected reagents therein, each of the containers being visually marked by the distinct one of the second set of icons visually marking the receptacle into which that reagent is to be poured. The fluids including specimen samples and reagents are moved between tubes during processing without directly passing over tubes which the reagents could contaminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping system comprising two or more grids of springs in a flow module or in a plate reactor. The invention also relates to methods for opening and closing a clamping system, a frame arrangement, a control system for pressure release, and a use of the clamping system as a plate reactor.

Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

Abstract: A slide cartridge for use with a chemical analyzer includes an upper ring and a lower ring secured together but rotatable with respect to each other. The upper and lower rings define a plurality of reaction chambers between them, which receive dry analyte test slides. A gear track formed in the underside of the lower ring engages a pinion gear attached to a stepping motor of the chemical analyzer in order to rotate the slide cartridge. The slide cartridge is rotated under a sample fluid metering device, which deposits a sample fluid on the test slides through a plurality of spotter ports formed in the upper ring, and above a reflectometer, which performs a colorimetric measurement on the spotted test slides through viewing windows formed in the lower ring of the slide cartridge. A chemical analyzer with which the slide cartridge may be used includes a reflectometer, a sample fluid metering device and a stepping motor for rotating the slide cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

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

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

Abstract: For the simplified use of a test strip holder, a device having a holding or positioning device is provided, comprising a mixing chamber, a lid for closing the mixing chamber, and an obvious fluid opening for a fluid passage from the mixing chamber to the test strip holder. This allows for the test strip holder to be inserted into the device in a simple way and a sample can be prepared in the mixing chamber of the device. The device is provided with a mixing chamber that can be closed, wherein a reaction partner, for example a gold conjugate, can be dissolved in the sample for increasing the sensitivity of the test strip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotating mechanism for rotationally driving a solid-solid direct-heating reaction disc, comprising a fixed hollow shaft, a rotating sleeve assembly and a signal commutator, wherein the fixed hollow shaft is fixed, the rotating sleeve assembly rotatably surrounds the fixed hollow shaft, the reaction disc is supported by the rotating sleeve assembly so as to rotate along with the rotating sleeve assembly, and the signal commutator has a stationary end fixed to the fixed hollow shaft and a moving end co-rotating with the rotating sleeve assembly. By the rotating mechanism, the signal commutator is hold, and signal input and output between the moving end and the stationary end can be achieved.

Abstract: A sample tray assembly includes a first tray. The first tray defines a first slot and is disposed on a generally horizontally-oriented plane. The sample tray assembly also includes a second tray adjacent to the first tray. The second tray is configured for translational movement substantially parallel to the generally horizontally-oriented plane of the first tray between a retracted position and an extended position. The second tray defines a second slot. The second slot and the first slot are substantially aligned when the second tray is in the retracted position. The sample tray additionally includes a base member supporting the first tray. The second tray is slidably coupled with the base member.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a holder receiving a reaction chamber including a channel filled with reaction mixture and an immiscible liquid having different specific gravities and allowing the reaction mixture to move along an opposed inner wall, a temperature gradient forming unit forming a temperature gradient in the movement direction of the reaction mixture relative to the channel during loading into the holder, and a driving unit rotating the holder and temperature gradient forming unit about a rotation axis having a component perpendicular to the gravitational direction and a component perpendicular to the movement direction of the reaction mixture, and a maximum distance from the rotation axis to a point in the channel is smaller than a maximum distance connecting two points in the channel when projected on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing reagent usage, comprising the steps of providing a retainer, at least one group of loopholes being provided on the sidewalls of the retainer; providing a colorimetric glass, adapted to be inserted into the retainer, for receiving the first reagent to be observed through said loopholes; providing a cap, for capping the colorimetric glass and the retainer into a whole, after the colorimetric glass being inserted into the retainer. The present invention mainly uses a reagent tube with a retainer having a new structure, a colorimetric glass and a cap, storing the first reagent only in the colorimetric glass, and the volume of the colorimetric glass is far less than that of the current reagent tube, thus the usage of the reagents can be reduced effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for culturing cells which may comprise two or more culture compartments and a pooling compartment, wherein each of said two or more culture compartments may be separated from the other culture compartments; each of said two or more culture compartments which may comprise a port for the addition or removal of medium; and the pooling compartment communicates with said two or more culture compartments. The present invention also relates to a stand for apparatus for culturing cells.

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

Abstract: A holder for a plurality of biological specimen collection devices having collection absorbents extending therefrom is provided, the holder operating to organize and identify the collection devices and operating to position the collection devices for extraction of sample portions from each of the collection absorbents of the multiple collection devices while positioning a sample punch absorbent cleaning strip adjacent the collection absorbent of each device to allow cleaning of the sample punch between each use.

Abstract: A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder (10) and a sheet-or plate-like test member (11) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface (13) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections (15) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge (16) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.

Abstract: A vessel for use in clinical analysis including an open top, a closed bottom, and at least four tapered sides. A method for collecting magnetic particles in a fluid comprising the steps of providing a magnet and a vessel containing magnetic particles in a fluid, attracting the magnetic particles to the magnet, and moving the magnetic particles with the magnet out of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention includes a harvesting and irrigation device, a method and a kit for the collection of viable fat cells and/or adipose tissue with decreased handing and improved yield and viability.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

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