Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular test tube rack. The rack contains multiple sub-racks that can be coupled together to form the test tube rack. The sub-rack can be designed to fit into a variety of scientific instrumentation including a fixed rotor centrifuge. The assembled test tube rack can be of a format and size that allows use of standard array pipetters. Thus, a system is provided allowing use of standard array pipetters and high g centrifugation.

Abstract: An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber. A biased urging member is held at least partially within the outer housing and slidably biased toward a surface of the inner housing. When the biased urging member is at least partially retracted, a space is defined between the urging member and the surface of the inner housing for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip. A continuous fluid flow path is defined through the outer housing and through the space. The interchangeable preconcentrator assembly may further comprise at least one modular preconcentrator carriage.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

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

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preserving a sensor in a container, said sensor comprising a sensing area of metallic or a semi-conducting material covered with molecules having a MW>100 Dalton, said molecules being bound to the material wherein at least the sensing area of the layer is kept submerged in a storage solution, said storage solution having a composition that consists for at least 80% by volume of at least one compound chosen from water, ethanol, triethylene glycol and isopropanol, with the provisios that if the concentration of ethanol is at least 80 vol. % of the storage solution ethanol is present in a concentration of no more than 93% by volume of the storage solution; if water is present, it is present in a concentration of less than 80% by volume of the storage solution. The invention also relates to a container containing a sensor and a storage solution.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for regulating the temperature of a chemical and/or biological sample and a method of using the same. The apparatus includes at least one temperature control module. The temperature control module includes a heater, a conductor of caloric, and a temperature sensor. The heater of the temperature control module is adapted to thermally communicate with a removable substrate, on which said chemical and/or biological sample is placed, via the conductor of caloric. The temperature sensor of the temperature control module is adapted to detect and control the temperature of the substrate via the conductor of caloric. The apparatus is designed such that the substrate is situated above said temperature control module to entirely cover said temperature control module.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adding liquids to and washing a microfluidic element array are disclosed. The method and devices feature a microfluidic plate holder with a sloped wall for improved draining of liquid, a machine readable/writable identifier, plate leveling systems, liquid filling systems, a hydrophilic-liquid coating, and an automated washing station.

Abstract: A system for preparing and holding specimens for microscopic analysis including a capsule having an open end, an opposite end including at least one aperture and a reservoir. The system also includes an insert with a base including at least one aperture. The insert fits within and engages an inner wall of the reservoir to secure the insert within the reservoir. The system also includes an insertion tool configured to engage the insert. The insertion tool is sized to position the insert within the reservoir at a variety of positions within the reservoir. The insertion tool will disengage the insert once the insert is positioned within the reservoir. A method of positioning a specimen within a capsule for processing the specimen in preparation for microscopic analysis. A tray for holding a plurality of pipette tips in such a way that a lower end of each pipette tip is sealed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card member for receiving a tissue specimen to be processed for histological examination including an absorbent portion for maintaining the tissue specimen in engageable contact with the card member, and a generally non-adhesive portion for allowing separation of the tissue specimen from the card member, where the card member provides the specimen with a known, consistent orientation throughout processing.

Abstract: A mechanism for positionally restraining a microplate is disclosed. The mechanism is defined by a base having at least one surface with a receptacle for the insertion of a microplate into the base. Supports and/or positioning structures on a surface of the base have point contacts to restrain movement of the microplate in a stable position for repeatable optical detection measurements. The supports and/or positioning structures permit insertion of the microplate for an initial measurement, removal of the microplate for analytical manipulation, and re-insertion of the microplate to an exact position so as to allow analysis of precise comparative measurements by an optical reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens care kit for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses. The lens care kit of the invention allows customers to visually identify when their lenses are disinfected, clean, and ready to wear. The invention is relied on color change to indicate the readiness of disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: A holder (2) is provided intended to receive one or more samples of biological fluid for subsequent processing, for example using a robotic punch. The holder has a plastics frame having a windowed portion (3), a substrate (4) for receiving the biological fluid inset within the windowed portion, a cover (7) mounted on the frame slidable between a first position spaced from but overlying the substrate and a second position revealing the substrate and a drying agent (8) positioned on the cover on that side which overlies the substrate in the first position.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Gas chromatography apparatuses are provided that can include a housing configured to substantially envelop the column within the compartment. Analytical instruments are provided that can include at least one chromatography column compartment having a volume of the less than 100 mL. Analytical methods are provided that can include increasing the temperature of a chromatography column at a rate of about 60° C./minute using less than about 40 W. Methods are also provided that include providing at least one gas chromatography column compartment configured to substantially envelop a gas chromatography column and performing analysis with the one compartment in the first operable position and/or transitioning portions to the second operable position to allow access to the one compartment.

Abstract: A reaction surface array diagnostic apparatus includes a substrate carrying a plurality of reaction surfaces and, a plate having a plurality of wells, alignable with one of the reaction surfaces and forming a fluid tight well about each reaction surface when the plate and the substrate are sealingly affixed to each other in a frame. The plate is formed of a flexible material which may have an adhesive on one surface. Interlocking latch members are formed on the plate and the frame for releasably latching the plate and the frame in a position for sealing attachment to the substrate.

Abstract: A quality control device for a blood analyzer using whole blood, which specifically can be used to check the correct operation of the blood analyzer. The device includes a storage for storing control bloods by cooling; a mechanism for bringing the control bloods back to the temperature specified by the control blood manufacturer; a stirring mechanism used for resuspension of the cells; and a mechanism for sampling the blood thus prepared.

Abstract: Provided are pipette tip trays for use in biotechnology applications. In certain embodiments, provided are pipette tip trays having one or more of the following features: (i) lacking an external hinge between the lid and the rack, and (ii) having snap plate fasteners configured to releasably secure a snap plate to a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction vessel for crystallization of a sample from a solution and a covering foil and an arrangement for mounting the covering foil (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for testing electrical activity from a biological tissue sample comprises a body (1) provided with a well (4), stimulating means (8) for stimulating a sample located in the well (4), and detecting means (9) for detecting electrical activity in the sample. In one embodiment the apparatus has a fluid inlet means (10) and a fluid outlet means (16) in fluid communication with the well (4). The inlet means (10) comprises an electrically conductive conduit (11A) which is in fluid contact with a fluid flowing, in use, though the outlet means (16). In some embodiments the apparatus is provided with an electrically conductive member (19) which is in electrical contact with a fluid contained, in use, in at least one of the well (4), inlet means (10) and outlet means (16). The stimulating means (8) and detecting means (9) are engaged with the body (1) by a gripping means (32) which comprises an electrically conductive gripping member (36). Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rack for holding containers containing liquids used in clinical chemistry analyzers. The rack comprises (a) a frame having two or more sections, each section being adapted for receiving a liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving a first liquid containing component which is adapted for being removably but tightly mechanically connected to said frame, (b) at least one movable part adapted to be removably coupled to a shaker device, the movable part being adapted for receiving and holding a second liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving the movable part and allowing motion of the movable part within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A device consisting of a low-RPM motor wherein the motor spins a flat disk, a peg is attached to the disk, a stationary spring armature wherein the peg can activate the stationary spring armature as the disk rotates, and a tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein the spring armature can contact the tube. This device can further include a soft closed-cell foam top mounted on the top plate wherein the tube is inserted and maintained by the foam in such a way as to allow for slight motion of the tube induced by the contact by the spring armature.

Abstract: The device comprises reaction unit cuvettes (22) for different types of tests, a vertical axis rotor (7) which is associated with a rotation drive means and provided with a horizontal gear-teeth crown (8) delimiting radially outwardly open cavities for receiving the reaction unit cuvettes (22), a device (20) for supplying the gear-teeth crown with the reaction unit cuvettes (22), a device (6) for supplying cuvettes with analyzable biological liquid samples, stations (13, 19) arranged around the crown for carrying out measurements and/or analysis and an automation for managing the sequences of a desired process for each cuvette.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shape cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: Provided is a punching apparatus for use in dispensing, having a blood specimen contained therein, and punching a dispensing hole in a plug body of a test tube serving as a specimen container closed by the plug body whose upper end opening is made of a rubber or synthetic resin material, the apparatus comprising a guide rail serving as a transport passage which transports the test tube while the plug body thereof is held at the upper side in a vertical state, an elevating mechanism provided at a punch position P in the middle of the guide rail, and an ultrasonic cutter which is supported by the elevating mechanism, and which is lowered when the test tube reaches the punch position, thereby punching a dispensing hole immediately before penetrating the plug body from a top face thereof.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection card comprises a specimen retaining panel, a rear panel, and a cover panel. There is an opening in the specimen retaining panel for retaining an absorbent insert which is to be impregnated with a biological specimen. The absorbent insert is exposed on both sides of the specimen retaining panel when the absorbent insert is retained in the opening. The rear panel is angularly spaced apart from the specimen retaining panel when the collection card is in an open configuration to facilitate drying of the biological specimen. The cover panel is movable between a first position and a second position. The collection card is in the open configuration when the cover panel is in the first position, and the collection card is in a closed configuration when the cover panel is in the second position. The cover panel covers the absorbent insert when the absorbent insert is retained in the opening and the collection card is in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic opening and closing of reaction vessels. It comprises a holding device for the non-rotatable holding of one or more reaction vessels, a gripper for the gripping of a lid for the reaction vessel, wherein the gripper has gripping jaws to take hold of the lid, and a holding arm with a rotating mechanism for rotatable holding of the gripper. The gripping jaws are arranged in such a way that, when the lid is inserted into the area between the gripping jaws, it is held by the latter through frictional contact, and the gripper has no active operating device for opening and closing the gripping jaws.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling microtomized tissue samples (1) which are arranged on an object carrier (2) and are provided with a machine-readable code (3), with a reader (4) serving to detect the information of the code (3) and a controller (5) serving to convert the information for handling purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.

Abstract: The invention provides a rack system containing an adapter for convenient application of small volumes of sample in a vessel to analysis.

Abstract: The device comprises reaction unit cuvettes for different types of tests, a vertical axis rotor which is associated with a rotation drive means and provided with a horizontal gear-teeth crown delimiting radially outwardly open cavities for receiving the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying the gear-teeth crown with the reaction unit cuvettes, a device for supplying cuvettes with analyzable biological liquid samples, stations arranged around the crown for carrying out measurements and/or analysis and an automation for managing the sequences of a desired process for each cuvette.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic injection-moulded part having an insert made of a material different from the plastic material is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing and positioning the insert in a cavity of an injection mould; (b) setting the clamping force of the injection mould on a clamping mechanism to a maximum force predetermined by the material of the insert; and (c) seamlessly encapsulating the insert with the plastic material of the plastic injection-moulded part inside the injection mould, wherein the encapsulating is seamless or complete.

Abstract: A cuvette holder for holding a plurality of reaction cuvettes is disclosed. The cuvette holder includes a body made by injection molding of a plastic material. The body extends along a circular segment and defines an array of chambers arranged along a circular segment, each of the chambers is for receiving, retaining and loosely holding the upper end portion of a reaction cuvette.

Abstract: A microchip processing apparatus processes a microchip with at least one main separation channel. The microchip processing apparatus includes a holding part configured to hold the microchip, a container containing a sample or a reagent, and a dispensing probe having a needle formed on a tip of the dispensing probe. The dispensing probe is actuated to be inserted into the container from above the container, to draw the sample or reagent, and to inject to a prescribed position on the held microchip. A dispensing probe driving mechanism moves the dispensing probe between prescribed positions of the microchip and the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sample preparation device for extracting drug residue. It comprises a case, in which a water bath, a vortex mixer, and a homogenizer are integrated. The case also has on it an integrated control panel for controlling heating temperature of the water bath and homogenization time of the homogenizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical reaction cartridge including an elastic body with which at least a portion of the chemical reaction cartridge is formed and a plurality of chambers and a flow path to connect the plurality of chambers, which contain solution inside, and the solution is moved or blocked in the chambers and the flow path by applying external force to the elastic body from outside, the elastic body is structured in at least two elastic body layers which are layered vertically and the plurality of chambers and the flow path are provided between an upper elastic body layer and a lower elastic body layer, and the elastic body is attached to a surface of a substrate made of hard material.

Abstract: Proposed is a zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, wherein the purity of the zirconium crucible is 99.99 wt % or higher. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, the present invention provides a zirconium crucible for melting an analytical sample, a method of preparing such analytical sample, and a method of analysis that enables the analysis of high purity materials by inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible regardless of difference in the analysts and their skill.

Abstract: A multiple cuvette strip comprises a plurality of wells and a reversible interlocking device. The well strips can be reversibly interlocked to other well strips to form a sample holder system. One embodiment of a well strip comprises a flange and a slot to form a reversible interlocking device.

Abstract: A reagent cup device 1 includes a plurality of individually sealed reagent cup compartments 7, each holding a reagent cup 8 having an open end and an inner surface, at least part of which is coated with a chemical reagent. Each reagent cup compartment 7 is closed and has a first end covered by a first breakable seal 5 and a second end covered by a second breakable seal 10. Since the reagent cup compartments 7 are individually sealed by the breakable seals 5, 10, it is possible to gain access to the interior of a reagent cup compartment 7, and thereby to the reagent cup 8 held therein, without breaking the sealing of the remaining reagent cup compartments 7. Thereby degradation of the chemical reagent in the reagent cups 8 is reduced, and the expected lifetime of the reagent cups 8 is accordingly increased. The breakable seals 5, 10 may be provided with weakened zones in order to easier break the seals 5, 10 when access is desired.

Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: A liquid applicator for applying a liquid sample to a liquid receiving surface is disclosed. The liquid applicator comprises a bibulous line to hold a first predetermined volume of liquid for application to a liquid receiving surface. A second predetermined volume less than or equal to the first predetermined volume is applied to the liquid receiving surface in a substantially uniform and consistent pattern. Systems and methods for using embodiments of the liquid applicators are also disclosed.