Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid extraction instrument including a base, an outer housing connected with the base, and an instrumental main body positioned inside the outer housing and mounted to the base; and the instrumental main body includes an electrical power pack, a main control device, a first motor set, a second motor set, and a third motor set.

Abstract: Samples in an array of containers are processed by mounting the containers on a sample stage, moving magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a first column of containers to apply a magnetic field, moving the magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a second column, and moving heater elements into proximity with the container bottoms of the first column. While the magnetic field is applied to the containers of the second column, heat energy may be applied to the containers of the first column. The process may be repeated for additional columns. The containers may also be shaken to agitate the samples. A single apparatus may perform heating, shaking, and magnetic field application, without needing to transport the containers to different stations.

Abstract: Urine analysis system that couples or integrates with a toilet. Wirelessly links to a computer, such as a user's mobile device to accept control inputs and report urine test results. Accepts user input to initiate testing and deploys a urine collector into the toilet bowl above the water to collect a urine sample. The collected urine sample is dispensed onto multiple regions of a test matrix that may perform many urine tests simultaneously. A single test matrix may include multiple types of tests, such as immunochromatography and colorimetric assays. An optical imaging system detects reaction of the urine with reagents integrated into the test matrix. Analysis of images may be performed locally or on a remote server. The system may store an inventory of test matrices to support daily testing for long durations, for example 6 months or more before refilling.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to conducting assays with an apparatus including a substantially transparent assay cartridge loaded with magnetic beads, and a magnet carrier base positioned below a scanning platform holding the assay cartridge. The assay cartridge includes magnetic beads, sample and control solutions in some wells, and assay reagents in others. A microcomputer controls a DC motor which controls movement of the magnet carrier base, and causes the magnetic beads to travel from one well to another. An electromagnetic coil-spring assembly induces mixing of well contents with the magnetic beads on actuation. The assay cartridge is authenticated by sending its encoding to a server or website, and assay instructions are provided remotely to the microcomputer. Following assay completion, the cartridge can have color change or other assay indication detected, and the results sent to the server or website or another recipient.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robot includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, the robot is controlled to hold at least one of a pipette and a container containing a liquid and to change a position of the pipette relative to the container so as to make a tip of the pipette contact a sediment in the container. In the second step, the robot is controlled to move the pipette in an upward direction from a predetermined position in the container with the tip of the pipette in contact with an inner side surface of the container.

Abstract: A method for processing a specimen includes controlling a robot to open a lid of a composite container. The composite container includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first opening. The second container includes an insertion portion, a protrusion portion, and a second opening. The insertion portion is insertable into the first container through the first opening. The protrusion portion is protrudable through the first opening. The second opening is disposed on the protrusion portion and coverable by the lid. After the lid has been opened, the robot is controlled to take the second container out of the first container. After the second container has been taken out of the first container, the robot is controlled to cover the first opening using the lid.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and mold apparatuses for forming devices facilitate consumption of a plurality of liquids by a user, such as a first liquid followed by a second liquid. In some cases, the first liquid is a relatively harsh liquid and the second liquid is a relatively mild liquid.

Abstract: A sampling system is provided. The sampling system includes a housing. Mounted to the housing is a Hall effect sensor. A probe configured to contact a sample is inserted into the housing. The probe includes an elongated portion and a restorative spring inserted onto the elongated portion of the probe. The restorative spring provides sufficient restorative force to return the probe to a relaxed position. The Hall effect sensor is configured to sense a field strength generated by the proximity of the restorative spring of the probe in the extended position.

Abstract: A multiwell assembly includes a microplate and a cover. The microplate includes a set of wells. Each well defines an opening. The cover includes a body and a shutter. The body of the cover is disposed over the microplate. The shutter is mounted to the body such that the shutter is movable over a range of travel between a first position, in which the shutter occludes the openings of the set of wells, and a second position, in which the shutter is in offset relationship to the openings of the set of wells to permit access to the set of wells through the respective openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: a pipetting chamber; a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber; a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including: at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction; and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track; and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: Covers for microwells, the covers comprising open portions to allow a pipette access to one or more wells and impermeable portions which prevent the liquids from getting into wells shielded by the impermeable portion. The open portions and impermeable portions are preferably arranged and sized to align with alternating rows of wells in a particular microplate. Preferred covers are movably positioned on the microplate and comprise alignment adjusting members for adjusting the alignment of the cover with a microplate. Automated dispensing apparatus for use with microplates and microwell covers comprises a programmable controller, and suitable interfaces which allow the apparatus to be programmed, and which control a dispensing head such that pipettes are moved in the desired manner in order to take advantage of the protective features of the microwell covers. The apparatus also preferably comprises at least one transfer mechanism for moving a cover relative to a microplate at a dispensing station.

Abstract: A method is described for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer by providing at least one reagent and at least one solid consumable from a supply module which is docked to the analyzer, followed by undocking the supply module from the analyzer and removing it therefrom. Also described is a respective system and a supply module for supplying consumables to an automated analyzer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides automatic analyzers and reagent wheels thereof. The reagent wheel can have one or more rings of reagent bottle seats that may be used for placing a reagent container and distributed along a circumferential direction. An included angle may be formed between a symmetrical centerline of the reagent container placed on the reagent bottle seat and a radius of a circle where the reagent wheel is located, where the included angle is not equal to zero. Compared with the situation in which the symmetrical centerline of the reagent container overlaps with the radius of the circle where the reagent wheel is located, an improved balance can be achieved between the capacity and the diametric size of the reagent wheel, thus making an improvement in meeting application requirements of the analyzers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are automated systems for performing various biochemical and molecular biological procedures, including processor-controlled execution of protocols involving multiple steps performed in, on, or with liquid microdroplets. Example protocols are the various Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols, but the subject systems are not limited to performing PCR protocols. Formation of a microdroplet of the sample for use in the described systems is achieved by bringing an amount of the sample into contact with a hydrophobic milieu, such as a superhydrophobic surface or hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing a liquid sample. A micro-fluidic device to perform an assay of a liquid sample is described that includes a sample application site and a vent outlet in fluid communication with the capillary channel. A cap is provided that is configured to seal both the vent outlet and the sample application site in a shared volume and separate from an outside environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample processing system and method for processing biological samples, comprising a sample processing device having: a receiving plate, which is arranged substantially horizontally in a plane; a first and second working arm, which can move relative to the receiving plate and extend substantially parallel to each other in a second direction (Y) over the receiving plate; at least one pipetting device mounted on the first working arm, which is movable in a second direction (Y) and in a third direction (Z) orthogonal in relation to the first and second direction (X, Y); at least one gripping device, mounted on the second working arm, with grippers that can be rotated around a gripper axis of rotation (GA) parallel to the third direction (Z); and a control device for controlling the pipetting device and the gripping device.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: a pipetting chamber; a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber; a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including: at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction; and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track; and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluidics devices and assemblies allowing for fluid flow between a plurality of wells. The fluidics devices and assemblies that are provided mimic in vivo tissue environments by allowing for initially segregated tissue cultures that can then be linked through fluid flow to measure integrated tissue response. The devices and assemblies provide a pumpless system using surface tension, gravity, and channel geometries. By linking human tissue functional systems to better simulate in vivo feedback and response signals between the tissues, the need for testing in animals can be minimized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a packaging cassette for reagent carriers, which is characterized by a base housing containing connected adjacent compartments for reagent carriers, wherein the compartments are separated from one another by partitions and are opened individually, each compartment having its own sealing cover which enables the compartment to be re-sealed.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a cap for obtaining a target analyte from a suspension. The cap introduces a magnetic field or a magnetic gradient to the tube to draw the target analyte bound to a particle to the cap. In one aspect, a cap includes a magnetic insert and a receiving piece. The magnetic insert includes a stopper and a magnet extending from the stopper; and, the receiving piece, which is configured to hold the magnetic insert, includes a receiving stopper and a sheath. The sheath may include imaging slides on opposite sides of the sheath. In another aspect, the cap may include a stopper and an embedded magnet. The cap may include an analysis piece on a bottom end of the stopper. In yet another aspect, the cap may include a fluid compartment and a filter at a bottom end of the stopper.

Abstract: A specimen holder is configured to hold, during a sample preparation procedure carried out using first and second sample preparation apparatuses, a semiconductor device to be analyzed using an electron microscope. The specimen holder includes a holding portion having a support configured to support the semiconductor device; and a supporting portion configured to releasable support the holding portion. The supporting portion includes an engaging element configured to couple the specimen holder into the first and second sample preparation apparatuses during the sample preparation procedure, and a guide configured to enable the holding portion to slide within the guide and vary a position of the holding portion with respect to the supporting portion.

Abstract: A closure system for a holder for a reaction vessel in an automatic analysis apparatus includes a lid secured movably on a retainer element, wherein the lid closes an opening of the holder in a closed position and opens the opening of the holder in an open position. The closure system further includes a restoring element configured to, depending on the position of the lid, exert a restoring force in the direction of the closed position or of the open position.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the use of a consumable in a disposable design in multiple analyzers is disclosed. The method provides a disposable consumable; uses the consumable as intended during operation of the first analyzer; and collects usage-relevant information for the consumable concerning the intended use of the consumable during operation of the first analyzer. Usage-relevant data derived from the usage-relevant information is stored in a memory unit assigned to the consumable. The consumable may be removed and again provided in the first or second analyzer. The first or second analyzer partially reads the usage-relevant data from the memory unit, evaluates the usage-relevant data, and derives control signals concerning the permissibility and/or type of a further intended use of the consumable during operation of the analyzer as a reaction to the evaluation of the read usage-relevant data.

Abstract: The pipetting method is directed to mounting and ejecting a disposable pipette tip. The pipetting system has one or more tip mounting shafts with an upper locking section and a lower sealing section. The upper locking section has outwardly extending lobes spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member. The lower sealing section on the tip mounting shaft is located below the stop. As the mounting shaft is inserted into the collar of the disposable pipette, the collar distorts out of round and engages the lobes on the upper locking section of the tip mounting shaft. Contemporaneously, the lower sealing section of the mounting shaft seals against the barrel of the disposable pipette tip.

Abstract: Described are pipetting systems that automatically track the dispensing and extracting of reagents to and from arrays of well locations. The systems track the position of a pipette with respect to the well locations, and selectively illuminate those locations to indicate the progress of pipetting operations. Control logic can shepherd pipetting processes, indicating errors and guiding the user.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding and ejecting fluid test strips and a test-strip metering device for use with such a cartridge. The cartridge holds the test strips in a sheet-like configuration. The metering device is able to extract test strips from the cartridge in response to an actuation of a single user-interface element. The metering device may test the fluids as each is extracted.

Abstract: A device (1, 100) for separating a membrane (81, 91) to analyze from a support (83, 93), the membrane being mounted in a frame (82, 92), itself mounted on a support, having a body (10) comprising a longitudinal recess (11, 110, 120) for translational reception of the assembly constituted by the frame mounted on the support, the recess having a first end (12) and a second end (13) and longitudinal sides (14A, 14B, 111, 121) facing each other between said two ends, the device having bearing means (30, 112, 122) for a first member of the frame/support group between the first and the second end of the recess, which are adapted to serve as a bearing for the first member of the frame/support group once the assembly is disposed in the recess, each of the sides having a ramp (15A, 15B, 112, 122) adapted to engage a gripping member (84, 73) of the second member of the frame/support group when the assembly is translationally moved from the first to the second end, said ramps being adapted to separate the support from t

Abstract: A vessel holder assembly is provided. A vessel holder, for receiving one or more vessels, includes a first set of attachment features. A cap assembly, for covering the vessel(s) includes a second set of attachment features. Respective attachment features of the vessel holder and the cap assembly may be complementary, such that engagement between complementary attachment members results in an attachment between the cap assembly and the vessel holder. Such an attachment may be manually removable, or may be locked so as to require a tool, or other suitable method, for detaching the cap assembly from the vessel holder.

Abstract: A specimen transport apparatus according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a cup-like specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position, a chain member disposed along a predetermined transport path, and a supporting portion provided in a predetermined position on the chain member and configured to support the holder.

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: An adapter for use with a hand-held electronic device for use in detecting the optical properties of a sample. The adapter includes a backing plate having an integral surface that secures the adapter to the electronic device. The adapter also includes a sample housing having a sample holder and a cap. The sample holder is configured to receive the placement of a sample and/or a sample vessel. The backing plate includes an orifice that allows the passage of light from the sample to the detector of the electronic device. The backing plate may also include another orifice that allows for light emitted from an emitter of the electronic device to enter into the sample holder. The sample holder may also include reflective surfaces that direct light to/from the sample as well as filters that filter the wavelength of light sent to sample and/or detected by the detector.

Abstract: A microplate stacker capable of removing and replacing standard microplate lids by separating a microplate from a lid located directly above the microplate in a stack of microplates and lids.

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 relates to a holder for at least one capture device (30) for collecting microdissected specimens, having a holding element (2) in which the at least one capture device (30) is to be arranged, the holding element (2) being transferable into a working position in order to collect microdissected specimens, the holding element (2) being mounted by way of at least two levers (3a, 3b) in a frame (1) of the holder (40), and being vertically displaceable relative to said frame (1) by way of a displacement of the levers (3a, 3b).

Abstract: A device for conducting an agglutination assay comprising several reaction vessels, each reaction vessel comprising an upper chamber having an opening for accepting reactants and/or a sample; and a lower chamber comprising an end in communication with the upper chamber for receiving fluids from the upper chamber, a closed end opposite to the end, and a matrix for separating agglutinates from non-agglutinates; wherein the device further comprises a rotating support able to rotate around an axis and holding pivotally the reaction vessels in a way to allow the reaction vessels to pivot about an axis essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support when the latter is rotated, such that the fluids remain in the upper chamber when the support is not rotated, and can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and into the matrix when the support is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable digital reader for urinalysis. The portable digital reader for reading an analysis target chip including a plurality of test areas, comprises: a main body including a light emitting section having light emitting elements for radiating light, an integral optical splitter for uniformly distributing the light from the light emitting section to each test area of the analysis target chip, a light receiving section for receiving light reflected from the each test area so as to convert the same to electric signals, and a measuring section for measuring concentration according to the electric signals obtained from the light receiving section; a main supporting body having the analysis target chip and assembled with the main body; and an auxiliary supporting body assembled between the analysis target chip and the main supporting body, including a groove for assembling the analysis target chip, and assembled with the main supporting body to be exchanged after use.

Abstract: A liquid specimen collecting and testing device has two chambers, a first for collecting a liquid specimen and a second for exposing a measured volume preliminary screening aliquot of the specimen to preliminary screening test strips. The first chamber has a catch basin of defined volume which is less than the sample volume. The basin is simultaneously sealed from the rest of the first chamber, thus separating and apportioning the measured volume preliminary screening aliquot from the collected volume. Simultaneously, an opening made leading from the basin to the second chamber initiating the preliminary screening test. Thus intermingling of a preliminary screening aliquot and a remainder aliquot is avoided.

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: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a container tray in which a position and orientation of a container is hardly displaced from a predetermined position and orientation; a tray base used together with the container tray; and an observation unit. The container tray 8 includes a mounting plate 81 having a mounting surface 811 on which the container is to be mounted, an elastic body 82, and a biasing mechanism 83, 842. The elastic body 82 is arranged on the mounting surface 811 of the mounting plate 81 around a mounting region R where the container is to be mounted. The biasing mechanism 83, 842 is capable of switching states between a biased state in which the elastic body 82 is biased inward by applying a pressing force to the elastic body 82 from outside and a bias released state in which the bias on the elastic body 82 is released.

Abstract: A microwell device is provided. The device includes a plate having a upper surface. The upper surface has first and second recesses formed therein. Each recess has an outer periphery. First and second portions of microwells are formed in upper surface of the plate. The first portion of microwells are spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess and the second portion of microwells spaced about the outer periphery of the first recess. A first barrier is about a first portions of the microwells for fluidicly isolating the first portion of the microwells and a second barrier about a second portions of microwells for fluidicly isolating the second portion of the microwells.

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: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.

Abstract: The method involves placing an oocyte cell in a cell holder (1), securing the cell holder in a treatment station, applying a treatment solution to the cell by washing the cell with the solution, and rapidly cooling the cell holder and cell to a predetermined cryopreservation temperature for cryopreservation of the cell. The cell is cooled at a high rate sufficient to permit vitrification of the cell and any surrounding treatment solution to occur. The cell is then maintained at or below a predetermined storage temperature for storage. The method allows multiple cells to be treated simultaneously each secured within a respective cell holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples for chemical analysis includes a container receptacle for receiving a sample container having a crucible portion and an expansion portion. The container receptacle includes a heating compartment and a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment. The heating compartment is shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment is shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container. The apparatus also includes a heating mechanism for heating the sample within the crucible portion of the sample container, a first cooling mechanism for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container, and a second cooling mechanism for cooling the crucible portion of the sample container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rack for holding sample vials comprising: (i) a solid base; (ii) an upwardly extending wall around the perimeter of said base; (iii) a plurality of means for supporting a plurality of vials, each means for supporting one vial; and (iv) a means for draining liquid from said rack.

Abstract: A tissue handling device is disclosed. A tissue collecting device is disclosed. A cassette for handling biological tissues is disclosed. A tissue dyeing device is disclosed. A method for handling biological tissues is disclosed. A method for dyeing biological tissues is disclosed.

Abstract: A sample vial [24] is disclosed, having a generally tubular body [32]. The vial [24] has a generally round lip [34] defining an opening [36] at the top of the body [32]. The vial [24] has a foot [38] at the base of the body [32], having asymmetric first and second sides [40, 42]. A rack [28] is disclosed for supporting such a sample vial [24]. The rack [28] supports the sample vial [24] in a generally upright position in a single orientation. The rack [28] has an asymmetric recess [50] adapted to receive the asymmetric foot [38] in a single orientation. The rack [28] also has an orientation abutment [82] adapted to interfere with a projecting abutment [46] of a vial [24] to prevent insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in an orientation other than the single orientation. The orientation abutment [82] also allows insertion of a vial [24] into the asymmetric recess [50] in the single orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for collecting a biological sample comprising a container having at least one open end, a closure fitting on or in said at least one open end, a holding element connected to said closure and a solid matrix on which said biological sample is deposited, and optionally at least one processing agent, wherein said solid matrix is at least partially transferable into a liquid or dissolved state by changing at least one physico-chemical property of the environment of said matrix without disintegration of the biomolecules comprised in said biological sample deposited on said matrix.