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: An article suitable for conducting one or more assays with an apparatus, e.g., a meter, for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample of biological fluid. The article contains a plurality of biosensors arranged in such a manner that each of the biosensors can be utilized before the article must be removed from the apparatus.

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 the

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 analytical chip and analyzer are disclosed. The analytical chip comprises a substrate and reaction cells that are formed in the substrate for receiving a sample collected from a living body. A reagent storage portion is used to store reagents to be supplied to the reaction cells. Flow paths are provided to connect the reaction cells to the reagent storage portions, thereby allowing the reagents stored in the reagent storage portions to flow into the reaction cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a composition comprising a block polymer as a support matrix in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, such as cells and fluorescent beads. In a preferred embodiment, the composition exhibits gel-sol thermoreversibility, micelle formation under gelling conditions, optically compatible, controllable surfactant properties, molecular sieving properties and biocompatibility. Further aspects of the invention provide (a) a support matrix composition comprising a block polymer, fluorescent beads and/or a dye for use in the manipulation, processing or analysis of particles, (b) a multichamber plate coated in a support matrix composition and (c) kits for producing the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods of sample (1) and staining processing including compression and dynamic movement of liquids (3) in a fluidically moving substantially contained liquid bridge (6) perhaps between a hydrophobic wand (4) and a hydrophilic sample support element (2). Embodiments may include low volume reagent and perhaps even low volume buffer wash in sample processing. In addition, antibodies can be conjugated with nanoparticles (64) and can be used in sample processing. Exposing a sample with or without movement to AC, DC, or even a permanent magnet field may improve staining. Staining with nanoparticle reagents could be quantified using a microscope with a magnetometer below the slide viewing area. The detection of nanoparticles attached to the chemistry may facilitate the quantification of cancerous cells stained in the tissue.

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: The present invention provides an innovative means for efficient and secure component assembly and for ensuring secure electrical connections in a small diagnostics device where available space for fasteners is limited. In one embodiment, principles of leverage are employed to produce a force at a location where space is available. The force is transferred to a different location of the assembly where it is used to maintain secure connections between components.

Abstract: An apparatus intended for evaluation, preservation and perfusion of an organ, such as a lung. The apparatus includes a container with a bottom portion, an insert portion and a lid portion. A pulmonary artery tube is intended to be connected to the lung pulmonary artery and a trachea tube is intended to be connected to the trachea of the lungs and bent tube connects the pulmonary artery tube to a circuit for providing a fluid to the pulmonary artery is provided. The circuit includes a pump, an oxygenator, an optional leukocyte-filter, and a holder for connecting the trachea tube to a source of respiration. There is an oxygenator tube set and a leukocyte-filter tube set. A supporting structure for the container comprises a recess sized for enclosing said container and a display panel. Moreover, there are two handles, which may be unfolded into a position for supporting a sterile cloth.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to support units for mounting a cell cultivation liquid storage unit which can be connected to a balance, a cell cultivation apparatus using such a support unit, and the use of such a support unit in a method for the cultivation of cells.

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: Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).

Abstract: A microwell including a plurality of MRI-readable indicia. The indicia indicate the identification or location of at least one predefined well or a plurality of wells. The indicia are selected from a mark, figure, number, text, code, barcode, readable texture or indication thereof.

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 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: A reciprocating film type evaporator for solvents and other chemicals which eliminates the need for a large powerful motor, and other associated equipment such as rotary gaskets, by using reciprocation, versus 360 degree rotation.

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: 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: 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: A device for treatment of exhaust gases includes a housing, a fragile structure resiliently mounted within the housing, and a non-intumescent mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile structure. The mounting mat includes a plurality of inorganic fibers that have undergone a surface treatment to increase the holding force performance of the mounting mat. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to sample presentation devices useful in performing analytical measurements. These devices have been configured to enable various aspects of liquid handling such as: retention, storage, transport, concentration, positioning, and transfer. Additionally, these devices can enhance the detection and characterization of analytes. The sample presentation devices of the present invention are comprised of one or more substrates having a plurality of zones of differing wettability. Methods of analyzing samples using the sample presentation device of the invention, as well as methods of making the sample presentation devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The microfluidic system is constituted of modules that comprise one microfluidic unit and one corresponding electric control unit each and that are retained on a rear panel unit next to each other in a row. To prevent the formation of accumulation of ignitable or toxic gas mixtures a fluid conduit for a rinsing fluid extends through the rear panel unit. Branches lead from said fluid conduit to the modules, and said branches flowing into respective distributor compartments that extend vertically across the module height in the modules. Said distributor compartments are delimited in relation to the interior of the respective module by a distributor panel that is provide with openings. The interior of the respective module comprises, on its lower or rear surface, an exit opening for the rinsing fluid.

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: A diagnostic device comprising a sample inlet and a processing chamber having a window portion and a flat carrier having front surface, a back surface and one or more side surfaces, said front surface facing said processing chamber, said front surface having an active surface containing a diagnostic reagent immobilized to said active front surface and an extended front surface, wherein said window portion further contains a rim portion facing said extended front surface sealing said chamber versus said carrier through said extended front surface.