Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for ejecting droplets using charge concentration and liquid bridge breakup. The droplet ejection apparatus includes a reservoir storing a liquid; a capillary nozzle having a lower end submerged in the liquid stored in the reservoir and an upper end exposed outside the surface of the liquid, the capillary nozzle transferring the liquid to the upper end using capillary force; a potentiostat for applying a voltage to the liquid; a substrate mount on which a substrate is disposed to face the upper end of the capillary nozzle; and a distance adjusting unit for reciprocatingly moving the substrate between first and second positions with respect to the capillary nozzle, wherein the first position denotes a position where a distance between the upper end of the capillary nozzle and the surface of the substrate is less than a effective distance.

Abstract: A fluid property measurement system for measuring free stream particulates includes a fluid movement device positioned within a fluid container which is configured to cause fluid flow within the fluid container along a fluid flow path when a fluid is present. A constricted region along the fluid flow path generates a region of concentrated streamlined flow within the constricted region and mixing of the fluid outside of the constricted region. A property measuring device is positioned with respect to the constricted region to measure fluid properties in the region of streamlined flow.

Abstract: The system and method of the present application is a microfluidic array system for biological, chemical and biochemical assessments including a microfluidic chip for reaction assays, wherein the microfluidic chip includes a control layer and a fluidic layer, wherein the control layer is pressurized through pneumatic or hydraulic means in order to control the flow of the reagents in the fluidic layer. The system and method of the present application further includes a method of fabricating such a microfluidic chip, and further a method for operating the same. Lastly, the system and method of the present application further includes a system for operating and analyzing the microfluidic array including a pressure source, a fluidic source, a biochip reader, and a processor configured to control the same.

Abstract: A fluid sample transport device with reduced dead volume for processing, controlling and/or detecting a fluid sample, includes a substrate having an upper surface with at least one processing, controlling and/or detecting element. At least one flexible membrane is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate. The fluid sample transport device further includes at least one plunger and/or actuating element for actuating an up and/or down movement of the flexible membrane to cause a fluid flow and/or to stop a fluid flow. A cover plate is arranged on the upper outer surface or lower outer surface of the flexible membrane. The cover plate includes at least one through going hole and/or cut-out for receiving a plunger and/or actuating element, so that movement of the plunger and/or actuating element causes a pump and/or valve action of the adjacent arranged flexible membrane area to cause a fluid flow in a channel temporally formed by expansion of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a quality inspection method for obtaining a specifying factor which can more reliably indicate powder characteristics of a core material for an electrophotographic ferrite carrier. The method includes measuring an impedance of the core material for the electrophotographic ferrite carrier to obtain a Cole-Cole plot in which a real number impedance is arranged in an X-axis and an imaginary number impedance is arranged in a Y-axis, and evaluating characteristics of particles of the core material for the electrophotographic ferrite carrier using the Cole-Cole plot.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reagent coating mass which can be used in slot-die-coating of flat support materials in the manufacturing processes of test strips. Advantageously, the reagent mass of the invention exhibits certain superior rheological properties such as viscosity, surface tension and thixotropy. The reagent mass is preferably used to coat thin, narrow and homogeneous stripes of reagent material onto flat web material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a disk type microfluidic device including a data area arranged thereon, and a blood testing apparatus having an information reading device for reading the data area of the disk type microfluidic device. The disk type microfluidic device includes a disk type body having a predetermined thickness, a plurality of chambers provided in the body to store a buffer or reaction solution, at least one channel to connect the plurality of chambers to one another, and a data area provided at a cylindrical portion of the body.

Abstract: A method for loading a sample for imaging by an optical tomography system. A sample volume including at least one microscopic sample and a viscous fluid is coaxially loaded into a sample delivery tube. The sample volume is impelled through a focus cell into a capillary tube, where the capillary tube has a smaller crossectional area than the sample delivery tube, so that a reduced volume of the at least one microscopic sample and viscous fluid is constrained to a central region within the capillary tube.

Abstract: An analyzer system has an instrument holder that can hold at least two instruments and is movable along a vertical guide. At least one washing device is provided for the instruments, with one or more jet orifices fed by a supply conduit to spray wash fluid at the instruments. The washing device comprises one or more wash rings surrounding the instruments. The washing device is separate from and movable in relation to the instrument holder, and the one or more jet orifices are aimed at the instruments positioned inside the one or more wash rings.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for sampling a high-temperature gaseous process stream containing components with high boiling points. The sampling system is especially suited for instruments having extremely low pressure chambers, such as mass spectrometers. The invention reduces the condensation of high boiling point components of the sample in the sampling system without the necessity of maintaining extremely high temperatures. The gaseous sample is passed through an orifice from the high temperature stream into a lower-temperature zone of the sampling system where a low pressure is maintained by a vacuum pump. The low pressure reduces the boiling point of the sample components so they may be maintained in a gas phase without excessive heating. The low pressure sample is then introduced into an instrument chamber through a sample introduction valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and a related method for performing particle agglutination reactions in a single, disposable probe tip are disclosed. The probe tip includes a sample cavity for sample acquisition, at least one flanking cavity for the capture of particles by centrifugation or other means, a transition zone for the mixing of the sample with reagents for agglutination and a detection zone for the optical detection of particle agglutination. A mechanism may be attached to the probe tip for the controlled movement of fluids through the internal volume of the probe tip. The probe tip is particularly useful for the automation of high-throughput agglutination-type assays.

Abstract: Especially in order to carry out the so-called enzyme-coupled DNA hybridization test in a closed cartridge including a microfluid system, using stored dry reagents, the reagents must be dissolved in the microfluid system and transported into the measuring chamber directly before the measurement. During the dissolution of the reagents in water, air cushions that cannot reach the measuring chamber must absolutely be prevented from forming upstream of the reagent liquid. According to an embodiment of the invention, the liquid measuring sample and the liquid reagents are transported in such a way that the air cushion is directed into the waste line and the measuring sample and the reagents are then introduced into the measuring chamber without any air bubbles. In this way, measuring errors can be avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in a reaction cell. The reaction cell is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.

Abstract: An integrated bio-analysis system incorporates built-in sample preparation capabilities. In one aspect of the present invention, a bio-analysis instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation device based on PCR (or thermal cycling block/module). In one embodiment of the present invention, a peltier unit in the sample preparation device provides thermal cycling of samples supported in a multi-well tray. In another aspect of the present invention, a CE instrument is provided with a built-in sample preparation capability, which may comprise a sample preparation (bio-molecular reaction) device based on thermal cycler type. In another aspect of the present invention, a PCR device is provided with a built-in analysis device, such as a CE device, for verifying the results of the PCR (bio-molecular reaction) process.

Abstract: A method for handling samples in a microfluidic system is described. The microfluidic system includes an injection channel fluidically coupled to an injection point adapted for injecting an amount of fluid, a first sample well containing a first sample, the first sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel, and a second sample well containing a second sample, the second sample well being fluidically coupled with the injection channel. The method includes moving the second sample from the second sample well towards the first sample well.

Abstract: A blood analyzer has a light emitter for emitting light to an analysis sample which is a mixture of a blood specimen and a reagent. It also has a light receiver for receiving light of a plurality of wavelengths from the analysis sample over time, and for acquiring data of the amount of the received light corresponding to each of the wavelengths at a plurality of points of time. A selector selects the data corresponding to one of the wavelengths, based on the change of the amount of received light over time in the data acquired by the light receiver. An analysis section analyzes a characteristic of the blood specimen using the data which are selected by the selector. A blood analyzing method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution introducing structure for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel (1) of a micro fluidic device, said channel (1) comprising not less than three side channels (2) for drain and not less than two side channels (3) for introducing a sample or a reagent solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet microactuator system. According to one embodiment, the droplet microactuator system includes: (a) a droplet microactuator configured to conduct droplet operations; (b) a magnetic field source arranged to immobilize magnetically responsive beads in a droplet during droplet operations; (c) a sensor configured in a sensing relationship with the droplet microactuator, such that the sensor is capable of sensing a signal from and/or a property of one or more droplets on the droplet microactuator; and (d) one or more processors electronically coupled to the droplet microactuator and programmed to control electrowetting-mediated droplet operations on the droplet actuator and process electronic signals from the sensor.

Abstract: A test apparatus is disclosed for measuring a component. The test apparatus maintains the amount of a specimen to be used for a reaction with a reagent at a constant value by allowing all of a fluid specimen to be measured and thus improves the accuracy and reproducibility of a test. The test apparatus includes a solution storage unit capable of holding a solution beforehand or allowing a solution to be filled therein, a capillary having a first end part and a second end part for storing the fluid specimen, and a test piece for measuring the component to be measured in the specimen. The solution storage unit and the second end part of the capillary are communicable with each other, and the first end part of the capillary is placed so as to be in contact with the test piece.

Abstract: A testing microchip includes a specimen storage section; a reagent storage section; a reaction section; a testing section for a test of a reaction product obtained from the reaction; a liquid feed control section; and a gas bubble trapping structure. The sections are connected continuously by a series of flow channels. The liquid feed control section stops passing of liquid until a liquid feeding pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, and passes the liquid when the liquid feeding pressure becomes higher than the predetermined pressure; and the gas bubble trapping structure traps a gas bubble in the liquid that flows in the flow channel so that the gas bubble does not flow to the downstream side and only the liquid passes to the downstream side. A testing apparatus that performs testing in the testing section of the testing microchip, wherein the testing microchip is attachably and detachably mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is for analyzing a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent have been reacted. The automatic analyzer includes a dispensing system, a detector, and a determiner. The dispensing system includes a dispensing nozzle by which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed; and a dispensing pipe connected to the dispensing nozzle and filled with a cleaning liquid. The dispensing nozzle is cleaned with the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The detector detects a discharge amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the dispensing nozzle. The determiner determines whether the detected discharge amount of the cleaning liquid is over a predetermined value which is less than a pre-set discharge amount of the cleaning liquid. The determiner determines that the dispensing is abnormal if the detected discharge amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for determining fluid movement, fluid dilution and fluid removal are described. Methods for using semiconductor nanocrystals for monitoring and quantifying the amounts of solid materials dissolved in a liquid are also described.

Abstract: A sample processing cartridge may include a plurality of segments arranged in an array at least two rows long and two columns wide. Each segment may be defined by at least one wall of the sample cartridge, fluidly isolated from adjacent segments at least in part by at least one breakable seal or by at least one permanent seal, so expandable as to receive a volume of fluid expelled from another segment, and so compressible as to contain substantially no fluid when so compressed. At least two adjacent segments of at least one row of the array may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the row and have substantially the same height along a latitudinal axis of the row. At least two adjacent segments in at least one row may be separated by a permanent seal to form at least two tracks. At least one segment, or at least two adjacent segments separated by a breakable seal, may be in fluid communication with the at least two tracks. At least one segment may contain at least one reagent.

Abstract: A detecting strip reader with a removable firmware device, comprising a detecting strip reader and a firmware device. The firmware device comprises a first electrical connecting end, a database module, and an operation module, the firmware device being removably electrically connected to a second electrical connecting end in the detecting strip reader via the first electrical connecting end, wherein the characteristic of detecting strip reader is in that: a plurality of light reaction equations of detecting strips are saved in the database module, and when the first electrical connecting end of the firmware device receives an input signal from the second connecting end, the operation module selects one specific light reaction equation from the plurality of light reaction equations saved in the database module and performs the operation of the specific light reaction equation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catalyzing a reaction on a substrate (24) comprising, a light source (12), a micromirror (16) positioned to redirect light (14) from the light source (12) toward a substrate (24) wherein the redirected light (14) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24), is disclosed. A computer (18) is connected to, and controls, the positioning of mirrors within the micromirror (16) to specifically redirect light to specific portions of a substrate. The substrate (24) can be placed in a reaction chamber (50), wherein the light (14) that is redirected by the micromirror (16) catalyzes a chemical reaction proximate a substrate (24).

Abstract: The fluidic system with an unclogging feature of the preferred embodiment includes a flow channel, a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The pump and controller cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the pump if the flow channel is clogged. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for purifying and isolating nucleic acid. The system uses one or more automated stations to perform steps of the method, including loading a sample onto a solid support in a processing container, purifying the sample, and isolating nucleic acid from the sample. A pump or vacuum may be used in the apparatus of the present invention for supplying fluids to the sample. A pump, vacuum or centrifuge may be used to separate impurities from the sample or to separate nucleic acid from the solid support. Exemplary solid supports and sample processing containers are disclosed.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for characterizing particles suspended in a liquid, especially a self-contained disposable cartridge for single-use analysis, such as for single-use analysis of a small quantity of whole blood. The self-contained disposable cartridge facilitates a straightforward testing procedure, which can be performed by most people without any particular education. Furthermore, the apparatus used to perform the test on the cartridge is simple, maintenance free, and portable.

Abstract: A system, device and method for detection of several individual analytes in a test solution aliquot (83) with an array of individually operated piezoelectric crystal microbalances are described. The system comprises a connecting station (100) that receives a plurality of individually specific piezoelectric crystal microbalance flow-trough cells (10), each containing a piezoelectric crystal (50) carrying electrodes (56,62) and a coating (66,46) exposing a first member of an interaction pair specific for an individual analyte being a second member of the interaction pair. Flowing means (70) flows a solution (75) and the test solution aliquot (83) to and through a cell compartment of each of the cells (10) via the connecting station (100). Power and measurement means (130) oscillate the piezoelectric crystal(s) (50). A change in oscillating characteristics of the crystal(s) (50), following interaction between the first and second members of the interaction pair, detects presence of the individual analyte(s).

Abstract: A new reaction apparatus including a capillary having an inner surface to which a probe molecule that specifically binds to an analyte is immobilized, allowing a short throughput time for completing the binding reaction, and achieving a highly efficient reaction using a small amount of a sample and a process of the reaction are provided. The reaction apparatus includes a capillary having an inner surface to which a probe molecule that specifically binds to an analyte is immobilized; a columnar magnetic body that is disposed in a fluid containing the analyte in the state that the fluid is placed in the capillary; end-fixing means for fixing one end of the columnar magnetic body in the capillary by a DC magnetic field; and end-moving means for moving the other end of the columnar magnetic body by an AC magnetic field so as to transfer the fluid.

Abstract: A device for analysis used for transferring a solution to a measurement spot 38 by a centrifugal force and reading in which a reaction liquid located at the measurement spot 38 is optically accessed. An operation cavity 30 and a receiving cavity 32 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transfer. The operation cavity 30 and the receiving cavity 32 communicate with each other via a connection section 59 to transfer the solution of the operation cavity 30 to the receiving cavity 32. The connection section 59 is located inside the liquid level of a diluted solution retained in the operation cavity 30, relative to a rotation axis 102.

Abstract: An integrated device which combines automated liquid handling, rapid planar binding assay format, reservoir of assay devices, automated package opening device and automated reader for obtaining assay results, with an optimized means for data analysis, storage and management, is described.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a component of interest, such as a protein, in a microfluidic system are provided. The methods include the use of a component-binding moiety specific to the component of interest, such as an antibody, to detect the component of interest. Also included are microfluidic devices and integrated systems for performing such assays, including devices utilizing flowable or fixed particle sets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing bioprocess fluids are provided. A plurality of particles coated with a plurality of capture agents having an affinity for one or more biological markers is combined with bioprocess fluid to form a plurality of analyte-particle complexes. The system also includes a transport arrangement for transporting the sample to a sensor surface, and optionally a magnetic field inducing structure constructed and arranged to establish a magnetic field at and adjacent to the sensor surface. The resonant sensor produces a signal corresponding to an amount of analyte-particle complexes that are bound to the sensor surface.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for performing a test on the reagent includes a fill port formed on the chip to inject the reagent into at least one of the channels, one or more heating portions for performing a test on the reagent injected into the channel, and a micropump. An inside of the micropump and a vicinity of the channel connecting to an inlet and an outlet of the micropump are filled with a drive solution that is driven by the micropump, a gas is sealed between the reagent and the drive solution in the channel to prevent the reagent from contacting the drive solution directly, and the micropump directly drives the drive solution in the forward and backward directions, so that the reagent is repeatedly moved to the test portions through the gas in an indirect manner or is repeatedly passed through the test portions through the gas.

Abstract: Condensation of water from a gas, such as from atmospheric air or other nearby ambient gas, is provided for use in a variety of jetting devices, such as lab-on-a-chip applications. Further embodiments involve the use of frozen liquids, not limited to frozen condensed water, and microcooling of fluidic components or working materials for improved process control and reliability.

Abstract: An assay apparatus comprising: i) an assay cartridge (52, 53) comprising at least one well (57-62) and a pipette (50) positionable in at least one said well; ii) a holder arranged to receive said cartridge; iii) drive means operable to position said pipette in selected wells of said cartridge; iv) a gas pressure applicator couplable to said pipette whereby to cause liquid flow through said membrane; and v) a radiation detector operable to detect radiation from a well of said cartridge or from said pipette.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of using controlled fluidic forces to improve the performance of a biochemical binding assay where a target molecule is captured by specific molecular recognition onto a substrate surface with an affinity coating, and then labeled with a detectable micrometer-scale particle using a second specific molecular recognition reaction with the target. By using specific ranges of label sizes and laminar flow conditions, controlled fluidic forces can be applied to the label particles in order to selectively remove molecules bound to a surface according to their binding strength, and thereby increase the ratio of specifically bound labels to more weakly attached non-specifically bound labels. This method can be used with a wide variety of label types and associated detection methods, improving the sensitivity and selectivity of a broad range of binding assays.

Abstract: A sample plate for a portable analysis apparatus for analysis of a solid precipitated from a fluid sample, which sample plate comprises a sample inlet, a precipitation zone, a filter and an analysis zone, the sample plate being adapted to allow: (i) a fluid sample to be fed through the sample inlet into the precipitation zone; (ii) a precipitant to be fed to the precipitation zone; (iii) conditions within the precipitation zone to be maintained such that precipitation occurs when the fluid sample and precipitant mix to form a suspension; (iv) separation of the solid in the suspension by the filter; (v) addition of a solvent to the filter to dissolve the solid and form a solution; and (vi) analysis of the solution in the analysis zone.

Abstract: An analysis instrument for processing a microfluidic device, having sample storage means, a microfluidic device holder, sample loading means for loading sample into a microfluidic device disposed in the holder, processing means for enabling a reaction in a microfluidic device, and detection means for detecting and/or measuring the reaction is disclosed. The microfluidic device holder is adapted to hold the microfluidic device including a tape in position for processing and/or detection. A microfluidic processing device is also disclosed which includes a reaction chamber, and a sample loading chamber into which a sample is injectable. The reaction chamber is operatively connected to the sample loading chamber. A cover extends across at least part of the sample loading chamber. The cover and the reaction chamber include pierceable material and are separated by an overspill cavity configured to accept any overspill of an injected sample.

Abstract: A substrate having a channel portion in which a liquid transfers, wherein, even if the channel portion has no micro-channel interconnecting chambers, a liquid can transfer stepwise from one region to the next region according to the speed of rotation of the substrate. The substrate can be rotated about a rotation axis as the center, and has the channel portion including the chambers formed therein. The inner wall of each chamber has a first area including an area intersecting with a centrifugal direction from the center; and also has a second area placed at a position farther from the center than the first area, and including a surface intersecting with the centrifugal direction from the center. Further, the first area has a region for holding a droplet of a liquid provided; and also has a region where a contact with the droplet expands when the substrate is rotated, and that communicate with the second area.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a probe that suctions and discharges liquid contained in a vessel; a probe control unit that moves the probe downward in a stepwise fashion by a predetermined amount by controlling a lowering operation of the probe to an inside of the vessel and controls a suction operation and a discharge operation of the probe in each step; a pressure detecting unit that detects a pressure in the probe; a suction-and-discharge-state judging unit that judges a suction state or a discharge state of the liquid by the probe based on a detection result by the pressure detecting unit; and a liquid-surface detecting unit that detects a liquid surface position of the liquid based on a lowering amount of the probe when the suction-and-discharge-state judging unit judges that the probe suctions the liquid or the probe discharges the liquid.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples by forming discrete sample aliquots (boluses) in an elongated conduit which contains a hydrophobic carrier liquid. Aliquots may be analyzed by adding at least one reagent to the sample aliquot that reacts selectively with an analyte contained therein. The reaction product, which is selective for the analyte of interest and proportional to its concentration, is measured with an appropriate detector. Intrinsic sample properties of the sample may also be measured without the need for adding chemical reagents. The invention enables simple and accurate testing of samples using time honored wet-chemical analysis methods in microliter volume regimes while producing remarkably small volumes of waste.

Abstract: For enlarging the application range of samples capable of being treated, decreasing the amount of samples used, preventing deterioration of samples by a change with the passage of time and preventing mixing of samples by diffusion, a micro fluidics system according to the present invention comprises a sample server which stores plural samples and which has sample efflux portions, a microchip for feeding samples to a treating portion through plural sample introducing portions communicating with the sample efflux portions and further through a microchannel, allowing the samples to be subjected to a predetermined treatment, and a sample feeder for feeding the samples stored in the sample server to the sample introducing portions through the sample efflux portions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for detecting contaminants in a liquid comprises: contacting a sensor with a liquid, generating electrical information based upon a concentration of the contaminant in the liquid, transmitting the electrical information to a controller, and determining the concentration of a contaminant in the liquid. The sensor can comprise a film, a purge chamber, and a transducer, which are configured such that a first surface of the film is in fluid communication with the liquid and the purge chamber is in fluid communication with a second surface of the film that is opposite the first surface, and wherein the transducer is in fluid communication with the purge chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical analysis apparatus which easily agitates and warms up. A chemical analysis apparatus has a motor, a retaining disc which can be rotated by the motor, a plurality of inspection cartridges which are arranged on the retaining disc, a punching machine for punching the inspection cartridges, a warming apparatus and a detection apparatus. The inspection cartridge includes a container formed by a concave portion and a base plate having a flow path. A cover covering the container and the flow path is installed to the base plate. A liquid solution is moved to the container in an outer peripheral side with respect to a rotation axis from the container in an inner peripheral side with respect to the rotation axis via the flow path, by utilizing a centrifugal force generated on the basis of the rotation of the retaining disc.