Abstract: A device for testing the amount of free fluid in a colloid comprises: a first container, wherein the first container has a central axis that spans the length of the first container, wherein the length of the first container is greater than the width and height of the first container, and wherein the central axis of the first container is oriented in a substantially horizontal position during the testing. Methods of using the device include: optically determining the height of free fluid in the container after the period of time has elapsed and using a formula to determine the volume of the free fluid; or removing a plug from a plug tube that is operationally connected to the container; and draining the free fluid from the container into a measurement device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for efficiently providing accurate temperature control of a microtiter cold plate and precise alignment of the microtiter cold plate with a microtiter plate.

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: The present invention relates to a sealing device for closing an introduction aperture, the sealing device comprising a fixed support and a shutter mounted movably in translation relative to the support between an extended position and a final retracted position, wherein the sealing device is in a final retracted configuration and wherein the shutter closes introduction aperture. The device includes locking means for preventing any movement of the shutter when it is in the final retracted position. The sealing device further comprises an intermediate retracted configuration, wherein the shutter is at least partly retracted. The sealing device also comprises motion guiding means for guiding the movement of the shutter and designed so that the extension of the shutter is required to move the shutter from the intermediate retracted position to the final retracted position.

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: 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: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

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: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

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

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

Abstract: Polymer compositions and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The compositions include a random copolymer and a radiation additive, wherein the random copolymer includes propylene and less than 2 wt. % ethylene and exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 30 to 100 dg/min., the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 160 kpsi to about 200 kpsi and the polymer composition is adapted to produce a polymer article exhibiting low plate out, a haze at 20 mils of no greater than 15%, radiation stability and autoclavability.

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: An apparatus for processing an analyte includes a first receptacle having a first aperture, the first aperture having a first configuration; and a second receptacle having a second aperture, the second aperture having a second configuration. The first configuration and the second configuration are complementary, such that the first and second apertures engage each other at a sealing surface, whereby analyte solution within the first receptacle passes into the second receptacle substantially without leaking at the engaged first and second apertures. A method for processing an analyte comprises engaging the first and second receptacles at the sealing surface; putting a first batch of analyte solution into the first receptacle, processing the analyte solution; transferring the processed analyte solution into the second receptacle, and disengaging the second receptacle from the first receptacle.

Abstract: A disposable paper weighing dish that is configured and arranged to hold a substance during weighing. The weighing dish includes at least one sheet of paper with at least one surface that is lubricious and substantially impermeable to finely powdered dry chemicals. The paper material has been shaped with a mechanical forming die to form a self-supporting open dish-shaped structure that includes at least a bottom wall and a raised perimeter sidewall that is continuous with, and surrounds the bottom wall. The perimeter sidewall includes multiple upwardly oriented flutes, in which the lubricity of the paper and the configuration and arrangement of the flutes cooperate to allow a substantially quantitative transfer of the substance following weighing, by sliding the substance with the force of gravity from the weighing dish into a receiving container.

Abstract: A holder comprises a base 1 having an inclined plane 11 increased in height from a distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof; air releasing means 2 provided on the proximal end of the base 1; and closing means 3 for closing an opening B1 of a flexible container set on the base 1. The closing means 3 comprises a pressure assembly 31 having closing bars 311, 312 extending in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the base 1, and a lever 32. The pressure assembly 31 is adapted to doubly seal the opening B1 of the flexible container B when the lever 32 is turned over toward the distal end of the base 1.

Abstract: Counting compartment having an inlet and an outlet, and including a bottom plate and a top plate which are held at a distance from each other by material particles which have the same size and are situated at a distance from one another. The particles are surrounded by and embedded in a solid connecting layer formed by an adhesive. The connecting layer extends all around and up to the free end of the outlet of the counting compartment. A fluent mixture of an adhesive mixed with electrostatically charged particles is used to form the counting compartment, the largest size of the material particles determining the depth of the counting compartment. The counting compartment is particularly suitable for counting cells in biological materials such as sperm and blood samples.

Abstract: Analytical vessels for magnetic resonance or spectroscopic analysis comprise in their interior a fibrous substrate having bound to the surface thereof a molecule of interest having a characteristic spectrum. Conventional analytical methods employing the analytical vessels yield structural information about the molecule of interest. Also disclosed are methods for making, storing, cleaning, and reusing the analytical vessels of the invention.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for preparing a microtiter-microarray device that includes a bottomless microtiter plate attached to the first side of one or more substrates with microarrays of materials attached thereto. The microtiter plate and the one or more substrates are attached through one or more gaskets. Preferably, the microtiter plate is attached to one face of the one or more gaskets by an irreversible water-tight seal, and the first side of the one or more substrates is attached to the opposite face of the one or more gaskets by a reversible, water-tight seal.

Abstract: A system for handling and testing fluids and gases such as, for example, blood samples, includes a tube in cooperation with at least one input port and at least one pressure source mounted in a novel arrangement to enable precise, accurate, and relatively spill-proof handling of fluids and gases to perform mixing and visual inspection and other tests. After testing, various components may be easily disassembled and discarded. A method of operation includes energizing the pressure source, in the form of a flexible bulb, to draw blood from a standard blood tube into a measuring tube according to a preferred embodiment of the invention said system in order to visually inspect sediment or red blood cell settling level after a predetermined time in order to test for certain blood characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incubating a liquid reagent with target spots on a microarray substrate. A deformable cover is placed over the surface of the microarray substrate having the target spots with the liquid reagent between the microarray substrate and the deformable cover, and a device is used to apply a force to the deformable cover.

Abstract: A urine specimen container assembly is provided. The assembly includes an evacuated tube and a closure for maintaining the evacuated condition in the tube and for sealing the tube after placement of a urine specimen therein. The tube includes an open top for engagement by the closure and a cylindrical wall extending from the open top. A conical base extends from the lower end of the cylindrical wall to the bottom of the tube. Fins extend outwardly from the conical base and define a profile that substantially replicates the profile of a round-bottom tube. Thus, the tube can be used in chemical analyzers configured for round bottom tubes and can be used in a centrifuge to enable accumulation of sediment in the conical base.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing a low-concentration standard reference gas. The stabilizing method includes the steps of treating an inner wall surface of a container with high-purity water for causing the inner wall surface to adsorb the high-purity water, and charging the container with the standard reference gas.

Abstract: Swabbing structures and methods of use are provided that enable a test surface to be swabbed, and subsequently facilitate a quantitative determination of the quantities of analyte collected from the test surface. The swabbing structures include a pre-wetted swabbing pad having a first surface structured for contacting and suitably swabbing the test surface to collect the analyte. Dried reagents are then brought into pressure contact with the swabbing pad, within a light-tight environment, to commence an assaying reaction. The assaying reaction may produce low level luminescent emissions that are detected and quantified to indicate the quantity or volume of analyte collected.

Abstract: Swabbing and assaying structures, and selected methods of use, enable a test surface to be swabbed, and subsequently facilitate a quantitative determination of the quantities of analyte collected from the test surface. The swabbing structures include a pre-wetted swabbing pad having a first surface for contacting and suitably swabbing the test surface to collect the analyte. Dried reagents that are impregnated within or upon a porous pad are then brought into pressure contact with the swabbing pad, within a suitable light-tight environment. If sufficient analyte was collected by the swabbing of the test surface, an assaying reaction will commence that produces detectable and quantifiable low level luminescent emissions.