Abstract: A universal, self-contained, self-powered, compact, external vacuum source and cytology or cytology and histology collection, storage, preservation and transport system device may be configured to couple to any suitable generic biopsy or interventional device. Embodiments may comprise structures and functionality for the addition of such a portable, compact, self-contained, self-powered, universal vacuum and cytology/histology collection module to biopsy or interventional devices. Embodiments may be portable, disposable or reusable and may be electrically, mechanically and/or manually powered and operated. Embodiments may additionally provide structures and functionality for use with other vacuum and/or cytology or histology collection systems to which this system may itself be attached.

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 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: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: A vessel including an identification region may be placed in a holder. Through interaction of a positioning feature on the vessel and an orientation feature on the holder, the vessel can be placed into an alignment orientation, e.g., such that the identification region may be reliably read by a reader. The identification region may provides information related to the sample, such as vessel identity, sample volume, processes to be performed on the sample, and so on.

Abstract: A multiwell plate device is provided having a frame, a substantially flat substrate and a multiwell structure supported by the substrate. The multiwell structure includes multiple bottomless wells formed therein. The substrate is supported by the frame and may be processed by an automated arrayer or instrument that is used to print or spot arrays in a pattern on a reaction surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the multiwell structure may be engaged with the substrate and the multiwell structure and substrate may be engaged with the frame in an upright orientation. For scanning or other analysis, the multiwell structure and substrate may be disengaged from the frame, inverted 180°, and then reengaged with the frame in the inverted orientation.

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: A suspension storage container 10 has a flat portion across a specific region including the tail end. The flat portion has an outer peripheral wall 13 forming a flat outer peripheral surface and partition walls 14 that extend in the flat cross section of the outer peripheral wall 13 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the major axis direction of the flat cross section to partition a chamber inside the outer peripheral wall 13 into plural chambers S1 through S3 aligned side by side in the major axis direction. A suspension K is stored only in part of all the chambers S1 through S3, that is, the chamber S2, and a sealing film 21 having the outline almost identical with the outline of the outer peripheral wall is laminated to the tail end surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 13 and the partition walls 14.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated handling of a fluid biological sample in an analytical instrument. Furthermore, the invention provides containers as well as instruments and systems suitable for the automated handling and processing of the fluid biological sample and discloses production methods for the manufacture of the containers.

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: Hydrophobic coating compositions are provided as are processes to coat articles with the compositions. Extremely hydrophobic coatings are provided by the compositions. Durable, weatherable and scratch-resistant coatings are provided by compositions comprising a fluorinated component and an adhesion promoter compound. The adhesion promoter compound can include an alkoxy group, a furfuryl-containing ring structure, and a reactive group.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in biological testing is provided having a first member defining at least one sample well and a second member including at least one sample well closure element. The at least one sample well closure element may be configured to substantially seal a corresponding sample well. Methods of filling the sample substrate are also provided.

Abstract: An assay device (1) comprises a base (2) and glass plate lid (3). The base (2) has an array of shallow microwells (4), each having a flat rim (9), all rims being co-planar. When the lid (3) is placed on the base (2) a thin capillary gap (10) is formed on each rim, acting as a liquid seal for a microwell chamber. The liquid is excess sample liquid and further excess is accommodated in overspill cavities (6) between the microwells (4). Because of the liquid seal and shallow configuration the benefits of microfluidic devices are achieved together with the handling convenience and use of conventional detection equipment of conventional microplate devices.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Methods for venting or drying (e.g., lyophilizing) samples contained in a multi-well plate. One method involves providing a multi-well plate that includes wells that each contain a sample and define an opening substantially sealed with a filter element that permits permeation of at least one gas and substantially prevents permeation of microbes. Another variant includes introducing a sample into a well via an opening defined by the well, covering at least a portion of the well opening with a filter element, and permitting gas to enter or exit the well substantially only through the filter element. An assembly is also described that includes a multi-well plate and a sheet defining a plurality of caps, wherein each of the caps includes a microbe-impermeable filter element. Another multi-well plate assembly includes a filter positioned to extend across at least a portion of the well opening.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for capturing proteins or peptides from a sample mixture and analyzing the captured proteins or peptides via high throughput electrospray ionization (ESI) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (HT MALDI MS) are provided. The methods and compositions are useful in large scale, simultaneous analyses of proteins and peptides present in a cell(s), tissue(s), or biological fluid(s).

Abstract: Rigid frame (10) for holding thin, flexible tray top (82) of injection-molded multiwell tray (81) planar. Multiwell tray (81), such as a titre or PCR plate, includes apertures (86) spaced apart in peripheral wall (85). Frame wall (20) of frame (10) includes a plurality of barbs (41) spaced apart on interior surface (40). Apertures (86) and barbs (41) cooperate to retain tray (81) within tray (10).

Abstract: A lid that individually covers each of the wells in a microplate and methods for fabricating and using the lid are described herein. The lid includes a series of downwardly protruding necks each of which is sized to fit and seal against one of the wells formed within the microplate. And, each neck has a surface covered with a rubber-like substance that ensures a relatively tight seal with each well. In operation, the lid and microplate are preferably used together to grow protein crystals using a hanging drop vapor diffusion crystallization process.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A nanopore system, and manufacturing method therefor, is provided with a substrate having a support material over the substrate. A nano-structure in the support material forms a nanopore.

Abstract: A sample carrier generally comprises a sample node operative to carry a discrete sample and an identifier co-located with the sample node and operative to provide information associated with the sample. A sample carrier receiver may comprise a container having a first opening configured to receive the sample node and a second opening configured to receive a specimen. Embodiments of a sample carrier receiver may include one or more conduit systems configured and operative to distribute liquid specimen material to the second opening of the container.

Abstract: A well plate seal includes a matt having a plurality of spaced apart wells for engaging and sealing a plurality of exit ports in a multi-well extraction plate. Unidirectional flow control valves are disposed in each of the plurality of matt wells for enabling liquid flow out of each of the exit ports only upon application of a pressure differential across each exit port.

Abstract: An aliquot vessel array having notched side flanges and rails of a next adjacent so that a plurality of arrays may be attached one atop another in a secure stack. Stacked aliquot vessel arrays may be simultaneously loaded into a storage unit on an automatic analyzer and automatically dispensed into a sampling track as required. The aliquot vessel array has certain handling features to ensure safe and reliable movement between the storage unit and sampling tracks.

Abstract: A method for assembling a multiwell plate assembly, and a multiwell plate assembly prepared thereby, are provided. The method includes providing a lid for a multiwell plate body having at least one channel being formed therethrough; positioning the lid in proximity to a gasket member; applying sufficient negative pressure to the channel to draw the gasket member towards the lid; positioning the lid above a multiwell plate body, while continuing to apply negative pressure to the channel; emplacing the lid on the multiwell plate body; and, releasing the negative pressure from the channel. Advantageously, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, various gasket members can be used in conjunction with the subject method, without altering the method. In this manner, gaskets can be selected based on their suitability for use with various biological and/or chemical samples which may be used in the bioassays.

Abstract: A sample carrier generally comprises a sample node and an identifier co-located with the sample node. A sample node may be operative to carry a discrete sample, while an identifier may be operative to provide information associated with the sample carried by the sample node. Embodiments of a sample carrier may comprise a plurality of sample nodes supported in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to a respective sample container such as a respective well of a multi-well plate. A system and method of transferring specimens to a sample carrier include contacting a sample node to the specimen and encoding information associated with the specimen on the identifier. Various alternatives are disclosed wherein the specimen is solid, gaseous, and liquid in form.

Abstract: A sample carrier comprises a structural array and a plurality of sample nodes. Each of the plurality of sample nodes is removably attached to the structural array at a respective attachment point, and is operative to carry a discrete sample which may be biological, including proteins, polynucleotides, and DNA, or non-biological. Embodiments are disclosed wherein the sample carrier comprises a plurality of structural arrays, which may be supported in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to a respective sample container, such as a respective well of a multi-well plate. A system and method of transferring specimens to sample carriers include contacting the plurality of sample nodes to the specimen. Various alternatives are disclosed wherein the specimen is solid, gaseous, and liquid in form.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heat-conducting sample block that includes a top plate and a base plate, each having upper and lower faces, the upper face of the top plate having a recess therein. The recess has an opening for accepting a sample or sample vessel, and the lower face of the top plate has a projection extending towards and fixedly engaged with a notch on the upper face of the base plate.

Abstract: A biological assay device for use in molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, genomic analysis, combinatorial chemistry, and in the general field of the analysis of molecules that may be deposited on supports of various kinds is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes a fluidic or microfluidic device, which integrates fluidic capability into existing multi-well plates of standard configuration, for performing either single or continuous fluidic manipulations in a high-throughout format. Methods for the use and manufacture of these devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved microplate which is constructed of at least one frame part and at least one bottom part, where the bottom part has a maximum thickness of 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simultaneous processing of multiple fluid samples. The apparatus comprises a multiple well plate for holding a plurality of sample reservoirs for simultaneous processing of multiple samples. The wells are configured in the plate in staggered rows. The well plate is dimensioned to be compatible with a vacuum manifold or positive pressure system either as a stand-alone unit or in conjunction with a separate fluid handling system. The apparatus may further comprise a sample collection plate having the same number of wells as the multiple well plate. The wells in the samples collection plate are arranged in the same staggered configuration as the wells in the well plate and are sized for holding sample collection vials. When the well plate and sample collection plate are assembled in a manifold, the vials in the sample collection plated are aligned directly beneath the sample exits of corresponding sample reservoirs in the well plate.

Abstract: A multiple well plate and method for media exchange, including a body defining a plurality of cell wells each connected via a channel to one of a plurality of aspiration holes, is provided. The cell wells contain a porous, hydrophilic frit which is suspended on a ledge above a reservoir of fluid media and supports a tissue sample. The properties of the frit wick the fluid media upwards to supply the tissue sample with nutrients for growth and proliferation. Old media is aspirated from the wells by a liquid handling device which inserts a pipette tip into the aspiration holes. The pipette tip applies a suction pressure which draws the media out of the cell well, through the channel, into the aspiration hole and out through the pipette tip. New media is dispersed through the pipette tip and directly into the cell well.

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 bead dispensing system is provided for delivering small amounts of substances onto substrates. The system can include, for example, a movable support structure having an array of spaced-apart projections depending from its lower side. An attraction source, such as a vacuum, magnetic, and/or electrostatic force, is operable at each projection end region to attract and retain one bead. The projection array can be aligned with an array of bead-receiving regions of a substrate, e.g., an array of spaced-apart wells of a micro-plate or card. In one embodiment, a plurality of reagent-carrying beads are picked up, retained at respective projection end regions, and moved to a location over a multi-well plate. The beads are then released in a fashion permitting each bead to land in a respective well. The system of the invention is particularly useful for fabricating arrays of reagents.

Abstract: A fluorescence validation microplate for testing the validity of a fluorometer is provided which can efficiently and cost-effectively test fluorometers to determine linearity, alignment, reproducibility, filter integrity, and cross-talk, each of which is important to proper functioning of the fluorometer.

Abstract: A multi-well plate is disclosed for holding chemical compounds for heating in a microwave oven. The plate is a substantially planar member having wells arranged in an array of rows and columns in its upper surface. The plate has heat reservoirs in the form of fluid filled channels or elongated solid bodies positioned lengthwise along the side portions of the plate to reduce temperature gradients among the wells across the length and width of the plate. The heat reservoirs prevent or mitigate heat loss from the wells near the side portions of the plate and ensure that the compounds in all of the wells have a uniform temperature.

Abstract: An adapter plate transforms a vacuum manifold designed for standard multi-well plates that are commonly used in biochemical laboratories into one that can be used for columns such as chromatographic columns, filtration columns, and the like. The plate contains an array of male-female-type complementary connectors, each connector fitted with a removable plug that seals the connector off when not in use. The plate thus allows the manifold to be used for as few as one column or any number up to the total number of connectors in the plate.

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 system for testing chemically resistant materials includes a sample holding assembly for holding a sample of a material to be tested. The sample holding assembly defines a plurality of test chambers wherein each test chamber has a portion of the sample disposed therein. An analyte injection unit is included for dispensing a controlled amount of an analyte into each test chamber. The system further includes a plurality of analyte detection units. Each one of the detection units is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the test chambers for sensing analyte as it permeates the material sample.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a well-less filtration device that includes a pre-filter layer; a support layer; and at least one layer of solid phase extraction medium disposed between the pre-filter layer and the support layer. At least a portion of the pre-filter layer, support layer and solid phase extraction medium are ultrasonically welded together to form a pattern of filter cells and land areas with the land areas being disposed between the filter cells. The filter cells of the device may be arranged to conform to a standardized array format.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microplate for performing crystallography studies and methods for making and using such microplates. In particular, the microplate has a frame which includes a plurality of wells formed therein. Each well includes a first well and a second well. The first well includes a relatively small reservoir having a substantially concaved form capable of receiving a protein solution and a reagent solution. The second well includes a relatively large reservoir capable of receiving a reagent solution that has a higher concentration than the reagent solution within the first well, wherein the protein solution and the reagent solution within the first well interact with the reagent solution within the second well via a vapor diffusion process which enables the formation of protein crystals within the first well. The microplate may be sized so that it can be handled by a robotic handling system and/or a liquid handling system.

Abstract: A method and system for economically packaging microarrays into sealed reaction chambers and storage vessels. A pocket strip is manufactured as a linear sequence of pockets, or wells, into which microarrays are positioned. A cover strip is then heat sealed to the upper surface of the pocket strip to create a linear sequence of sealed reaction chambers or storage vessels each containing a microarray. Mechanical features or optical features are included along the length of the pocket strip to facilitate mechanical translation and positioning of microarrays embedded within the microarray strip. Septa are affixed to, or embedded within, the cover strip to provide resealable ports through which solutions can be introduced into, or extracted from, the reaction chambers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deriving standardized formulations and extracts of herbal remedies, plant extracts, and the like, based upon the rate of absorption and plasma concentration levels attained thereby, when such compositions are administered orally. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a harvested section of small intestine from a mammal and interposed between a first solution having a known quantity of the pharmaceutical composition suspended or dissolved therewithin and a second solution comprising liquid plasma or a buffer solution. The section of intestinal tissue is oriented such that the mucosal layer is oriented toward the first solution whereas the muscularis is oriented toward the second solution. The second solution is periodically analyzed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to determine the presence and concentration of one or more markers, and in particular any sub-component or metabolites thereof, that has diffused across the intestinal tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method of use for that device for the automated preparation of nucleic acid from a biological sample. The device relates to a cassette in which all chemical manipulations occur, which includes a storage/transfer strip where the prepared nucleic acid is deposited and stored without contamination. Moreover, the waste of the preparation protocol is contained in the cassette, which, upon the separation of the filled storage/transfer strip is completely sealed off from the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive device can prepare nucleic acid preparations from up to 24 different biological samples at a time.

Abstract: Laboratory vessels are coated on an operational surface thereof with a hydrophobic coating polymer or reactive monomer to form a coating having an exposed surface populated with 30% by area or more terminal trifluoromethyl groups. Laboratory vessels coated with such coating solutions are provided having extremely low surface energies and high resistance to solvent attack. Methods of forming hydrophobic coatings on laboratory vessels are also provided and include methods of forming exposed coating surfaces having populations of from about 30% by area to 100% by area trifluoromethyl groups. The hydrophobic coatings may be prepared from solutions, suspensions or powdered materials containing a fluoroalkyl ethylenically unsaturated monomer substantially free of any crosslinking, having from about 3 to about 20 carbon atoms, and containing at least one terminal trifluoromethyl group, or containing a polymerization product of such a monomer.