Abstract: A test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving a biological sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence, probes in the outer casing for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form probe-target hybrids, the probe-target hybrids being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, a laser positioned in the outer casing for generating the excitation light.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection and genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample containing genetic material, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, an incubation section downstream of the inlet, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, and, a nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a dialysis section downstream of the nucleic acid amplification section for prehybridization filtration of amplicon produced by the nucleic acid amplification section, the dialysis section being configured to remove cell debris from the amplicon, wherein, the incubation section, the nucleic acid amplification section and the dialysis section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the incubation section, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is connected to the at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the LOC device having probes with a nucleic acid sequence complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence for forming probe-target hybrids, and an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophore, electrodes for generating an excited state in the ECL luminophore in which the ECL luminophore emits photons of light, and, a photosensor for sensing the photons emitted from the ECL luminophore.

Abstract: A test module for lysing cells in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having a valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the receptacle for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, the lysis section having a lysis heater for heating the fluid in the lysis section, wherein, the valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature, the incubation section having at least one heater and at least one temperature sensor, wherein, the at least one temperature sensor is configured to provide output for feedback control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the biological sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the biological sample, a controller for operating the functional sections, and, a flow-path from the receptacle to the functional sections, wherein, the flow-path is configured to draw the sample to be analyzed from the receptacle to the functional sections by capillary action regardless of module orientation relative to gravity.

Abstract: A test module for genetic analysis having a casing for hand held portability, an inlet for receiving a liquid containing nucleic acid sequences, an outlet downstream of the inlet, and, a fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly having a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A test module for analysis of genetic material in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with an inlet for receiving the sample, a diffusion mixing section for diffusive mixing of the sample with at least one other liquid, the diffusion mixing section having a microchannel defining a flow-path for a combined flow of the sample and the at least one other liquid, wherein, the channel cross section transverse to the flow direction is less than 100,000 square microns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet channel for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet channel for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, and, a lysis heater for heating the fluid in the lysis section such that the cells lyse, wherein, the inlet channel is configured for filling the lysis section by capillary action.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a hybridization chamber containing a probe having a nucleic acid sequence for hybridization with a target nucleic acid sequence to form a probe-target hybrid, the probe-target hybrid being configured to generate a fluorescence signal in response to an excitation light, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the hybridization chamber, the CMOS circuitry having a photodiode for generating an output signal in response to the fluorescence signal, and a trigger photodiode for generating an output in response to the excitation light, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is configured to activate the photodiode when the trigger photodiode indicates the excitation light has deactivated.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for installation in a test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to an external device, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate for operative control of a communication interface in the test module for communication with the external device.

Abstract: A test module for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing with receptacle for receiving a sample containing genetic material, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing reagents for addition to the sample, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein, the PCR chamber is between the heater element and the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for pathogen detection and genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section for lysing pathogens and leukocytes in the sample to release the genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the pathogens and leukocytes in the lysis section, an incubation section downstream of the lysis section, the incubation section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing enzymes for enzymatic reaction with the genetic material, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a first portion of the sample flow from the incubation section, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the incubation section for amplifying nucleic acid

Abstract: The invention provides an indirect pressure sensing system for non-invasive measurement of primary pressure in a sealed container, which communicates primary pressure changes from within the container, via a flexible diaphragm, to a secondary chamber wherein there is a defined relationship between the primary and secondary pressures, which enables a pressure sensor in the secondary chamber to generate a signal representing primary pressure in the sealed container, but to remain isolated from the contents of the sealed container. The pressure sensor can provide electrical outputs representing the pressure detected, and the outputs are fed to data processing means capable of producing a measurement of primary pressure. The system can have a liquid culture of cellular material (eg.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the sample to form an amplification mix, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for controlling the temperature of the amplification mix during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the MST layer, the CMOS circuitry having a controller to control operations performed by the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a whole blood sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the whole blood sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase for addition to the whole blood sample, and, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermal cycling the whole blood sample, buffer, dNTPs, primers, and polymerase to amplify the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a fluid containing cells, a lysis reagent reservoir containing a lysis reagent and having an outlet valve, and, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet for holding the fluid during lysis of the cells, wherein, the outlet valve is upstream of the lysis section and configured to open as the fluid flows into the lysis section thereby adding the lysis reagent to the fluid.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, the lysis section being in fluid communication with one of the reagent reservoirs containing a lysis reagent for lysing the cells in the lysis section, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a first portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material in a second portion of the sample flow from the lysis section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid ampl

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for detecting pathogens in a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample, a supporting substrate, a dialysis section for separating pathogens from larger constituents in the sample, a lysis section downstream of the dialysis section for lysing the pathogens to release genetic material therein, a first nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the lysis section for amplifying first nucleic acid sequences in the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section downstream of the first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying second nucleic acid sequences in the amplicon from the first nucleic acid amplification section, wherein, the dialysis section, the lysis section, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic acid amplification section are all supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving a fluid, a microsystems technology (MST) layer for processing the fluid, the MST layer incorporating an incubation section, the incubation section having at least one heater for maintaining the fluid at a predetermined incubation temperature, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry being connected to the at least one heater for operative control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing dNTPs, primers, nicking enzymes, buffer solution and DNA polymerase for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid containing target molecules, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample fluid, probes for reaction with the target molecules to form probe-target complexes, the probe-target complexes being configured to emit photons when excited, and, a photosensor for detecting photons emitted by the probe-target complexes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing dNTPs, primers, reverse transcriptase, RNA polymerase, and buffer solution for addition to the sample to form an amplification mixture, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for maintaining the amplification mixture at a predetermined temperature during isothermal amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater, and, at least one sensor, wherein, the at least one sensor is configured to provide output for feedback control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry with digital memory for storing genetic data, and configured to download genetic data updates from an external source.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the nucleic acid amplification section having an amplification chamber and a heater element, wherein, the heater element is bonded to an interior surface of the amplification chamber.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a biological sample, the LOC device having an inlet for receiving the sample containing genetic material including DNA and RNA, a supporting substrate, a plurality of reagent reservoirs, a first nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying at least some of the genetic material, and, a second nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying at least some the genetic material in parallel with the first nucleic acid amplification section, wherein, the first nucleic acid amplification section and the second nucleic acid amplification section are both supported on the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for lysing cells in a fluid, the microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, an inlet for receiving fluid containing cells, a lysis section in fluid communication with the inlet, the lysis section having at least one heater for heating the fluid, a reservoir containing a lysis reagent, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the lysis section, the CMOS circuitry being configured for selectively lysing the cells using thermal lysis in the lysis section, chemically lysing the cells using the lysis reagent, or both chemically and thermally lysing the cells using the lysis section and the lysis reagent.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a fluid, an incubation section having a microchannel configured to have a plurality of mutually parallel, adjacent channel sections, and a plurality of elongate heaters positioned end to end along each of the channel sections, wherein, each of the heaters are independently operable for two-dimensional control of heat flux density to the incubation section.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for genetic analysis of a sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a plurality of reagent reservoirs containing dNTP's, primers, polymerase and buffer solution for addition to the sample, and, a nucleic acid amplification section for thermal control of the sample to perform a first stage amplification of the target nucleic acid sequences and subsequent thermal control of amplicon from the first stage amplification, to perform a second stage amplification for further amplifying the target nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturation phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, wherein during use, the PCR section has a thermal cycle time of less than 30 seconds.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period, and, CMOS circuitry to energize the at least one heater with a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the microfluidic device having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences and a PCR mix of reagents through a denaturation temperature, an annealing temperature and a primer extension temperature, and, a PCR outlet valve to retain the nucleic acid sequences and a PCR mix of reagents in the PCR section during the thermal cycling, wherein, the PCR outlet valve is configured to open in response to an activation signal such that amplicon can flow from the PCR section and once open, the PCR outlet valve is unable to close.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a microsystems technology (MST) layer having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having at least one heater for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences through a denaturation phase, an annealing phase and a primer extension phase, and, CMOS circuitry between the MST layer and the supporting substrate, the CMOS circuitry being connected to the at least one heater for operative control of the at least one heater during the thermal cycling.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a PCR chamber, and, a heater element for heating the nucleic acid sequences within the PCR chamber, wherein during use, the heater element heats the nucleic acid sequences at a rate more than 80 K per second.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section with a PCR microchannel for thermally cycling a PCR mixture of the sample, polymerase, dNTP's and buffer solution to amplify the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR microchannel defining a flow-path for the sample such that flow of the sample along the PCR microchannel is driven by capillary action, wherein, the PCR mixture has a volume less than 400 nanoliters.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a sample of biological material having nucleic acid sequences, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for amplifying the nucleic acid sequences, the PCR section having a microchannel configured to have a plurality of mutually parallel, adjacent channel sections, and a plurality of elongate heaters positioned end to end along each of the channel sections, wherein, each of the heaters are independently operable for two-dimensional control of heat flux density to the PCR section.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in a sample, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a plurality of functional sections for processing the sample, one of the functional sections being a nucleic acid amplification section for amplifying nucleic acid sequences in the sample, wherein, the nucleic acid amplification section is supported on the supporting substrate and the supporting substrate defines a trench for thermally insulating the nucleic acid amplification section from one or more of the other functional sections.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, at least one sensor, wherein, the at least one sensor is configured to provide output for feedback control of the at least one heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of automating the production of ethanol in an economical method yet maximizing the conversion of grains into ethanol in an even greater conversion efficiency with a greatly improved feed value byproduct.

Abstract: A biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus that feeds a solid biomass material 11 from one side of an apparatus body 42, feeds pressurized hot water 15 from the other side, to hydrothermally decompose the biomass material 11 while bringing the biomass material 11 into counter contact with the pressurized hot water 15, dissolves hot-water soluble fractions in hot water, discharges the pressurized hot water to outside from the one side of the apparatus body 42 as a hot-water effluent 16, and discharges a biomass solid 17 to the outside from the other side.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The clinical laboratory test apparatus includes: an analyzing unit for analyzing a specimen; a reception part for receiving specimen information before analysis of the specimen; a discrimination part for discriminating whether or not a specimen is suited for analysis based on the specimen information; and a control part for controlling the analyzing unit based on the discrimination result obtained by the discrimination part.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a process and an anaerobic digestion system for crop stalk/straw. The process in one example comprises (A) Feeding, (B) Heating and Digestion at the set temperature, (C) Discharging of Biogas, Sludge and Effluen{grave over ( )}t. The system in one example comprises (I) High Solid Content Digester (II) Hydro-Circulation Digester and (III) Stalk/Straw Feeder. Steps (A), (B) and (C) are accomplished in the devices (I) and (II). The step (A) is accomplished through the stalk/straw feeder (III), a special feeding mechanism, by which the crushed or smashed stalk/straw is pushed into the bottom of digester vessel. After being fermented or digested in the device (I), feedstock that is the mixture of biomass and water flows freely into the device (II) through the feedstock discharge outlet. The stalk feeder (III) is comprised of a hopper (7), a support (14), a control system and a hydraulic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A device is operable to measure the size of tissue particles. The device includes a reservoir for receiving tissue particles and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is operable to process ultrasonic energy received from the ultrasonic transducer to determine the size of tissue particles in the reservoir. If the tissue particles are larger than a predetermined size range, the particles may be minced to reduce their size. If the tissue particles are smaller than a predetermined size range, the particles may be disposed of. It the tissue particles have a size within a predetermined range, they may be processed further, such as by stimulating the tissue particles and dewatering the tissue particles. The tissue particles may then be incorporated in a medical fluid and be therapeutically administered to a patient.

Abstract: Sub-micron objects are manipulated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion effects are mitigated to facilitate the analysis and/or manipulation of sub-micron objects. In some applications, an electric field is applied to facilitate the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution, facilitating the analysis of the manipulated objects. In other applications, fluid flow is used to effect the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution.