Abstract: A diagnostic method and associated test kit for detecting an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. A sample membrane is utilized having a collection region and a detection region, the collection region having a known saturation volume for the intended test sample. A barrier is defined between the collection region and the detection region. The collection region is saturated with the test sample having a volume of less than about 100 microliters so that a known volume of the test sample is contained in the collection region. The barrier is removed from between the collection region and detection region of the membrane and a diluent is supplied to the collection region of the membrane to facilitate flow of the test sample from the collection region to the detection region of the membrane.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus employing the laminar nature of fluid flows in microfluidic flow devices in separating, sorting or filtering colloidal and/or cellular particles from a suspension in a microfluidic flow device is disclosed. The microfluidic flow device provides for separating a particle within a suspension flow in a microfluidic flow chamber. The chamber includes a microfluidic channel comprising at least one inlet port for receiving a suspension flow under laminar conditions, a first outlet port and a second outlet port. The chamber further includes an interface for translating a particle within the channel. The first outlet port receives a first portion of the suspension exiting the said channel and the second outlet port receives the particle in a second portion of the suspension exiting the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback controlled bioculture platform for use as a precision cell biology research tool and for clinical cell growth and maintenance applications. The system provides individual closed-loop flowpath cartridges, with integrated, aseptic sampling and routing to collection vials or analysis systems. The system can operate in a standard laboratory or other incubator for provision of requisite gas and thermal environment. System cartridges are modular and can be operated independently or under a unified system controlling architecture, and provide for scale-up production of cell and cell products for research and clinical applications. Multiple replicates of the flowpath cartridges allow for individual, yet replicate cell culture growth and multiples of the experiment models that can be varied according to the experiment design, or modulated to desired cell development of cell culture end-points.

Abstract: Capsules, entrained in a fluid medium, are directed into a channel deflection system designed to enable evaluation and separation of successfully encapsulated cellular material from the blanks and other debris. Preferably, the fluid media with the capsule is introduced into a first or main channel and the capsules first pass one or more windows in the main channel for evaluation that is conducted by electromagnetic and/or optical means. Preferably, the evaluation results in the selection of acceptable capsules and subsequent removal of the blank capsules from the medium through the use of multiple jets that gently redirect the acceptable capsules into an alternate channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring nitric oxide production and oxygen consumption in cultures of adherent cells continuously and without destroying the cells. The method involves flowing growth media through a tube having adherent cells are adhered to the inner surface thereof and then contacting the growth media with an NO or O2 sensor to detect the concentration of NO or O2 in the growth media.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus using a gravitationally encouraged, interrupted, downward, diffusive and programmed flow of fluid to provide for rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in, for example, a clinical, point-of-care setting. A fluid specimen such as blood, saliva or urine is deposited into a first chamber carrying a source of conjugate having mobilizable binding members such as immunographic antigens or antibodies specific to the condition being tested conjugated to a detectable label such as colloidal gold. The specimen is premixed with a first measured, reactive mix buffer solution carried within an openable tank. The specimen and solution are temporarily held within an incubation reservoir formed behind a dam made from porous, diffusive material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a preparation containing cell extracts for cell-free protein synthesis, prepared by excluding from a living organism a system, participating to inhibiting of self protein synthesis reaction, an apparatus for cell-free protein synthesis reaction equipped with a reaction tank for cell-free protein synthesis, and a kit for use therefor; the preparation can be stored at room temperature and prepared as a preparation in a state where biological functions of the cell extracts are maintained, and further, disclosed is methods for cell-free protein synthesis comprising providing cell extracts from which an inhibitor for self protein synthesis reaction is substantially excluded, having introduced therein treatment selected from supplement, storage, exchange or discharge with respect to an element selected from at least mRNA serving as a template for synthesis reaction, an energy reproduction system enzyme, a substrate, and an energy source.

Abstract: Antigens can be captured and detected from complex samples, such as food and environmental samples, in about 30 minutes using apparatus and methods that include flow of the samples through a module containing antibodies coupled to beads. The samples flow through the modified beads at about 0.2 to 1.2 liters/minute, which fluidizes the bead bed. The antigens are captured by the antibodies, and then detection of the captured antibodies is carried out with chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or spectrophotometric techniques.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.

Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding, perfusion or sample collection. An enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell-free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a matrix reactor for reactions in which low-molecular and high-molecular reactants are involved wherein the reactor space VR contains a matrix and comprises a reaction compartment and a supply compartment, wherein the matrix is composed of a porous material which can take up low-molecular reactants and wherein the exclusion volume V0 of the matrix is available as the reaction compartment and the matrix volume VM of the matrix is available as the supply compartment. The matrix reactor can be used for enzymatic processes, in particular for a coupled in vitro transcription/translation reaction to produce proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates one dimensional separation to another dimensional separation and automates the operation of the two dimensional separation. The first dimensional separation is performed in one column while the second dimensional separation is performed in multiple separation columns. The integration is achieved using a one-piece, a two-piece, or a three-piece interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrofusion microelectrode used in the alignment, manipulation, fusion, or electroporation of cells. This device is particularly useful for transplantation of cells and cellular components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the contamination of reaction containers which are empty or already fitted with analyte-free sampling material or sampling material having a low analyte concentration, inside a configuration of reaction containers which are spatially close to each other, when pipetting samples or reagents using an automatic sample distributor. The invention also relates to hardware-related measures for reducing or avoiding possible contamination.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients. The invention includes microfabricated filters for filtering fluid samples and methods of enriching rare cells of fluid samples using microfabricated filters of the present invention. The invention also includes solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample and methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrofusion microelectrode used in the alignment, manipulation, fusion, or electroporation of cells. This device is particularly useful for transplantation of cells and cellular components.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to reaction vessels, to sets of such vessels for automatic immunological assay apparatuses, to automatic immunological assay apparatuses making use of such sets of vessels, and to a method implementing sets of such vessels. According to the present invention, photometric detection is implemented of the luminescence of a reaction mixture found in a reaction vessel, the apparatus and/or the vessel guaranteeing light-tightness so as to prevent entry of external light falsifying the measurement. Advantageously, sets of vessels in accordance with the present invention are made out of a material that is opaque. The present invention is particularly applicable to detecting the presence of a chemical or a biological substance in a sample. The present invention applies mainly to medical analysis and research.

Abstract: A rotatable sample disk configured for samples of biological material. The sample disk may include a fill chamber for storing a first biological material, a plurality of first sample chambers positioned in the sample disk farther from the rotational axis of the sample disk than the fill chamber, a plurality of second sample chambers, and a plurality of circumferential fill channels. Each of the second sample chambers may be configured to permit fluid communication with a respective first sample chamber. The plurality of circumferential fill conduits may be configured to permit transfer of the first biological material from the fill chamber to the plurality of first sample chambers upon a first rotation of the sample disk about the rotational axis. Methods of loading a plurality of sample chambers in a sample disk are also provided.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: Assay device which is able to detect molecules which inhibit the binding of a ligand to a receptor using extremely small quantities of ligand and receptor sample. Such devices are useful in the discovery of molecules which may modulate the activity of biologically important target molecules. The device comprises a microfabricated diffusion chamber into which is introduced in mixture of a test compound, a receptor and a ligand for the receptor. Test compounds which can prevent binding of the ligand to the receptor are identified by detecting the presence of ligand outside the area of introduction of the mixture in the diffusion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention claims and discloses a novel apparatus and method for efficiently cultivating cells with minimal mortality in order to harvest a maximum amount of cellular products generated by the cultivated cells. More particularly, the present invention teaches a method and a device for plating cells and causing maximum adherence of cells of interest. Furthermore, the present invention also teaches a growth substrate means that is capable of providing the largest surface area for cell adhesion and functions as an oxygenator, a depth filter and a static mixer to maximize the production of cellular products by intermittently and periodically provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the cells without causing cell death.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preparing and culturing cells, particularly bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of placing an oxygenator and a scaffold in a container, such as a syringe, withdrawing bone marrow stromal cells with the syringe, evenly distributing the cells on the scaffold, connecting the syringe with a reservoir with a medium to enrich the syringe with the medium, and promoting the medium level movement in the syringe to culture bone marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for detecting the presence of one or more target analytes in a sample employing a channel having affixed therein one or more binding partners for each target analyte. Assays are carried out by transporting the sample through the channel to each successive binding partner so that target analyte present in said sample binds to the corresponding binding partner. The sample is then transported beyond the binding partner(s), followed by detection of any target analyte bound to each binding partner. In one embodiment, binding efficiency is increased by the use of segmented transport, wherein a first bolus or bubble of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample precedes the sample during transport and a second bolus or bubble of a fluid that is immiscible with the sample follows the sample. Many configurations are possible for the device of the invention.

Abstract: A method to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Group A antigen in a sample, comprising the following steps: extracting the antigen from the sample in an assay chamber with two or less extraction reagents, wherein the two reagents may be added to the assay chamber in no particular sequence; introducing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device into the extraction reagents containing the extracted antigen without further addition of reagents or manipulation of the sample; forming an antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex; and determining the presence or absence of the antigen in the sample by the presence or absence of a signal formed by the binding of the antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex to an indicator capture reagent specific for said antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex.

Abstract: Devices and methods for carrying out a chemical or biochemical protocol are disclosed. In one embodiment, the chemical or biochemical protocol is performed by cycling at least one thermal transfer member between at least two temperatures while liquid samples on which the chemical or biochemical protocol is to be performed are continuously moving through at least one temperature regulated zone upon which the at least one thermal transfer member acts. In some embodiments, the device comprises a sample transport member that comprises liquid samples in sample receiving regions. The sample transport member moves the samples continuously through a temperature regulated zone which cycles between at least two temperatures while the liquid samples are moving through a temperature regulated zone on which at least one thermal transfer member acts. In some embodiments, the sample receiving regions comprise wells, hydrophillic films or hydrophillic filaments.

Abstract: A device for processing a biological sample includes a processing unit having at least one opening to receive a sample vessel and a plurality of processing stations positioned along the opening. The processing stations each have a compression member adapted to compress the sample vessel within the opening and thereby move a substance within the sample vessel among the processing stations. An energy transfer element can be coupled to one or more of the processing stations for transferring thermal energy to the content at a processing station.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using the same, which facilitate the introduction of fluid to and from a microfluidic channel located within the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients. A first aspect of the present invention is a microfabricated filter for filtering a fluid sample. A microfabricated filter of the present invention comprises at least one tapered pore, and preferably comprises at least two tapered pores whose variation in size is 20% or less. The present invention also includes a method of enriching rare cells of a fluid sample using a microfabricated filter of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which biocatalysts are substantially immobilized contained, suspended and or incubated in a chamber. At least one injection element provides a fluid flow to a perimeter of the chamber and the fluid force of the fluids flowing into the chamber works with the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber, promote cell growth and/or clean the fluid as it passes thru the suspended biocatalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are a preparation containing cell extracts for cell-free protein synthesis, prepared by excluding from a living organism a system, participating to inhibiting of self protein synthesis reaction, an apparatus for cell-free protein synthesis reaction equipped with a reaction tank for cell-free protein synthesis, and a kit for use therefor; the preparation can be stored at room temperature and prepared as a preparation in a state where biological functions of the cell extracts are maintained and further, disclosed is means for cell-free protein synthesis comprising cell extracts from which an inhibitor for self protein synthesis reaction is substantially excluded, having introduced therein treatment selected from supplement, storage, exchange or discharge with respect to an element selected from at least mRNA serving as a template for synthesis reaction, an energy reproduction system enzyme, a substrate, and an energy source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment compartment (1) for treating histological samples with treating agents (2, 2?, 2?). The treatment compartment (1) comprises a housing (3) with an inlet and outlet (4, 4?) for the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?), a rotatable retaining device (5) which receives the samples and a closable access opening (6) on the front (7). The aim of the invention is to improve a treatment compartment (1) of the above kind in such a way that it has a compact design and is easily accessible without the risk of the treating agents (2, 2?, 2?) emerging.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows the visualization of leakage of cell culture media through a conduit wall of a tissue-engineered biological construct such as a semilunar heart valve or valve graft under controlled physiologic conditions. The apparatus and method also allows for the assessment of valve function and intraluminal flow using conventional imaging modalities such as ultrasonic and magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus allows the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of structural and functional characteristics of a condition tissue engineered construct prior to implantation using a valve housing and chamber and a flow-pressure simulator.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: A method for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part in a bioreactor. The method includes providing at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The method further includes further acting upon the substance with fluid, wherein the fluid holds the substance in free floatation. The fluid flows in a direction counter to gravity when a density of the substance is greater than a density of the fluid, and in a direction counter to buoyancy when a density of the substance is less than a density of the fluid. The bioreactor for floating at least one substance for growing a tissue part includes a container including a first flow chamber and at least one substance consisting of one of a tissue part, a scaffold having cells deposited thereon, and a scaffold including a tissue part thereon. The substance is acted upon with fluid. The bioreactor further includes an apparatus for conveying the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides an advanced roller bottle system for cell culture that efficiently, continually, and automatically replenishes spent media with fresh media. The roller bottle system optimizes media use by removing spent media in response to a predetermined condition change and replenishing the spent media with fresh.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a method for molecular fingerprinting. The method can be used for forensic identification (e.g. DNA fingerprinting, especially by VNTR), bacterial typing, and human/animal pathogen diagnosis. More particularly, molecules such as polynucleotides (e.g. DNA) can be assessed or sorted by size in a microfabricated device that analyzes the polynucleotides according to restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a microfabricated device according to the invention, DNA fragments or other molecules can be rapidly and accurately typed using relatively small samples, by measuring for example the signal of an optically-detectable (e.g., fluorescent) reporter associated with the polynucleotide fragments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniaturized integrated nucleic acid diagnostic device and system. The or more sample acquisition and preparation operations, in combination with one or more sample analysis operations. For example, the device can integrate several or all of the operations involved in sample acquisition and storage, sample preparation and sample analysis, within a single integrated unit. The device is useful in a variety of applications, and most notably, nucleic acid based diagnostic applications and de novo sequencing applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating a sample to or withdrawing a sample from a vessel or conduit includes a body with an internal sample cavity, a valve operating rod movable to open and close an orifice to the sample cavity and a coupler to attach the body to a port of the vessel or conduit. A portion of the sample cavity is formed by an endcap which includes the orifice. The sample cavity is thermally and/or electrically insulated from the vessel or conduit. This insulation can arise from an empty or filled space between an inner wall and outer wall of the valve. Otherwise, insulating material can be used in forming the valve. The valve can be mountable on the vessel or conduit such that a positive drain angle is maintained regardless of whether the ferrule to the vessel or conduit is inclined upwardly, downwardly or is horizontal.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic analyses and procedures, particularly miniaturized cell based assays. These methods are useful for performing a variety of cell-based assays, including drug candidate screening, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics.

Abstract: An auto microfluidic hybridization chip platform is disclosed to provide a hybrid reaction test system with the features of fast reactions, automatic operations, and a convenient platform. The platform includes a flow control system with a platform base, a microfluidic hybridization chip, a microfluidic hybridization chip support, a test agent support of the microfluidic hybridization chip; and a signal detection system. Using a microfluidic pipeline to connect various parts does not only realize automation and a small volume, but also increases the reaction speed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first porous carrier and a second porous carrier for evaluating biological fluid samples is disclosed. The apparatus is used for separating non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) from a lipoprotein in a body sample and for determining high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in a HDL and non high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) in a body sample.