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: The present invention discloses a test device including a support member; a top member mounted to the support member, wherein in the support member and the top member are configured such that they together define a discrete chamber. The discrete chamber includes a first well region including at least one first well; a second well region including at least one second well; and a channel region including at least one channel connecting the first well region and the second well region with one another. The second region is preferably horizontally offset with respect to the first well region in a test orientation of the device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wide range of pierceable and memory-recloseable septa cover for multi-well plates for PCR or other small sample well processes, where such seals are joined into an easily applied or removed sheet or otherwise joined means. A reaction chamber well comprises a liquid level portion at the bottom that contains the various levels of reaction liquid, a super-liquid portion comprising the gas volumes above the reaction liquid. In one form of the invention embodiments, the cover comprises a gas tight seal between the cover and the side of the well substantially above the liquid level, thereby forming the super-liquid space. The disturbance, pressure change and/or gas exchange in this small gas space results in a rather dramatic potential change in reaction or mixing results. The invention cover reduces each of these to a minimum not attainable in the prior art.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture unit comprises a base (1) equipped with access means (7,8) for being connected to a culture medium feed device and delimiting at least side-walls (5) of a culture chamber (6) and at least side-walls of at least a well (3-i ) communicating through at least one of its upper and lower portions with chamber (6), as well as removable closing means (10,15-i,17i) able to provide access to chamber (6) and to well (3-i).

Abstract: A cell activity assay apparatus (“CAAA”) and method using electromagnetic radiation detection beams to measure the cell activity, e.g, chemotactic response, includes an opaque membrane having a plurality of off-axis pores which prevent experimentally significant amounts of the electromagnetic radiation from traversing the membrane. The membrane is fabricated from opaque films that have been either ablated with substantially off axis excimer laser electromagnetic radiation to form pores, or bombarded by substantially off-axis charged particles and then etched to form pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for accommodating a cell culture comprising a vessel (1) having a base (3) and walls (4), and comprising a lid (2) which can be inserted into the vessel (1). The lid is provided with an evacuation opening (6) for evacuating displaced air and excess liquid. The evacuation opening can be closed after the lid (2) has been inserted. Inside the vessel (1), devices (31) which are provided on the lid (2) make it possible to form interspaced chambers (30) and to form troughs on said lid (2).

Abstract: An adhesive backed covering for use on a microtiter plate is disclosed. The covering comprises labels printed or embossed thereon which will align on top of individual wells when the cover is placed onto the microtiter plate. Preferably each label will be unique to uniquely identify each well of the microtiter plate. The use of these covers aids in the manual identification of individual wells of microtiter plates thereby minimizing human error. Preferably the covers can easily be penetrated by a pipet tip or other extraction device, such as a wooden applicator or toothpick, to allow easy access to individual wells while protecting other wells which remain sealed.

Abstract: When the reaction process is commences, the roller 12 is rotated at a specified number of revolutions so as to supply new sheet 11 between the heating plate 13 and the sheet retainer 15. Then, the fixing device 24 is lowered toward the heat cycler 24, the sheet 11 contacts the opening of the reaction container 23 arranged on the reaction container support block 22, and then the heating plate 13 pushes down the sheet 11 to let the sheet closely contact the opening of the reaction container 23. After the reaction of the reaction solution in the reaction container 23 is complete, the sheet retainer 15 retains the sheet 11, and then is lifted together with the fixing device 24 to separate the sheet 11 from the opening of the reaction container 23. Then, the roller 12 is rotated by a specified number of revolutions so that the used sheet 11 is taken up onto the roller 12 and new sheet 11 is supplied.

Abstract: A flexible elastomer closure plug mat presents a plurality of protruding hollow septa closure plugs depending from the mat's lower face. The mat and protruding closure plugs are preferably formed of silicone rubber, with a thick layer of polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON® durably bonded to the lower face of the mat and to the outer faces of all of the arrayed plurality of closure plugs. The arrayed plurality of closure plugs are dimensioned for telescoping insertion into the open tops of a corresponding plurality of sample vials held in a well plate, and for frictional engagement therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiple simultaneous synthesis (110), having a number of vials (28), each vial (28) having an upper end (31), a lower end (30), and a barrel (29), the upper end (31) opening into a mouth (32). It also includes a lower frame assembly (180) having a number of holes (101, 103, 105) for receiving the vials (28), and an upper frame assembly (180), which includes inner side-walls (195) and a ceiling portion (190). A gas-tight seal (197) surrounds a plenum (85), the plenum (85) being formed between the ceiling portion (190) of the upper frame assembly (180) and the lower frame assembly (181). The plenum (85) is adjustable in volume by the positioning of the upper frame assembly (180) in variable relation to the lower frame assembly (181), while maintaining the gas-tight seal (197). The volume of the plenum (85) is adjustable to a minimum whereby the mouths (32) of the vials (28) are sealed by the ceiling (190) of the gas-tight seal (197), which is optionally an upper gasket (90).

Abstract: A cover for a PCR plate having multiple wells including a rigid sheet, and a resiliently compliable sheet cooperating with one side of the substantially rigid sheet to a press a sealing sheet against the surface of the PCR plate to maintain a seal in the wells. The cover further includes at least one retaining device attached to the rigid sheet to engage with the PCR plate and retain the substantially rigid sheet and the resiliently compliable sheet in a condition to press the sealing sheet against the surface of the PCR plate. Also disclosed is an assembly that includes a PCR plate and a cover that is designed to prevent sample loss.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation or temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing a sample block in microtiter tray format. The sample block has local balance and local symmetry. A three zone film heater controlled by a computer and ramp cooling solenoid valves also controlled by the computer for gating coolant flow through the block controls the block temperature. Constant bias cooling is used for small changes. Sample temperature is calculated instead of measured. A platen deforms plastic caps to apply a minimum acceptable threshold force for seating the tubes and thermally isolates them. A cover isolates the block. The control software includes diagnostics. An install program tests and characterizes the instrument. A new user interface is used. Disposable, multipiece plastic microtiter trays to give individual freedom to sample tubes are taught.

Abstract: A method of testing multiple fluid samples with multiple biopolymer arrays. A cover is assembled to a contiguous substrate carrying on a first side, multiple arrays each with multiple regions of biopolymers linked to the substrate, such that the cover and the substrate together form a plurality of chambers each containing a biopolymer array and each being accessible through its own port. Multiple fluid samples are introduced into respective chambers through a port of each such that the fluid samples contact respective arrays. A binding pattern of the arrays is observed. An apparatus and kit useful in such methods, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover pad. It is used for covering a plurality of reaction wells open to the upper surface configured in a plate-shaped body provided for implementing chemical and/or microbiological reactions such as e.g. the PCR process. The cover pad is made of an elastomer, it comprising a soft backing which is provided with a backing plate for stiffening, and the backing plate is curved such that when a compressive load of at least 5 N is applied to the full surface area of the backing plate by a planar compression body the backing plate elastically conforms thereto in assuming a corresponding shape free of curvature.

Abstract: A thin-well microplate and methods of manufacturing same are provided, wherein the thin-well microplate is conducive for use with automated equipment, such as robotic handling equipment, and in high temperature procedures, such as thermal cycling. The thin-well microplate is constructed of two components including a skirt and frame portion and a well and deck portion with a plurality of sample wells; both portions being joined to form a unitary microplate. Each of the skirt and frame and well and deck portions is constructed of a suitable material that imparts a specific combination of physical and material properties to the thin-well microplate. The skirt and frame portion and the well and deck portion are each constructed of the material that will allow each portion to withstand high temperature conditions and use of automated equipment, while retaining the physical characteristics each portion requires for optimal performance of the thin-well microplate.

Abstract: A multiple vessel container for testing fluids comprises a gap part formed to have a width smaller than the caliber of a front end portion of a liquid sucking/discharging line. The gap part has a shape capable of aspirating and discharging all liquid through the front end portion of the line, even when the front end portion is in contact with the inside bottom of the container. The container is formed such that, upon fluid discharging, reaction between a sample and a reagent can be made uniform by discharging and diffusing aspirated liquid.

Abstract: Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antibacterial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antibacterial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antibacterial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the semi-automated synthesis of libraries of organic compounds are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention comprises multi-vessel reaction blocks, accessory components, and complementary workstations designed to facilitate the semi-automated production of libraries of chemical compounds by combinatorial and parallel synthesis techniques. The invention is particularly well suited to the conduct of solid-phase or solution-phase parallel syntheses of single compounds and compound mixtures in a high-throughput manner.

Abstract: An improved device, in the form of a container, for propagating explant cultures under sterile conditions while facilitating gas exchange with an outside environment, methods for employing the device, a process of manufacture to produce the device, a mold for use as part of the process of manufacture, and an apparatus for conducting the process of manufacture employing the mold.

Abstract: A laboratory device is disclosed for growing microorganisms in a multi-compartment format, which provides convenience for dispensing, inoculation, incubation and harvesting when it is used for liquid cultures. The device includes a solid frame having formed within it a plurality of culturing compartments defined by solid side-walls built in the frame and plastic film and an assembly comprising an absorbing substrate and two non-absorbing fiber pads in each of the culturing compartments. These elements are generally rectangular in shape and the device can be sized to stack for incubation and storage. An access port and a series of apertures on the frame arranged a specific configuration permit introduction of liquid such as a liquid growth medium or a sample suspension into the culturing compartments simultaneously and equally.

Abstract: A test sample card is produced from a mold machined in accordance with an electronic discharge machining (EDM) process, with a resulting finely textured surface of the mold left intact. The mold produces a test sample card that has an even finely textured surface which improves the adhesion of a membrane to the card surface. The card is better able to withstand prolonged incubation periods without separation of the adhesive membrane from the card surface, as compared to prior art cards.

Abstract: The present invention is a biopsy specimen collection device having chambers, for receiving tissue samples of differing sizes from various locations within a particular anatomical organ or system, consolidated on a base or tray. The site-specific chambers of the collection device are mounted over a schematic diagram of the anatomical organ or organ system from which the specimens are being collected, and an identification panel, having a key for each chamber, allows commentary to be added regarding the particular samples. One or more non-site-specific chambers are also provided to allow the physician maximum collection flexibility, without the need for additional, separate containers. The chambers are filled with a tissue preservative to preserve the specimens for laboratory testing or histological examination.

Abstract: A plate sealing means suitable for use with multi-well plates of the type used in DNA PCR chemistry, said sealing means having a resilient mat having a flat or even surface substantially free from dimples; and an engagement structure adapted to co-operate with at least two opposing edges of the plate and adapted to retain the sealing mat in a substantially fixed position with respect to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture vessel and microscope that allows a wide area of favorable observation of the sample in the plural wells even when a negative refractive power is generated in the culture medium, wherein a ring-shaped opening, a condenser lens, a lens array, a well plate, an objective lens and a phase contrast plate are disposed in this order viewed from the light source side with a construction to place a phase contrast film of the phase contrast plate in a conjugated relation to the projection pupil position or projection pupil of the objective lens, and the culture vessel is constructed of the lens array and well plate with a relative disposition in which the optical axis of each lens is coaxial with the center line of the confronting each well; the aperture of the ring-shaped opening being smaller than the aperture of the ring-shaped opening that is used when the culture vessel is not disposed in the optical path.

Abstract: This invention involves a thermal cycler capable of performing amplification of nucleic acids. This thermal cycler provides for the fully automatic positioning of its movable lid, which can be placed in two positions. The lid is also suitable for heating a plurality of reaction vessels and for shielding them from light from the environment. In addition, the thermal cycler also includes a thermal block having a plurality of chambers each of which receives the lower part of a reaction vessel. Finally, the thermal cycler has a lid carrier for moving the lid from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solid-phase determination method and equipment and an adapter for use in these. In the method a sample is allowed to react with a separating reagent bound to the outer surface of a separate solid phase body, whereafter the body is removed from the vessel and is taken to a measurement vessel, if required through one or several intermediate step vessels. At least one vessel contains a medium needed in a determination step to be performed therein when the phase body is brought into this vessel. The invention is especially suitable for use in automatic immunodetermination systems.

Abstract: A dilution reservoir (10) with one or more channels (30) is provided in which the channels (30) are easily accessible and which allow improved material manipulation. The dilution reservoir (10) includes a housing (14), having a base (18), a top (16) opposite the base (18) and a plurality of sides (20), (22). One or more channels (30) are located in said housing (14), each channel (30) having a mouth (40) at the top (16) of the housing (14) which opens into a cavity (38). Each channel (30) and each cavity (38) has a longitudinal axis (44), a transverse axis (48), a depth axis (46), and the channels (30) have arcuate cross-sections. These arcuate cross-sections provide true low points (60) in the bottom (56) of each cavity (38) which facilitate collection of material. The mouths (40) of the channels (30) are elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis (44) thus allowing a wider range of access angles (78) for insertion of a standard pipettor.