Abstract: This invention relates to a portable thermocycler having a unique geometric configuration, which allows the device to be made durable, compact and adapted for field-use. In general, the device includes a case, a rotary plate having a plurality of constant temperature heating blocks and a plurality of sample wheels, wherein the wheels are rotatable and pivotable to allow a plurality of reaction vessels, organized in cassettes, to be moved into contact with the heating blocks for heat transfer applications.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter preferably for an anabolic chamber or incubator utilizing an activated carbon of the filter which has been vacuumed to remove contaminants. The assembly occurs in a clean room environment. Upon assembling the filter, vacuum sealing the filter in a bag further assures that the sterilization of the filter is maintained. Moreover, the method may subject the vacuum sealed filter to gamma radiation to kill any molds, germs and bacteria that may exist in the filter after the assembly process.

Abstract: A device for receiving a chip shaped carrier having an active surface, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleids and which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device. The device comprises: a cartridge having an opening for receiving a liquid sample and including casing parts (14, 15); a casing part having an inner surface and outer surface, a first cavity for receiving a chip shaped carrier, and means which provide access to that first cavity and thereby to the active surface of the chip shaped carrier; a sealing material which is at least once reversibly liquidifiable; the shape and dimensions of first cavity, chip shaped carrier, and sealing material, being chosen that the chip shaped carrier fits into the space delimited by the sealing material. The process for mounting the carrier in the cartridge essentially consists in placing the carrier in the first cavity and liquidifying the sealing material.

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 shocking chamber for performing electroporation is constructed in the form of a base and a hinged lid which when lowered forms an enclosure with the base that fully encloses a cuvette and impresses a high voltage across the cuvette, the voltage connection becoming disengaged upon the simple raising of the lid. The base contains two pairs of electrical leads, one pair engaging the cuvette with spring-loaded contacts that provide electrical connections to the cuvette while helping to secure the cuvette in place, and the other pair joined to high-voltage terminals. A shunt built into the lid bridges the two pairs of leads in the base when the lid is closed and pivots out of the way to clear all leads when the lid is opened. These and other features of the construction provide the user with a safe and secure means of forming the high-voltage electrical connections used in electroporation in an apparatus that can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for packaging a chip shaped carrier having an active surface which is adapted to be read by an electro-optical reading device, e.g. a surface which carries an array of DNA oligonucleotides. The invention further provides processes for assembling the devices. The invention also provides systems for carrying out evaluations and/or monitoring methods involving electro-optical reading of an activce surface of a chip shaped carrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing microbial contaminants from a flowing fluid in a cell culture incubator are disclosed. Some embodiments of the invention provide a cell culture incubator including a chamber, an airflow passage through which gasses circulate within the chamber, a filter configured to filter gasses that flow through the airflow passage and chamber, and a blower for circulating gasses through the airflow passage, chamber and filter. The blower includes a structural component at least partially formed from an anti-microbial material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatic implementation of chemical or biological methods in sample vessels, more particularly for sequencing and amplifying nucleic acid sequences, including a pipette apparatus and a thermocycler, the pipette apparatus comprising a pipette arm for pipetting sample substances and/or chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the pipette apparatus and the thermocycler are configured as spatially separated workstations and that a handling arm for moving at least one sample vessel containing sample substances or chemicals and configured separate from the workstations is provided.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device consisting of a plate containing a plurality of wells to hold liquid and a lid that covers the plate and contains a number of “pins” that insert into the wells of the plate to control the temperature of the sample in the well. Biological, chemical or other samples are placed into the wells of the plate and the lid is placed on the plate with the pins inserted into or in the proximity of the sample. The lid, the outer surface of which may be copper clad and in direct contract with the pins, is heated or cooled, rapidly and uniformly heating or cooling the biological samples. The temperature of the sample can be rapidly and uniformly cycled and is particularly useful for the amplification of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: An anabolic chamber constructed of a plastic with additives to create desirable characteristics such as resistance to corrosion and bacteria growth. The anabolic chamber has a double-wall structure with internal support ribs for creating a water jacket for facilitating maintaining temperature control within the chamber. Features such as handles, mounting blocks and surface detail are created integral to the anabolic chamber.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for biological samples. The thermal cycling device may include a sample block, an annular plate, and a plurality of spring devices interposed between the sample block and the annular plate. The sample block has a plurality of openings for receiving sample wells of a sample well tray. The annular plate may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the sample block and may be configured to abut a bottom surface of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is positioned thereon. The plurality of spring device may be interposed between the sample block and the annular plate to urge the annular plate and sample well tray away from the sample block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating specimens in wells of a metallic specimen carrier. The specimen carrier is heated by applying resistive heating directly to the carrier. An AC source and transformer may be used where the specimen carrier is in series with a single turn secondary winding of the transformer. A magnet may be placed in each well and excited by the heating current to provided a stirring effect.

Abstract: An elongate canister having a generally rectangular cross-section sized to house a plurality of antibiotic susceptibility test arrays stacked one atop another and maintained secure within an environmentally controlled inventory chamber in a random access microbiological analyzer.

Abstract: A shocking chamber for performing electroporation is constructed in the form of a base and a hinged lid which when lowered forms an enclosure with the base that fully encloses a cuvette and impresses a high voltage across the cuvette, the voltage connection becoming disengaged upon the simple raising of the lid. The base contains two pairs of electrical leads, one pair engaging the cuvette with spring-loaded contacts that provide electrical connections to the cuvette while helping to secure the cuvette in place, and the other pair joined to high-voltage terminals. A shunt built into the lid bridges the two pairs of leads in the base when the lid is closed and pivots out of the way to clear all leads when the lid is opened. These and other features of the construction provide the user with a safe and secure means of forming the high-voltage electrical connections used in electroporation in an apparatus that can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: An embryo culturing incubator is provided with a shelf configuration that enhances air circulation inside of the incubator, and enables unimpeded access to the individual embryo culture plates that are disposed on the shelves in the incubator. The incubator has an access door which allows one contact with the embryo culture plates on the incubator shelves. The shelves are configured so as to provide a useful free space between the inner surface of the incubator door and the frontal surface of the shelves in the incubator. The size of the free space allows a technician to reach all of the culture plates in the incubator without interfering with other culture plates in the incubator. The free space also allows for exemplary air circulation inside of the incubator.

Abstract: An assembly for promoting the growth of plant tissues that includes a plurality of plates each defining an array of wells wherein each of the wells contains a tissue sample. Support for the plates is provided by a rack having a plurality of vertically stacked shelves that may include one or more register depressions that urge the plates into predetermined positions. Light for the tissue samples is provided by a plurality of light-emitting diode arrays each mounted on a circuit board. Each circuit board is supported by a respective card edge connector of the rack so that the light-emitting diodes are in proximity to the plates supported on one of the shelves therebelow. Preferably, the light-emitting diode array corresponds to the well array supported in the registered position on the shelf therebelow so that each light-emitting diode is centered above a respective one of the wells.

Abstract: A specimen culturing system and method is employed to culture biological specimens, preferably embryos. The embryos are cultured in an incubator in separate culturing sites, such as wells, which can each hold an embryo container, such as a Petrie dish, that contains one or more of the embryos. The culturing wells are disposed in one or more shelves in the incubator. The culturing containers are formed from a transparent material such as tempered glass. Each of the wells are provided with embryo development-monitoring adjuncts. The development-monitoring adjuncts are preferably embryo-imaging devices and sound-monitoring devices. The system includes image and sound recording components which can record periodic images of the embryos during the culturing cycle; and can record sounds emanating from the specimens. The embryo-imaging devices can include CCD imaging devices which are connected to image viewing and recording adjuncts by means of electrical connections.

Abstract: A device for handling PCR microcards, each having an array of sample chambers closed by a transparent material on one side thereof, in relation to a PCR instrument, the device including a carrier having an apertured region with an array of holes corresponding in number and relative location with the array of sample chambers in each of the microcards, and a provision for retaining a microcard on the carrier so that the transparent material faces the apertured region with the reagent sample chambers aligned, respectively, with the holes in the apertured region, and so that the side of the microcard opposite the transparent material is unobstructed at least throughout the array of sample chambers. The device cooperates with the PCR instrument to ensure accurate positioning of the carrier and the microcard retained thereon for real time PCR processing.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for a titration plate enables selected sample wells to be individually subjected to heating and cooling cycles independent of the temperature of adjacent sample wells. Each sample well is fitted with its own mechanism for independently heating and cooling the sample therein while a heat sensing mechanism provides feedback to the controller. The device is especially well adapted for enabling elected samples in a single titration plate to be simultaneously subjected to different PCR programs.

Abstract: Some of the blind holes (6) between indentations (4) of a heating surface (3) contain lifting elements (7) which, after opening of a cover, release a microtitre plate (13) from the heating surface (3) and raise said microtitre plate about 2 to 3 mm, so that it can be removed without application of force. Each lifting element (7) consists of a coil spring (8) and a contact pin (9) made of, for example, PEEK which is inserted into said coil spring and presses with a round flat abutting surface (12) against the lower surface of the microtitre plate (13). The spring constant of the lifting element (7) is about 6 N/mm.

Abstract: A laboratory microplate incubator (10) including a housing (12) having a specially-sized, enclosed incubation chamber (24) therein and a temperature control assembly (14) that uniformly maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range. The temperature control assembly includes a heater (34) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber, a temperature sensor (38) and a controller (36). Multiple incubation chambers can be electrically controlled by the temperature control assembly in a master incubator. Multiple incubation chambers can be stacked to conserve laboratory space. An externally fillable water reservoir is provided inside the chamber.

Abstract: A device for handling PCR microcards, each having an array of sample chambers closed by a transparent material on one side thereof, in relation to a PCR instrument, the device including a carrier having an apertured region with an array of holes corresponding in number and relative location with the array of sample chambers in each of the microcards, and a provision for retaining a microcard on the carrier so that the transparent material faces the apertured region with the reagent sample chambers aligned, respectively, with the holes in the apertured region, and so that the side of the microcard opposite the transparent material is unobstructed at least throughout the array of sample chambers. The device cooperates with the PCR instrument to ensure accurate positioning of the carrier and the microcard retained thereon for real time PCR processing.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybridization oven or incubator, and more particularly to a rotisserie and carousel/retainer system for use therein. The rotisserie includes a spindle that is readily removable from the oven, having a first end received in an annular bracket and a second end received annular bracket with an upper slot for passage of the spindle into the bracket. The carousel clip system includes a thin metal carousel plate preferably formed of a stainless steel and having a plurality of ears bent perpendicular to the carousel plate and having a detent aperture therein.

Abstract: A cell tube for ex vivo culturing animal cells and a multiple roller tube cell culture system are disclosed. Suitable for use in culturing cells, the tube has at its opposite end walls two openings through which culture media can come in and out. The openings are eccentrically located at corresponding positions in contact with the edge sides of the end walls. The system has a plurality of roller drums on which a multitude of cell tubes are assembled. As the roller drums are rotated, cells adhering to each tube experience a nutrient-rich state and aerobic starvation, repeatedly. In the nutrient-rich state, the cells are grown flourishingly. When subjected to starvation, cells select metabolism pathways for utilizing carbon sources effectively, produce lactate at a low rate and can maintain a constant pH, because they are in direct contact with air. The system makes cells adhere to the wall of cell tubes and provides air directly to cell surfaces.

Abstract: The invention describes a thermal cycler which permits simultaneous treatment of multiple individual samples in independent thermal protocols, so as to implement large numbers of DNA experiments simultaneously in a short time. The chamber is thermally isolated from its surroundings, heat flow in and out of the unit being limited to one or two specific heat transfer areas. All heating elements are located within these transfer areas and at least one temperature sensor per heating element is positioned close by. Fluid bearing channels that facilitate sending fluid into, and removing fluid from, the chamber are provided. The chambers may be manufactured as integrated arrays to form units in which each cycler chamber has independent temperature and fluid flow control Two embodiments of the invention are described together with a process for manufacturing them.

Abstract: Even in a case of an incubator having a sample rack of complicated shape, the internal environmental condition in the incubator is maintained uniformly, so that the reliability of biochemical treatment can be assured. It includes a storage box, the sample rack movably disposed in the storage box, a moving device for moving the sample rack, and a controller for controlling the moving device. The controller has a function of selectively controlling the positioning operation for positioning the sample rack at specified positions, and the agitating operation for moving the sample rack, and by the agitating operation for moving the sample rack, the atmosphere in the storage box is agitated to be uniform. Preferably, the sample rack has a plurality of sample tables coupled in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A loading station assembly for at least partially supporting the underside of a flexible cell membrane positioned in the bottom of a cell culture well. The assembly includes a planar member having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture receives a post having a flange which supports the membrane. A central opening defined in the planar member allows a vacuum to be drawn therethrough and to pull a portion of the membrane downwardly and cause a central portion of the membrane to stretch across the flange. Cells cultured on the membrane are subjected to a corresponding strain.

Abstract: An automatic temperature control device comprises a reaction chamber for housing a vessel, a tray for supporting the vessel, a temperature control part for controlling at least the temperature in the reaction chamber, a transfer means for slidably moving the tray such that the tray may freely enter or withdraw from the reaction chamber, a first cover part for closing up the reaction chamber tightly when the tray is made to enter the reaction chamber by the transfer means, a second cover part for closing up the reaction chamber tightly when the tray is made to withdraw from the reaction chamber by the transfer means, and first and second magnets for holding the second cover part in a tightly closed-up state, wherein the tray for supporting the vessel is allowed to move slidably in linkage with the pivotal motion of the cover for pivoting the cover and also making the vessel to enter or withdraw from the reaction chamber in one operation.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere entry/exit lock unit (10) for association with a controlled atmosphere cabinet (80), the lock unit (10) having two controlled access means (13; 30) both usually operable alternatively for sealing and communicating, one (30) relative to said cabinet (80) and the other (13) relative to outside, the lock unit further having atmosphere control means (70-78) operable for achieving internal atmosphere conditions compatible with what may be prescribed for said cabinet (80), the one access means having movable door means (30) and related powered actuation means (50; 30A, B) including for sealing relative to access with said cabinet (80).

Abstract: A portable incubator for testing water comprising a housing, a heating element, a temperature sensor, a heating controller and a specimen bottle having recesses for receiving the heating element and the temperature sensor. The specimen bottle is filled with water to be tested which is mixed with a reagent and placed inside the incubator. The heating controller serves to keep the temperature of the water within a preset range.

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 container for measurement of cell functions, for use in the determination of a physiologically active substance produced by blood cells, is constituted such that an amount of material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance, when extracted by collecting water of a volume equal to a liquid volume to be subjected to measurement, is controlled at a level insufficient to induce production of the physiologically active substance from the blood cells. A container for measurement of cell functions in which a material capable of inducing production of a physiologically active substance in blood when contacted with the blood is accommodated in such a condition as being contactable with blood, and in which an amount of the material capable of inducing production of the physiologically active substance in the container before use is limited to a level insufficient to influence a measured value of the physiologically active substance.

Abstract: A method for carrying out sequential reactions, e.g., sequential biochemical reactions, and a rotary thermocycling apparatus especially adapted for conducting such reactions, for example, polymerase chain reactions, are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of stations, e.g., four stations, for receiving biochemical samples in flat-bottomed containers. Heating means are provided to independently control the temperature of each station, transport means are provided to move the containers from one station to another in a predetermined sequence, and at least one station has a spray unit to spray liquid reagents into a container at that station. The method includes sequentially cycling a sample through predetermined temperature changes and spraying the sample with at least one reagent.

Abstract: An ampoule incubator and light analyzer is provided which includes a housing having at least one receptacle for an ampoule, an incubation system, a light analysis system, and a master control system. According to the invention, the incubation system includes, for each receptacle, a heating element which heats the ampoule and a temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the ampoule. Each receptacle is preferably insulated to prevent unintended heating of neighboring receptacles of the apparatus. The incubation system is adapted to quickly heat the receptacle, and consequently the ampoule provided therein, up to the desired temperature. The incubation system is calibrated by soaking the circuits of the control system in a controlled temperature environment maintained at the desired operation temperature for analysis of the ampoules.

Abstract: A microtiter plate system includes an integral heater. In an embodiment, the integral heater includes a heater plate. In another embodiment, the integral heater includes resistive heater wires positioned beneath and/or between the wells of a microtiter plate. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes optically clear well bottoms that permit sensing and measurement of samples through the optically clear well bottoms. In an implementation, an optically clear heater is positioned beneath the optically clear well bottoms. In an alternative implementation, resistive heater wires are positioned between the wells. In an embodiment, the microtiter plate system includes a microtiter plate lid with an integral heater, which can be implemented using a heater plate, resistive wires, and the like.

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: Apparatus and methods for controlling heaters in an automated biological apparatus are provided. The heating system has a conversion buffer in between the desired temperature generator and the heating controller. The heating controller is in communication with a slide temperature sensor, which provides feedback to the heating controller, and a heater. Because the slide temperature sensor may inaccurately reflect the actual temperature on the slide, the heating controller may inaccurately heat the slide to an undesired temperature. Thus, the conversion buffer compensates for potential inaccuracies of the heating controller. The desired temperature generator sends the “desired temperature” for the slide to the conversion buffer. The conversion buffer converts the “desired temperature” to an “adjusted temperature” and sends it to the heating controller. The heating controller then controls the heater based upon the “adjusted temperature” and the heating sensor.

Abstract: A mixing system comprises an elongate rotatable shaft having a rotational axis. A plurality of holding members extend radially outward from the shaft and are configured to rotate with the shaft. The system further includes a plurality of carriers that are insertable between two of the holding members. Each of the carriers includes a plurality of grooves, pairs of which are adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber for holding a liquid.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for controlled heating and cooling of biological samples uses eight Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs), positioned between a metal sample plate and a heat sink (2). By altering the polarity of the applied current through the TEC, the temperature of the sample plate can be raised or lowered. When uniform heating and cooling of the sample plate is required, all eight TECs are connected in series and in the same polarity. To produce temperature gradients across the sample plate, the relative polarity of individual TECs is changed or they are bypassed altogether.

Abstract: A cell culture incubator comprising a chamber, an airflow passage through which fluids may recirculate through the chamber, a filter disposed within the airflow passage, and a structural component constructed of a material with anti-microbial properties. The structural component is disposed in the airflow passage so that microbial contaminants in air flowing into or within the incubator will contact the anti-microbial structural component and be retained in a portion of the airflow passage. The portion of the airflow passage in which the microbial contaminants are retained may be adjacent to the structural element.

Abstract: A cell culture incubator (10, 72) is provided which includes one or more UV lamps (40, 116) allowing continuous or semi-continuous on-demand incubator sterilization. The incubator (10, 72) includes a thermally insulated cabinet (12, 74) having an internal working chamber (14, 76) and a hingedly mounted door (16, 78). The sterilizing UV lamp (40) may be mounted in a circulating airflow passageway (62) to continuously sterilize air circulating through the working chamber (14). Alternately or in addition thereto, the lamp (116) may be mounted in the door (78) with a reflector (114) for focusing the UV radiation into the working chamber (76). Preferably, short-wave UV lamps are employed.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing tray (92) holds an array of sample wells (82) in a rank and file pattern by means of rigid file members (85) connected by flexible mechanisms (87) permitting the pattern to be expanded to change the center-to-center spacing between adjacent wells (82) form 9 mm to 10.8 mm.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere cabinet has enclosure (110;210) with means providing visibility (110F; 210F) of its interior from outside, gas supply (113-116, 212-216) for desired or target composition of internal atmosphere, controlled lock-type access (112) for manual introduction and removal of items, and hand/arm access port provision (111A, B; 211A, B) for manipulation of said samples in the cabinet. Gas supply associated control means (230-240) serves during use of the cabinet (other than normal atmosphere augmenting in use of the lock-type access) for additional gas supply further to correct or compensate for effects actually or potentially adverse to maintaining the desired or target internal atmosphere composition, via operator-actuated input means (121t, 123; 222) and/or means (122, 124, 139; 225) for sensing prescribed conditions to which the control means is responsive for said additional gas supply.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly heating and cooling deep well pharmaceutical microplates when used in fluid connection with a heater/cooler water pump. The apparatus comprises a housing having a divider plate extending transversely through the medial portion of the housing and that defines a matrix of apertures therethrough. A plurality of vertically extending tubes are mounted within a corresponding plurality of the matrix of apertures with the lower end of each tube mounted in a corresponding aperture and the top end extending upwardly from the divider plate and through the open top of the housing.

Abstract: A loading station assembly for at least partially supporting the underside of a flexible cell membrane positioned in the bottom of a cell culture well. The assembly includes a planar member having a plurality of apertures. Each aperture receives a post having a flange which supports the membrane. A central opening defined in the planar member allows a vacuum to be drawn therethrough and to pull a portion of the membrane downwardly and cause a central portion of the membrane to stretch across the flange. Cells cultured on the membrane are subjected to a corresponding strain.

Abstract: Provided are a magnetic particle separation assembly and method for separating a magnetically responsive complex from a non-magnetic test media in which the magnetically responsive complex is suspended. The assembly comprises an invertible rack for holding specimen containers and a magnetic support member for supporting the rack. The magnetic support member has a base and a planar member bisecting the base and extending upwardly therefrom. The planar vertical member has a plurality of magnets embedded therein. The magnets are disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation parallel to the base and spaced from the base. The invertible rack has a slot therethrough dimensioned to accept the planar vertical member of the magnetic support member. In one position, at least one container of a particular size is positioned within the rack so as to be adjacent to the magnetic support member in final assembly such that the magnetically responsive complex is separated from the non-magnetic media.

Abstract: A vessel for conducting blood cell agglutination assays is disclosed. A barrier retains reactants in an upper chamber during incubation, then, in response to a force, permits reagents to enter a lower chamber containing a matrix for separating agglutination.

Abstract: An incubator with an external gas feed is disclosed, wherein a gas is supplied to an interior space of the incubator to maintain an interior atmosphere with a constant gas-to-air ratio. The gas is supplied to the interior space through a gas nozzle forming a gas jet. The gas jet draws in the interior atmosphere through an injector effect, thereby thoroughly mixing the gas with the interior atmosphere.