Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run: Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a reaction vessel in which an analyte is caused to react with a reagent; a probe for suctioning the reacted analyte from the reaction vessel; an analyzer unit for analyzing the reacted analyte; a transfer channel for transferring the reacted analyte suctioned by the probe to the analyzer unit 6; and a liquid-surface detector, connected to the reaction vessel and the probe via signal lines 1a and a pair of signal lines 4a and 4b, respectively, for detecting the electrical characteristics between the probe and the reaction vessel. A switch is located between the signal lines 4a and 4b that connect the liquid-surface detector to the probe, so that the switch can connect or disconnect the signal line 4a to/from the signal line 4b.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. Microdroplets are metered into defined volumes and are subsequently incorporated into a variety of biological assays. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus can include a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit can have an infusion mode, in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode, in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus can include a spectroscopic analyzer positioned to analyze at least a portion of the sample; a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer; and stored program instructions executable by the processor to obtain measurements of two or more properties of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer includes a detector and a controller. The detector includes a light source for emitting light to a prepared measurement sample and a light-receiving section for receiving light transmitted through the measurement sample. The controller is configured to performs operations comprising acquiring, based on the light detected by the detector, ratio information reflecting a ratio between a first value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reaction starting stage and a second value reflecting the intensity of the light transmitted through the measurement sample of a clotting reacting ending stage, and acquiring, based on the ratio information, a fibrinogen concentration in the blood sample.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.

Abstract: A detection chip is provided. The detection chip includes a substrate, an active reagent, a hydrophilic droplet and a lipophilic substance. The substrate includes a first containing slot, wherein the first containing slot includes a first space and a second space adjacent to each other. The active reagent is disposed in the first space of the first containing slot. The hydrophilic droplet is disposed in the second space of the first containing slot. The lipophilic substance is disposed in the first containing slot, wherein the lipophilic substance is immiscible to the active reagent and the hydrophilic droplet, and separates the active reagent from the hydrophilic droplet.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus is described, which is suitable for the withdrawal of portions of biological material from a parent test tube (1), mobile in a conveyor (6) of a test tube transport plant by means of transport devices (8) of single test tubes, to be loaded in one or more child test tubes (2) countermarked beforehand with suitable identification means and to be sent to different biological material analysis instruments interfaced to said transport plant.

Abstract: Novel and improved systems and methods for high speed arraying, hybridization, quantitative development and/or assaying are provided. Some embodiments provide a web based arraying format. Some other embodiments provide a sheet based arraying format. Some embodiments use a drop on drop assaying or hybridization mode. In some embodiments, a substantially inert substrate is utilized. In some other embodiments, an interactive substrate is utilized.

Abstract: A chemiluminescence-based detection system and method for counting blood cells by capturing and isolating target blood cells flowing through a microfluidic chip and detecting light emitted by the captured target blood cells.

Abstract: Paper-based microfluidic systems and methods of making the same are described.

Abstract: Microfluidic system, including methods and apparatus, for processing fluid, such as by droplet generation. In some embodiments, the system may include a well and a channel component attached to the well. The channel component may include (a) a body, (b) an input tube (a “fluid pickup”) projecting from a bottom surface of the body and having an open bottom end disposed in the input well, (c) a microchannel, and (d) a passage extending through the input tube and the body and connecting the well to the microchannel. The system may be configured to receive a sample-containing fluid in the well and retain the sample-containing fluid below a top end of the passage, until a pressure differential is created that drives at least a portion of the sample-containing fluid from the well via the passage and through the microchannel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an element for SPR measurement without the need of a mechanical solution-sending mechanism.

Abstract: A pipelining assembly for use in a blood analyzing instrument, methods for performing parallel pipelining functions, and methods for processing a plurality of prepared blood samples through a blood analyzing instrument. The pipelining assembly presented generally includes a first sample preparation chamber, a first queuing chamber in fluid communication with the first sample preparation chamber, and a first control valve between the first sample preparation chamber and the first queuing chamber. The pipelining assembly further includes a second sample preparation chamber, a second queuing chamber in fluid communication with the second sample preparation chamber, and a second control valve between the second sample preparation chamber and the second queuing chamber. An analysis chamber is provided to receive first and second prepared blood samples from the in first and second queuing chambers.

Abstract: Devices for handling liquid, for example microfluidic devices, are described, which are rotatable about an axis of rotation to drive liquid flow within the device. The 5 devices provide one or more of an aliquoting structure (6) having a plurality of daisy chained aliquoting chambers (100, 200, 300) for providing a plurality of aliquots, arrangements for sequencing the dispensing of the aliquots by controlling the rotation of the device and arrangements for ensuring that a fault condition can be detected when insufficient liquid is present in the device to fill 10 all aliquots. Further disclosed are arrangements for ensuring a detection chamber (12) of the device remains filled with liquid, arrangements for reducing the risk of air ingress to the detection chamber (12) on repeated emptying and filling of a supply structure (10) and arrangements for reducing the risk of bubble formation when filling the detection chamber (12).

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer in which a reaction solution is stirred by air ejected from an air ejection hole placed above a reaction container. The reaction region can be washed and cleaned sufficiently without causing damage, such as exfoliation of a coating reagent. A reaction container disk 161 is provided with a pore 240 and a pressure detector 241 connected with the pore. Before and after the stirring operation, the ejection hole (nozzle) 170 ejecting air is moved and the output value of the pressure detector is compared with a previously measured normal value. With a discharge pipe 1101 and a suction pipe 1102 inserted to the opening of the reaction container 1140 to be close to both ends of the opening and the side wall of the container, the reaction region 1150 at the bottom of the container is washed by continuous discharge and suction of cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

Abstract: A hematology analyzer is provided. In certain embodiments, the hematology analyzer comprises: a) a flow cell; b) a light source for directing light to the flow cell; c) a plurality of detectors for detecting a plurality of optical characteristics of a blood cell passing through the flow cell; and d) a data analysis workstation programmed to: i. enumerate test blood cells passing through the flow cell; and ii. flag a blood sample as containing lysis-resistant red blood cells or fragile white blood cells.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for manipulating droplets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for manipulating droplets is provided, the apparatus including a substrate, multiple arrays of electrodes disposed on the substrate, wherein corresponding electrodes in each array are connected to a common electrical signal, and a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate first side surface and patterned to cover the electrodes.

Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A pipetting device having a modular pipetting unit including a pipetting tip for pipetting of fluid samples and a pump conduit for transferring a negative or positive pressure to the pipetting tip is disclosed. The pipetting tip and a portion of the pump conduit adjoining the pipetting tip mutually define a fluid sample conduit for receiving the fluid samples. The modular pipetting unit is detachably attached to an automated positioning device for positioning the modular pipetting unit. A system and method for pipetting of fluid samples using such a pipetting device are also disclosed wherein pipetting of the fluid samples is performed in such a manner that each pipetted fluid sample volume is smaller than a volume of the fluid sample conduit.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for mitochondria analysis includes an inlet coupled to a first access channel, an outlet coupled to a second access channel, and a plurality of trapping channels fluidically coupled at one end to the first access channel and fluidically coupled at an opposing end to the second access channel, each trapping channel has a cross-sectional dimension about 2 ?m in one direction and a cross-sectional dimension between about 0.45 and about 0.75 ?m in a second direction.

Abstract: A microfluidic channel for effectively removing a gas from a fluid, and microfluidic apparatus including the same are provided. The microfluidic channel includes a first channel having a uniform cross-sectional area, and a second channel connected to the first channel and having a gradually expanded cross-sectional area.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that achieve independent and simultaneous processing of a plurality of substrate-supported biological samples. In one embodiment, substrate holders arranged in a minor arc are independently moveable between a processing position and an access position, and reagents are delivered to substrates held in the substrate holders through a nozzle plate that moves along the arc of substrate holders. The disclosed apparatus and method are particularly suited for implementation of lean processing of biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of microfluidic devices and methods for conducting assays and syntheses. The devices include a solid substrate layer having a surface that is capable of attaching ligand and or anti-ligand, and an elastomeric layer attached to said surface. Preferred embodiments have deflectable membrane valves and pumps, for example, rotary pumps associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based particle sorting. According to one embodiment, a droplet microactuator is provided and includes: (a) a suspension of particles; and (b) electrodes arranged for conducting droplet operations using droplets comprising particles. A method of transporting a particle is also provided, wherein the method includes providing a droplet comprising the particle and transporting the droplet on a droplet microactuator.

Abstract: Microsampling system for small amounts of fluid samples for analysis in the vapour phase, which comprises a plurality of integrated functional units and is suitable for small sample quantities with fast reaction times.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a plurality of photochemical reaction stages, the microfluidic system comprising a computational processor, a plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages, and a series of controllable interconnections for connecting the photochemical reaction stages. In an implementation, the computational processor controls the electrically-controllable photochemical and other chemical reaction stages together with controllable interconnections so as to implement multi-step chemical processes. The microfluidic system can be configured to selectively drive a plurality of photochemical reactions within a mixture of chemical compounds via controlled emission of light of a plurality of wavelengths. The microfluidic system can be configured to comprise various interconnections and combinations of parallel and series chemical reaction stages, and can include a multichannel microfluidic chemical transfer bus.

Abstract: The pipetting method is directed to mounting and ejecting a disposable pipette tip. The pipetting system has one or more tip mounting shafts with an upper locking section and a lower sealing section. The upper locking section has outwardly extending lobes spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member. The lower sealing section on the tip mounting shaft is located below the stop. As the mounting shaft is inserted into the collar of the disposable pipette, the collar distorts out of round and engages the lobes on the upper locking section of the tip mounting shaft. Contemporaneously, the lower sealing section of the mounting shaft seals against the barrel of the disposable pipette tip.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods useful for the processing of a tissue sample and the preparation of cells, cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments. The invention provides two-stage filer devices and two-membrane devices. Cell aggregates and/or tissue fragments prepared using such devices and according to methods of the present invention can be used in a variety of assay systems, including, but not limited to, drug validation assays, drug screening assays, proliferation assays, metabolic assays, metastasis assays, angiogenesis assays, binding assays, biochemical assays, cellular assays, genetic assays, and the like.

Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into a slot in the protective sheath and is held into place by retainers running on the interior face of the protective sheath. A paraffin block cassette accepts a paraffin block and slides into a sample block sleeve holder disposed on one edge of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: A method for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample comprises placing the bag with the sample in a dosing system (e.g., on a holder or weighing device), computing a required volume or weight of fixative solution as a function of the sample or the bag with the sample, and automatically transferring the computed volume or weight of fixative solution from a storage container into the bag. A system is also described for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, a carrier for said flexible bags, and a storage cabinet for storing the carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid transfer apparatus, in particular pipetting apparatus, for transferring at least one fluid laboratory sample, in particular a biochemical or medical laboratory sample, comprising a base body, which has a connecting section serving for connecting a container to the base body for the intake of the at least one fluid sample into the container, a movement device, which can bring about the intake and/or delivery of at least one fluid laboratory sample into the container, an electrical control device, which controls at least one function of the fluid transfer apparatus, a sensor device, which comprises at least one acceleration sensor which is signal-connected to the control device and by means of which at least one acceleration value can be measured during the movement of the fluid transfer apparatus, wherein the control device is designed such that it uses the at least one acceleration value during the control of the at least one function.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of dispersing or circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured to transport the droplet, and a magnetic field present at a portion of the plurality of droplet operations electrodes. A bead-containing droplet is provided on the droplet actuator in the presence of the uniform magnetic field. Beads are circulated in the droplet during incubation by conducting droplet operations on the droplet within a uniform region of the magnate field. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides droplet actuators and droplet actuator cassettes including reagent storage capabilities, as well as methods of making and using the droplet actuators and cassettes. The invention also provides continuous flow channel elements and techniques for using electrodes to manipulate droplets in flowing streams. The invention also discloses methods of separating compounds on a droplet actuator. Various other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated analyzer according to an embodiment includes a probe. The probe has a step part configured to be provided between a lower shaft and an upper shaft, and to be formed such that the outer diameter changes. A descending controller lowers the probe from a predefined position that positions the step part above the liquid surface to an operating position that positions the step part below the liquid surface. A ascending controller raises the probe at a high speed from the operating position until immediately before the step part reaches the position of the liquid surface, subsequently raises the probe at a low speed until the step part passes through the liquid surface, and raises the probe at a higher speed than the low speed from immediately after the step part passes through the position of the liquid surface up to the predefined position.

Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.

Abstract: An interface apparatus between a pneumatic mail system and a feeding system of biological products to a laboratory automation system is described, the apparatus comprising a capsule suitable for being conveyed in a pneumatic mail system which accommodates therein one or more biological material containers, said capsule opening and connecting to a device for transferring said biological material containers contained in said capsule into at least one recruiting device of said biological product containers, said at least one recruiting device being used to load said containers of biological products into a positioning device interfaced with a gripping device of said biological product container for transferring said biological product container on an automatic conveyor belonging to a laboratory automation system. Said capsule has an inner chamber containing foam elements adapted to withhold said biological product containers present in said capsule.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids and reactions are provided. Such structures and methods may involve positioning fluid samples, e.g., in the form of droplets, in a carrier fluid (e.g., an oil, which may be immiscible with the fluid sample) in predetermined regions in a microfluidic network. In some embodiments, positioning of the droplets can take place in the order in which they are introduced into the microfluidic network (e.g., sequentially) without significant physical contact between the droplets. Because of the little or no contact between the droplets, there may be little or no coalescence between the droplets. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, surfactants are not required in either the fluid sample or the carrier fluid to prevent coalescence of the droplets. Structures and methods described herein also enable droplets to be removed sequentially from the predetermined regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.

Abstract: A cap having a core structure dimensioned to receive a pipette therethrough. The cap includes two axially aligned frangible seals that are affixed to the core structure in a spaced-apart relationship. The frangible seals are constructed so that air passageways are formed between the frangible seals and a pipette tip when the pipette tip penetrates the frangible seals. The cap optionally includes a filter interposed between the first and second frangible seals.