Abstract: An automatic analyzer which assures uniformity in mixing effects regardless of sample quantity and test item and thus produces analysis results with high repeatability. The automatic analyzer includes a device for adding a conditioning liquid into a reaction chamber so that the quantity of liquid in the reaction chamber becomes a predetermined quantity prior to being mixed. The conditioning liquid may be a diluent or physiological saline as used for dilution of a sample or any other special liquid that adjusts the properties such as viscosity, surface tension, etc. of liquid to be mixed.

Abstract: A fluidic system that includes at least one channel for the transport of a liquid, the channel being formed of an absorbent material; and at least one switchable polymer gel that functions as a storage reservoir and/or valve for the liquid and is in contact with the absorbent material of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and fluid delivery system for automated assays. The apparatus, for example, may be used for western blotting that uses flow lines for multiple reagents. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a tray base with one or more fixed or disposable trays for testing samples, multiple flow lines, and multiple valves and the system is used for automatic controlled delivery of different fluids from supply vessels to different trays and discharges them to designated reservoirs or sewage system with minimum of operator actions. The system may include air line to assist supply and discharge the fluids and also coupled with measuring vessels with adjustable volume and valves adapted to interface with a valve operating unit with drive means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus providing for receiving liquids and for applying liquids on sample carriers.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods and devices for transferring a sample into a cartridge for processing. Methods of the invention include providing a vessel containing a sample, coupling the sample to a cartridge configured to process the sample at an interface, in which the interface is configured to provide communication between the vessel and the cartridge, introducing a fluid, capture particles, or both from the cartridge into the vessel, and transferring the sample, fluid, and capture particles from the vessel and into the cartridge for processing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a biological fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an analysis cartridge having a channel and an analysis chamber, wherein the channel is in fluid communication with the analysis chamber and includes at least one hydrophobic interior wall surface; b) admixing one or more anti-adsorption agents with fluid sample disposed within the channel, wherein the anti-adsorption agents are operable to inhibit adsorption of fluid sample onto the interior wall surface of the channel; c) moving the fluid sample into the analysis chamber; and d) analyzing the sample within the analysis chamber.

Abstract: An electroosmotic (EO) pump is provided that includes a housing having a pump cavity, a porous core medium and electrodes. The porous core medium is positioned within the pump cavity to form an exterior reservoir that extends at least partially about an exterior surface of the porous core medium. The porous core medium has an open inner chamber provided therein. The inner chamber represents an interior reservoir. The electrodes are positioned in the inner chamber and are positioned proximate the exterior surface. The electrodes induce flow of a fluid through the porous core medium between the interior and exterior reservoirs, wherein a gas is generated when the electrodes induce flow of the fluid. The housing has a fluid inlet to convey the fluid to one of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a fluid outlet to discharge the fluid from another of the interior reservoir and the exterior reservoir. The housing has a gas removal device to remove the gas from the pump cavity.

Abstract: A device for handling liquid samples, comprising a flow path with at least one zone for receiving the sample, and a transport or incubation zone, said zones connected by or comprising an area having projections substantially vertical to its surface, said device provided with a sink with a capacity of receiving said liquid sample, said sink comprising an area having projections substantially vertical to its surface, and said sink being adapted to respond to an external influence regulating its capacity to receive said liquid sample.

Abstract: A microchip capable of sending liquid in a micro flow channel to a predetermined place irrespective of the pressure difference and sending a mixture of two or more liquid masses to a predetermined place even if the channel structure is simple. The microchip comprises an intermediate reservoir portion provided in a micro flow channel and adapted for temporarily holding liquid sent through the micro flow channel. The microchip is characterized in that the intermediate reservoir portion has a side channel, the volume of the intermediate reservoir portion is smaller than the total volume of the liquid sent into the intermediate reservoir portion, the side channel is provided for communication of a micro flow channel on the upstream side of the intermediate reservoir portion with a micro flow channel on the downstream side thereof, and the cross-section area of the side channel is smaller than that of the micro flow channel.

Abstract: A reader for mechanical actuation of fluids within a test cartridge. The instrument interface including multiple independently-controlled plungers aligned to respective fluidic pouches on a test cartridge that is inserted into a testing apparatus embodying the instrument interface. The plungers include tips for applying mechanical force to the respective fluidic pouches.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.

Abstract: A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods are provided for simultaneously dispensing metered volumes of fluids at different rates and mixing the fluids to generate a mixed sample having the fluids in proportion to the different rates at which they were dispensed. In some cases two or more of the fluids are premixed prior to mixing with other fluids. In some cases a use composition and diluent are simultaneously dispensed at different rates and premixed to form a diluted sample. One or more reagents may be mixed with the diluted sample and the sample mixture can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the use composition.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus includes at least one microfluidic device in which flow paths are formed, a device receiving layer including a receiving part into which the at least one microfluidic device is inserted and at least one pattern layer on which patterns connected to the flow paths of the at least one microfluidic device are formed, wherein each of the at least one pattern and device receiving layers is bonded to an adjacent layer to prevent fluid leakage.

Abstract: A channel control mechanism for a microchip has a laminated structure formed of members including elastic members, and includes: a sample reservoir for packing a sample therein; a reaction reservoir in which mixture and reaction of the sample are performed; and a channel formed in a middle layer of the laminated structure, for bringing the sample reservoir and the reaction reservoir into communication with each other. The channel control mechanism performs the reaction and analysis in such a manner that the sample is delivered into the reaction reservoir through the channel. A shutter channel (pressurizing channel) is provided in a layer different from a layer in which the channel is formed so that the pressurizing channel partially overlaps the channel. The channel is closed through applying a pressurized medium to the shutter channel (pressurizing channel), and the channel is opened through releasing a pressure of the pressurized medium.

Abstract: A method including: a) providing a first well with a first layer of a first flowable material and a second layer of a second flowable material, and a second well with a first layer of a first flowable material different from the first flowable material of the first well, b) locating the flowable material inlet within the first layer, c) sampling a first volume of the first flowable material, d) displacing the flowable material inlet relative to the first well to locate the flowable material inlet within the second layer, e) sampling a second volume of the second flowable material, f) displacing the flowable material inlet relative to the first and second wells to locate the flowable material inlet within the first layer of the second well, and g) sampling or dispensing into the second well a third volume of the first flowable material of the second well.

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element configured to measure the hydration level of a user is disclosed. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates methods for analyzing agricultural and/or environmental samples using liquid bridges. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for analyzing an agricultural sample for a desired trait including obtaining a gene or gene product from an agricultural sample, in which the gene or gene product is in a first fluid; providing a liquid bridge for mixing the gene or gene product with at least one reagent to form a mixed droplet that is wrapped in an immiscible second fluid; and analyzing the mixed droplet to detect a desired trait of the agricultural sample.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

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 plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages and the controllable interconnections so as to implement a multi-step photochemical synthesis function.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a sample distribution network including a plurality of sample chambers configured to be loaded with biological sample for biological testing of the biological sample while in the sample chambers, the biological sample having a meniscus that moves within the sample chambers during loading. The sample distribution network may further include a plurality of inlet channels, each inlet channel being in flow communication with and configured to flow biological sample to a respective sample chamber, and a plurality of outlet channels, each outlet channel being in flow communication and configured to flow biological sample from a respective sample chamber. At least some of the sample chambers may include a physical modification configured to control the movement of the meniscus so as to control bubble formation within the at least some sample chambers.

Abstract: A method in a fraction collector for accurate positioning of a dispensing device with respect to wells of a micro plate in which prior to the dispensing a sensing device is moved over the micro plate the sensing device being able to detect the number of walls between the wells in the rows and columns of the micro plate.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for facilitating extraction of a fraction from a biological sample. The biological sample includes non-desired material and a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a phase-gate zone for receiving an isolation buffer therein. An output zone receives a reagent therein. A force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the output zone. The force urges the fraction-bound solid phase substrate from the input zone, through the phase-gate zone and into the output zone.

Abstract: A test device for analyzing fluid samples. The test device includes a planar support member for supporting reagent pads, and a handle attached to, or for attaching to the planar support member. The test device can be treated with a fluid sample by disposing a fluid sample on the reagent pads. The fluid sample can be disposed onto the reagent pads by the handle, or by dipping the test device into the fluid sample.

Abstract: A micro fluidic device comprises a micro channel in which a plurality of fluids form laminar flows and are supplied, wherein an inner wall of the micro channel comprise a protruding part that is substantially parallel to the flows of the fluids and protrudes in directions substantially vertical to interfaces formed by the plurality of fluids.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for pumping or delivering fluids utilizing a flexible vessel subject to controlled pressures within another pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be sourced with positive and/or negative (e.g., vacuum) pressure.

Abstract: A microfluidic device adapted such that the flow of fluids within the device is controlled by different surfaces of the device having different surface characteristics. Preferably the device comprises a substrate not formed from a hydrated oxide material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a chemical process, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a laminar flow of a first fluid, the first fluid providing a first reagent or one or more precursor thereof), a laminar flow of a second fluid, the second fluid providing a second reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) and a laminar flow of barrier fluid; and (ii) causing the first and barrier fluids to contact one another so that the barrier fluid forms a barrier between the first reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) and the second reagent (or one or more precursor thereof) wherein step (ii) comprises forming segments of first fluid encased or sandwiched by barrier fluid, the segments being surrounded by the second fluid, and the barrier fluid is permeable to one or both of the first and second reagents. Devices for performing the method of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method of inoculating a culture medium including providing a droplet including a single cell type on a droplet actuator and inoculating a culture medium with the droplet. A method of providing a metabolically useful substance to a cell culture, including providing a droplet actuator including a cell culture droplet loaded thereon, the sample droplet including cells and a cell culture medium, and a second droplet comprising a metabolically useful substance. The method also includes conducting one or more droplet operations to combine the cell culture droplet with the second droplet on the droplet actuator. Related methods, droplet actuators, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent, diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir.

Abstract: In a computer-controlled, automated method, a nucleic acid amplification procedure is performed within a prescribed incubation temperature range within an instrument that comprises at least one thermal element situated at a first location of the instrument and an amplification incubator situated at a second, spaced-apart location of the instrument. A receptacle and its contents are exposed to the thermal element for a predetermined period of time at the first location, such that the temperature of the contents of the receptacle is adjusted to approximate the incubation temperature. The receptacle is then moved from the first location and into the amplification incubator, and, in the amplification incubator, a nucleic acid contained in the contents of the receptacle is subjected to the nucleic acid amplification procedure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a contamination barrier 5 that permits an efficient and reproducible processing of a high number of samples with the prevention of contamination of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems, especially in the ppm range, in that it comprises at least one water immiscible hydrocarbon compound. In addition a method for the prevention of contamination during the processing of aqueous solutions 3 in open and/or automated systems is disclosed.

Abstract: An automated processing machine, in particular an automated coverslipper or an automated stainer used for processing samples placed on slides and having an output device for outputting slides that have been processed by the automated processing machine. The output device includes an extensible and retractable drawer unit. The drawer unit includes at least one receiving channel for receiving a plurality of holders for slides. Holders received in any position in the receiving channel can be removed therefrom when the output device is in the open position. The automated processing machine is designed such that holders intended for output are inserted into the at least one receiving channel.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a flow cytometer and a method of orienting particles with a baffle disposed within a nozzle. The baffle may be a baffle plate positioned in a fluid flow path to deflect a fluid stream and to orient particles in a desired orientation as they exit the nozzle.

Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for processing samples on a microfluidic device. One method includes moving a sample from an upstream channel of a microfluidic device into a DNA manipulation module located downstream of the upstream channel. The DNA manipulation module includes a DNA manipulation zone configured to perform amplification of the sample, a first valve disposed upstream of the DNA manipulation zone, and a second valve disposed downstream of the DNA manipulation zone. The method also includes receiving the sample in the DNA manipulation zone; closing the first valve and the second valve such that as and liquid are prevented from flowing into or out of the DNA manipulation zone; and thermal cycling the sample in the DNA manipulation zone.

Abstract: A pipetting unit and a method of using the pipetting unit for pipetting a volume V1 of test liquid for carrying out an in vitro diagnostic test are presented. The method comprises dipping a nozzle of a pipetting unit into a test liquid and aspirating a volume V4 of the test liquid larger than the volume V1 required for carrying out the test. The method further comprises dipping the pipetting unit into a wash liquid and dispensing a volume V2 equal or smaller than V4 minus V1 of the test liquid into the wash liquid. The method further comprises dipping the pipetting unit into a reaction liquid and dispensing the volume V1 of test liquid required for the test.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of anything to which an antibody can be raised, or to which a chemical receptor can be fashioned, based on surface plasmon resonance. The apparatus and method have the capability to detect proteins, viruses, bacteria, toxins, pathogens, contaminants, chemical compounds, or nucleic acids based on surface plasmon resonance and surface receptor technologies which may include antibodies or chemical receptors. The device is field deployable and utilizes a single use sample holder card which includes the sample to be tested, test channels, waste reservoir and a functionalized test surface.

Abstract: A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent.

Abstract: A patch clamp system providing precise and rapid temperature control of constrained cell membranes employs the thermal element attached to the substrate of the patch clamp. In one embodiment, the thermal element is a Peltier device fabricated on a silicon membrane wafer bonded to the substrate of the patch clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing polymeric particles with pre-designed size, shape, morphology and composition, and more particularly the present invention uses a microfluidic polymerization reactor for producing same. The present invention disclosed herein provides a process for producing polymer particles with pre-selected shapes. The method includes injecting a first fluid comprising a polymerizable constituent with a controlled flow rate into a microfluidic channel and injecting a second fluid with a controlled flow rate into the microfluidic channel in which the second fluid mixes with the first fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid so that the first fluid forms into droplets in the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel has pre-selected dimensions to give droplets of pre-selected size, morphology and shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.

Abstract: A process for the production of paraffin sections of biological tissue, especially for molecular pathology studies is disclosed. In the process, the tissue sample is simultaneously fixed, dehydrated and cleared in a first step, subsequently dehydrated and cleared in a second step and infiltrated with an inert specimen matrix in a third step. The specimen can then be further embedded in a casting supporting matrix according to the standard procedures followed by any local pathology or research laboratory. A kit and a processing station for automating paraffin embedding of a tissue sample suitable for histopathological and molecular analysis is also described. A bio-indicator system is described for measuring the degree of crosslinking. A tissue sample holding means or a vial which includes a tissue sample holding means provided with a data logging device capable of registering and transmitting data regarding the sample and conditions where the sample was processed is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.

Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.

Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.