Abstract: The invention provides a substrate suitable for cell culture observation and a method of observation using the same. Crystalline carbon such as a graphite powder is mixed into a thermosetting resin such as a furan resin, and the mixture is molded in the shape of a sheet and carbonized to produce a carbon substrate; then, a cell is made to adhere to the carbon substrate, and the cell is caused to proliferate on the carbon substrate and observed using a microscope.

Abstract: A portable chemical analytical apparatus to analyze a test swipe includes a heater to warm the test swipe to a predetermined temperature; a clamp to secure the test swipe to the heater; one or more pumps to dispense one or more chemicals onto the test swipe from a disposable cartridge; a fan to remove chemical vapors rising a predetermined distance from the test swipe; and a camera to capture an image of the test swipe for automated analysis.

Abstract: A slide stainer assembly is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that is configured to carry one or more laboratory slides and a plurality of slide processing stations for processing the slides. A transport member including a plurality of engagement portions is configured for releasably engaging the slide carrier. A drive mechanism is coupled to the transport member. The drive mechanism is configured to move the transport member in a cyclical path such that, in the course of one cycle, the transport member engages a slide carrier docked in a first station, removes the slide carrier from the first station, docks the slide carrier in a second station and returns to the first station to engage another slide carrier.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that includes a supplementary reagent storage section and reagent bottle transfer mechanism besides an analysis reagent storage section, and that, by managing information on reagents stored in these two reagent storage sections, is capable of automating reagent management such as reagent replacing work, thereby reducing the burden on an operator, minimizing the interruption of an analysis due to reagent registration and reagent replacement, mounting many reagents thereon, and achieving a high throughput.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is automated even when measuring a small amount sample and is capable of improving a measurement precision. The sample analyzer S comprises a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample; a detector D3 for detecting an analyte contained in the measurement sample; and a controller 100 being configured to 1) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a first measurement sample of a first dilution ratio, when measuring an ordinary amount sample; and 2) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a second measurement sample of a second dilution ratio higher than the first dilution ratio, when measuring a small amount sample.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a remote control method which allows a technician, etc. in a support center to remote-control a clinical specimen processing device, and a remote control system, a status informing device and a control apparatus used for such a method. The remote control method of the present invention, which is a remote control method for remote-controlling the clinical specimen processing device that processes a clinical specimen, is designed so that an image of the clinical specimen processing device is picked up by an image pickup device, and the image picked up by the image pickup device is supplied to a control apparatus located at a remote place from the clinical specimen processing device through a communication network so that the picked-up image is displayed on the control apparatus.

Abstract: A television includes a device memory for storing a plurality of data files; an interface for connecting an external device to the television; and a detector used for detecting whether the external device is connected to the television and detecting whether the external device has files, and generating a file detected signal when the external device has files; a process module configured for detecting whether the files in the external device are the same as the files in the device memory, and outputting options for selection when the files in the external device is not the same as the files in the device memory; an input module for receiving operational inputs and generating optional selection signal when receiving the options from the process module; the process module is further configured for generating an add signal when detecting a voltage of the optional selection signal is high; an add module used for copying the files from the external device to the television based on the add signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.

Abstract: A fluid handling system adapted to provide storage and supply of a number of liquid solutions to an automatic clinical analyzer having three different bottle-like containers, a collapsible plastic-metal-plastic pouch having a mouth-like opening, a fitment to be sealed within mouth-like opening a septum within the fitment, and open meal band or cap to seal the septum into the fitment.

Abstract: A chemical or biochemical analysis apparatus includes: a computer processor; at least one controller electrically coupled to the computer processor; at least one first base configured with a plurality of dispensing tube assemblies arranged in alignment and electrically coupled to the at least one controller, independently; at least one second base configured with a plurality of the detectors arranged in alignment and electrically coupled to the at least one controller; and a stage, for carrying the at least one multi-well strip having a plurality of wells arranged in alignment and for transporting the multi-well strip to pass through and underneath the plurality of dispensing tube assemblies and the plurality of the detectors arranged in order, electrically coupled to the at least one controller.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, being an analysis device for the study of biological or chemical samples by means of a reagent liquid supplied via a pipette. The device has an instrument housing with a base plate, a working plate arranged on the base plate horizontally to receive the samples in a sample holder having several wells, a robot manipulator arranged above the working plate, which carries a horizontal support arm with a slide. A needle system is fastened to the slide and can move in the Z direction, carrying 3 needles and being brought into vertical positions by a first vertical drive. The needle tips can be placed in an upper position above and in a lower position below a well. The middle needle can move vertically relative to the other two needles, which can be raised and lowered by a second vertical drive. The horizontal spacing of the three needles is so small that all three needles can be positioned with their tips inside the same wells.

Abstract: A reagent management system for an automated biological reaction apparatus including an automated biological reaction apparatus including at least one reagent dispenser for applying a reagent to a sample, a memory device containing data for a reagent device selected from the group consisting of a reagent dispenser or a reagent kit used in the automated biological reaction apparatus, a host device comprising a processor and a host device memory connected to the processor, the host memory device including a reagent table, and a scanner for transferring the memory device data to the host device memory.

Abstract: A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to enable processing to be performed while a fixing region is enclosed in an immovable state with respect to the tip form vessel, and to execute processing of high reliability with a simple apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of isolating and analyzing an analyte using an analytical apparatus which comprises modules of different types, wherein any one module of one type has a specific, pre-defined timing for carrying out its workflow.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus having a substrate including a channel through which a fluid is conveyed, a fluid container in which at least one kind of fluid is accommodated and which is disposed on the substrate so as to allow the fluid to flow toward the channel, and a fluid flow controller which controls a flow of the fluid toward the channel from the fluid container.

Abstract: A method for arranging assays in an order for execution in a system that employs a plurality of clinical analyzers, typically automated clinical analyzers.

Abstract: A method for assaying anionic detergents in seawater comprises: (1) flow a sample through a sample system and an analysis-detection system; flow a reference solution through a reference system, a valve, and the analysis-detection system; where the sample and reference are mixed; and flow the mixture into an optical cell to produce a baseline, (2) flow a sample through the sample system and analysis-detection system; flow a buffer through a buffer system and a color developing system; where the buffer and a color developer are mixed; and flow the resulting mixture through the valve and analysis-detection system; where the sample is mixed with the buffer and developer mixture; and flow the resulting mixture into the cell to produce the sample spectrogram, (3) repeat (1) and (2) with standards of known detergent concentrations for corresponding spectrograms, and (4) compare the sample spectrogram with the standard spectrograms to determine the sample detergent content.

Abstract: A test kit for detecting an antibiotic or antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring in a biological fluid is provided. The test kit includes at least one recognition agent, which is a receptor which specifically binds to antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring and is obtained from Bacillus licheniformis. The test kit further contains at least one reference antibiotic immobilized on a solid support.

Abstract: A method for controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes the step of providing the system with a plurality of reagent injection nozzles, each nozzle being configured and adapted to be independently calibrated during an SCR reaction when the system is in operation. The method further includes determining an influence coefficient for each injection nozzle for a catalyst independently of the other injection nozzles, and optimizing the flow of reagent from each injection nozzle to minimize a sum of deviation across a surface of the catalyst. A system performs selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a machine readable medium contains program instructions to controlling dosage of a reagent in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for microfluidic devices and methods for their use. The invention further provides for apparatus and systems for using the microfluidic devices, analyze reactions carried out in the microfluidic devices, and systems to generate, store, organize, and analyze data generated from using the microfluidic devices. The invention further provides methods of using and making microfluidic systems and devices which, in some embodiments, are useful for crystal formation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a platen having a platen face with one or more fluid ports therein. The fluid ports spatially correspond to one or more wells on a surface of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A biological substrate, e.g., microfluidic chip. The substrate includes a rigid substrate material, which has a surface region capable of acting as a handle substrate. The substrate also has a deformable fluid layer coupled to the surface region. One or more well regions are formed in a first portion of the deformable fluid layer and are capable of holding a fluid therein. The one or more channel regions are formed in a second portion of the deformable fluid layer and are coupled to one or more of the well regions. An active region is formed in the deformable fluid layer. At least three fiducial markings are formed within the non-active region and disposed in a spatial manner associated with at least one of the well regions. A control layer is coupled to the fluid layer.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument (10) adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor-dispensing instrument includes an outer housing (12) and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor-dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release (66) that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor the sensor release additionally activating a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin that connects the sensor release aid arm to the mounting block, wherein the sensor release aid arm is adapted to contact the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the concentrations of organic and inorganic carbon, or of other materials, in aqueous samples are described, together with related, specially adapted components and sub-assemblies and related control, operational and monitoring systems.

Abstract: A fluidic cartridge for detecting chemicals, formed by a casing, hermetically housing an integrated device having a plurality of detecting regions to bind with target chemicals; part of a supporting element, bearing the integrated device; a reaction chamber, facing the detecting regions; a sample feeding hole and a washing feeding hole, self-sealingly closed; fluidic paths, which connect the sample feeding and washing feeding holes to the reaction chamber; and a waste reservoir, which may be fluidically connected to the reaction chamber by valve elements that may be controlled from outside. The integrated device is moreover connected to an interface unit carried by the supporting element, electrically connected to the integrated device and including at least one signal processing stage and external contact regions.

Abstract: Method for handling microparticles in such a manner, that at least two treatment steps are performed for microparticles in the same vessel without moving the particles to another vessel. There are organs in the device for changing the solution without having to move the microparticles to another vessel.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention describe an apparatus for generating calibration factors for a spectral detector instrument. The calibration factors are derived from a calibration plate containing one or more spectral species in each well of the calibration plate. Each well is then exposed to an excitation source that causes the one or more spectral species in each of the wells to fluoresce. The signal response is measured and associated with each spectral species at each different well position in the calibration plate. Next, the measured signal response from each spectral species at each well position in the calibration plate is compared with a predetermined signal response for each spectral species. The results of this comparison can be used to determine a calibration factor for each well and spectral species to compensate for the difference between the measured signal response and the predetermined signal response.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample processing system that is capable of reducing the tasks involved in the connection of the transporting apparatus. The sample processing system comprises: the transporting apparatus 11 for transporting the sample container 32 to a predetermined position; and the analyzer 10 for analyzing the sample contained in the sample container 32 transported to the predetermined position, the analyzer 10 comprising: the connection part 15 for connecting the transporting apparatus 11; the aspirating part 10a for aspirating the sample contained in the sample container 32; the apparatus body 12 for measuring the sample aspirated by the aspirating part 10a; the input part 29 for inputting identification information for identifying a type of the transporting apparatus 11; and the control unit 16 for controlling an operation of the transporting apparatus 11 based on the identification information input by the input part 29.

Abstract: A method of continuously regulating external gas pressure on a variable volume container for the delivery of fluids to a microfluidic device and analysis of particles based upon relative presence or absence of at least one particle characteristic.

Abstract: An automated nucleic acid analysis method and analytical system are described comprising separate modules, wherein the air flow of any one of said modules is controlled and wherein at least the air flow between the module for isolation and purification of the analyte and the module for analysis of the analyte are separated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated analyzer system for performing chemical, biochemical or biological assays using changes/no changes in diffraction of light by the presence/absence of analytes which may or may not be present in a sample binding to their analyte specific receptors laid out in a preselected pattern in a disposable sensor. The analyzer is a modular, bench-top instrument that compactly integrates subsystems for sample dispensing, liquid handling, and optical generation of laser light beams and detectors for detecting for diffracted light. An internal processor is included for automating the instrument, and a user interface to provide communication with the operator.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for handling liquid. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to combine fluids while removing gaseous bubbles.

Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzer and sample analyzing method perform following: a) mixing a sample with at least one of a first reagent and a second reagent, thereby preparing a measurement specimen; b) storing, in a memory, standard curve data corresponding to a reagent to be used in the step a) for preparing a measurement specimen; c) measuring the measurement specimen thereby obtaining measurement data; d) processing the measurement data based on the standard curve data, thereby obtaining an analysis result; and e) when the first, reagent and the second reagent are of the same type, determining a reagent to be used for the measuring between the first reagent and the second reagent, based on information regarding standard curve data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a smaller size, allowing a larger number of reagents to be loaded, and having a higher processing capability. Reagent disks are disposed inside and outside a reaction disk. Reagent probes are disposed to be able to suck reagents from the reagent disks and eject the reagents at common positions. A plurality of reagent probes are alternately accessed one by one to each of the reagent disks per cycle. Each reagent probe comprises two arms rotatable independently of each other so that the reagent probe is able to access a plurality of points and interference between the plurality of reagent probes can be avoided. A first reagent and a second reagent can be loaded on each of the reagent disks, and the number of loadable reagents can be increased without enlarging an overall system size. Thus, an automatic analyzer having a shorter cycle time and a higher processing capability can be realized.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a surface site comprising a substantially inorganic surface having a chemical composition selected from the group consisting of metals, semiconductors, insulators, and mixtures thereof, the surface positioned within a polypeptide bonding region and having a selective bonding affinity for a polypeptide; a plurality of interlayers between which the surface site is interposed; a distal site end on the surface site and distanced from the interlayers, the surface being provided on the distal site end; the surface site and the interlayers being interposed between first and second supports; first and second conductors provided on the first and second supports and having respective first and second distal conductor ends positioned within the polypeptide bonding region; the conductors being capable of applying an external voltage potential across the polypeptide bonding region.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer capable of performing analysis in terms of a number of analysis items with high reliability through a simple operation. The automatic analyzer comprises a probe adapted to be moved on a circular arc path and capable of sucking or discharging a sample or reagent, a plurality of sample containers disposed at different positions on the path of the probe and containing different analyte samples, and a rotor capable of carrying a plurality of reagent cartridges. Each of the reagent cartridges comprises a photometric cuvette that is empty when not in use, and a reagent cuvette in which a reagent used for a particular analysis item is hermetically sealed. A two-dimensional code with information regarding the analyte type and analysis conditions, for example, is affixed to the reagent cartridge. The two-dimensional code information is read by a reading unit.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer having the capability to operate at both a higher and lower throughput, depending upon the assay load demand experienced by the hospital or laboratory, so that analyzer throughput most closely matches assay demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the determination of the presence of methylmalonic acid in biologic samples including the steps of methylmalonic extraction from the sample; derivatization of methylmalonic acid and use of mass spectrometry with negative mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization to determine the presence of methymalonic acid throughthe formation of an ion of mass to charge ratio (m/z) 477. An additional objective of the present invention concerns diagnosis kits for determination of presence and quantification of methylmalonic acid based on the method mentioned before.

Abstract: An automated and integrated matching of a biological specimen to an individual, can include a collector having substrate materials and configured to selectively collect and release at least one bio-molecular species from a biological specimen; a self-contained mobile automated testing instrument configured to receive the biological specimen and further configured to generate, store and output a molecular profile of the at least one predetermined bio-molecular species; a processor based system communicatively coupled to the self-contained mobile automated testing instrument and configured to receive the molecular profile; and wherein the processor based system is configured to provide a quantitative comparative analysis and report of the molecular profile with a selected molecular profile.

Abstract: Provided herein is a bioprocessing device, bioprocessing card, and fluidics cartridge for performing automated bioprocessing of a sample. The bioprocessing card may include a plurality of pipette tips; and at least one pump in fluid communication with the plurality of pipette tips. In some embodiments, the pumps and the pipette tips are in fluid communication through a processing channel which may be a microscale channel. Also provided herein is an automated bioprocessing device comprising: at least one bioprocessing card; at least one fluidic cartridge; and an automated control system configured to control automated bioprocessing of a sample. Further provided herein are methods of use of the device, card, and cartridge.

Abstract: The clinical laboratory test apparatus includes: an analyzing unit for analyzing a specimen; a reception part for receiving specimen information before analysis of the specimen; a discrimination part for discriminating whether or not a specimen is suited for analysis based on the specimen information; and a control part for controlling the analyzing unit based on the discrimination result obtained by the discrimination part.

Abstract: A fluid handling system adapted to provide storage and supply of a number of liquid solutions to an automatic clinical analyzer having three different bottle-like containers, a collapsible plastic-metal-plastic pouch having a mouth-like opening, a fitment to be sealed within mouth-like opening a septum within the fitment, and open meal band or cap to seal the septum into the fitment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for automatically adjusting the inoculum level of a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention may measure a concentration of particles present in a preliminary sample using a sensor device and determine an amount of diluent to be added to or removed from a sample container to prepare a sample having a selected concentration of particles, corresponding to a selected inoculum level. Embodiments of the present invention may also automatically add or remove the diluent using an automated fluidics system so as to prepare a sample having the selected particle concentration. Once the selected particle concentration is achieved and verified, some embodiments may also remove at least a portion of the sample from the sample container such that the container contains a selected volume of the sample.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of controlling a microfluidic system, and the microfluidic system. The apparatus of controlling the microfluidic system includes a central control block controlling an operation of the microfluidic system, a rotator control block controlling a rotator, a position control block controlling the position of a moving unit, the moving unit moving to a position of the microfluidic structure, and a radiation energy source control block controlling energy of a radiation energy source, the radiation energy source using an electromagnetic wave to scan over a position of the microfluidic structure. Such a configuration allows effective control of a miniaturized portable microfluidic system.

Abstract: Sub-micron objects are manipulated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion effects are mitigated to facilitate the analysis and/or manipulation of sub-micron objects. In some applications, an electric field is applied to facilitate the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution, facilitating the analysis of the manipulated objects. In other applications, fluid flow is used to effect the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution.

Abstract: Medical biosensor by means of which biological liquids are analyzed, having at least three layers; a functional layer to which a contact adhesive strip, adhesive on both sided, is applied, and a structural film applied to the contact adhesive strip.