Abstract: A transfer system (1) is a transfer system (1) that transfers a sample container (S) containing a sample from a transfer source device (100) to a transfer destination device (200) disposed adjacent to the transfer source device (100), and the transfer system (1) includes an arm (2) having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end portion facing the transfer destination device (200), and a first catcher (4) for detachably holding the sample container (S) at the distal end, a drive mechanism (14) provided in the transfer source device (100) and configured to drive the arm (2) to move the first catcher (4) between a first position in the transfer source device (100) and a second position in the transfer destination device (200), and a second catcher (16) provided in the transfer destination device (200) and provided so that the sample container (S) is delivered and received between the first catcher (4) and the second catcher (16) when the first catcher (4) reaches the second position.

Abstract: A method of preparing reagents includes inserting a cartridge into an instrument. The cartridge includes a plurality of reagent enclosures disposed in a cavity of the cartridge and exposing a port to an exterior of the cartridge. Each reagent enclosure includes a reagent container including a reagent and an internal cavity defining a compressible volume, an opening defined through the reagent container to the internal cavity. The method further includes connecting a plurality of fluid ports to the openings of the plurality of reagent enclosures; applying a solution through the fluid ports to at least partially fill the plurality of reagent enclosures; and cycling a pressure of the cavity, whereby for each of the reagent enclosures, during increasing pressure, the solution enters the internal cavity of the reagent container, combines with the reagent, and compresses the compressible volume, and during decreasing pressure, the compressible volume decreases and the reagent is ejected through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to provide at least a portion of capacitance of an inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit of a detection circuit, the capacitance of the LC circuit being dependent on a distance between the probe and a surface of a liquid in a biochemical analysis system. The apparatus includes a movement mechanism configured to move the probe. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to perform operations that include causing the movement mechanism to move the probe with respect to the liquid; measuring one or more characteristics of an output signal of the detection circuit, the one or more characteristics being dependent on the capacitance of the LC circuit; and detecting, based on the one or more characteristics of the output signal, a contact between the probe and the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus (1) includes a housing unit (10) that houses a biological sample (S), a staining dispenser unit (20) that fluorescently stains the biological sample (S), an image acquisition unit (30) that acquires an image of the biological sample (S), a washer unit (40) that destains the biological sample (S), a drive unit (50), and a control unit (90) that analyzes the image and controls the drive unit (50). The control unit (90) performs adjustments so that the staining dispenser unit (20) and the housing unit (10) satisfy a first position condition, performs adjustments so that the image acquisition unit (30) and the housing unit (10) satisfy a second position condition, and performs adjustments so that the washer unit (40) and the housing unit (10) satisfy a third position condition. The analysis apparatus (1) maximizes the actual photography range of information related to the biological sample.

Abstract: A method of quantitating free (unbound) human C5 complement protein (C5) from a sample comprising: binding biotinylated anti-C5 capture antibody to strepavidin-coated particles; capturing the free (unbound) C5 in the sample; detecting the captured free C5; and quantitating the captured free C5 using laser-induced fluorescence detection; wherein the method is performed in a Gyros Bioaffy 200 CD in a Gyrolab xPlore or a Gyrolab XP instrument.

Abstract: A water purifier or other liquid dispenser may sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately through an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver that are disposed at different positions of a water discharge module moving vertically. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module may discharge purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, based on infrared sensing, thereby preventing the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printing process by which a print head prints an image onto predetermined printable area of a label.

Abstract: A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip system for DNA gene assembly that utilizes a DNA symbol library and a DNA linker library. The lab-on-a-chip has a fluidic platform with a plurality of arrays operably connected to a voltage source and a controller for the voltage source, a set of first inlets operably connected to the fluidic platform, each first inlet for one DNA symbol from a DNA symbol library, a set of second inlets operably connected to the fluidic platform, each second inlet for one DNA linker from a DNA linker library, and a mixing area operably connected to the fluidic platform and to the plurality of first inlets and the plurality of second inlets.

Abstract: A continuous sample introduction method is provided. The method includes controlling a current sample holder advancing mechanism to perform an advancing operation according to a sample introduction trigger signal, so that the current sample holder advancing mechanism moves in a direction from an initial position to a limiting position, and during the movement, a pushing portion of the current sample holder advancing mechanism is capable of abutting against a side wall of a sample holder in a current sample loading device; controlling the current sample holder advancing mechanism to perform a returning operation when the current sample holder advancing mechanism moves to the limiting position, and during the movement, the pushing portion is capable of avoiding contacting with the sample holder; and the current sample holder advancing mechanism automatically repeats the advancing operation and the returning operation when the current sample holder advancing mechanism moves to the initial position.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analysis technique that prevents liquid contained in a reaction container from locally contacting with liquid added afterward and has less occurrence frequency of equipment malfunction and high performance.

Abstract: A container includes a lower portion and a lid to connect with the lower portion. The lid includes a fluidic interface, a swing bar, and a counter structure disposed on an opposite side of the fluidic interface relative to the swing bar. The fluidic interface includes a first liquid port, a second liquid port, a gas port, and a seal ring disposed around the first liquid port, the second liquid port, and the gas port, the first liquid port disposed along a center axis of the container.

Abstract: An ion molecule reactor for generating analyte ions from analytes comprises: a) a reaction volume in which reagent ions can interact with the analytes in order to form analyte ions; b) at least one analyte inlet for introducing the analytes along an inlet path into the reaction volume whereby, preferably, the inlet path runs essentially along at least a first section of the predefined transit path in the reaction volume; c) at least one reagent ion source and/or at least one reagent ion inlet for providing reagent ions into the reaction volume; d) optionally, at least one ion guide comprising an electrode arrangement which is configured for producing an alternating electrical, magnetic and/or electromagnetic field, that allows for guiding the reagent ions and/or the analyte ions at least along a section of the predefined transit path, preferably along the whole transit path, through the reaction volume.

Abstract: A heat pump that includes a thermoelectric device(s) and a heat sink having a raised portion with a top surface for thermally coupling with a planar face of the thermoelectric device(s). The raised portion of the heat sink includes an outer periphery and a raised central region surrounded by a void region to provide more uniform thermal conductivity when clamped within an assembly. The raised central region is shaped in an any shape corresponding to a shape of uneven thermal conductivity due to clamping pressure applied to the heat sink. The void region can be substantially contiguous and entirely circumscribe the central raised region. The device can optionally include discrete supports formed of a less thermally-conductive material within the void region. The supports can be elastomeric, such as O-rings, and disposed within pockets defined within the void region.

Abstract: To facilitate management of the entirety of one or a plurality of clinical laboratories. This information processing apparatus is used in management of a clinical laboratory in which an analyzer configured to analyze specimens is installed. The information processing apparatus includes: a communication section configured to communicate with a terminal operable by a user; and a controller configured to control display of the terminal via the communication section. On the basis of information collected from a plurality of analyzers installed in one or a plurality of clinical laboratories and from apparatuses relevant to the analyzers, the controller causes the terminal to display a screen including an index that indicates a status of the entirety of the one or the plurality of clinical laboratories. In response to the user selecting the index displayed in the screen, the controller causes the terminal to display the selected index so as to be divided in a plurality of categories.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Abstract: A method of quantitating free (unbound) human C5a complement protein (C5a) from a sample comprising: binding biotinylated anti-C5a capture antibody to strepavidin-coated particles; capturing the free (unbound) C5 in the sample; detecting the captured free C5a; and quantitating the captured free C5 using laser-induced fluorescence detection; wherein the method is performed in a Gyros Bioaffy 200 CD in a Gyrolab xPlore or a Gyrolab XP instrument; wherein human C5 is first removed from the sample.

Abstract: An autosampler includes an injection port for supplying a sample to an analysis device, a needle that collects the sample stored in a vial and injects the sample into the injection port, a cleaning unit that cleans the needle and a gas exhaust fan. The cleaning unit includes a cleaning container which stores a cleaning liquid and into which the needle is inserted, and a unit main body that has a space for storing the cleaning container and receiving the cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning container, and a unit gas exhaust passage for exhausting gas in the space outwardly of the cleaning unit. The unit main body has a unit opening through which the needle passes when accessing the cleaning container.

Abstract: A fluid sampler system includes a fluidic head including a gas aperture capable of communication with a pressurized gas source, a liquid conduit capable of communication with a sample reservoir, and a seal capable of forming a compression seal to the sample reservoir when gas pressure is applied to the sample reservoir through the gas aperture and capable of displacing a portion of the sample through the liquid conduit; and a positioning apparatus capable of positioning the fluidic head and the sample reservoir in communication with one another. A method for providing an aliquot of sample, includes forming a releasable compression seal to a reservoir including a liquid sample; pressurizing the reservoir with compressed gas; displacing an aliquot of the sample from the reservoir; and transferring the displaced aliquot of the sample to a location.

Abstract: Apparatus configured to control chamber pressure during pipette rinsing having lower pressure recovery time. Pressure control apparatus includes pipettes to dispense liquid, a manifold chamber to supply liquid to the pipettes, a flow control valve in each flow path, a pump to supply the liquid, a pressure sensor to provide measured pressure, and a flow controller, which in a calibration mode, decreases a pump drive setting if measured pressure is high, increases the setting if measured pressure is low, and stores the pump drive setting for the individual combined operational state if the pressure is within predetermined pressure threshold limits, or in a testing mode, determines if the measured pressure is within the threshold limits for a previously-commanded state combination, and adjusts the pump drive setting if not within the threshold limits for a next time. Methods for operating pressure control apparatus are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for self-testing event devices of a building alarm system are described herein. One mobile device includes a user interface, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to: generate, a list of event devices of an alarm system that are available for testing, providing a device selection tool that allows a user to select a number of event devices from the list of event devices, and providing a self-test initiation tool that generates an initiation message that is to be sent to the selected number of event devices.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system includes a storage system including a frame and a platform slidably mounted to the frame such that the platform is slidable relative to the frame between a docked position and an undocked position, the platform being configured to carry an instrument. The system also includes a robotic device proximate the storage system and being configured to access the instrument carried by the platform. Another automated laboratory system includes a storage system including a table and a tabletop having a central axis and being rotatably positioned on the table such that the tabletop is rotatable about the central axis between a docked position and an undocked position, the tabletop being configured to carry an instrument. The system also includes a robotic device proximate the storage system and being configured to access the instrument carried by the tabletop.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow cell carrier. The flow cell carrier may include a flow cell and a frame. The frame may include a pocket and a handle. The pocket may have at least one spring feature and at least one banking feature. The frame may be configured to retain the flow cell within the pocket such that a maximal surface area of the flow cell is exposed to an optical lens. Related methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: an electrode configured to change a contact angle of a liquid droplet above the electrode when a first voltage is applied to the electrode; a sensing film overlaying the electrode, wherein the electrode is configured for assessment of a state of the liquid droplet based on a second voltage sensed at the electrode; a reference electrode above the electrode, the reference electrode configured to provide a reference voltage; and a microfluidic channel between the electrode and the reference electrode, wherein the microfluidic channel is configured to manipulate the liquid droplet using the electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence method of detecting an analyte in a liquid sample and a corresponding analysis system. An analyte in a liquid sample is detected by first providing a receptacle containing a fluid comprising protein coated magnetic microparticles to a stirring unit. Stirring of the fluid is necessary since the density of the microparticles is usually higher than the density of the buffer fluid. Thus the microparticles tend to deposit on the bottom of the receptacle leading to an aggregation of the microparticles because of weak interactions. To obtain representative measurements a homogeneous distribution of the microparticles in the buffer fluid is necessary to ensure a constant concentration of microparticles for each analysis cycle. It is further necessary to provide disaggregation of the microparticles, which is also realized by stirring the fluid. Stirring is conducted with a rotational frequency that is adapted to the amount of fluid to be stirred.

Abstract: A pipette with an adjustable dosing increment, wherein a control apparatus determines a dosing volume by a set dosing increment when a syringe is inserted in the pipette, and determines a maximum possible number of dosing steps following an execution of a reverse stroke without refilling the syringe given the set dosing increment and completely or partially filled syringe by the position of a displacement means on the path, and displays the maximum number of dosing steps on a display apparatus until the reverse stroke is executed. The control apparatus also determines the number of executed dosing steps and displays the number of executed dosing steps and/or the number of dosing steps still possible without refilling the syringe on the display apparatus.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a cover slip sticking device capable of improving matching between types of clearing agents and cover slips. As a means for solving the problem, a cover slip sticking device includes a dipping bath (21) in which slide glasses (22) on which specimens are attached are housed to be dipped in a clearing agent, a holder (11) having a cover slip (10) and cover slip information (14), a mounting part (C) on which the holder is mounted, a sticking part (B) sticking the cover slip (10) taken out from the holder (11) on the slide glass (22), a reading unit (62) reading the cover slip information (14), a storage unit (65) storing a type of the clearing agent and matching information between types of clearing agents and types of cover slips and a determination unit (66) comparing the cover slip information (14) read by the reading unit (62) and the type of the clearing agent stored in the storage unit (65) with the matching information to determine whether the types match with each other or not.

Abstract: A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.

Abstract: Magnetic beads having cell components of interest are translated between a sequence of processing wells in a tray without need for pipetting. The circular tray contains one or more sequences of wells each interconnected by a respective channel. The tray is rotated about a central axis and a magnet, an agitator, and a heater provided external to the tray enable magnetic bead translation, mixing, and incubation, respectively. The magnet proximate a well forms a cluster of beads. Manipulation of the tray in rotation and elevation results in translation of the cluster from one well, through a channel, and into an adjacent well. The well containing a cluster may be rotationally positioned in front of the agitator, the agitator extended into contact with the well, followed by mechanical agitation. The heater, disposed beneath the tray, may accept a well lowered thereto for selective heating.

Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a microfluidic analysis chip capable of adjusting movement of a specimen or a reagent by a negative pressure generation unit. A microfluidic analysis chip according to the present specification may comprise: a microtube for a main channel, which provides a space in which a specimen input through a specimen inlet formed at one end thereof reacts with a regent while the specimen moves to the other end thereof; a chip housing surrounding the microtube for the main channel; and a negative pressure generation unit which is positioned in the chip housing and connected to the microtube, so as to affect an internal pressure of the microtube for the main channel.

Abstract: An applicator or applicator system used for handling samples in an analytical laboratory setting. In particular, the invention the applicator or applicator system is capable of capping an analytical sample tube by applying a capping material to an opening of an analytical sample vessel, the applicator or applicator system including g a dispenser configured to dispense a substantially continuous length of a capping material, such that a region of the substantially continuous length of capping material is located on or about an opening of an analytical sample vessel held in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A tissue processing station includes a housing and a first heated plate that is either disposed on or forms a first horizontally oriented surface of the housing. The first heated plate is configured to either (i) contain water, or (ii) receive a dish containing water. The tissue processing station may also include a vertically-oriented heated well for heating slides. A second heated plate is either disposed on or forms an angled surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The angled surface is angled relative to the first horizontally oriented surface. A third heated plate is either disposed on or forms a second horizontally oriented surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The first and second horizontally oriented surfaces are defined at different elevations on the housing. The angled surface extends between the two horizontally oriented surfaces.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having a pipetting chamber, a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber, a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction, and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track, and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer in which required maintenance can be executed efficiently, without omission, an operation control unit controls operations of an analysis module (ISE, AU1, AU2) including a sample vessel transport mechanism, a reagent vessel transport mechanism, a reaction vessel transport mechanism, a sample dispensing mechanism, and a reagent dispensing mechanism, and of a display unit, and analyzes a sample accommodated in a reaction vessel. The operation control unit stores a validity period for each maintenance item of the analysis module (ISE, AU1, AU2) and an execution time for each maintenance item in a memory, displays an execution time together with an identification representation of execution priority level based on the expiration dates on the display unit, rearranges the display order of the maintenance items on the basis of the execution priority level, in accordance with an operator's instruction inputted through an operation input portion.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for determining the amount of bulk material being choke-fed into an inlet of a blender from one or more bulk material containers placed on a support structure are disclosed. The system includes sensors placed on the support structure beneath the one or more containers for determining the amount of bulk material contained within the container at any given time. By monitoring the change in the mass of the material in the containers overtime the amount of material being fed into the blender can be determined. The material is metered into a mixer within the blender using a metering mechanism, such as a sand screw, which supplies a fixed capacity of bulk material into the blender. The ability to precisely measure the amount of bulk material being choke-fed into the blender enables operators to calibrate the sand screw continuously.

Abstract: The sample container loading or storing unit includes a sample rack tray and a sample rack tray installation portion on which the sample rack tray is installed, the sample rack tray installation portion includes a claw portion that moves in a contact direction with a sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, the sample rack tray includes a claw guard portion provided on the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray, and the claw guard portion is configured to be separated from the sidewall portion of the sample rack tray by being pushed by a sample rack.

Abstract: A system for on-site production of chlorine dioxide and other sanitizing solutions is disclosed which includes a controller for measuring fluids into a measuring/mixing vessel. The measuring/mixing vessel is designed to measure and mix water with activator and base additives to create a ready-to-use cleaning solution. A drainage system is employed to transfer the ready-to-use cleaning solution into a reservoir for on-site use.

Abstract: Various examples of systems and methods are provided for slide processing. In one example, among others, a system for processing microscope slides includes a slide positioner that can adjust a position of a slide and a slide treatment system that can dispense a micro stream of a fluid at a location on the slide when the slide is positioned beneath a jet nozzle of the slide treatment system. The system can include a slide sled that can align a smearing slide with a surface of the slide including a fluid sample is disposed, and support the smearing slide at a predefined angle with respect to the surface of the slide. In another example, a method includes obtaining a slide including a sample disposed on a surface, positioning the slide below to a jet nozzle, and dispensing a micro stream of a fluid onto the sample using the jet nozzle.

Abstract: Automated test instruments electronically determine and/or obtain cell availability of cells of a holding structure in an incubated test chamber and for each of a plurality of open and available cells and electronically identify neighboring cells, electronically determining whether each of the identified neighboring cells are occupied or empty and, if occupied, electronically evaluating at least one of a test status or a time from load of a specimen container held therein. The instruments then electronically rank each of the plurality of open and available cells based at least in part on whether the identified neighboring cells are occupied or empty and the at least one of test status or time from load of the occupied cells of the identified neighboring cells. The loading mechanism is then directed to load an incoming specimen container into a selected one of the open and available cells based on the ranking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for contactlessly mixing fluid present on the upper surface of the slide, where the device comprises a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array, the first nozzle array adapted to impart a bulk fluid flow to the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide, and the second nozzle array adapted to impart at least a first regional fluid flow to at least a portion of the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide.

Abstract: Provided is a connection module with a high degree of freedom for an automatic analyzer which does not depend on a device as a discharge destination. For this purpose, a module to be connected to an automatic analyzer with a rack rotor mechanism includes: a rack discharge mechanism for moving a rack from the rack rotor mechanism to a rotation holder; a rack rotating mechanism for rotating the rack moved to the rotation holder; a conveyor mechanism for transporting the rack from the rack rotating mechanism to a discharge port; and a feeder mechanism for pushing the rack out of the rotation holder to the conveyor mechanism, in which the rack rotating mechanism rotates the rotation holder from a direction parallel to the rack discharge mechanism to a direction parallel to the feeder mechanism and the conveyor mechanism in the selected rotation direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: It is necessary to dispose a plurality of units which have different target temperatures on an apparatus in a more integrated state in order to improve analysis performance and processing capacity per unit space of the apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to mitigate influence of temperature exerted between units. It is possible to reduce the temperature influence exerted between the units and thus efficiently control temperature by properly disposing the units in the apparatus, based on the relationship between a use environment temperature of the apparatus and a target temperature of each unit and temperature accuracy required for the unit.

Abstract: Automated analyzer (2000) comprising a housing (2010, 3010), a robotic arm comprising an end effector (2360), the end effector (2360) comprising a body (2320) rotatably connected to an articulating arm and first (2363a) and second fingers (2363b) coupled to the body (2362) and being moveable relative to each other in a first direction, each of the fingers (2363a, b) having an engagement feature (2361) projecting inwardly from each of the first and second fingers (2363a, b) and toward the other of the first and second fingers (2363a, b). The automated analyzer (2000) further comprises a shuttle platform (2030) for receiving a shuttle (2030) carrying sample containers (03), the containers carrying sample (03) to be evaluated by the analyzer (2000) and the shuttle platform (2030) comprising a jaw assembly that engages the bottom portion of the sample containers when the jaw assembly is in the closed position.

Abstract: In example implementations, a method is provided. The method may be executed by a processor of a fluid dispensing apparatus. The method includes dispensing a fluid onto a surface from a dispenser during an alignment procedure. The surface is ejected for alignment verification. The surface is then received for re-execution of the alignment procedure after the alignment verification. The dispenser is re-used to dispense fluid onto the surface during re-execution of the alignment procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provided a blood cell analyzer, a control device and a blood analysis method thereof. In the method, a first reagent is mixed with a sample to obtain a first testing sample, and then a second reagent is mixed with the first testing sample for a further reaction to get a second testing sample for basophil classification and/or HGB measurement. A blood sample may be tested in one reaction cell through time-division multiplexing technology to obtain four groups leukocytes classification result and HGB result by single detection channel. Thus, the structure of the analyzer may be greatly simplified on the premise of guaranteeing the performance of the analyzer, the size and cost of the analyzer may reduce and a performance-price ratio of the analyzer may increase.

Abstract: A specimen processing apparatus may include: an aspirating tube configured to aspirates a specimen in automatic aspiration and manual aspiration; an aspirating tube moving mechanism configured to move the aspirating tube between a first region in which the automatic aspiration is performed and a second region in which the manual aspiration is performed, the first region covered with a wall, the second region separated from the first region; and a processing unit that processes the specimen aspirated by the aspirating tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a fluid-dispensing device. More specifically, the present disclosure provides for a precision fluid-dispensing device that may deliver a predefined volume of fluid quickly and reliably. In some aspects, the precision fluid-dispensing device may be used to deliver a fluid to a receiving container, such as in a manufacturing line, as a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense very accurate volumes of fluid using the head pressure of the fluid from an elevated reservoir or pressurized fluid supply. In some implementations, the precision fluid-dispensing device may dispense fluid gently and quickly, which may allow for handling of fluids that may be sensitive to agitation or mixing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling liquids are provided. The devices and methods make use of specifically controlled centrifugal forces to drive liquid flow between two cavities connected by a conduit such that as liquid flows into the second cavity, a gas volume is trapped in the second cavity and a pressure of the gas increases, allowing for pneumatic control of liquid flow. The devices and methods facilitate one or more of the mixing, metering and sequencing of liquids, for example on a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A coverslipping machine (1) is embodied to be connected to an electrical power grid in order to be supplied with electrical energy as an electrical load; and removes specimen slides (4), having samples present thereon, from a specimen slide magazine (5) and respectively carries out a coverslipping process in which a mounting medium (7) and then a coverslip (8) are applied onto each specimen slide (4); and deposits the coverslipped specimen slides (4) in the specimen slide magazine (5) or in a further specimen slide magazine (55). The coverslipping machine (1) has an electrical energy reservoir (12) and an electronic control apparatus (13).