Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. A holder includes a frame including at least three walls, such as a base, a first arm, and a second arm. Each wall includes a platform or a portion of a platform to support the substrate. The first arm includes at least one securing block and a second arm opposite the first arm includes a secure bar with a securing block. The securing blocks include a ramp to guide the substrate off of the platforms and a stopper to set a maximum lift distance and to constrain the substrate.
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. A holder includes a frame including at least three walls, such as a base, a first arm, and a second arm. Each wall includes a platform or a portion of a platform to support the substrate. The first arm includes at least one securing block and a second arm opposite the first arm includes a secure bar with a securing block. The securing blocks include a ramp to guide the substrate off of the platforms and a stopper to set a maximum lift distance and to constrain the substrate.
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing target materials of a suspension include a tube and a float. The float may include expandable portions. The system traps a target analyte between the expandable float and the tube and/or to create a seal between the expandable float and the tube to inhibit fluid from flowing past the expandable float in the tube. The expandable portions may radially expand when exposed to an expanding fluid, such that the expanding fluid is not a naturally-occurring constituent of the suspension; or, the expandable portions may radially expand when a force is exerted upon the expandable portion. A tube may include expandable portions that expand towards the float.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for separating component materials of a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, a suspension suspected of containing a target material and a secondary fluid are added to a tube. The secondary fluid has a greater density than the suspension, is immiscible in the suspension fluid and is inert with respect to the suspension materials. A float is added to the tube, and the tube, float, suspension and secondary fluid are centrifuged together, with the secondary fluid to occupy the bottom of the tube. The float has a density less than the density of the secondary fluid which enables the float to be suspended within the axially layered materials of the suspension. As a result, the float expands the axial length of the layer containing the target material between the outer surface of the float and the inner surface of the tube.