Abstract:
The invention relates to an automated device and a method for determining and measuring any number Xn (n = 1, 2, 3,...N) of target structures comprising molecule classes, molecule groups, and molecule parts on or in a liquid or solid object. The inventive device encompasses a combination of a pipetting system, a 3D handling system, and an optical measuring system which are controlled and monitored by a computer. The pipetting system features automatic pipetting for accepting and discharging liquids as well as adequate repositioning accuracy, preferably of at least +/- 0.1 mm. The disclosed device is characterized in that the pipetting system is fitted with a pipette tip which is permanently installed or can be mounted and removed manually or automatically before and after use such that the pipette is not replaced during use.
Abstract:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine automatisierte Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung und Messung einer beliebigen Anzahl Xn (n = 1,2,3...N) von Zielstrukturen bestehend aus Molekülklassen, Molekülgruppen und Molekülteilen auf einem flüssigen oder festen Objekt bzw. in einem flüssigen oder festen Objekt, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Kombination aus einem Pipettiersystem, einem 3D-Handhabesystem und einem optischen Messsystem umfasst, wobei das Pipettiersystem, das 3D-Handhabesystem und das optische Messsystem durch einen Computer gesteuert und kontrolliert werden und das Pipettiersystem eine automatische Pipettierung für die Aufnahme und Abgabe von Flüssigkeiten und eine angemessene Wiederholpositioniergenauigkeit, bevorzugt von mindestens +/- 0,1 mm, aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Pipettiersystem eine manuell oder automatisch vor und nach dem Einsatz des Vorrichtung aufsetzbare und abnehmbare oder fest installierte Pipettenspitze aufweist, derart, dass während des Einsatzes der Vorrichtung kein Pipettenwechsel erfolgt.
Abstract:
A method and system for performing mixing in a low volume, low aspect ratio microfluidic chamber (3) is described. Two or more mixing bladders (13,15) formed adjacent the microfluidic chamber are inflated and deflated in reciprocating fashion to cause inward and outward deflection of discrete regions of the chamber wall to mix fluid within the chamber. Mixing bladders are actuated by air or another gas, or by a liquid such as water, pumped in and out of the bladders with a pump which may be located remote from the microfluidic device including the microfluidic chamber. In an alternative embodiment, mixing is generated by applying alternating mechanical forces to a surface of a flexible chamber forming device. The microfluidic chamber may be a hybridization chamber formed on a microarray (25) slide with the use of a microarray interface device, or it may be a microfluidic chamber formed in various other types of microfluidic devices.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices capable of efficiently mixing one or more fluids are described. Two or more microfluidic channels within the device meet at an overlap region. The overlap region may be in fluid communication with an outlet channel. The inlet channels are disposed within different layers of a three dimension device. Microfluidic separators for separating multiphase fluids are also described. In this case, a multiphase fluid flows through an inlet channel into an overlap region from where the separated phases can be withdrawn through outlet channels. Also provided are methods for mixing and separating fluids in such devices.
Abstract:
A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
Abstract:
The device for carrying out chemical, biological and/or biochemical analytical methods is provided with two groups of parallel connected chambers with openings enabling fluid to flow in and out of said chambers and leading to a common first discharge manifold. Both discharge manifolds can be connected to each other by a continuous-flow reaction chamber, wherein a reaction component for a sample to be analysed is immobilized. At least one chamber of the first and/or second group is provided to receive a reagent. The contents of a chamber of the first group can be transferred into at least one other chamber which is not quite full.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device in which at least two liquid or semi-liquid reagents can be stored separately. When used, the inventive device enables precise, chronologically defined, sequential reagent discharge in a reaction chamber by means of a linear movement without any prior mixing of said reagents.
Abstract:
A blood analyzer system is provided with improved slide-making capability by coupling a blood analyzer apparatus (20) to an automatic slide-making apparatus (40) by means of a clinically effective blood specimen transport assembly (60), which includes a blood conduit forming a curvilinear flow path that imparts a substantial angular velocity component to blood moving therein. The system enables a blood analyzer portion and a smear slide portion of a given sample to be aspirated with physical and temporal proximity.