Abstract:
A cartridge for holding and ejecting fluid test strips and a test-strip metering device for use with such a cartridge. The cartridge holds the test strips in a sheet-like configuration. The metering device is able to extract test strips from the cartridge in response to an actuation of a single user-interface element. The metering device may test the fluids as each is extracted.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to apparatuses for delivering one or more volumes of fluids to one or more microfluidics devices. The invention further relates to methods for delivering one or more volumes of fluids to one or more microfluidics devices. Additionally, the invention relates to systems that include apparatuses for delivering one or more volumes of fluids to one or more microfluidics devices.
Abstract:
A blood sampler device (10) includes a blood collector (100) and a sampler body (200). The blood collector (100) is designed to collect a sample of a fluid, such as blood, from a user and to be inserted into the sampler body (200), such that the collected blood can be discharged into a liquid chamber (204) in the sampler body (200) to mix with a liquid stored in the liquid chamber (204) for testing. The blood collector 100 includes vents (104A-104F) that are designed to facilitate the flow of air out of the liquid chamber (204) during this insertion, such that a lower and more consistent pressurization can be achieved within the liquid chamber (204). This design may also increase user comfort and enhance the accuracy of testing performed on the collected fluid.
Abstract:
An apparatus for aspirating liquid into and dispensing liquid from a pipette (14), wherein the apparatus comprises of a pipette connecting means adapted to operatively connect the pipette (14) to the apparatus, a dispensation knob (4) for dispensing the liquid from the pipette (14) at a first defined speed, an aspiration knob (5) for aspirating the liquid into the pipette (14) at a second defined speed and a control switch (11) for controlling the speed of aspiration or dispensation of the liquid, wherein a press of the control switch (11) changes the speed of aspiration or dispensation from the first defined speed or the second defined speed to a minimum speed.
Abstract:
Disclosed embodiments provide improved mechanisms for storing and introducing liquid volumes in a liquid handling device and, in particular, improved mechanisms for rupturing a liquid store to introduce liquid into the device, improvements to the stability of a liquid receiving chamber inside the device and improvements to liquid handling in the receiving chamber.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices are provided for conducting fluid assays, for example biological assays, that have the ability to move fluids through multiple channels and pathways in a compact, efficient, and low cost manner. Discrete flow detection elements, preferably extremely short hollow flow elements, with length preferably less than 700 micron, preferably less than 500 micron, and internal diameter preferably of between about 50 +/- 25 micron, are provided with capture agent, and are inserted into microfluidic channels by tweezer or vacuum pick-and-place motions at fixed positions in which they are efficiently exposed to fluids for conducting assays. Close-field electrostatic attraction is employed to define the position of the elements and enable ready withdrawal of the placing instruments. The microfluidic devices feature flow elements, channels, valves, and on-board pumps that are low cost to fabricate accurately, are minimally invasive to the fluid path and when implemented for the purpose, can produce multiplex assays on a single portable assay cartridge (chip) that have low coefficients of variation. Novel methods of construction, assembly and use of these features are presented, including co-valent bonding of selected regions of faces of surface-activatable bondable materials, such as PDMS to PDMS and PDMS to glass, while contiguous portions of one flexible sheet completes and seals flow channels, fixes the position of inserted analyte-detection elements in the channels, especially short hollow flow elements through which sample and reagent flow, and other portions form flexible valve membranes and diaphragms of pumps. A repeated make-and-break-contact manufacturing protocol prevents such bonding to interfere with moving the integral valve diaphragm portions from their valve seats defined by the opposed sheet member, which the flexible sheet material engages. Preparation of two subassemblies, each having a backing of relatively rigid material, followed by their assembly face-to-face in a permanent bond is shown. Hollow detection flow elements are shown fixed in channels, that provide by-pass flow paths of at least 50% of the flow capacity through the elements; in preferred implementations, as much as 100% or more. Metallized polyester film is shown to have numerous configurations and advantages in non-permanently bonded constructions. A method of preparing detection elements for an assay comprises batch coating detection elements, or hollow flow elements by mixing and picking and placing the elements in flow channels of a microfluidic device, capturing the flow elements by bonding two opposed layers while sealing the flow channels.
Abstract:
The invention discloses a disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis. The cartridge comprises one or more parallel preparation units, each preparation unit comprises one or more chambers enclosed between seals and connected in series. Each chamber is configured for receiving an input fluid, performing a procedure affecting the fluid thereby generating an output fluid, and releasing the output fluid. A first chamber of the one or more chambers is a pressable chamber coupled to a first opening, while a last chamber of the one or more chambers is coupled to a second opening. The input fluid of the first chamber is the sample fluid. The one or more preparation units are coupleable to a compartment for performing analysis of the respective output fluids convey able via the second openings.
Abstract:
A sealed fluidic component (280) for use in a fluidic flow pathis made by providing a composite material (300) comprising a first material (305) and a second material (310), wherein the first material (305) and the second material (310) are different PAEK materials with the first material (305) having a lower melting point than the second material (310). The composite material (300) is heated in order to provide a seal by the first material (305). The temperature is selected to be in the range of or above the melting point of the first material and below that of the second material such that the first material can be reformed whilst the second material retains its shape.
Abstract:
A thermal cycler is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a tray assembly. The tray assembly comprises a main body made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The tray assembly further comprises an adaptor made of a second material having a thermal conductivity that is greater than the thermal conductivity of the first material. The thermal cycler also includes a control block configured to control the temperature of the one or more nucleotide samples. The thermal cycler further includes a thermal cover sized and positioned to at least partially cover the plurality of vessels. The thermal cycler further includes a sample block including one or more depressions configured to receive a plurality of vessels containing one or more nucleotide samples.