Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between containing between two plates.

Devices, methods and systems are provided for reducing the sample volume required for analysis. Inserts placed within a sample container, and substitute sample containers having smaller volume sample chambers are provided. Methods are provided for detection and quantification of target substances in reduced volume samples. Methods include placing a small-volume of sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include diluting a small-volume sample, and placing the diluted sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include reducing the volume of sample, and: increasing illumination; increasing dye concentration or amount; increasing the amount of an enzyme substrate; increasing the amounts, concentration, or labeling of antibodies for detection; increasing optical detector sensitivity; increasing the path length of light passing through the sample; decreasing the separation between sample and detector; altering the wavelength, or polarization, or number of wavelengths, passing through the sample; increasing electronic amplification of electrical signals; altering assay temperature; and other alterations.

Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between two plates.

A process conducted in a rocking bioreactor is monitored using a flexible bag fitted with an in-situ probe. The probe includes a disposable bag insert or patch and a reusable probe module. The patch is secured to a wall of the bag, and the probe module is a detachable part that can be mated to the bag patch, then disassembled for future use, for example. The patch is secured to the bag, defining a sample gap, and the probe module is inserted or mated with the patch. The probe module includes one or more source elements and one or more detector element. Light is transmitted from the source elements, through the sample gap, to the detector element(s), which detect the light after interaction with contents of the bag.

A flow cell and flow cell system which allows for calibration of an attached sensor to be performed in place. Specifically, the ability to utilize standard addition techniques of calibration without the need to take a test sample from the process stream or remove the sensor from operating on the flow cell.

Systems for an adjustable and flexible optic chamber system are disclosed herein. An exemplary device includes four adjustable side panels connected together so as to form an adjustable tubular rectangle surrounding an object being evaluated and an adjustable top panel comprising an optical lens that aligns with the object being evaluated when the adjustable top panel covers an opening of the tubular rectangle. Furthermore, the four adjustable side panels and the adjustable top panel form a flexible and adjustable optic chamber when joined together, the flexible and adjustable optic chamber being adjustable and flexible to conform to varied structures for the object being evaluated and eliminating external stimuli. The device may further include an electromagnetic wave source or mechanical wave source; and a computing device comprising a processor and memory, the processor executing instructions stored in the memory to receive a selection of a test from an application.

The present invention is related to the field of bio/chemical sampling, sensing, assays and applications. More particularly, one aspect of the present invention is related to bio/chemical assays, including how to separate two plates, how to separate a certain component from a composite liquid sample and obtain a liquid sample free of the component therein, and how to deposit sample and how operate plates for facilitating assaying.

A reaction carrier (14), a measuring device (12) and a measuring method for measuring a concentration of gaseous/aerosol components of a gas mixture uses reaction material (48) which reacts in an optically detectable manner with at least one component to be measured or with a reaction product of the component to be measured. The reaction carrier includes a flow channel (42) with sections (43) and extends between connecting elements (44). A gas treatment element (47), in each of the sections, changes chemical or physical properties of the gas mixture flowing therethrough or reacts, depending on the chemical or physical properties. The sections are separated from each other in a gas-tight manner by a separating element (49). A coupling element (45) opens the separating element and establishes a connection between the sections when the coupling element is activated. The measuring device includes an activation element (25) to activate the coupling element.

Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for improving optical analysis of a thin layer of a sample sandwiched between containing between two plates.

The invention provides a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device, and method of manufacture. Among possible applications is construction of compact spectrometers optimized for a single use. The sample container includes diffraction gratings such that, when the container is illuminated with collimated light and observed with optics focused at infinity, one obtains an optical spectrum useful for identifying and measuring the concentration of specimens placed in the container, applicable for chemical analysis and for screening fluids for chemical or biological analysis. The invention further provides methods to fabricate a combination of a sample container and energy dispersion device, wherein one such method utilizes an inflatable bladder and temperature-controlled templates to emboss gratings on both outside and inside faces of a given cuvette.