A device comprising a base and a support structure is disclosed. The base includes a vial receptacle for holding a vial. The support structure is coupled to an upper portion of the base and is configured to align a pipette comprising a pipette tip vertically over the vial receptacle. The support structure is configured to support a pipette such that an end of a pipette tip is positioned one or more predetermined depths within a vial in the vial receptacle.

A method for withdrawing a solution comprising a plurality of particles from a vial is disclosed. The method includes agitating the vial at a first predetermined mixing speed to suspend the plurality of particles in the solution. The method also includes withdrawing, during the agitating, a first volume of the solution from the vial with a pipette, such that an end of a pipette tip is positioned at a first predetermined depth within the vial.

A method for preparing an aliquot of solution comprising a plurality of particles is disclosed. The method includes agitating the solution with a baffle at a predetermined mixing speed to suspend the plurality of particles in the solution, wherein the baffle positioned at least partially within a vessel containing the solution, and wherein the vessel is engaged with a vessel receptacle configured to hold the vessel. The method also includes withdrawing, during the agitating, the aliquot of solution from the vessel with a pipette, such that an end of a pipette tip is positioned within the vessel.

A sampler 1 including an inlet 10a,b, an outlet 20 and a flushing device 30, the sampler 1 adapted such that a sample fluid flows from the inlet 10a,b, out the outlet 20 and into sample containers 40, wherein, the flushing device 30 is adapted to flush a pressurised flushing fluid past all surfaces of the sampler 1 which are adapted to contact the sample fluid.

A sampling device and associated methods for assessing operation of a medical washing device includes a base, a cover, a fluid path, a sensor, and a controller. The cover is selectively removably mounted to the base and includes an opening. The fluid path is in fluid communication with the opening, and has an outlet through which the fluid is discharged. The sensor is a sensor of an analytical characteristic, and is disposed in the fluid path. The controller is in communication with the sensors.

A milking system includes a milking device, a milk line, and a sampling and analysis device for the milk that includes a control unit, a tape mover to move and unwind a tape wound on a tape reel and with a base material with reagent pads, that detect a substance in the sample, and a dosing device to provide the sample onto a reagent pad, and a sensor to detect radiation from said reagent pad, and to analyse the detected radiation to indicate a presence or concentration of said substance. The reagent pad is facing downward during provision of the sample. In this way, the chance of excess liquid falling from the reagent, and possibly onto a camera, is reduced. Smaller reagent pads may be used, it reduces the chance of supplied liquid spilling over to a neighbouring reagent pad, the measures preventing this spilling may be limited, and it is easier to suck away excess fluid.

A microtome for producing thin sections from a sample includes a sample holder configured to receive the sample and a cutting edge configured to cut the sample, the cutting edge having a specified cutting direction, the cutting direction and the cutting edge spanning a cutting plane. The microtome further includes a movement device configured to produce a relative movement between the sample holder and the cutting unit for cutting the sample in the cutting direction, a feed device configured to produce a relative movement between the sample holder and the cutting edge for cutting the sample in a feed direction at an angle not equal to 0 to the cutting plane, and a liquid volume with a liquid abutting the cutting edge on a side of the cutting edge facing away from the sample holder.

A microtome for producing thin sections from a sample includes a sample holder configured to receive the sample and a cutting edge configured to cut the sample, the cutting edge having a specified cutting direction, the cutting direction and the cutting edge spanning a cutting plane. The microtome further includes a movement device configured to produce a relative movement between the sample holder and the cutting unit for cutting the sample in the cutting direction, a feed device configured to produce a relative movement between the sample holder and the cutting edge for cutting the sample in a feed direction at an angle not equal to 0 to the cutting plane, and a liquid volume with a liquid abutting the cutting edge on a side of the cutting edge facing away from the sample holder.

A dosing module (137) in an agricultural environment, arranged to apply a milk sample of an animal (100) onto a dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c). The dosing module (137) includes a milk insertion connection (340) arranged to receive milk; a needle (350) configured to receive the milk and apply the received milk to the dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c); a first pump (611), configured to provide milk from the milk insertion connection (340) to the needle (350); and a position adjustment mechanism (510) configured to adjust the needle (350) between a retracted position () above the dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c) when dosing milk to the dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c), and at an extended position () when flushing milk through the needle (350); and an evacuator (195) arranged to intercept liquid output by the needle (350).

A sampling device and associated methods for assessing operation of a medical washing device includes a base, a cover, a fluid path, a sensor, and a controller. The cover is selectively removably mounted to the base and includes an opening. The fluid path is in fluid communication with the opening, and has an outlet through which the fluid is discharged. The sensor is a sensor of an analytical characteristic, and is disposed in the fluid path. The controller is in communication with the sensors.