The present disclosure relates to a sample transfer apparatus (100) for transferring a sample holder (200) into and out of a vacuum chamber (810), comprising: a holding device (110) including at least one cam (120) configured to cooperate with at least one follower (210) of a sample holder (200), wherein the at least one cam (120) includes a curved track having an open end portion (122), a locking portion (126), a locking track portion (124) and a releasing track portion (128), wherein the locking track portion (124) and the releasing track portion (128) respectively connect the open end portion (122) and the locking portion (126), wherein the curved track is configured such that the at least one follower (210) of the sample holder (200) is guided from the open end portion (122) to the locking portion (126) via the locking track portion (124) for attaching the sample holder (200) to the holding device (110), and wherein the curved track is further configured such that the at least one follower (210) of the sample holder (200) is guided from the locking portion (126) to the open end portion (122) via the releasing track portion (128) for releasing the sample holder (200) from the holding device (110).

A telescoping electric pipette controller has a handle, a head end portion, an outer shell and a manual retainer. One end of the head end portion is arranged in an end portion of the handle in a penetrating manner, the outer shell is sheathed over an outer surface of the end portion of the handle, and one end portion of the manual retainer is rotatably connected to the outer shell. By means of opening or fastening the manual retainer, one end portion of the manual retainer is released outwards or pressed inwards against the head end portion, allowing extension and retraction of the head end portion relative to the handle. The extension and retraction, as well as the locking of part of a grip structure, are controlled by means of a switch, allowing the grip to change the length within a specific range.

A microplate assembly for a plurality of samples includes a donor microplate having a plurality of sample donor cavities. The microplate assembly further includes a receiver microplate having a plurality of sample receiver cavities each sample receiver cavity having a transparent receiver bottom configured to enable microscopic imaging. In addition, the microplate assembly includes a leak-tight connecting structure configured to assemble the donor microplate and the receiver microplate, with at least one of the sample donor cavities being in communication with at least one of the sample receiver cavities. Further aspects are a receiver microplate and a leak-tight connecting structure for a microplate assembly as well as a method for transferring samples by means of a microplate assembly.

The extraction system according to the invention for extracting analytes from a sample comprises an extraction cell for receiving the sample, which has at least one first fluid connector for the supply or discharge of a fluid, and a clamping device for clamping the extraction cell, and a fluid connection device for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one first fluid connector of the extraction cell,
wherein an extraction cell holder is provided for receiving the extraction cell, and the clamping device has a guiding and positioning arrangement for linearly inserting the extraction cell holder, together with the extraction cell, in order to position the extraction cell in an insertion position.

Provided is a heating mechanism for a biochemical reaction device, including: a heat-conducting body including: at least one accommodating groove each including a chamber and an opening communicating with the chamber; a clamping hole, in communication with the opening and for inserting a reaction tube; and at least one heat-conducting block, movably disposed in the chamber and having one end connected with an elastic element and another opposite end provided with an abutting portion, the elastic element enabling the abutting portion of the heat-conducting block to protrude from the opening and locate in the clamping hole; and a temperature control element connected to the heat-conducting body for heating and regulating a temperature of the heat-conducting block. The heat-conducting blocks of the heating mechanism can be in direct and assured contact with the reaction tube for conducting heat, so that the solution in the reaction tube can easily and assuredly reach a preset temperature, thereby achieving a consistent reaction condition and increasing the accuracy of the reaction result.

Devices (e.g., flow cell holders) and methods for flow cell assembly and disassembly are provided. The flow cell holders and methods can be used to join or separate the bottom and top layers of a flow cell.

In a device for coupling a cartridge for a lab-on-a-chip analysis device, the cartridge has at least one pneumatic port and at least one reagent chamber. The device has a receiving region and a clamping unit. The receiving region is shaped to receive the cartridge. The clamping unit includes a pneumatic interface for pneumatically contacting the pneumatic port and a punch for insertion into the reagent chamber. The clamping unit is arranged adjacent to the receiving region and is designed to perform a first translatory motion toward the receiving region in order to bring the pneumatic interface into contact with the pneumatic port. Furthermore, the clamping unit is designed to perform a second translatory motion toward the receiving region following the first translatory motion in order to insert the punch into the reagent chamber.

The invention relates to a holding apparatus (100) for sample carriers (200) for use in cryomicroscopy, encompassing: a body having at least one sample carrier receptacle that comprises at least one sample carrier support surface against which at least one sample carrier (200) is abuttable; at least one first sample carrier holding means (121); and at least one second sample carrier holding means (131) that is configured to impinge upon the sample carrier (200) with force against the first sample carrier holding means (121); and to an arrangement having a manipulation container and such a holding apparatus (100), and to methods for introducing and withdrawing a sample carrier (200).

The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.

The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.