Deep RCA uses a modified recursive least squares (RLS) optimization method and a novel null-class vector that together allow the algorithm to remember prior classes as it learns the new class. Deep RCA only has to be trained on the new class data which results in a significant improvement in training speed and almost no memory requirements to achieve the goal of near, real-time class augmentation for deep neural networks.

A dispensing tip holder is used when a dispensing tip is attached to a tip of a pipette, and includes a peripheral wall having a shape surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip, and an insertion portion having an insertion opening into which the dispensing tip is to be inserted. The peripheral wall has a first end into which the dispensing tip is to be inserted, and has a second end provided at a position opposite to the first end. The insertion portion is formed in the peripheral wall such that an outer peripheral surface of the dispensing tip abuts against an edge of the insertion opening, and is formed in the peripheral wall such that a tip of the dispensing tip does not project from the second end of the peripheral wall, when the dispensing tip is inserted into the insertion opening from the first end.

A sampling device for collecting, storing and processing fluid samples for analysis is disclosed. The sampling device comprises a porous polymer monolith sampling substrate housed within a substantially impermeable housing. The housing surrounds the sampling substrate and further comprises a sampling aperture via which the sampling substrate is accessible externally from the sampling device.

Devices and methods are provided that permit efficient and selective separation of liquid biological specimens into at least two constituent components to facilitate subsequent quantitative and qualitative analysis on at least one analyte of interest in at least one of the components. The devices generally include one or more sample deposition regions supported on a base. Each sample deposition region includes a separation membrane for separating the liquid biological specimen into two different fractions. The first fraction is trapped by the separation membrane while the second fraction passes through the separation membrane and into a respective collection membrane. The separation and collection membranes are easily separable from the devices and can be utilized for further processing and analysis.

An array device including a base having wells, a cover positioned over the base with a gap from the base such that openings of the wells are covered by the cover with the gap in between, an injection port communicating with the gap, a discharge port communicating with the gap and positioned apart from the injection port, and a waste liquid vessel which collects liquid that flows from the gap via the discharge port and is positioned at a level different from the gap forming a channel. The discharge port is placed to discharge a surplus aqueous solution outside the wells from the discharge port by an oleaginous sealing liquid to be delivered from the injection port.

A sample transfer device, an analytical system for analyzing a sample, a method for sample transfer and a method for manufacturing the sample transfer device are disclosed. The sample transfer device includes at least one first block and at least one second block, wherein the first block has at least one first port and at least one second port, wherein the second block has at least one third port and at least one fourth port. The sample transfer device also has at least one slider. The slider is located between the first block and the second block and is configured to slide from a first position to a second position and vice versa. Both in the first position and in the second position a first straight channel is formed between the first port and the third port and a second straight channel is formed between the second port and the fourth port.

A mesoscale fluidic system comprises a substrate having a sample chamber and an analysis chamber. The sample chamber comprises a cell permeable filter defining a sample application compartment and a conditioning medium compartment. The sample chamber has a sample inlet port in the sample application compartment. The analysis chamber has an entry port and an exit port. The conditioning medium compartment is in fluid communication with the entry port of the analysis chamber via a channel. The sample application compartment is below the cell permeable filter and the conditioning medium compartment is above the cell permeable filter. The mesoscale fluidic system is suited for analysing cellular motility in a sample. Also disclosed is a method of estimating the quantity of motile cells in a sample and a method of extracting motile cells from non-motile cells.

The disclosure describes a slide cleaner apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cleaning chamber configured to receive a cell counting slide, at least one fluid inlet arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cell counting slide when located in the chamber, and configured to feed cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and slide, and at least one fluid outlet configured to remove cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber and slide. The disclosure also extends to a method of cleaning a cell counting slide.

The present disclosure relates to a consumable sample partition device and it assembly and use. The sample partition device can be used to test a sample for absence of microorganisms (sterility) and/or for concentration of said organisms (bio-burden). The sample partition device partitions the sample input volume into multiple discrete measurement zones with little or no loss of sample (e.g., zero-loss) and with little operator involvement, thereby reducing operator- and environment-based false positives.

A storage apparatus includes a storage device having a first storage assembly with a plurality of first storage racks and a second storage assembly with a plurality of second storage racks surrounding the first storage racks. At least one of the first and second storage assemblies includes a removable carrier rack configured to align with a selected storage rack of the other first or second storage assembly. A protective cover device includes first and second protective cover assemblies respective disposed on top ends of the first and second storage assemblies. At least one of the first and second protective cover assemblies is openable at an area corresponding to the top of the carrier rack to permit removal of the same.