Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Provided are valveless microfluidic flowchips comprising fluid flow barrier structures or configurations. Further provided are systems and methods having increased fluid transfer control in a valveless microfluidic flowchip. The systems and methods can be used in the present valveless microfluidic flowchips as well as in currently available valveless microfluidic flowchips.

A microfluidic device capable of trapping contents in a manner suitable for high-throughput imaging is described herein. The microfluidic device may include one or more trapping devices, with each trapping device having a plurality of trapping channels. The trapping channels may be configured to receive contents via an inlet channel that connects a sample reservoir to the trapping channels via fluid communication. The trapping channels are shaped such that contents within the trapping channels are positioned for optimal imaging purposes. The trapping channels are also connect to at least one exit channel via fluid communication. The fluid, and contents within the fluid, may be controlled via hydraulic pressure.

The present invention relates to a mini-pipette, and more particularly, to a mini-pipette which has capacity varying means that can vary the movement distance of a push button reciprocating in the outer body to generate suction force so that a variety of samples can be easily collected. The present invention provides a mini-pipette comprising: an outer body having a hollow movement space and a suction passage formed at a lower part of the outer body; a push button for generating negative or positive pressure in the suction passage while reciprocating in the movement space of the outer body; elastic means for elastically supporting the push button in the movement space; and a capacity varying means formed inside the outer body, for varying a movement distance of the push button in the movement space.

Improved sub-assemblies and methods of control for use in a diagnostic assay system adapted to receive an assay cartridge are provided herein. Such sub-assemblies include: a brushless DC motor, a door opening/closing mechanism and cartridge loading mechanism, a syringe and valve drive mechanism assembly, a sonication horn, a thermal control device and optical detection/excitation device. Such systems can further include a communications unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device of a user so as to receive a user input relating to functionality of the system with respect to an assay cartridge received therein and relaying a diagnostic result relating to the assay cartridge to the mobile device.

Nanoliter pipette assembly. The assembly includes a housing containing a working fluid in a working fluid chamber therein and includes a moveable piston within the housing, the piston moveable by a linear actuation mechanism for contact with the working fluid. A tip portion is provided that includes a diaphragm deformable to engage an inner portion of the tip. It is preferred that the diaphragm have a projecting three-dimensional structure for direct contact with a liquid.

Provided are devices, systems and methods for evaluation of hemostasis. Also provided are sound focusing assemblies.

Systems and methods for performing biological assays are provided herein. The systems and methods determine one or more characteristics of a nucleic acid amplification sample based on a modified optical property of the sample.

Devices and methods for preparing and delivering biological assay samples are provided herein. Components of such devices include a sample receiving module within which a biological assay sample can be prepared and a cap, which when operatively coupled with the sample receiving module, pressurizes the module. These devices can be employed for subsequently delivering a biological assay sample.

Provided herein are anti-static pipette trays that reduce the amount of static charge accumulated on or in pipette tips and allow for discharge of any accumulated static charge.