Devices and methods are provided for spotting an array with fluid. Arrays produced by such methods are also provided. In one aspect of the invention, a spotter device for spotting a plurality of fluids into an array is described, the spotter device comprising a plurality of reservoirs provided in a first configuration, each reservoir holding its respective fluid, a print head having a plurality of positions provided in a second configuration, the second configuration being different from the first configuration, a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to provide fluid communication from a reservoir at a first end of the tube to a position in the print head at the second end of the tube, and a pump for pumping fluid through the tubes from the reservoir to the print head.

Fluid containment pressure vessel that eliminates the outer support housing present in certain conventional vessels, and provides an improved cap-to-body interface. In certain embodiments, the cap is threaded and configured to threadingly engage with the body of the pressure vessel, and has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the pressures in the device without the need for a support housing. In certain embodiments, an interlock mechanism is provided that prevents the cap from being opened (e.g., removed from the body) while the device is under pressure. In certain embodiments, a pressure relief valve is provided with a pre-loaded biasing mechanism to achieve the required pressure release rate. The vessel can be used for sample preparation, including purification or concentration of samples, particularly protein samples.

The present invention relates to a contact-less priming system for loading a solution in a microfluidic device comprising: at least one microfluidic device, a pressure chamber configured to enclose said at least one microfluidic device, a pressurization unit fluidly connected to the pressure chamber and at least one closing member. The present invention also relates to a contact-less priming method for loading a solution in a microfluidic device.

A method for washing laboratory consumables comprises receiving, in a drawer compartment of a washing device, a rack holding a plurality of laboratory consumables, the drawer compartment selectively movable out and in between, respectively, an open and a closed position, the receiving occurring when the drawer compartment is in its open position; moving the drawer compartment to its closed position; moving a manifold dispenser downward from a loading/unloading position to a washing position; the manifold dispenser in a top compartment of the washing device that is positioned above the drawer compartment when the drawer compartment is in its closed position, the manifold dispenser selectively movable up and down between, respectively its loading/unloading position and its washing position; and directing one or more fluid solutions to contact the plurality of laboratory consumables out of a plurality of liquid outputs of the manifold dispenser.

In some embodiments, a medical-sample filtration device includes: a container including at least one wall forming an internal surface, a first aperture adjacent to a first end of the wall, and a second aperture adjacent to a second end of the wall; a movable insert positioned within the container and including an external surface of a size and shape to reversibly mate with the internal surface of the container; a positioning unit affixed to the internal surface close to the second aperture; a filter unit affixed to the second aperture; a sample conduit affixed to the filter unit; a valve unit attached to the sample conduit; and a connector operable to close the valve when the movable insert is in a predefined position relative to the container.

The disclosed embodiments related to an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and concentration of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. Sample may be obtained directly from a specimen container, such as a vacutainer, and processed directly without risk of user exposure. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

A specimen delivery cartridge includes a lower housing, and an upper housing. The upper housing is coupled to the lower housing at a hinge. The specimen delivery cartridge further comprises a testing chamber comprising a paper testing substrate. The paper testing substrate may include a wicking conduit and a plurality of test areas. The specimen delivery cartridge may also include a lens assembly proximate the plurality of test areas and operable to transmit light emissions from the plurality of test areas to an image sensor of a computing device. In some embodiments, the specimen delivery cartridge includes a testing substrate having a plurality of test areas made of an array of electrodes. Each electrode is printed on a first side of the testing substrate and coupled to a conductive via formed in the testing substrate and a conductive trace printed on a second, opposing side of the testing substrate.

An example fluidic micro electromechanical system may include a substrate and a first layer supported by the substrate. The first layer forms sides of a chamber, a passage through one of the sides and a chamber and a check valve leaf. The check valve leaf is pivotable about an axis nonparallel to the substrate to open and close the passage. The system may further include a second layer over the chamber, an opening into the chamber and a resistor supported within the chamber.

The present invention relates to microfluidic check valves, as well as fluidic cartridges including such check valves. In particular examples, the check valve includes a pre-stressed spring formed from a planar substrate. Various characteristics of the valves, such as size, profile, opening pressure, etc., can be tuned to provide desired performance when employed within a fluidic cartridge.

A method for washing particles includes obtaining an array plate that includes an array of hydrophilic areas surrounded by one or more hydrophobic areas. A respective solution containing a sample is located on a respective hydrophilic area of the array of hydrophilic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes one or more indentations from a respective surrounding hydrophobic area of the one or more hydrophobic areas. The respective hydrophilic area includes a first indented surface that is offset from a reference surface defined by the respective surrounding hydrophobic area. The method also includes placing an aspirator nozzle above the respective hydrophilic area at a predefined distance from the first indented surface, and aspirating the solution with the aspirator nozzle while the aspirator nozzle is located at the predefined distance from the first indented surface.