This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for picking a target analyte of a suspension. A picker introduces at least one force, such as by a magnetic gradient and/or by a pressure gradient, to extract the target analyte from a sample.

Devices for magnetic 3d culture are described including magnetic lids/bases for single Petri plates, adjustable height cap for same, as well similar devices for multi-magnet culture plates. A pen-like device for sterilely lifting and moving cells is also described, and this magnetic pipettor can also exist in multi-well magnetic pipettor formats.

Apparatus for isolating an individual cell from a group of cells and transferring that isolated cell to a desired location, the apparatus comprising: a single-cell pipette tip, the single-cell pipette tip comprising: a structure having a distal end; a Y-shaped microchannel formed in the structure, the Y-shaped microchannel comprising a base microchannel, a first branch microchannel and a second branch microchannel, wherein the base microchannel extends to the distal end of the structure, the first branch microchannel is connectable to a first pressure channel, the second branch microchannel is connectable to a second pressure channel, and a single-cell trap is disposed in the base microchannel, distal to the convergence of the base microchannel with the first branch microchannel and the second branch microchannel.

Provided is a powder collector or the like, which is capable of efficiently performing the work of collecting each powder of a different kind and the like while easily preventing a foreign matter such as another kind of powder from being mixed. The powder collector includes: a connecting part (12) having an air passage (11) that is to be removably connected to a pipe (35) for air intake and air supply; a collecting part (14) having an air passage (13) in which powder is collected to be kept through use of a suction force caused by air intake from the pipe (35) reaching the air passage (13) of the collecting part (14) through the air passage (11) of the connecting part (12) and from which the collected powder is discharged through use of a discharge force caused by air supply from the pipe (35); a first filter part (15), which is arranged at a midway position of the air passage (13) of the collecting part (14) and is configured to block passage of the powder to be collected; a relaying part (17) having an air passage (16) connecting the air passage (11) of the connecting part (12) and the collecting part (14) to each other; and a second filter part (18), which is arranged at a midway position of the air passage (16) of the relaying part (17) or in an end portion of the relaying part (17) on the connecting part (12) side, and is configured to block passage of the powder having passed through the first filter part (15).

A handheld solid sample pipette device includes a pipette tube with a number of sharpened teeth adapted to pierce solid or substantially solid sample material, the pipette tube adapted to be matingly attached to a device that includes a handle, a plunger, and a piston within a shell of the device. A spring may be positioned to return the plunger to a non-depressed position following depression of the plunger. A sample of the material can be ejected from the handheld device. The handheld device may further include a shear ring apparatus, that in-turn includes a tube portion, a plurality of shear ring teeth, and a knobbed plate for rotating the shear ring. Following insertion of the pipette with sharpened teeth into the sample, the shear ring apparatus is pressed into the sample as well, such that the shear ring tube, which is slidingly engaged about the pipette tube, slides over the pipette tube into the sample. The shear ring teeth pierce the sample, and at a certain point of insertion, the shear ring apparatus is rotated in either or both a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner such that the shear ring teeth sever a portion of the material to be sampled such that the portion remains within the pipette tube, for removal, and analysis.

The invention features methods of making devices, or platens, having a high-density array of through-holes, as well as methods of cleaning and refurbishing the surfaces of the platens. The invention further features methods of making high-density arrays of chemical, biochemical, and biological compounds, having many advantages over conventional, lower-density arrays. The invention includes methods by which many physical, chemical or biological transformations can be implemented in serial or in parallel within each addressable through-hole of the devices. Additionally, the invention includes methods of analyzing the contents of the array, including assaying of physical properties of the samples.

A device and method are proved for transferring a target from a first location to a second location. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes transfer surface for receiving the target bound solid phase substrate thereon for transfer. The transfer surface movable between a first position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the first location and spaced therefrom by a distance and a second position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the second location. An alignment structure aligns the transfer surface with respect to the second location, with the transfer surface in the second position. A force is movable between an attraction position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are drawn toward the transfer surface and a discharge position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are free of the force.

This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.

A device and method are proved for transferring a target from a first location to a second location. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes transfer surface for receiving the target bound solid phase substrate thereon for transfer. The transfer surface movable between a first position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the first location and spaced therefrom by a distance and a second position wherein the transfer surface is aligned with the second location. An alignment structure aligns the transfer surface with respect to the second location, with the transfer surface in the second position. A force is movable between an attraction position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are drawn toward the transfer surface and a discharge position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are free of the force.

This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.