The present invention features a versatile continuous manufacturing platform for cell-free chemical production.

Provided is a method of designing a low-pressure chamber that provides a preset air pressure corresponding to a predetermined altitude. The method may include the steps of: calculating a predetermined error range of the preset air pressure, and calculating an amount and types of materials of a getter to be inserted into the low-pressure chamber based on the error range and a total volume of the low-pressure chamber.

A blood component collection cassette of a blood component collection system, which is a biological component transfer system, includes a sheet-shaped cassette main body in which a blood line is formed. The blood line includes a second applied load measurement unit and line main body portions. A separation device includes a second load measurement unit that measures a load applied to a wall portion of the second applied load measurement unit in a cassette mounted state. The second applied load measurement unit is more easily deformed than the line main body portions, and is disposed at a location within the blood line on which only a positive pressure acts.

A method for metering and storing liquids by means of a permanently open container (1), wherein: the container (1) comprises a liquid reservoir (11) in which at least one liquid (2) is contained for storage; the container (1) has at least one opening (15) for the metered discharging of the liquid from the liquid reservoir (11); the opening (15) is permanently open; influencing factors affect at least one change in pressure (4) in the container (1); influencing factors render the system formed of the container (1) and liquid (2) unstable; the pressure (4) is detected in at least one location in the container (1); and, subject to at least one detected change in pressure (4), at least one reaction (9) is initiated that is suitable for maintaining the system of the container (1) and liquid (2) in a stable state or for re-establishing this stable state.

Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid. System and method for photometric measurements of multiple fluid samples employing such network of channels.

An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.

Devices that include a liquid chamber including at least two ports, wherein the opening of a first port is larger than the opening of a second port, an air chamber including at least one port, and a membrane located between the liquid chamber and the air chamber, and a pressure sensor coupled to the port in the air chamber are provided. Systems including the disclosed devices are also provided. The systems include liquid in the liquid chamber of the device. Methods of using the devices and systems include measuring one or more properties of a liquid by flowing the liquid through the liquid chamber of the system and measuring the pressure produced due to the difference in size of the ports in the liquid chamber.

A test cartridge for insertion into an analysis instrument having an actuation mechanism, the test cartridge having one or more sensors for measuring an aspect of the actuation mechanism.

A cartridge reader is configured to carry out a diagnostic test on a fluid sample contained within a fluidic cartridge. The cartridge comprises first, second and third collapsible blisters containing at least one reagent for use in the diagnostic test. The cartridge reader comprises an upper clamp, occupying a fixed position relative to the reader and a lower clamp, movable relative to the upper clamp, and wherein the upper clamp and the lower clamp are configured to receive and hold a fluidic cartridge therebetween.

An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.