A tissue embedding cassette has a box defining an inner cavity. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors for the shield to be held against the surface of the box. An assembly for a tissue embedding cassette of the type having a box defining an inner cavity may include a lid adapted to be operatively connected to the box, the lid opening and closing access to the inner cavity of the box. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield configured for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors on the lid and/or the shield, for the shield to be held against the surface of the box.

A system and method for target material retrieval and processing, the system comprising: an adaptor configured to interface with a capture region of a capture substrate for capturing particles in single-particle format within a set of wells, wherein the adaptor comprises a first region configured to interface with the capture region, a second region, and a cavity extending from the first region to the second region; and a support structure coupled to the adaptor and providing a set of operation modes for movement of the adaptor relative to the capture substrate. The system enables methods for magnetic and/or other force-based methods of retrieval of target material (e.g., derived from single cells).

A laboratory sample/specimen temperature control device, specifically a metal bead bath that has its metal bead temperature controlled by a continuous flow of air into the bed of beads that is heated or cooled by a Peltier device that the air flows over. This provides great thermal uniformity across the bed of beads and constantly monitors and regulates the heat or cooling input rather than utilizing an on/off modulation temperature input approach.

A sampling device having a lower portion with a sample container. A cap is moveably attached with the lower portion and includes a cutting edge configured for cutting a leaf. When the cap is attached to the lower portion with a leaf there between, a leaf sample is deposited into the sample container of the lower portion. The cap includes a vent in fluid communication with the sample container such that the leaf sample is dried. A detachable label can extend from the lower portion.

A device for sample analysis, including: a first plate, a second plate, spacers, a hinge, and an adhesive, wherein the first plate and the second plate are connected by the hinge and movable relative to each other around the axis of the hinge into different configurations, including an open configuration and a closed configuration as disclosed herein. Also disclosed are a kit, a system, and a method including the device.

There is provided an automated system for preparing tissue samples that comprises one or more microtomes, a hydration system, and a processor, the processor being programmed to initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a first tissue block comprising a first tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the first tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a first predetermined time, and initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a second tissue block while the first tissue block is being hydrated, the second tissue block comprising a second tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the second tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a second predetermined time, and to initiate the one or more microtomes to begin sectioning of the first tissue block while the second tissue block is being hydrated.

There is provided a histology system that comprises a microtome configured to expose a face of a tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material and remove one or more tissue sections from the sample, a hydration system configured to hydrate the tissue block by depositing a hydrating liquid on the face of the tissue block, and a transfer system configured to transfer the one or more tissue sections from the microtome to one or more slides. In some embodiments, the hydration system is configured to produce droplet condensation of the hydrating liquid and deposit the condensation on the face of the tissue block.

A support fixture for chromatography columns operated by a liquid handling robot includes a frame and a lid. The frame has a base and a column stand extending upward from the base. The frame also includes bores extending vertically between the base and an upper portion of the column stand. The lid is movably attached to the upper portion of the column stand and has openings that axially align with the bores in the frame. The lid is movable between an open position configured to allow insertion of chromatography columns into the bores and a closed position configured to secure the chromatography columns in the bores.

A system for releasing analytes contained within a sample. The system comprises a housing enclosing an interior space. The system additionally comprises a sample holder having at least one receptacle configured to receive a sample containing analytes bound within the sample. The system further includes at least one light emitting diode configured to generate light sufficient to separate photo-cleavable bonds binding the analytes within the sample.

A microfluidic control system for controlling an EWOD device has an enhanced thermal control system for generating a temperature profile within an EWOD device that is inserted into the microfluidic control system. The microfluidic control system includes a housing that defines an aperture for receiving an EWOD device; an active heating component located within the housing at a base of the aperture; and a lid attached to the housing that is moveable between a closed position and an open position, the lid including a thermal control component. When the lid is in the closed position, the thermal control component is positioned at the aperture and aligned oppositely from the active heating component. The active heating component may include a plurality of independently controllable individual heating elements, and the thermal control component may include a respective plurality of individual thermal control elements. The microfluidic control system further may include a clamp positioned between the lid and the housing for retaining the EWOD device.