An instrument for energizing molecules contained in a sample solution may include a droplet generator configured to generate droplets of the sample solution. The droplet generator illustratively has an elongated nozzle defining an orifice at one end thereof from which the droplets exit the droplet generator, and the orifice illustratively defines a first longitudinal axis centrally therethrough. A molecule energizing source is configured to produce a molecule energizing field, and is positioned relative to the nozzle orifice such that the molecule energizing field extends into at least some of the generated droplets along a direction non-parallel with the first longitudinal axis. The molecule energizing field illustratively carries energy which heats at least one of the generated droplets sufficiently to induce structural changes in at least one molecule contained in the at least one of the generated droplets.

The core sample holder for microwave heating of a core sample includes a hollow housing having opposed open first and second ends. A resilient sleeve is disposed within the hollow housing. An annular bladder is disposed within the hollow housing and surrounds the resilient sleeve. The annular bladder is adapted for receiving a liquid. An annular cavity is defined between the outer surface of the annular bladder and the inner surface of the hollow housing and is adapted for receiving a pressurized fluid through at least one pressurized fluid port. First and second caps releasably cover and seal the first and second ends of the hollow housing, respectively. A microwave waveguide passes through the wall of the hollow housing and the annular cavity for transmitting microwave radiation from an external microwave source into the liquid contained within the annular bladder to heat the liquid.

The core sample holder for microwave heating of a core sample includes a hollow housing having opposed open first and second ends. A resilient sleeve is disposed within the hollow housing. An annular bladder is disposed within the hollow housing and surrounds the resilient sleeve. The annular bladder is adapted for receiving a liquid. An annular cavity is defined between the outer surface of the annular bladder and the inner surface of the hollow housing and is adapted for receiving a pressurized fluid through at least one pressurized fluid port. First and second caps releasably cover and seal the first and second ends of the hollow housing, respectively. A microwave waveguide passes through the wall of the hollow housing and the annular cavity for transmitting microwave radiation from an external microwave source into the liquid contained within the annular bladder to heat the liquid.

A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.

The present invention relates to a pressure vessel (1) for receiving samples (P) to be heated, having a reaction chamber (2) as a pressure space for the initiation and/or facilitation of chemical and/or physical pressure reactions, the reaction chamber (2) being designed for receiving a liquid (5), a magnetic disk (8) mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation in the reaction chamber (2), and a magnet arrangement (10), provided outside the reaction chamber (2), for generating a rotating magnetic field for rotationally driving the magnetic disk (8) about its axis of rotation, the magnetic disk (8) having at least one passage bore (13), which extends transversely in relation to the axis of rotation and is provided in such a way that liquid (5) received in the reaction chamber (2) is driven through the passage opening (13) by rotation of the magnetic disk (8) in order to stir the liquid (5).

A cover member for a substrate supporting a biological sample comprises first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing surfaces, a void in the second surface which, when juxtaposed with a substrate, forms a chamber, and a fluid inlet toward the first end and in fluid communication with the void. The void is bounded by void walls having one or more contoured regions for enhancing fluid movement within the chamber. A treatment module for a biological sample comprises the cover member, a support surface for a substrate bearing the biological sample and clamp means operable to releasably retain the cover member in juxtaposition with the substrate for an incubation period. A method for incubating the biological sample with one or more reagents uses the cover member.

There is described a method for heating a sample material in a sample holder, the method comprising receiving the sample holder in a heating chamber of a heating system, the sample holder having at least one sample recipient with the sample material therein; dynamically forming an individual mini microwave cavity around the sample recipient; and applying microwaves generated by at least one microwave generator directly to the sample.

According to one embodiment, a specimen test apparatus includes a resonator, a detector, a radiator, and a dielectric. The resonator is configured to house a test container filled with a test solution. The detector detects a detection target substance contained in the test solution in the test container. The radiator is arranged in the resonator and emits electromagnetic waves, which resonate in a specific resonance direction in the resonator, into the resonator. The dielectric is arranged in the resonator at a position near the test container when the test container is placed in the resonator.

A flow control and processing cartridge used in a nucleic acid analysis apparatus includes a cartridge body and a reaction chip. The cartridge body includes plural chambers for storing at least one sample and plural biochemical reagents and buffers, and plural channels connected with the plural chambers. The reaction chip is in conjunction with the cartridge body and includes plural detection wells, at least one main fluid channel connected with the detection wells and adapted to dispense the sample into the detection wells, and at least one gas releasing channel connected with the detection wells and adapted to release gas from the detection wells.

Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.