A picktool manipulator device collects a specimen from a culture medium. In a first mode of operation, a picktool is allowed to move in an axial direction relative to support structure of the device. A detector may generate a signal in response to movement of the body in the axial direction so as to determine a height at which the picktool contacts the medium. The device may operate in the first mode when collecting a specimen from a culture medium. A second mode of operation constrains or precludes axial movement of the picktool. In some cases, the device may operate in the second mode when receiving a new picktool or discarding a used picktool.

The invention provides a description of a method and a device suitable for producing a cell suspension spray with living cells, and the produced cell preparation, suitable for grafting to a patient. In contrast to other methods, the spraying is performed through a disposable needle which is inserted into a disposable air tube; which provides a cell distribution avoiding spray nozzles. Small suspension droplets are provided instead of cell nebulization. By using medical grade sterile Luer-lock disposables from medical routine praxis, biocompatibility and easy application is addressed. In applying the method and/or in using the device, cells suitable for grafting to a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient graft site.

There is provided a particle supplementing chip provided with a structure for trapping a particle, and for preventing the trapped particle from being greatly deformed by a suction force. With respect to this point, the present technology provides a particle trapping chip including a first channel, a second channel, a first recess that is open on the first channel side, a second recess that is provided side by side with the first recess, a connecting portion connecting the first recess and the second recess, and a communicating portion allowing the second recess and the second channel to communicate with each other.

A device for collecting a biological sample from a semi-solid surface. The device has a shaft with a proximate end and a distal end and a tip integrated with the shaft at the proximate end. The tip has a surface adapted to collect microorganisms thereon or release microorganism from, or both, wherein the adapted surface comprises at least one feature of a recess or extension to increase surface area of the tip and collect microorganisms thereon. Examples of such features include microfeatures with dimensions of about 1000 μm or less. Other examples include a pipette tip.

The present invention relates to a method of separating cultured cells, which is used in a configuration including: a first accommodation space; a cell suspension which is present in a liquid in the first accommodation space in a state in which a plurality of cells is connected to one another; a filter container which is hermetically connected to the first accommodation space and mounted with a cell dividing member having one or more through holes having an average diameter of 5 μm to 300 μm; and a second accommodation space which is hermetically connected to the filter container, in which the cell suspension flows from the first accommodation space to the second accommodation space through the filter, such that the connection between the cells is passively and mechanically separated while the cells collide with a fixed resistance portion of the filter.

A harvesting apparatus adapted to harvest egg fluid from an avian egg is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame. A harvesting assembly is operably engaged with the frame. The harvesting assembly includes a plurality of nozzles configured to remove egg fluid from an egg. The nozzles are configured to rotate from a vertically off-axis angled position toward a vertical position. A suction assembly is in fluid communication with the nozzles for harvesting egg fluid from an egg. An associated method is also provided.

A pipette structure (160B) includes first and second body sections (164, 166) connected at a junction and including first and second fluid passages, respectively, with the pipette structure including (i) a bellows joint (165) permitting pivotal movement between the first and second body sections (164, 165), and/or (ii) the second fluid passage of the second body section includes greater width dimension at a sample introduction end than a width dimension at the junction. Such a pipette structure may be embodied in a unitary measuring pipette or an extension tip device for a measuring pipette. A method is provided for transferring material between an interior of a cell culture housing that includes a structured surface defining an array of microwells suitable for three-dimensional culture of multi-cell aggregates and an external environment. A method for fabricating a pipette structures is further provided.

Methods of transplanting target cells into a subject in need thereof. The methods generally comprise creating a sealed transplantation space by attaching an acellular membrane to the surface of a visceral organ or tissue in the subject in a manner such that a sealed space is created between the surface of the visceral organ or tissue and the membrane, and inserting a mixture of support cells and the target cells into the sealed transplantation space.

A plant for producing at least partially desulfurized biogas, comprising a biomass digester and/or post-digester, the digester and/or post-digester comprising: a chamber (1) comprising the biomass (2) and the gas space (3), and a system (6) for injecting an oxidizing gas into the gas space,
wherein the injection system comprises a tubular means (4) comprising a T-shaped portion the vertical bar of which is placed in the axis of symmetry of the chamber and the horizontal bar of which has micro-injectors (5).

A dispensing system (1) comprising a material cartridge (2) provided with a nozzle (3), a temperature-regulating unit (4) provided with a nozzle temperature-regulating zone (5) arranged to regulate the temperature of the material cartridge nozzle (3) when the material cartridge nozzle (3) is arranged within the nozzle temperature-regulating zone (5), and a positioning unit (6) arranged for movement of the material cartridge (2) and the nozzle temperature-regulating zone (5) relative to each other between a first position (A) and a second position (B). In the first position (A) the material cartridge nozzle (3) is arranged within the nozzle temperature-regulating zone (5), and in the second position (B) at least a leading end portion (3a) of the material cartridge nozzle (3) is arranged outside the nozzle temperature-regulating zone (5).