98results about How to "Minimize cross contamination" patented technology

An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

The present invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a body structure comprising at least a first microscale channel network disposed therein. The body structure has a plurality of ports disposed in the body structure, where each port is in fluid communication with one or more channels in the first channel network. The devices also include a cover layer comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the cover layer. The cover layer is mated with the body structure whereby each of the apertures is aligned with a separate one of the plurality of ports. Rings are optionally disposed between the cover layer and the body structure and circumferentially around pairs of aligned apertures and ports. The devices also optionally include conductive coatings and membranes. The invention additionally provides methods of controlling the delivery of a composition of material into a microfluidic device.

Devices, containers, and methods are provided for performing biological analysis in a closed environment. Illustrative biological analyses include high density nucleic acid amplification and detection and immuno-PCR.

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions and single CMP platen process for the removal of copper and barrier layer material from a microelectronic device substrate having same thereon. The process includes the in situ transformation of a Step I slurry formulation, which is used to selectively remove and planarize copper, into a Step II slurry formulation, which is used to selectively remove barrier layer material, on a single CMP platen pad.

A beverage dispensing head for a beverage dispenser admixes diluent and syrup for dispensing into a cup. The dispensing head has a nozzle with a diluent receiving surface that leads downward to a juncture of the surface with an outlet from the nozzle. Diluent delivered to the dispensing head is introduced onto the diluent receiving surface for flow along the surface to and past the juncture. Syrup delivered to the dispensing head is emitted in the nozzle as a plurality of discrete streams directed toward and against diluent at the juncture for admixture with the diluent. The admixture of diluent and syrup then exits the dispensing head nozzle through the nozzle outlet for being dispensed into the cup.

The invention relates to a resealable or a single use cell culture assembly for use in growing, storing and transporting, cell and tissue cultures. The assembly includes a support frame for receiving a base member insert having an upper surface, such as a microscope slide, and a well frame, preferably partitioned into a plurality of well compartments having sidewalls with upper and lower surfaces, upper and lower edges, and upper and lower well openings. The well frame is adapted to be operatively positioned on the upper surface of the base member, and includes a sealing means positioned on or within the lower edge of the well frame. The sealing means is adapted to operatively create a liquid-impermeable releasable seal or barrier when the lower surface of the well frame is positioned on the upper surface of the base member, such that the sealing means is releasably positioned on the upper surface of the base member for maintaining a liquid-impermeable barrier between well compartments. The assembly may include a cover or lid positioned over the upper opening of the well frame. When the assembly is in a closed position, the well frame can be secured to the support frame by a variety of closure means.

A device (3) and method to generate independent fluid samples (51) for multichannel analysis, preferably in diagnostic cartridges, are disclosed according to the invention. A fluidic device (3), preferably a microfluidic device, has a plurality of fluid channels (35). Fluids are transported in the fluid channels. A cross-over channel (32) has a fluid inlet (33) and a fluid outlet (34). In use of said device (3), a method is performed. According to the method, the sample channels are filled with sample fluid up to a threshold (39). A flush fluid (gas or inert liquid) is then flushed through the sample-filled cross-over channel, replacing the sample fluid with flush fluid. Subsequently the cross-over channels' inlet and outlet are closed and the sample fluid is pushed further into the channel arrays (30, 31). Alternatively, an appropriate pressure is applied to the fluid in order to push the fluid into said sample channels. The method steps are repeated in an appropriate way if it is desired to obtain multiple (in time and/or space) independent sample plugs in the microchannels. Thus a series of longitudinally spaced independent sample fluid segments separated from each other by flush segments is created in each microchannel.

A disinfecting device for a handheld instrument is provided. The disinfecting device includes a receptacle having a cavity for supporting a portion of the handheld instrument, a germicide comprising an amount effective to disinfect the handheld instrument, and a germicidal carrier such that a portion of the handheld instrument contacts the germicide when the portion of the handheld instrument is supported in the receptacle. A disinfecting device for a fingertip is also provided. The disinfecting device includes a germicide effective to disinfect the fingertip, a support base having a cavity within the support base for containing the germicide, and a germicidal carrier for retaining germicide such that at least a portion of the fingertip contacts the germicide upon touching the germicidal carrier.

The concentration of citrate complexing agent in an electroless cobalt or nickel plating bath is determined by titrating a sample of the electroless plating bath containing a small concentration of free fluoride ion with a standard lanthanum nitrate solution. During the titration, La<3+> ion first reacts preferentially with the citrate complexing agent and then with fluoride ion, which reduces the free fluoride ion concentration. The endpoint for the titration is indicated by a substantial decrease in the free fluoride ion concentration, which is detected via a fluoride ion specific electrode (ISE). The method can be used for analysis of other complexing agents.

A basement ventilator for use in a building to reduce basement humidity and increase basement air circulation, the basement ventilator includes a household inlet duct for receiving and ducting household air of the building; an interior exhaust vent in communication with the household inlet duct for venting the household air into the basement; a basement air inlet duct for receiving humid air from a lower region of the basement of the building; an exterior exhaust vent in communication with the basement air inlet duct and the outside of the building for venting the humid air from the basement of the building to the outside; and a fan device in communication with the household inlet duct, the interior exhaust vent, the basement air inlet duct and the exterior exhaust vent for drawing household air into the household inlet duct and exhausting the household air into the basement through the interior exhaust vent and for drawing air from the lower region of the basement into the basement air inlet duct and exhausting it to the outside of the building via the exterior exhaust vent.

A system for handling items (10) such as mail includes an enclosure (25), which is capable of being isolated from the surrounding environment and from a chamber (27) of a decontamination system (22) fluidly connected therewith. The enclosure includes an opening (42) sized for receiving a container (14) containing potentially contaminated items, such as incoming mail. Manipulators (44) allow the mail to be sorted in the enclosure without risk of contaminating an operator or the surrounding environment. Mail to be decontaminated is conveyed between the enclosure and the chamber while being isolated from the surrounding environment. Vapor hydrogen peroxide or other decontaminant gas is used to decontaminate the enclosure, container, and any residual mail in the enclosure which is determined to be unsuited for ethylene oxide processing.

The invention relates to a dispensing system and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products in a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention.

An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.