103results 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.

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.

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.

Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.

A reagent cartridge including (a) a support having reservoirs; (b) a main channel within the support, the channel having first and second ends exiting the support; (c) a pump channel that connects to the main channel between the first and second ends; (d) a valve manifold in the support, including (i) a first passage at the first end of the main channel, (ii) a second passage at the second end of the main channel, (iii) a first master valve between the pump channel and the first end of the main channel, (iv) a second master valve between the pump channel and the second end of the main channel, and (v) reservoir valves for regulating flow from individual reservoirs to the main channel. The valves can be normally closed diaphragm valves formed by magnetic pistons attached to an elastomeric sheet that is sandwiched in the support.

Material transfer technology that apportions discrete amounts of material (1) and introduces the apportioned material into a selectably engaged flow path (17) to provide a plurality of separate materials within a continuous fluid stream that can be delivered to numerous material differentiation technologies (3) for analysis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include particular baffle members or duct structures having an inlet proximal to an outer periphery of a workpiece and / or workpiece support.

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 process and apparatus for removing or reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria present on an eviscerated carcass. The process includes introducing the eviscerated carcass to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a housing structure having an entrance and an exit. Disposed within the housing structure is a rotating brush assembly and a spray assembly. The brushing assembly provides brushing and massaging actions to the surfaces of the carcass whereas the spraying assembly simultaneously directs a cleaning solution onto the surfaces of the carcass.

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.

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.

This invention relates to process sequence by high-speed atomic layer chemical vapor processing that includes deposition for diffusion barriers in the etched features on substrate followed by gap fill and subsequent in-situ removal of the blanket films on the top by plasma enhanced vapor phase processes. The apparatus and process sequences employed in these processing scheme allows the practitioner to complete all vapor phase process sequences of diffusion barrier deposition, gap fill and planarization of copper and diffusion barrier planarization. In case of copper metallization scheme, vapor phase gap fill can be employed to replace electrochemical deposition of copper and removal of copper and the diffusion barrier by vapor phase reactions can replace chemical-mechanical-polishing. Furthermore, such a processing scheme can be employed to deposit gate level dielectric layer, shallow trench isolation and also to form first metal contact plugs with a suitable barrier at the front end of line processing.

The description describes a test sample preparation device comprising a housing, a filter assembly disposed over an opening in the housing and including a plurality of wells, a sampler tray removably disposed in the housing, and a plurality of vials removably coupled to the sampler tray and being in liquid receiving relationship with the wells. A filter assembly is also disclosed and which comprises a cover defining an impervious wall and plurality of wells formed in the wall, each wall having first and second open ends, the second open end of the well comprising a tubular protrusion. A housing is also disclosed and comprises a generally cylindrical body, a vacuum channel providing fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical body, and a key mechanism including a post having first and second ends, the key mechanism being arranged to orient a sampler tray and vials with respect to the housing. A method for simultaneously preparing multiple test samples for automated liquid chromatography and a method for automated liquid chromatography are also disclosed and comprise depositing test samples into a plurality of wells, simultaneously passing the test samples through porous media disposed in the wells, and depositing the filter test samples directly into vials removably coupled to a sampler tray.

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 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 contact lens applicator film (45) for picking up a contact lens (11) and applying the contact lens to an eye comprising: a sterilised film (45) wherein at least a portion of at least one side of the film comprises an adhesive coating that is arranged for adhering to the surface of a finger such that, in use, when applying the contact lens to the eye a user can pick up the contact lens applicator film with the finger and subsequently pick up the contact lens using the finger protected by the contact lens applicator film.

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 present invention provides fluid removal heads and related multi-well container processing systems for the efficient removal of fluids from multi-well containers. Methods of removing fluid from multi-well containers are also provided.

Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular barrier structure that can overlie and cover a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular movable member that can be positioned over and moved relative to a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular ceiling structure that can overlie a processing chamber. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular annular body. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular first, second, and third nozzle structure.

A chemical vapor deposition method and apparatus is disclosed. The process is carried out in an apparatus having a number reactive zones, each surrounded by a corresponding exhaust zone, all of which are both contained within a buffer zone. Pressure relationships are controlled such that buffer gas from the buffer zone flows into the exhaust zones and reactive gas from the reactive zones flow into the exhaust zones. As a result, cross-contamination of gases between the reactive zones is avoided.