Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises a plurality of reactors/reaction vessels controlled by a single graphical user interface. Each of the reactor modules is independent and may be used as such. A magnetic impeller is located inside each reaction vessel, the impeller having a magnet integrated into the profile. External magnets are located radially outside of the wall of each reaction vessel. Rotational motion is provided to these external magnets thereby inducing the internal magnetic impellers to rotate and induce mixing/agitation to the reaction vessel contents. The usage of strong external magnets enables strong magnetic coupling to the internal impeller enabling mixing of normally difficult to mix contents. The ability to adjust the vertical location of the external magnets further enhances functional ability enabling optimized location of the internal magnet for the specific volume/vessel content mixtures combinations.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A recipe recorder for automated chemistry comprises an automated chemistry system that is capable of automatically recording every step taken by a chemist during a particular experiment and automatically replaying the steps to reproduce the experiment. The apparatus comprises a controller connected to a plurality of laboratory devices and an input/output device connected to the controller. A graphical user desktop is accessible through the input/output device for controlling the actions of the laboratory devices. In addition, the graphical user desktop includes a record option that allows the user to automatically record the actions of each laboratory device during an experiment and automatically stores the actions of each laboratory device in a computer program. The graphical user desktop also provides a playback option for executing the computer program to automatically replay the recorded actions of the laboratory devices and thereby reproduce the experimental results in a subsequent experiment.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provides for delivering fluids into reaction vessels. The present device is an interface head which allows a user to add reagents and wash solvents to a reaction vessel. Typically, the interface head can engage a plurality of these reaction vessels mounted in a cassette or frame and is adapted to removably engage passages leading into the plurality of passageways in the head which are fluidly coupled to the reaction vessel. In one embodiment, the interface head has a septa valve which opens and closes inlets of the plurality of passageways. The septa valve comprises an elongate member with a septum portion and a plurality of septum ports. The elongate member is slidable between a first position wherein at least one inlet of the passageways in the interface head is sealed by the septum portion and a second position wherein said at least one inlet is aligned with one of the ports to allow delivery of materials from the inlet into the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provides for delivering fluids into reaction vessels. The present device is an interface head which allows a user to add reagents and wash solvents to a reaction vessel. Typically, the interface head can engage a plurality of these reaction vessels mounted in a cassette or frame and is adapted to removably engage passages leading into the reaction vessel. The interface head allows a user to manually inject materials into the plurality of passageways in the head which are fluidly coupled to the reaction vessel. In one embodiment, the interface head has a septa valve which opens and closes inlets of the plurality of passageways. The septa valve comprises an elongate member with a septum portion and a plurality of septum ports.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synthesizing chemical compounds using a plurality reaction vessels. In particular, the present invention provides a synthesis apparatus capable of holding a plurality of reaction vessels for parallel synthesis of multiple discrete compounds or for combinatorial libraries of compounds. In one embodiment, a synthesis apparatus comprises a frame having a plurality of reaction vessel-holding openings and a plurality of valves for use in parallel synthesis of a plurality of compounds within reaction vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for the synthesis of combinatorial chemical libraries. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reaction vessels having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first opening, and a second opening. An agitator is contained within each of the reaction vessels for stimulating liquid circulation within the vessels. The apparatus has a common gas line having a plurality of gas outlet ports, where each of the reaction vessels has at least one gas outlet port positioned to feed into the vessel. The apparatus also has a common liquid line having a plurality of liquid outlet ports, where each of the reaction vessels has at least one liquid outlet port positioned to feed into the vessel. Each reaction vessel also has at least one valve coupled to the second opening on the vessel.

Abstract: A valve apparatus (2) for selectively distributing the sequential passage of separate, organic fluids to a common receiver, such as a reaction vessel. The valve apparatus comprises a valve body member (16) having multiple openings (56) and a plurality of separate conduits (54) each communicating a fluid source with one of the openings. The body member also has a common passage (60) with circular groove portions (62) surrounding the openings so that fluid flows radially outward from the openings toward the common passage. A plurality of pistons (30) are individually reciprocable between first and second positions for controlling fluid flow between associated openings and the common passage. The invention also provides a system (100) and method for measuring and delivering a precise quantity of each of the organic fluids, e.g., chemical reagents, to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A valve apparatus (2) for selectively distributing the sequential passage of separate, organic fluids to a common receiver, such as a reaction vessel. The valve apparatus comprises a valve body member (16) having multiple openings (56) and a plurality of separate conduits (54) each communicating a fluid source with one of the openings. The body member also has a common passage (60) with circular groove portions (62) surrounding the openings so that fluid flows radially outward from the openings toward the common passage. A plurality of pistons (30) are individually reciprocable between first and second positions for controlling fluid flow between associated openings and the common passage. The invention also provides a system (100) and method for measuring and delivering a precise quantity of each of the organic fluids, e.g., chemical reagents, to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A temperature sensor that provides an electrical signal that is a known function of temperature. A conductive surface of the object whose temperature is to be measured is incorporated into the electrical circuit that measures the temperature-dependent electrical signal. If the surface is not electrically conductive, a thermally and electrically conductive region is provided, as by plating the surface or bonding a thin sheet of conductive material to the surface. The conductive portion of the surface is contacted at a first location by a portion of the sensor, and at a second, spatially distinct, location by a conductor that is needed to complete the electrical circuit. Unless electrical contact is established at both of these locations, the result is a condition that is readily identifiable. Since electrical contact will only be made if there is good thermal contact, thermal contact is verified by verifying the electrical contact as part of the measurement.