Abstract: A method for generating a control program (54) for a laboratory automation device (12) comprises: receiving configuration data (46) of the laboratory automation device (12), the configuration data (46) encoding positions of components (22) in the laboratory automation device (12); generating a three-dimensional model (58) of the components (22) of the laboratory automation device (12) from the configuration data (46), the three-dimensional model (22) additionally including a virtual pipette (60); displaying the three-dimensional model (58) with a virtual reality headset (14); receiving movement data (50) of a motion sensing controller (16) controlled by a user wearing the virtual reality headset (14), the movement data (50) indicating a three-dimensional movement of the motion sensing controller (16) in space; determining a movement of the virtual pipette (60) from the movement data (50) in the three-dimensional model (58) and updating the three-dimensional model (58) according to the movement of the virtual

Abstract: An automatic analysis device is provided with: a sample disk for holding a sample container that accommodates a sample; a reagent disk for holding a reagent container that accommodates a reagent; at least two different measuring units that respectively perform different types of analyses; a control part that controls the measuring units; and a display part that displays: a work flow area in which the flow of operation of the two or more measuring units is displayed; and an overview area in which the usable or unusable states of the respective measuring units are displayed, wherein the overview area has a unit necessity-of-use selection part that can select whether using each of the measuring units is necessary, and the control part controls the display part so as to change the display of the work flow area on the basis of the information set in the unit necessity-of-use selection part.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analyzer that can perform a reagent preparation/disposal operation comfortably and smoothly as when printing a reagent list such as a reagent preparation/disposal list on paper even without printing the reagent list. The automatic analyzer that performs analysis using a sample and a reagent, the automatic analyzer including: a storage unit that stores reagent information related to a reagent remaining amount or a reagent expiration date of each of reagent containers; and a display unit that displays a reagent list in which reminder information that gives a reminder to an operator is assigned to each of setting positions of the reagent containers based on the reagent information stored in the storage unit. The reagent managing unit updates display of the reagent list such that a reagent container selected by the operator is visually identifiable while the reagent list is displayed.

Abstract: An embodiment is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample that includes at least one test device for analyzing the sample. The system also includes a rack handler operable to move a sample from a first location to a second location along a travel path. The rack handler has a rotation assembly including a) an engagement element for engagement with the sample rack, and b) a motor coupled to the engagement element and is operable to cause rotation of the engagement element. The rotation assembly rotates the sample rack from a first orientation into a second orientation along the travel path when the engagement element engages the sample rack.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extracting device includes a reagent containing unit, a mixing unit, and a flow channel unit. The reagent containing unit contains a specimen, a magnetic bead, and a reagent for extracting. The mixing unit includes a mixing chamber and a stirring assembly. The mixing chamber includes a chamber portion and a tube portion. The stirring assembly includes a main body and an extension. The main body is provided in the chamber portion. The tube portion connects the chamber portion. And the extension connects the main body and extends into the tube portion. The extension and an inner wall of the tube portion have first and second gaps therebetween respectively along first and second directions of the tube portion. The first gap is less than the second gap. The flow channel unit is connected between the reagent containing unit and the mixing unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems of performing an assay. A system for performing an assay includes an enclosure defining a temperature-controlled space. An imaging system, an actuator and a dispenser are disposed within the space. The actuator receives a well plate having wells. The actuator is to move the well plate relative to the imaging system to enable the imaging system to obtain image data of one of the wells. The dispenser includes a pump, an outlet and a reservoir holder to receive a reservoir containing a compound. The pump is to be fluidly coupled to the reservoir and an outlet. The pump is to pump the compound from the reservoir through the outlet into one of the wells. The system also includes a controller. The controller is to cause the dispenser to dispense the compound into the first one of the wells while the imaging system obtains the image data.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature control system applied to an apparatus for analyzing a sample using a pipette nozzle and a reaction container, including a pipette tip temperature controller that heats a pipette tip which is fitted on the pipette nozzle and aspirates or discharges liquid and a reaction container temperature controller that heats the reaction container. The pipette tip temperature controller heats, in a concentrated manner, at least a distal end portion of the pipette tip of the pipette nozzle located at a predetermined heating position with hot air emitted from a heat source and is configured such that a distal end is capable of arriving at the reaction container by lowering the pipette nozzle from the heating position.

Abstract: A system and method for managing information relating to requests for a number of tests to be made of at least one sample within a laboratory environment are disclosed. The system may include a sample reception unit, a pre-analytical unit to scan, sort and/or aliquot the sample on request according to respective test requirements included within a respective sample order, an analytical unit to run at least one test on a sorted and/or aliquoted sample, and at least one decision unit. The decision unit acts as a connecting component for interconnecting the sample reception unit, the pre-analytical unit and the analytical unit as both an intermediary and coordinator such that tests can be performed via a recursive workflow until the sample is completely measured. The decision unit is further configured to collate the test results appropriately with the sample and to give a respective report towards a host component.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an integrated and automated sample-to-answer system that, starting from a sample comprising biological material, generates a genetic profile in less than two hours. In certain embodiments, the biological material is DNA and the genetic profile involves determining alleles at one or a plurality of loci (e.g., genetic loci) of a subject, for example, an STR (short tandem repeat) profile, for example as used in the CODIS system. The system can perform several operations, including (a) extraction and isolation of nucleic acid; (b) amplification of nucleotide sequences at selected loci (e.g., genetic loci); and (c) detection and analysis of amplification product. These operations can be carried out in a system that comprises several integrated modules, including an analyte preparation module; a detection and analysis module and a control module.

Abstract: Described is an automated analyzer capable of effectively cleaning a dispensing probe without using a sweeping cleaning member. The automated analyzer includes: a receptacle holding portion for holding a plurality of receptacles in which aliquots of liquid are stored, an immersion cleaning solution holding portion for storing an immersion cleaning solution, an aliquot dispenser equipped with a drive mechanism for holding a dispensing probe operative to collect the aliquots of liquid from the receptacles, a measurement controller for controlling the drive mechanism and the dispensing probe such that the aliquots of liquid are successively collected at given cycles from the receptacles, and an immersion cleaning controller for controlling the drive mechanism and the dispensing probe such that an immersion cleaning operation is carried out for an immersion time that is at least twice as long as the period of each of the given cycles.

Abstract: A device for the handling and the low-temperature storage of probe tubes in tube racks includes a low-temperature compartment having insulated side and bottom walls and at least one opening at a top side. The compartment is used for storing at least one tube rack at a low temperature. The device has a holder apparatus comprising a rack holder for holding a tube rack and a picker apparatus comprising a gripper adapted to remove and insert individual tubes from or into a tube rack held by the holder. The holder apparatus is adapted to displace the rack holder between an upper rack position outside low-temperature compartment above the opening and a lower rack position inside the compartment. The picker apparatus is adapted to displace the gripper between an upper gripper position outside the compartment above the opening and a lower gripper position inside the compartment below the opening.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pipetting device includes pipetting unit(s), a guide assembly with at least one guide rail on which the pipetting unit(s) is guided in order to be moved along a movement axis, and a linear drive assembly, by which the pipetting unit(s) can be driven in order to be moved along the movement axis. The linear drive device has a stationary stator, and the at least one pipetting unit forms a linear drive assembly rotor which can be moved along the movement axis relative to the stator. The pipetting device also has at least two rotor magnet assemblies which interact with the same common stator magnet assembly so as to generate a drive force and which are arranged at a distance from one another along a spacing axis that is orthogonal to the movement axis. The common stator magnet assembly is located between the at least two rotor magnet assemblies.

Abstract: Enclosures and corresponding magnetic joints. An apparatus includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a magnetic panel joint formed by: a first panel carrying a magnet and comprising a first pocket; a second panel including a second pocket; and a ferromagnetic shield coupled within the second pocket and couplable within the first pocket via the magnet.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method and/or a device for carrying out chemical, biochemical and/or immunochemical analyses of liquid samples, which are present in a sample store of an automatic analyzer, with the aid of liquid reagents which are present in at least one reagent store of the analyzer. In one example embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes cuvettes, a first pipettor, a device with an optical measurement unit, a device for heterogenous immunoassays, a cuvette washing unit, a needle washing unit, a temperature control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel with a solid housing and moveable receiving parts for the sample containers; a control for controlling the receiving parts in the carousel; and a sample receiving device for providing the sample for the analytical method. Said arrangement is characterized in that one or more stations for preparing samples are provided on the carousel, the receiving parts for the sample containers of the carousel can be positioned on said stations. Said arrangement also comprises a centrifuge with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts provided for the sample containers, and said receiving parts are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge for the sample holder such that a transfer of a sample holder between a receiving part in the carousel and a receiving part in the centrifuge can be carried out. The control takes place by the same control which is also provided for controlling the carousel.

Abstract: A method for distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics includes a step of positioning of a plurality of tubular containers, each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser. Extraction of at least a first support from a first container is performed using an extractor, the step of extraction being performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container and comprising a movement of the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container, said first position and said second position lying substantially in correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser. Collection of the first support from the second position is performed using a collector. Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure also relates to systems and methods for quality control in histology systems. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes receiving a tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, imaging the tissue block to create a first imaging data of the tissue sample in a tissue section on the tissue block, removing the tissue section from the tissue block, the tissue section comprising a part of the tissue sample, imaging the tissue section to create a second imaging data of the tissue sample in the tissue section, and comparing the first imaging data to the second imaging data to confirm correspondence in the tissue sample in the first imaging data and the second imaging data based on one or more quality control parameters.

Abstract: In one example, a dispenser platform can include an enclosure that includes a first actuator to move a support in a first plane, wherein a portion of the support extends outside the enclosure, and a second actuator coupled to the portion of the support that extends outside the enclosure to move a stage coupled to the support in a second plane.

Abstract: A pipette module 10 has a pipette-module frame 12 attachable to the z-axis frame 120 of a liquid handling system 100. A translatory-motion frame 14 attached to the pipette-module frame 12 is movable with respect thereto by a motor 16. A pneumatic aspirator assembly 18 including a cylinder 20, tube 24, tube tip 26 and pressure sensor 28 is attached to the translatory-motion frame 14. A piston 22 disposed in the cylinder 20 is fixedly attached to the frame 12. A controller 30 for the pipette module 10 has a liquid surface detection mode which enables a pressure feedback control algorithm causing the motor 16 to move the translatory-motion frame 14 in a z-axis translator motion until a change in a pressure in the tip 26 as sensed by the pressure sensor 28 indicates that the tip 26 has made contact with the liquid surface 110.