Abstract: A method for minimizing the dead volume (Vd) in a vial (10) presenting a liquid (L) for aspiration is provided. The method comprises, after determining that the liquid volume (Vi) indicated to be available in the vial (10) is not sufficient for a further aspiration step, moving downward in direction towards the bottom of the vial (10) by means of a pipetting arm (20) presenting a pipetting tip (21) and along the z-axis of the pipetting arm (20) until the pipetting arm (20) comes to a stop in a first stop position (S1z). Then, the actual available liquid volume (Va) is calculated based i.a. on said first stop position (S1z). In case the calculated actual available liquid volume (Va) is sufficient, a further aspiration step can be executed. Furthermore, a liquid handling system for minimizing dead volume (Vd), a computer-implemented method for controlling a pipetting arm (20) of such a liquid handling system, and the use of a hysteresis determination method for minimizing dead volume (Vd) are provided.

Abstract: Method and corresponding apparatus for liquid level detection with a liquid level detection unit (10) with a capacitive liquid level detector (14) with a input capacitance (C) changing if the capacitive liquid level detector (14) contacts a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: generating a clock signal (CLK), with a predetermined on-time (t1) corresponding to a predetermined sensitivity of the capacitive liquid level detector (14), being fed both to a reference generator (12) and to the capacitive liquid level detector (14); said reference generator (12) generating a control value (CV), derived from an on/off ratio of said clock signal (CLK) and feeding it into a control input (19) of a comparator (18); feeding a liquid detection response signal (RS), of said capacitive liquid level detector (14) in response to said clock signal (CLK), into a signal input (20) of the comparator (18); said comparator (18) triggering an output signal at an output (21) when said liquid detection response signal (RS) excee

Abstract: Method and corresponding apparatus for liquid level detection with a liquid level detection unit (10) with a capacitive liquid level detector (14) with a input capacitance (C) changing if the capacitive liquid level detector (14) contacts a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: generating a clock signal (CLK), with a predetermined on-time (t1) corresponding to a predetermined sensitivity of the capacitive liquid level detector (14), being fed both to a reference generator (12) and to the capacitive liquid level detector (14); said reference generator (12) generating a control value (CV), derived from an on/off ratio of said clock signal (CLK) and feeding it into a control input (19) of a comparator (18); feeding a liquid detection response signal (RS), of said capacitive liquid level detector (14) in response to said clock signal (CLK), into a signal input (20) of the comparator (18); said comparator (18) triggering an output signal at an output (21) when said liquid detection response signal (RS) excee

Abstract: A device for transferring and characterizing objects positions the object on a horizontal work field. The device includes at least one rail extending parallel to the X direction and a displacement unit, movable back and forth in the X direction, having a motorized gripping mechanism for grasping an object. A processor for controlling movements of the displacement unit and actions of the gripping mechanism is distinguished in that the displacement unit includes a carrying device, movable together therewith along the rail, for transferring objects in the X direction. The carrying device is a plate for carrying objects moved onto this carrying plate using the gripping mechanism. According to a method of the invention, objects are moved onto the plate of the carrying device, transferred in the X direction, and deposited again at a second position.

Abstract: A device for transferring and characterizing objects positions the object on a horizontal work field. The device includes at least one rail extending parallel to the X direction and a displacement unit, movable back and forth in the X direction, having a motorized gripping mechanism for grasping an object. A processor for controlling movements of the displacement unit and actions of the gripping mechanism is distinguished in that the displacement unit includes a carrying device, movable together therewith along the rail, for transferring objects in the X direction. The carrying device is a plate for carrying objects moved onto this carrying plate using the gripping mechanism. According to a method of the invention, objects are moved onto the plate of the carrying device, transferred in the X direction, and deposited again at a second position.