Abstract: A laboratory instrument for processing a sample is proposed. The laboratory instrument comprises at least one level sensor configured for generating at least one level signal. The laboratory instrument further comprises at least one evaluation and control unit configured for evaluating the level signal thereby determining at least one item of tilt information on the laboratory instrument. The evaluation and control unit is further configured for determining at least one change in the level signal thereby detecting interfering influences on the laboratory instrument.

Abstract: A method for introducing a sample rack holding a plurality of sample receptacles into a receiving bay in a housing of an automated analytical system is disclosed. The method is carried out by manually moving the sample rack from a loading position towards a processing position along a lane in the receiving bay, pausing the movement when the rack reaches a focusing position, moving a reader to focuse onto the lane, resuming the movement of the sample rack and detecting features of the sample rack during the movement, positioning, detecting, and locking the sample rack in the processing position, and processing the content of the sample receptacles.

Abstract: A laboratory instrument for processing a sample and a method for automatic surveillance of at least one pipetting procedure of at least one laboratory instrument for processing a sample are disclosed. The laboratory instrument includes at least one pipetting device with at least one pipetting head configured for being coupled to a plurality of pipetting tips. The laboratory instrument further includes a compartment configured for receiving, storing, and/or releasing at least one sample holder. The pipetting device is configured for performing at least one pipetting procedure on the sample holder and the laboratory instrument includes at least one sensor unit configured for gravimetric measuring of the sample holder.

Abstract: A method for detection of a bottom of a well of a multiwell plate for a pipetting device is disclosed. The pipetting device includes a pipetting head configured for being coupled to a plurality of pipetting tips. A force sensor configured for measuring a resistance force depending on a force on a pipetting tip exerted by the bottom is used. The method includes measuring the resistance force during movement of one of the pipetting tips from a start position downstream towards the bottom of the well and stopping the movement at a bottom position. The method further includes storing the bottom position together with a corresponding logical position of the well in the multiwell plate in a database. Further disclosed is a pipetting device, a laboratory instrument for processing and/or analyzing a sample and a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium for performing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and laboratory instrument aimed at reducing the loss of time of liquid level determination each time a liquid container is loaded into an instrument and at the same time reducing waste of liquid containers due to unforeseen changes in the liquid levels by combining a fast liquid level check at an expected liquid level with a liquid level search if no liquid level is found at the expected level, while also ensuring proper liquid aspiration as the liquid level is always verified (expected level is not blindly relied upon).

Abstract: A device comprising a support part is disclosed. The support part is configured to receive a tip holder, a liquid waste container and a multiwell plate. The multiwell plate comprises at least one row of vessels which comprise a closed bottom and an open top. A method of removing liquid waste during magnetic separation using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device comprising a support part is disclosed. The support part is configured to receive a tip holder, a liquid waste container and a multiwell plate. The multiwell plate comprises at least one row of vessels which comprise a closed bottom and an open top. A method of removing liquid waste during magnetic separation using such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wash element for washing one or more reusable fluid manipulators is provided comprising at least one nozzle for connection to a fluid pump to generate a fluid jet and at least one deflector surface positioned to deflect the fluid jet towards a washing zone for receiving at least a portion of the fluid manipulator. The deflector surface is being shaped to broaden the fluid jet. The invention further relates to a wash station having a cavity provided with one or more wash elements. The invention yet further relates to an automated system for manipulating fluids comprising at least one wash station and a controller set up to control washing the fluid manipulator. In a process for washing the reusable fluid manipulator at least a portion of the fluid manipulator is moved in a washing zone, a fluid jet of washing fluid is generated and directed onto a deflector surface shaped to broaden and deflect the fluid jet towards the washing zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated opening/closing of one or more fluid containers is presented. Each container comprises an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap is pivotable with respect to the container body so as to open or close the container. A mount and a carriage supported by the mount by a translating mechanism bidirectionally translate the carriage with respect to the mount. The carriage comprises a base portion and a pivoting portion supported by the base portion by a pivoting mechanism that bidirectionally pivots the pivoting portion with respect to the base portion. The pivoting portion has a contact member that contacts a projecting portion of the cap of each of the fluid containers while pivoting the pivoting portion so as to open and optionally close the opening. A drive is coupled to the carriage for translating the base portion and pivoting the pivoting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated opening/closing of one or more fluid containers is presented. Each container comprises an opening and a cap for closing the opening. The cap is pivotable with respect to the container body so as to open or close the container. A mount and a carriage supported by the mount by a translating mechanism bidirectionally translate the carriage with respect to the mount. The carriage comprises a base portion and a pivoting portion supported by the base portion by a pivoting mechanism that bidirectionally pivots the pivoting portion with respect to the base portion. The pivoting portion has a contact member that contacts a projecting portion of the cap of each of the fluid containers while pivoting the pivoting portion so as to open and optionally close the opening. A drive is coupled to the carriage for translating the base portion and pivoting the pivoting portion.

Abstract: A wash element for washing one or more reusable fluid manipulators is provided comprising at least one nozzle for connection to a fluid pump to generate a fluid jet and at least one deflector surface positioned to deflect the fluid jet towards a washing zone for receiving at least a portion of the fluid manipulator. The deflector surface is being shaped to broaden the fluid jet. The invention further relates to a wash station having a cavity provided with one or more wash elements. The invention yet further relates to an automated system for manipulating fluids comprising at least one wash station and a controller set up to control washing the fluid manipulator. In a process for washing the reusable fluid manipulator at least a portion of the fluid manipulator is moved in a washing zone, a fluid jet of washing fluid is generated and directed onto a deflector surface shaped to broaden and deflect the fluid jet towards the washing zone.

Abstract: A clinical chemistry analytical apparatus for automatically analyzing a plurality of biological fluids samples is disclosed. The apparatus provides a movable cover having a pipetting opening which allows insertion of a pipetting needle therethrough, a closure mechanism which in a first state closes the pipetting opening and in a second state leaves it open, a conveyor automatically transporting a reagent container to a pipetting position, at which an opening of the reagent container is aligned with the pipetting opening, and an actuation mechanism which automatically brings the closure mechanism into the second state before introducing the pipetting needle through the pipetting opening and which brings the closure mechanism into the first state after withdrawal of the pipetting needle from the pipetting opening. The actuation mechanism is adapted to actuate the closure mechanism by a displacement of a transport device that moves the pipetting needle to and from the pipetting position.