Abstract: An automated multi-function processing head for a laboratory work station having a table for supporting microtiter plates, other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a dual tip dispensing head affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and washing of reaction vessels. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using a dual tip dispensing head having two sets of tip couplers actuated by one drive system. The two sets of tip couplers allow the use of different sizes of pipette tips and tips at different pitches or distances between the centerlines.

Abstract: A tool which may be picked up by a dispense head and coupled to a pipette tip coupler. The pipette tip coupler can manipulate gripping arms of the tool using the tip ejection members. A microplate can be transported by this took, the tool parked at a parking location, and the pipette tip coupler used for other uses, such as aspirating or dispensing liquid when pipette tip is coupled onto the pipette tip coupler.

Abstract: An automated multi-function processing head for a laboratory work station having a table for supporting microtiter plates, other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a dual tip dispensing head affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and washing of reaction vessels. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using a dual tip dispensing head having two sets of tip couplers actuated by one drive system. The two sets of tip couplers allow the use of different sizes of pipette tips and tips at different pitches or distances between the centerlines.

Abstract: A multi-function dispense head operable by a single motor. The dispense head includes a pipette housing having carriage driven pipette rods and carriage driven pistons and a wash/ejector head movable by the pistons. The carriage is attached to the pipette rods and vertically moves the rods through the pipette housing as needed for various pipette functions. The pistons are pushed into movement by the carriage and, in a lower position, into contact with a lower ledge along a bottom portion of the movable head forcing the lower ledge downwardly to eject pipette tips. The pistons also move the wash/ejector head when the movable head performs a wash function.

Abstract: A three-axis robotic system. On the first and second axes, respective linear bearings have movable carriages, and backbone-free linear bases acting as exclusive support or linear bearing supports. A first motor is mounted to the first linear bearing support and coupled to the first carriage. The second linear bearing support is attached at one end to the first carriage and may be orthogonal to the first linear bearing support. A second motor is mounted to the second linear bearing support and coupled to the second carriage. A third axis member is attached to the second carriage. The third axis member may be orthogonal to the first and second linear bearing supports. A third carriage is slidable on the third axis member. A third motor is mounted to the third axis member and coupled to the third carriage. Each respective motor and carriage may be coupled by a belt or leadscrew.

Abstract: A multi-function dispense head operable by a single motor comprises a pipette housing having carriage driven pipette rods and carriage driven pistons and a wash/ejector head movable by the pistons. The carriage is attached to the pipette rods and vertically moves the rods through the pipette housing as needed for various pipette functions. The pistons are pushed into movement by the carriage and, in a lower position, into contact with a lower ledge along a bottom portion of the movable head forcing the lower ledge downwardly to eject pipette tips. The pistons also move the wash/ejector head when the movable head performs a wash function.

Abstract: An interchangeable socket for a socket wrench or other tool is disclosed. The socket has a fastener-receiving end, dimensioned to receive and fit a specified fastener. The socket has a post-receiving end dimensioned to receive and fit a square cross-section drive post. The post-receiving end has a square cross-section hollow bounded by four walls intersecting at corners of the hollow. The post-receiving end has guide surfaces that intersect with the four walls and each other. The guide surfaces cooperate with the drive post to rotate and align the drive post with the square cross-section hollow. The guide surfaces are symmetric with respect to the four walls. The guide surfaces are symmetric with respect to the corners of the square cross-section hollow.

Abstract: A three-axis robotic system. On the first and second axes, respective linear bearings have movable carriages, and backbone-free linear bases acting as exclusive support or linear bearing supports. A first motor is mounted to the first linear bearing support and coupled to the first carriage. The second linear bearing support is attached at one end to the first carriage and may be orthogonal to the first linear bearing support. A second motor is mounted to the second linear bearing support and coupled to the second carriage. A third axis member is attached to the second carriage. The third axis member may be orthogonal to the first and second linear bearing supports. A third carriage is slidable on the third axis member. A third motor is mounted to the third axis member and coupled to the third carriage. Each respective motor and carriage may be coupled by a belt or leadscrew.