Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising receiving instruction data relating to a sample in a sample container. The method includes generating, by at least one processor using a workflow management layer, a process plan for the sample, and providing the process plan to a process control layer. The process plan comprises a plurality of possible routes. The method also comprises selecting, by the at least one processor using the process control layer, an optimized route within the plurality of possible routes in the process plan, and providing the optimized route to a middleware control layer. The at least one processor and middleware control layer are operable to cause a transport system to proceed along the selected route.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a process and system are provided for generating a user interface for classification of a sample image of a cell that includes receiving a sample image of a sample particle from a biological sample and selecting reference images that each portray a reference particle of a biological sample. The reference images can be ordered based on similarity and the reference images can be selected based on the order. The first selected reference image can be aligned with the sample image and expanded such that the adjacent edges of the reference image and sample image are the same. The expanded image can be dynamically filled. The sample image and the expanded reference image can be displayed in a user interface.

Abstract: A laboratory workstation for preparing a sample according to a programmed protocol. The laboratory workstation may include a display device configured to display an instruction for loading a first item of labware onto a deck of the laboratory workstation at a position on the deck specified by the programmed protocol; an imaging device configured to monitor the deck of the laboratory workstation by creating one or more images of the deck; and a processor configured to recognize, in the one or more images created by the imaging device, an item of labware loaded onto the deck by an operator. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to indicate on the display device whether the recognized item of labware loaded by the operator is arranged on the deck in accordance with the programmed protocol.

Abstract: A swinging bucket centrifuge (1) comprises a rotor (10) with at least one mounting end and at least one bucket (20) mounted to the at least one mounting end of the rotor (10). Therein, the at least one bucket (20) is mounted to the at least one mounting end of the rotor (10) by at least one clevis pin (30) held in a clevis (13) so that the bucket (20) is pivotable about the clevis pin (30).

Abstract: In flow cytometry, particles (2) can be distinguished between populations (8) by combining n-dimensional parameter data, which may be derived from signal data from a particle, to mathematically achieve numerical results representative of an alteration (48). An alteration may include a rotational alteration, a scaled alteration, or perhaps even a translational alteration. Alterations may enhance separation of data points which may provide real-time classification (49) of signal data corresponding to individual particles into one of at least two populations.

Abstract: An integrated sample processing system including an analyzer and a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The integrated sample processing system can perform multiple different types of detection, thereby providing improved flexibility and better accuracy in processing samples. The detection systems in the sample processing system may include an optical detection system and a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for detecting the presence of a test pad on a test strip. Exemplary techniques involve receiving a test strip having at least one test pad, where individual test pads have a pad width with ink disposed on two ink zones at two opposing sides of the width of the pad, illuminating the at least one test pad with a light source, detecting reflected signals from the test pad, generating an image comprising of pixels of the two ink zones based on the reflected signals, detecting the presence of each of the ink zones by comparing the number of consecutive pixels against a predetermined threshold, and determining the presence of the test pad on the test strip if two ink zones are detected within the pad width.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument failure prediction and remediation system may include a compressed air system and a computer configured to analyze stored information regarding the compressed air system to predict likely failures of the compressed air system. Such analysis may utilize information such as duty cycle information for a compressor comprised by the compressed air system and pressure information for a pressure sensor for a compressed air system.

Abstract: Misalignment of intersecting devices on a diagnostic instrument may be detected and remediated using a system comprising components such as an accelerometer, a plurality of strain gauges and a device comprising a processor and a memory (e.g., a computer). In such a system, the accelerometer may be adapted to detect movement of the diagnostic instrument. The device comprising the processor and the memory may be configured to, for each of the structural elements of the diagnostic instrument, determine whether an alignment change has taken place in that structural element based on analyzing measurements made by the plurality of strain gauges. The device comprising the processor and the memory may also be configured to, for each structural element where an alignment change is determined to have taken place, trigger a remediation for each device from a set of devices impacted by the alignment change of that structural element.

Abstract: Automatic substance preparation and evaluation systems and methods are provided for preparing and evaluating a fluidic substance, such as e.g. a sample with bodily fluid, in a container and/or in a dispense tip. The systems and methods can detect volumes, evaluate integrities, and check particle concentrations in the container and/or the dispense tip.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods, systems, and kits for the preparation, purification and/or analysis of a glycan or glycoconjugate, and specifically to a magnetic bead based sample preparation protocol. In some aspects, the sample preparation protocol can provide for glycoconjugate capture, glycan release, fluorescent derivatization, and glycan purification for subsequent capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, or other glycoanalytical method using magnetic beads containing negatively charged carboxyl groups extending from the surface of the magnetic beads.

Abstract: The method involves drying down dye-conjugated reagents in separate locations in a reaction vessel so that the dyes don't non-specifically interact with each other during drying. This invention thus improves multiplex binding assays by eliminating erroneous results caused by dyes' being non-specifically attached to each other when dried down together.

Abstract: Certain types of automated medical analysis equipment are used to analyze blood or other fluids. The equipment may thus use various diluents or reagents that allow the blood or other fluids to be run through the analysis equipment for analysis and data collection. Disclosed is a diluent preparation module that combines purified water and reagent concentrate for use by this equipment. Also disclosed is a diluent preparation unit that combines more than one diluent preparation modules for redundancy and back-up purposes. Also disclosed are systems for supplying the Diluent prepared by the diluent preparation module or diluent preparation unit to one or more analytic instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides water soluble photoactive macromolecular complexes and methods for detecting an analyte in a sample by using a binding agent conjugated to a water soluble photoactive macromolecule.

Abstract: A method of establishing a sample tube set which is adapted to be processed by a laboratory automation system.

Abstract: Experimental studies can be conducted in an environment where one or more laboratories communicate with a network instrument monitoring center over a network. In such an environment, an individual at the network instrument monitoring center can be enabled to simultaneously oversee studies at multiple remote laboratories, rather than requiring dedicated individuals at each of the laboratories to oversee the studies at their respective labs.