Abstract: An automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting apparatus and method is disclosed. Namely, a liquid handling apparatus includes a pump supplying a nozzle (i.e., a pipette tip) via a conduit, one or more pressure sensors, and an electronic controller, and wherein the pipette tip is submerged in a liquid. Further, a method of automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting includes the steps of actuating the pump to move a designated volume of liquid and then allowing the system to settle to a steady state after completion of pump actuation.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system is disclosed for detecting genetic targets for diagnosing tuberculosis and associated antibiotic resistance. The system includes a mechanical instrument and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly comprises one or more reservoirs, with at least one reservoir containing a wet reagent. The cartridge also includes a chip with a fluidic channel holding a liquid slug. The chip has an optical detection region positioned between a heating region and a cool region. The mechanical instrument controls the back and forth motion of the liquid slug between the heating and cool regions. Additionally, the cartridge assembly includes one or more puncture elements configured to pierce the reservoirs and provide the wet reagent to the chip. The system further includes an optical detection unit with an optical light-emitting element, an optical detector, and a processing unit for analyzing the optical detection region of the chip.

Abstract: A method for automatically maintaining a pipette tip depth in a conductive fluid during a fluid transfer operation, comprising the steps of: providing a pipetting device, comprising: a pipette tip; a first and a second electrode on the outer surface of the pipette tip; a frame supporting an actuator that is operatively connected to the pipette tip; and a controller that is in electrical connection with the first and second electrodes; providing a container fixed in height relative to the frame, the container holding a conductive fluid having a first liquid level; positioning the pipette tip in the container such that at least a portion of the first and second electrodes are submerged in the conductive fluid; measuring by the first and second electrodes a change in resistance relative to the conductive fluid; sending by the first and second electrodes a signal to the controller relative to the change.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for systems and methods for detecting and making real-time adjustments to positional control of a fluidic volume moving through an optical detection region in a fluidic channel of a chip on a RT-qPCR system. Said embodiments are disclosed within a RT-qPCR system having a chip and a cartridge for receiving the chip, and further a mechanical instrument for interacting with a membrane of the chip for positional control. Further, example embodiments include systems and methods for capacitive detection of a fluid within a fluidic channel as well as optical detection within an optical detection region of a fluidic channel within a chip.

Abstract: In general, the present application is directed to cartridge assemblies which can be used for reagent storage and systems and methods using the same. Aspects of the present disclosure can include disposable cartridge assemblies that are intended for single-use only. For instance, example cartridge assemblies can include interlocking features that can couple to a to an assay system (e.g., a chip assembly) in an irreversible manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a chip for use in a real-time qPCR system are disclosed. The chip can include at least one port for receiving a sample into the chip; at least one channel in fluidic communication with the at least port; a plurality of magnetically active beads disposed within the at least one channel that capture DNA/RNA from the sample as the sample passes through the at least one channel; and an optical inspection region in fluidic communication with the at least one channel for performing an optical analysis of the sample containing the eluted DNA/RNA previously captured on the magnetic beads.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid volumes, comprising: a motor; a camshaft connected to the motor at a rotational axis of the camshaft; at least one cam disposed on a circumference of the camshaft; a pin frame; at least one pin disposed in the pin frame and operatively associated with the at least one cam, wherein rotation of the camshaft by the motor contacts the at least one cam to the at least one pin, driving the at least one pin in a first direction.

Abstract: An automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting apparatus and method is disclosed. Namely, a liquid handling apparatus includes a pump supplying a nozzle (i.e., a pipette tip) via a conduit, one or more pressure sensors, and an electronic controller, and wherein the pipette tip is submerged in a liquid. Further, a method of automatic liquid transfer optimization pipetting includes the steps of actuating the pump to move a designated volume of liquid and then allowing the system to settle to a steady state after completion of pump actuation.