Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include a first plate and a second plate located in close proximity to the first plate. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include one or more additional attributes and/or the system can include one or more additional components for performing the evaluation.

Abstract: A cartridge for evaluating the volume of an aliquot of liquid is described. The cartridge can have one or more well tabs that pivot into a position in which liquid dispensed into a corresponding well is placed in contact with a capillary and surface tension draws the liquid from the well into the capillary. Comparison of the liquid-air interface with markings on or near the capillary, can reveal the volume of liquid dispensed. One or more additional features, such as well tabs that are stable in a substantially vertical orientation and/or a groove for protecting and/or self-aligning the capillary can ensure that the device operates properly.

Abstract: A liquid evaluation system can include a cartridge including a channel configured to pull a liquid into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include a first plate and a second plate located in close proximity to the first plate. An internal facing surface of each plate can include a corresponding region forming the channel. Each of the regions can have an affinity for the liquid. The close proximity of the plates and the regions having an affinity for the liquid cause the liquid to be pulled into the channel by capillary action. The cartridge can include one or more additional attributes and/or the system can include one or more additional components for performing the evaluation.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: A cartridge for evaluating the volume of an aliquot of liquid is described. The cartridge can have one or more well tabs that pivot into a position in which liquid dispensed into a corresponding well is placed in contact with a capillary and surface tension draws the liquid from the well into the capillary. Comparison of the liquid-air interface with markings on or near the capillary, can reveal the volume of liquid dispensed. One or more additional features, such as well tabs that are stable in a substantially vertical orientation and/or a groove for protecting and/or self-aligning the capillary can ensure that the device operates properly.

Abstract: A measurement device containing one or more capillaries to measure the volume of a dispensed fluid and determine the volumetric accuracy of the dispensing device. The measurement device can contain a reservoir containing the fluid to be measured and there may be an additional reservoir for a secondary fluid. A viewing window is necessary to complete a manual measurement and may include a magnifying lens. The liquid well by the capillary inlet may be shaped such that the measurement fluid is directed toward the capillary. The well may have features designed to position the dispensing device toward the capillary, or to position the well proximal to the capillary after it is filled. The well may also have surfaces or coatings which attract or do not attract various types of substances. The measurement device may interface with sensors to output measurement data.

Abstract: This document describes an advanced laboratory platform rocker. An electronic circuit controls the rotation of the shaft of a motor. The shaft is coupled to the platform, such that the angular position of the platform is controllable, as a function of time, enabling non-periodic and non-steady motion. The rotation of the platform can be used to perform other functions, such as initiating the dispensing of liquid into a tray on the platform, and dispersing of liquid from a tray on the platform.

Abstract: This invention describes an advanced cooling system for a laboratory instrument to maintain laboratory samples at a predetermined temperature. The advanced cooling system uses an algorithm that incorporates information from at least one sensor and other operational parameters including thermal effects from the operation of the instrument.