Abstract: A magnetic base for a sample plate of a sample processing system is provided comprising a first plate comprising a first top surface; a bottom surface; and a sample plate mounting cavity wall mounted to the first top surface, wherein the first plate and the sample plate mounting cavity wall define a sample plate mounting cavity configured to accommodate a sample plate of a sample processing system. The magnetic base further comprises a second plate extending parallel to the first plate, the second plate comprising a second top surface; and a magnet mounting cavity wall extending between the bottom surface of the first plate and the second top surface of the second plate, wherein the first plate, the second plate, and the magnet mounting cavity wall define a magnet mounting cavity configured to accommodate a free floating magnet.

Abstract: An adapter for a sliding head of a sample processing system is provided that includes a plate and a magnet mounting recess wall. The plate includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a back wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The magnet mounting recess wall is mounted to the top surface. The magnet mounting recess wall is configured to accommodate a magnet of a sliding head of a sample processing system. At least a portion of the bottom surface is curved in a first direction from the front wall to the back wall and is concave relative to the top surface.

Abstract: A sample plate includes a top surface, a plurality of wells, and a plurality of reservoirs. The plurality of wells is mounted to the top surface. Each well includes a well bottom surface and a well wall extending up from the well bottom surface. The plurality of reservoirs is mounted to the top surface. Each reservoir includes a reservoir bottom surface, a reservoir wall extending from a first side of the reservoir bottom surface, and the well wall extending from a second side of the reservoir bottom surface. Each reservoir of the plurality of reservoirs surrounds a corresponding well of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A method of creating a protocol is provided. An interface window is presented on a display. A first indicator that identifies a sample and a second indicator that indicates selection of an analysis are received from the interface window. The analysis defines processing to be performed on the identified sample by a liquid handler. A bed layout that defines locations of a plurality of labware components and a type of labware component at each location on a work bed of the liquid handler is determined based on the first indicator and the second indicator. The sample is associated with a location of the locations. The determined bed layout is presented on the display. A protocol for execution by a controller of the liquid handler is created. The protocol comprises a second plurality of instructions configured to cause the liquid handler to perform the analysis on the identified sample.

Abstract: A translational support system is provided that includes a first wall and a second wall, a first support bracket mounted to the first wall, a second support bracket mounted to the second wall, a bearing rod, a base, a bearing carriage, and a rigid support. The bearing rod is mounted between the brackets. The base is mounted between the walls and includes a base plate having a first side and a second side and a slot formed through the base plate. The bearing carriage is positioned on the first side of the base plate and mounted to translate along the bearing rod in a plane parallel to the first side. The bearing carriage includes a leg mounted to a device support structure through the slot. The rigid support is mounted to the second side of the base plate. The rigid support supports the device support structure above the base plate.

Abstract: A fraction collector comprising a movable tray is provided. The movable tray may be attached to the fraction collector support system in a variety of ways and adjusted without adjusting the parts of the fraction collector support system. The moveable tray may be stably attached to the fraction collector support system by either fixed or removable pegs, as well as by channels. In an exemplary embodiment, a mechanized lift is used to adjust the position of the movable tray.

Abstract: A controller controls a sequence of actions at a device. The controller includes computer instructions that receive a plurality of user inputs and command information associated with an action for the device to perform. The first user input defines a target in a bed layout of the device. The second user input assigns the target to a first zone of the bed layout. The third user input assigns the target to a second zone of the bed layout. The fourth user input indicates an operational mode for controlling performance of the action. The operational mode includes a non-validation mode defining a state of operation wherein a device limitation is not imposed to restrict the action. The command information includes a command name identifying the action and a device identifier.

Abstract: A rack for preparing samples for analysis is provided. The rack includes a frame, a sliding assembly, a first and a second receptacle mounted in the frame underneath the sliding assembly; and means for selectively connecting each receptacle with a vacuum source. The sliding assembly is mounted for sliding in the frame and is provided with a plate having a plurality of columns for receiving samples through an upper opening of the columns. The sliding assembly is movable between a first position above the first receptacle and a second position above the second receptacle. The sliding assembly is provided with engagement means for a needle, wherein the engagement means are located outside the columns.

Abstract: A method for automated loading of liquid sample to a liquid chromatography testing device is provided including installing a disposable tip on a probe, moving the probe with an automated liquid handler to a loading position proximate to a sample, and drawing a sample into the disposable tip. The probe is then moved to an injection position proximate an injection port, and the sample is injected from the disposable tip into the injection port. Also provided are the novel injection ports. After injection of the sample, the disposable tip is then removed from the probe. These steps may be repeated a plurality of times to sequentially load a plurality of samples. An exemplary method of the invention is directed to use with a liquid chromatography apparatus. An apparatus for assisting in the removal of the disposable tip is also provided.

Abstract: A fraction collector comprising a movable tray is provided. The movable tray may be attached to the fraction collector support system in a variety of ways and adjusted without adjusting the parts of the fraction collector support system. The moveable tray may be stably attached to the fraction collector support system by either fixed or removable pegs, as well as by channels.

Abstract: A piston carrier supports an elongated, slender piston rod for reciprocation in a pump cylinder to pump fluid into and out of the cylinder. The piston rod is made of a material such as sapphire or zircon and has a diameter less than about ten millimeters, and the pump can provide flows of from about 50 nanoliters to about 250 microliters per minute at pressures of several hundred bars. A drive motor rotates a threaded screw and a drive nut of a drive system applies a linear drive force to the piston carrier. A ball and socket connection between the drive system and the piston carrier avoids the need for precise alignment to prevent breakage of the fragile piston. A magnet in the socket holds the ball in place and avoids the need for a spring or other mechanical holder. The socket also includes a ring of a low reluctance material surrounding the ball to increase the magnetic retention force.

Abstract: An HPLC injection valve is mounted to a probe drive system close to the probe axis to minimize probe movements required for sample injections into a mobile phase column. The probe is directly connected by a short conduit to the injection valve, eliminating the need to dispense aspirated samples from the probe into a remote injection port.

Abstract: A mixing chamber probe adaptor comprising a chamber connector and a probe connector is provided. The mixing chamber probe adaptor imparts a fixed spatial joining of a chamber to a probe and allows a mixing chamber to be received by the chamber connector. In some embodiments, the mixing chamber probe adaptor will be adapted to connect to a spring-loaded probe and receive a micro mixing tee. In other embodiments, the mixing chamber probe adaptor may be used with other types of chambers and probes.