Abstract: The present invention relates to parallel reaction devices that include reaction blocks having arrays of reaction wells. Devices of the invention also typically include lids having arrays of protrusions disposed thereon, which protrusions axially align with the reaction wells, and/or attachment components that include hinges that permit lids to be removed from reaction blocks.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficiently automated incubation device that reduces the number of powered moving parts in the device and the amount of air transfer between environments that are internal and external to the device.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining crystallization conditions for a protein, the method comprising: performing in a same fermentation apparatus 2 or more separate fermentations where each fermentation comprises cells expressing a protein to be purified and has a fermentation volume of less than 500 mL; purifying the expressed protein from the separate fermentations; and determining crystallization conditions for the purified protein by submicroliter crystallization experiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly automated fluid delivery systems and related methods with significantly improved throughput relative to preexisting technologies. In particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that simultaneously produces multiple fluid mixtures on-the-fly in multiple multiwell plates. The invention also includes control system and machine software in addition to various systems and related methods for performing assorted downstream processes.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge comprising a rotor having a plurality of sample receiving elements located in the rotor is provided. Sample processing components are structured to be insertable into any one of the receiving elements and a controller is configured to insert the sample processing components into the sample receiving elements. The sample receiving elements located in the rotor are grouped in clusters, and the cavities of each cluster are substantially parallel. Also, an automated centrifuge system comprising a rotor including a plurality of clusters of receiving elements, each element including a longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axes of each element in a cluster being substantially parallel is provided. A plurality of sample processing components are arranged in groups, with each group configured to be received into adjacent clusters. A rotor position member is structured to determine the position of each cluster.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.