Abstract: A transport tool for transporting a laboratory article using a pipette of a pipetting system includes at least one plug-in sleeve, which is implemented for the releasable plugging-in of a receptacle cone of a pipette, and which can be plugged onto the receptacle cone of the pipette instead of a disposable pipette tip. In addition, the transport tool comprises an article holder having at least one holding part, which is implemented to form a support connection with a laboratory article. A connecting part connects the article holder to the plug-in sleeve, so that holding axes of the at least one article holder and the sleeve axis of the plug-in sleeve are arranged coaxially or axially-parallel to one another. The laboratory article has at least one flat, at least approximately horizontal surface. The article holder has a holding plate or a holding sleeve.

Abstract: A transport tool for transporting a laboratory article using a pipette of a pipetting system includes at least one plug-in sleeve, which is implemented for the releasable plugging-in of a receptacle cone of a pipette, and which can be plugged onto the receptacle cone of the pipette instead of a disposable pipette tip. In addition, the transport tool includes an article holder having at least one holding part, which is implemented to form a support connection with a laboratory article. A connecting part connects the article holder to the plug-in sleeve, so that holding axes of the article holder and the sleeve axis of the plug-in sleeve are arranged coaxially or axially-parallel to one another.

Abstract: Microplate reader has a housing, at least one optical measuring/detection device, a microplate support, a moving unit and an integrated lid holding apparatus. The lid holding apparatus moves the microplate in one respective, at least approximately vertical direction for moving the microplate lid away from the microplate. The lid holding apparatus is arranged inside the housing as a magnetic lifter and comprises a non-array arrangement of at least one permanent magnet, or at least three electro magnets, or at least one switchable permanent magnet. Each microplate lid to be moved away from the microplate comprises magnetizable material with a physical area. A projected area of the at least one permanent magnet, electro magnet, or switchable permanent magnet is smaller than the physical area of the magnetizable material of the microplate lid.

Abstract: Relates to a collection/extraction container (1) for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting biological material from these solid forensic samples (2) and its use. The container (1) has a top opening (3) for the insertion of a solid forensic sample (2). The container (1) comprises a basket (7) and an essentially horizontal intermediate floor (8) for the retention of the solid forensic sample (2) during digestion/lysis and extraction, the intermediate floor (8) being permeable to fluids and dividing the inner chamber (5) into an upper sample space (9) and a lower fluid space (10).

Abstract: A microplate reader (1) comprises a housing (3); at least one optical measuring/detection device (2); a microplate support (4); a moving unit (5); and an integrated lid holding apparatus (6). The lid holding apparatus (6) is arranged to move the microplate lid (7) and/or the microplate support (4) is arranged to move the microplate (8) in one respective, at least approximately vertical direction for moving the microplate lid (7) away from the microplate (8). The lid holding apparatus (6) is arranged inside the housing (3) as a magnetic lifter (6?) and comprises a non-array arrangement of at least one permanent magnet (9?), or at least three electro magnets (10?), or at least one switchable permanent magnet (11). Each microplate lid (7) to be moved away from the microplate (8) comprises magnetizable material (12).

Abstract: A device has at least one channel for detecting the phase boundary between media in a liquid container and has a probe which can be fed in the direction of the phase boundary and a circuit which processes a signal of the probe to detect a capacitance change. The device includes a testing module which executes an infeed movement of the probe. The testing module performs an analysis of the signal of the channel, and makes a connection statement about the electrical connection between the probe and the measuring circuit. The testing of the electrical connections is performed in a dry manner, i.e., a phase boundary does not have to be searched for or penetrated for the testing.

Abstract: A control method for a computer-controlled liquid handling workstation which comprises a work surface, a motorized liquid handling robot with at least two pipettes each having a cone, and a control computer, to which the liquid handling robot is connected. A control program, activated in the control computer, enables the pipetting robot to position the pipette at specific positions on the work surface. The pipettes and at least one position are visualized as icons, using a visualization device. Upon selecting at least one pipette and designating a position, using an input mechanism, the selected pipette is moved down and up immediately after its selection, and moved to the designated position immediately after designating the position. These movements are carried out prior to selecting at least one action and its execution, enabling the operator to confirm the selection of the pipette and the designation of the position.

Abstract: A frame-shaped, essentially rectangular spacer for pipette tip carriers stacked one on top of another includes a horizontal base surface, a peripheral side wall, which stands essentially perpendicular to the base surface and forms two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, and an upper surface. Each longitudinal side and transverse side includes an inner side. The upper surface is arranged at an upper end of the side wall and essentially horizontally. The spacer is implemented to form a stabilizing support connection with an essentially rectangular pipette tip carrier positioned on the spacer. In addition, the spacer includes centering spring elements, which are arranged on the inner side of all longitudinal sides and transverse sides, having a springy part spaced apart in relation to the inner side of the respective side wall.

Abstract: Laboratory table has a frame with front and rear frame parts, at least one detent element, at least one detent extension and at least one replaceable tabletop element on the frame. Each tabletop element has at least one fixing mechanism for interacting with the frame parts and for holding a corresponding detent element and detent extension in fixing positions. A detent element or detent extension in each case is spaced apart from the fixing mechanism. The frame part opposite to the frame part the fixing mechanism is interacting with comprises a detent element or a detent extension that in each case is brought into a mutual fixing position with a corresponding detent extension or detent element of the corresponding tabletop element. The corresponding detent extension is thus guided in a detent element parallel to a tabletop axis of the corresponding tabletop element.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge used in a digital microfluidics system has a bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, a rigid cover plate with second hydrophobic surface, and a gap there-between. The bottom layer is a flexible film on an uppermost surface of a cartridge accommodation site of a system, attracted to and spread over the uppermost surface by an underpressure. A lower surface of the plate and the flexible bottom layer are sealed to each other. The assembled cartridge is removed from the cartridge accommodation site in one piece and potentially includes samples and processing fluids. The system has a base unit and a cartridge accommodation site with an electrode array of individual electrodes and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting.

Abstract: Microplate reader with optical measuring/detection device has housing, a microplate support and a moving unit. The moving unit moves the microplate support out and into the housing and horizontally within the housing. The reader has an integrated lid holding apparatus within the housing for lifting and placing a microplate lid on the microplate. The lid holding apparatus moves the microplate lid and/or the microplate support for moving the microplate in one respective vertical direction. A method for optically measuring a microplate in such a microplate reader places a covered microplate on the microplate support, retracts it into the housing, lifts the lid from the microplate, measures the microplate with the lifted lid, replaces the lid, and extends the support and the covered microplate out of the housing.

Abstract: A biological sample processing system (1) includes a liquid droplet manipulation instrument (20) with an electrode array (21) for inducing a movement of a liquid droplet (19) by electrowetting; a substrate (22); and a control unit (23). An electrode selector (34) of the control unit (23) is configured to individually select and provide each electrode (35) of the electrode array (21) with a voltage. The control unit (23) includes a central processing unit (36) for individually selecting at least one electrode (35) and for providing the selected electrode(s) (35) with an individual voltage pulse. The biological sample processing system (1) also includes a cartridge (40) with a container (2).

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: Liquid droplet manipulation instrument has electrode array for inducing movement of a droplet by electrowetting, substrate supporting the array and control with electrode selector connected to a voltage control. The selector selects each electrode and provides each with a controlled voltage. The control includes central processing unit for providing the selected electrode with an individual voltage pulse which is a drive voltage or a ground voltage or a stop voltage. The control defines a path for movement of a liquid portion of a larger volume that covers more than one electrode by the simultaneous selection of a group of two or more subsequent drive electrodes and to provide each selected drive electrode with a drive voltage pulse along the path. The control simultaneously provides a group of two or more electrodes adjacent to or identical with the pulsed drive electrodes, with a ground or stop voltage pulse.

Abstract: In a method of deducing the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, at least a single stranded target DNA generated from a genomic sample comprising a selected STR, an STR probe (P1,P1?), a reference probe (P2), and two blockers (B1,B2) are provided, and at least three differential hybridization experiments are carried out, based on which the number of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in each differential hybridization experiment is determined. The method further comprises the step of comparing these numbers of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in the differential hybridization experiments for deducing the number of repeat units in the selected STR on the single stranded target DNA strand. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out STR genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: Cartridge has a container with at least one well having a channel from a well opening to a container base side, protrusions on the container base side, and a flat polymer film with a hydrophobic upper surface kept at a distance from the base side by the protrusions. The container and film are reversibly attachable to a liquid droplet manipulation instrument so the lower surface of the film abuts at least one electrode array of the instrument. The container enables displacement of a liquid droplet from a well through the channel onto the hydrophobic upper surface and above the electrode array. The instrument has a control unit with a voltage control and an electrode selector for individually selecting each electrode of the electrode array and for providing the selected electrode with a voltage to controlling guided movement of a liquid droplet by electrowetting. A kit and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: Pipetting apparatus has a block for holding pipette tips and connecting to pipette cones of a multiple-pipette head of a liquid handling apparatus. The block has cavities in an array and pipette tips inserted therein as well as conical plug-in openings for pipette cones of a multiple-pipette head. The block additionally has devices for connecting the block and the head. The block has receptacles with a shoulder and inserts for inserting into the receptacles, insert having a cavity, a cylindrical insertion opening with inserted pipette tip and a conical plug-in opening for sealing introduction of a pipette cone. Each insert has a support with which it rests on the shoulder of a corresponding receptacle when inserted into the block. Preferably each insert lies in the corresponding receptacle of the block with horizontal play on all sides.

Abstract: A biological sample processing system comprises a container for large volume processing, a flat polymer film having a lower surface and a hydrophobic upper surface, which is kept at a distance d to the base side of the container by the protrusions. The distance d defines at least one gap when the container is positioned on the film. A liquid droplet manipulation instrument comprises at least one electrode array for inducing liquid droplet movements; a substrate supporting the at least one electrode array; and a control unit is characterized in that the container and the film are reversibly attached to the liquid droplet manipulation instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for liquid level detection (LLD). It relates to a laboratory device having an electronic circuit for detecting a liquid level in a liquid container, a feeler, which can be advanced, and which is connected to an input side of the electronic circuit, and having a movement device, which allows the feeler to be advanced in the direction of the liquid in the liquid container. Upon the immersion of the feeler in the liquid, a capacitance change is caused in the electronic circuit, which triggers a signal in the circuit. The laboratory device comprises a reference circuit, which is connected to the input side of the circuit, and which specifies an effective capacitance on the input side of the circuit. A sequence controller is used, which causes the triggering of a test by the application of a control signal to the reference circuit, the control signal causing an increase of the effective capacitance through a switching procedure.