Abstract: A reagent dispensing apparatus. A dispensing module is attached to a support frame and includes a pressurized fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a reagent container, a dispensing head connected to the reagent container, a dispensing valve connected to the dispensing head, and a dispensing tip connected to the dispensing head. The reagent dispensing system also includes a motion drive system. A sensor remains focused on the area immediately underneath the dispensing tip. A computer is programmed to receive inputs from said sensor to determine drop success or failure from the dispensing tip. The computer is programmed to control the motion drive system to position a plate under the dispensing tip, and the computer is also programmed to open and close the dispensing valve to permit and stop fluid from flowing to the dispensing tip.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between a storage rack and an automated machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals. The automated machine has an indexing device for sequentially placing microscopic crystals in camera-view of a camera and a control computer is programmed to control the indexing device and to cause the camera to take images of the microscopic crystals and then transfer the images to a classifying processor where the images are classified. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic crystals are protein crystals that have been grown in the wells of micro-well plates.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between a storage rack and an automated machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals. The automated machine has an indexing device for sequentially placing microscopic crystals in camera-view of a camera and a control computer is programmed to control the indexing device and to cause the camera to take images of the microscopic crystals and then transfer the images to a classifying processor where the images are classified. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic crystals are protein crystals that have been grown in the wells of micro-well plates.