Abstract: Provided are methods for the automated loading and/or automatic processing of one or more samples in an automated sample processing device. Also provided are automated sample loading systems and devices that include automated sample loading systems or devices that are utilized in such systems.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Provided are analysis systems that include components for identifying, inventorying, or both, consumables and/or reagents introduced into one or more consumable or reagent storage areas of the systems. The systems include a camera and camera positioning means for positioning the camera in optical communication with the one or more consumable or reagent storage areas. The systems further include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions that cause the system to detect when a consumable or reagent has been introduced to the one or more consumable or reagent storage areas, position the camera in optical communication with the introduced consumable or reagent, and identify the introduced consumable or reagent. Also provided are automated methods for identifying, inventorying, or both, consumables and/or reagents introduced into one or more consumable or reagent storage areas of an analysis system.

Abstract: Provided are methods for the automated loading and/or automatic processing of one or more samples in an automated sample processing device. Also provided are automated sample loading systems and devices that include automated sample loading systems or devices that are utilized in such systems.

Abstract: Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a tube holder to hold the sample tubes in a substantially vertical orientation. A retention cover pivotally engages the tube holder at a first end and locks against the tube holder at a second end. The second end of the retention cover pivots relative to the tube holder about an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the retention cover while the first end of the retention cover is pivotally captured by the tube holder.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

Abstract: Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a tube holder to hold the sample tubes in a substantially vertical orientation. A retention cover pivotally engages the tube holder at a first end and locks against the tube holder at a second end. The second end of the retention cover pivots relative to the tube holder about an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the retention cover while the first end of the retention cover is pivotally captured by the tube holder.

Abstract: Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a sample tube carrier having an elongated body and walls defining apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a respective one of the sample tubes. The walls define elongated openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the sample tubes and extends along at least a portion of a length of the respective sample tube, and the elongated openings enable viewing of information on the outer surfaces of the sample tubes. The example rack also includes an elongated retention bar to be pivotally coupled to one end of the sample tube carrier. The retention bar has openings, each of which is positioned over a respective one of the apertures, and the openings are dimensioned to prevent removal of the sample tubes from the sample tube carrier through the retention bar.

Abstract: Sample tube racks having retention bars to retain sample tubes in the racks during processing of the contents of the sample tubes are described. An example rack for holding sample tubes includes a sample tube carrier having an elongated body and walls defining apertures. Each of the apertures is configured to receive a respective one of the sample tubes. The walls define elongated openings, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the sample tubes and extends along at least a portion of a length of the respective sample tube, and the elongated openings enable viewing of information on the outer surfaces of the sample tubes. The example rack also includes an elongated retention bar to be pivotally coupled to one end of the sample tube carrier. The retention bar has openings, each of which is positioned over a respective one of the apertures, and the openings are dimensioned to prevent removal of the sample tubes from the sample tube carrier through the retention bar.

Abstract: A portable cable application tool for fastening an individual cable tie around an object where the cable tie has a strap and a strap locking head and is provided in a continuous ribbon of cable ties includes upper and lower jaws for positioning the cable tie around an object to be fastened. The tool includes a cable advancing means for advancing an individual cable tie within the tool having a carriage, a carriage mounting means for mounting the carriage to the tool for reciprocal movement between a rearward position and a forward position and cable tie pusher means carried on the carriage for pushing a cable tie from a cable tie receiver means to upper and lower jaws of the tool.