Abstract: A sonicator assembly, including: a microplate defining a plurality of wells; a manifold for containing a transducer fluid that is thermally coupled to the plurality of wells of the microplate; an ultrasonic generator operable for applying an ultrasonic excitation to the wells of the microplate; one or more of a heating module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively heating the transducer fluid and a cooling module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively cooling the transducer fluid; and a controller operable for controlling operation of the ultrasonic generator and the one or more of the heating module and the cooling module. The controller is further operable for monitoring a temperature and a pressure within the manifold. A temperature of the plurality of wells is controllable over a temperature range from 4° C. to 95° C. Optionally, the plurality of wells include a plurality of heat-resistant round-bottom hydrophilic wells.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative devices for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels and illustrative methods for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels. A plate handling device includes a base having a first and second base member configured to hold a plate, wherein the base is adapted to expand and contract to secure the plate to the plate handling device. A handle having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the handle is adapted to actuate the expanding and contracting of the base to secure and hold the plate. An outer handle member fixedly attached to the first base member. A user interface member fixedly attached to the second base member, wherein the user interface member is pivotably attached to the lower end of the handle and pivotably receivable in portions of the outer handle member.