Abstract: A sample preparation system provides an automated process that dispenses appropriate amounts of solid material into wells of a microtiter plate for mixing into a suspension. The system utilizes an array of hollow tubes that are lowered into a particle reservoir such that particle material is forced up into the tubes. During loading, solid plungers in the tubes are positioned a known distance from the open end of the tubes. When the particle material is to be dispensed, the plungers are lowered to push the particle material out of the tubes and into receiving wells of the microtiter plate. The plunger stroke and internal diameter of the tubes defines the dispensed volume of particle material.

Abstract: A sample preparation system provides an automated process that dispenses appropriate amounts of solid material into wells of a microtiter plate for mixing into a suspension. The system utilizes an array of hollow tubes that are lowered into a particle reservoir such that particle material is forced up into the tubes. During loading, solid plungers in the tubes are positioned a known distance from the open end of the tubes. When the particle material is to be dispensed, the plungers are lowered to push the particle material out of the tubes and into receiving wells of the microtiter plate. The plunger stroke and internal diameter of the tubes defines the dispensed volume of particle material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process line system for handling biological samples. The system includes a control computer that controls the movement of a sample material plate along the process line. The control computer accepts user inputs that define handling of the biological samples. The system further includes a plurality of modules arranged along the process line. Each module includes at least one work station that performs at least one task associated with the handling of the biological samples. The control computer adjusts the movement of the sample material plate along the process line so that the sample material plate is transported to only those modules that are to handle the biological sample, and so that the sample material plate bypasses any module that should not handle the biological sample, as defined by the user inputs.

Abstract: A particle dispensing device including a hollow tube and a plunger inserted through the tube is used to transport and dispense solid reagents such as resin. The particle dispensing device can be coupled to a dispenser assembly that is a component in an automated system for processing biological materials.