Abstract: A control system for transferring a sample from a source vessel to a target vessel generally includes a vessel unit, a primary transfer unit, an x-drive, a y-drive, a z-drive and a control unit for controlling the drives. The vessel unit includes a support plate for supporting the source vessel and the target vessel thereon and the transfer unit includes at least one transfer device for transferring the sample from the source vessel to the target vessel. The x-, y- and z-drives reciprocally translate one of the support plate and the transfer device in a respective x-direction, y-direction and z-direction, wherein the x, y and z directions define a three axis Cartesian coordinate system.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring a sample from a source vessel to a target vessel. The transfer unit includes a transfer device having a pin tip with a central bore terminating at a bottom wall, an actuating element movably disposed in the pin tip bore, an actuator rod for moving the actuating element and a compensating device connected between the actuating element and the actuator rod. The actuator rod moves the actuating element between a first position adjacent the tip bottom wall and a second position away from the bottom wall. Movement of the actuating element causes a sample in proximity to the pin tip to be alternately collected and released from the pin tip. Such movement also defines a stroke length for the actuator rod, wherein the compensating device compensates for any variations in the actuator rod stroke length. The transfer unit further includes a tip ejector for removing the disposable tips from the transfer device and a tip loading station for applying the tips to the transfer device.

Abstract: A fluid power interlock system and method for providing same including a circuit having a first valve shiftable between a first and second state having an input and a pair of selectively operable first outputs. One of the first outputs is operatively connectable to a first actuator and the other of the first outputs is operatively connected to a second valve shiftable between a first and second state. The second valve has a pair of selectively operable outputs, one of the second valve outputs is operatively connectable to a second actuator, and the other of the second valve outputs is operatively connected to the first valve and provides a pilot signal thereto for permitting the first valve to shift from a first state to a second state. Shifting state of either of the first and second valves interrupts the pilot signal thereby preventing the non actuated valve from being actuated and shifting state. The system may also include a manifold, wherein the first and second valves are secured to the manifold.

Abstract: A fluid power interlock system and method for providing same including a circuit having a first valve shiftable between a first and second state having an input and a pair of selectively operable first outputs. One of the first outputs is operatively connectable to a first actuator and the other of the first outputs is operatively connected to a second valve shiftable between a first and second state. The second valve has a pair of selectively operable outputs, one of the second valve outputs is operatively connectable to a second actuator, and the other of the second valve outputs is operatively connected to the first valve and provides a pilot signal thereto for permitting the first valve to shift from a first state to a second state. Shifting state of either of the first and second valves interrupts the pilot signal thereby preventing the non actuated valve from being actuated and shifting state. The system may also include a manifold, wherein the first and second valves are secured to the manifold.