Abstract: High throughput compound profiling systems, and related devices and sub-systems that can be used to perform various compound profiling processes are provided. These systems typically include work perimeters that are organized for optimum efficiency and processing accuracy. Further, these systems are readily adaptable for performing a wide array of assays, as many different system components are easily incorporated or interchangeable in a particular system. System components that are provided by the invention include cell culture dissociators, which can be used, e.g., to effect cell wetting, dissociation, and/or agitation applications. In some embodiments, these cell culture dissociators are included as components of automated cell culture passaging stations. Dispensing devices that permit on-the-fly fluid temperature regulation are also provided. In addition, various compound profiling methods, cell dissociation methods, uniform cell concentration dispensing methods, among other processes, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for fluidly separating substrate surface features. The apparatus include arrays of apertures that correspond to at least a portion of an array of wells disposed in a micro-well plate and/or are structured to fluidly separate multiple surface features disposed on multiple substrates from one another. Related systems, kits, and methods are additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides grasping mechanisms, gripper apparatus/systems, and related methods. Grasping mechanisms that include stops, support surfaces, and height adjusting surfaces to determine three translational axis positions of a grasped object are provided. In addition, grasping mechanisms that are resiliently coupled to other gripper apparatus components are also provided.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of unpoisoned fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of unpoisoned fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel.

Abstract: The specimen plate lid is generally a block, with a cover portion and a side portion. An alignment protrusion extends from the side portion and cooperates with an alignment member of the specimen plate to assist in manually or roboticly guiding the lid onto the specimen plate. An underside surface of the cover has a sealing perimeter for receiving a seal constructed from a compliant material, and shaped to cooperate with a complimentary sealing surface on the specimen plate. The lid is weighted so that when the lid is aligned and positioned on the specimen plate, the weight of the lid provides a gravitational force to sufficiently compress the seal against the sealing surface on the specimen plate. Accordingly, the lid is sufficiently sealed to the specimen plate to avoid contamination and impermissible drying.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge comprising a rotor having a plurality of cavities located in the rotor. A tube is structured to be insertable into any one of the cavities and a controller is configured to insert the tube into the cavity. The cavities located in the rotor are grouped in clusters, and the cavities of each cluster are substantially parallel.

Abstract: The specimen plate lid is generally a block, with a cover portion and a side portion. An alignment protrusion extends from the side portion and cooperates with an alignment member of the specimen plate to assist in manually or roboticly guiding the lid onto the specimen plate. An underside surface of the cover has a sealing perimeter for receiving a seal constructed from a compliant material, and shaped to cooperate with a complimentary sealing surface on the specimen plate. The lid is weighted so that when the lid is aligned and positioned on the specimen plate, the weight of the lid provides a gravitational force to sufficiently compress the seal against the sealing surface on the specimen plate. Accordingly, the lid is sufficiently sealed to the specimen plate to avoid contamination and impermissible drying.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected.

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A first clutch circuit for an automatic transmission in a hybrid drive vehicle comprises an apply line extending from a manual valve to a clutch, with a check ball disposed in the apply line operable to move out of the apply line upon upstream fluid pressure, and an exhaust line extending from the apply line, downstream of the check ball, to an exhaust valve. A driver-triggered valve actuating means operates to close the exhaust valve when the driver selects drive with a driver shift lever and to open the exhaust valve when the driver shifts out of drive thereby releasing the clutch.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected.

Abstract: A hydraulic control has a valve body assembly in which a plurality of control valves are contained. The valve body has separate structures which are secured together by fasteners. Separator plates are positioned between the structure levels to establish flow passages and sealing elements between fluid passages in the separate structures. The separator plate has two conical valve seats formed therein which cooperate with two pintle valves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from a ratio controller within a power transmissions.