Abstract: A GUI is used to schedule a set of tasks for one or more robots to test samples using one or more instruments. A set of drivers are used to map instructions for the robots and instruments form a standardized format to a set of instrument/robot-specific formats. Using the standardized formats enables support for new types of robot and/or instrument to be easily added to the system. The robots and instruments generate test results from samples according to the instructions. Information about the testing may be stored in conjunction with user identifiers and other metadata to provide a verifiable audit trail across the instruments and robots.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfusion bioreactor for co-culturing, wherein the bioreactor grows cells in two separate environments and enables communication across environments and populations. The chambers' contents are continuously mixed to expose the environment (or cell population) of each chamber to the secreted products of the other chamber. The said bioreactor comprises at least, but not limited to, two chambers, with separate cell populations with at least two separate environments independently selected from aerobic or anaerobic environment and media favorable to cell growth. The bioreactor allows for multiple samples to be collected during an experiment to enable various analytical techniques and results. Additionally, the bioreactor comprises a multi-chamber cell culture system capable of emulating the gastro-intestinal tract.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automated vacuum liquid waste handling system having two or more waste vessels, with a liquid-level sensor, a means for filling the waste vessels with waste, a means for switching from the first waste vessel, once full, to one or more other waste vessels that are not full, and a means for simultaneously removing said waste from the first full waste vessel to output holding stations and filling another waste vessel so that waste collection is not interrupted.