Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automated slide processing apparatuses capable of dispensing liquids onto microscope slides. Additional aspects of the technology are directed to methods of replacing a reagent pipette in automated slide processing apparatuses. The apparatus can include, for example, a reagent pipette assembly including a reagent pipette moveable between at least one loading position for obtaining reagent from a reagent container at a filling station and at least one dispense position. The apparatus can also include a retainer for releasably securing the reagent pipette. In some embodiments, the reagent pipette assembly includes a locking mechanism for transitioning the retainer from an open configuration for receiving a pipette and a closed configuration for securing a pipette, in e.g., an aligned position within the retainer.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir connector for dispensing a fluid from a fluid container to a reservoir is described. The reservoir includes a tank and a lid mounted to the top of the tank. A needle includes a tip end and an opposite end, and the needle traverses the housing and is adapted to pierce a septum of a fluid container. The needle also includes a first channel extending from a first opening at the tip end to an opening at the opposite end, and a second channel extending from a second opening at the tip end to an opening at a position between the tip end and the opposite end.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ink reservoir system. The ink reservoir system includes a housing configured to hold ink and comprising a first opening and a second opening. The ink reservoir system further includes a fluid connector that traverses the first opening and communicates ink from inside the housing to a refilling system. The ink reservoir system further includes an interconnection region comprising a needle, where the needle traverses the second opening and is configured to mate with a septum cap on an ink bottle. When the ink bottle is placed within the second opening the needle punctures the septum of the septum cap and allows the ink to flow from the bottle into the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir connector for dispensing a fluid from a fluid container to a reservoir is described. The reservoir includes a tank and a like mounted to the top of the tank. A needle includes a tip end and an opposite end, and the needle traverses the housing and is adapted to pierce a septum of a fluid container. The needle also includes a first channel extending from a first opening at the tip end to an opening at the opposite end, and a second channel extending from a second opening at the tip end to an opening at a position between said tip end and said opposite end.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an ink reservoir system. The ink reservoir system includes a housing configured to hold ink and comprising a first opening and a second opening. The ink reservoir system further includes a fluid connector that traverses the first opening and communicates ink from inside the housing to a refilling system. The ink reservoir system further includes an interconnection region comprising a needle, where the needle traverses the second opening and is configured to mate with a septum cap on an ink bottle. When the ink bottle is placed within the second opening the needle punctures the septum of the septum cap and allows the ink to flow from the bottle into the interior of the housing.