Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A system of pointillist painting, including a colorant dispenser having a syringe configured for storing a liquid colorant, and a colorant dispensing tip operable to be moved to successive specified positions on a painting surface, where the colorant dispenser is operable to apply specified amounts of a liquid colorant to the painting surface and creating a plurality of colorant dots each having a two-dimensional coverage and three-dimensional profile at the specified positions on the painting surface; and an air nozzle coupled to the colorant dispensing tip operable to controllably direct a controlled puff of pressurized air at least one of the plurality of colorant dots already deposited on the painting surface to modify at least one of the two-dimensional coverage and three-dimensional profile thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of pointillist painting includes receiving a dot list including a specification of color, position, size, texture, and exclusion zone of a plurality of dots, wherein the exclusion zone of a dot represents an area that does not overlap with an exclusion zone of any other of the plurality of dots and selecting a first set of dots of a first color. A colorant dispenser may be moved to a first position of a first dot in the first set. A pre-determined amount of colorant may be applied to the first position. A measured blast of air may modify coverage and profile of the applied colorant. The dispenser may then move to the remaining positions until all dots of the first color and subsequent sets of dots of subsequent colors are dispensed.

Abstract: A method of generating a textured pointillist painting design comprises receiving a digital image file including a specification of a plurality of pixels representative of a digital image, the pixels each including a color definition, creating an ordered list of color definitions of the plurality of pixels in the digital image file, for each color definition in the ordered list determining a set of design parameters including: a dot size, a dot shape, a dot exclusion zone size, and a dot distribution scheme, for each color definition, determining a placement of a plurality of dots according to the pixels and color definitions in the digital image file and the set of design parameters, generating a dot list specifying the placement and design parameters of the plurality of dots representative of the digital image, and rendering on a display a facsimile image in response to the dot list.

Abstract: A system of pointillist painting comprises an automated 3-D positioning system disposed proximate a painting surface, a colorant dispenser coupled to the gantry structure and having a dispensing tip in fluid communication with a colorant chamber, the gantry structure operable to move the colorant dispensing tip to a specified position of the painting surface, where the colorant dispenser is operable to apply a specified amount of a colorant to the painting surface and creating a dot having a two-dimensional coverage and three-dimensional profile at the specified position.

Abstract: A system of pointillist painting comprises an automated 3-D positioning system disposed proximate a painting surface, a colorant dispenser coupled to the gantry structure and having a dispensing tip in fluid communication with a colorant chamber, the gantry structure operable to move the colorant dispensing tip to a specified position of the painting surface, where the colorant dispenser is operable to apply a specified amount of a colorant to the painting surface and creating a dot having a two-dimensional coverage and three-dimensional profile at the specified position. The colorant dispenser further comprises a piston disposed in the colorant chamber, and a push rod coupled to the piston operable to advance the piston toward the dispensing tip to exude the specified amount of colorant onto the painting surface.

Abstract: A method of generating a textured pointillist painting design comprises receiving a digital image file including a specification of a plurality of pixels representative of a digital image, the pixels each including a color definition, creating an ordered list of color definitions of the plurality of pixels in the digital image file, for each color definition in the ordered list determining a set of design parameters including: a dot size, a dot shape, a dot exclusion zone size, and a dot distribution scheme, for each color definition, determining a placement of a plurality of dots according to the pixels and color definitions in the digital image file and the set of design parameters, generating a dot list specifying the placement and design parameters of the plurality of dots representative of the digital image, and rendering on a display a facsimile image in response to the dot list.

Abstract: A system of pointillist painting comprises an automated 3-D positioning system disposed proximate a painting surface, a colorant dispenser coupled to the gantry structure and having a dispensing tip in fluid communication with a colorant chamber, the gantry structure operable to move the colorant dispensing tip to a specified position of the painting surface, where the colorant dispenser is operable to apply a specified amount of a colorant to the painting surface and creating a dot having a two-dimensional coverage and three-dimensional profile at the specified position.