Abstract: A laboratory automation apparatus with a liquid volume measurement functionality comprising a working table, a pipettor comprising a pipetting head with an electrode providing a capacitive sensor with a reference electrode. A robotic arm is configured to move the pipetting head above the working table. A processor is operatively coupled to the robotic arm, to the pipettor and to the electrode by an electronic circuit. A capillary is located on the working table having an opening for receiving a target amount of liquid from the pipettor to form an air-liquid meniscus in the capillary. The robotic arm is configured to hover the electrode over the capillary to detect a change in capacitance related to the position of the meniscus, and the processor is configured to calculate the transferred amount of liquid from the position of the meniscus in the capillary.

Abstract: A method for detecting contact of a pipette tip with a surface of a liquid in a pipetting device is disclosed. The method consists of moving the pipette tip in the direction of the surface of the liquid thereby measuring an absolute capacitance between the pipette tip and a reference potential and generating a sampled output signal. A predicted momentary sample value of the output signal is generated based on a plurality of past sample values of the output signal. A contact signal indicative of the pipette tip being in contact with the surface of the liquid is generated based on comparing a momentary sample value of the output signal with the predicted momentary sample value of the output signal. A corresponding pipetting device capable of performing the method as a laboratory system, in particular an automated liquid processing system, with one or more such pipetting devices are proposed.

Abstract: A guiding frame for a laboratory automation device comprises: a bottom side for placing the guiding frame on a component of the laboratory automation device; a top side with a position detection area; and an opening for accessing a port of the component, which opening is arranged besides the position detection area. The position detection area has two recesses, each recess having two straight edges, which from a view direction onto the top side are arranged inclined with respect to each other. The bottom side comprises alignment means for aligning the guiding frame with respect to the component, the alignment means comprising a base surface for contacting a top surface of the component and/or guiding surfaces for contacting walls of the component.

Abstract: A method accurately positions a robotic manipulator at a target position of a target object in an automated sample handling device. An optical reference object is detectable by imaging located at a first position at a worksurface and a capacitive reference object is located at a second position at the worksurface. A position of the robotic manipulator relative to the second position is detectable by measurements of the electrical impedance/capacitance between the capacitive reference object and the robotic manipulator acting as a measuring probe. An image is then taken of the first reference object together with the target object to determine the target position and a current position of the robotic manipulator is determined based on electrical impedance/capacitance measurements taken at different locations of the capacitive reference object. The robotic manipulator is then moved from the determined current position to the determined target position.

Abstract: A pipette tip adapter (1) is detachably connectable between a pipetting device (10) and a pipette tip (15). The pipette tip adapter has a body (2) with an interior compartment (7) for holding a liquid (18), a recess (3) entering into a part of the body (2) for detachably receiving a connector (11) of the pipetting device (10) and having a first opening (5) pneumatically connected with the interior compartment (7). The pipette tip adapter (1) further has a tube section (4) projecting from the pipette tip adapter (1) detachably securable with a pipette tip (15) and having a second opening (6) hydraulically connected with the interior compartment (7). The pipette tip adapter (1) may be used in an automated pipetting system (100). An automated pipetting system (100) having a pipette tip adapter (1) for preparing liquid reactions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting contact of a pipette tip with a surface of a liquid in a pipetting device is disclosed. The method consists of moving the pipette tip in the direction of the surface of the liquid thereby measuring an absolute capacitance between the pipette tip and a reference potential and generating a sampled output signal. A predicted momentary sample value of the output signal is generated based on a plurality of past sample values of the output signal. A contact signal indicative of the pipette tip being in contact with the surface of the liquid is generated based on comparing a momentary sample value of the output signal with the predicted momentary sample value of the output signal. A corresponding pipetting device capable of performing the method as a laboratory system, in particular an automated liquid processing system, with one or more such pipetting devices are proposed.

Abstract: A device for controlling an optical recognition unit with the help of a capacitive filling level measurement in liquid containers having a sensor with a measuring electrode, a conductive base plate suitable for arranging at least one liquid container or a carrier unit having at least one receptacle for receiving a liquid container, a sensor electronics unit that is connected to the measuring electrode and the base plate adapted to determine a capacitance between the measuring electrode and base plate, an evaluation unit, and a control unit for controlling the optical recognition unit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for controlling an optical recognition unit with the help of a capacitive filling level measurement in liquid containers having a sensor with a measuring electrode, a conductive base plate suitable for arranging at least one liquid container or a carrier unit having at least one receptacle for receiving a liquid container, a sensor electronics unit that is connected to the measuring electrode and the base plate adapted to determine a capacitance between the measuring electrode and base plate, an evaluation unit, and a control unit for controlling the optical recognition unit, is disclosed.