Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting compounds and compound holders into batches for subsequent processing are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficiently automated incubation device that reduces the number of powered moving parts in the device and the amount of air transfer between environments that are internal and external to the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly automated fluid delivery systems and related methods with significantly improved throughput relative to preexisting technologies. In particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that simultaneously produces multiple fluid mixtures on-the-fly in multiple multiwell plates. The invention also includes control system and machine software in addition to various systems and related methods for performing assorted downstream processes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting compounds and compound holders into batches for subsequent processing are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for aspirating a volume of liquid into a syringe from a sample of the liquid. A substantial portion of the liquid in the syringe is subsequently dispensed from the syringe and returned to the sample. Accordingly, a small portion of the aspirated liquid is retained in the syringe. One or more nanoliter volumes of the liquid retained in the syringe are then dispensed from the syringe to a container for further use or analysis. It will be understood, therefore, that the volume of the originally aspirated liquid is substantially larger than the volume of liquid dispensed for further use or analysis. The invention also includes a method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing a plurality of liquids by using a plurality of syringes, and also can be used to dispense liquids onto microplates.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficiently automated incubation device that reduces the number of powered moving parts in the device and the amount of air transfer between environments that are internal and external to the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides highly automated fluid delivery systems and related methods with significantly improved throughput relative to preexisting technologies. In particular, the invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that simultaneously produces multiple fluid mixtures on-the-fly in multiple multiwell plates. The invention also includes control system and machine software in addition to various systems and related methods for performing assorted downstream processes.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge comprising a rotor having a plurality of sample receiving elements located in the rotor is provided. Sample processing components are structured to be insertable into any one of the receiving elements and a controller is configured to insert the sample processing components into the sample receiving elements. The sample receiving elements located in the rotor are grouped in clusters, and the cavities of each cluster are substantially parallel. Also, an automated centrifuge system comprising a rotor including a plurality of clusters of receiving elements, each element including a longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axes of each element in a cluster being substantially parallel is provided. A plurality of sample processing components are arranged in groups, with each group configured to be received into adjacent clusters. A rotor position member is structured to determine the position of each cluster.

Abstract: This invention provides an object holder for precisely positioning an object such as a microtiter plate on a support fixture. The object holders can also include a retaining device on a support fixture for receiving an object. In use, the object is generally positioned on the fixture relative to alignment surfaces of the object. Pushers then precisely position the object in a desired location. The invention also provides integrated systems that coordinate the actions of different components of the object holders. For example, once an object is in a desired position, a controller can activate a retaining device to retain the object in the object holder in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A clutch structure has a housing in which is slidably disposed a fluid-operated piston, a plurality of inner and outer splined friction plates and a return spring assembly. The friction plates have formed thereon a spline portion such that alternating discs have the splines extending radially outward, engaging the housing, or extending radially inward, away from the housing. The clutch structure is assembled by positioning the clutch housing in a fixture composed of a ring which is sized to accommodate the outer spline of the one set of friction plates. The plates are arranged in two vertical stacks with the inner splined plates in one stack and the outer splined plates in the other. The plates are alternately installed in the housing by descending from the stacks solely by the force of gravity until a desired number of plates have been installed. The piston and a pressure plate can be installed in the housing prior to mounting the housing to the fixture, if desired.