Abstract: An apparatus for transferring receptacles between a plurality of receptacle-receiving structures disposed at different locations adjacent a transport track. The apparatus includes a receptacle carrier operatively engaged with the transport track and adapted to carry a receptacle and translate along the transport track. The receptacle carrier is further adapted to selectively stop at a transfer station with respect to any of the receptacles-receiving structures. The receptacle carrier includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move a receptacle with respect to the receptacle carrier to move a receptacle into and/or out of the receptacle carrier. The apparatus further includes a transfer position locating system to automatically determine a location of a transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each of the receptacle-receiving structures, thereby enabling the receptacle carrier to transfer a receptacle between the receptacle carrier and the receptacle-receiving structures.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: A structure (10) for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover (40) with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element (44) adjacent each opening (42) engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring receptacles between a plurality of receptacle-receiving structures disposed at different locations adjacent a transport track. The apparatus includes a receptacle carrier operatively engaged with the transport track and adapted to carry a receptacle and translate along the transport track. The receptacle carrier is further adapted to selectively stop at a transfer station with respect to any of the receptacles-receiving structures. The receptacle carrier includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move a receptacle with respect to the receptacle carrier to move a receptacle into and/or out of the receptacle carrier. The apparatus further includes a transfer position locating system to automatically determine a location of a transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each of the receptacle-receiving structures, thereby enabling the receptacle carrier to transfer a receptacle between the receptacle carrier and the receptacle-receiving structures.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: Systems for effecting transfer of reaction receptacles between modules of an instrument for performing multi-step analytical procedures and for adjusting for variations in the positions of such modules includes a receptacle carrier supported on a track on which the carrier translates between different modules located adjacent to the track. The carrier includes a receptacle distribution head supported on a receptacle carrier carriage. The distribution head includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move receptacles into and out of the distribution head and into and out of a module. The carriage is engaged with the track and adapted for translation along the track. Drive systems effect powered translation of the carriage, powered elevation and rotation of the distribution head, and powered movement of receptacles into and out of the distribution head. A transfer position locating system automatically determines a receptacle transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each module.

Abstract: A structure (10) for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover (40) with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element (44) adjacent each opening (42) engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: Systems for effecting transfer of reaction receptacles between modules of an instrument for performing multi-step analytical procedures and for adjusting for variations in the positions of such modules includes a receptacle carrier supported on a track on which the carrier translates between different modules located adjacent to the track. The carrier includes a receptacle distribution head supported on a receptacle carrier carriage. The distribution head includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move receptacles into and out of the distribution head and into and out of a module. The carriage is engaged with the track and adapted for translation along the track. Drive systems effect powered translation of the carriage, powered elevation and rotation of the distribution head, and powered movement of receptacles into and out of the distribution head. A transfer position locating system automatically determines a receptacle transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each module.