Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems that include reaction vessels and reaction vessel caps. In certain aspects, the reaction vessels include a reaction chamber and a groove disposed around a top opening of a reaction chamber. The system also includes a RV cap that includes a cap body, a RV plug, and a lower wall that includes an outer radial groove disposed above an outward projecting ridge of the lower wall. When the cap is inserted into the RV, the RV plug of the RV cap is sealingly inserted into the reaction chamber of the RV, a ridge of the RV mates with the outer radial groove of the RV cap, and an outward projecting ridge of the RV cap mates with the radial groove of the RV. Also provided are methods and sample analysis systems, which may employ the RV/RV cap systems of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems that include reaction vessels and reaction vessel caps. In certain aspects, the reaction vessels include a reaction chamber and a groove disposed around a top opening of a reaction chamber. The system also includes a RV cap that includes a cap body, a RV plug, and a lower wall that includes an outer radial groove disposed above an outward projecting ridge of the lower wall. When the cap is inserted into the RV, the RV plug of the RV cap is sealingly inserted into the reaction chamber of the RV, a ridge of the RV mates with the outer radial groove of the RV cap, and an outward projecting ridge of the RV cap mates with the radial groove of the RV. Also provided are methods and sample analysis systems, which may employ the RV/RV cap systems of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems that include reaction vessels and reaction vessel caps. In certain aspects, the reaction vessels include a reaction chamber and a groove disposed around a top opening of a reaction chamber. The system also includes a RV cap that includes a cap body, a RV plug, and a lower wall that includes an outer radial groove disposed above an outward projecting ridge of the lower wall. When the cap is inserted into the RV, the RV plug of the RV cap is sealingly inserted into the reaction chamber of the RV, a ridge of the RV mates with the outer radial groove of the RV cap, and an outward projecting ridge of the RV cap mates with the radial groove of the RV. Also provided are methods and sample analysis systems, which may employ the RV/RV cap systems of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid handling device for use in a liquid handling system including a plurality of the liquid handling devices assembled in side-by-side relationship at a center-to-center spacing of X. The device includes a barrel, plunger, motive device and electronics assembled together in an envelope having a front portion including at least the barrel and plunger, and a rear portion including at least a portion of the electronics. The rear portion has a thickness greater than X but no greater than 2X, and the front portion has a thickness no greater than X and is laterally offset relative to a center plane of the envelope, whereby the liquid handling device can be assembled with another reversely oriented liquid handling device at a center-to-center spacing of X and a total combined width no greater than 2X.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid handling device for use in a liquid handling system including a plurality of the liquid handling devices assembled in side-by-side relationship at a center-to-center spacing of X. The device includes a barrel, plunger, motive device and electronics assembled together in an envelope having a front portion including at least the barrel and plunger, and a rear portion including at least a portion of the electronics. The rear portion has a thickness greater than X but no greater than 2X, and the front portion has a thickness no greater than X and is laterally offset relative to a center plane of the envelope, whereby the liquid handling device can be assembled with another reversely oriented liquid handling device at a center-to-center spacing of X and a total combined width no greater than 2X.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components. The probe has a dimension that is 8 mm or less in at least one projection coincident with an aspirate/dispense axis of the probe.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that address carry-over and contamination resulting from incomplete washing/flushing of syringe surfaces routinely exposed to samples and/or reagents. Specifically, the apparatus and method provide for washing the interior of a syringe barrel as well as interior and exterior surfaces of a syringe needle.

Abstract: A self-cleaning injection port assembly that uses a movable wash chamber closure device (26) for opening and closing an injection needle entry passage (34) of an injection port wash chamber. For sample injection, the wash chamber closure device (26) can be moved clear of the path along which the injection needle passes through the wash chamber into the injection port, thereby enabling insertion of the injection needle into the injection port. For washing, the wash chamber closure device (26) is moved to a position closing the entry passage (34) of the injection port wash, after which cleaning fluid may be circulated through the injection port for cleaning.

Abstract: A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.

Abstract: Apparatus for precisely aspirating small volumes of liquid, e.g., a blood sample, contained in a vessel, e.g., a test tube or vial, includes a mechanism for sensing that the tip of an aspirating probe is contacting the bottom of the vessel during the aspiration process. Such a bottom-sensing mechanism is adapted to sense a predetermined forcible interaction between the probe tip and the vessel bottom. In a preferred embodiment, such forcible interaction is sensed by detecting movement of a movably mounted platform that supports the vessel during aspiration. In a second embodiment, the forcible interaction is sensed by detecting the back-emf in a motor winding used to advance the aspiration probe.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a structural seat back to accommodate the seat belt loads applied to the seat back by a belt system which is carried by the seat assembly. The seat back includes a reinforced beam along one side to accommodate these loads with a recliner mechanism along the same side of the seat assembly coupled to the reinforced member to resist forward rotation of the seat back caused by seat belt loads applied thereto. The seat assembly is configured to be as similar to conventional seat assemblies as possible to minimize the need to redesign the non-structural components of the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes many features found in current production seat assemblies such as a fore and aft adjuster, an adjustable lumbar support, a seat cushion lift mechanism and a seat back recliner. The seat belt loads have been efficiently managed to avoiding adding unnecessary structure and weight.