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 method of forming acoustic holes in a composite sound-insulating material includes creating a image of at least a portion of an array of holes and transferring the image to an ultraviolet (UV) radiation transparent medium. The method continues with positioning the medium in contact with a UV-curable mask and exposing the medium-covered mask to UV radiation to cure the UV-exposed areas. The method further includes removing the uncured mask material to create an abrading mask that includes a plurality of holes in a desired pattern. The method also includes positioning the abrading mask in contact with the sound-insulating material and directing a stream of abrasive matter at the abrading mask to create perforations in the sound-insulating material that correspond to the pattern of holes in the abrading mask.