Abstract: An automated laboratory system and method allow high-throughput and fully automated processing of materials, such as liquids including genetic materials. The invention includes a variety of aspects that may be combined into a single system. For example, processing may be performed by a plurality of robotic-equipped modular stations, where each modular station has its own unique environment in which processes are performed. Transport devices, such as conveyor belts, may move objects between modular stations, saving movement for robots in the modular stations. Gels used for gel electrophoresis may be extruded, thus decreasing the time needed to form such gels. Robotically-operated well forming tools allow wells to be formed in gels in a registered and accurate way.

Abstract: A small-volume sample handling system includes a chamber with first and second portions. A conduit having a flow control valve may be fluidly coupled to the first portion. A pressure in the second portion may be adjusted so that liquid samples can be aspirated and dispensed in a needle coupled to the valve in response to opening of the valve. The first and second portions of the chamber may be separated by a diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving material in a multi-well plate includes applying positive and negative pressure to one or more wells in the plate, e.g., to enhance a flow rate of material from the well through a filter element. Wells requiring application of positive pressure may be identified, e.g., by image analysis performed by a machine vision system. Those wells determined to require enhanced throughput may have negative and positive pressure applied to the well, while other wells have only negative pressure applied.

Abstract: A sample handling apparatus identifies sample holders and their location in a sample holder carrier. This information may be used to determine the identity of sample holders based only on location in the carrier during subsequent processing of material contained in the sample holders. Sample holder identity may be automatically read, and placement of holders in a carrier may be automatically determined and correlated with the holder identity. Such information may be stored, e.g., in a memory in the carrier so that sample holders can be easily identified later.

Abstract: A sample handling tool includes a body having at least one plunger associated with a channel and arranged for axial movement within the channel. A seal is provided in the channel and sealingly engaged with a contact surface. The contact surface may include a surface feature, such that when contact surface moves, the seal and surface feature come into at least partial contact with one another. The seal may include an elastomeric member, such as an O-ring or X-ring, and the contact surface may be formed from any suitable material, including ceramic. The surface feature may take on a variety of forms including any suitable texture, surface porosity or include one or more grooves, holes, recesses, indentations, bumps, protrusions, etc., or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A sample material, such as a liquid including genomic or proteomic materials, may be deposited on a work surface based on illumination of a sample transfer device by an illumination beam. Illumination of the sample transfer device may cause a portion of the sample transfer device to move and thereby cause separation of a portion of the sample material from the sample transfer device and deposition on a work surface. Illumination may cause an energy transfer from the beam to the sample material to thereby cause deposition of the sample material.

Abstract: A sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes sample handling needles, e.g., capillaries, arranged on the tool. Actuators are associated with each capillary to control flow for the capillary, e.g., to move the capillary and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the capillary. The actuators are arranged so that capillaries may be individually controlled by a controller that is capable of outputting a number of control signals that is less than the total number of capillaries. The actuators may be valves that receive two signals from a controller, a first signal that opens or closes the valve, and a second signal that allows fluid to flow in the valve.

Abstract: A small-volume sample handling system includes a chamber with first and second portions. A conduit having a flow control valve may be fluidly coupled to the first portion. A pressure in the second portion may be adjusted so that liquid samples can be aspirated and dispensed in a needle coupled to the valve in response to opening of the valve. The first and second portions of the chamber may be separated by a diaphragm.

Abstract: A material handling tool includes a piezoelectric motor that causes actuation of a needle. Actuation of the needle may include aspiration and/or dispensing of a fluid sample and/or movement of the needle to pick or place a material sample.

Abstract: A robotically manipulable tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes a processor on the tool. The processor may receive high level instruction from a robot controller and use the instruction to cause devices on the tool to perform desired functions. The processor can also store maintenance and other information regarding past use or repair of the tool. In addition, the processor may perform self-diagnostic tests on the tool or be used to perform functions during bench testing of the tool.

Abstract: A robotically manipulable sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes needles arranged on the tool. Actuators are associated with each needle to control flow for the needle. A plurality of plungers are each associated with a needle, and movement of the plungers can actuate a corresponding needle. Each of the plungers has a passageway that may be opened or closed, e.g., to move the corresponding needle and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the needle when the plunger is moved in the tool body. The actuators are arranged so that plunger passageways may be individually controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A robotically manipulable sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes needles arranged on the tool. Actuators may be associated with each needle to control flow for the needle, e.g., to move the needle and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the needle. The actuators may be arranged so that needles are individually controlled by a controller that outputs a number of control signals that is less than the total number of needles. The actuators may be membrane valves that receive two signals from a controller; a first signal that opens or closes the valve, and a second signal that causes fluid flow through the valve to actuate a needle.

Abstract: A robotically manipulable sample handling tool, such as a colony picking head or robotic pipetting tool, includes needles arranged on the tool. Actuators may be associated with each needle to control flow for the needle, e.g., to move the needle and/or draw fluid into/expel fluid from the needle. The actuators may be arranged so that needles are individually controlled by a controller that outputs a number of control signals that is less than the total number of needles. The actuators may be membrane valves that receive two signals from a controller; a first signal that opens or closes the valve, and a second signal that causes fluid flow through the valve to actuate a needle.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system and method allow high-throughput and fully automated processing of materials, such as liquids including genetic materials. The invention includes a variety of aspects that may be combined into a single system. For example, processing may be performed by a plurality of robotic-equipped modular stations, where each modular station has its own unique environment in which processes are performed. Transport devices, such as conveyor belts, may move objects between modular stations, saving movement for robots in the modular stations. Gels used for gel electrophoresis may be extruded, thus decreasing the time needed to form such gels. Robotically-operated well forming tools allow wells to be formed in gels in a registered and accurate way.