Abstract: A sample holder is provided. The sample holder includes a first member including a first retaining mechanism configured to retain a first substrate comprising a sample. The first retaining mechanism configured to retain the first substrate disposed in a first plane. The sample holder further includes a second member including a second retaining mechanism configured to retain a second substrate including a reagent medium disposed in a second plane. The sample holder further includes an alignment mechanism connected to one or both of the first member and the second member. The alignment mechanism configured to align the first and second members along the first plane and/or the second plane such that the sample contacts at least a portion of the reagent medium when the first and second members are aligned and within a threshold distance along an axis orthogonal to the second plane.

Abstract: Flowcell devices configured for reversible assembly, and methods of assembly, disassembly, and use thereof are provided. The methods and devices allow the interior of the flowcell device to be accessed without damaging, or otherwise disturbing sensitive samples and surfaces.

Abstract: Provided herein is a fluid delivery method for permeabilizing a biological sample. The method includes delivering the fluid to a first substrate and/or a second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a spacer. The method further includes assembling, subsequent to the delivering, a chamber comprising the first substrate, the second substrate, the biological sample, and the spacer. The spacer may be disposed between the first substrate and second substrate. The spacer may be configured to maintain the fluid within the chamber and maintain a separation distance between the first substrate and the second substrate. The spacer may be positioned to at least partially surround an area on the first substrate on which the biological sample is disposed and/or at least partially surround the array disposed on the second substrate.

Abstract: A calibration device is disclosed. The device comprises an array of teaching pendants. The device comprises a translation actuator configured to translate the array of teaching pendants to a set of x and y positions, wherein the x and y positions are measured in a plane substantially parallel to a floor of an instrument deck. The device comprises a plurality of height actuators configured to move each of the teaching pendants in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. One or more of the teaching pendants contact one or more teaching objects of an array of teaching objects above the instrument deck as a result of a position of the array of teaching pendants.