Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to provide at least a portion of capacitance of an inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit of a detection circuit, the capacitance of the LC circuit being dependent on a distance between the probe and a surface of a liquid in a biochemical analysis system. The apparatus includes a movement mechanism configured to move the probe. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to perform operations that include causing the movement mechanism to move the probe with respect to the liquid; measuring one or more characteristics of an output signal of the detection circuit, the one or more characteristics being dependent on the capacitance of the LC circuit; and detecting, based on the one or more characteristics of the output signal, a contact between the probe and the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to provide at least a portion of capacitance of an inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit of a detection circuit, the capacitance of the LC circuit being dependent on a distance between the probe and a surface of a liquid in a biochemical analysis system. The apparatus includes a movement mechanism configured to move the probe. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to perform operations that include causing the movement mechanism to move the probe with respect to the liquid; measuring one or more characteristics of an output signal of the detection circuit, the one or more characteristics being dependent on the capacitance of the LC circuit; and detecting, based on the one or more characteristics of the output signal, a contact between the probe and the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for probe tip heating are disclosed. An exemplary system for probe tip heating can include an enclosure enclosing a probe tip, a heating device, and a fan. The probe tip can be configured to access an internal volume of a stoppered container and to aspirate or dispense a material from or to the internal volume of the stoppered container. The heating device can be configured to heat air circulating within the enclosure.