Abstract: A method for fluid handling that includes reading information about a receptacle holder with an RFID reader and transmitting the information from an RFID transponder disposed on a first body of the receptacle holder that supports a fluid-containing receptacle. This information is used to align a robotic fluid transfer device with the first fluid-containing receptacle. Detecting a change in capacitance between an electrically conductive probe of the robotic fluid transfer device and an electrical ground or voltage source capacitively coupled to fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle is an indication that the probe has contacted the fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle. Once it is determined that the probe has contacted the fluid, the fluid transfer device aspirates a portion of the fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle.

Abstract: A receptacle holder for supporting at least one fluid-containing receptacle includes a body and an RFID transponder. The body includes an electrically conductive portion defining a first recess configured to receive at least a first fluid-containing receptacle, and an electrically non-conductive portion attached to the electrically conductive portion. The RFID transponder is disposed on the electrically non-conductive portion of the body, and stores information about the receptacle holder. The receptacle holder can also include the first fluid-containing receptacle received within the first recess.

Abstract: A receptacle holder for supporting at least one fluid-containing receptacle includes a body and an RFID transponder. The body includes an electrically conductive portion defining a first recess configured to receive at least a first fluid-containing receptacle, and an electrically non-conductive portion attached to the electrically conductive portion. The RFID transponder is disposed on the electrically non-conductive portion of the body, and stores information about the receptacle holder. The receptacle holder can also include the first fluid-containing receptacle received within the first recess.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention determine skew relative to a plurality of communication paths on a network system. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The plurality of communication paths involves different signal and path attributes such as a plurality of carrier wavelengths, optical carrier groups, physical communication paths (different nodes, different fibers along a same path, or any combination of the foregoing), or any other differentiating factors between two paths.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention determine skew relative to a plurality of communication paths on a network system. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The plurality of communication paths involves different signal and path attributes such as a plurality of carrier wavelengths, optical carrier groups, physical communication paths (different nodes, different fibers along a same path, or any combination of the foregoing), or any other differentiating factors between two paths.