Abstract: A liquid container having a top opening, a base, and an extraction chimney which extends into the container and which is in alignment with the top opening is presented. The extraction chimney is intended for the withdrawal of liquid by a liquid-withdrawal element that is introduced into the liquid container through the extraction chimney. The extraction chimney has a liquid-permeable zone in its bottom region, adjacent to the liquid container base. The liquid permeability of the liquid-permeable zone of the extraction chimney can be adjusted between a setting for minimal liquid permeability and a setting for greater liquid permeability. The extraction chimney can be adjusted while the extraction chimney remains in the liquid container.

Abstract: Methods for dosing a fluid into a receiving channel of a test element using a dosing device are disclosed. The dosing device comprises a dosing chamber in fluid connection with a dosing tube having a dosing tip, an optional dosing element extending at least partially into the dosing chamber, a dosing control device, and a movement device for moving the dosing tube and the test element closer to one another. The movement device is actuated to move the dosing tube relative to the test element. The dosing control device is actuated to discharge a fluid into the receiving channel. During the discharge, a fluid bridge forms between the dosing tip and the receiving channel. At the end of the discharge, at least some of the fluid reaches the receiving channel through suction force. A disposable cartridge may be used for dosing a fluid into such a receiving channel.

Abstract: A method for maximizing analyzer throughput irregardless of the mix in demand of different assays to be conducted by duplicating the reagents required to conduct selected assays in at least two separate reagent servers and also enabling newly incoming selected assays to be conducted using reagents from whichever reagent server has the smaller backlog of such high-volume assays.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a prescribed product in a Petri dish, the device comprising pistons, a transfer member with lid-bearing openings and a dish bottom, and a dispensor. According to the disclosure, the transfer member is a shuttle capable of translation relative to the base according to a direct reciprocating movement of the bearing openings between either of first and second stop positions, the dispensor being arranged so as to dispense the product above the inner opening and under the upper opening at the bottom of the dish when the openings are in a position selected from the first and second stop positions.

Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials between these carousels. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.

Abstract: A pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a gripper system, and which includes a floating gripper carriage, which is configured to move independently from said pipetting system. The pipetting system and said gripper system are configured to utilize a common motor. In alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, and a stripper assembly. The pipetting system and the stripper assembly are configured to utilize a common motor. In another alternative embodiment, a pipetting head apparatus includes a pipetting system, which includes a stripper assembly, a main carriage assembly, and a gripper assembly, where the stripper assembly and gripper assembly are both configured to move independently from the main carriage assembly. Also a method is disclosed for distributing material samples for laboratory processing.

Abstract: Protein crystallization screening and optimization droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a screening droplet actuator is provided and includes: (a) a port for introduction of one or more crystallization reagents and/or one or more protein solutions; and (b) a substrate including: (i) an array of two or more mixing wells; and (ii) electric field mediated microfluidics for moving droplets comprising the crystallization reagents and protein solutions into the mixing wells. Optimization droplet actuators, systems including screening droplet actuators, methods of screening protein crystallization conditions, and methods of testing conditions for growing a crystal are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reaction cuvette wash unit comprising a cleaning needle assembly, a straight guide pair, a slide screw pair, a motor, a trigger component associated with a cleaning needle of the cleaning needle assembly in a manner to move with that cleaning needle, and a sensor used to sense the position of the trigger component. When the trigger component moves to a predetermined position, the sensor is triggered and sends a signal to a controller such that the controller controls in a manner to stop the motor. Each of cleaning needle components further comprises a sheath holder and an elastic member. The elastic member is designed to provide an elastic contact while the cleaning needles touch the bottom surface of the reaction cuvette, such that a relatively small force is exerted upon the bottom of the reaction cuvette, thereby effectively protecting the reaction cuvette from damage.

Abstract: An automated standards sampling apparatus (50) and method for using such, apparatus are described. The apparatus can be integrated with a liquid analyzer to form a compact, integrated liquid analysis unit. When used in combination with a specially adapted vial se of standard liquids, the apparatus provides a system for automated, substantially error-free periodic calibration and accuracy verification for an online TOC analyzer (52). The automated standards sampling apparatus of this invention facilitates the easy introduction of known concentrations of standard solutions and “grab” samples into online TOC analyzers to satisfy regulatory compliance, calibration, and validation requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: Multiwell droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a substrate is provided and comprises: (a) one or more input ports for introduction of one or more reagents and/or samples; (b) a regular array of processing wells; and (c) a network of droplet transport pathways comprising pathways that provide direct or indirect droplet transport from each of the input ports to each of the one or more processing wells. Varying droplet actuators and systems related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A production apparatus, for producing a probe array, comprises a liquid discharging device for discharging a liquid containing a probe capable of being specifically bonded to a target substance in order to form a spot on the carrier, a detector for detecting whether the spot is formed or not by observing a surface state on the carrier, and a controller for controlling the liquid discharge device to again discharge the liquid to form the spot on the carrier if the detector detects that the spot has not been formed on the carrier.

Abstract: Relates to a carrier (1) for positioning objects (5), which are oriented in the Z direction of a coordinate system, in relation to laboratory articles. Z rods (12) comprise a Z guide (43), on a cage (10) carrying the individual drive wheel (17), on which the Z rod (12) is guided in the Z direction. Each drive wheel (17) comprises a section (41), which is tailored to the cross-section of the profiled rod (18) of the Z drive of the carrier (1), individually driven by a motor, on which the drive wheel (17) is seated so it is not rotatable and is displaceable by sliding in the Y direction. The carrier (1) is characterized in that the attack faces (40) of the profiled rods (18) for driving a drive wheel are larger than the attack faces of a profiled rod having a square cross-section but having equally large radius.

Abstract: Liquid aspirators are described that include an aspirating pipette; a drive source for descending the aspirating pipette; and a controller for controlling the drive source; the aspirating pipette being stopped from being descended by loss of synchronism of the drive source caused by upward force to be exerted on the aspirating pipette. Analyzers are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a punching apparatus for use in dispensing, having a blood specimen contained therein, and punching a dispensing hole in a plug body of a test tube serving as a specimen container closed by the plug body whose upper end opening is made of a rubber or synthetic resin material, the apparatus comprising a guide rail serving as a transport passage which transports the test tube while the plug body thereof is held at the upper side in a vertical state, an elevating mechanism provided at a punch position P in the middle of the guide rail, and an ultrasonic cutter which is supported by the elevating mechanism, and which is lowered when the test tube reaches the punch position, thereby punching a dispensing hole immediately before penetrating the plug body from a top face thereof.

Abstract: A system controls aspiration and dispensation of a liquid in a pipette. The system includes a computing device and the pipette. The computing device includes a pipetting module and a first communication interface. The pipetting module defines an operation to perform at the pipette. The first communication interface sends electronic signals to the pipette, the electronic signals defining the operation to perform at the pipette. The pipette includes a sampling tube, a piston assembly, a piston drive mechanism, a second communication interface, and a microprocessor. The piston assembly mounts to the sampling tube and includes a piston rod that fits within the sampling tube. The piston drive mechanism includes a control rod having a surface that contacts the piston assembly. The piston drive mechanism moves the piston rod of the piston assembly within the sampling tube thereby causing regulation of a liquid in the sampling tube.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for positioning pipettes in medical-technical applications including at least one pipetting apparatus with at least one pipette as well as several drive units for positioning a pipette tip and for moving it over a working area and transversely to a working area, a sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area supports the pipette, at least one pump drive with at least one pump and at least one pump chamber is provided for aspirating or dispensing a medium, such that by providing the at least one pump drive with pump and at least one pump chamber integrated in the sliding carriage that is moveable transversely to the working area, the design of the positioning device becomes compact and precise pipetting is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.

Abstract: An automated fluid handling system configured to prepare fluid samples and to introduce them into an analytical instrument, such as a particle analyzer, flow cytometer or sorter flow cell, and that is capable of analyzing both accurately and quickly.

Abstract: A fluid-ejection device includes a handheld and/or mountable enclosure, a pneumatic fitting, an electrical connector, and a controller. The pneumatic fitting extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to placement of a tip thereon. The tip contains a supply of fluid, a fluid-ejection mechanism, and an electrical connector for the fluid-ejection mechanism. The electrical connector extends from and/or through the enclosure and is receptive to electrical coupling of the electrical connector of the tip. The controller is situated within the enclosure to cause the tip to eject the fluid via the electrical coupling of the electrical connectors of the tip and the fluid-ejection device.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system, which includes a vessel supply rack for supplying vessels in a vessel supply position, a movable vessel pick-up table for picking up and moving a vessel from the vessel supply position to the vessel filling position, a movable metering table disposed above the vessel pick-up table and configured for picking up and moving at least two metering containers configured to hold chemical substances, the metering containers being able to be positioned above the vessel filling position to fill chemical substances into a vessel, a scale, disposed underneath the vessel filling position for determining a substance quantity filled into a vessel, and a stirrer, disposed above the vessel filling position, for mixing of substances filled into a vessel. Also described is a method for operating such a laboratory system.

Abstract: An article of laboratory glassware for directing the flow of chemical materials is described. The article includes a glass manifold having a plurality of input ports and at least one output port, and a plurality of stopcocks. Each stopcock has an inlet port and an outlet port connected by a passageway through the plug. Each of the stopcock output ports is connected to one of the manifold input ports, and each of the stopcock input ports is connected with one end of a hollow glass tube, and the other end of the hollow glass tube is connected to a female ground glass joint. The output ports of the manifold are terminated to a male ground glass joint. Each plug is rotated by an electrical motor or a servo, and sensed by a sensor. The rotation of each rotating plug is controlled by a computer.