Abstract: Provided is a specimen preparation apparatus capable of supplying a specimen from the specimen preparation apparatus to a specimen analyzer without burdening an operator. This specimen preparation apparatus comprises a stained specimen preparation part for preparing a specimen on a slide glass and staining the specimen, a keeping part for storing the stained specimen slide glass prepared in the stained specimen preparation part and a control part for deciding whether to supply the stained specimen slide glass to the keeping part or to the external apparatus.

Abstract: An automated discrete fluid sample analyzer includes a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module includes a well configured to receive a sample deposited by a pipettor and a sample preparation device in fluid communication with the well. The fluid sample is transferred from the well to the sample preparation device, and the sample preparation device prepares the fluid sample. The pipettor then aspirates the prepared fluid sample. The prepared fluid sample may be transferred from the sample preparation device back to the well, and the pipettor aspirates the prepared fluid sample from the well. In one embodiment, the sample preparation device includes a receptacle having a catalyst disposed therein. The catalyst may include a noble metal catalyst, such as cadmium. In another embodiment, the sample preparation device includes an ultraviolet lamp configured to apply ultraviolet light to the fluid sample.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: A method for positioning a sample in a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing two or more sample carriers on a conveyor; providing a fixed registration element for each sample carrier at predetermined locations along the conveyor; providing a flexure device positioned between the sample carrier and the conveyor; advancing the sample carrier beyond the fixed registration elements; reversing the conveyor direction to back at least one of the sample carriers into contact with its corresponding registration elements; continuing to reverse the conveyor until all sample carriers are in contact with their respective registration elements; whereby the flexure elements of the sample carriers in contact with the respective registration elements will deform as the conveyor reverses to allow all sample carriers to contact their respective registration elements, thereby providing a known position of the sample carrier.

Abstract: A sample carrier comprising a frame and one or more sample tube receiving structures pivotally connected to the frame. Each sample tube receiving structure includes a bottom member adapted to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a top member having a plurality of aligned apertures sized to receive sample tubes therethrough. The sample tube receiving structures can be releasably locked relative to a support wall of the frame, thereby substantially immobilizing sample tubes that are held by the sample carrier.

Abstract: A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60).

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe portion and a holster portion that may be coupled together. The probe portion includes a rotatable tissue sample holder that is configured to hold tissue samples. One or more portions of the tissue sample holder may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., a translucent manifold and shaft, transparent or translucent tissue sample trays, and a transparent cup that is external to the manifold and trays. The holster portion may include one or more sources of light, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the tissue sample holder, such as to facilitate viewing of tissue samples in the tissue sample holder. For instance, one LED may be aligned with the shaft of the tissue sample holder, while two additional LEDs may be positioned on both sides of the shaft.

Abstract: A device including a pre-analytical module provided with at least one tube stirrer for homogenizing blood and preventing clot formation and disposed on a line for single-tube transfer between an area for storing analyzable tubes, and at least one unitary operating whole blood analyzer and automatic tube-loading/unloading device arranged between the tube stirrer and the single-tube transfer line. The device is suitable for blood analyzers.

Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.

Abstract: An automated analyzer is configured to receive and analyze samples provided to the automated analyzer in primary sample containers. The automated analyzer comprises a sample retention unit, at least one transport device, and at least one aspiration device. The sample retention unit is configured to receive and retain a plurality of sample retention vessels. The sample retention unit may comprise a sample storage unit, an analytic unit, or other processing unit within the automated analyzer that retains a sample for some purpose. The transport device is configured to receive a first primary sample container containing a first sample and deliver the first primary sample container to the sample retention unit as one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. The aspiration device is configured to receive a second sample from a second primary sample container and deliver the second sample into one of the plurality of sample retention vessels.

Abstract: A specimen-transport module adapted for use with each of a plurality of specimen-processing instruments of a multi-instrument clinical workcell. Such module is adapted to transport individual racks of specimen-containers relative to a specimen-aspiration probe of an associated instrument in a workcell, as well as to transfer selected racks of specimen-containers to an adjacent and identical specimen-transport module associated with another clinical instrument of the workcell. Since the same transport system is used to both present specimens for aspiration and to transfer specimens between instruments, there is no need for two independent conveyances as is characteristic of the prior art. Preferably, the specimen-transport module includes a magnetic X/Y transport system that operates beneath a rack-supporting surface to advance racks in mutually perpendicular directions across a supporting surface via magnetic forces.

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: An analyzer comprising: an assembly holder for holding a reagent-containing assembly comprising an opening and a lid member for opening and closing the opening; an opening-closing section for opening and closing the opening by linearly moving the lid member in a reciprocating manner to substantially horizontal directions; a reagent suctioning section for suctioning reagent by inserting a pipette into the reagent-containing assembly through the opening; and an analyzing section for analyzing an analyzing specimen comprising a sample and the reagent is disclosed. A reagent-containing assembly and reagent suctioning method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A test strip analysis apparatus comprising a housing, an insertion station for receiving a test strip to be inspected, an optical measuring unit for measuring the test strip, a transport device for transporting the test strip from said insertion station to the optical measuring unit within the reaction period required for the test strip, and an analyzing unit for evaluating the measurement of the strip, wherein the transport device comprises first and second transport sections which are interconnected through a connecting region and can be driven independently of one another, with the first transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a higher first transport speed from the insertion station to the connecting region, and the second transport section being capable of transporting the test strip at a slower second transport speed from the connecting region to the optical measuring unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a high throughput system, apparatus, and methods useful for efficiently analyzing experimental liquid formulations applied to plants. In various embodiments, the high throughput system includes a liquid formulation dispensing subsystem (LFDS). The LFDS includes an automated moveable sample plate platform for holding at least one sample plate. Each sample plate includes a plurality of wells containing plant specimens. The LFDS is operable to sequentially position select ones of the wells at a well target location. Once a selected well is positioned at the target location, a micro-sprayer assembly, including at least one liquid formulation applicator, applies discrete amounts of a liquid formulation to the plant specimens within each selected well.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a calorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: This reaction vessel support is of the type comprising at least one supporting plate (46, 48) designed to take one or more reaction vessels, and mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (R). In one aspect of the invention, the support comprises at least one control member (94, 96) comprising releasable means (100) of coupling to a movable actuating element (40) of an actuator (10), in such a way as to enable the control member (94, 96) to be moved by the actuator (10), with the control member (94, 96) and the supporting plate (46, 48) being connected together in such a way that a movement of the control member (94, 96) by the actuator (10) is able to bring about a rotation of the supporting plate (46, 84) about the axis of rotation (R) in at least one direction of rotation. Of particular application to supports for microassay plates comprising wells laid out in a matrix arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that has a structure capable of using reagent containers each having an ID, such as a barcode, attached either on the top surface or the undersurface thereof, or alternatively on each of them. This automatic analyzer, therefore, allows information about the reagent ID to be read or written at an arbitrary timing even if the mounting density of reagent containers of the automatic analyzer is increased, thereby improving the function and performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: A reusable microplate kit for use in the life sciences industry includes a microplate and a removable lid. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate, a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate and a compressible gasket affixed to the underside of the plate. In use, the lid is mounted on the microplate by inserting each latch through a corresponding opening until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In this manner, the plate and gasket together serve to seal off each well from the outside environment. The microplate kit additionally includes a tool for disengaging the lid from the microplate and thereby assist in their separation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.

Abstract: A Staining machine for treatment of tissue specimens on slides placed in baskets (9) includes a number of baths (7, 12) placed successively in a row (6 resp. 11), and a device for successive transport of the baskets in a transport path from one bath to the next one, the baskets (9) being transported from an input station (5) to an output station (14) in accordance with a predetermined treatment program. The machine includes at least two bath rows (6 resp. 11) placed juxtaposed and parallel with each other, the first bath row (6) extending from the input station (5) to an opposite end of this row, and second path row (11) extending from the output station (14) to an opposite end of this row.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer is disclosed that dispenses a sample and a reagent into each of a plurality of reaction vessels to allow them to react with each other, and that measures the liquid formed as a result of the reaction. This automatic analyzer includes a first reagent storage case for storing the reagent to be used for the reaction, a second reagent storage case for storing the reagent for supplemental purpose, and a reagent conveying unit for conveying the reagent from the second reagent storage case to the first reagent storage case.

Abstract: A sample testing system comprising: a transporting apparatus; a testing apparatus for obtain a sample and performing testing on the obtained sample; and a controller. The controller executes operation of: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample rack in first direction, such that each sample container held in a sample rack is transported to a obtaining position on which the testing apparatus obtains a sample and then the sample rack is transported toward the second position; changing, when retesting of a sample contained in a sample container is necessary, the transporting direction from the first direction to second direction, and then controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport the sample container accommodating the sample, for which retesting is necessary, to the obtaining position again. Sample testing method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that includes a first conveyance device for transporting a container accommodating analyte; a first analyzer body for analyzing analyte accommodated in a container transported by the first conveyance device; a first transmission device for transmitting a first information through a first path from the first conveyance device to a predetermined computer; a second transmission device for transmitting a second information through a second path from the first analyzer body to the predetermined computer without passing through the first conveyance device; and setting device for setting whether or not to transmit the first information to the predetermined computer. Analyzing systems are also described.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: A sample processing system is disclosed that comprises: a transportation apparatus configured to convey a sample container; a first analyzer, arranged along the transportation apparatus, configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container conveyed by the transportation apparatus; a second analyzer, arranged along the transportation apparatus, configured to measure a sample accommodated in a sample container conveyed by the transportation apparatus; and a transportation controller configured to determine an analyzer to which a sample container is conveyed, and to control the transportation apparatus to convey the sample container to the determined analyzer, wherein: the first analyzer is configured to conduct primary measurement; and the second analyzer is configured to conduct both primary measurement and review measurement.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring and controlling the quality of a culture water are provided. The system includes a plurality of smart culture nodes having integrated water quality analyzers, a culture gateway and a terminal host. In the present method, each of the smart culture nodes detects the quality of the culture water through the integrated water quality analyzer thereof and activates corresponding culture equipments to adjust the quality of the culture water. Besides, the terminal host groups the smart culture nodes through the culture gateway and synchronously controls the smart culture nodes in the same group according to a water quality information collected by the smart culture nodes in the same group so as to activate the corresponding culture equipments to adjust the quality of the culture water. Thereby, the quality of the culture water can be efficiently monitored and controlled.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for analyzing a specific component in a specimen includes a rotor, a specimen dispenser, a temperature controlling element, a stirrer, and a data analyzer. The rotor is provided with a plurality of specimen container holders for holding the specimen container containing the specimen, and a plurality of reaction container holders that correspond with each of the specimen container holders and hold the sealed reaction containers containing the reagent for reacting with the specimen. The specimen dispenser removes the specimen from the specimen container and dispenses the specimen into the reaction container. The temperature controlling element maintains the temperatures of the reaction container at a constant temperature. The stirrer uses magnetic force to stir a mixed solution of the reagent and the specimen in the reaction container. The data analyzer analyzes the mixed solution.

Abstract: The performance of an analyzer is checked on by use of a performance check cartridge which has the same external shape as a reagent cartridge for analyzing samples has; the performance check cartridge holds reagents for checking on the performance of the analyzer, and concurrently holds process conditions and determination conditions for checking on the performance of the analyzer in the form of two-dimensional dot codes; in accordance with the process conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, the automated analyzer determines the absorbance by use of the reagents filled in the performance check cartridge, and compares a result of the determination with the determination conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, thereby checking on the performance of the analyzer.

Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: An automated chemical or biological sample analyzer includes a plurality of linear sample carrying racks that are moved to a processing station for conducting an analysis using one or more carousel devices. Under computer control, rotational movements of the carousel or carousels, linear movements of the transfer or shuttle mechanisms, and operation of a pipetting station are performed in a coordinated fashion so as to handle the processing of a large number of samples simultaneously in an optimized fashion that allows random ordering of samples for processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar-code driven, completely automated, microplate-based analyzer system for performing chemical, biochemical or biological assays. The analyzer is a modular, bench-top instrument that compactly integrates subsystems for sample dispensing, liquid handling, microplate transport, thermal incubation, vortexing, solid phase separation and optical reading. An internal processor is included for automating the instrument, and a user interface to facilitate communication with the operator via a touch-sensitive liquid-crystal display (LCD), and communicating with a remote network via multiple protocols. The analyzer includes firmware resident within the processing system and the user interface allows the operator to select pre-defined assay batch protocols and the user interface is configured in such as way so as to restrict an operator from programming the firmware.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a sample aliquot retained in temporary storage in environmentally controlled conditions on an automated clinical analyzer for a period of time without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: A method of separating a cell-containing sample into a substantially cell-depleted portion, and a cell-containing portion comprising at least one of a stem cell, a lymphocyte, and a leukocyte comprises a step in which the sample is received in a vessel with at least one flexible wall. In another step, an additive and particles are added to the sample, wherein the additive substantially binds to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the particles and wherein the particles substantially bind to the at least one of the stem cell, lymphocyte, and leukocyte, and the additive, thereby producing a cell-containing network. In a further step, the network is separated from the substantially cell-depleted portion by applying a magnetic force.

Abstract: A machine for processing samples of biological tissues or the like, comprising a box-like structure, which delimits a compartment for accommodating trays for containing sample treatment liquid (the trays being arranged in preset positions of the compartment), and racks for supporting at least one sample supporting slide to be inserted in the trays. The machine comprises elements for transfer within the compartment for the trays and the racks, both individually and with the racks inserted in the trays.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system comprises a table configured to engage at least two microplates and moveable in an X-Y plane and in a Z direction toward and away from the X-Y plane. The fluid distribution system can comprise a dispensing head that comprises a plurality of dispensing tips adapted to dispense fluid to one or more locations of a microplate. A plate-handling device is provided to selectively pick up and deposit, substantially simultaneously, two or more of the microplates. The fluid distribution system can further comprise an accessory carriage configured to engage a source of fluid and move the source of fluid into a position adjacent the dispensing head in position for the dispensing head to aspirate fluid from the source of the fluid.

Abstract: An optical assay apparatus having an optical filter, an optical sensor with a light ray redirection portion and an assay sensing portion, and a filter to block certain wavelengths of excitation light rays and to pass certain wavelengths of signal recovery light rays from the optical sensor. A method for performing an assay that includes providing at least one assay station, moving the optical sensor into position over a respective fluid in at least one assay station, immersing the assay sensing portion in the respective fluid, and removing the assay sensing portion from the respective fluid.

Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3), performs a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at second position (P2), is conveyed to fourth position (P4) located downstream, in advance of microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be retained by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to fourth position (P4), after the dispensing process is completed.

Abstract: A method for determining a reference position for a pipetting needle which is part of an automatic analytical apparatus that includes a rotatable conveyor, conveyor driving means, an automatic pipetting unit having a needle transport device, excenter mechanism, a level detection means, and a reference member for determining a reference position.

Abstract: Specimen analyzer includes a first holding section for holding a container; a first mechanism section for executing a first operation for the container on the first holding section; a second holding section for holding the container; a first transfer mechanism section for transferring the container from the first holding section to the second one; a second mechanism section for executing a second operation for the container on the second one; an error detector for detecting error in the first mechanism section; and an error controller for controlling the operation of the first holding section, the first and second operation so that the first operation and the transfer operation of the first holding section would be stopped while the second operation would be continued in case of the error in the first mechanism section. An abnormality control method of the analyzer and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.

Abstract: An automated system and method for individually processing multiple specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid in respective containers. The containers are transported seriatim along a processing path to present them to, at least, a preprocessing apparatus (e.g., a mixing head), and then to a specimen acquisition apparatus, which removes preprocessed specimen fluid from the container for subsequent analytical testing or evaluation. Each apparatus is actuated in response to presentation of a container thereto so as to carry out its respective operation independently. An exemplary system can include, in sequential order, stations for container loading and unloading, container uncapping and cap disposal, specimen mixing, filter loading, specimen acquisition (e.g., by aspiration, and then slide printing), filter disposal, and container resealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a container having a slidable shutter closure moving past the apparatus includes: a rotatable shaft having an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel of the slidable shutter, the shaft being biased against rotation in either direction; a driver for bidirectionally moving the shaft from a position away from the container to a position in the vicinity of the container for opening and closing; and an extension extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft along at least a portion of the shaft into a line of travel, whereby the extension is adapted to engage the shutter closure of the container and move the shutter closure from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position. A reagent source for an automated analyzer includes: a reagent source which includes a container having a shutter closure which slides between an open and closed position; an apparatus for opening and closing the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion source and vacuum housings for use in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry which operates with any type of mass analyzer including linear, reflector, or tandem TOF-TOF instruments. By removing the requirement for the vacuum lock, the present invention allows operation of the ion source vacuum chamber at a pressure at least two orders of magnitude higher than conventional instruments. The present invention also requires only a single valve that isolates the ion source vacuum housing from the TOF analyzer vacuum housing. This is a significant improvement over vacuum locks in the art where the valve opening must be sufficiently large to allow the sample plate to pass through.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes one or more laboratory devices that operate together to perform an assay. The testing system is designed such that a laboratory device may be seamlessly integrated with the remaining devices in a quick and effortless manner. Specifically, the laboratory device is securely mounted on a slidable cart with fluid and electrical connections established therebetween. The slidable cart is in turn adapted to releasably engage with a docking station that is fixedly mounted on the workspace floor, the docking station being provided with at least one fluid input connection, an input power connection and at least one communication signal connection that are relatively permanent in nature. In order to couple the cart to the docking station, the cart is rolled generally into position above the docking station using complementary alignment posts and tracks.