Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The subject materials are transported in regions of high ionic concentration, next to spacer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by spacer material regions of low ionic concentration. Such arrangements allow the materials to remain localized for the transport transit time to avoid mixing of the materials. Using these techniques, an electropipettor which is compatible with the microfluidic system is created so that materials can be easily introduced into the microfluidic system. The present invention also compensates for electrophoretic bias as materials are transported through the channels of the microfluidic system by splitting a channel into portions with positive and negative surface charges and a third electrode between the two portions, or by diffusion of the electrophoresing materials after transport along a channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-rotational apparatus for ensuring secure placement of a sample tube on a sample carousel. The sample tube includes a first open proximal end and a second closed distal end. Between the ends and located adjacent to the proximal end, the sample tube includes a radially outwardly extending annulus having an abutment surface. The abutment surface includes anti-rotational structure. The invention in an exemplary embodiment includes a sample carousel having an outer periphery zone having a plurality of openings. The openings are sized and shaped for compatible sliding engagement with the sample tube and adjacent to the openings are abutment surfaces. Each abutment surface includes anti-rotational structure and the anti-rotational structure is sized and shaped for compatible mating engagement with the sample tube anti-rotation structure.

Abstract: Substances having useful pharmacological properties are identified by candidate screeners and screening methods. The substances may be incorporated into medicaments. The substances may have modulating activity with respect to pre-defined molecular targets.

Abstract: The present invention provides for systems and methods that utilize automated and integratable workstations for identifying chemicals having useful activity. The present invention is also directed to chemical entities and information (e.g., chemical or biological activities of chemicals) generated or discovered by operation of workstations of the present invention. The present invention includes automated workstations that are programmably controlled to minimize processing times at each workstation and that can be integrated to minimize the processing time of the liquid samples from the start to finish of the process.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a sample, or cargo, with respect to a device in a robotic system is provided. The system includes a macro positioning system for “gross” movement of the sample between stations and a micro positioning system for precisely locating the sample in a predetermined location at a station with respect to a device that will interact with the sample. The macro positioning system provides a positioning mechanism for the general movement of a sample along a pathway between various destinations or stations wherein the sample is “grossly” positioned with respect to the station. Once at the station, the micro positioning subsystem disposed between a sample carrier and the station provides a positioning mechanism for “precisely” positioning the sample in a predetermined location at the station with respect to a device that will interact with, or perform some function on, the sample.

Abstract: An analyzer comprises a conveyor which conveys sample cups and reaction cups intermixedly on a closed track, a reactor which maintains reaction cups at a predetermined temperature, a trashbin which collects used reaction cups, a nozzle unit, a reaction cup lift which carries a reaction cup between the conveyor, the reactor and the trashbin and a drive unit which drives the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift to reciprocate, wherein the trashbin is placed on the straight track of the reaction cup lift, at least part of the closed track of the conveyor is straight and overlaps the straight track of the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift, and the straight part of the track of the conveyor accommodates at least two cups.

Abstract: A workstation has a transfer device with a gripper which is suitable for gripping sample tubes by a gripper clamp and for moving them from a sample tube rack to a sample tube bucket, for example for centrifuging. The transfer device has a receiving device (23) which can be gripped on a cylindrical upper handling part (25) by the gripper and removed from a holder (24) in which it has been placed in a defined position. It has an intermediate part (33) with, on its lower end, four hooks (37) which are arranged at the apices of a rectangle and can engage eyes in the sample tube buckets. After use, the receiving device (23) is replaced in the holder (24).

Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

Abstract: An analyzer which comprises a conveyer which conveys sample cups and reaction cups intermixedly on a closed track, a reactor which maintains reaction cups at a predetermined temperature, a trashbin which collects used reaction cups, a nozzle unit, a reaction cup lift which carries a reaction cup between the conveyer, the reactor and the trashbin and a drive unit which drives the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift to reciprocate, wherein the trashbin is placed on the straight track of the reaction cup lift, at least part of the closed track of the conveyer is straight and overlaps the straight track of the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift, and the straight part of the track of the conveyer accommodates at least two cups.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: An analysis system which permits sample pretreatment which comprises: a sample rack; a sample container supply, a sample dispenser, a solvent-removing evaporator, a solvent dispenser for dispensing a second solvent, a sample-stirring means, a sample aspirating-and-transferring means, a sample recovery means, a sample container recovery means, and a control means for controlling the aforementioned various means.

Abstract: A method whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: Waiting areas for allowing a plurality of sample racks to stop and wait are provided on by-pass line in each analysis unit. Sample racks introduced from ordinary sample inlet section or emergency sample inlet section, after waiting in the waiting area, are subjected to sample pipette operation by sample pipetting device. In the ordinary mode corresponding to ordinary sample processing, all of the stop positions of the waiting areas can be utilized, however, in the emergency mode corresponding to emergency sample processing, at least one or more of the stop positions of the waiting areas is prohibited to be used so as for the sample rack coming in to skip the stop position prohibited to be used.

Abstract: A small automatic analyzer in which a specimen disc 12 and a reagent disc 22 are disposed at different positions in a depth direction in a this-side area of an upper surface of an analyzer housing 40, a reaction disc 3 is disposed backward from the specimen disc 12 between the specimen disc 12 and the reagent disc 22, a specimen extracting and injecting unit 14 is disposed between the reaction disc 3 and the specimen disc 12, a reagent extracting and injecting unit 24 is disposed between the reaction disc 3 and the reagent disc 22, the specimen and reagent extracting and injecting units 14 and 24 are arranged at different positions in an oblique direction, the reaction disc 3, specimen disc 12 and reaction disc 22 each have a separate cover therefor, and the specimen extracting and injecting unit 14 and the specimen extracting and injecting unit 24 have a common cover therefor.

Abstract: A sample handler moves and positions sample tube racks in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. Sample tube racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed comprises a movable track having a platform mounted thereto. The platform includes spring loaded gripper fingers that engages and secures the sample tube rack to the platform. The cross-feed moves the sample tube racks to a point where they are accessed by the analytical instrument. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the sample tube racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a sample, or cargo, with respect to a device in a robotic system is provided. The system includes a macro positioning system for “gross” movement of the sample between stations and a micro positioning system for precisely locating the sample in a predetermined location at a station with respect to a device that will interact with the sample. The macro positioning system provides a positioning mechanism for the general movement of a sample along a pathway between various destinations or stations wherein the sample is “grossly” positioned with respect to the station. Once at the station, the micro positioning subsystem disposed between a sample carrier and the station provides a positioning mechanism for “precisely” positioning the sample in a predetermined location at the station with respect to a device that will interact with, or perform some function on, the sample.

Abstract: A method whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation or temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.

Abstract: A method of performing a determination of an item of interest in a sample using a single structure is disclosed. A sample is provided accessible to the single structure. A first container for processing the sample is placed in a first process path on the single structure. The sample is transferred to the first container in the first process path. A reagent is added to the first container in the first process path. Contents of the first container is mixed in the first process path. The item of interest in the sample is separated from the contents of the first container in the first process path. The separated item of interest in the sample is transferred from the first container in the first process path to a second container in a second process path on the single structure. Contents of the second container is brought to a first temperature different from a temperature of the first process path in the second process path. The item of interest in the second container is detected in the second process path.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for transporting components within an automatic analyzer system. In order to provide a simple and low cost apparatus for transporting components within an automatic analyzer system, the apparatus comprises a component carrier suitable for holding a plurality of components; transport means for transporting the component carrier from a first position in a first apparatus which has a first housing and forms part of the analyzer system to at least a second position in a second apparatus which has a second housing and also forms part of the analyzer system; and a third housing containing the transport means and connected with the first housing of the first apparatus and aligned with the second housing of the second apparatus.

Abstract: A method for screening a plurality of compounds is used in conjunction with microfluidic devices for performing high throughput screening assays. A conveyor system is used to transport and dispense libraries of compounds into one or more sample port of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device accesses the compounds in order to screen large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: A headspace sampling apparatus (10) operates to provide a sample of a vapor phase of a substance being analyzed under conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium. The substance is held in a vial (14). The vapor phase of the substance (18) is moved through a sample loop (34) between a first variable volume chamber (22) and a second variable volume chamber (40). A constant volume and temperature is maintained within the variable volume chambers, the sample loop and the headspace of the vial. An aliquot of the equilibrated vapor in the sample loop is passed to an analytical instrument (54) for analysis. The sample is obtained under conditions in which the sampling process does not affect the makeup of the sample because thermodynamic equilibrium is maintained.

Abstract: To facilitate operations wherein samples from different animal types are assayed in succession, disclosed is the provision of an animal type table wherein correspondences between animal type and identifying information designating the animal type are assigned and stored; an animal type input means for inputting, utilizing the identifying information, animal type of a vital sample to be analyzed; and analysis configuration means for altering analysis condition settings in accordance with inputted animal type. The animal type table settings are best user-configurable to suit the user's running of the automated analyzing system.

Abstract: On a base structure (101, 103), an assembly (104) oscillates about a horizontal axis (X—X) between two limit positions; on said assembly, a rotor (106) is capable of rotating about an axis (Y—Y) of rotation orthogonal to said horizontal axis (X—X) and has a ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1); an actuator (145) moves said assembly into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) roughly horizontal, to carry out an agitation stage, and into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) vertical, to carry out, before the reading stage, a centrifugation stage. The ring of seats (121) for test tubes has the test tubes (1) oriented, in the vertical position of said axis of rotation (Y—Y), with their bottom facing downwards and outwards.

Abstract: A chemical solution distribution system and method that includes or employs a plurality of liquid handlers where each of the liquid handlers includes a movable table that engages a sample multiwell plate and can align pipettes of the station with different subsets of wells of the multiwell plate where the number of wells of the multiwell plate is a multiple of the number of pipettes of the head of the pipette station. The system further includes and employs four different pumps to enable the system and method to supply four different solutions to wash stations of each of the four liquid handlers.

Abstract: A microarray storage device includes a cassette having top, bottom and opposite side walls, the front and rear of the cassette being open. The side walls are formed with a multiplicity of parallel rails spaced along the heights of the walls which define compartments in the cassette for supporting a multiplicity of microarrays one above the other. The depth of the cassette is such that the microarrays supported in the compartments project appreciably from the front and/or rear of the cassette. Integral springs are formed in the side walls of the cassette which press down directly on the side edge margins of the microarrays so as to releasably retain the microarrays in their respective compartments.

Abstract: The stat shuttle adapter and transport device includes a conveyor with a movable platform for securement of the stat shuttle adapter. The stat shuttle adapter is a universal holding device that includes a carrier housing having male and female surfaces that engage complementary shaped female or male surfaces of a rack that is held by the carrier housing. The conveyor has a forward load position wherein racks are loaded onto the carrier housing. The conveyor also has a rearward unload position wherein the loaded rack is locked onto the carrier housing to facilitate removal of the contents of the rack from the carrier housing without upsetting the rack. A latch device on the carrier housing is normally biased to a lock position but is maintained in an unlock position when the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor. A latch engagement device on the conveyor maintains the latch in the unlock position while the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method provides for the placing of samples containers inside holders, a first displacement bringing the holders to an zone with access to the blood analyser pipetting area, identifying the containers during this displacement, a second rectilinear displacement through the pipetting zone along a path perpendicular to the first, a third rectilinear displacement bringing the holders to a second zone acceding to the pipetting area a fourth displacement through the pipetting area and bringing the holders to second outlet zone located on the first path and a path bringing the holder, to the first access zone or an evacuating zone. The method is particularly useful for carrying out hemostasis test on centrifuged blood samples.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A micro sample tube is disclosed which is of a standard size on the exterior, but which has a reduced internal volume. A slope of an inner wall of the sample tube is a second order or higher curve, and is preferably a circle. Dead volume is reduced, and standard barcode labels can be used, due to the restricted internal dimensions and standard external dimensions. The curved inner wall of the sample tube, and an internal length of the sample tube which is the same as a conventional tube, reduces the likelihood of a sample probe of an automated analyzer impacting on an inner surface of the sample tube and potentially gouging the tube and/or damaging the automated probe. In a preferred embodiment, fins extend around said tube for reduced weight and improved heat transfer of the micro sample tube.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical screening method uses methods of concurrent transport and/or processing to increase throughput. A screener may concurrently retrieve chemicals from an addressable chemical storage module and deliver chemicals to a liquid handling module. The screener may also use one transport lane for moving chemicals away from a storage module, and a second transport lane for moving chemicals toward the storage module.

Abstract: A fully automated modular analytical system integrates instrumentation to permit analysis of biopolymer samples. The samples include, but are not limited to, all biopolymers, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, peptides and carbohydrates. The system integrates analytical methods of detection and analysis, e.g., mass spectrometry, radiolabeling, mass tags, chemical tags, fluorescence chemiluminescence, and the like, with robotic technology and automated chemical reaction systems to provide a high-throughput, accurate Automated Process Line (APL).

Abstract: A rack transportation assembly having a projecting member projecting forward is fixed onto a floor by a plurality of adjusters so that its rack transportation surface is brought to a desired level. The projecting member has a first reference surface facing upward. A treatment unit structure having a rack transferring area has a second reference surface in its lower surface. The treatment unit structure is pushed toward the rack transportation assembly under a condition that the second reference surface is lifted upward using height-adjustable casters so as to not become higher than the first reference surface. Then, the treatment unit structure is lowered so that the second reference surface is mounted onto the first reference surface, and a height in the front side of the treatment unit structure is adjusted using the plurality of adjusters.

Abstract: A method for fractionated distribution of a blood sample, includes the steps of: a) drawing up a blood sample into a needle; b) distributing via the needle an aliquot corresponding to a specific fraction of the blood sample drawn up, into a flow of a reagent, to thereby produce a mixture of the aliquot and of the reagent; c) collecting the mixture in a mixing and/or measuring receptacle; and d) repeating steps b) and c) at least once to distribute a further aliquot corresponding to a further specific fraction of the blood sample, into a further flow of reagent.

Abstract: A measuring system and method are provided for performing luminometric series analyses on reaction components to be investigated and the liquid samples containing the magnetizable carrier particles binding the components. Sample chambers receive the liquid samples. These sample chambers are transported to a measuring station on a conveyor. Permanent magnets act on the sample chambers with magnetic fields during transport. A separating station is also provided, which is preferably equipped with a suction and rinsing device to remove the surplus reaction components separated from the carrier particles that accumulate on wall areas of the sample chambers under the influence of the magnetic fields.

Abstract: An analytical instrument has a sample handler for inputting racks of containers, including various types and sizes of test tubes, both capped and uncapped, and inserts, into the instrument. The sample handler has an infeed, an outfeed and a cross-feed between the infeed and outfeed. The infeed and outfeed advance the racks of containers using walking beam mechanisms which lift the racks by tabs on the right and left sides of the rack, which are positioned at a substantially identical height. Racks input into the infeed are transferred by the walking beam mechanism to a track on the cross-feed. They are then pushed, by a transport subassembly having a platform with pivotable pusher fingers to cam the rack and to push it in only one direction, from behind the infeed to a fixed position behind the outfeed.

Abstract: A magnetic material attracting/releasing control method makes use of a pipette device sucking a liquid from or discharging a liquid into a container. A magnet body or bodies are provided in a liquid suction line of the pipette device, and any magnetic material contained in liquid sucked into the liquid suction line by magnetic force are deposited on the internal surface of the line. The magnetic material is released and discharged together with liquid from the liquid suction line to a state where the effect of the magnetic force generated by the magnet body is cut off.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary systems, devices and methods for manipulating and handling multi-well plates. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided which comprises a robot having a base member and at least one arm. The arm includes a grasping mechanism which is adapted to grasp the plate. Further, the grasping mechanism is configured to receive the plate in a repeatable and known location such that the location of each well relative to the grasping mechanism is known by the robot.

Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a plurality of compounds is used in conjunction with microfluidic devices for performing high throughput screening assays. A conveyor system delivers libraries of compounds to a microfluidic device which accesses the compounds in order to screen large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: A sample handling system comprising: a transportation line including a combination of plural partitive line units; and a plurality of handling units, wherein each of the plural partitive line units and each of the plurality of handling units form a pair, and each handling unit is installed removably from its corresponding partitive line unit. Each handling unit transmits inoperative information to the transportation line when it becomes inoperative. The transportation line transmits this inoperative information to the central controller. The central controller monitors handling units at which the sample rack can stop over. The sample rack avoids stopover at the inoperative handling unit, but is allowed to advance to the subsequent handling unit passing through the partitive line unit which makes a pair with the inoperative handling unit.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus is comprised of a means for producing cavitation in a complex reaction mixture to enhance the yield of the selected reaction product, a means for controlling the temperature of the complex reaction mixture, especially during cavitation, and a means for affecting magnetic separation of paramagnetic beads to which the selected reaction product is attached from the complex reaction mixture. In one embodiment, the compound(s) or molecule(s) is synthesized in situ, and isolated using the inventive apparatus. The apparatus finds use in the fields of solid phase organic synthesis, and for isolation and purification of a selected compound(s) or molecule (s), especially where automation is desired.

Abstract: A system for detecting a specific substance or analyte of interest is provided that includes one or more sensing units and an instrument for analyzing the sensing units. Each sensing unit preferably includes a substrate, an attachment layer and at least one capture layer that includes a ligand layer. In one embodiment, the attachment layer is tripartite and includes a lower binding surface held to the substrate and an upper binding surface that holds the ligand layer, together with an insulating layer disposed between these two surfaces. The lower binding surface provides a durable and stable attachment to the substrate. The upper binding surface holds the ligand layer and does not jeopardize the integrity or viability thereof. The insulating layer prevents any unwanted interaction between the lower and upper binding surfaces. Each sensing unit is supported on a test piece received by the instrument. The instrument controllably positions the test piece using marks and/or codes on the test piece.

Abstract: A test tube holder according to the present invention includes a holder body having a cylindrical body having a cylindrical hollow formed to a given depth from the top to the bottom along the axis of the holder body and designed to hold a test tube, a tightening ring mounting small-diameter section formed on the outer surface and near the top of the cylindrical body, and an engagement section formed on the outer surface and near the bottom of the cylindrical body and engaged with a guide rail for conveyance.

Abstract: The apparatus has two main regions of members the operation of which is controlled separately, the first region, to which the user has interactive access, permitting loading of the samples, controls, calibrators, diluents and other equipment for performing the sampling and dilutions and receiving the plate on which the tests are performed, and the second region, to which the user has occasional access, comprising stations dedicated to the rest of the process including incubation, washing, reading, and others, the second region being able to hold several plates at different stages of the process, the apparatus having means for automated movement along three coordinate axes X, Y, Z in order to transport the reagents and the plates in order to complete the process, enabling several tests to be performed at the same time on a set of samples in one or several plates, and enabling new series of tasks with the same or different sets of tests and with the same or different sets of samples to be started when the previ

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for preparing chemical libraries. The apparatus includes (1) a carousel comprising a plurality of reaction mounts having at least one reaction well; (2) a rotator that rotates the carousel step-wise; (3) a fluid delivery system; (4) a drain system; and (5) a programmable computer that controls the operation of the apparatus, including the rotator, the fluid delivery system, the drain system and other systems in the apparatus. The preparation of chemical libraries involves rotating the carousel through a plurality of stations. At each station, a physical step in a reaction protocol is carried out on the reaction wells of the mount docked at the station.

Abstract: The system for analyzing multiple samples includes a plurality of portable of sample supports each for accommodating a plurality of samples thereon, and an identification mechanism for identifying each sample location on each of the plurality of sample supports. The mass spectrometer is provided for analyzing each of the plurality of samples when positioned within a sample receiving chamber, and a laser source strikes each sample with a laser pulse to desorb and ionize sample molecules. The support transport mechanism provided provides for automatically inputting and outputting each of the sample supports from the sample receiving chamber of the mass spectrometer. A vacuum lock chamber receives the sample supports and maintains at least one of the sample supports within a controlled environment while samples on another of the plurality of sample supports are being struck with laser pulses.