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: 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 modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the device comprising a trough which holds cleaning fluid and whose lower region has a fluid duct for filling and/or emptying purposes and whose upper region has at least one feed pipe which leads into at least one nozzle directed into the trough interior. Advantageously, the device has a cylindrical trough and an insert with nozzles which is screwed into the trough. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning pipette needles or stirrers, the material to be washed being introduced into the trough interior and sprayed with a washing fluid. The device can also be used to flush the interior of a pipette needle.

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 automatic analysis apparatus with a liquid level detection function includes a pipetting device for pipetting a liquid sample from a sample cup to a reaction container by using a pipetting probe that serves as a first capacitor electrode. A sample cup holding means serves as a second capacitor electrode having a ground potential. The conductor material is arranged along a direction in which the pipetting probe moves down for pipetting and is separate from the pipetting device. The conductor material has the same ground potential as that of the sample cup holding means and also serves as a second electrode whereby at any one time either of the sample cup holding means and the conductive material serves as a second capacitor electrode in combination with the first capacitor electrode.

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: Provided is a manually operated wash station that can simultaneously apply a wash process to multiple cells of a multi-well synthesis reactor plate. Further provided is a manually operated wash station that can be adapted to automatic computer control. A method for simultaneously washing a plurality of wells in a multi-well container is provided. Additionally, a method for purifying a plurality of chemical products simultaneously in a multi-well reactor plate.

Abstract: This device is directed at filling multiple receptacles without losing integrity of the system. It is also directed at receiving a (sealed) container of receptacles (opened or stopper/closed), opening an access into the sealed container, retrieving receptacles, filling those receptacles, stoppering the receptacles after filling and ejecting the receptacles, either directly into the outside environment or into a closable sack or container, in the latter case while maintaining the integrity of the environment within the device and, if desirable, the sack or closed container.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method and apparatus for mounting pre-cut capillary sized pipette tubes to aspiration tubes in a chemical processor. According to a first embodiment, the pipette tubes are dispensed from a magazine hopper into channels in a series of blocks that are connected to one another as a conveyor. The conveyor reorients the pipette tubes from horizontal to vertical to be engaged by the vertical aspiration tubes. According to a second preferred embodiment, the blocks are in the form of one or more trays that reciprocate between the hopper and the aspiration tubes. In both embodiments, the apparatus includes a clamp having a pair of closeable jaws adapted to grasp and remove the pipette tubes from the aspiration tubes after use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

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: In order to surely and correctly detect the liquid level of the sample even if the sample cup (5) is not directly set on the sample disk (105), the cup (5) is mounted on the test tube (6) set on the sample disk (105) and moved to a sample pipetting position. A conductive material served as a liquid level detecting electrode is provided between the sample pipetting probe and said sample disk (105). The sample pipetting probe start to move down, and when tip of the sample pipetting probe contact with the liquid level, and change of an electrostatic capacitance between the conductive material and the sample pipetting probe is detected, the moving down motion of the sample pipetting probe is stopped.

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 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: 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: The invention provides printing systems and methods for depositing small volumes of liquid on solid substrates. These systems and methods are useful with a wide variety of liquids and substrates and offer a wide variety of applications, including the deposition of arrays of analytes. In particular embodiments, the systems comprise a preservation device, a detachable ganged plurality of printing devices, and/or a wire bonding capillary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a verification method of a sample solution amount comprising the steps of: detecting at least one selected from the group consisting of a transmitted light component, a scattered light component and a reflected light component of a light by a photosensor while irradiating a sample solution, which is being injected into a sample cell, with the light; and verifying that a predetermined amount of the sample solution is held in the sample cell based on a change in an output signal from the photosensor.

Abstract: A microvolume liquid handling system includes a microdispenser employing a piezoelectric transducer attached to a glass capillary, a positive displacement pump for priming and aspirating transfer liquid into the microdispenser, controlling the pressure of the liquid system, and washing the microdispenser between liquid transfers, and a pressure sensor to measure the liquid system pressure and produce a corresponding electrical signal. The pressure signal is used to verify and quantify the microvolume of transfer liquid dispensed and is used to perform automated calibration and diagnostics on the microdispenser. In another embodiment of the microvolume liquid handling system, a system reservoir is connected with tubing to a pressure control system for controlling the liquid system pressure in the system reservoir. The system reservoir is coupled to one or more microdispensers through a distribution tube having a branched section for each microdispenser.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating and dispensing reagents are provided. Aspirating of reagents is accomplished by a probe, a vial insert and reagent vial according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the vial insert. Dispensing of reagents is accomplished by a probe and a probe dispense and wash station according to the present invention wherein a seal is formed between the probe and the vial insert when the probe engages the probe dispense and wash station.

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: A work station for simultaneously performing multiple assays includes a base structure, a receptacle rack assembly received within a receptacle rack well formed in the base structure, a pipette tip rack assembly received within a pipette tip rack well formed in the base structure, a multiple conduit substance transfer device, and substance transfer device positioning structure. The receptacle rack assembly holds a plurality of receptacles in which a plurality of individual assays are performed, and the pipette tip rack assembly holds a plurality of contamination limiting pipette tips. The substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles or simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles. Alternatively, the substance transfer device is capable of simultaneously dispensing substances into two or more receptacles, and, at about the same time, simultaneously removing substances from two or more receptacles.

Abstract: A mixture of beads from a combinatorial library is held in suspension in a liquid by movement of the liquid induced by a vertically reciprocating paddle. The tips of needles in an array are immersed in the suspension, a slot being provided in the paddle to avoid collision with the needles. Liquid is drawn into the needles until a bead becomes attached to the tip of each needle. Excess beads adhering to the needles are shaken off by an electromagnetically operated vibrator, and the beads are deposited in wells of a well plate by applying a short burst of pressure to the interiors of the needles. Liquid and any debris within the needles are thereafter discharged to a receptacle by applying a higher pressure burst to the interiors of the needles.

Abstract: A sample tube of a sampling valve is moved up and down by a cylinder. When the sample tube is moved downward, a sample inlet opposes a stored sample, and the sample can be extracted. When the sample tube is moved upward, the sample inlet opposes a cleaning liquid path. Thus, cleaning liquid is fed into the cleaning liquid path from a cleaning liquid supply port of a cleaning pipe. The cleaning liquid flows within the sample tube from the sample inlet, and flows out from a sample discharge port. Thus, an entire interior of the sample tube can be cleaned. In a sample extracting device using the sampling valve, a state in which no air or impurities are mixed in the sample can always be maintained, such that stable extraction can be carried out.

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: In a microvolume liquid handling system, a system reservoir is connected with tubing to a pressure control system for controlling the liquid system pressure in the system reservoir. The system reservoir is coupled to one or more microdispensers through a distribution tube having a branched section for each microdispenser. In this embodiment, each microdispenser is coupled to its own flow sensor and to enable a system controller to respectively measure and control the flow of liquid in the each microdispenser.

Abstract: A chemical analyzing apparatus comprises a reaction cell holder which holds a plurality of reaction cells that are supplied with samples and reagents at a predetermined position, a measurer for measuring characteristics of the sample, a plurality of reagent containers, a liquid deliverer provided below each of the plurality of reagent containers, one or more sound wave generators provided outside the reaction cells, and storage containers for storing cleansing liquid with different contamination states. The cleansing liquid with different contamination states is reused according to the contamination levels of the reaction cells.

Abstract: Heretofore, there has been demanded an automatic analysis apparatus which can prevent cross-contamination between reagents, which can prevent dust and gas from entering a reagent supply device, which can always know a remaining quantity of the reagent while can reduce the quantity of waste. According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic analysis apparatus in which a reagent supply device for supplying a reagent from a reagent container into a reaction container is removably attached to the reagent container, a protective door is provided in the reagent supply port in order to aim at preventing dust from entering the reagent supply device, and further the reagent container and the reagent supply device are provided with recording mediums for recording therein conditions thereof, a time of replacement thereof or the like, and which can inform whether the setting is proper or not.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for analyzing a sample which is capable of performing rapid and precise analysis of a small amount of sample, and whose gradient in a measuring apparatus is not limited. This device comprises approximately a rectangular plate shaped body comprising a base member made of resin and a transparent covering. A first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in the upper surface of the base member, and a groove is formed in communication with the first depressed cylindrical concave portion, the groove extending to the end of the protrusion portion 5c, and a second depressed cylindrical concave portion which is smaller than the first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in a certain position in the groove, the end of the groove opening to the outside at the end of the protrusion portion 5c. Then, the transparent covering is placed over the upper surface of the base member and then integrated together.

Abstract: Radio frequency photo conductive decay is used to monitor a small piece of high-grade silicon to determine if copper contamination has been removed from a probe tool. A probe tool is placed in contact with a small "waferette" of silicon repeatedly until the copper signal is diminished, indicating that the tool may be used for other products without concern for copper contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated device for determining or identifying and measuring a random number of different molecular classes, molecular parts or molecular groups in liquid or solid objects, in particular in cells and tissue specimen, said device comprising a combination of a pipetting system, a 3D handling system and an optical measuring system, preferably a microscope stand including an imaging device.The invention further relates to an automated method for determining or identifying and mapping a random number of molecular classes, molecular parts and molecular groups in objects, with which a random number of different reagent solutions may be applied simultaneously or sequentially to a liquid or solid object, in particular a cell, cells or a tissue specimen, and measured. An important field of application of the invention is cancer research as well as research into the immune system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic biochemical analyzer having a sample turntable and a reaction turntable. Plural sample containers for holding samples are arrayed on the sample turntable. Plural reaction containers are arrayed on the reaction turntable. A sampling pipette draws in a sample from some sampling container and injects the sample into some reaction container. A reagent pipette draws in some reagent from some reagent container and injects the reagent into the same reaction container. The resulting mixture is stirred by a stirring device. Produced reaction products are detected by a detector. Let N be the number of the reaction containers on the reaction turntable. The reaction turntable is rotated in M pitches in one step. Note that M and N do not have any common factor. First and second injecting positions adjacent to each other are established as positions where the reagent pipette can inject a reagent into the reaction container in position.

Abstract: This device discloses a portable sequential contaminant detection system which can test samples for contaminants at predetermined timed intervals. The detection system has a motor to advance a matrix, a motor to raise and lower syringes holding liquefied samples of air to be tested, and a motor to raise and lower plungers within the syringes to draw up fluids or expel fluids into reservoir wells of the matrix to test air or other samples for contaminants. The system relies upon a "matrix" which will hold reagents with which the air samples will be mixed. The matrix is stepped to move into precise registration with the "read" module where the relative reflectance of each capture membrane reads statically by a fixed LED, silicon photodiode and amplifier associated with each channel.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

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: A sample treatment system for automated extraction of compounds is disclosed. The system includes a housing defining an enclosure including a top cover having an open ended well for allowing a sample plate to nest therein, a automated shuttle means for lateral transportation and vertical lifting of both a waste and a collection plate to selectively address an area below the sample plate for the through passage of fluid from the sample plate and a digitally controlled variable speed vacuum pump operatively coupled to said housing for evacuating air from the enclosure to a degree below atmospheric pressure for through passage of fluid from the sample plate to either the waste plate or collection plate. The shuttle means includes motor drives and positive position feedback for precisely laterally and vertically positioning both the waste and collection plates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting low levels of one or more radionuclides in a fluid sample uses a substrate that includes an ion exchange resin or other sorbent material to collect the radionuclides. A collecting apparatus includes a collecting chamber that exposes the substrate to a measured amount of the fluid sample such that radionuclides in the fluid sample are collected by the ion exchange resin. A drying apparatus, which can include a drying chamber, then dries the substrate. A measuring apparatus measures emissions from radionuclides collected on the substrate. The substrate is positioned in a measuring chamber proximate to a detector, which provides a signal in response to emissions from the radionuclides. Other analysis methods can be used to detect non-radioactive analytes, which can be collected with other types of sorbent materials.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay method and apparatus which not only permit automatic operations of supplying and discarding reaction tubes, washing for B/F separation, dispensation of reagents, and measurement, but also permit the reaction time to be varied arbitrarily and can cope with any of the assay techniques including one-step and two-step noncompetitive sandwich techniques and competitive techniques.

Abstract: In the present invention, a disposable tip or a tip of a cleaning system is attached to a lower edge section of a nozzle, and the nozzle detects a liquid level by receiving fluctuation of a light close to the disposable tip or to an opening section at a lower end of the tip in the cleaning system, for instance, a light reflected from the liquid surface. In the present invention, not only the liquid level is detected, but also a liquid is filled in the disposable tip or the tip of a cleaning system detachably attached to the nozzle, a light is passed through the liquid in the disposable tip or the tip of a cleaning system, and a change of a light amount of the sucked liquid is detected, so that, for instance, a suction rate of the liquid, transparency thereof, contaminated by bubbles therein, clogging and a state wherein water has been exhausted are determined.

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: Apparatus and method for simultaneously performing at least two assays using certain reagents for a plurality of liquid samples on a continuous analytical system is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one reagent in a first reaction container to form a first assay reaction for each liquid sample, and combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one of the other reagents in a second reaction container to form a second assay reaction for each liquid sample. The method further comprises the steps of incubating the assay reactions of each assay being conducted at least one time, and performing other activities associated with each assay and using the first and second assay reactions to complete each assay, including analyzing the incubated assay reactions.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: The automatic pretreatment system for analyzing component of a specimen includes a pouring section for pouring a predetermined solvent into a distribution vial in which the specimen is accommodated, a shaking section for shaking the distribution vial after the solvent is poured, and a distribution section for distributing the specimen liquid in the distribution vial into one or more test vials after shaking. The sending and receiving of the vial between each of the sections, the supply of the test vial into the distribution section, and treatment in each of the sections are carried out automatically.

Abstract: A diluent is discharged by a dispensing device into a dilution bath 11 containing a sample, and a given amount of a diluted sample 12 is sucked from the upper face by the dispensing device and discarded by discharging it into a waste fluid cup to remove many small bubbles 13 generated during the preparation of the diluted sample used for determination. The diluted sample 12 remaining in the dilution bath 11 is used for determination to improve the precision and reproducibility of determination and to prevent failure of the dispensing device due to inclusion of bubbles.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, this invention includes an integrated robot apparatus for performing combinatorial chemistry synthesis protocols and having interchangeable work-stations, robot arm tools, and reaction vessels and reaction vessel arrays. The work-stations and tools are specialized to perform tasks necessary for the synthesis in a plurality of the reaction vessels grouped in a plurality of the reaction vessel arrays. Preferably, these elements function interchangeably because they have standardized sizes and conformation. The work-stations and tools include those for fluid dispensing or aspirating from individual reaction vessels or from all the reaction vessels in an array simultaneously. The reaction vessels can include, alternatively, stackable, ball-sealed reaction vessels, microtitre-like reaction vessel arrays, arrays of independent reaction vessels, valve-sealed reaction vessels, septum-sealed reaction vessels, and syringe reaction vessels.

Abstract: An automated assaying system is disclosed having a multiplicity of lumens oriented and controllable in clusters. The lumens are portrayed in a matrix, wherein each row of the matrix consists of one such cluster that is individually controllable for aspiration and dispensation purposes. Also provided is a unique wash system capable of flushing the entirety of the system. A method is also depicted for accomplishing this unique assaying.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for analyzing a sample which is capable of performing rapid and precise analysis of a small amount of sample, and whose gradient in a measuring apparatus is not limited. This device comprises approximately a rectangular plate shaped body comprising a base member made of resin and a transparent covering. A first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in the upper surface of the base member, and a groove is formed in communication with the first depressed cylindrical concave portion, the groove extending to the end of the protrusion portion 5c, and a second depressed cylindrical concave portion which is smaller than the first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in a certain position in the groove, the end of the groove opening to the outside at the end of the protrusion portion 5c. Then, the transparent covering is placed over the upper surface of the base member and then integrated together.

Abstract: A high throughput chemical synthesis system utilizing cylindrical reaction vessels is disclosed. Reaction vessels are utilized which include a tubular member adapted for placement of electronically readable identifying indicia thereon. The identifying indicia are representative of reaction conditions within the tubular member and of one or more reagents utilized in a reaction within the tubular members. A method of performing chemical synthesis on solid phase reactive material within a plurality of reaction vessels using a plurality of reaction stages resulting in final products and employing identifying indicia representing the reaction stages is also disclosed. The method includes reading the identifying indicia located on the reaction vessels, reacting one or more reagents within the reaction vessels under particular reaction conditions which may be determined by reading the identifying indicia, thereby synthesizing chemical compounds within the reaction vessels.