Abstract:
An automation system for use with in vitro diagnostics includes a track configured to provide one or more paths and a plurality of payload carriers having payload carrier types. One or more of the plurality of payload carrier types has a different payload carrier dimension in a direction of travel than another payload carrier type. The system includes a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track in the direction of travel. Each of the plurality of carriers has a substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel and configured to hold any one of the plurality of payload carrier types. The system includes a controller configured to navigate the plurality of carriers along the track based on at least one of: (i) the substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel; and (ii) one or more of the different payload carrier dimensions in the direction of travel.
Abstract:
La pince comprend des premier et second bras (76, 78) mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre le long d'une direction de saisie (Z) entre une première position de saisie et une première position de relâchement du premier support d'échantillons biologiques (10). Le premier bras (76) comprend une première rainure (98); le second bras (78) comprend une seconde rainure (100); lorsque les premier et second bras (76, 78) sont en première position de relâchement, les première et seconde rainures (98, 100) sont écartées l'une de l'autre suivant la direction de saisie (Z); lorsque les premier et second bras (76, 78) sont en première position de saisie, les première et seconde rainures (98, 100) sont rapprochées l'une de l'autre le long de la direction de saisie (Z) et s'étendent l'une en face de l'autre, de manière à pouvoir recevoir les bords latéraux (14, 16) du support d'échantillons biologiques (10), afin de saisir le support d'échantillons biologiques (10) par enserrage des bords latéraux (14, 16) suivant la direction de saisie (Z).
Abstract:
The reaction vessel support comprises at least one support plate (46, 48) for accommodating one or more reaction vessels and is mounted so that it rotates about a rotation axis (R). According to one aspect of the invention, the support comprises at least one controlling element (94, 96) having releasable coupling means (100) with a moving actuating element (40) of an actuator (10), whereby permitting the controlling element (94, 96) to be displaced with the aid of the actuator (10), the controlling element (94, 96) and the support plate (46, 38) being connected to one another so that a displacement of the controlling element (94, 96) by the actuator (10) is capable of causing the support plate (46, 84) to rotate about the rotation axis (R) in at least one direction of rotation. The device is for use, particularly in microtitration plate supports comprising wells arranged in a matrix.
Abstract:
A detection system may include a moveable tray configured to hold a multi-cell container of one or more reagents and/or one or more samples. A driving mechanism may be configured to reciprocate the tray in the first linear direction to agitate contents of the container, and may be configured to conduct electrochemiluminescence or other measurements on samples located in the container. The system may include an apparatus for retaining a container, a device for detecting the presence of a container, an apparatus for training a probe to locate and aspirate one or more reagents and/or one or more samples, a latching mechanism for moving parts in the system, and/or a positive displacement pump. A controller may be configured to control linear reciprocation of the tray to have one of a piecewise constant velocity profile and piecewise constant acceleration profile in which the number of piecewise constants does not exceed 24.
Abstract:
An image analysis system and related methods for automation of the monitoring of samples to determine crystal growth. Samples are imaged from time to time using a set of imaging parameters. The resulting images are evaluated to determine the contents of the samples. If the evaluation of the image indicates the presence of crystals, the sample may be re-imaged using a different set of imaging parameters, and the resulting image analyzed to determine its contents. The sample may also be evaluated by generating multiple images of a sample using various sets of imaging parameters, identifying pixels that depict regions of interest in a plurality of images, merging the pixels from each region of interest into a composite image and analyzing the composite image. An image of a sample can also be evaluated by classifying the pixels of the image based on the contents of the sample that they depict, color-coding the pixels using the classifications, and displaying the colored image for analysis.
Abstract:
An automated biological sample analysis system and method for use in incubating and analyzing multiple samples for protein crystallization. A temperature controlled cabinet houses sample storage, sample transport, and sample imaging systems. The operation of the system is automated and can be controlled by software, which can be reconfigured remotely. An array of storage shelves includes multiple shelf columns arranged around a core. Multiple banks of removable shelves arranged as magazines are accessed through a door on the cabinet. Each shelf stores a multi-well plate and different sizes can be stored in different shelves. The core houses a sample transport system that includes a multi-axis robot that rotates about a vertical axis to access the shelves in the shelf array. The transport system retrieves and replaces the multi-well plates in the shelves and can move plates from the shelves to an imaging system where each sample can be automatically imaged.
Abstract:
A storage and retrieval apparatus including a robotic device capable of gripping items stored in the apparatus and delivering the item to a separate, proximate instrument. The items to be stored are loaded from the outside of the apparatus at each face of the hexagonal shaped storage carousel. The storage carousel is mounted on a stationary base, both structures including a hollow core. The robotic device includes slider bars within the core of the apparatus and is rotatable about the central axis of the apparatus. The robotic device is capable of translating vertically, telescoping horizontally, rotating and gripping an item stored at a desired location within the storage carousel. Upon retrieval of a desired item, the robotic device will proceed to retract and translate downward to an aperture within the base. The item is transferred to an adjacent instrument through the aperture using the telescopic arm of the robotic device.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus are provided for simultaneously moving a first sample plate into an analytical apparatus and a second sample plate from the analytical apparatus. The first sample plate is moved on an entry path which is vertically spaced apart from an exit path for the second sample plate. The transfer mechanism is disclosed in operation with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.
Abstract:
An automated processing system (100), particularly for use in biotechnology, which is modular in construction and allows for a wide variety of instruments to be inserted and/or removed without having to reprogram the system and methods of using such a system (100).
Abstract:
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module (150) having integrated electrodes (166, 168) with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules (150), induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells (158) or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.