Abstract:
Described herein is a modular robotic system for processing a biological sample, and methods of using a modular robotic system for processing a biological sample. The modular robotic system includes a bidirectional plate transportation track to transport plates within the modular robotic system, as well as robotic arms that can transport the plate from a node on the bidirectional plate transportation tack to a sample processing module. Through this system, the sample and/or consumable plates can be transported throughout the processing system. Additionally, the modular robotic system is configured to be expandable, so that the system can be easily adapted to scale up biological sample processing laboratories.
Abstract:
An apparatus for performing automated sample assay procedures may include a support plate configured to support a reaction device comprising an array of reaction chambers, the support plate being tiltable between a horizontal position and an angled position relative to horizontal. The apparatus may further include a pipettor configured to move relative to the support plate to pipette fluid into and out of the reaction chambers when the support plate is in the angled position.
Abstract:
A system (100) for controlling the operation a one or more crystallography laboratories (110) according to Figure 1 comprises a user interface (150) coupled to an input device (120). The laboratories each house test samples and include imaging devices and automated machinery configured to retrieve specific samples for imaging. A controller is configured to receive scheduling information from the user interface indicating one or more samples to be imaged and one or more times to image the samples, wherein the controller communicates the scheduling information to each laboratory housing at least one of the test samples to be imagined. The laboratory devices may communicate asynchronously via a server configured to receive messages, determine process(es) to be executed based on the type of the received message, the source of the message, and/or the destination of the message. A transmit message may then be generated, through execution of the process(es), and transmitted to the determined destination device when available.
Abstract:
Assay systems and components, and methods of using same. The assay system preferably includes one or more of the following components: i) an apparatus for retaining/positioning an assay plate; ii) a device for detecting proper alignment of an assay plate; iii) an apparatus for training a probe to locate and aspirate reagents and/or one or more samples; iv) a fluid handling device for aspirating reagents; v) an apparatus for detecting the presence/absence of a reagent comprising a fluid handling manifold having both a transparent light path and a fluid conduit defined therein and vi) a positive displacement pump having a pump chamber improved to contain one or more of: bypass means; cleanout means; and/or gas and sediment removal means.
Abstract:
A robotic device (10) for moving at least one object between locations, including a servo motor system (20) having a single servo axis for effecting motion in at least two directions of motion. The robotic device (10) includes a link arm (24) rotationally coupled to said servo motor system (20) for lifting and placing said at least one object, a head assembly (28) having gripper fingers (42, 44) for gripping and releasing said at least one object at said locations. The head assembly (28) includes a leveling mechanism (52) for maintaining said at least one object in a desired orientation, and a split ring sensing mechanism, disposed between said gripper fingers (42, 44), for determining the presence of said at least one object.
Abstract:
A system for storing and dispensing a plurality of vessels (54). The system includes an array of storage silos (44) or passages operable to store the plurality of vessels (54) where the storage silos have a dispensing end and a reloading end. A retrieval robot (22) is positioned adjacent to the dispensing end of the array of storage silos and is operable to retrieve at least one vessel (54) from at least one silo (44) in the array of storage silos. A reload robot (26) is positioned adjacent the reload end of the array of storage silos (44) and is operable to reload at least one vessel (54) into at least one silo (44) in said array of storage silos (44).
Abstract:
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
Abstract:
An apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of microplate racks (202) arranged in a stack. Each of the racks (202) is mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns (201 a, b, c, d) and each of the columns has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks (202). The apparatus also includes a lift, coupled to the support columns (201 a, b, c, d) for moving the stack or a portion thereof, and a controller, coupled to the lift and the locking devices. The controller is responsive to a signal to access a desired rack (202) or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of the locking devices corresponding to the rack (202) adjacent to the desired rack or microplate (202), followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired rack or microplate.
Abstract:
A pipette station is described for use in the field of sample analysis. The pipette station increases the rate and ease with which a liquid may be manipulated into and out of sample carriers such as microwell plates. The pipette station includes shafts in the X, Y, and Z direction which possess ball screws which are integrated with motor shafts thus improving accuracy and eliminating the need for a coupling apparatus thereby reducing the space required for the pipette station. The pipette station may be interfaced with an automated laboratory system.