A system having a first automatic machine (1) for processing or investigating biological samples and a second automatic machine (16) for processing or investigating biological samples. The first machine (1) and the second machine (16) are electrically connected to an electrical power grid in order to be supplied with electrical energy as an electrical load. The first machine (1) has a first control apparatus (13) and the second machine (16) has a second control apparatus (19), which detect disruptions in the supply of electrical energy from the power grid and, in the event of a disruption, switch over to a withdrawal of electrical energy from a first energy reservoir (12) or a second energy reservoir (18). The first machine (1) and the second machine (16) are also electrically connected to each other, such that the electrical energy is transferrable from an energy store of one of the automatic machines to the other automatic machine.

An analysis device employs an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquid reservoir. The analysis device includes a guide-in section into which the analysis kit is guided, a placement section on which the analysis kit placed so as to be supported, a pusher member that pushes the analysis kit from one side face of the analysis kit, contact members that oppose another side face on an opposite side in the horizontal direction to the one side face of the analysis kit placed on the placement section, and contact the other side face of the analysis kit being pushed in by the pusher member so as to position the analysis kit in the horizontal direction, and a measurement member that measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit.

An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facing a tissue block. In some embodiments, a method is provided for facing a tissue block that includes imaging a tissue block to generate imaging data of the tissue block, the tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, estimating, based on the imaging data, a depth profile of the tissue block, wherein the depth profile comprises a thickness of the embedding material to be removed to expose the tissue sample to a pre-determined criteria, and removing the thickness of the embedding material to expose the tissue to the pre-determined criteria.

In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Assay system including assay apparatus and handheld single use assay devices for ElectroMagnetic Radiation (EMR) examination of a specimen. The assay devices include a housing, a specimen slide for elevation from an initial lowermost specimen introduction position to a final uppermost specimen examination position and a built-in liquid reagent dispensing arrangement for dispensing liquid reagent on the specimen slide. The assay apparatus automatically actuates an assay device and includes an imaging arrangement for obtaining specimen images.

A system for positioning a cartridge is disclosed. The system has a drive rod with a body having a first axis and a groove formed in the body. The groove has a first portion that is not perpendicular to the first axis and a second portion that is perpendicular to the first axis. The system also includes a collar that coupled to the drive rod. The collar has an element configured to engage the groove. Rotation of the drive rod with respect to the collar while the element is engaged in the first portion of the thread causes the collar to move with respect to the first axis. Rotation of the drive rod with respect to the collar while the element is engaged with the second portion of the thread causes the collar to remain stationary with respect to the first axis.

The present disclosure provides a system for handling slides. The system includes a carrier having a linear engagement feature and a notch, a cartridge having a compartment configured to accept the carrier, and a cartridge positioning system with a platform configured to accept the cartridge and an actuator. The actuator has a rotary engagement feature configured to engage the linear engagement feature and a tab configured to interact with the notch when the carrier is accepted into the compartment and the cartridge is accepted onto the platform.

A slide handling system is disclosed. The system has a carrier comprising a retention hole, a compartment configured to accept the carrier, and a spacer disposed so as to engage the retention hole when the carrier is fully seated in the compartment.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facing a tissue block. In some embodiments, a method is provided for facing a tissue block that includes imaging a tissue block to generate imaging data of the tissue block, the tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, estimating, based on the imaging data, a depth profile of the tissue block, wherein the depth profile comprises a thickness of the embedding material to be removed to expose the tissue sample to a pre-determined criteria, and removing the thickness of the embedding material to expose the tissue to the pre-determined criteria.