Systems and methods applicable, for instance, to pipette robots. A pipette robot can perform one or more tip presence check operations, one or more tip seal check operations, and/or one or more distance sensing operations, including distance sensing operations which regard determining the height of the surface of a liquid.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

A laboratory with a laboratory sample distribution system being at least partially arranged in an underfloor chamber is presented.

According to one embodiment, an automatic container processing apparatus includes a tube socket, an operation part, and a control device. The tube socket has a container holding part for holding a container. The operation part is capable of operating the container holding part of the tube socket. The control device controls the operation part. The container held by the container holding part is dropped by operating the operation part.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a portion of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

The invention relates to a transport device for a laboratory sample distribution system, the transport device comprising a top cover having a transport surface, the transport surface being adapted to carry sample container carriers, an electromagnetic actuation assembly, the electromagnetic actuation assembly being adapted to generate a magnetic field at the transport surface for magnetic drive-interaction with a sample container carrier placed thereon, a support structure for carrying the actuation assembly, a sensor board being arranged in between the support structure and the top cover, the sensor board being adapted to detect a position of a sample container carrier placed on the transport surface with respect to the transport device, and elastic elements which are biased in between the sensor board and the support structure so that the sensor board is held flush against an inside surface of the top cover by a biasing force resulting from the biasing of the elastic elements.

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.