Embodiments of lab automation workstations are disclosed in which the pod that performs pipetting operations is integrated with pipette tip-loading functionality. To generate the necessary tip-loading force, a dual drive system is used that is symmetric about the Y-axis to allow for offset or partial tip box loads by dynamically centering the drive force (e.g., the tip-loading force) over the reaction load. This minimizes the need for oversized linear motion components while still allowing for the generation of high tip-loading forces needed to properly load a large number of pipette tips simultaneously.

A multi-channel parallel pretreatment device includes a magnetic separation and transfer device and a first drive device. The magnetic separation and transfer device includes a second mounting bracket provided therein with an injector chamber. A mounting plate is provided above the top of the injector chamber and is provided with multiple piston rods that are connected to the injector chamber in a movable and sealing manner. The second mounting bracket is further provided thereon with a second drive device. The injector chamber is provided with loading heads that have a hollow structure. The piston rods have free ends that are provided with magnetic rods. The second drive device can drive the magnetic rods on the piston rods to pass through the loading heads. The first drive device and the second drive device realize the reciprocation of the loading heads.

Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

A laboratory instrument for processing a sample and a method for automatic surveillance of at least one pipetting procedure of at least one laboratory instrument for processing a sample are disclosed. The laboratory instrument includes at least one pipetting device with at least one pipetting head configured for being coupled to a plurality of pipetting tips. The laboratory instrument further includes a compartment configured for receiving, storing, and/or releasing at least one sample holder. The pipetting device is configured for performing at least one pipetting procedure on the sample holder and the laboratory instrument includes at least one sensor unit configured for gravimetric measuring of the sample holder.

A method of measuring the alignment of one or more pipetting tips in an automated pipetting system where the one or more pipetting tips are mounted on one or more adapters of a pipetting head approximately perpendicular to the pipetting head mounting surface is disclosed. The orifices at the end of the one or more pipetting tips are mapped with an image capture device having a sensor placed in face and distant of the orifices. The method sends the acquired data from mapping the orifices of the one or more pipetting tips to the data processor, generating an image of the orifices of the one or more pipetting tips, determining the center positions of orifices, and delivering alignment information for the one or more pipetting tips.

Methods of transferring material from a first device having an array of microwells to a second device is provided. In some examples, the first device and the second device are moved together toward a stopper plate and impinge on the stopper plate. In other examples, the first device and the second device are kept stationary and an impinging device is impacted on a mounting structure enclosing the first and second devices, causing material transfer from the microwells of the first device to the second device. Apparatus for carrying out the transfer of material is also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a pipette dispensing block with an improved design for the piston chambers. In a multichannel pipetting block with a grid or array of pipetting piston of any order, the individual piston chambers are individually manufactured using the injection molding process. The individual piston chambers are assembled into a grid or single line array and held together by upper and lower plates in combination with either stabilizing posts or walls. The piston chambers are designed and assembled with a dual o-ring design at the tip and a tip sealing gasket at the bottom to provide the air-tight seal that is required for optimum pipetting performance. When combined with pistons and a motor-driven lifting plate for the pistons, the entire assembly forms a forms a multichannel pipetting block

A nucleic acid extraction system, comprising: a nucleic acid extraction plate, and a pipetting device and positive pressure device that are arranged side by side, the pipetting device comprising: an infusion device, an infusion device mounting frame, an infusion device driving unit, and a plurality of infusion units, each of the infusion units comprising: a reagent supply device and a reagent flow controller; the positive pressure device comprises: a plug, an air pipe, a positive pressure provider and a positive pressure driving device. The nucleic acid extraction system is highly efficiency and low-cost when extracting nucleic acid.

An automatic assaying system having a multiplex pipette cartridge section in which pipette cartridges are docked. At least one pipette cartridge has a different pipetting characteristic from another corresponding pipette cartridge, the different pipetting characteristic being selectable from a number of different pipetting characteristics. A multiplexing work item holder has an array of work item holder docks that dock corresponding work item holders selectable from pipette trays and pipette tip set racks that define the selectable different pipetting characteristic. One or more of the work item holder docks are indexed to selectably multiplex both the different interchangeable pipette trays and the at least one pipette set rack. A carrier moves the pipette cartridge or a work item holder carriage and a controller selects the at least one pipette tip set rack corresponding to a work item holder dock so as to effect automatic selection of the different pipetting characteristic.

An automated system for preparing a biological sample containing biological species, and including a support plate wherein one or more through-wells are made, each through-well having two opposite accesses, a first access and a second access, the first access being separated from the second access by a filter-forming porous wall against which the biological sample that is to undergo lysis may be placed, and, for each well: a first mobile member, that can be actuated to move translationally along the axis of the well so as to become inserted across the first access thereof, a second mobile member, that can be actuated to move translationally along the axis of the well so as to become inserted across the second access thereof, stimulation means of mechanical and/or thermal type for stimulating each first mobile member and/or each second mobile member and/or the support plate.