A sample identification system for an automated sampling device is described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample holder having a plurality of apertures configured to receive a plurality of sample vessels therein, the sample holder having one or more corresponding sample holder identifiers positioned proximate to the sample holder; and an identifier capture device configured to detect the one or more sample holder identifiers positioned proximate to the sample holder and generate a data signal in response thereto, the data signal corresponding to at least an orientation of the sample holder relative to a surface on which the sample holder is positioned.

Techniques are described for automated microinjection of substances, such as genetic material, into single cells in tissue samples. An example system comprises a robotic manipulator apparatus configured to hold and position a micropipette. Furthermore, the system comprises a microscope camera positioned to observe an injection site. A computing device receives image data from a microscope camera of the system, where the image data represents an image of a tissue sample. The computing device receives, via a user interface, an indication of a line traced by a user on the image of a tissue sample. In response, the computing device controls the robotic manipulator apparatus to move a tip of the micropipette along a path defined by the trajectory line. The pressure controller injects a gas into the micropipette to eject a substance out of the micropipette at one or more points along the path defined by the trajectory line.

Instrumentation embraces an at least partially automated rotational tapered bearing simulator viscometer having electronic control and/or monitoring that includes task unit electronics, which includes a task unit electronics interface. With or without such electronics, the instrumentation may include a particular component configuration and/or employ at least one particular material. Further feature(s) may be extant.

Flash Photo-Oxidation Device and Higher Order Structural Analysis is employed for higher order structural analysis of biomolecules. Biomolecular higher order structure (HOS) results from the confounded superimposition of a biomolecule's secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure and defines the manner in which a biomolecule presents itself and interacts with other biomolecules in living systems. A rapidly growing class of therapeutic drugs, known as biotherapeutics, comprises a variety of proteins, whose therapeutic properties are inherently linked and dependent upon their HOS. As such, HOS analysis of biotherapeutics is an important analytical requirement in the biopharmaceutical industry. The present invention provides new means and methods for the determination of biopharmaceutical HOS and associated conformation using improved devices and methodologies for flash photo-oxidation of proteins to determine their higher order biomolecular structure, and such is responsive to the increased demand for new and improved HOS analytical means in the biopharmaceutical industry.

We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Techniques are described for automated microinjection of substances, such as genetic material, into single cells in tissue samples. An example system comprises a robotic manipulator apparatus configured to hold and position a micropipette. Furthermore, the system comprises a microscope camera positioned to observe an injection site. A computing device receives image data from a microscope camera of the system, where the image data represents an image of a tissue sample. The computing device receives, via a user interface, an indication of a line traced by a user on the image of a tissue sample. In response, the computing device controls the robotic manipulator apparatus to move a tip of the micropipette along a path defined by the trajectory line. The pressure controller injects a gas into the micropipette to eject a substance out of the micropipette at one or more points along the path defined by the trajectory line.

Provided is a sample introduction system for sequentially introducing a plurality of samples into an analyzer 200, the system including: an auto-sampler 300 including a sampling needle 302 for suctioning a sample from each well 312 provided in a plate 311 placed on a sample rack 310 or from a sample container 313 placed in the well 312, and a needle drive mechanism 303 for driving the sampling needle 302 in horizontal and vertical directions; an operation section 10 for allowing a user to command the needle drive mechanism 303 to drive the sampling needle 302; and a display controller 28 for displaying, on a screen of a display section 30, an identification of the well 312 related to a reference point defined on the plate 311 in a correction process conducted by the user by manipulating the operation section 10 so as to operate the needle drive mechanism 303 so that the sampling needle 302 is transferred to a predetermined position serving as the reference point.

In one example, dispenser stages described herein may include a dispenser platform comprising: a stage coupled to a rail system to move the stage in a first plane and a second plane, an alignment feature coupled to the stage to align a substrate nest coupled to the stage with a dispenser positioned above the stage, and a releasable fastener to couple the substrate nest to the stage.

An apparatus, system, and method for performing an efficient luminescence measurement are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a nozzle for dispensing a luminescent reagent into a well W in a microplate M, a luminescence measurement unit for measuring luminescence occurring in the well W caused by mixing of the luminescent reagent and a specimen, and a stage (moving unit) for moving the nozzle and the luminescence measurement unit together vertically and horizontally, wherein the nozzle is secured to the stage and the luminescence measurement unit is mounted to be movable vertically with respect to the stage through a holder and springs interposed between the luminescence measurement unit and the holder.

An automatic analysis apparatus and an operating method for the automatic analysis apparatus. At least two magnetic separation units are introduced, each magnetic separation unit operating independently and being used for performing magnetic separation cleaning on a reaction solution in a reaction cup. Each magnetic separation unit may be used for any magnetic separation cleaning step in a one-step test project or a multi-step test project, thereby significantly increasing the test speed and the test throughput of the automatic analysis apparatus.