A system and method for gripping, torqueing and releasing an element so as to cap and/or decap a container, such as those typically utilized to house specimens in laboratory environments. The system is driven by a single bi-directional motor linked to a coupler assembly via a rotating threaded shaft. The coupler assembly is configured to engage with an element, such as a cap or container, via mechanically-biased splines that are actuated without any complex linkages, or operative connection to the motor or other powered components. The system employs an ejector nut and an ejector, both of which are concentrically positioned about the threaded shaft. The ejector nut translates along the shaft as a function of the shaft's rotation, so as to permit the retraction of the ejector when an element is engaged in the coupler assembly or cause the ejector to extend into the coupler assembly to disengage the element. The direction and rotation of the motor is controlled by a system coupled to sensors positioned within the system. Such control system may include one or more processors, component interfaces, and data storage/memory. The sensors may include multiple optical, magnetic or mechanical means for monitoring one or more of the positions of the ejector nut and ejector along the threaded shaft, and/or the rotational position of the coupler assembly.

An automated system for processing a sample contained in a liquid sample container includes an automated tool head configured to rotate about a first axis, and to translate along a second axis different than the first axis, an analytic element positioner having an analytic element holder configured to releasably grip an analytic element, and a specimen transfer device carried by the tool head, wherein the tool head is configured to automatically position a working end of the specimen transfer device to obtain a specimen from a sample container held in the sample container holder, and to transfer the obtained specimen to an analytic element held by the analytic element holder, respectively, through one or both of rotation of the tool head about the first axis and translation of the tool head along the second axis.

Aspects of the present disclosure include sample analysis methods and systems. According to certain embodiments, provided are methods of analyzing samples in an automated sample analysis system. The methods include introducing samples and sample preparation cartridges into the system, isolating and purifying an analyte (e.g., nucleic acids and/or proteins) present in the samples at a sample preparation station, and performing analyte detection assays in assay mixtures that include the purified analyte. Also provided are automated sample analysis systems that find use, e.g., in performing the methods of the present disclosure. In certain aspects, the methods and systems provide for continuous operator access during replenishment or removal of one or any combination of samples, bulk fluids, reagents, commodities, waste, and/or the like.

A test piece storage container continuous processing apparatus capable of continuously introducing a test piece storage container into a housing and suitably coping with numerous samples. The continuous processing apparatus X is applied to a measuring apparatus Y which removes a test piece P from a test piece storage container B equipped with an opening and closing lid B2 and performs predetermined measurement processing, and further includes an introduction transfer unit 1 for transferring the test piece storage container B introduced from the introduction starting end 11 set outside the housing Y1 of the measuring apparatus Y to a predetermined test piece take-out position in the housing Y1, a lid opening unit 2 for switching the opening and closing lid B2 from a closed state to an open state at the test piece take-out position, and a discharge unit 31 for discharging the test piece storage container B from which the test pieces P have been removed to a discharge port 31, wherein the introduction starting end is set to be accessible from the outside of the housing Y1, and the test piece storage container B is configured to be transferable in one direction from the introduction starting end 11 to the discharge port 31.

A system facilitating parallel laboratory operations which includes a plurality of labware components, and a plurality of processing heads configured to interact with the plurality of labware components is described. The system further includes a first set of actuators coupled to the plurality of processing heads and configured to actuate the plurality of processing heads along a first directional axis. The system further includes a second set of actuators configured to translate the plurality of labware components along at least a second directional axis and a third directional axis. The second set of actuators may include one or more magnetic levitation systems configured to cause movement of the plurality of labware components along the second directional axis and the third directional axis.

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and a drip tray movable between a first position not under the capping/decapping mechanism and a second position under the capping/decamping mechanism.

A charge device is provided that includes a charge barrel having a charge. The charge barrel has an exit aperture and a flexible positioning device at the exit aperture. The charge is located inside the charge barrel. The charge barrel is adapted and arranged so that the charge is able to exit the charge barrel via the exit aperture.

A cap attachment-detachment device includes an operation portion that moves in an up-and-down direction, and grips and rotates a cap so as to attach the cap to or attach the cap from a container. The operation portion includes a first grip claw, a second grip claw and the pressing member. The first grip claw and the second grip claw are provided to be opposite to each other and configured to be capable of applying an obliquely upward force inwardly to an upper portion of a side surface of the cap. The pressing member is configured to be capable of coming into contact with an upper surface of the cap.

Plug-closing processing units are provided with: a first plug chuck parts that grasp plugs; and a second plug chuck part located above the first plug chuck parts, wherein the first plug chuck parts each include at least two first supports that grasp the plugs from more than one direction, and the second plug chuck part is provided with a plug-closing mechanism that includes a second support disposed in the radial direction of plugs and having an inclined lower end surface. Thus, provided are a plug processing device capable of stable plug-opening processing and plug-closing processing on a conveyor line for a specimen container, and a specimen test automation system including the plug processing device.

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.