Disclosed is a gripping device for a container intended for a biological analysis, including an annular part of X axis, elastically deformable gripping fins extending radially inwardly from the annular part, the fins being capable of being deformed when a container is introduced into the annular part, the fins being evenly distributed over the circumference. Each fin has a so-called upper surface and an opposite so-called lower surface, the lower surface being intended to come into contact with the container, the lower surface having a concave zone, or vice versa.

A pipette comprises a pipette housing comprising an upper end and a lower end, a nipple configured to contact and retain a pipette tip, a drive apparatus configured to aspirate a liquid specimen into the pipette tip and expel the liquid specimen from the pipette tip, and an ejection apparatus. The ejection apparatus comprises a curved support rotatably mounted within the pipette housing, an ejection rod, a first sensing element positioned on the ejection rod and configured to be guided on a first curve on a perimeter of the curved support, and an operating element coupled to the curved support and configured to rotate relative to the pipette housing. The ejection apparatus is configured to rotate the curved support out of a start position by rotating the operating element. The first curve displaces the first sensing element downward a the ejection rod moves the pipette tip off of the nipple.

A sample port system/device associated with a fluid collection device is provided and is configured to receive fluid-containing devices of varying diameters. A method of improving the work flow and safety involved in acquiring and/or testing fluid samples using such sample port system/device is also provided.

A vial gripper and gripper assembly having a base and a clamp extending therefrom made from an elastomeric material. The clamp adapted to retain a vial, ampoule, or other containers therein typically used in the hospital or clinical setting. The gripper assembly includes an elevated body having a guide wherein a gripper is insertable, and wherein the assembly may be further securely stored within a unit tray.

A test tube rack insert device includes a base configured to be inserted into a test tube receiving chamber in a test tube rack. A semi-cylindrical test tube support member is coupled to the base at an edge of the base. The test tube support member extends perpendicularly from the base. The test tube support member is coupled to the base such that an angle between the base and the test tube support member is decreased by an exertion of force on an outer surface of the test tube support member to securely engage a test tube inserted into the test tube receiving chamber. A test tube rack configured to house test tubes of varying size using the test tube insert device and a method of housing test tubes of varying size using the test tube insert devices are also disclosed.

Microarray slide holders for loading multiple microarray slides into a microscope system are disclosed. An apparatus for simultaneous microengraving and imaging of microwell arrays is disclosed. Also disclosed is a liquid run-off tray for simultaneous processing of multiple microarray slides.

This application relates to a sample analyzing apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a base, a connector arranged at an end of the base, and a temperature controlling member mounted on the base and configured to adjust a temperature of the connector. The apparatus may also include a controller configured to adjust heat generation of the temperature controlling member to adjust a bonding force of a pipette tip attached to a surface of the connector.

The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

A storage rack for receiving articles for storage is disclosed. The rack is typically for use in storing and transporting samples used in a pathology laboratory. The rack includes a plurality of weight-bearing surfaces, defined by the junction of a plurality of concentric tubes, for supporting and retaining an article at a predetermined distance from a datum surface. One or more of the weight-bearing portions defines an opening, allowing an article to extend therethrough when not supported on said weight-bearing portion. The maximum size of article that can be received on any weight-bearing portion differs with respect to the distance of weight-bearing portion from the datum surface.

Disclosed here are pipetting system devices useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids from an automated fluid dispensing device.