Aspiration of a pipette arrangement is initiated. A sensor arrangement senses a least one prevailing first parameter that is dependent from the effect in the pipette arrangement during initiating and upholding the suctioning action. This at least one parameter is analyzed in an analyzing stage. From a result of this analysis and in a determining stage at least one test criterium TC for at least one further parameter as sensed by the sensor arrangement is determined. In a checking stage there is checked whether this further parameter fulfills the at least one test criterium.

Disclosed is a method for determining a starting amount of a first substance which is required for providing a predeterminable number of samples in a liquid handling process. Also disclosed is a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer program product. The liquid handling process is described through at least one work step, taking into account at least one secondary condition. An estimated value for the starting amount of the first substance is determined. A simulation of the at least one work step is then performed. A new estimated value for the starting amount is determined and the simulation is repeated if the prior simulation could not be completed or an actual value ascertained in the simulation deviates from the estimated value by more than a predeterminable tolerance. Otherwise, the actual value ascertained on the basis of the simulation is the starting amount of the first substance.

A computer-implemented control device for controlling an automated pipetting system. The control device is designed to control at least one actuator for moving a pipetting apparatus between receptacle devices for liquids that are to be pipetted. The control device is designed, so as, before the execution of multiple specified transfer steps by the pipetting apparatus and the actuator, to analyze the specified order of execution of these transfer steps and the liquid to be pipetted in these transfer steps and, after the analysis, to alter the order of execution of these transfer steps and/or to combine multiple instances of these transfer steps automatically. Additionally, an automated pipetting system has such a control device, and a method for controlling the automated pipetting system are provided.

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.

The invention relates to conducting assays with an apparatus including a substantially transparent assay cartridge loaded with magnetic beads, and a magnet carrier base positioned below a scanning platform holding the assay cartridge. A microcomputer controls a stepping motor which controls movement of the magnet carrier base, and causes the magnetic beads to travel from one well to another, where the wells contain different assay reagents. An electromagnetic coil-spring assembly induces mixing of well contents with the magnetic beads on actuation. The assay cartridge is authenticated by sending its encoded identifier to a server or website, and assay instructions are provided remotely to the microcomputer. Following assay completion, the cartridge can have color change or other assay indication detected, and the results sent to the server or website or another recipient. Concurrently assaying a control allows modification of assay results based on measured field conditions.

A control button (12) for a manually actuated sampling pipette, the button including lower and upper parts (24a, 24b), one of which is equipped with a force sensor (31) and the other with an actuating member (30). In the vertical position of the button, in a state not subjected to a force, not only does the member (30) ensure that the upper part is retained axially on the lower part (24a), but these parts also define a circular axially retaining connection (42) therebetween, the circular connection exhibiting an axial clearance (47) configured such that, when a pressure is exerted on an off-centre action zone (102a) by the thumb of an operator, the axial clearance (47) is taken up in this zone (102a), while the connection (42) retains a reaction zone (102b), arranged diametrically opposite the action zone (102a), axially and locally relative to the lower part (24a).

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.

A dosing device is proposed which is designed for dosed output of a fluid. The dosing device has a block-shaped channel body, through which a dosing channel system passes. The dosing channel system has a fluid infeed opening and a plurality of fluid output openings. The fluid output openings are formed by the channel apertures of narrowed output sections of a plurality of output channels of the dosing channel system. The entire dosing channel system, including the output channels, is formed in the block-shaped channel body. The dosing channel system is preferably structured such that the flow velocity of the fluid channelled through during operation is at least substantially the same throughout with the exception of in the output sections of the output channels.

A manual-electronic pipetting device for pipetting a medium is provided. The pipetting device comprises a controller, a manually displaceable actuating element, at least one piston for aspirating and discharging the medium, a motor for driving the at least one piston in response to an actuation and/or displacement of the actuating element, at least one sensor for determining a displacement of the actuating element, and a data storage. The controller is configured to determine a pipetting protocol based on at least one sensor signal of the at least one sensor during a displacement of the actuating element, wherein the controller is further configured to store the pipetting protocol in the data storage, the pipetting protocol comprising data records indicative of a position and a speed of the at least one piston during the displacement of the actuating element.

Various embodiments include a system having a pipetting chamber, a set of pipettor cartridges docked in the pipetting chamber, a gantry system mounted on a ceiling within the pipetting chamber, the gantry system including at least one stationary track aligned in a first direction, and a movable track aligned in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable track coupled to the at least one stationary track, and a carrier configured to transport each of the set of pipettor cartridges to a pipetting location within the pipetting chamber, the carrier configured to move each pipettor cartridge in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.