Automation compatible removable lids are provided. The removable lids include a top surface surrounded by a peripheral rim. The removable lids further include septal portions configured to receive an extractor, such as a pipette tip, inserted therethrough. The septal portions are further configured to grip the extractor to facilitate lid removal.

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.

Techniques are described for reducing the number of angles needed in structured illumination imaging of biological samples through the use of patterned flowcells, where nanowells of the patterned flowcells are arranged in, e.g., a square array, or an asymmetrical array. Accordingly, the number of images needed to resolve details of the biological samples is reduced. Techniques are also described for combining structured illumination imaging with line scanning using the patterned flowcells.

A microtiter plate assembly is disclosed that includes a base having a plurality of wells and a lid having a plurality of projections corresponding to the plurality of wells. Each projection contains a radial notch and a canted distal tip, providing bubble free sealing, reduced oxygen back-diffusion, and increased sensitivity even at small sample volumes.

A well plate assembly with an interior channel system in the well plate lid provides a more efficient and uniform distribution of fluid into a receptacle positioned below the well plate lid. The channel system in the lid allows air, or other fluid, to pass through with the use of a pump to each of a plurality of channels in the receptacle. Inlet and outlet valves in the lid prevent a gasket positioned between the lid and the receptacle from releasing contact with the receptacle due to high pressure experienced during the injection of fluid into the assembly. Specifically, pressure under a specified tolerance passes through the inlet valves, and if the pressure within the channel system exceeds the limit of the outlet valve, the outlet valve opens and allows air to escape the lid safely without disturbing the fluid flow into the channels below.

A cover for a drug container piston array includes a plurality of cover sections configured for positioning over the drug container piston array. Each cover section includes an elongated cover section body having an open base end and a closed capped end, and a plurality of base sections or a web positioned between the plurality of cover sections and coupled to each base end. Packaging assemblies including a cover and a piston nest are also disclosed.

Disclosed herein are semiconductor devices to provide a CMOS-compatible, wafer-scale, multi-well platform that can be used for biomedical or other applications, and methods to operate the same. In some embodiments, circuitry is provided underneath a multiple-well array to electrically interface with electrodes in the wells. To interface with electrodes in a large array, circuitry may be fabricated on a single silicon (Si) wafer having a dimension that is at least the same or larger than that of the multiple-well array. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, standard CMOS fabrication process such as those known to be used in a standard semiconductor foundry may be used without expensive customization for complex fabrication procedures. This may help the production cost to be lowered in some cases.

A method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for controlling components of a detection device. The device may detect turbidity of liquid with sensors such as a density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor. A light modulation pattern may reduce or eliminate interference in sensor readings. Readings may be performed during off cycles of an illumination light to reduce interference but to provide improved visibility of a tube. Dark and light sensor readings may be performed with an emitter respectively off or on to account for ambient light in subsequent readings. Readings from the density sensor and/or nephelometric sensor may be used to calculate McFarland values. The device may be zeroed based on an emitter level that results in a sensor reading satisfying a predetermined criterion.

A closure is described for a container containing a reagent. The closure includes a cover. The cover includes at least two through bore holes. The closure further includes a strip which includes a base and at least two septa. The base is of a stiff material and the septa is of a flexible material. The septa are attached to one surface of the base. Each septum includes a pre-slit bottom and a barrel forming the sides of the septum. The outer diameter of each septum barrel is larger than the inner diameter of the through bore hole such that a pressure is exerted on the septum when the septum is press fitted into the through bore hole.

This disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for sorting target particles. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a cassette for sorting target particles, methods for sorting target particles, methods of loading a microchannel for maintaining sample material viability, methods of quantifying sample material, and an optical apparatus for laser scanning and particle sorting.