There are described methods, systems, and devices for automated digestion of samples contained in multi-sample racks. The method comprises receiving the multi-sample racks on at least one of a first level and a second level of a first rack loader, the first level and the second level superposed and held within a frame; managing rack positions on the first rack loader by displacing the multi-sample racks between the first level and the second level with at least one elevator; conveying the multi-sample racks into and out of a heating chamber of a microwave digestion system from at least one of the first and second levels; and controlling sample digestion inside the heating chamber through the application of microwaves by at least one microwave generator.

The core sample holder for microwave heating of a core sample includes a hollow housing having opposed open first and second ends. A resilient sleeve is disposed within the hollow housing. An annular bladder is disposed within the hollow housing and surrounds the resilient sleeve. The annular bladder is adapted for receiving a liquid. An annular cavity is defined between the outer surface of the annular bladder and the inner surface of the hollow housing and is adapted for receiving a pressurized fluid through at least one pressurized fluid port. First and second caps releasably cover and seal the first and second ends of the hollow housing, respectively. A microwave waveguide passes through the wall of the hollow housing and the annular cavity for transmitting microwave radiation from an external microwave source into the liquid contained within the annular bladder to heat the liquid.

The core sample holder for microwave heating of a core sample includes a hollow housing having opposed open first and second ends. A resilient sleeve is disposed within the hollow housing. An annular bladder is disposed within the hollow housing and surrounds the resilient sleeve. The annular bladder is adapted for receiving a liquid. An annular cavity is defined between the outer surface of the annular bladder and the inner surface of the hollow housing and is adapted for receiving a pressurized fluid through at least one pressurized fluid port. First and second caps releasably cover and seal the first and second ends of the hollow housing, respectively. A microwave waveguide passes through the wall of the hollow housing and the annular cavity for transmitting microwave radiation from an external microwave source into the liquid contained within the annular bladder to heat the liquid.

A method for optimizing the heat transfer when performing target amplification of an assay fluid, comprising the steps of: (i) moving assay fluid through at least one channel disposed along an underside surface of a disposable cartridge of a diagnostic assay test device such that the fluid collects in a amplification region of the channel; (ii) heating the amplification region of the assay channel to heat the assay fluid; (iii) interposing a conformal material between the underside surface of a disposable cartridge and the RF heater, and (iv) applying a contact pressure between the underside surface of a disposable cartridge and the RF heater.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for preparing and treating macromolecules, e.g., peptides, polypeptides, and proteins for sequencing and/or analysis. An automated method for performing an automated assay for macromolecule analysis includes, inter alia, moving each of a plurality of reagents to a sample containing a solid support material and incubating the various reagents with the sample is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus and automated methods are for use in treating and modifying a macromolecule or a plurality of macromolecules, (e.g., peptides, polypeptides, and proteins) for sequencing and/or analysis that employ barcoding and nucleic acid encoding of molecular recognition events, and/or detectable labels.

A diagnostic assay system includes a platform configured to receive a disposable cartridge having a sample chamber for receipt of an assay fluid, and an a PCR chamber disposed in fluid communication with the sample chamber for performing target amplification of the assay fluid. A heating source is disposed adjacent a heat exchange surface disposed along at least one side of the PCR chamber and is configured to conform to the contour of the heat exchange surface to accelerate target amplification of the assay fluid. The heating source introduces heat into the assay fluid from one side of the disposable cartridge and, in one embodiment, employs a conformal material interposing the heating source and the heat exchange surface to mitigate the formation of air pockets therebetween.