Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

Liquid level sensing apparatus are disclosed. An example liquid level sensing apparatus includes a cannula defining a body having a tip and an access channel. The tip to pierce a container, where the cannula is to be at least partially positioned in the container when the tip pierces the container. A probe is to be positioned in the access channel. A signal source is to electrically energize the probe and the cannula to cause the probe to emit a first signal and cause the cannula to emit a second signal.

Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

An autosampler for dispensing samples is provided. The autosampler comprises a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed. The sample tray is moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions. The autosampler also comprises a noncontact coupling configured to move the sample tray between the plurality of dispensing positions. An autosampler for dispensing samples is also provided, comprising: a sample tray for holding the samples to be dispensed, the sample tray being moveable between a plurality of dispensing positions, the sample tray and a body of the autosampler comprising respective contact surfaces that contact each other as the sample tray moves between the plurality of dispensing positions, wherein the contact surface of at least one of the sample tray and the body of the autosampler comprises a self-lubricating material.

Methods and systems configured to automatically calibrate a pipette to a reference standard. The system comprising: a robotic arm, a pressing-device, configured to firmly hold a pipette and to press a plunger-button of the pipette, a rotating-device configured to rotate/dial a wheel-button of the pipette, at least one liquid source, at least one scaling element, at least one input-device configured to receive real-time input-data, and at least one processor, in communication with the input-device configured to analyze the input-data and accordingly to: control the motion of the robotic arm, control the rotating-device, control the pressing-device, evaluate calibration of the pipette, in reference to a chosen standard, and output a calibration report for the pipette.

Systems and methods for automated biological sample preparation for use in rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are provided.

Flash Photo-Oxidation Device and Higher Order Structural Analysis is employed for higher order structural analysis of biomolecules. Biomolecular higher order structure (HOS) results from the confounded superimposition of a biomolecule's secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure and defines the manner in which a biomolecule presents itself and interacts with other biomolecules in living systems. A rapidly growing class of therapeutic drugs, known as biotherapeutics, comprises a variety of proteins, whose therapeutic properties are inherently linked and dependent upon their HOS. As such, HOS analysis of biotherapeutics is an important analytical requirement in the biopharmaceutical industry. The present invention provides new means and methods for the determination of biopharmaceutical HOS and associated conformation using improved devices and methodologies for flash photo-oxidation of proteins to determine their higher order biomolecular structure, and such is responsive to the increased demand for new and improved HOS analytical means in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Liquid level sensing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example method includes moving a cannula to pierce a seal of a container to provide access to a liquid in a cavity of the container; moving a probe through a passageway of the cannula and into the cavity of the container; and when the probe is at least partially positioned in the cannula: providing a first signal to the probe to cause the probe to emit a first electrical field; and providing a second signal to the cannula to cause the cannula to emit a second electrical field.

Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

Flash Photo-Oxidation Device and Higher Order Structural Analysis is employed for higher order structural analysis of biomolecules. Biomolecular higher order structure (HOS) results from the confounded superimposition of a biomolecule's secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure and defines the manner in which a biomolecule presents itself and interacts with other biomolecules in living systems. A rapidly growing class of therapeutic drugs, known as biotherapeutics, comprises a variety of proteins, whose therapeutic properties are inherently linked and dependent upon their HOS. As such, HOS analysis of biotherapeutics is an important analytical requirement in the biopharmaceutical industry. The present invention provides new means and methods for the determination of biopharmaceutical HOS and associated conformation using improved devices and methodologies for flash photo-oxidation of proteins to determine their higher order biomolecular structure, and such is responsive to the increased demand for new and improved HOS analytical means in the biopharmaceutical industry.