Receptacle transport system for analytical system

Abstract

To provide a receptacle transport system for an analytical system.SOLUTION: A receptacle delivery system includes a carriage 20 configured to move from a first location to a second location of an instrument. The carriage 20 may be configured to removably support a receptacle 50 and may include a receptacle clamping mechanism. A receptacle mechanism may be configured to apply clamping force to the receptacle 50 as the carriage 20 moves from the first location to the second location and release the clamping force as the carriage moves from the second location to the first location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a receptacle transport system for an analytical system and a method of using the disclosed receptacle transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] Today's laboratories face increasing pressure to automate their operations to increase throughput and processing consistency, address the shortage of medical technicians, and reduce errors. Some laboratories use sample transport systems, such as conveyors, to connect instruments within the laboratory, so that samples provided at a single sample loading area can be automatically and sequentially delivered to multiple instruments without human intervention. Instruments connected in this manner may be used to perform the same or different types of tests. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The system may include a puck configured to removably support a receptacle therein. The puck may include a plurality of fingers arranged about a vertical axis, one or more springs coupling the plurality of fingers and thereby biasing the plurality of fingers toward the vertical axis, a support disk, a synchronizing disk, and a retaining ring. Each finger of the plurality of fingers may have a contact surface configured to contact a receptacle seated in the puck. The support disk may include (i) a disk sidewall projecting from a base to define a pocket for seating the receptacle, (ii) a plurality of first cavities formed in the base and extending in the direction of the vertical axis, and (iii) a puck passageway extending through opposing portions of the disk sidewall in a direction offset across the vertical axis. Each of the plurality of fingers may be rotatably coupled to the support disk at a corresponding first cavity of the plurality of first cavities. The synchronizing disk may be positioned in the pocket of the support disk. Each of the fingers can be coupled to a synchronous disk such that the contact surfaces of the fingers move synchronously toward and away from the vertical axis, and a retaining ring can couple the fingers, the support disk, and the synchronous disk together.

[0004] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include: the plurality of fingers may be substantially symmetrically arranged about a vertical axis; at least an upper portion of the contact surface of each finger of the plurality of fingers may be inclined; each finger of the plurality of fingers may include a first end and a second end extending substantially across the first end; the first end may include the contact surface, the second end may include an internal cavity and an external cavity, the internal cavity may be positioned closer to the vertical axis than the external cavity; the synchronization disk may include a plurality of radially extending slots, and each finger of the plurality of fingers may be inclined relative to the slots and fingers of the plurality of radially extending slots. The plurality of fingers may be slidably coupled to the synchronizing disk by a first pin extending through an internal cavity of the support disk, each first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the support disk may include a bearing at least partially positioned therein, each finger of the plurality of fingers may be rotatably coupled to the support disk by a second pin extending through a first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the support disk and a bearing in an external cavity of the finger, one end of each second pin may extend through the bearing and an opposite end of the second pin may extend into a corresponding cavity of the retaining ring, and one or more springs coupling the plurality of fingers may be O-rings. The O-ring may comprise an elastomeric material, the puck may further comprise a first bearing positioned on one side of the support disk and a second bearing positioned on an opposite side of the support disk, the system may further comprise a holder, the holder may have a central cavity defined by a holder sidewall and a holder passageway extending through the holder sidewall, the holder passageway may extend in a direction offset across the vertical axis, the puck is positioned in the central cavity and configured to rotate about the vertical axis relative to the holder, the holder sidewall may be positioned on one side of the central cavity and configured to rotate about the vertical axis relative to the holder, and a first holder sidewall disposed on an opposite side of the central cavity, the holder passage may include a first holder passage portion extending through the first holder sidewall and a second holder passage portion extending through the second holder sidewall, the system may further include a signal emitter and a signal detector, the signal emitter may be positioned at one end of the holder passage and the signal detector may be disposed at an opposite end of the holder passage, and the signal emitter may be coupled to the first holder sidewall and the signal detector may be coupled to the second holder sidewall.

[0005] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively be configured such that when a receptacle is not seated in the puck, the puck is configured to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the holder to align the puck passage with the holder passage such that a signal from the signal emitter is received by the signal detector; the system may further include a first sensor coupled to the holder, the first sensor configured to detect when the puck has rotated into position in the holder, the first sensor may be a Hall effect sensor; the system may further include an electric motor coupled to a support disk of the puck via a belt, the support disk of the puck may include a flange protruding from the base in a direction opposite the disk sidewall, the belt may be engaged with the flange of the support disk; the system may further include an indicia reader configured to read encoded data of a machine-readable indicia of a receptacle seated in the puck, the indicia reader being a bar code reader, the machine-readable indicia may be a bar code; the system may further include a carriage configured to move from a first position to a second position of the device, the holder may be coupled to the carriage, and the disk sidewalls of the puck may be aligned relative to each other. The pack may include a plurality of sidewall segments spaced apart from one another and disposed about the pocket, the plurality of sidewall segments may include a first sidewall segment positioned on one side of the pocket and a second sidewall segment positioned on an opposite side of the pocket, the pack passage may include a first pack passage portion extending through the first sidewall segment and a second pack passage portion extending through the second sidewall segment, each first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the pack may be positioned in a space formed between two adjacent sidewall segments of the plurality of sidewall segments, and the receptacle may be disposed in the pack. when seated on the pack, a pocket in the support disk may receive a lower portion of the receptacle, the plurality of fingers may consist of four fingers, each of the plurality of fingers may comprise anodized aluminum, each of the plurality of fingers may comprise anodized aluminum coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or a fluoropolymer, the plurality of fingers may be coupled together such that when the receptacle is inserted into a space between the contact surfaces of the plurality of fingers, one or more springs may stretch to move the contact surfaces away from the vertical axis, increasing the space between the contact surfaces and offsetting the longitudinal axis of the puck passage from the vertical axis, andThe longitudinal axis of the pack passage may be offset from the vertical axis by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0006] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The disclosed system may include a carriage supporting a puck. The carriage may be configured to move with the puck from a first position to a second position within an instrument of a plurality of instruments. The first position may be a position where a receptacle supported by the carrier is configured to be transferred to a puck supported by the carriage. And the second position may be a position where fluid from a receptacle seated in the puck is configured to be drawn into a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument.

[0007] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include a system in which the puck is configured to rotate relative to the carriage about a vertical axis of the puck, the system may further include an indicia reader configured to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicia of a receptacle seated on the puck when the carriage is positioned in a first position, the system may further include a sensing system coupled to the carriage, the sensing system configured to determine whether a receptacle is seated on the puck, the sensing system configured to (a) detect a receptacle seated on the puck, and (b) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth, the pack may include a first passageway extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, the carriage may include a second passageway extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and the sensing system may include a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passageways are aligned, the signal detector detects the alignment of the first and second passageways. wherein the signal emitter is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via a signal detector, the signal emitter may be a light emitter, the signal detector may be a light detector, and the signal may be a light beam, the system may further include a conveyor extending adjacent each of the plurality of instruments, the system may further include a carrier configured to support a receptacle containing a fluid and for the receptacle to move on the conveyor while supported by the carrier, the system may further include a pick and place device configured to transfer the receptacle from the carrier to a puck, the system may further include a rail, the carriage may be configured to move the rail from the first position to the second position, the system may further include a first electric motor operatively coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage from the first position to the second position, the fluid extraction device may be a pipetter, and may further include a support mechanism configured to selectively apply a force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the second position to prevent the receptacle from being withdrawn from the puck when a tip associated with the fluid extraction device is withdrawn from the receptacle,The pack may include one or more of the following features:

[0008] In some embodiments, a method of delivering a receptacle to an instrument is disclosed that may include supporting a receptacle containing a fluid on a carrier, transporting the carrier supporting the receptacle on a conveyor extending adjacent each of a plurality of instruments, transferring the receptacle from the carrier to a puck supported by the carriage when the carriage is positioned at a first position, moving the carriage with the receptacle seated in the puck from the first position to a second position within an instrument of the plurality of instruments, and drawing at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle seated in the puck to a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument when the carriage is positioned at the second position.

[0009] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods may additionally or alternatively include rotating the pack relative to the carriage about a vertical axis of the pack; and when the carriage is positioned in a first position, using an indicia reader to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicia of a receptacle seated in the pack; and when a receptacle is determined to be seated in the pack, using a sensing system to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to vertical and / or (b) whether the receptacle seated in the pack has been inserted to a desired depth, wherein the pack includes a first passageway extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and the carriage includes a second passageway extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and using the sensing system includes rotating the pack to align the first and second passageways, and the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and the first and second passageways are detected when the receptacle is determined to be seated in the pack. When the paths are aligned, the signal detector may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages when the receptacle is not seated in the pack, the signal emitter may be an optical emitter, the signal detector may be an optical detector, and the signal may be an optical beam, transferring the receptacle from the carrier to the pack may be performed with a pick-and-place device having multiple arms for releasably gripping the receptacle, moving the carriage may include operating an electric motor to move the carriage on the rail from the first position to the second position, the fluid extraction device may be a pipetter, and the method may further include selectively applying a force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the second position, no force is applied to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the first position, and transferring the receptacle from the carrier to the pack may include releasably supporting the receptacle between a plurality of spring loaded members of the pack.

[0010] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The disclosed system may include a carriage configured to move from a first position to a second position, a puck coupled to the carriage, and a receptacle clamping mechanism. The puck may be configured to removably support a receptacle therein. The receptacle clamping mechanism may include a pair of opposing support pads configured to (a) contact a receptacle seated in the puck when the carriage is positioned in the second position, and (b) separate from the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0011] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include a pair of intermeshing gears coupled to the pair of support pads, the pair of intermeshing gears rotating in opposite directions relative to each other to move the pair of support pads toward each other when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position and away from each other when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position; a pair of actuator arms, each of which may be coupled at one end to a different one of the pair of support pads and at an opposite end to a different gear of the pair of intermeshing gears; and a cam arm, the cam arm configured such that one end of the cam arm may be coupled to a gear of the pair of intermeshing gears and an opposite end of the cam arm may move on a downwardly sloping path when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position. The cam arm may further comprise: (a) a cam arm having a first end coupled to a first gear of the pair of meshing gears and a second end opposite the first end; and (b) a ramp having an inclined surface extending substantially parallel to a path of the carriage from the first position to the second position, wherein as the carriage moves along the path between the first position and the second position, the second end of the cam arm may move along the inclined surface to rotate the first gear. and (a) a cam arm configured to rotate a first gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a first direction and to rotate a second gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) to rotate the first gear in the second direction and the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position; and each support pad of the pair of support pads may include a contoured surface, and the support pads face each other.

[0012] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include: each support pad of the pair of support pads may include a substantially V-shaped groove; the support pads face each other; each support pad of the pair of support pads may include an elastomer; the elastomer may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber; the receptacle clamping mechanism may further include one or more springs configured to bias the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned at the first position; the pair of support pads may be configured to apply a clamping force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the second position and to not apply a clamping force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the first position; the pair of support pads may be configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at the second position; a first electric motor may be operably coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage between the first position and the second position; and a second electric motor may be operably coupled to the puck. and may be configured to rotate the puck within the carriage when the carriage is positioned at the first position, the carriage may further include a sensor configured to detect when the puck has been rotated into position within the carriage, the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor, and a sensing system configured to detect whether a receptacle is seated on the puck, the puck may include a first passageway extending transverse to and offset from a vertical axis of the puck, and the sensing system may be configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated on the puck is tilted relative to the vertical axis of the puck and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated on the puck is inserted a desired depth into the puck, the puck may be rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing may include a second passageway extending transverse to and offset from the vertical axis of the puck, and the sensing system may include a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passageways are aligned when the receptacle is not seated on the puck, the signal detectorThe optical fiber may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0013] Various embodiments of the disclosed systems may additionally or alternatively include a signal emitter that can be a light emitter, a signal detector that can be a light detector, and a signal that can be a light beam, and when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter can be configured to direct the light beam at an entrance area on an exterior surface of a receptacle seated in the puck, and (b) the light detector can be configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not seated in the puck, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is configured to direct the light beam at an entrance area on an exterior surface of the receptacle. The entrance area may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset from a base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the signal emitter and the signal detector may be coupled to the carriage, a first shelf may be attached to the carriage, and a second shelf may be positioned in a second position, and when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the first shelf is positioned below the second shelf. a first shelf defining a first opening, the first opening may be aligned with a receptacle seated on the puck such that a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument is movable into the receptacle through the first opening when the carriage is positioned in the second position; the second shelf may define a first opening, the first opening may be an inwardly extending recess defined by a sidewall of the second shelf; and the labeling lever may define a first opening extending from the first shelf to the second shelf when the carriage is positioned in the first position; a pick and place device configured to transfer the receptacle from a location outside the equipment to a pack, the pick and place device being configured to transfer the receptacle from a receptacle carrier supported on a receptacle delivery conveyor to the pack, the receptacle delivery conveyor being configured to transfer the receptacle carrier supporting the receptacle to the pack, the pick and place device being configured to transfer the receptacle from a receptacle carrier supported on a receptacle delivery conveyor to the pack, the receptacle delivery conveyor being configured to transfer the receptacle carrier supporting the receptacle to the pack,The puck may include one or more of the following features: configured for transport to a location adjacent to a plurality of devices, the puck may include a plurality of spring loaded members configured to removably support the receptacle therebetween.

[0014] In some embodiments, a method of delivering a receptacle to an instrument is disclosed. The method may include supporting the receptacle on a carriage, actuating an electric motor to move the carriage between a first position and a second position on the instrument while the receptacle is supported by the carriage, applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position means that the clamping force is applied to the receptacle when the carriage is in the process of moving from the first position to the second position. Similarly, in some embodiments, releasing the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position means that the clamping force is released from the receptacle when the carriage is in the process of moving from the second position to the first position.

[0015] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods may additionally or alternatively include applying a clamping force to the receptacle, the applying a clamping force to the receptacle may include moving a pair of support pads into contact with the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and releasing the clamping force may include moving a pair of contact pads away from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, and applying and releasing the clamping force may include moving a pair of support pads away from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. and a second position, wherein rotating the pair of meshing gears coupled to the pair of support pads in opposite directions to one another when the carriage moves between the first position and the second position, wherein rotating the pair of meshing gears may include: (a) rotating a first gear of the pair of meshing gears in a first direction and rotating a second gear of the pair of meshing gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) rotating the first gear in the second direction and rotating the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, Rotating the meshing gears of the pair of meshing gears may include (a) moving a first end of the cam arm in a downwardly sloping path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) moving the first end in an upwardly sloping surface as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, the second end of the cam arm being coupled to a gear with the pair of meshing gears, and supporting the receptacle in the carriage may include removably supporting the receptacle in a rotatable puck positioned in the carriage, and supporting the receptacle in a rotatable puck with the pair of meshing gears. Removably supporting may include positioning the receptacle between a plurality of spring loaded members of the puck, and the method may further include transferring the receptacle from the receptacle delivery system to the puck using a pick and place device, and the electric motor may be a first electric motor, and the method may further include actuating a second electric motor to rotate the puck within the carriage when the carriage is positioned at the first position, and may further include using a sensor to detect when the puck has been rotated into position within the carriage;and further including reading the encoded information of the machine-readable indicia of the receptacle using the indicia reader as the puck rotates, and further including using a sensing system associated with the carriage to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle supported by the puck is tilted relative to a vertical axis of the puck, and / or (b) whether a receptacle supported by the puck has been inserted to a desired depth in the puck, and may include one or more of the following features: the puck may be rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the puck including a first passageway extending transverse to the vertical axis of the puck, and the housing including a second passageway extending transverse to the vertical axis of the puck.

[0016] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods may additionally or alternatively include a sensing system that may include a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned when no receptacle is seated in the puck, the signal detector may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages, the signal emitter may be a light emitter, the signal detector may be a light detector, and the signal may be a light beam, and using the sensing system may direct the light beam from the light emitter to the light detector, and when no receptacle is seated in the puck, the signal detector may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages when no receptacle is seated in the puck. and determining which portion, if any, of the light beam is received by the light detector; and directing the light beam may include directing at least a portion of the light beam at an entrance area on an outer surface of a receptacle seated in the puck, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm from a vertical axis of the puck, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm from a base of the receptacle. and actuating the electric motor may include positioning the carriage at a second position such that a first shelf attached to the carriage is positioned below a second shelf coupled to the instrument and positioned at the second position, the second shelf may be removably coupled to the instrument at the second position, and when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first shelf may be vertically spaced apart from the second shelf by a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm, and positioning the carriage at the second position may include positioning the carriage at a second position such that a first opening formed in the second shelf is positioned above the receptacle. and positioning the carriage into alignment with the receptacle, the method may include directing a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument through the first opening into the receptacle, thereby contacting fluid contained in the receptacle, and may further include aspirating an aliquot of fluid into the tip, and after aspirating the aliquot of fluid into the tip, removing the tip from the receptacle into a position over the first opening, the receptacle may include a pierceable cap covering the opening of the receptacle, and (i) directing the tip into the receptacle includes:and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle may include moving the tip through the pierceable cap.

[0017] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods additionally or alternatively include, after removing the chip from the receptacle, moving the chip to a position above an upper surface of the second shelf; after moving the chip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, lowering the chip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm from the upper surface of the shelf; after moving the chip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, moving the chip to trace a predefined path along the surface of the second shelf after lowering; moving the chip to trace the predefined path includes moving the chip around an upwardly extending protrusion on the upper surface of the second shelf; after moving the chip to trace the predefined path, removing the chip from above the upper surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in a sidewall of the second shelf; removing the chip from above the upper surface of the second shelf includes moving the chip through the second opening without changing the vertical position of the chip on the surface; While moving the chip to the receptacle, at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip is deposited on an upper surface of the second shelf, and after moving the chip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip is suspended from the second shelf below the first opening when removing the chip from the receptacle, and operating the electric motor may further include moving the carriage from the second position to the first position after moving the chip to trace the predetermined path, thereby depositing the fluid suspended on the upper surfaces of the second shelf and the first shelf. The method may include one or more of the following features: cleaving at least a portion of the deposited fluid on the top surface of the first shelf and depositing the cleaved fluid on a top surface of the first shelf and disconnecting the second shelf from the instrument; removing at least a portion of the deposited fluid on the top surface of the second shelf after disconnecting the second shelf from the instrument; coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the deposited fluid on the top surface of the second shelf; and removing at least a portion of the deposited fluid on the top surface of the first shelf after moving the carriage from the second position to the first position.

[0018] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The disclosed system may include a carriage, a puck rotatably supported by the carriage, a first electric motor configured to move the carriage between a first position and a second position of the instrument, and a second electric motor configured to rotate the puck about a vertical axis. The puck may include a plurality of spring loads disposed about the vertical axis and configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween.

[0019] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include an O-ring biasing the plurality of fingers toward a vertical axis of the puck, the O-ring may be comprised of an elastomer, the elastomer may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber, each finger of the plurality of fingers may include an upper portion configured to contact the receptacle and a base portion extending substantially across the upper portion, the base portion of each finger may be rotatably coupled to a support disk of the puck at a pivot point, and the base portion of each finger of the plurality of fingers may rotate about an associated pivot point. a sensor configured to detect when the puck has been rotated into position within the carriage, the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor, and the sensing system may be configured to detect whether the receptacle is seated on the puck, and the puck may be configured to rotate when the puck is seated on the carriage, and the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor, and the sensing system may be configured to detect whether the receptacle is seated on the puck, and the puck may be configured to rotate when the receptacle is seated on the puck ... The puck may include a first passageway extending transverse to and offset from the vertical axis of the puck, and a sensing system may be configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the puck is tilted relative to the vertical axis of the puck and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the puck is inserted to a desired depth into the puck, the puck may be rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing may include a second passageway extending transverse to and offset from the vertical axis of the puck, and the sensing system may include a signal emitter and and a signal detector, wherein when the first and second passages are aligned when the receptacle is not seated in the puck, the signal detector may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter through the aligned first and second passages, wherein the signal emitter may be a light emitter, the signal detector may be a light detector, and the signal may be a light beam, wherein when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter may be configured to direct a light beam at an entrance area on an outer surface of the receptacle seated in the puck, and (b) the light detector may be configured to detect when the receptacle is not seated in the puck.may be configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter; when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle; when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset from a vertical axis of the puck by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm; when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area may be offset from a base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm; and the signal emitter and signal detector may be coupled to the carriage.

[0020] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The disclosed system may include a carriage configured to move on a rail from a first position to a second position of the instrument. The carriage may include a bracket having opposing first and second side walls and a base extending between the first and second side walls. The carriage may be configured to support a receptacle. The carriage may also include a pair of opposing support pads rotatably coupled to the first side walls and a pair of interlocking cam gears. The pair of support pads may be configured to (a) move toward a receptacle supported by the carriage when the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, and (b) move away from a receptacle supported by the carriage when the carriage moves from the second position toward the first position. And each cam gear of the pair of interlocking cam gears may be coupled to a different support pad of the pair of support pads.

[0021] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include a bracket that may be substantially U-shaped, a second sidewall of the bracket may include an elongated slot aligned with the receptacle supported by the carriage, the carriage may include an indicia reader configured to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicia of the receptacle through the elongated slot when the carriage is positioned in the first position, the carriage may further include a rotatable puck including a plurality of spring-loaded fingers configured to support the receptacle therebetween, the puck may be coupled to the bracket below the base such that the plurality of fingers extend through an opening in the base into a space between the first and second sidewalls of the bracket, a first electric motor may be operably coupled to the puck, and the puck may be coupled to the bracket below the base such that the plurality of fingers extend through an opening in the base into a space between the first and second sidewalls of the bracket, and a first electric motor may be operably coupled to the puck, and the puck may be coupled to the carriage when the carriage is positioned in the first position. and (b) a ramp having an inclined surface extending substantially parallel to the rail, the first end of the cam arm being coupled to a gear with the pair of intermeshing gears and the second end of the cam arm being configured to move down the inclined surface of the ramp as the carriage moves between the first and second positions.

[0022] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include a roller where the second end of the cam arm is configured to roll on an inclined surface as the carriage moves between the first position and the second position, the cam arm configured to: (a) rotate a first gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a first direction and rotate a second gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite the first direction as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; and (b) rotate the first gear in the second direction and rotate the second gear in the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite the first direction as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. in a first direction, each support pad of the pair of support pads may include a contoured surface, each support pad of the pair of support pads may include a substantially V-shaped groove, each support pad of the pair of support pads may include an elastomer, the elastomer may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber, and the one or more springs may be configured to bias the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned in the first position and to bias the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned in the second position. The pair of support pads may be configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to a receptacle supported by the carriage, a second electric motor may be operatively coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage between the first and second positions, the carriage may further include a sensing system configured to detect whether a receptacle is seated on the puck, the puck may include a first passageway extending across and offset from a vertical axis of the puck, and the sensing system may be configured to (a) detect a receptacle seated on the puck, and (b) detecting whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted a desired depth into the pack, the pack may be rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing may include a second passageway extending transverse to and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and the sensing system may include a signal emitter and a signal detector, the signal detector detecting when the first and second passageways are aligned when the receptacle is not seated in the pack.The optical fiber may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0023] Various embodiments of the disclosed systems may additionally or alternatively include a signal emitter that can be a light emitter, a signal detector that can be a light detector, and a signal that can be a light beam, and when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter can be configured to direct the light beam to an entrance area on an exterior surface of a receptacle seated in the puck, and (b) the light detector can be configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not seated in the puck, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area can be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm. The region may include one or more of the following features: the signal emitter and the signal detector may be coupled to the carriage; the first shelf may be attached to the carriage; the second shelf may be positioned at the second position; when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first shelf may be positioned below the second shelf; when the carriage is positioned at the second position, a vertical clearance between the first shelf and the second shelf may be from about 1 mm to about 6 mm; and the second shelf may define a first opening, and when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first opening may be aligned with a receptacle supported by the carriage such that a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument is movable into the receptacle through the first opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, a receptacle delivery system for an instrument is disclosed. The disclosed system may include a carriage configured to move from a first position on the instrument to a second position on the instrument, a puck supported by the carriage, and a first shelf positioned at the second position on the instrument. The puck may be configured to removably support a receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the receptacle is substantially aligned with a vertical axis of the puck. The shelf may include (a) a base extending substantially transverse to the vertical axis of the puck, and (b) a first opening defined by the base. When the carriage is positioned at the second position, a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated on the puck may extend through the first opening.

[0025] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include: the shelf may be removably coupled to the housing of the instrument; the shelf may be removably coupled to the housing of the instrument using one or more magnets, the one or more magnets may include a pair of corresponding magnets; the shelf may include a first protrusion extending upwardly from the base, the instrument housing may include a second protrusion, the first protrusion may include a first magnet of the pair of magnets, the second protrusion may include a second magnet of the pair of magnets; the top surface of the base may include a passageway defined by an internal protrusion extending upwardly from the top surface of the base and a sidewall circumscribing the base, the sidewall may include a second opening, the second opening may be sized to permit passage therethrough of the distal end of a pipette tip; the shelf and the housing may include mated alignment elements configured to properly align the shelf of the instrument, the mated alignment elements may include mated alignment elements configured to properly align the shelf of the instrument; the third projection may include a third opening in the housing and a third protrusion coupled to the housing, the third protrusion may extend through the third opening when the second shelf is coupled to the housing, a shape of an outer surface of the third protrusion may generally conform to a shape of the third opening, the third projection of the housing may include a first recess located at an end of the third protrusion, the shelf may include a fourth protrusion positioned proximate to the third opening, the fourth protrusion may be positioned in the first recess when the second shelf is the housing, a surface of the shelf may include a concave thumb gripper, the carriage may include a second shelf coupled to the top surface of the carriage, the second shelf may include a recessed area configured to contain a fluid, the second shelf may be removably coupled to the top surface of the carriage, and a vertical clearance between the first shelf and the second shelf may be from about 1 mm to about 6 mm when the carriage is positioned in the second position.

[0026] In some embodiments, a receptacle clamping mechanism for an instrument is disclosed. The system may include a carriage configured to move between a first position and a second position of the instrument. The carriage may include (a) one or more support members configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween, and (b) a pair of opposing support pads configured to apply a clamping force to a receptacle supported by the carriage when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and to release the clamping force from the receptacle when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. The system may also include a sensing system configured to determine whether the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage.

[0027] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include a sensing system configured to determine whether (a) a longitudinal axis of a receptacle supported by the carriage is tilted relative to a vertical axis, and / or (b) whether a receptacle supported by the carriage is inserted to a desired depth, the sensing system may include a signal emitter and a signal detector positioned at opposite ends of a linear axis, where when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the linear axis (a) passes through a sidewall of the receptacle, and (b) may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle, the signal emitter may be a light emitter, and the signal detector may be a light detector, where (a) the light emitter may be configured to direct a light beam at an entrance area on an outer surface of the receptacle supported by the carriage, and (b) the light detector may be configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not properly supported by the carriage, and (b) the light detector may be configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, and (b) the entrance area may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. and when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the incidence area may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm, and when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the incidence area may be offset from a base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm, and the signal emitter and signal detector may be coupled to the carriage, and a pair of support pads (a) contact the receptacle supported by the one or more support members when the carriage is positioned in the second position, and (b) contact the receptacle supported by the one or more support members when the carriage is positioned in the second position. The ridge may be configured to be separated from the receptacle when positioned at the first position, the pair of support pads may be configured to move towards each other when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position and to move away from each other when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, a pair of interlocking gears may be coupled to the pair of support pads, the pair of interlocking gears may rotate in opposite directions relative to each other to move the pair of support pads towards each other when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, a pair of actuator arms,The present invention may further include one or more of the following features: a pair of actuator arms, each actuator arm of the pair of actuator arms may be coupled at one end to a different support pad of the pair of support pads and at an opposite end to a different gear of the pair of meshing gears.

[0028] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively further comprise a cam arm, where one end of the cam arm may be coupled to a gear of the pair of intermeshing gears and an opposite end of the cam arm may be configured to move on a downwardly sloping path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and the opposite end of the cam arm may include a roller configured to roll on the sloping path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, the cam arm (a) causes a first gear of the pair of intermeshing gears to rotate in a first direction and a second gear of the pair of intermeshing gears to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) causes a first gear of the pair of intermeshing gears to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. the carriage may be configured to rotate the first gear in a second direction and rotate the second gear in the first direction when the carriage is moved to the first position; each support pad of the pair of support pads may include a contoured surface or a V-shaped groove; each support pad of the pair of support pads may include an elastomer, the elastomer may be selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber; and may further include one or more springs configured to bias the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned at the first position; and may be configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to a receptacle supported by the one or more support members when the carriage is positioned at the second position.

[0029] In some embodiments, a method of delivering a receptacle to an instrument is disclosed that includes supporting the receptacle on a carriage when the carriage is positioned at a first position on the instrument, activating a sensing system coupled to the carriage to verify that the receptacle is supported by the carriage, moving the carriage and the receptacle supported therein to a second position on the instrument, applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, extracting at least a portion of the fluid contained in the receptacle at the second position using a fluid extraction device of the instrument, moving the carriage and the receptacle supported therein from the second position to the first position, and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0030] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively further include using a sensing system to determine whether (a) a longitudinal axis of a receptacle supported by the carriage is inclined relative to a vertical axis and / or (b) whether a receptacle supported by the carriage is inserted to a predetermined depth, and applying a clamping force may include applying a force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle, and applying the clamping force to the receptacle may include applying a pair of opposing clamping forces to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position. applying the clamping force and releasing the clamping force may include rotating a pair of meshing gears coupled to the pair of support pads in opposite directions to one another as the carriage moves between the first and second positions, and rotating the pair of meshing gears may include (a) rotating a first one of the pair of meshing gears in opposite directions to one another as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position. the first gear of the pair of meshing gears in a first direction, and (b) rotating the first gear in the second direction and rotating the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, wherein rotating the pair of meshing gears includes (a) moving a first end of the cam arm in a downwardly inclined path when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) moving the first end of the cam arm in a downwardly inclined path when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. and moving the receptacle on an upwardly sloping surface, the second end of the cam arm being coupled to a gear with a pair of meshing gears, and supporting the receptacle in the carriage may include releasably supporting the receptacle in a rotatable puck positioned in the carriage, and releasably supporting the receptacle includes positioning the receptacle between a plurality of spring loaded members of the puck, and the method may further include transferring the receptacle to the puck from a conveyor located outside the equipment using a pick and place device.The present invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0031] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include rotating the puck on the carriage when the carriage is positioned in a first position; using a sensor to detect when the puck has rotated into position on the carriage; reading encoded information on the machine-readable indicia of the receptacle using an indicia reader as the puck is rotating; and using the sensing system to direct a signal from a signal emitter towards a signal detector, where a receptacle supported by the carriage is positioned between the signal emitter and the signal detector; directing and determining which portion, if any, of the light beam is received by the light detector; and directing the signal, where the signal emitter may be a light emitter, the signal detector may be a light detector, and the signal may be a light beam, and the incident area may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage. When the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the entrance area may be offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm; and moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, to the second position includes positioning the carriage at the second position such that (a) at least a portion of the carriage is positioned below a second shelf of the device positioned at the second position, and (b) the receptacle is positioned below a first opening defined by the second shelf; and and moving the carriage and a receptacle supported therein to a second position may include positioning the carriage at the second position such that (a) a first shelf coupled to the carriage is positioned below a second shelf removably coupled to the instrument at the second position, and (b) the receptacle is aligned with a first opening defined by the second shelf, and when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first shelf may be vertically spaced a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm from the second shelf, and extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle may include:The method may include directing a tip associated with the fluid extraction device into the receptacle through the first opening to contact the fluid contained in the receptacle, and extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle may include drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip, and further includes removing the tip from the receptacle to a position over the first opening after drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip, and the receptacle may include a pierceable cap covering an opening of the receptacle, and (i) directing the tip into the receptacle may include piercing the cap with the tip, and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle includes moving the tip through the pierceable cap. and after removing the chip from the receptacle, laterally moving the chip to a position above the second shelf; after moving the chip to a position above the top surface of the second shelf, lowering the chip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm above the top surface of the second shelf; after moving the chip laterally to a position above the top surface of the second shelf, moving the chip along a predefined path above the top surface of the second shelf; moving the chip along the predefined path may include moving the chip around a protrusion extending upwardly from the top surface of the second shelf, and after moving the chip along the predefined path, removing the chip from above the top surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in a sidewall of the second shelf.

[0032] Various embodiments of the disclosed systems may additionally or alternatively include a method of cleaving at least a portion of the fluid extracted from the receptacle from the chip prior to moving the chip along the predefined path, at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip being deposited on an upper surface of a second shelf while moving the chip along the predefined path, at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip prior to moving the chip along the predefined path being suspended from the second shelf beneath the first opening after moving the chip along the predefined path, and moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, from the second position to the first position cleaves at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the second shelf beneath the first opening. and depositing the cleaved fluid on a top surface of the first shelf supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, and may include one or more of the following features: decoupling the second shelf from the instrument; removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the top surface of the second shelf after decoupling the second shelf from the instrument; coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the top surface of the second shelf; removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the first shelf after moving the carriage to the first position; and removing the receptacle from the carriage using the pick and place device after releasing the clamping force from the receptacle.

[0033] In some embodiments, a method of delivering a receptacle to an instrument is disclosed. The method may include positioning a carriage at a first location of the instrument, the carriage may include a rotatable puck and may be configured to move the instrument from the first location to a second location. The puck may be configured to seat the receptacle therein. The method also includes rotating the puck about a vertical axis within the carriage to position the puck at a desired rotational location, using a first sensor to determine whether the receptacle is seated on the puck, and calibrating the sensing sensor if the receptacle is determined not to be seated. The sensing system may be configured to determine whether the receptacle is seated on the puck. The method may include calibrating the sensing system, seating the receptacle on the pack, determining whether the receptacle is properly seated on the pack using the sensing system after seating the receptacle on the pack, and moving the carriage from the first position to the second position after determining that the receptacle is properly seated on the pack.

[0034] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include determining whether the receptacle is properly seated in the pack including determining (a) whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle seated in the pack is tilted relative to a vertical axis and / or (b) whether the receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth, and the pack may include a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and the carriage may include a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack. and calibrating the sensor assembly may include rotating the puck to align the first and second passages, and the sensing system may include a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned, the signal detector may be configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter through the aligned first and second passages, and the signal emitter may be a light emitter and the signal detector may be a light detector, and the method includes performing a brightness calibration of the light beam from the light emitter after aligning the first and second passages. The method may further include, where the first sensor may be an indicator reader of the instrument, determining whether the receptacle is seated on the pack may include detecting an indicator on the carriage using the indicator reader, the indicator may be positioned out of the line of sight of the indicator reader when the receptacle is seated on the pack, rotating the pack to position the pack in the desired rotational position may include stopping rotation of the pack when the Hall effect sensor indicates that the pack is in the desired rotational position, and moving the carriage from the first position to the second position .... positioning the carriage at the second position such that a first shelf attached to the ridge is positioned below a second shelf positioned at the second position, positioning the carriage at the second position may include positioning the carriage at the second position such that the first shelf is vertically spaced from the second shelf by a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm, and positioning the carriage at the second position may include positioning the carriage such that a receptacle seated on the puck is positioned below and aligned with a first opening defined by the second shelf,The method may further include directing a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument through the first opening into the receptacle to contact the fluid contained in the receptacle, drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip; and removing the tip from the receptacle to a position over the first opening after drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip; and the receptacle may include a pierceable cap covering an opening of the receptacle, and may include one or more of the following features: (i) directing the tip into the receptacle may include piercing the cap with the tip, and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle may include moving the tip through the pierceable cap.

[0035] Various embodiments of the disclosed system may additionally or alternatively include laterally moving the chip to a position above a second shelf after removing the chip from the receptacle; lowering the chip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm above the top surface of the shelf after moving the chip to a position above the top surface of the second shelf; moving the chip along a predefined path above the top surface of the second shelf after moving the chip laterally to a position above the top surface of the second shelf; moving the chip along the predefined path may include moving the chip around a protrusion extending upwardly from the top surface of the second shelf; removing the chip from above the top surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in a sidewall of the second shelf after moving the chip along the predefined path; a portion of the fluid drawn from the receptacle may be suspended from the chip prior to moving along the predefined path; at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip may be deposited on the top surface of the second shelf while moving the chip along the predefined path; at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip prior to moving the chip along the predefined path may be suspended from a second shelf beneath the first opening after moving the chip along the predefined path; moving the carriage from the second position to the first position after moving the chip along the predefined path; and moving the carriage from the second position to the first position may include cleaving at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the second shelf beneath the first opening and depositing the cleaved fluid on a top surface of the first shelf as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position; decoupling the second shelf from the instrument; removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the top surface of the second shelf after decoupling the second shelf from the instrument; coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the top surface of the second shelf; and removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the top surface of the first shelf after moving the carriage to the first position.

[0036] In some embodiments, a method for providing fluid to an instrument located adjacent to a conveyor for transporting the receptacle between a plurality of modules is disclosed, the method including the steps of (a) supporting a sample receptacle in an upright orientation on a first carrier, (b) transporting the first carrier on a conveyor extending adjacent each of a plurality of modules, at least one of which is an analytical instrument, (c) stopping the first carrier at a location adjacent to the analytical instrument, (d) after step (c), while the first carrier remains on the conveyor, removing the sample receptacle from the first carrier and transporting the sample receptacle to a pick-up position of the analytical instrument, (e) transporting the sample receptacle from the pick-up position to a pipetting station located within the analytical instrument, and (f) aspirating fluid contained within the sample receptacle at the pipetting station and dispensing the aspirated fluid. The method may include (a) transferring the sample receptacle to a reaction receptacle supported by the analytical instrument; (g) transporting the sample receptacle from the pipetting station to a pick-up position after aspirating fluid from the sample receptacle; (h) removing the sample receptacle from the pick-up position and transporting the sample receptacle to a second carrier located on a conveyor adjacent to the analytical instrument, the second carrier supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation; (i) performing an assay on the aspirated fluid in the analytical instrument, thereby determining the presence or absence of an analyte in the aspirated fluid; and (j) transporting the second carrier supporting the sample receptacle on the conveyor to one or more of a plurality of modules that are not analytical instruments.

[0037] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods may additionally or alternatively include where the first carrier may be a puck having a cylindrical base and a pocket formed in an upper surface of the base for seating the sample receptacle, the puck may have a plurality of upwardly extending fingers for supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation, the conveyor may include a mounting track for supporting the first carrier during step (b), the first carrier may be propelled on the track by magnetic attraction between the first carrier and the conveyor, the analytical instrument may be an instrument for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction, step (c) may be performed with a stopping element operatively associated with the conveyor, the stopping element may be actuated to a closed position during step (c) from a closed position that allows passage of the first carrier on the conveyor, the stopping element immobilizing the first carrier in the closed position, the sample receptacle may be removed from the first carrier, and the gripping device may be adapted to move the first carrier from the closed position to a position that allows passage of the first carrier on the conveyor. and wherein the sample receptacle is transported to a pick-up position using a carriage, the method may further include determining whether a height and orientation of the sample receptacle is acceptable; in step (d), a receptacle holder supported by the carriage may receive the sample receptacle at the pick-up position, the pick position may be located outside a housing of the analytical instrument; in step (d), the carriage may transport the sample receptacle from the pick-up position to a pipetting station, the method may further include securing the sample receptacle to the carriage when the sample receptacle is transported from the pick-up position to the pipetting station, thereby preventing vertical movement of the sample receptacle; the first carrier and the second carrier may be the same carrier; and the assay may include exposing the sample to reagents and conditions for performing a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. A method for providing a fluid to an apparatus located adjacent to a conveyor for transporting receptacles between a plurality of modules, the method comprising: (a) supporting a sample receptacle in an upright orientation with a first carrier; (b) transporting the first carrier on a conveyor extending adjacent each of a plurality of modules, at least one of the modules being an analytical instrument; (c) stopping the first carrier adjacent to the analytical instrument; (d) after step (c), while the first carrier remains on the conveyor, removing the sample receptacle from the first carrier and transporting the sample receptacle to a pick-up location of the analytical instrument; (e) transporting the sample receptacle from the pick-up location to a pipetting station located within the analytical instrument; (f) aspirating, at the pipetting station, fluid contained within the sample receptacle and transferring the aspirated fluid to a reaction receptacle supported by the analytical instrument; (g) transporting the sample receptacle from the pipetting station to the pick-up position after aspirating the fluid from the sample receptacle; (h) removing the sample receptacle from the pickup location and transporting the sample receptacle to a second carrier located on the conveyor adjacent to the analytical instrument, the second carrier supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation; (i) performing an assay on the aspirated fluid with the analytical device, thereby determining the presence or absence of an analyte in the aspirated fluid; (j) transporting the second carrier supporting the sample receptacle on the conveyor to one or more of the plurality of modules that is not the analytical instrument. (Item 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carrier is a puck having a cylindrical base and a pocket formed in an upper surface of the base for seating the sample receptacle. (Item 3) 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the puck has a plurality of upwardly extending fingers for supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation. (Item 4) 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveyor comprises a stationary track for supporting the first carrier during step (b). (Item 5) 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first carrier is propelled on the track by magnetic attraction between the first carrier and the conveyor. (Item 6) 6. The method according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the analytical instrument is an instrument for carrying out a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction. (Item 7) 7. The method of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein step (c) is performed using a stop element operatively associated with the conveyor, the stop element being actuated from an open position allowing passage of the first carrier on the conveyor to a closed position during step (c), the stop element immobilizing the first carrier in the closed position. (Item 8) 9. The method according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the sample receptacle is removed from the first carrier and transported to the pick-up position using a gripping device. (Item 9) 9. The method of any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising determining whether the height and orientation of the sample receptacle are acceptable. (Item 10) 10. The method according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein in step (d), a receptacle holder supported by a carriage receives the sample receptacle at a pick-up position. (Item 11) Item 11. The method of item 10, wherein the pick location is located outside a housing of the analytical instrument. (Item 12) 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein in step (d), the carriage transports the sample receptacle from the pickup position to the pipetting station. (Item 13) 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of fixing the sample receptacle to the carriage when the sample receptacle is transported from the pickup position to the pipetting station, thereby preventing vertical movement of the sample receptacle. (Item 14) 14. The method according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are the same carrier. (Item 15) 15. The method of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the assay comprises exposing the sample to reagents and conditions for carrying out a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction. (Item 16) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: 1. A pack configured to removably support a receptacle therein, said pack comprising: a plurality of fingers arranged about a vertical axis, each finger of the plurality of fingers having a contact surface configured to contact a receptacle seated on the puck; one or more springs connecting the fingers and biasing the fingers toward the vertical axis; a support disk including: (i) a disk sidewall projecting from a base and defining a pocket for seating a receptacle; (ii) a plurality of first cavities formed in said base and extending in the direction of said vertical axis; and (iii) a puck passageway extending transversely to and offset from said vertical axis through opposing portions of said disk sidewall, wherein each of said plurality of fingers is rotatably coupled to said support disk at a corresponding one of said plurality of first cavities; a synchronous disk positioned in the pocket of the support disk, each of the plurality of fingers being coupled to the synchronous disk such that the contact surfaces of the plurality of fingers move synchronously toward and away from the vertical axis; and a retaining ring coupling together the plurality of fingers, the support disk, and the synchronizing disk. (Item 17) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: 1. A receptacle delivery system comprising: a carriage supporting a puck, the carriage configured to move with the puck from a first position to a second position within an instrument of the plurality of instruments, the first position being a position configured to transfer a receptacle supported by the carrier to the puck supported by the carriage, and the second position being a position configured to draw fluid from the receptacle seated in the puck into a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument. (Item 18) 1. A method of delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting a receptacle containing a fluid on a carrier; transporting the carrier supporting the receptacle on a conveyor extending adjacent each of a plurality of devices; transferring the receptacle from the carrier to a puck supported by the carriage when the carriage is positioned at a first position; moving the carriage with the receptacle seated on the puck from the first position to a second position within an instrument of the plurality of instruments; and drawing at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle seated in the puck into a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument when the carriage is positioned in the second position. (Item 19) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: a carriage configured to move from a first position to a second position; a puck coupled to the carriage, the puck configured to removably support a receptacle therein; and a receptacle clamping mechanism comprising a pair of opposing support pads configured to (a) contact a receptacle seated on the puck when the carriage is positioned in the second position, and (b) separate from the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the first position. (Item 20) 1. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting the receptacle with a carriage; activating an electric motor to move the carriage between a first position and a second position of the device while the receptacle is supported by the carriage; applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. (Item 21) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: A carriage; a puck rotatably supported by the carriage, the puck including a plurality of spring-loaded fingers disposed about a vertical axis and configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween; and a first electric motor configured to move the carriage between a first position and a second position of the instrument; a second electric motor configured to rotate the puck about the vertical axis. (Item 22) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: a carriage configured to move the rail from a first position to a second position of the device, the carriage comprising: a bracket having opposing first and second side walls and a base extending between the first and second side walls, the carriage configured to support a receptacle; a pair of opposing support pads configured to (a) move toward a receptacle supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, and (b) move away from a receptacle supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the second position toward the first position; A receptacle delivery system comprising: a carriage comprising a pair of interlocking cam gears rotatably coupled to the first side wall, each cam gear of the pair of interlocking cam gears being coupled to a different support pad of the pair of support pads. (Item 23) 1. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: a carriage configured to move from a first position on the instrument to a second position on the instrument; a puck supported by the carriage, the puck configured to removably support the receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the receptacle is substantially aligned with a vertical axis of the puck; a first shelf positioned at the second location on the device, the shelf including: (a) a base extending substantially transverse to the vertical axis of the puck; and (b) a first opening defined by the base, wherein when the carriage is positioned at the second location, the longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the puck extends through the first opening. (Item 24) A receptacle clamping mechanism for an equipment, comprising: a carriage configured to move between a first position and a second position of the instrument, the carriage including: (a) one or more support members configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween; and (b) a pair of opposing support pads configured to apply a clamping force to a receptacle supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and to release the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position; and a sensing system configured to determine whether a receptacle is supported by the carriage. (Item 25) 1. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting a receptacle on the carriage when the carriage is positioned in a first position of the device; activating a sensing system coupled to the carriage to verify that the receptacle is supported by the carriage; moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, to a second position on the device; applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; extracting at least a portion of the fluid contained in the receptacle using a fluid extraction device of the instrument in the second position; moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, from the second position to the first position; and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. (Item 26) 1. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: positioning a carriage at a first position on the instrument, the carriage including a rotatable puck and configured to move from the first position to a second position on the instrument, the puck configured to seat a receptacle therein; Rotating the puck on the carriage about a vertical axis to position the puck in a desired rotational position; determining whether a receptacle is seated on the puck using a first sensor; calibrating a sensing system when it is determined that a receptacle is not seated on the puck, the sensing system being configured to determine whether a receptacle is seated on the puck; and after calibrating the sensing system, seating a receptacle on the puck; after seating the receptacle on the puck, determining whether the receptacle is properly seated on the puck using the sensing system; and moving the carriage from the first position to the second position after determining that the receptacle is properly seated in the puck. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. Where appropriate, reference numerals designating similar structures, components, materials, and / or elements in different drawings are similarly labeled. It is understood that various combinations of structures, components, and / or elements other than those specifically shown in these drawings are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] For simplicity and clarity of description, the drawings show the general structure and / or method of construction of the described embodiments, as well as related manufacturing methods. Well-known features (e.g., fasteners, electrical connections, control systems, etc.) are not shown in these figures (and are not described in the corresponding description for brevity) to avoid obscuring other features, as these features are well-known to those skilled in the art. Features in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features to improve understanding of the exemplary embodiments. Cross-sectional views are simplified diagrams provided to aid in illustrating the relative positioning of various features. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that cross-sectional views are not necessarily drawn to scale and should not be considered to represent proportional relationships between different features. It should be noted that aspects and features described with reference to one embodiment are applicable to and may be used in other embodiments, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0040] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary automated laboratory including a conveyor and a shuttle. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a portion of FIG. 1A in more detail. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B illustrates a robotic arm of a pick-and-place device transferring a receptacle from a conveyor to the shuttle of FIG. 1A in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2C] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2D] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2E] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2F] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2G]1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2H] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2I] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2J] 1B is a different view of the exemplary conveyor of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3A] 1B is a different view of the exemplary shuttle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] 1B is a different view of the exemplary shuttle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3C] 1B is a different view of the exemplary shuttle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3D] 1B is a different view of the exemplary shuttle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3E] 1B is a different view of the exemplary shuttle of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4B] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4C] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4D] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4E] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4F] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 4G] 3A-3E depict different views of an exemplary carriage of the shuttle. [Figure 5A] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5B] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5C] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5D]4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5E] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5F] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5G] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5H] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5I] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5J] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 5K] 4A-4E are different views of an exemplary puck of the carriage. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6B] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6C] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6D] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6E] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6F] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6G]FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6H] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6I] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 6J] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an optical sensor used in an exemplary embodiment to detect proper seating of a receptacle in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 7A] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an initialization procedure for the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an initialization procedure for the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an initialization procedure for the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8A] 4A-4E depict an exemplary receptacle clamping mechanism of the carriage of FIG. [Figure 8B] 4A-4E depict an exemplary receptacle clamping mechanism of the carriage of FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 3C is a diagram of the shuttle of FIGS. 3A-3E with the primary mucoid shelf removed in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram of an exemplary primary mucoid shelf that can be attached to the shuttle of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pipettor with associated pipette tips in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pipettor with associated pipette tips in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 1C is a diagram of a pipette tip of the pipettor of FIGS. 10A-10B positioned in an exemplary capped receptacle. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4C is a diagram of a pipette tip attached to a pipettor aspirating fluid from a receptacle positioned in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E, in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 4C is a diagram of a pipette tip attached to a pipettor aspirating fluid from a receptacle positioned in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E, in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11C] FIG. 4C is a diagram of a pipette tip attached to a pipettor aspirating fluid from a receptacle positioned in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E, in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11D] FIG. 4C is a diagram of a pipette tip attached to a pipettor aspirating fluid from a receptacle positioned in the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E, in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary secondary mucoid shelf that can be attached to the carriage of FIGS. 4A-4E. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1B is a diagram of an exemplary multi-receptacle unit (MRU) of the device of FIG. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1B is a diagram of an exemplary cap / vial assembly of the device of FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, notations, and other scientific or technical terms used herein generally have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.All patents, applications, published applications, and other publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.If the definitions set forth in this disclosure are contrary to or inconsistent with the definitions in these references, the definitions set forth in this disclosure shall prevail over the definitions incorporated herein by reference.None of the references described or referenced herein are admitted to be prior art of this disclosure.

[0042] References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "further embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some aspects," "further aspects," "aspects," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments may necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, such feature, structure, or characteristic is also described in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more."

[0043] As used herein, a "sample" refers to any material suspected of containing at least one analyte of interest. The analyte of interest may be, for example, a nucleic acid, a protein, a prion, a chemical, etc. The material may come from any source, including an animal, an industrial process, the environment, a water source, a food, or a solid surface (e.g., a surface in a medical facility). Materials obtained from animals may include, for example, blood or blood products, urine, mucus, sputum, saliva, semen, tears, pus, stool, nasopharyngeal or urethral specimens obtained with a swab or other collection device, and other bodily fluids or materials. The term "sample" may be understood to mean a specimen in its original form or at any stage of processing.

[0044] As used herein, a "receptacle" refers to any type of fluid container including, for example, a tube, vial, cuvette, cartridge, microtiter plate, etc., configured to contain a sample or another fluid (collectively referred to herein as fluids). Non-limiting examples of illustrative receptacles include, for example, Aptima® urine specimen transport tubes, Aptima® specimen transfer tubes, BD Vacutainer®, etc.

[0045] As used herein, the term "instrument" refers to any device that may be used with the disclosed shuttle. As used herein, "instrument" includes, among other things, an analyzer that can analyze a sample. For example, an instrument may be an analyzer that can perform a nucleic acid-based detection assay, a sequencing assay, an immunoassay, or a chemical assay on a sample. Non-limiting examples of such "instruments" include automated analyzers such as, for example, the Tigris®, Panther®, and Panther Fusion® sold by Hologic, Inc. of Marlborough, Massachusetts. As used herein, "instrument" also includes devices used to transfer sample material from one receptacle to another without processing or analyzing the sample. Non-limiting examples of such "instruments" include the Tomcat® instruments sold by Hologic, Inc. of Marlborough, Massachusetts.

[0046] As used herein, the term "robotic arm" refers to an electromechanical device that translates a payload (such as a receptacle) in the X, Y, and / or Z directions. In one embodiment, the robotic arm includes a receptacle grasper (e.g., a pick-and-place claw, etc.) that can be used to pick and move a receptacle from one location to another.

[0047] As used herein, the term "conveyor" refers to a mechanical device for transporting items (e.g., receptacles) from one location to another along a defined path. Non-limiting examples of exemplary conveyors include robots, belts (e.g., moving belts, shuttles / carriages that move on tracks, rails, belts, etc.), magnetic devices, gear systems, cable systems, vacuum systems, wheeled vehicles, etc.

[0048] As used herein, "assay" refers to a procedure for detecting and / or quantifying an analyte in a sample. A sample containing or suspected of containing an analyte is contacted with one or more reagents and placed under conditions that permit the production of a detectable signal that provides information about the presence or amount (e.g., mass or concentration) of the analyte in the sample.

[0049] As used herein, the term "analytical instrument" refers to an automated instrument capable of performing one or more steps of an assay, including determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes suspected to be present in a fluid sample.

[0050] The term "extraction" as used herein with respect to nucleic acids refers to the recovery of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., DNA or RNA in any form) from a sample that contains non-nucleic acid components, such as the natural environment of the nucleic acid molecule, a partially purified sample, or a crude sample (i.e., a sample in substantially the same form as when obtained from its source). Extraction can result in a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule or a nucleic acid molecule in a purer form than it was in the sample prior to extraction, and can be used to obtain such molecules for use in analytical procedures from samples that contain biological material, such as cells (including cells directly isolated from a source or cultured cells), blood, urine, mucus, semen, saliva, or tissue (e.g., biopsy). Many extraction methods are available. In various embodiments, extraction can include one or more of cell lysis, removal of insoluble material, such as by centrifugation or filtration, chromatography, precipitation of nucleic acid, or capture of nucleic acid by a capture probe.

[0051] As used herein, "analyte" refers to a molecule present or suspected to be present in a sample and targeted for detection in an assay. Exemplary types of analytes include biopolymers such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, and prions.

[0052] As used herein, "nucleic acid" and "polynucleotide" refer to polymeric compounds that include nucleosides or nucleoside analogs with nitrogenous heterocyclic bases or base analogs linked together to form polynucleotides, including polymers that are conventional RNA, DNA, mixed RNA-DNA, and their analogs. The nucleic acid "backbone" can be composed of a variety of linkages, including sugar-phosphodiester linkages, peptide-nucleic acid linkages ("peptide nucleic acid" or PNA; WO 95 / 32305), phosphorothioate linkages, methylphosphonate linkages, or combinations thereof. The sugar portion of the nucleic acid can be ribose, deoxyribose, or analogs with substitutions (e.g., 2' methoxy or 2' halide substitutions). The nitrogenous bases may be conventional bases (A, G, C, T, U), their analogs (e.g., inosine or others; see The Biochemistry of the Nucleic Acids 5-36, Adams et al, ed., 11th ed., 1992), purine or pyrimidine derivatives (e.g., N4-methylguanine, N6-methyladenine, deaza or azapurines, deazapyrimidines or azapyrimidines, pyrimidine bases having substituents at the 5- or 6-positions (e.g., 5-methylcytosine), purine bases having substituents at the 2-, 6-, or 8-positions, 2-amino-6-methylaminopurine, O6-methylguanine, 4-thio-pyrimidine, 4-amino-pyrimidine, 4-dimethylhydrazine-pyrimidine, and O4-alkyl-pyrimidines; U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,825 and WO 93 / 13121). Nucleic acids may contain one or more "abasic" residues, where the backbone does not contain a nitrogenous base at any position in the polymer (U.S. Patent No. 5,585,481). Nucleic acids may contain only conventional RNA or DNA sugars, bases and linkages, or may contain both conventional components and substitutions (e.g., conventional bases with 2' methoxy linkages, or polymers containing conventional bases and one or more base analogs).Nucleic acids include "locked nucleic acids" (LNA), analogs that contain one or more LNA nucleotide monomers with bicyclic furanose units locked into RNA that mimic the sugar configuration, which enhances hybridization affinity to complementary RNA and DNA sequences (Vester and Wengel, 2004, Biochemistry 43(42):13233-41). Oligomer embodiments that may affect the stability of the hybridization complex include PNA oligomers, oligomers that contain 2'-methoxy or 2'-fluoro substituted RNA, or oligomers that affect the overall charge, charge density, or steric association of the hybridization complex, including oligomers that contain charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates) or neutral groups (e.g., methylphosphonates). Unless otherwise stated, methylated cytosines, such as 5-methylcytosine, may be used with any of the above-mentioned backbones / sugars / linkages, including RNA or DNA backbones (or mixtures thereof). RNA and DNA equivalents have different sugar moieties (i.e., ribose versus deoxyribose) and may differ by the presence of uracil in RNA and thymine in DNA. The differences between RNA and DNA equivalents do not contribute to differences in homology, since the equivalents have the same degree of complementarity to a particular sequence. When referring to a range for the length of an oligonucleotide, amplicon, or other nucleic acid, it is understood that the range includes all integers (e.g., a length of 19 to 25 contiguous nucleotides includes 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25).

[0053] As used herein, "nucleic acid amplification" or simply "amplification" refers to any in vitro procedure that produces multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence or its complementary sequence or a fragment thereof (i.e., an amplified sequence that contains less than the entire target nucleic acid). Amplification methods include, for example, replicase-mediated amplification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligase chain reaction (LCR), strand displacement amplification (SDA), helicase-dependent amplification (HDA), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), and nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA). TMA and NASBA are both forms of transcription-based amplification. Replicase-mediated amplification uses self-replicating RNA molecules and a replicase, such as QB replicase (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,600). PCR uses DNA polymerase, primer pairs, and thermal cycles to synthesize multiple copies of two complementary strands of dsDNA or from cDNA (see U.S. Patent Nos. 4,683,195, 4,683,202, and 4,800,159). LCR uses four or more different oligonucleotides to amplify a target and its complementary strand by using multiple cycles of hybridization, ligation, and denaturation (see U.S. Patent Nos. 5,427,930 and 5,516,663). SDA uses primers that contain recognition sites for restriction endonucleases and an endonuclease that nicks one strand of a semi-modified DNA duplex containing the target sequence, thereby causing amplification in a series of primer extension and strand displacement steps (see U.S. Patent Nos. 5,422,252, 5,547,861, and 5,648,211). HDA uses a helicase to separate the two strands of a DNA duplex to generate a single-stranded template, followed by hybridization of a sequence-specific primer that hybridizes to the template and extension by DNA polymerase to amplify the target sequence (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,282,328).Transcription-based amplification uses DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate, ribonucleoside triphosphate, promoter-containing oligonucleotide, and optionally other oligonucleotides, to ultimately generate multiple RNA transcripts from nucleic acid template.Examples of transcription-based amplification are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,868,105, 5,124,990, 5,130,238, 5,399,491, 5,409,818 and 5,554,516; and WO 88 / 01302, 88 / 10315 and 95 / 03430.Amplification can be linear or exponential.

[0054] As used herein, "oligomer" or "oligonucleotide" generally refers to a nucleic acid less than 1,000 nucleotides (nt), including those in a size range having a lower limit of about 2-5 nt and an upper limit of about 500-900 nt. Some particular embodiments are oligomers in a size range having a lower limit of about 5-15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nt and an upper limit of about 50-600 nt, and other particular embodiments are oligomers in a size range having a lower limit of about 10-20 nt and an upper limit of about 22-100 nt. Oligomers may be purified from naturally occurring sources, but may be synthesized by using any well-known enzymatic or chemical method. Oligomers may be referred to by their functional name (e.g., capture probe, primer, or promoter primer), although one of skill in the art will understand that such terms refer to oligomers. Oligomers may form secondary and tertiary structures by self-hybridizing or by hybridizing to other polynucleotides. Such structures may include, but are not limited to, duplexes, hairpins, cruciforms, bends, and triplexes. The oligomers may be generated by any method, including chemical synthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription, PCR, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the oligomers that form invasive cleavage structures are generated in a reaction (e.g., by extension of a primer in an enzymatic extension reaction).

[0055] As used herein, "amplicon" or "amplification product" refers to a nucleic acid molecule produced in a nucleic acid amplification reaction and derived from a target nucleic acid. The amplicon or amplification product contains a target nucleic acid sequence that may be of the same or opposite orientation as the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the amplicon has a length of about 100-2000 nucleotides, about 100-1500 nucleotides, about 100-1000 nucleotides, about 100-800 nucleotides, about 100-700 nucleotides, about 100-600 nucleotides, or about 100-500 nucleotides.

[0056] As used herein, a "primer" refers to an oligomer that hybridizes to a template nucleic acid and has a 3' end that is extended by polymerization. A primer may be modified, if desired, for example, by including a 5' region that is non-complementary to the target sequence. Such modifications may include functional additions, such as tags, promoters or other sequences that may be used or useful to manipulate or amplify the primer or target oligonucleotide. Examples of primers incorporating tags or tag and promoter sequences are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,284,549. A primer modified with a 5' promoter sequence may be referred to as a "promoter-primer." Those skilled in the art of molecular biology or biochemistry will understand that an oligomer that can function as a primer may be modified to include a 5' promoter sequence and then function as a promoter-primer, and similarly, any promoter-primer may function as a primer with or without its 5' promoter sequence.

[0057] As used herein, "detection oligomer" or "detection probe" refers to an oligomer that interacts with a target nucleic acid to form a detectable complex. The target sequence of a probe generally refers to the specific sequence within a larger sequence (e.g., a gene, amplicon, locus, etc.) to which the probe specifically hybridizes. Detection oligomers can include target-specific sequences and sequences that are not complementary to the target. Such non-target complementary sequences can include sequences that impart a desired secondary or tertiary structure (e.g., a flap or hairpin structure) that can be used to facilitate detection and / or amplification (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,118,801, 5,312,728, 6,835,542, 6,849,412, 5,846,717, 5,985,557, 5,994,069, 6,001,567, 6,913,881, 6,090,543, and 7,482,127; WO 97 / 27214 and WO 98 / 42873; Lyamichev et al., Nat. Biotech., 17:292 (1999) and Hall et al., al., PNAS, USA, 97:8272 (2000). Probes of defined sequences can be produced by techniques known to those of skill in the art, such as by chemical synthesis and by in vitro or in vivo expression from recombinant nucleic acid molecules.

[0058] As used herein, "label" or "detectable label" refers to a moiety or compound that is detected or provides a detectable signal. The label may be directly or indirectly linked to the probe, or may be, for example, an intercalating dye (e.g., SYBR® Green). Direct linkage may use covalent or non-covalent interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic or ionic interactions, and chelate or coordination complex formation), while indirect linkage may use a bridging moiety or linker (e.g., via an antibody or additional oligonucleotide). Any detectable moiety may be used, for example, radionuclides, ligands such as biotin or avidin, enzymes, enzyme substrates, reactive groups, chromophores such as dyes or particles that impart detectable color (e.g., latex or metal beads), luminescent compounds (e.g., bioluminescent, phosphorescent, or chemiluminescent compounds), and fluorescent compounds (i.e., fluorophores). Embodiments of fluorophores include those that absorb light (e.g., have peak absorption wavelengths) in the range of 495-690 nm and emit (e.g., have peak emission wavelengths) in the range of 520-710 nm, including those known as FAM®, TET®, HEX®, CAL FLUOR® (orange or red), CY®, and QUASAR® compounds. Fluorophores may be used in combination with a quencher molecule that absorbs light when in close proximity to the fluorophore, thereby reducing background fluorescence. Such quenchers are well known in the art and include, for example, BLACK HOLE QUENCHER® (or BHQ®), Blackberry Quencher® (or BBQ-650®), Eclipse®, or TAMRA™ compounds.Certain embodiments include "homogeneous detectable labels" that are detectable in homogeneous systems in which bound labeled probes in a mixture show detectable changes compared to unbound labeled probes, allowing for label detection without physically removing hybridized labeled probes from unhybridized labeled probes (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,283,174, 5,656,207, and 5,658,737). Exemplary homogeneous detectable labels include chemiluminescent compounds, including acridinium ester ("AE") compounds, such as the well-known standard AE or AE derivatives (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,656,207, 5,658,737, and 5,639,604). Methods for synthesizing labels, binding labels to nucleic acids, and detecting signals from labels are known (e.g., Chapter 10 of Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed. (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989), as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 5,658,737, 5,656,207, 5,547,842, 5,283,174, 5,585,481, 5,639,604, and 4,581,333, and European Patent No. 0 747 706).Other detectably labeled probes include FRET cassettes, TaqMan® probes, and probes that undergo conformational changes in the presence of target nucleic acid, such as molecular torches and molecular beacons. FRET cassettes are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0186588 and US Patent No. 9,096,893. TaqMan® probes contain donor and acceptor labels, where fluorescence is detected upon enzymatic degradation of the probe during amplification to release the fluorophore from the presence of the quencher. Chemistry for performing TaqMan assays is described in PCT Application No. PCT / US2018 / 024021, filed March 23, 2018, and US Patent No. 5,723,591.Molecular torches and beacons exist in open and closed configurations, the closed configuration quenches the fluorophore and the open position separates the fluorophore from the quencher allowing a detectable change in fluorescent signal. Hybridization to a target opens the otherwise closed probe. Molecular torches are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,361,945 and molecular beacons are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,150,097.

[0059] As used herein, "target capture" or "target capture procedure" refers to a procedure for immobilizing a target analyte on a solid support and purifying the analyte by removing potential amplification reaction inhibitors (e.g., heparin, proteins, and heme).

[0060] "Capture probe", "target capture probe", "capture oligonucleotide", "capture oligomer", "target capture oligomer", and "capture probe oligomer" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a nucleic acid oligomer that specifically hybridizes to a target sequence in a target nucleic acid by standard base pairing and binds to a binding partner on an immobilized probe to capture the target nucleic acid to a support. In one embodiment, "target capture" refers to a process in which a target nucleic acid is purified or isolated by hybridization to a capture probe. In another embodiment, "target capture" refers to the direct immobilization of a target nucleic acid to a solid support. One example of a capture probe typically contains two binding regions on the same oligomer: a sequence binding region (e.g., a target-specific portion) and an immobilized probe binding region, although the two regions may be present on two different oligomers linked by one or more linkers. Another embodiment of a capture probe uses a target sequence binding region that contains a random or non-random polyGU, polyGT, or polyU sequence to nonspecifically bind to the target nucleic acid and link the target nucleic acid to the immobilized probe on the support.

[0061] As used herein, "molecular assay" refers to a procedure for specifically detecting and / or quantifying a target molecule, such as a target nucleic acid. A sample containing or suspected to contain a target molecule is contacted by one or more reagents, including at least one reagent specific to the target molecule, and placed under conditions that allow the generation of a detectable signal that provides information on whether the target molecule is present. For example, if the molecular assay is PCR, the reagents include primers specific to the target, and the generation of the detectable signal can be achieved, at least in part, by providing a labeled probe that hybridizes to the amplicon generated by the primers in the presence of the target. Alternatively, the reagents can include an intercalating dye for detecting the formation of double-stranded nucleic acid.

[0062] As used herein, "reagent" refers to any substance or combination of substances that participate in a molecular assay that are not the sample materials and products of the assay. Exemplary reagents include nucleotides, enzymes, amplification oligomers, probes and salts.

[0063] The present description may use relative spatial and / or orientation terms when describing the location and / or orientation of components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof. Unless specifically stated or otherwise indicated by the context of the description, such terms, including but not limited to top, bottom, above, below, under, above, upper, lower, left, right, front, back, adjacent, adjacent to, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience when referring to such components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof in the drawings, but are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, relative terms such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of a stated numerical value or range.

[0064] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary automated laboratory with a conveyor system 3000 configured to transport receptacles containing specimens or samples (e.g., fluids) to different instruments in a laboratory. The conveyor system 3000 includes a conveyor 300 that extends between (i.e., adjacent to) multiple instruments 1000, 1010, 1020, etc. positioned in the laboratory. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, these multiple instruments may include an analyzer module or analytical instrument 1000, a loading module 1010, an unloading module 1020, a capping module 1030, a decapping module 1040, a receptacle storage module 1050, and an aliquot module 1060. It should be noted that the layout of the particular instruments and conveyor 300 shown in FIG. 1A is merely exemplary. Generally, any number and type of instruments may be positioned in a laboratory (e.g., adjacent to conveyor 300), and conveyor 300 may be positioned in any configuration adjacent some or all of these instruments. Conveyor 300 is configured to transport receptacles 50 containing fluids (e.g., specimens, samples, etc.) to multiple instruments 1000-1060 in the laboratory.

[0065] The loading module 1010 serves as an input where trays of receptacles 50 containing fluid (e.g., 50 to 100 receptacles per tray) may be manually loaded by an operator via the loading bay of the loading module 1010. Once the trays of receptacles 50 are provided to the loading bay of the loading module 1010, the receptacles 50 are automatically transferred from the loading module 1010 to the automated conveyor 300 and then acted upon by other instruments in the laboratory (e.g., some or all of the instruments 1000, 1020-1060) according to a workflow for the receptacles. The unloading module 1020 serves to receive capped receptacles 50 having contents that have been extracted and processed by one or more analytical instruments 1000 (e.g., analyzer modules). The capped receptacles 50 can be transferred from the conveyor 300 of the automated conveyor system 3000 to a rack contained in a bay located within the housing of the unloading module 1020. After fully filling the rack with the capped receptacles 50, an operator can manually remove the rack from the bay of the unloading module 1020. The decapping module 1040 is configured to remove caps from the closed specimen-containing receptacles 50 prior to processing the specimen in one or more analytical instruments 1000. The capping module 1030 is configured to couple (e.g., insert or attach) a cap 56 (see FIG. 5C ) (e.g., a replacement cap or stopper (e.g., a plug or septum)) to the open-ended receptacle 50 in one or more analytical instruments 1000, often after extracting the specimen piece from the receptacle prior to transferring the receptacle 50 to the receptacle storage module 1050 or the unloading module 1020. Exemplary capping and decapping modules 1030, 1040 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,321,619 and 7,152,504. The aliquot module 1060 transfers one or more aliquots of fluid contained in the parent receptacle 50 to a child receptacle 50 (possibly along with other child receptacles).An exemplary aliquot module 1060 is a Tomcat® instrument sold by Hologic, Inc. of Marlborough, Massachusetts. An exemplary aliquot module 1060 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,336. Each analyzer module or analytical instrument 1000 is configured to process a specimen contained in a selected receptacle 50, for example, by performing an analytical test on the specimen. Such tests may include molecular tests (e.g., nucleic acid-based assays), sequencing assays, immunoassays, chemical analyses, and the like. Exemplary analytical instruments 1000 include automated analyzers, such as, for example, the Tigris®, Panther®, and Panther Fusion® systems sold by Hologic, Inc. of Marlborough, Massachusetts. The receptacle storage module 1050 is configured to store the receptacles 50. In some cases, the receptacle storage module 1050 may be configured to store completed receptacles 50 (i.e., receptacles containing fluids or specimens for which a workflow has been completed) for subsequent manual removal from the receptacle storage module 1050 by an operator. In other cases, the receptacle storage module 1050 may be configured to store unfinished receptacles 50 (i.e., receptacles containing specimens for which a workflow has not been completed) in a controlled environment for subsequent processing by other modules.

[0066] 1A, the conveyor system 3000 may also include a Work Management System (WMS) software module 1070 configured to coordinate the workflow and high-level receptacle traffic within the conveyor 300. The WMS software module 1070 can be conceptualized as a minimal cloud database that maintains the status of all receptacles 50 and instruments 1000-1060 within the automated specimen processing system and controls the assay-specific workflow of the receptacles. In particular, the WMS software module 1070 identifies the assay to be performed on the specimen in any particular receptacle 50 based on the encoded information read by a barcode reader (not shown) of the loading module 1010, including pre-analytical and post-analytical steps such as, for example, decapping, aliquoting, capping, centrifugation, storage, repeat testing, reflex testing, additional testing, etc. The conveyor system 3000 may also include a conveyor controller 1080 configured to control low level functions of the automated conveyor system 3000, such as transporting receptacle carriers with receptacles (i.e., occupied receptacle carriers) containing supported specimens between various pieces of equipment in the laboratory. In this manner, the conveyor controller 1080 controls which pieces of equipment 1000-1060 the occupied receptacle carriers are diverted to and which pieces of equipment the occupied receptacle carriers bypass. The conveyor controller 1080 may direct the receptacle carriers to the pieces of equipment 1000-1060 by controlling the position of the gates 3010 on the conveyor 300. 1B, when the gate 3010 is positioned in a first position (as shown in FIG. 1B), the carrier 400 traveling on the conveyor 300 may be directed toward the analytical instrument 1000, and when the gate 1010 is positioned in a second position (as shown using dashed lines in FIG. 1B), the carrier 400 traveling on the conveyor 300 may bypass the analytical instrument 1000. The conveyor controller 1080 may also be configured to control low level error handling and basic display of information.The conveyor controller 1080 is also configured to manage communications between the various instruments of the automated specimen processing system and the WMS software module 1070 .

[0067] In some embodiments, the receptacles 50 may be transported on a conveyor 300 between different pieces of equipment 1000-1060 supported by carriers 400 (see, e.g., FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, each carrier 400 may support a single receptacle 50. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, a single carrier may support multiple receptacles 50. In general, the carriers 400 may have any configuration. In some embodiments, the carriers 400 may have a configuration / structure generally similar to the pack 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A), described below. Exemplary carriers that can be used in conveyor 300 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,485,264, 8,147,778, and 10,041,965 and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2006 / 0222573, 2017 / 0153262, 2017 / 0248623, and 2018 / 0052183.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 1B, some or all of the plurality of instruments 1000-1060 (e.g., analytical instrument 1000) may include a shuttle 16 configured to transport a receptacle 50 from a conveyor 300 proximate a location to a location within the instrument 1000. The shuttle 16 includes a carriage 20 that moves between a first location (e.g., a receptacle pick-up location or first end 22) located proximate the conveyor 300 and a second location (e.g., a pipetting location or second end 24) located within the instrument 1000 along a path. Note that the first end 22 may be a location within the instrument 1000 or a location outside the instrument 1000. A pick-and-place device 600 may be configured to transfer the receptacle 50 between the carriage 20 of the instrument 1000 and a carrier 400 on the conveyor 300. 1B and 1C, the pick-and-place device 600 may have a robotic arm 660 with fingers or gripping members 662 configured to grip and transfer the receptacle 50 from the conveyor 300 to the carriage 20 of the shuttle 16 (and vice versa). The carriage 20 is configured to receive the receptacle 50 from the robotic arm 660 and transport the receptacle 50 from the first end 22 to the second end 24. Once the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24 (see FIGS. 3G and 10A), a suitable fluid or sample extraction device (e.g., automated pipettor 150, etc.) of the instrument 1000 removes at least an aliquot of fluid from the receptacle 50. After a sufficient amount of fluid has been removed from the receptacle 50, the carriage 20 returns the receptacle 50 to the first end 22. The gripping member 662 of the robotic arm 660 may then pick the receptacle 50 from the carriage 20 and transfer the receptacle 50 to a carrier (the same or a different carrier) positioned on the conveyor 300. The conveyor 300 may then transport the carrier with the transferred receptacle to another piece of equipment or module 1000-1060 (e.g., a receptacle storage module 1050 for temporarily holding the receptacle 50 in refrigerated conditions).

[0069] It should be noted that while a robotic arm 660 having a two-fingered gripper with two gripping members 662A and 662B is shown in FIG. 1C as an exemplary embodiment, this is not a requirement. In general, the robotic arm 660 may include any number of gripping members in any suitable configuration. Additionally, while the receptacle 50 is described as being physically transferred from the conveyor 300 to the shuttle 16, this is not a requirement. In general, any type of pick-and-place device 600 having any suitable configuration of the robotic arm 600 may be used to transfer the receptacle 50 between the conveyor 300 and the shuttle 16. In some embodiments, instead of physically transferring the receptacles 50 from the conveyor 300 to the shuttle 16, fluid from the receptacles 50 supported by the conveyor 300 (e.g., in the carrier 400) may be transferred to new receptacles supported by the shuttle 16 (e.g., extracted from one receptacle and deposited in another receptacle by a sample or fluid extraction device). It should be noted that the conveyor 300 described with reference to Figures 1A-1C (and with reference to Figures 2A-2J below) is merely exemplary. In general, any suitable transport system configured to transport fluid containing receptacles between laboratory instruments may be used as the conveyor 300. Exemplary conveyor systems 3000 and conveyors 300 that can be used include commercially available systems from FlexLink, Inpeco (Flexlab, FlexLab-HT, etc.), Integrated Drive Systems (e.g., IDS-CLAS-X1), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hitachi, MagneMotion, and GLP.

[0070] 2A-2J show different views of an exemplary conveyor 300 extending adjacent to the equipment 1000 in an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2A, the conveyor 300 extends through the equipment 1000 such that when the carriage 20 of the equipment 1000 is positioned at its first end 22, the carriage 20 is positioned proximate to the conveyor 300. As previously mentioned, when the carriage 20 is positioned at the first end 22, the robotic arm 660 of the pick and place device 600 can transfer the receptacle 50 from the conveyor 300 to the carriage 20. FIG. 2B shows a plurality of disk or puck-like carriers 400 approaching the equipment 1000 on the conveyor 300. 2A and 2B, the conveyor 300 includes tracks 310, etc. that transport (e.g., propel, move, support (as in the case of self-propelled carriers), etc.) multiple carriers 400 to and / or between different instruments 1000 in a laboratory. The carriers 400 transported on the tracks 310 include carriers that support receptacles 50 (e.g., carriers 400 with receptacles 50 containing fluids or samples, receptacles from which a portion of the sample has been removed for processing, and empty receptacles 50), and carriers 400 that do not support receptacles 50 (e.g., carriers 400 whose receptacles 50 have been transferred to the instrument 1000). In general, the conveyor 300 may propel or move the carriers 400 between modules along the tracks 310 in any manner. In some embodiments, magnetic forces may be used to move the carriers 400 on the tracks 310. Figures 2C and 2D show an example embodiment of a conveyor 300 that uses magnetic forces to move a carrier 400 thereon. Figure 2C shows a portion of the conveyor 300 including a track 310, and Figure 2D shows the conveyor of Figure 2C with the track 310 removed to show components positioned below the track 310. As best seen in Figure 2C, the track 310 can be, for example, a substantially flat piece or strip of material supported by grooves formed on rails 312 positioned on either side of the track 310.The track 310 may be formed (in whole or in part) of any rigid material, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, etc.), ceramic, rigid organic material (e.g., wood, etc.).

[0071] 2C and 2D , the carrier 400 may include a substantially cylindrical base 410 having a top surface 412 and a bottom surface 414. The bottom surface 414 of the base 410 may be supported on the track 310 of the conveyor 300. The base 410 may also include a circumferential groove 416 positioned between its top surfaces 412, 414. An inwardly extending flange 314 positioned on an upper section of the rail 312 may protrude into the circumferential groove 416 of the base 410 to retain the carrier 400 on the conveyor 300 and, in some embodiments, prevent accidental removal from the carrier 400 (e.g., when a receptacle 50 is removed from the carrier 400 by a gripper 750 of the pick-and-place device 600). In some embodiments, when the flange 314 of the rail 312 is positioned in the groove 416 of the base 410, the bottom surface 414 of the base 410 can rest on the upper surface of the track 310. In some embodiments, when the flange 314 is positioned in the groove 416, the bottom surface 414 of the base 410 may not rest on the upper surface of the track 310, or may be positioned near the upper surface of the track 310. In the present disclosure, references to a base 410 being supported on the track 310 (or a carrier 400 being supported on the track 310) are intended to refer both to embodiments in which the bottom surface 414 of the base 410 is on (i.e., in physical contact with) the track 310, and to embodiments in which the bottom surface 414 of the base 410 is suspended above and positioned in close proximity to the upper surface of the track 310.

[0072] The top surface 412 of the base 410 includes a cavity or pocket 430 configured to receive and support the base of the receptacle 50 therein. An annular flange 418 is attached to the top surface 412 such that an internal opening of the flange 418 is aligned with the pocket 430 of the base 410. A plurality of fingers 420 extend upwardly from the flange 418. The plurality of fingers 420 may be arranged, for example, in a circular shape around the internal opening of the flange 418. When the base of the receptacle 50 is supported in the pocket 430 of the base 410, the plurality of fingers 420 support the receptacle 50 in an upright orientation on the carrier 400 (see FIGS. 2B, 2H). The plurality of fingers 420 are arranged to receive the receptacle 50 in a space formed between them. When the receptacle 50 is inserted between the fingers 420, the fingers deflect radially outward to allow the receptacle 50 to slide between the fingers 420 and fit into the pocket 430 of the base 410. The elastic restoring force of the fingers 420 exerts a radially inward force against the cylindrical wall of the receptacle 50, maintaining the receptacle 50 in an upright position between the fingers 420 (see FIGS. 2B, 2H). The fingers 420 may be made of any suitable material having elastic properties. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the fingers 420 of the carrier 400 may be spring-loaded fingers similar to the fingers 102 of the puck 100 described below.

[0073] Magnets (not shown) may be attached to or embedded in the base 410 of the carrier 400. In some embodiments, the magnets may be attached to the base 410 proximate its bottom surface 414. An exemplary carrier that may be used in the conveyor 300 is described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 891,728.

[0074] 2C and 2D, the conveyor 300 includes a cylindrical member 320 positioned below the track 310 between the rails 312. As best seen in FIG. 2D, the cylindrical member 320 extends in the direction of movement of the carriers 400 on the conveyor 300. In operation, a motor (not shown) rotates the cylindrical member 320 via a gear 330 coupled to the cylindrical member 320. The cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical member 320 includes a ferromagnetic member 322 arranged in a spiral shape around the cylindrical member 320. The ferromagnetic member 322 may be formed of any ferromagnetic material and may be attached to the cylindrical member 320 in any manner. In some embodiments, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) may be attached to a spiral groove formed in the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical member 320 to form the ferromagnetic member 322. In some embodiments, strips of ferromagnetic material may be attached to the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical member 320 in a helical pattern to form the ferromagnetic member 322. When the carrier 400 is supported on the top surface 310A of the track 410 (see FIG. 2C), the magnets in the base 410 of the carrier 400 attract the portion of the ferromagnetic member 322 (on the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical member 320) that faces the bottom surface 310B of the track 310. As the cylindrical member 320 rotates, the portion of the ferromagnetic member 322 that faces the bottom surface of the track 310 moves in a linear direction along the length of the track 310, and the attractive force between the ferromagnetic member 322 and the magnets embedded in the carrier 400 propels or moves the carrier along the track 310. Exemplary conveyors that can be used to propel carriers using magnetic attraction, and carriers that can be used with such conveyors, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,766,258 and 9,776,811.

[0075] The conveyor 300 includes sensors configured to, among other things, detect the carriers 400 on the track 310. Figures 2E and 2F show a portion of the conveyor 300 with exemplary sensors. These sensors may include, among other things, one or more first sensors 710 (see first sensors 710A, 710B, 710C in Figure 2E) and one or more second sensors 720 (see Figure 2F). The sensors 710 and 720 may include any type of sensor configured to detect the carriers 400 on the track 310. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, one or both of the first and second sensors 710, 720 may be optical sensors. For example, referring to FIG. 2E, when the carrier 400 is positioned proximate to sensor 710A (e.g., in the area of ​​the previous track 310), a signal from this sensor may indicate the presence of the carrier 400 at that position of the track 310 (e.g., to the conveyor controller 1080 (see FIG. 1A) that controls the operation of the conveyor 300). When the carrier 400 moves on the track 310 and is positioned proximate to sensor 710B, a signal from the sensor 710B may indicate that the carrier 400 is proximate to the sensor 710B. Thus, based on the signals from sensors 710A, 710B, and 710C, the conveyor controller 1080 may identify the position of the carrier 400 on the conveyor 300. In addition to detecting the presence of the carrier 400, the sensors positioned at several positions of the conveyor 300 may also detect whether a receptacle 50 is supported on the carrier 400. For example, the second sensor 720 (of FIG. 2F) may include both a carrier sensor 720A and a receptacle sensor 720B. When the carrier 400 is positioned proximate to the sensor 720, a signal from the carrier sensor 720A may indicate the presence of the carrier, and a signal from (or lack of) the receptacle sensor 720B may indicate whether the receptacle 50 is supported by the carrier 400. The carrier sensor 720A and the receptacle sensor 720B may include any type of sensor. In some embodiments, one or both of these sensors may be, for example, an optical sensor substantially similar to the first sensor 710.In some embodiments, the second sensor 720 may include a vertical post 722 on which the carrier sensor 720A and the receptacle sensor 720B are disposed at different heights. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the first and second sensors 710, 720 may be mounted to a rail 312 positioned along the track 310, as shown in Figures 2E and 2F.

[0076] As best seen in FIG. 2E, the track 310 may include a plurality of through holes or cavities 350 (e.g., first cavity 350A, second cavity 350B, etc.). The stop element 370 may be configured to selectively extend through each cavity 350. In some embodiments, the conveyor controller 1080 may selectively actuate the stop element 370 to extend through a selected cavity on the track 310 (e.g., second cavity 350B). When actuated, the stop element 370 protrudes from the second cavity 350B, such that the carrier 400 traveling on the track 310 is stopped or prevented from further movement by the stop element 370. And when not actuated, the stop element 370 is positioned below a cavity on the track 310 (see cavity 350A). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2E and 2F, a sensor (e.g., first sensor 710B in Figure 2E and second sensor 720 in Figure 2F) may be positioned proximate to cavity 350 such that carrier 400, stopped by stop element 370 extending through the cavity, is aligned with the sensor (e.g., positioned in the detection zone). In some embodiments, when the sensor is an optical sensor, blocked carrier 400 may be positioned within the line of sight of a photodetector of the optical sensor. With particular reference to Figure 2E, it is noted that due to the cylindrical shape of base 410 of carrier 400, cavity 350B may not be positioned directly in front of sensor 710B. Instead, the horizontal spacing between sensor 710B and cavity 350B may be such that carrier 400 (e.g., annular flange 418 of carrier 400) is aligned with sensor 710B when carrier 400 is stopped by stop element 370 extending through cavity 350B. Similarly, referring to Figures 2F and 2G, when the carrier 400 is stopped in proximity to the second sensor 720 by a stop element 370 extending through the cavity 350, the carrier sensor 720A of the second sensor 720 may be aligned with the carrier 400 (e.g., the annular flange 418 of the carrier 400), and further the receptacle sensor 720B may be aligned with the receptacle 50, if any, supported by the carrier 400.2G, when carrier 400 is stopped by stopping element 370, carriers traveling on track 310 behind stopped carrier 400 gather behind and push stopped carrier 400. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2E, when carrier 400 is stopped by stopping element 370 in cavity 350B, stopping element in cavity 350A can be activated to protrude from cavity 350A and block carriers behind stopped carrier 400.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 2G, in some embodiments, the conveyor 300 may include a gripper 750 positioned proximate to the stop element 370. The gripper 750 may include a gripping head 752 that may be actuated, for example, by the conveyor controller 1080. For example, when the carrier 400 is stopped by the stop element 370, the conveyor controller 1080 may actuate the gripper 750 to extend the gripping head 752 toward the stopped carrier 400 and apply a retention force to restrain or immobilize the carrier 400. In some embodiments, in its extended state, the gripping head 752 may press against the annular flange 418 of the carrier 400 to apply a retention force. This retention force may immobilize the stopped carrier, thereby helping to prevent vibrations in the carrier 400 that may convert into the supported receptacle 50, particularly as the carrier 400 gathers back and, in some cases, pushes against the stopped carrier 400. In some embodiments, the holding force applied by the gripping head 752 can also help hold the carrier 400 on the track 310 when the receptacle 50 is removed from the carrier 400 by the robotic arm 660 of the pick and place device 600 (see FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, the gripping head 752 may be made of an elastomer or another relatively compliant material. In some embodiments, the front surface 754 of the gripping head 752 can be a curved surface (e.g., a concave curved surface) to match the curved side of the annular flange 418 against which it presses. The gripper 750 can be actuated by any suitable method (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2G, the gripper 750 may be positioned on the side of the track 310 opposite a sensor (e.g., the second sensor 720 in Figure 2G). Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the second sensor 720 may be attached to the rail 312 on one side of the track 310 and the gripper 750 may be attached to the rail 312 on the opposite side of the track 310. In some embodiments, the stop element 370 (or the cavity 350 through which the stop element 370 extends), the gripper 750, and the second sensor 720 may be positioned relative to one another such that when the carrier 400 is blocked by the stop element 370, the gripping head 752 contacts the annular flange 418 (when actuated), and the second sensor 720 is aligned with the carrier 400 (e.g., the carrier sensor 720A is aligned with the annular flange 418 of the carrier 400, and the receptacle sensor 720B is aligned with the receptacle 50 supported by the carrier 400).

[0079] 2G and 2H, in some embodiments, the stop element 370, the second sensor 720, and the gripper 750 (see FIG. 2G) may be positioned in a section of the conveyor 300 located proximate to the equipment 1000. In some such embodiments, when the carrier 400 traveling on the track 310 is stopped by the stop element 370 secured by the gripper 750 and the second sensor 720 detects that the receptacle 50 is supported on the carrier 400, the control unit 800 directs the robot arm 660 of the pick-and-place device 600 (see FIG. 2A) to move to a position above the receptacle 50 (see FIG. 2H). With reference to FIG. 2A, the pick-and-place device 600 may be configured to move the robot arm 660 up and down (e.g., vertically in the Z direction) on the lead screw 670 and the gantry (not shown) left and right (e.g., horizontally in the X and / Y directions). The gripping members 662A, 662B of the robotic arm 660 also move toward one another to grip the receptacle 50 therebetween (e.g., to close the gripping members) and away from one another (e.g., to open the gripping members) to release the receptacle 50. As known in the art, in some embodiments, the robotic arm 660 may be configured to monitor and / or control the amount of pressure applied by the gripping members 662A, 662B on the receptacle 50. In some embodiments, as best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2H , the surface of the gripping member 662 configured to contact the receptacle 50 may include a contact member 664 to reduce the possibility of damage to the receptacle 50. In some embodiments, the contact member 664 may include an elastomer or other compliant material attached to the gripping member 662. An electric motor 680 may assist in the movement of the robotic arm 660. Pick-and-place devices for gripping and moving receptacles, and their methods of operation, are well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0080] 2H-2J, the robot arm 660 may be positioned above the restrained or immobilized carrier 400 on the track 310 (see FIG. 2H), and the electric motor 680 may operate to move the robot arm 660 downward (e.g., in the Z direction) toward the carrier 400 and to grip the receptacle 50 supported on the carrier 400 by the gripping member 662. See FIG. 2I. With the receptacle 50 firmly gripped by the gripping member 662, the robot arm 660 may move upward (e.g., in the +Z direction) to lift the receptacle 50 from between the fingers 420 of the carrier 400. See FIG. 2J. The robot arm 660 may then move horizontally in the X and / or Y directions toward the carriage 20 of the instrument 1000 positioned at the first end 22 of the shuttle 16. The robotic arm 660 can then move downward toward the carriage 20 to deposit the receptacle 50 between the spring fingers 102 of the puck 100 positioned on the carriage 20 (e.g., as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D). The pick-and-place device 600 can also operate in a similar manner to return the receptacle 50 from the carriage 20 of the instrument 1000 to a carrier 400 (the same or a different carrier) on the conveyor 300. For example, when the carriage 20 with the receptacle 50 (e.g., a receptacle from which a fluid or sample has been extracted by the instrument 1000 for testing) is positioned at the first end 22 of the shuttle 16, the robotic arm 660 of the pick-and-place device 600 can move down to grasp and pick up the receptacle 50 from the carriage 20 using its gripping member 662. With the receptacle 50 secured between the gripping members 662, the robotic arm 660 can move in the vertical (e.g., Z) and horizontal (e.g., X and / or Y) directions to transfer the receptacle 50 to a carrier 400 positioned on the conveyor 300. In some embodiments, the carrier 400 to which the receptacle 50 is transferred can also be secured by the gripping head 752 of the gripper 750, as described above.The conveyor 300 can then transport the carrier 400 with the receptacle 50 to another piece of equipment 1000 or module (eg, a storage module, an output module, a capping module, etc.) in the laboratory (see FIG. 1A).

[0081] 3A-3E show different views of an exemplary shuttle 16 in relation to the device 1000. FIGS. 3A-3C show perspective views from different perspectives, FIG. 3D shows a top view, and FIG. 3E shows a side view of the shuttle 16. Note that some components of the shuttle 16 have been removed in some of these views to show the functionality hidden by these components. Note also that some components in these views are depicted larger or smaller to highlight various aspects. In the following description, reference is made to FIGS. 3A-3E. As previously mentioned, the shuttle 16 includes a carriage 20 that supports a receptacle 50 and moves between first and second ends 22, 24 of the shuttle 16. In some embodiments, the carriage 20 may move (e.g., slide) between the first end 22 and the second end 24 on a rail 30. A belt 28 (best seen in FIG. 3B ) driven by an electric motor 26 may be coupled to the carriage 20 and may move the carriage 20 between the first and second ends 22, 24. Rotating the motor 26 in one direction moves the carriage 20 from the first end 22 to the second end 24, and rotating the motor 26 in the opposite direction moves the carriage 20 from the second end 24 to the first end 22. The second end 24 includes a primary mucoid shelf 90 coupled to the housing 44 of the shuttle 16. A secondary mucoid shelf 60 is coupled to the carriage 20. When the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24, the secondary mucoid shelf 60 is positioned below the primary mucoid shelf 90 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4G and 11A ). The primary and secondary mucoid shelves 90, 60 are described in more detail below.

[0082] 4A-4E show different views of the carriage 20 positioned at the first end 22 of the shuttle 16, FIG. 4G shows the carriage 20 positioned at the second end 24 of the shuttle 16, and FIG. 4F shows the carriage disposed at an intermediate position between the first and second ends 24. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show perspective views of the carriage 20 from different perspectives, FIG. 4D shows an exploded view, and FIG. 4E shows a top view. In some of these views, some components of the carriage 20 and shuttle 16 (and receptacle 50) have been removed to show features hidden by these components. As best seen in FIG. 4D, the carriage 20 includes a bracket 38 having side walls 38A, 38B and a base 38E. In some embodiments, the bracket 38 can be substantially C-shaped or U-shaped. The side wall 38B of the bracket 38 includes a vertically extending slot 38D and the base 38E includes a substantially circular opening or cavity 38C. A secondary mucoid shelf 60 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 38 (see FIG. 4A). It should be noted that while specific shapes or configurations of the bracket 38, slot 38D and cavity 38C are described herein, these are not requirements. In general, the bracket 38, slot 38D and cavity 38C may have any shape and configuration suitable for their functions as described below.

[0083] The carriage 20 includes a puck 100 positioned in a holder 130 and mounted under a bracket 38. See FIG. 5C and FIG. 4C (with the holder 130 removed). FIGS. 5A-5K show different views of the puck 100 (with some components removed in some views for clarity). The puck 100 receives and supports the receptacles 50 transferred from the conveyor 300 to the carriage 20 (see FIGS. 5H, 5I, 5K). A particular configuration of the puck is described below, but it should be noted that this is merely exemplary. In general, any receptacle support device suitable for the functions described below may be used as the puck 100. Exemplary pucks that can be used with the carriage 20 (possibly with modification) are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,778 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0153262. When supported by (or seated on) the puck 100, the receptacle 50 extends through cavity 38C into the space between side walls 38A and 38B of bracket 38 (see FIGS. 5H, 5I). The puck 100 includes a plurality of spring-loaded fingers 102 arranged to receive the receptacle 50 from a robotic arm 660 (of the pick-and-place device 600) in the space formed therebetween (see FIGS. 5A-5D). The fingers 102 are held together or coupled by one or more springs, such as by a restoring elastic O-ring 110 (best seen in FIGS. 5D and 6C). When the robotic arm 660 inserts the receptacle 50 between the fingers 102, the compliant O-ring 110 extends radially outward to be surrounded by or expand the space between the fingers 102, allowing the receptacle 50 to slide into the space. The spring force of the stretched O-ring 110 presses the fingers 102 radially inward against the cylindrical wall of the receptacle 50, maintaining the receptacle 50 in an upright position between the fingers 102 (see FIGS. 5C, 5K, 6C). The O-ring 110 may be made of any suitable material having spring-like properties. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the O-ring 110 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as, for example, silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), rubber, or the like.While these figures show an embodiment of the puck 100 having four fingers 102, it should be noted that this is merely exemplary. Generally, the puck 100 may include any number of fingers 102 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) arranged to receive a receptacle therebetween. Generally, the fingers 102 may be made of any suitable material, but in some embodiments, the fingers 102 may be made of a material having a low coefficient of friction. In some embodiments, the fingers 102 may be made of anodized aluminum coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other suitable fluoropolymer. Additionally, in some embodiments, another spring member (e.g., a metal spring member, etc.) may be used in addition to or in place of the O-ring 110 to restrain the multiple fingers 102 together.

[0084] 5D and 5E, each finger 102 includes a sloped first end 102A that serves as a lead-in surface for the receptacle 50 into the space between the fingers 102. When the fingers 102 are held together by the O-ring 110, the sloped first ends 102A of the fingers 102 collectively form a funnel-like feature that allows for some misalignment between the receptacle 50 and the puck 100 when the robotic arm 14 places the receptacle 50 between the fingers 102. Each finger 102 also includes a base or second end 102B disposed substantially transversely to the first end 102A. The fingers 102 are attached to the puck 100 at the second end 102B. The second end 102B includes a pair of through holes or cavities extending therethrough. As best seen in FIG. 5E, these through holes include an inner cavity 102C and an outer cavity 102D. With reference to FIG. 5D, when the finger 102 is attached to the puck 100, the outer cavity 102D is located radially outward of the inner cavity 102C. That is, the inner cavity 102C is positioned closer to the axis 200 than the outer cavity 102D. With reference to FIG. 5A, the puck 100 also includes a synchronizing disk 104 and a support disk 106 with a centrally located recess or pocket 106A. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the synchronizing disk 104 and the retaining ring 112 may be made of a plastic (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM)), and the support disk 106 (and, in some embodiments, the bearings 114 and 108) may be made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.). As one skilled in the art can appreciate, POM is a plastic that has high mechanical strength and stiffness, as well as good sliding properties and wear resistance. The synchronizing disk 104 allows the fingers 102 to move together in synchrony (e.g., the first end 102A of each finger 102 moves toward and away from the vertical axis 200) and is positioned in a pocket 106A of the support disk 106. When the pack 100 is assembled and the receptacle 50 is supported between the fingers 102 of the pack 100, the pocket 106A of the support disk 106 receives a bottom portion of the receptacle 50.

[0085] As best seen in Figures 5A and 7A, the support disk 106 includes a rim 106G in the form of a sidewall that projects from a base 106J (of the disk 106) and defines a pocket 106A. The rim 106G includes four sidewall segments disposed about the pocket 106A. A gap 106H may be formed between each adjacent pair of segments of the rim 106G. The portion of the base 106J within the gap 106H between each pair of adjacent segments of the rim 106G includes a cavity 106D. Each cavity 106D includes a bearing 107 (see Figure 5B). As described below, the base of each finger 102 is rotatably coupled to the disk 106 by a pin 103D that extends through the outer cavity 102D of the finger 102 and the bearing 107 in the cavity 106D of the disk 106. One or more openings or passages 106F extend through segments of the rim 106G located on opposite sides of the pocket 106A. Each passage 106F includes a portion extending through two oppositely positioned segments of the rim 106G (see FIG. 7A). That is, referring to FIG. 7A, the first passage 106F' extends through one segment of the rim 106G located on one side of the pocket 106A, and the second passage 106F'' extends through another segment of the rim 106G located on the opposite side of the pocket 106A. The first and second passages 106F' and 106F'' are disposed on the respective segments of the rim 106G such that they are aligned with each other and have a common longitudinal axis 206. In the following description, the first passage 106F' and the second passage 106F'' may be referred to as passages 106F (or puck passages) having a longitudinal axis 206. As best seen in FIG. 7A, the passages 106F' and 106F'' have a common longitudinal axis 206 that is substantially perpendicular to and offset from a vertical axis (e.g., axis 200) that extends through the center of the disc 106. Although not shown in FIG. 7A, the disc 106 may have a number of similar passages 106F (i.e., having longitudinal axes that extend substantially perpendicular to and offset from the vertical axis 200) disposed about the disc 106 and extending through oppositely positioned segments of the rim 106G.In some embodiments, the amount of offset between axis 200 and axis 206 (distance "d" in FIG. 6A) can be from about 2 mm to about 7 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, or preferably from about 4 mm to about 5 mm. As described below, a light beam from light emitter 116A can be directed through passages 106F' and 106F'' to light detector 116B and used to detect proper seating of receptacle 50 within pack 100.

[0086] As best seen in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5D, the pins 103C inserted through the internal cavities 102C of each finger 102 extend through mating slots 104C (radially extending holes / openings) of the synchronizing disk 104. And the pins 103D inserted through the external cavities 102D of each finger 102 extend through bearings 107 in cavities 106D of the support disk 106. As best seen in Figure 5B, in the assembled pack 100, the upper ends of the pins 103D are received in cavities 112A of the retaining ring 112, and the lower ends of the pins 103D are received in the bearings 107. The pins 103D rotatably couple each finger 102 to the disk 106. With reference to Figures 5A and 5B, cavities 106K are provided on the base 106J of the support disk 106 corresponding to the location of the internal cavities 102C of the fingers 102. These cavities 106K accommodate the movement of the pins 103C in the slots 104C of the synchronous disk 104. When the receptacle 50 is inserted between the fingers 102, each finger 102 rotates around the disk 106 to increase the space between the fingers 102. As the fingers 102 spread apart, the pins 103C slide radially outward on the slots 104C of the disk 104, allowing the fingers 102 to spread apart in synchrony. As best seen in the perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B, a retaining ring 112 joins the fingers 102 and disks 104, 106 together to form a puck 100 with bearings 114 and 108 positioned on either side. Referring to FIG. 5A, the retaining ring 112 includes a cavity 113B that corresponds in position to the cavity 106I of the support disk 106. Fasteners 113A (e.g., screws, pins, etc.) engage cavities 113B (in retaining ring 112) and cavities 106I (in support disk 106) to couple retaining ring 112 to support disk 106 with fingers 102 and synchronizing disk 104 positioned therebetween. Next, referring to Figures 5C and 6A, puck 100 is positioned within cavity 132 of holder 130 and holder 130 is attached below bracket 38 such that fingers 102 extend through cavity 38C on base 38E of bracket 38 (see Figures 4A and Figures 5H-5J (shown with holder 130 removed)).An electric motor 126 (see FIG. 4C) is then coupled to flange 106E of support disk 106 (of puck 100) using belt 128 (see FIGS. 4C, 5I, 5J). Rotation of electric motor 126 rotates puck 100 (and receptacle 50 positioned between its fingers 102) in holder 130 about vertical axis 200 of carriage 20. Bearings 114 and 108 (see FIG. 5B) assist in the rotation of puck 100 in holder 130. As described below, rotation of puck 100 assists in indicator reader 42 (see FIG. 4B) of carriage 20 to read information encoded in machine-readable indicator 52 of receptacle 50.

[0087] The carriage 20 includes multiple sensors configured to detect different parameters associated with its operation. As best seen in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the carriage 20 may include a home sensor 120 (see also FIGS. 4A, 5C, 5F, 5G) that is used to detect that the puck 100 is rotating during an indicia reading operation. The home sensor 120 may be attached to a holder 130 of the puck 100. The home sensor 120 may be a Hall effect sensor that detects a magnet (not shown) on the puck 100. When the puck 100 rotates completely (i.e., 360°) within the holder 130 and the magnet on the rotating puck 100 aligns with the home sensor 120 attached to the stationary holder 130, the home sensor 120 may output a signal (e.g., to a controller) indicating that the puck 100 has completed one rotation. A lack of a signal from the home sensor 120 may indicate that the puck 100 is not rotating properly (as a result of a motor 126 failure, a burst belt 128, etc.). The home sensor 120 may also be used as a reference position for the receptacle presence sensing system of the carriage 20, as discussed below.

[0088] The receptacle presence sensing system may include one or more sensors configured to determine whether the receptacle 50 is present and properly seated in the pack 100 of the carriage 20. As previously described, the gripping member 662 of the robotic arm 660 of the pick and place device 600 grips and transfers the receptacle 50 from the carrier 400 of the conveyor 300 to the carriage 20. In some embodiments, the receptacle presence sensing system may be used to verify that the receptacle 50 is stably supported or seated in the pack 100 before being released by the gripping member 662 of the robotic arm 660. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, when the receptacle 50 is not seated in the pack 100 as the carriage 20 transports the pack 100 to the second end 24, the receptacle 50 may move out of the pack 100 and spill its contents (i.e., fluid contained in the container), which may result in contamination of the equipment 1000. Thus, in some embodiments, it is preferable to verify that the receptacle 50 is seated in the puck 100 before being released by the gripping member 662 of the robotic arm 660. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, when the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24, the pipette tip 152 attached to the mounting end 156 of the pipettor 150 of the instrument 1000 enters the receptacle 50 seated in the puck 100 and aspirates the fluid (e.g., sample) contained in the receptacle 50 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4G and 11A). Using the receptacle presence sensing system of the carriage 20 to verify that the receptacle 50 is seated in (or supported by) the puck 100 ensures that the fluid contained in the receptacle 50 can be accessed without interference by the pipette tip 152 associated with the pipettor 150.In some embodiments, the receptacle presence detection system may determine that a receptacle is seated in the pack 50 when (a) the receptacle 50 has a limited tilt with respect to a vertical axis (e.g., the angle between the longitudinal axis 204 (see FIGS. 6E and 6F) of the receptacle 50 and the vertical axis 200 extending centrally between the fingers 102 (see FIGS. 6E and 6F) of the pack 100 is less than or equal to a predetermined value) and / or (b) the receptacle 50 is inserted to an appropriate depth in the pack 100 (e.g., when the distance of the base 55 of the receptacle 50 from the base 106J of the support disk 106 (see FIG. 6J) of the pack 100 is less than or equal to a predetermined value). In some embodiments, by determining that the base 55 of the receptacle 50 is within a certain distance of the base 106J of the pack 100 (or carriage 20), the receptacle presence detection system can ensure that there is no unintended interference between the receptacle 50 and some structures of the device 1000, such as the primary mucoid shelf 90, as the carriage 20 moves from the first end 22 to the second end 24. The allowable tilt of the receptacle relative to the vertical axis and the allowable gap between the receptacle base 55 and the base 106J may depend on the application, but in some embodiments the sensing system may be configured to detect that the receptacle 50 is seated in the puck when (a) the base 55 of the receptacle 50 is about 5 mm or less from the base 106J of the support disk 106, and / or (b) the angle of the longitudinal axis 204 of the receptacle 50 (see FIGS. 5E and 5F) relative to the vertical axis 200 of the puck 100 (see FIGS. 5E and 5F) is about 30° or less. Note that the above values ​​are for illustrative purposes only. For example, in some embodiments, based on the application, the acceptable distance set forth in (a) above can be any integer between 1 mm and 15 mm (i.e., ≦2 mm, ≦10 mm, etc.), and the acceptable angle set forth in (b) above can be any integer between 10° and 30° (i.e., ≦15°, ≦10°, etc.).Although the receptacle presence sensing system may include any sensor capable of determining whether a receptacle 50 is seated in the puck 100 (or supported by the carriage 20), the sensor in some embodiments may include a signal emitter and signal detector pair, such as a light emitter 116A and light detector 116B pair, as shown in Figures 5C, 5F, 5G, 6A. In one embodiment, an infrared LED emitter and a silicon phototransistor sensor, such as light emitter OPB100EZ and light detector OPB100SZ (from Optek Technology Inc., Carrollton, TX), may be used as the light emitter 116A and light detector 116B, respectively.

[0089] The light emitter 116A and the light detector 116B are mounted to a stationary holder 130 of the puck 100. As best seen in Figures 5F, 6A, and 7A, the light emitter 116A is mounted to a first side wall 131A and the light detector 116B is mounted to a second side wall 131B of the holder 130. The side walls 131A and 131B are located on opposite sides of a central cavity 132 of the holder 130 that receives the puck 100. As best seen in Figure 7A, in the holder 130, a passageway 136A extends through the first side wall 131A and a passageway 136B extends through the second side wall 131B such that the passageways 136A and 136B are aligned with one another and have a common longitudinal axis 202. Passages 136A and 136B are disposed on holder 130 such that their common longitudinal axis 202 is substantially perpendicular to and offset (i.e., spaced) from vertical axis 200 (see FIGS. 5F and 7A). In the following description, passages 136A and 136B of holder 130 may be collectively referred to as holder passages. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the amount of offset (distance "d" in FIG. 7A) may be from about 2 mm to about 7 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, or preferably from about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the light emitter and detector 116A, 116B are attached to first and second side walls 131A, 131B of the holder 130 such that the light emitter element 116A' of the light emitter 116A is positioned in the passage 136A and the light detecting element 116B' of the detector 116B is positioned in the passage 136B (see FIG. 6A). When a puck 100 is not present in the holder 130, the light beam 500 emitted by the light emitter 116A is transmitted to the light detector 116B via the aligned passages 136A, 136B. When the puck 100 is positioned in the holder 130 and aligned such that the passages 106F' and 106F'' of the support disk 106 (of the puck 100) are aligned with the passages 136A, 136B of the holder 130, a light beam 500 from the emitter 116A is transmitted through the aligned passages 136A, 106F', 106F'', and 136B to the detector 116B (see Figures 5F, 7A).Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A, when pack 100 is positioned in holder 130, this may cause passages 106F' and 106F'' (i.e., pack passages) of pack 100 to align with passages 136A and 136B (i.e., holder passages) of holder 130, such that longitudinal axis 202 (of passages 136A, 136B) and longitudinal axis 206 (of passage 106F) may coincide. 5G and 6C-6E, when receptacle 50 is positioned within pack 100 (and passages 106F', 106F'' of pack 100 are aligned with passages 136A, 136B of holder 130), light beam 500 from emitter 116A passes through passages 136A, 106F' and strikes the curved sidewall of receptacle 50 at a location adjacent its base.

[0090] As previously explained, the common longitudinal axis 202 of the passages 136A, 136B (of the holder 130) is offset from the vertical axis 200 of the carriage 20 (see FIGS. 5F and 7A). That is, the common longitudinal axis 202 of the passages 136A, 136B does not extend through the diameter of the receptacle 50 seated in the pack 100. Thus, as best seen in FIGS. 6D and 6E, the light beam 500 impinging on the curved side wall of the receptacle 500 is also offset from the vertical axis 200. The passages 136A and 136B of the holder 130 are positioned such that when receptacles 50 of different sizes (e.g., diameters) are supported in the pack 100, the light beam 500 passes through a side of the receptacle 50 that is offset from the vertical axis 200. FIG. 6F is a schematic diagram of the base of a 16 mm diameter receptacle 50A (i.e., the maximum diameter of the receptacle 50A is 16 mm) showing the profile of a light beam 500 impinging on the outer curved surface of the receptacle 50A. The diameter "a" of the light beam 500 depends on the size of the emitter 116A and the passages 136A, 106F. In some embodiments, the diameter "a" may be about 1 mm to about 3 mm, or about 2 mm. As previously mentioned, receptacles 50 of different sizes (e.g., diameter, height) may be supported in the pack 100. The profile of a 12 mm diameter receptacle 50B is also shown in FIG. 5F using dashed lines. Referring to FIG. 6F, the common longitudinal axis 202 of the passages 136A, 136B (and the passage 106F of the pack 100) may be offset from the vertical axis 200 by a distance "A". Generally, distance A may depend on the size of the receptacle intended to be supported by puck 100 and the size of emitter 116A used. In some embodiments, distance A may be from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, or preferably from about 4 mm to about 5 mm, or more preferably about 4.5 mm. Common longitudinal axis 202 may also be offset from the base of a properly seated receptacle 50 by a distance "B." As best seen in FIG. 6F, in some embodiments, distance B may be selected such that light beam 500 strikes the hemispherical base of a curved bottom receptacle.Typically, distance B can vary from about 3 mm to about 8 mm, or preferably from about 4 mm to about 7 mm, or more preferably from about 5 mm to about 6 mm. The values ​​of distances A and B can depend on the application (e.g., the type and size of the receptacle), but generally these distances are selected such that the light beam 500 falls within the profile of the receptacle 50 seated in the puck 100 without passing through the diameter of the receptacle 50.

[0091] 6G-6J are schematic illustrations of the interaction between a light beam 500 passing from emitter 116A through detector 116B (not shown) and a receptacle 50 seated in pack 100. As shown in FIG. 6G, when a receptacle 50 is not present in pack 100, the entire light beam 500, or substantially the entire light beam 500, may be received and detected by detector 116B. Note that no receptacle is present in pack 100 in FIG. 6G, but the outline of the receptacle is shown using a dotted line for reference. Detector 116B may be configured to transmit a signal (e.g., a voltage) indicative of the intensity (or another parameter) of the received light beam 500 to a control unit 250 (see FIG. 6C) operably coupled thereto. As shown in FIG. 6H, when the receptacle 50 is seated (or in some embodiments properly seated) in the pack 100, the curved sidewalls of the receptacle 50 in the path of the light beam 500 block and / or refract at least a portion of the light beam 500 passing from the emitter 116A to the detector 116B. As a result, a smaller portion, if any, of the light beam 500 from the emitter 116A is received by the detector 116B compared to when no receptacle is present in the pack 100. Thus, when the receptacle 50 is seated (or in some embodiments properly seated) in the pack 100, the detector 116B detects only a portion of the light beam 500 emitted by the emitter 116A. FIGS. 6I and 6J are schematic diagrams of a receptacle 50 that may not be properly oriented or seated in the pack 100. Figure 6I shows a receptacle 50 positioned in a puck 100 with its longitudinal axis 204 tilted at an angle θ relative to the vertical axis 200 (angle θ may be such that a side wall 57 of the receptacle 50 blocks or interferes with a pipettor 150 or associated pipette tip 152 attempting to access the contents of the receptacle 50). Figure 6J shows a receptacle 50 positioned in a puck 100 such that a base 55 of the receptacle 50 is spaced from a base 106J of a support disk 106 (not shown).As a result, the distance "C" between the base 55 of the receptacle 50 and the common longitudinal axis 202 of the passages 136A, 136B is less than the distance "B" in FIG. 6H, which represents the receptacle 50 in contact with the base 106J of the support disk 106 (not shown). Thus, the distance "BC" represents the distance at which the base 55 of the receptacle 50 seated in the pack 100 (or carriage 20) is disengaged from the base 106J of the pack 100 (or carriage 20). In both FIG. 6I and 6J, the shape / curvature of the receptacle sidewall 57 surface on which the light beam 500 impinges or enters may be different compared to when the receptacle 50 is properly seated in the pack 100 (FIG. 6H). Due to this difference in the curvature of the entrance surface, a different (more or less) amount of the light beam 500 may be blocked / deflected / refracted by the receptacle sidewall. As a result, when the receptacle 50 is not properly seated in the pack 100, the detector 116B may detect a different (more or less) amount of the light beam 500 compared to when the receptacle 50 is properly seated (FIG. 6H).

[0092] The amount of receptacle misalignment tolerated by the instrument 1000 (i.e., angle θ and distance BC in FIG. 6I (compare FIGS. 6I and 6J)) may depend on the application. For example, in some embodiments, a tilt angle θ of up to about 10° and / or a seating deviation (i.e., distance BC) of up to about 5 mm may not adversely affect performance. By "without adverse effect" is meant that the pipettor 150 (or associated pipette tip 152) can access the contents of the receptacle 50 without interference from the receptacle 50 at the second end 24, and the structure of the instrument 1000 cannot interfere with the movement of the receptacle 50 between the first and second ends 22, 24, or the positioning of the receptacle 50 for pipetting at the second end 24. By "obstruct," it is meant that the receptacle 50 blocks or otherwise inhibits the pipettor 150 (or associated pipette tip 152 ) from accessing or aspirating a desired amount of the contents of the receptacle 50 .

[0093] In some embodiments, puck 100 may be configured to receive receptacles with curved bases (e.g., hemispherical bases as shown in FIGS. 6A-6G) as well as receptacles with flat bases. As best seen in FIG. 6E, when a receptacle 50 with a curved or hemispherical base is seated in puck 100, the sidewall surface of the receptacle on which the light beam 500 (from emitter 116A) is incident is curved about both axes 200 and 202 (i.e., vertical and horizontal axes). And, in embodiments in which puck 100 receives a receptacle with a flat base, the surface of the receptacle on which the light beam is incident is curved only about vertical axis 200. It should be noted that in embodiments, when the common longitudinal axis 202 of the passages 136A, 136B (and passage 106F) passes through the diameter of the receptacle (i.e., is not offset from the vertical axis 200), a sufficient portion of the light beam 500 may not be blocked / deflected / refracted by the receptacle sidewalls for the sensing system to determine that the receptacle is seated in the pack 100. With reference to FIG. 6F, in some embodiments, when a receptacle with a flat base is used, the light beam 500 may be focused lower on the receptacle (i.e., distance B may be smaller) than when a receptacle with a hemispherical base is used (e.g., due to differences in profile). In some embodiments, the control unit 250 may be calibrated to detect the presence (or proper seating in some embodiments) of both receptacles with curved bases and receptacles with flat bases. In use, based on the signal from detector 116B, control unit 250 (see FIG. 6C) may detect whether receptacle 50 is properly seated in pack 100. In some embodiments, control unit 250 may use indicators (operation lights, sounds, icons, etc.) to signal to a user that receptacle 50 is properly or improperly seated in pack 100. Note that while a signal emitter and signal detector pair is described as being used as a sensor in a receptacle presence sensing system, this is merely by way of example.Generally, any suitable sensor may be used (eg, light emitters and detectors, contact switches, reflective sensors, ultrasonic cameras, resistive film sensors, etc.).

[0094] The signal from detector 116B may be calibrated to distinguish between properly seated and improperly seated receptacles 50. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, calibration of the detector signal to detect proper seating of the receptacle 50 in the pack 100 may be performed in any manner. In some embodiments, experiments may be performed to determine the emitter signal (voltage indicative of detected light intensity, etc.) for different configurations (diameter, type, base curvature, etc.) and / or positioning of the receptacle 50 in the pack 100 (e.g., different angles θ and distances BC). Then, based on these results and previous experience, a threshold (or range) of the emitter signal indicative of proper receptacle seating may be selected. The above calibration methods are merely exemplary.

[0095] The receptacle 50 may include machine-readable indicia 52 (see FIGS. 4B, 5H, 5I) having encoded details about the fluid contained in the receptacle 50 (such as type of sample, collection date, type of test, patient information (age, address, gender, etc.)). In general, the machine-readable indicia 52 may include any form of encoded data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable indicia 52 may include marks or lines (such as 1D or 2D bar codes) formed (e.g., printed) directly on the sidewall of the receptacle 50. In some embodiments, the indicia 52 may be a tag or sticker with a pattern of marks formed thereon. The carriage 20 includes an indicia reader 42 (e.g., a bar code reader) (see FIG. 4B) configured to read the encoded information of the machine-readable indicia 52 (e.g., a bar code) on the receptacle 50. In some embodiments, the information read by the indicia reader 42 may be used to associate the fluid in the receptacle 50 with a particular patient sample and / or assay protocol. In some embodiments, the indicator reader 42 may be positioned within the housing 40 of the shuttle 16 (see FIGS. 3A and 4B). With reference to FIG. 4B, the indicator reader 42 may be positioned such that the side wall of the receptacle 50 seated in the pack 100 may be within the line of sight of the indicator reader 42 through the slot 38D (on the side wall 38B) of the bracket 38. When the receptacle 50 is oriented such that the machine-readable indicator 52 (the side wall of the receptacle 50) is visible to the indicator reader 42, when activated, the indicator reader 42 may easily read the indicator 52. However, in some embodiments, the receptacle 50 may be oriented such that the machine-readable indicator 52 is not within the line of sight of the indicator reader 42. Thus, in some embodiments, when the indicator reader 42 is activated, the pack 100, along with the receptacle 50, may be rotated (within the bracket 38) about the vertical axis 200 by operating the electric motor 126. Rotating the receptacle 50 allows the indicia reader 42 to read the machine-readable indicia 52 even though the indicia 52 was initially oriented away from the indicia reader 42 .Generally, the electric motor 126 may rotate the receptacle 50 any amount (i.e., any angle around the axis 200). In some embodiments, the electric motor 126 may rotate the receptacle 50 in the same direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) for one or more cycles. In some embodiments, the electric motor 126 may rotate the receptacle 50 back and forth for one or more cycles. One cycle of back and forth rotation may include first rotating the receptacle 50 in one direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) any amount (e.g., about 15° to about 360°) and then in the opposite direction. Generally, the receptacle 50 may rotate back and forth or in the same direction for any number of cycles (e.g., 1-10). In some embodiments, one cycle of back and forth rotation may include rotating the receptacle 50 about 360° in one direction and then about 360° in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, receptacle 50 may be rotated (in the same direction or back and forth) until indicia reader 42 reads machine-readable indicia 52. That is, control unit (e.g., control unit 250 of FIG. 6C ) may deactivate electric motor 126 in response to a signal indicating indicia reader 42 reads machine-readable indicia 52. It should be noted that in some embodiments, other technologies (e.g., RFID tags and RFI readers, etc.) may be used to read information about the fluid contained in receptacle 50.

[0096] Typically, an initialization routine may be performed on the carriage 20 before a receptacle is placed on the carriage 20. In some embodiments, the initialization routine may include the steps of (a) positioning the puck 100 at its home position (or homing the puck 100), (b) verifying that the carriage 20 is not supporting a receptacle, (c) aligning a path that directs the light beam from the emitter 116A to the detector 116B, and (d) calibrating the brightness of the light beam 500. Positioning the puck 100 at the home position may include activating the electric motor 126 to rotate the puck 100 until a home sensor 120 attached to the holder 130 (see FIG. 6A) is aligned with a magnet (not shown) attached to the puck 100. After homing the puck 100, the indicator reader 42 is used to verify that the carriage 20 is not supporting a receptacle. For example, referring to FIG. 4B, side wall 38A of bracket 38 opposite slot 38D may include a bar code (not shown) or another machine-readable indicator (e.g., encoded with the letter “Z”). When a receptacle is seated in pack 100, indicator reader 42 cannot read the bar code on side wall 38A because the receptacle is located between slot 38D and the bar code. When indicator reader 42 reads the bar code on side wall 38A (i.e., the letter Z), it confirms that a receptacle is not supported by carriage 20. After confirming that pack 100 does not include a receptacle, pack 100 is rotated to align passages 106F′, 106F″ (i.e., collectively the pack passages) of pack 100 with passages 136A, 136B (i.e., collectively the holder passages) of stationary holder 130. When the puck passages are aligned with the holder passages, the longitudinal axis of the puck passages may be parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the holder passages. Aligning the passages ensures that the detector 116B receives a maximum amount of the light beam 500 emitted by the light emitter 116A when the receptacle 50 is not supported by the puck 100 (see FIG. 6G).

[0097] 7A and 7B are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating aligning the light beam paths of puck 100 (i.e., paths 106F', 106F'') and holder 130 (i.e., paths 136A, 136B). FIG. 7A is a simplified plan view of support disk 106 positioned within holder 130. To align the paths, puck 100 is rotated while monitoring the signal from light detector 116B. FIG. 7B is a graphical representation of signal 118A (e.g., showing intensity) from light emitter 116A as puck 100 is rotated. Also shown in FIG. 7B are outlines of holder paths 136A, 136B (labeled 130') and disk paths 106F', 106F'' (labeled 106') at different points during the rotation of puck 100. When the puck passages 106F', 106F'' are not aligned with the holder passages 136A, 136B (i.e., when the contours 130' and 106' are not superimposed), only a portion (or any) of the light beam 500 from the emitter 116A is received by the detector 116B. When the passages are aligned (i.e., when the contours 130' and 106' are superimposed), the detector 116B receives the maximum amount of the light beam 500 and therefore measures the maximum intensity. To align the passages 106F', 106F'' of the puck 100 with the passages 136A, 136B of the holder 130, rotation of the puck 100 is stopped when the detector 116B detects the maximum intensity of light (i.e., at rotational position "X" in FIG. 7B). After aligning the holder and puck passages, the light beam 500 is calibrated for brightness. FIG. 7C is an illustration of the brightness calibration. As shown in FIG. 7C, the power input to the light emitter 116A is adjusted (increased, decreased, etc.) until the intensity of light detected by the light detector 116B (measured brightness 118B) reaches a predetermined target brightness value 118C. Over time, aging of the sensor and / or accumulation of particles in the passages 136A, 136B, 106F', 106F'' may reduce the amount of light beam 500 from the emitter 116A that is received / detected by the detector 116B. In some embodiments, the initialization routine may be performed periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly, prior to analyzing a set number or batch of samples, etc.).By periodically aligning the holder and the optical path in the pack and performing brightness calibration, the receptacle presence detection system can accurately detect whether a receptacle is present in the pack 100 and / or properly seated in the pack 100 under different real-world conditions (e.g., aging of the sensor and / or accumulation of particles in the optical path over time).

[0098] After initializing the carriage 20 as described above, the receptacle 50 can be placed on the pack 100 (e.g., by the robotic arm 660 of FIG. 2J). As previously described, the receptacle 50 is supported on the pack 100 by a plurality of fingers 102 (see FIGS. 5H, 5I, 5K, and 6A-6D). The carriage 20 also includes an additional receptacle clamping mechanism 70 adapted to selectively clamp (e.g., limit the movement of) the receptacle 50 when the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24 of the shuttle 16. FIGS. 8A and 8B show an exemplary receptacle clamping mechanism 70 of the carriage 20. The clamping mechanism 70 includes a cam arm 72 having a roller 74 rotatably coupled at one end. The opposite end of the cam arm 72 is attached to a cam gear 76A rotatably coupled to the side wall 38A of the bracket 38 (see FIGS. 4B, 4D). The cam gear 76A meshes with another cam gear 76B that is also rotatably coupled to the side wall 38A. The actuator arm 78A is coupled to the cam gear 76A such that the actuator arm 78A rotates with the cam gear 76A (i.e., there is no relative motion between the cam gear 76A and the actuator arm 78A). And the actuator arm 78B is coupled to the cam gear 76B such that the actuator arm 78B rotates with the cam gear 76B. As best seen in FIG. 8B, the actuator arms 78A, 78B may have a substantially L-shape and be attached to their respective cam gears 76A, 76B such that the free ends of both actuator arms 78A, 78B face the receptacle 50 seated in the pack 100. The free end of the actuator arm 78A that faces the receptacle 50 includes a support pad 80A, and the free end of the actuator arm 78B that faces the receptacle 50 includes a support pad 80B. The surfaces of pads 80A, 80B that face receptacle 50 may be contoured or may include a groove (e.g., a substantially V-shaped groove, a substantially U-shaped groove, etc.). The shape of the contour or groove of pads 80A and 80B may be selected to conform to and clamp to the sidewalls of receptacles of a range of diameters (e.g., from about 12 mm to about 16 mm) that are intended to be supported by puck 100.When the carriage 20 is positioned at the first end 22, the spring 82A may bias the actuator arm 78A and the pad 80A away from the receptacle 50, and the spring 82B may bias the actuator arm 78B and the pad 80B away from the receptacle 50. That is, when the carriage 20 is positioned at the first end 22, the pads 80A and 80B do not apply a clamping force to the receptacle 50. Generally, the clamping force exerted by the pads 80A, 80B on the receptacle 50 depends on the size and material of the pads, as well as their coefficients of friction. Although not a requirement, in some embodiments, the pads 80A and 80B may be configured to prevent upward movement of a receptacle clamped by the pads when a vertical or upward force of about 10 N to about 30 N is applied to the receptacle 50. As will be described later, in some embodiments, a receptacle seated in puck 100 may experience an upward force of a similar magnitude when a pipette tip is withdrawn from the receptacle after aspirating fluid from the receptacle. Pads 80A, 80B may generally be made of any suitable material, e.g., a relatively compliant material. In some embodiments, pads 80A, 80B may be made of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), other rubbers, elastomeric materials, or the like.

[0099] 3A-3C, the shuttle 16 includes a ramp 34 attached to the housing 44. The upper surface of the ramp 34 is inclined to form an inclined plane 36 that extends parallel to the rail 30 (see FIGS. 3A, 3B). The inclined plane 36 is a surface that slopes downward from its upper end 36A located near the first end 22 to its lower end 36B located between the first end 22 and the second end 24. When the carriage 20 is positioned at the first end 22, the roller 74 of the cam arm 72 rests on the upper end 36A of the inclined plane 36. When the electric motor 26 is activated and the carriage 20 moves from the first end 22 to the second end 24 on the rail 30, the roller 74 rolls down the inclined plane 36 of the ramp 34 and the cam arm 72 rotates in one direction (clockwise or downward as viewed from the side of the receptacle 50, see FIG. 8B). Then, when the carriage 20 moves from the second end 24 to the first end 22, the cam arm 72 moves up the inclined surface 36 and rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8B). Referring to FIG. 8B, when the cam arm 72 rotates clockwise, the cam gear 76A also rotates clockwise and the cam gear 76B rotates counterclockwise. When the cam gear 76A rotates clockwise, the actuator arm 78A also rotates clockwise and the pad 80A moves toward the receptacle 50. Similarly, when the cam gear 76B rotates counterclockwise, the actuator arm 78B also rotates counterclockwise and the pad 80B moves toward the receptacle 50. When the cam arm 72 reaches the lower end 36B of the inclined surface 36, the pads 80A and 80B press against the receptacle 50 in the pack 100 to secure or lock it. Similarly, as the carriage 20 moves from the second end 24 to the first end 22, the cam gears 76A and 76B rotate in a counterclockwise and clockwise direction, respectively, causing the pads 80A, 80B to move away from and release the receptacle 50. When the carriage 20 reaches the first end 22, the receptacle 50 is not restrained or clamped by the pads 80A, 80B.That is, as carriage 20 moves from first end 22 toward second end 24, pads 80A and 80B contact receptacle 50 and apply a clamping force, and as carriage 20 moves from second end 24 toward first end 22, pads 80A and 80B move away from receptacle 50 and release the clamping force (provided to receptacle 50 by pads 80A, 80B). Thus, clamping mechanism 70 selectively applies a clamping force to receptacle 50 only when carriage 20 is positioned at second end 24.

[0100] As best seen in FIG. 4G, the second end 24 of the instrument 1000 includes an automated pipettor 150 that can be used to aspirate a fluid (e.g., a sample) contained in a receptacle 50 supported on the carriage 20. FIGS. 10A and 10B show an exemplary pipettor 150 of the instrument 1000. With reference to FIGS. 4G, 10A and 10B, the pipettor 150 includes a disposable pipette tip 152 that can be removably attached to a mounting end 156 (e.g., a bottom) of the pipettor 150. A slidable sleeve 154 is associated with the pipettor 150 that can be actuated to move downwardly, thereby ejecting the pipette tip 152 from the mounting end 156 after use. When the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24 (see FIG. 4G), the pipette tip 152 enters the receptacle 50 and aspirates a fluid 160 from the receptacle 50. 10C shows a pipette tip 152 of a pipettor 150 aspirating fluid 160 from a receptacle 50. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10C, the receptacle 50 can have a top opening 54 closed by a cap 56. The cap 56 can be configured to be penetrated by the pipette tip 152 as it enters the receptacle 50 (e.g., the top opening 54 can be covered with a metal foil or another pierceable material 58). In general, the cap 56 can have any configuration. Exemplary receptacles closed with pierceable caps are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,052,944 and 8,206,662. When the pipette tip 152 is withdrawn from the receptacle 50 after fluid aspiration, the interaction (e.g., friction) between the receptacle cap 56 and the pipette tip 152 exerts a retaining force on the receptacle 50, causing the pipettor 150 to tend to lift the receptacle 50 and extract it from between the fingers 102 of the puck 100. In some cases, this upward force on the receptacle 50 can be greater than 10 N (or can be from about 10 N to about 30 N). Clamping the receptacle 50 using pads 80A, 80B of the clamping mechanism 70 can prevent the receptacle 50 from being withdrawn from the puck 100 as the pipette tip 152 is withdrawn from the receptacle 50.In contrast, at first end 22, robotic arm 660 picks up receptacle 50 from carriage 20 and returns it to carrier 400 on conveyor 300 (see FIG. 2I). By releasing the clamping force provided (on receptacle 50) by pads 80A, 80B at first end 22, receptacle 50 can be easily removed from pack 100 by robotic arm 660. Note that the configuration of cap 56 shown in FIG. 10C is merely exemplary.

[0101] With reference to FIG. 3A, at the second end 24 of the shuttle 16, the primary mucoid shelf 90 is removably attached to the housing 44. FIG. 9A illustrates the second end 24 of the shuttle 16 with the primary mucoid shelf 90 removed, and FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the primary mucoid shelf 90 removed. In the following description, reference is made to FIGS. 3A, 9A, and 9B. The primary mucoid shelf 90 may be a plate-like structure disposed substantially horizontally on the rail 30. The upper surface of the primary mucoid shelf 90 includes a recessed passage or labyrinth 95 disposed about a first protrusion 94. As shown in FIG. 9B, the labyrinth 95 may be bounded by a sidewall 97. A first opening 92 (e.g., a hole, recess, notch, opening, etc.) may be formed or defined in a base 91 of the labyrinth 95, and a second opening 93 may be formed or defined in the sidewall 97. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first opening 92 can be a recess defined by an inwardly extending sidewall 97 in the base 91 of the labyrinth 95, and the second opening 93 can be a downwardly extending recess formed in the sidewall 97. As described in more detail below, the pipette tip 152 of the pipettor 150 can navigate through the labyrinth 95 after aspirating fluid from the receptacle 50. The configuration of the labyrinth 95 shown in FIG. 9B is merely exemplary. In general, the labyrinth 95 can have any configuration (e.g., a zigzag path, etc.). With respect to the first opening 92, it should be noted that the term "opening" is intended to cover embodiments in which the opening is completely defined by the base 91 of the shelf 90 (e.g., completely contained within the base 91, as in the case of a hole), as well as embodiments in which the opening is only partially defined by the base 91 of the shelf 90 (e.g., a recess formed in the shelf's base 91, such as the first opening 92 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9B). The second opening 93, if present, is configured to permit the pipette tip 152 to pass laterally through the second opening 93 without adjusting the height of the pipettor 150.

[0102] In some embodiments, the primary mucoid shelf 90 is removably attached to the housing 44 using a magnet. The primary mucoid shelf 90 and the housing 44 may include mating features adapted to properly align the primary mucoid shelf 90 on the housing 44 when the primary mucoid shelf 90 is attached to the housing 44. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, these alignment features include a cavity 96 on the primary mucoid shelf 90 and a corresponding protrusion 46 on the housing 44. The cavity 96 and protrusion 46 may have a shape and configuration that allows the protrusion 46 to fit through the cavity 96 only when the primary mucoid shelf 90 is aligned on the housing 44 in a desired manner. The primary mucoid shelf 90 may also include a protrusion 96A located in the proximal cavity 96. This protrusion may fit into a recess 46A located in the base of the protrusion 46 of the housing 44 when the primary mucoid shelf 90 is attached to the housing 44 and may help maintain the height of the labyrinth 95 relative to the datum. A first magnet 98A is provided on the primary mucoid shelf 90 and a second magnet 48A (having an opposite polarity to magnet 98A) is provided on the housing 44 to removably attach the primary mucoid shelf 90 to the housing 44. In some embodiments, one of the first magnet 98A or the second magnet 98B can be a magnet and the other can be a ferromagnetic material. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the first magnet 98A is housed or encased within a feature 98 (e.g., a protruding post) of the shelf 90 and the second magnet 48A is housed within a feature 48 (e.g., a protruding post) that is attached to the housing 44. When the primary mucoid shelf 90 is positioned on the housing 44 and the protrusion 46 extends through the cavity 96, the first and second magnets 98A and 48A attract each other, properly aligning the primary mucoid shelf 90 on the housing 44. A thumb grip 99 may be provided on the primary mucoid shelf 90 for a user to firmly grasp the primary mucoid shelf 90 while attaching and / or removing the primary mucoid shelf 90 from the housing 44. It should be noted that although the primary mucoid shelf 90 has been described as being removably attached to the housing 44 using a magnet, this is by way of example only.In some embodiments, the shelf 90 can be removably attached to the housing 44 using tabs or other known alignment features and attachment mechanisms.

[0103] 11A-11C show a pipette tip 152 attached to the mounting end 156 of the pipettor 150 aspirating fluid 160 from a receptacle 50 when the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24 of the shuttle 16. When the carriage 20 is positioned at the second end 24, the top opening 54 of the receptacle 50 (or the cap 56 of the receptacle 50 in embodiments where the opening 54 of the receptacle 50 is covered by the cap 56) is positioned and aligned below the first opening 92 of the primary mucoid shelf 90. That is, a vertical axis passing through the first opening 92 also passes through the top opening 54 (or cap 56) of the receptacle 50. In this configuration, the secondary mucoid shelf 60 is positioned below the primary mucoid shelf 90 (see FIGS. 11A and 4G). In some embodiments, the clearance between the primary mucoid shelf 90 and the secondary mucoid shelf 60 can be about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or preferably about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The clearance or gap between the bottom surface of the primary mucoid shelf 90 and the top of the receptacle 50 can vary based on the height of the receptacle 50. For example, when a 100 mm tall receptacle is used, the clearance between the receptacle and the primary mucoid shelf 90 can be about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or preferably about 6 mm to about 8 mm. When the receptacle 50 is positioned below the first opening 92, a pipette tip 152 attached to the mounting end 156 of the pipettor 150 (of the instrument 1000) is lowered through the first opening 92 into the receptacle 50 and aspirates the fluid 160 contained in the receptacle 50 (see FIG. 11A). As described with reference to Figure 10C, in embodiments where receptacle 50 is a capped receptacle, pipette tip 152 pierces cap 56 as it enters receptacle 50. After a sufficient amount of fluid 160 has been aspirated from receptacle 50, pipette tip 152 is lifted and removed from receptacle 50 through first opening 92 in primary mucoid shelf 90 (see Figures 11B and 9B).

[0104] In some cases, the fluid 160 in the receptacle 50 may be a viscous fluid, such as, for example, mucus (e.g., vaginal mucus). In some such cases, a strand of viscous fluid (referred to herein as a mucoid strand 170) may extend from the pipette tip 152 to the receptacle 50 as the pipette tip 152 is removed from the receptacle 50 (see FIG. 11B). As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, this mucoid strand 170 may become dislodged from the pipette tip 152 or be transported across portions of the instrument 1000 (e.g., as the pipettor 150 moves) before the pipette tip 152 is ejected into a waste container, posing a risk of contamination. It is therefore desirable to remove this mucoid strand 170 from the pipette tip 152 after the pipettor 150 aspirates the fluid 160 from the receptacle 50.

[0105] The primary mucoid shelf 90 and secondary mucoid shelf 60 aid in removing the mucoid strand 170 from the pipette tip 152. With reference to Figures 9B and 11B, after the pipettor 150 is moved vertically to raise the associated pipette tip 152 through the first opening 92 and above the primary mucoid shelf 90, the pipettor 150 is then moved horizontally (i.e., sideways) to trace the path defined by the labyrinth 95. In some embodiments, the pipettor 150 may be lowered such that the gap between the pipette tip 152 and the base 91 of the labyrinth 95 is relatively small (e.g., about 1 mm to about 5 mm) before moving horizontally along the path. As the pipettor 150 moves along this path, the mucoid strand 170 suspended from the pipette tip 152 is pulled through the labyrinth 95. In some embodiments, the pipettor 150 may be moved horizontally such that the pipette tip 152 traces the dashed path identified as "P" in FIG. 9B. That is, the pipettor 150 may be moved such that its pipette tip 152, with the mucoid strand 170 suspended therefrom, traverses the labyrinth 95 around the protrusion 94 and is then removed through the second opening 93 defined by the sidewall 97 of the primary mucoid shelf 90. The mucoid strand 170 may break as it is drawn through the labyrinth 95, thereby separating it from the pipette tip 152. The separated mucoid strand 170 is deposited on the labyrinth 95. The labyrinth 95 may have a recessed or reservoir-like configuration adapted to collect the mucoid strand 170 deposited thereon. 11C, a portion of the mucoid strand 170 can be suspended from the primary mucoid shelf 90 and extend through the first opening 92 toward the receptacle 50. The secondary mucoid shelf 60 can assist in separating and removing the suspended mucoid strand 170 from the primary mucoid shelf 90.

[0106] As the carriage 20 moves from the second end 24 to the first end 22, a portion of the suspended mucoid strands 170 from the mucoid shelf 90 (through the first opening 92) are deposited onto the secondary mucoid shelf 60 (see FIG. 11D). As the carriage 20 moves further towards the first end 22, the suspended mucoid strands 170 are cut off by the rear wall 62 (of the secondary mucoid shelf 60) and deposited onto the secondary mucoid shelf 60. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary secondary mucoid shelf 60 separated from the carriage 20. As seen in FIG. 12, the secondary mucoid shelf 60 includes side walls 66 and a front wall 68 which, together with the rear wall 62 and base 61, define a reservoir 64 or concave shape adapted to contain the mucoid material deposited thereon. The mucoid material collected on the primary and secondary mucoid shelves 90, 60 (i.e., mucoid strands 170 deposited on shelves 60, 90) may then be removed and the primary and secondary mucoid shelves 90, 60 may be washed. By removably coupling the primary mucoid shelf 90 to the housing 44 using the self-aligning features 46, 96 and magnets 48A, 98A (see Figs. 9A, 9B), the primary mucoid shelf 90 may be easily removed for washing and reattached after washing. The mucoid collected on the secondary mucoid shelf 60 may be washed (e.g., manually) when the carriage 20 is positioned at the first end 22. In some embodiments, the secondary mucoid shelf 60 may also be removably coupled to the carriage 20 (e.g., using a magnet or other suitable mechanism) to remove the secondary mucoid shelf 60 from the carriage 20 (e.g., for washing).

[0107] In some embodiments, the instrument 1000 may be configured to perform a molecular assay with the fluid 160 (e.g., a sample) aspirated by the pipettor 150 from the receptacle 50. In some embodiments, the molecular assay may include one or more reactions and / or treatments tailored to detect and / or quantify a target molecule (e.g., a target nucleic acid) present in the aspirated fluid 160. In some embodiments, the assay may include mixing an aliquot of the aspirated fluid 160, or a processed form of the aspirated fluid, with one or more reagents (e.g., at least one of the reagents specific for the target molecule) and subjecting the mixture to conditions (such as thermal cycling) that facilitate the generation of a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the target molecule in the fluid. The signal may provide a qualitative result or may be used to estimate the total amount of the target molecule present in the fluid 160. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments, prior to subjecting the sample to conditions for amplification and detection of the target molecule, the target molecule may be subjected to a procedure (e.g., a target capture procedure) to isolate and purify the target molecule, provided that it is present in the fluid sample. The selected procedure may remove amplification and detection inhibitors (e.g., heme). In some embodiments, after isolating and purifying the target molecule, the purified molecule may be further processed in the same receptacle or transferred to another receptacle to carry out the amplification and detection steps. Exemplary processes, equipment components, and consumables that can be used in molecular assays are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,011,771, 6,605,213, 5,234,809, 6,534,273, 6,517,783, 9,162,228, 9,732,374, 9,465,161, and 10,494,668, and WO 2019 / 014239A1. For example, when the molecular assay is PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the reagents include primers specific for the target, and generation of a detectable signal may be achieved, at least in part, by providing a labeled probe that hybridizes to the amplicon generated by the primers in the presence of the target.Molecular assays are well known to those skilled in the art and have been extensively described elsewhere, so they are only generally described above. Exemplary assays are described in more detail in PCT / US2018 / 041472 and related references incorporated herein by reference.

[0108] In some embodiments, after the pipette tip 152 of the pipettor 150 is removed from the labyrinth 95 of the primary mucoid shelf 90 via the second opening 93 (see FIG. 9B), an aliquot of fluid 160 may be transferred from the pipette tip 152 to a receptacle included in the instrument 1000 (e.g., to one or more receptacles 902 of a multi-receptacle unit (MRU) 900 shown in FIG. 13A). A target capture reagent (e.g., a reagent including a magnetically responsive solid support capable of immobilizing a target molecule) may be added to the receptacle 902, and the contents of the receptacle 902 may be incubated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The contents of the receptacle 902 may then be subjected to a magnetic washing procedure, whereby non-targeted and potentially inhibitory components of the fluid sample are removed from the receptacle 902. Following target capture, an elution buffer can be provided to the receptacle 902, which can then be subjected to a magnetic process to separate the eluted nucleic acid material from the magnetically responsive solid support (e.g., magnetic or silica magnetic particles or beads). The eluted material, along with other reagents, can then be combined in a vial 922 by a pipettor, which can then be sealed with a cap 910 to form a cap / vial assembly 920. The contents of the cap / vial assembly 920 can then be subjected to a thermal cycling protocol in a thermal cycler of the instrument 1000 for amplification (e.g., PCR amplification) of any target molecules that may be present in the eluate, and, in some cases, for fluorescent detection of the resulting amplicons.

[0109] Embodiment Embodiment 1. A receptacle delivery system for a device, comprising: 1. A pack configured to removably support a receptacle therein, the pack comprising: a plurality of fingers arranged about a vertical axis, each finger of the plurality of fingers having a contact surface configured to contact a receptacle seated on the puck; one or more springs connecting the fingers and thereby biasing the fingers toward a vertical axis; a support disk including: (i) a disk sidewall projecting from a base and defining a pocket for seating a receptacle; (ii) a plurality of first cavities formed in the base and extending in the direction of a vertical axis; and (iii) a puck passage extending through opposing portions of the disk sidewall in a direction transverse to and offset from the vertical axis, wherein each of the plurality of fingers is rotatably coupled to the support disk at a corresponding first cavity of the plurality of first cavities; a synchronous disk positioned in a pocket of the support disk, each of a plurality of fingers being coupled to the synchronous disk such that contact surfaces of the plurality of fingers synchronously move toward and away from a vertical axis; and a retaining ring coupling together the plurality of fingers, the support disc, and the synchronization disc.

[0110] Embodiment 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of fingers are arranged substantially symmetrically about a vertical axis.

[0111] Embodiment 3. The system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein at least the upper portion of the contact surface of each finger of the plurality of fingers is sloped.

[0112] Embodiment 4. A system as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each finger of the plurality of fingers includes a first end and a second end extending substantially transversely to the first end, the first end including a contact surface, and the second end including an inner cavity and an outer cavity, the inner cavity being positioned closer to the vertical axis than the outer cavity.

[0113] Embodiment 5. The system of embodiment 4, wherein the synchronizing disk includes a plurality of radially extending slots, and each finger of the plurality of fingers is slidably coupled to the synchronizing disk by a first pin extending through the slot of the plurality of radially extending slots and an internal cavity of the finger.

[0114] Embodiment 6. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein each first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the support disk includes a bearing positioned at least partially therein.

[0115] Embodiment 7. The system of embodiment 6, wherein each finger of the plurality of fingers is rotatably coupled to the support disk by a bearing in a first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the support disk and a second pin extending through an outer cavity of the finger.

[0116] Embodiment 8. The system of embodiment 7, wherein one end of each second pin extends through the bearing and an opposite end of the second pin extends into a corresponding cavity in the retaining ring.

[0117] Embodiment 9. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein one or more springs connecting multiple fingers are O-rings.

[0118] Embodiment 10. The system of embodiment 9, wherein the O-ring comprises an elastomeric material.

[0119] Embodiment 11. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the pack further includes a first bearing positioned on one side of the support disc and a second bearing positioned on the opposite side of the support disc.

[0120] Embodiment 12. A system as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising a holder having a central cavity defined by a holder sidewall and a holder passage extending through the holder sidewall, the holder passage extending in a direction offset from the vertical axis across the holder passage, and the puck is positioned within the central cavity and configured to rotate about the vertical axis relative to the holder.

[0121] Embodiment 13. A system as described in embodiment 12, wherein the holder sidewall includes a first holder sidewall positioned on one side of the central cavity and a second holder sidewall positioned on the opposite side of the central cavity, and the holder passage includes a first holder passage portion extending through the first holder sidewall and the second holder sidewall and a second holder passage portion extending through the first holder sidewall.

[0122] Embodiment 14. A system as described in embodiment 12 or 13, further comprising a signal emitter and a signal detector, the signal emitter being positioned at one end of the holder passage and the signal detector being positioned at the opposite end of the holder passage.

[0123] Embodiment 15. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the signal emitter is coupled to a first holder sidewall and the signal detector is coupled to a second holder sidewall.

[0124] Embodiment 16. A system as described in embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the pack is configured to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the holder when the receptacle is not attached to the pack to align the pack passage with the holder passage so that a signal from the signal emitter is received by the signal detector.

[0125] Embodiment 17. A system described in any one of embodiments 12 to 16, further comprising a first sensor coupled to the holder, the first sensor configured to detect when the puck has been rotated to a predetermined position within the holder.

[0126] Embodiment 18. The system of embodiment 17, wherein the first sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0127] Embodiment 19. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising an electric motor coupled to the support disk of the pack via a belt.

[0128] Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 19, wherein the support disk of the pack includes a flange protruding from the base in a direction opposite the disk sidewall, and the belt engages with the flange of the support disk.

[0129] Embodiment 21. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 20, further comprising an indicator reader configured to read encoded data of a machine-readable indicator on a receptacle seated on the pack.

[0130] Embodiment 22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the indicator reader is a barcode reader and the machine-readable indicator is a barcode.

[0131] Embodiment 23. A system described in any one of embodiments 12 to 22, further comprising a carriage configured to move from a first position to a second position of the device, the holder being coupled to the carriage.

[0132] Embodiment 24. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the disk side wall of the pack comprises a plurality of side wall segments spaced apart from one another and arranged around a pocket, the plurality of side wall segments comprising a first side wall segment positioned on one side of the pocket and a second side wall segment positioned on an opposite side of the pocket, and the pack passage comprises a first pack passage portion extending through the first side wall segment and a second pack passage portion extending through the second side wall segment.

[0133] Embodiment 25. The system described in embodiment 24, wherein each first cavity of the plurality of first cavities of the pack is positioned in a space formed between two adjacent side wall segments of the plurality of side wall segments.

[0134] Embodiment 26. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein a pocket in the support disk receives the bottom of the receptacle when the receptacle is seated on the pack.

[0135] Embodiment 27. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the plurality of fingers consists of four fingers.

[0136] Embodiment 28. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein each of the multiple fingers comprises anodized aluminum.

[0137] Embodiment 29. The system of embodiment 28, wherein each of the plurality of fingers comprises anodized aluminum coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or a fluoropolymer.

[0138] Embodiment 30. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein one or more springs couple multiple fingers together such that when the receptacle is inserted into a space between the contact surfaces of multiple fingers, the one or more springs stretch, moving the contact surfaces away from the vertical axis and increasing the space between the contact surfaces.

[0139] Embodiment 31. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pack passage is offset from the vertical axis.

[0140] Embodiment 32. A system as described in embodiment 31, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pack passage is offset from the vertical axis by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0141] Embodiment 33. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: a carriage supporting a pack, the carriage configured to move with the pack from a first position to a second position within an instrument of a plurality of instruments, the first position being a position configured to transfer a receptacle supported by the carrier to a pack supported by the carriage, and the second position being a position configured to draw fluid from a receptacle seated in the pack into a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument.

[0142] Embodiment 34. A system as described in embodiment 33, wherein the pack is configured to rotate relative to the carriage about a vertical axis of the pack.

[0143] Embodiment 35. A system described in embodiment 33 or 34, further comprising an indicia reader configured to read information encoded in a machine-readable indicia of a receptacle seated in the pack when the carriage is positioned in a first position.

[0144] Embodiment 36. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 35, further comprising a sensing system coupled to the carriage, the sensing system configured to determine whether the receptacle is seated in the pack.

[0145] Embodiment 37. The system of embodiment 36, wherein the sensing system is configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth.

[0146] Embodiment 38. A system as described in embodiment 37, wherein the pack includes a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and the carriage includes a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack.

[0147] Embodiment 39. The system of embodiment 38, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0148] Embodiment 40. The system of embodiment 39, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0149] Embodiment 41. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 40, further comprising a conveyor extending adjacent to each of the plurality of devices.

[0150] Embodiment 42. The system of embodiment 41, further comprising a carrier configured to support a receptacle containing a fluid and move on the conveyor while the receptacle is supported by the carrier.

[0151] Embodiment 43. The system described in embodiment 42, further comprising a pick-and-place device configured to transfer the receptacle from the carrier to the pack.

[0152] Embodiment 44. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 43, further comprising a rail, the carriage being configured to move the rail from a first position to a second position.

[0153] Embodiment 45. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 44, further comprising a first electric motor operably coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage from the first position to the second position.

[0154] Embodiment 46. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 45, wherein the fluid extraction device is a pipetter.

[0155] Embodiment 47. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 46, further comprising a support mechanism configured to selectively apply a force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in a second position to prevent the receptacle from being pulled out of the pack when a tip associated with the fluid extraction device is pulled out of the receptacle.

[0156] Embodiment 48. A system described in any one of embodiments 33 to 47, wherein the pack comprises a plurality of spring-loaded members configured to removably support the receptacle therebetween.

[0157] Embodiment 49. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting a receptacle containing a fluid on a carrier; transporting a carrier supporting the receptacles on a conveyor extending adjacent each of the plurality of devices; transferring the receptacle from the carrier to a puck supported by the carriage when the carriage is positioned at a first position; moving a carriage having a receptacle seated on the puck from a first position to a second position within an instrument of the plurality of instruments; and drawing at least a portion of the fluid from a receptacle seated in the puck into a tip associated with a fluid extraction device of the instrument when the carriage is positioned in the second position.

[0158] Embodiment 50. The method of embodiment 49, further comprising rotating the pack relative to the carriage about a vertical axis of the pack.

[0159] Embodiment 51. The method of embodiment 49 or 50, further comprising using an indicia reader to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicia of a receptacle seated in the pack when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0160] Embodiment 52. The method of any one of embodiments 49 to 51, further comprising determining whether the receptacle is seated in the pack.

[0161] Embodiment 53. The method of embodiment 52, further comprising, when it is determined that the receptacle is seated in the pack, using a sensing system to detect (a) whether the longitudinal axis of the receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to the vertical, and / or (b) whether the receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth.

[0162] Embodiment 54. The method of embodiment 52 or 53, wherein the pack includes a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, the carriage includes a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and using the sensing system includes rotating the pack to align the first and second passages.

[0163] Embodiment 55. The method of embodiment 54, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter through the aligned first and second passages when the receptacle is not seated on the pack.

[0164] Embodiment 56. The method of embodiment 55, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0165] Embodiment 57. A method as described in any one of embodiments 49 to 56, wherein transferring the receptacle from the carrier to the pack is performed using a pick-and-place device having multiple arms for releasably gripping the receptacle.

[0166] Embodiment 58. A method as described in any one of embodiments 49 to 57, wherein moving the carriage includes operating an electric motor to move the carriage on the rail from a first position to a second position.

[0167] Embodiment 59. The method of any one of embodiments 49 to 58, wherein the fluid extraction device is a pipetter.

[0168] Embodiment 60. The method of any one of embodiments 49 to 59, further comprising selectively applying a force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the second position, and no force is applied to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0169] Embodiment 61. The method of any one of embodiments 49 to 60, wherein transferring the receptacle from the carrier to the pack includes removably supporting the receptacle between a plurality of spring-loaded members of the pack.

[0170] Embodiment 62. A receptacle delivery system for a device, comprising: a carriage configured to move from a first position to a second position; a puck coupled to the carriage, the puck configured to removably support the receptacle therein; and a receptacle clamping mechanism comprising a pair of opposing support pads configured to (a) contact a receptacle seated on the puck when the carriage is positioned in the second position, and (b) separate from the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0171] Embodiment 63. A system as described in embodiment 62, wherein a pair of support pads are configured to move toward each other when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position and to move away from each other when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0172] Embodiment 64. The system described in embodiment 62 or 63, further comprising a pair of interlocking gears coupled to the pair of support pads, wherein when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, the pair of interlocking gears rotate in opposite directions relative to each other to move the pair of support pads toward each other.

[0173] Embodiment 65. The system described in embodiment 64, further comprising a pair of actuator arms, each actuator arm of the pair being coupled at one end to a different support pad of the pair of support pads and at an opposite end to a different gear of the pair of meshing gears.

[0174] Embodiment 66. The system described in embodiment 64 or 65, further comprising a cam arm, wherein one end of the cam arm is coupled to a gear of a pair of meshing gears and the opposite end of the cam arm is configured to move on a downwardly inclined path when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0175] Embodiment 67. The system described in embodiment 66, wherein the opposite end of the cam arm includes a roller configured to roll on an inclined path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0176] Embodiment 68. The system of embodiment 64 or 65, further comprising: (a) a cam arm having a first end coupled to a first gear of a pair of meshing gears and a second end opposite the first end; and (b) a ramp having an inclined surface extending substantially parallel to a path of the carriage from the first position to the second position, wherein as the carriage moves along the path between the first position and the second position, the second end of the cam arm moves along the inclined surface to rotate the first gear.

[0177] Embodiment 69. The system described in embodiment 64 or 65, further comprising a cam arm configured to: (a) rotate a first gear of a pair of meshing gears in a first direction and rotate a second gear of the pair of meshing gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; and (b) rotate the first gear in the second direction and rotate the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0178] Embodiment 70. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 69, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads includes a contoured surface and the support pads face each other.

[0179] Embodiment 71. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 69, wherein each support pad of a pair of support pads includes a substantially V-shaped groove, and the support pads face each other.

[0180] Embodiment 72. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 71, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads comprises an elastomer.

[0181] Embodiment 73. The system of embodiment 72, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber.

[0182] Embodiment 74. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 73, wherein the receptacle clamping mechanism further comprises one or more springs configured to urge the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0183] Embodiment 75. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 74, wherein a pair of support pads are configured to apply a clamping force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the second position and not apply a clamping force to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0184] Embodiment 76. A system as described in embodiment 75, wherein the pair of support pads are configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in the second position.

[0185] Embodiment 77. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 76, further comprising a first electric motor operably coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage between the first position and the second position.

[0186] Embodiment 78. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 77, further comprising a second electric motor operably coupled to the puck and configured to rotate the puck within the carriage when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0187] Embodiment 79. The system of embodiment 78, wherein the carriage further comprises a sensor configured to detect when the puck has rotated to a predetermined position within the carriage.

[0188] Embodiment 80. The system of embodiment 79, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0189] Embodiment 81. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 80, further comprising a sensing system configured to detect whether the receptacle is seated in the pack.

[0190] Embodiment 82. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 80, wherein the pack includes a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack.

[0191] Embodiment 83. The system described in embodiment 82, further comprising a sensing system configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted into the pack to a desired depth.

[0192] Embodiment 84. A system as described in embodiment 83, wherein the puck is rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing including a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the puck.

[0193] Embodiment 85. The system described in embodiment 84, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned when the receptacle is not seated on the pack, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0194] Embodiment 86. The system of embodiment 85, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0195] Embodiment 87. The system described in embodiment 86, wherein when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter is configured to direct a light beam toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle seated in the pack, and (b) the light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not seated in the pack, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the pack, the incident area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0196] Embodiment 88. A system as described in embodiment 87, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0197] Embodiment 89. A system as described in embodiment 87 or 88, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0198] Embodiment 90. A system described in any one of embodiments 85 to 89, wherein the signal emitter and the signal detector are coupled to the carriage.

[0199] Embodiment 91. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 90, further comprising a first shelf attached to the carriage and a second shelf positioned at a second position, wherein when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first shelf is positioned below the second shelf.

[0200] Embodiment 92. The system described in embodiment 91, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the vertical clearance between the first shelf and the second shelf is about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0201] Embodiment 93. A system as described in embodiment 91 or 92, wherein the second shelf defines a first opening, and when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the first opening aligns with a receptacle seated in the puck such that a tip associated with the fluid extraction device of the equipment is movable into the receptacle through the first opening.

[0202] Embodiment 94. The system of embodiment 93, wherein the first opening is an inwardly extending recess defined by the side wall of the second shelf.

[0203] Embodiment 95. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 94, further comprising an indicia reader configured to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicia of the receptacle when the carriage is positioned in a first position.

[0204] Embodiment 96. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 95, further comprising a rail, the carriage being configured to move on the rail between the first position and the second position.

[0205] Embodiment 97. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 96, further comprising a pick-and-place device configured to transfer a receptacle from a location outside the equipment to the pack.

[0206] Embodiment 98. The system described in embodiment 97, wherein the pick-and-place device is configured to transfer receptacles from a receptacle carrier supported on a receptacle delivery conveyor to a pack, and the receptacle delivery conveyor is configured to transport the receptacle carrier supporting the receptacle to a position adjacent to a plurality of pieces of equipment.

[0207] Embodiment 99. A system described in any one of embodiments 62 to 98, wherein the pack includes a plurality of spring-loaded members configured to removably support the receptacle therebetween.

[0208] Embodiment 100. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting the receptacle with a carriage; activating the electric motor to move the carriage between the first and second positions of the instrument while the receptacle is supported by the carriage; applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0209] Embodiment 101. The method of embodiment 100, wherein applying a clamping force includes applying a force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle.

[0210] Embodiment 102. The method of embodiment 100 or 101, wherein applying a clamping force to the receptacle includes moving a pair of support pads into contact with the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0211] Embodiment 103. A method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 102, wherein loosening the clamping force includes moving a pair of contact pads away from the receptacle when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0212] Embodiment 104. The method of embodiment 102 or 103, wherein applying the clamping force and releasing the clamping force includes rotating a pair of interlocking gears coupled to a pair of support pads in opposite directions to each other as the carriage moves between the first position and the second position.

[0213] Embodiment 105. The method of embodiment 104, wherein rotating the pair of interlocking gears comprises: (a) rotating a first gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a first direction and rotating a second gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; and (b) rotating the first gear in the second direction and rotating the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0214] Embodiment 106. The method of embodiment 104 or 105, wherein rotating the pair of intermeshing gears comprises (a) moving a first end of a cam arm on a downwardly sloping path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) moving the first end on an upwardly sloping surface as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, wherein the second end of the cam arm is coupled to a gear with the pair of intermeshing gears.

[0215] Embodiment 107. A method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 106, wherein supporting the receptacle in the carriage includes removably supporting the receptacle in a rotatable puck positioned in the carriage.

[0216] Embodiment 108. The method of embodiment 107, wherein removably supporting the receptacle includes positioning the receptacle between a plurality of spring-loaded members of the pack, and the method further includes transferring the receptacle from the receptacle delivery system to the pack using a pick-and-place device.

[0217] Embodiment 109. The method of embodiment 107 or 108, wherein the electric motor is a first electric motor, and the method further includes operating a second electric motor to rotate the puck in the carriage when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0218] Embodiment 110. The method of embodiment 109, further comprising using a sensor to detect when the puck has rotated into a predetermined position within the carriage.

[0219] Embodiment 111. The method of embodiment 109 or 110, further comprising using an indicia reader to read the encoded information of the machine-readable indicia of the receptacle as the pack rotates.

[0220] Embodiment 112. A method according to any one of embodiments 107 to 111, further comprising using a sensing system associated with the carriage to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle supported by the pack is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle supported by the pack has been inserted to a desired depth in the pack.

[0221] Embodiment 113. The method of embodiment 112, wherein the pack is rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the pack includes a first passage extending across a vertical axis of the pack, and the housing includes a second passage extending across the vertical axis of the pack.

[0222] Embodiment 114. The method of embodiment 113, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the receptacle is not attached to the pack, when the first and second passages are aligned, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter through the aligned first and second passages.

[0223] Embodiment 115. The method of embodiment 114, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0224] Embodiment 116. Using the sensing system, directing a light beam from the light emitter to the light detector, wherein a receptacle seated on the puck is positioned at least partially between the light emitter and the light detector; 116. The method of embodiment 115, comprising determining which portion, if any, of the light beam is received by the light detector.

[0225] Embodiment 117. The method of embodiment 116, wherein directing the light beam includes directing at least a portion of the light beam toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle seated on the puck.

[0226] Embodiment 118. The method of embodiment 117, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the pack, the entrance area is offset from the vertical axis of the pack by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0227] Embodiment 119. The method of embodiment 117 or 118, wherein the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck.

[0228] Embodiment 120. A method according to any one of embodiments 100 to 119, wherein operating the electric motor includes positioning the carriage at a second position such that a first shelf attached to the carriage is positioned below a second shelf coupled to the equipment and positioned at the second position.

[0229] Embodiment 121. The method of embodiment 120, wherein the second shelf is removably coupled to the device at the second position.

[0230] Embodiment 122. The method of embodiment 120 or 121, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the first shelf is vertically spaced apart from the second shelf by a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0231] Embodiment 123. A method according to any one of embodiments 120 to 122, wherein positioning the carriage at the second position includes positioning the carriage so that a first opening formed in the second shelf is positioned above and aligned with the receptacle, and the method includes directing a tip associated with the fluid extraction device of the equipment through the first opening and into the receptacle, thereby contacting the fluid contained in the receptacle.

[0232] Embodiment 124. The method of embodiment 123, further comprising aspirating an aliquot of fluid into the tip.

[0233] Embodiment 125. The method of embodiment 124, further comprising removing the tip from the receptacle to a position above the first opening after aspirating the aliquot of fluid into the tip.

[0234] Embodiment 126. A method according to any one of embodiments 123 to 125, wherein the receptacle includes a pierceable cap covering an opening of the receptacle, (i) directing the tip into the receptacle includes piercing the cap with the tip, and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle includes moving the tip through the pierceable cap.

[0235] Embodiment 127. The method of embodiment 125 or 126, further comprising, after removing the chip from the receptacle, moving the chip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0236] Embodiment 128. The method of embodiment 127, further comprising, after moving the tip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, lowering the tip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm from the upper surface of the shelf.

[0237] Embodiment 129. The method described in embodiment 127 or 128, further comprising, after moving the chip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, moving the chip to trace a predetermined path along the surface of the second shelf after lowering.

[0238] Embodiment 130. The method of embodiment 129, wherein moving the tip to trace a predefined path includes moving the tip around an upwardly extending protrusion on the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0239] Embodiment 131. The method described in embodiment 129 or 130, further comprising, after moving the chip to trace the predefined path, removing the chip from above the top surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in the side wall of the second shelf.

[0240] Embodiment 132. The method of embodiment 131, wherein removing the chip from above the upper surface of the second shelf includes moving the chip through the second opening without changing the vertical position of the chip on the surface.

[0241] Embodiment 133. A method according to any one of embodiments 129 to 132, wherein a portion of the fluid is suspended from the chip when the chip is removed from the receptacle, and at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip is deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf while moving the chip to trace the path.

[0242] Embodiment 134. The method of embodiment 133, wherein after the chip is moved to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, a portion of the fluid suspended from the chip when the chip is removed from the receptacle is suspended from the second shelf below the first opening.

[0243] Embodiment 135. A method according to any one of embodiments 131 to 134, wherein operating the electric motor further includes moving the carriage from the second position to the first position after moving the tip to trace a predetermined path, thereby cleaving at least a portion of the fluid suspended on the upper surfaces of the second shelf and the first shelf and depositing the cleaved fluid on the upper surface of the first shelf.

[0244] Embodiment 136. The method of any one of embodiments 133 to 135, further comprising detaching the second shelf from the device.

[0245] Embodiment 137. The method of embodiment 136, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf after disconnecting the second shelf from the device.

[0246] Embodiment 138. The method of embodiment 137, further comprising coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0247] Embodiment 139. The method of any one of embodiments 135 to 138, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the first shelf after moving the carriage from the second position to the first position.

[0248] Embodiment 140. A receptacle delivery system for a device, comprising: A carriage; a puck rotatably supported by the carriage, the puck including a plurality of spring-loaded fingers disposed about a vertical axis and configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween; a first electric motor configured to move the carriage between a first position and a second position of the instrument; a second electric motor configured to rotate the puck about a vertical axis.

[0249] Embodiment 141. The system described in embodiment 140, wherein the O-ring biases the multiple fingers toward the vertical axis of the puck.

[0250] Embodiment 142. The system described in embodiment 141, wherein the O-ring is made of an elastomer.

[0251] Embodiment 143. The system of embodiment 142, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber.

[0252] Embodiment 144. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 143, wherein each finger of the multiple fingers includes an upper portion configured to contact a receptacle and a base portion extending substantially across the upper portion, and the base portion of each finger is rotatably coupled to a support disk of the puck at a pivot point.

[0253] Embodiment 145. The system described in embodiment 144, wherein the base portion of each finger of the multiple fingers is configured to rotate about an associated pivot point.

[0254] Embodiment 146. A system described in embodiment 144 or 145, wherein an upper portion of each finger of the multiple fingers includes an inclined surface, and the inclined surfaces of the multiple fingers are arranged in a funnel-shaped configuration with respect to a vertical axis.

[0255] Embodiment 147. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 146, wherein the plurality of fingers includes four evenly spaced fingers.

[0256] Embodiment 148. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 147, wherein each of the multiple fingers comprises anodized aluminum at least partially coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0257] Embodiment 149. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 148, further comprising a sensor configured to detect when the puck has rotated to a predetermined position within the carriage.

[0258] Embodiment 150. The system described in embodiment 149, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0259] Embodiment 151. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 150, further comprising a sensing system configured to detect whether the receptacle is seated in the pack.

[0260] Embodiment 152. A system described in any one of embodiments 140 to 150, wherein the pack has a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack.

[0261] Embodiment 153. The system described in embodiment 152, further comprising a sensing system configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth into the pack.

[0262] Embodiment 154. A system as described in embodiment 153, wherein the puck is rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing having a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the puck.

[0263] Embodiment 155. The system described in embodiment 154, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned when the receptacle is not seated on the pack, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0264] Embodiment 156. The system described in embodiment 155, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0265] Embodiment 157. The system described in embodiment 156, wherein when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter is configured to direct a light beam toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle seated in the pack, and (b) the light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not seated in the pack, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the pack, the incident area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0266] Embodiment 158. A system as described in embodiment 157, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the vertical axis of the puck by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0267] Embodiment 159. A system described in embodiment 157 or 158, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0268] Embodiment 160. A system described in any one of embodiments 155 to 159, wherein the signal emitter and the signal detector are coupled to the carriage.

[0269] Embodiment 161. A receptacle delivery system for a device, comprising: a carriage configured to move the rail from a first position to a second position on the device, the carriage comprising: a bracket having opposing first and second side walls and a base extending between the first and second side walls, the carriage configured to support a receptacle; a pair of opposing support pads configured to (a) move toward a receptacle supported by the carriage when the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, and (b) move away from a receptacle supported by the carriage when the carriage moves from the second position toward the first position; A receptacle delivery system comprising: a carriage comprising a pair of interlocking cam gears rotatably coupled to a first side wall, each cam gear of the pair of interlocking cam gears being coupled to a different support pad of the pair of support pads.

[0270] Embodiment 162. The system described in embodiment 161, wherein the bracket is substantially U-shaped.

[0271] Embodiment 163. A system as described in embodiment 161 or 162, wherein the second side wall of the bracket includes an elongated slot aligned with the receptacle supported by the carriage, and the carriage includes an indicator reader configured to read encoded information of a machine-readable indicator of the receptacle through the elongated slot when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0272] Embodiment 164. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 163, wherein the carriage further includes a rotatable puck including a plurality of spring-loaded fingers configured to support the receptacle therebetween, and the puck is coupled to a bracket below the base such that the plurality of fingers extend through an opening in the base into a space between a first side wall and a second side wall of the bracket.

[0273] Embodiment 165. The system described in embodiment 164, further comprising a first electric motor operably coupled to the puck and configured to rotate the puck within the carriage when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0274] Embodiment 166. The system described in embodiment 165, wherein the carriage further comprises a sensor configured to detect when the puck has rotated to a predetermined position within the carriage.

[0275] Embodiment 167. The system described in embodiment 166, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0276] Embodiment 168. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 167, wherein the carriage further comprises a pair of actuator arms, each of the pair of actuator arms being coupled at one end to a different support pad of a pair of support pads and at an opposite end to a different gear of a pair of meshing gears.

[0277] Embodiment 169. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 168, further comprising: (a) a cam arm having a first end and a second end; and (b) a ramp having an inclined surface extending substantially parallel to the rail, wherein the first end of the cam arm is coupled to a gear having a pair of intermeshing gears, and the second end of the cam arm is configured to move the inclined surface of the ramp when the carriage moves between the first position and the second position.

[0278] Embodiment 170. The system described in embodiment 169, wherein the second end of the cam arm includes a roller configured to roll on the inclined surface as the carriage moves between the first position and the second position.

[0279] Embodiment 171. The system described in embodiment 169 or 170, wherein the cam arm is configured to (a) rotate a first gear of a pair of interlocking gears in a first direction and rotate a second gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) rotate the first gear in the second direction and rotate the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0280] Embodiment 172. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 171, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads includes a contoured surface.

[0281] Embodiment 173. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 172, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads includes a substantially V-shaped groove.

[0282] Embodiment 174. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 173, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads comprises an elastomer.

[0283] Embodiment 175. The system of embodiment 174, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber.

[0284] Embodiment 176. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 174, further comprising one or more springs configured to urge the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0285] Embodiment 177. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 176, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the pair of support pads are configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle supported by the carriage.

[0286] Embodiment 178. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 177, further comprising a second electric motor operably coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage between the first position and the second position.

[0287] Embodiment 179. A system described in any one of embodiments 164 to 178, wherein the carriage further comprises a sensing system configured to detect whether the receptacle is seated in the pack.

[0288] Embodiment 180. A system described in any one of embodiments 164 to 179, wherein the pack includes a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack.

[0289] Embodiment 181. The system described in embodiment 180, further comprising a sensing system configured to detect (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated in the pack is inclined with respect to a vertical axis of the pack, and / or (b) whether a receptacle seated in the pack is inserted into the pack to a desired depth.

[0290] Embodiment 182. The system described in embodiment 181, wherein the puck is rotatably supported within a housing of the carriage, the housing including a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the puck.

[0291] Embodiment 183. The system described in embodiment 182, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned when the receptacle is not seated on the pack, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter through the aligned first and second passages.

[0292] Embodiment 184. The system described in embodiment 183, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0293] Embodiment 185. The system described in embodiment 184, wherein when the first and second passages are aligned, (a) the light emitter is configured to direct a light beam toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle seated in the pack, and (b) the light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not seated in the pack, and when the receptacle is properly seated in the pack, the incident area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0294] Embodiment 186. A system as described in embodiment 185, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.

[0295] Embodiment 187. A system described in embodiment 185 or 186, wherein when the receptacle is properly seated in the puck, the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0296] Embodiment 188. A system described in any one of embodiments 183 to 187, wherein the signal emitter and the signal detector are coupled to the carriage.

[0297] Embodiment 189. A system described in any one of embodiments 161 to 188, further comprising a first shelf attached to the carriage and a second shelf positioned at a second position, wherein when the carriage is positioned at the second position, the first shelf is positioned below the second shelf.

[0298] Embodiment 190. The system described in embodiment 189, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the vertical clearance between the first shelf and the second shelf is about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0299] Embodiment 191. A system as described in embodiment 189 or 190, wherein the second shelf defines a first opening, and when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the first opening is aligned with a receptacle supported by the carriage such that a tip associated with the fluid extraction device of the instrument is movable into the receptacle through the first opening.

[0300] Embodiment 192. A receptacle delivery system for an instrument, comprising: a carriage configured to move from a first position on the device to a second position on the device; a puck supported by the carriage, the puck configured to removably support a receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the receptacle is substantially aligned with a vertical axis of the puck; A receptacle delivery system comprising: a first shelf positioned at a second location on the device, the shelf including (a) a base extending substantially transverse to a vertical axis of the pack; and (b) a first opening defined by the base, wherein when the carriage is in the second position, a longitudinal axis of a receptacle seated on the pack extends through the first opening.

[0301] Embodiment 193. The system described in embodiment 192, wherein the shelf is removably coupled to the housing of the equipment.

[0302] Embodiment 194. The system described in embodiment 193, wherein the shelf is removably coupled to the housing of the device using one or more magnets.

[0303] Embodiment 195. The system described in embodiment 194, wherein the one or more magnets include a pair of corresponding magnets, the shelf includes a first protrusion extending upwardly from the base, and the device housing includes a second protrusion, the first protrusion including a first magnet of the pair of magnets, and the second protrusion including a second magnet of the pair of magnets.

[0304] Embodiment 196. A system described in any one of embodiments 192 to 195, wherein the upper surface of the base has a passage defined by an internal protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of the base and a sidewall circumscribing the base.

[0305] Embodiment 197. The system described in embodiment 196, wherein the side wall includes a second opening, the second opening being sized to allow passage of the distal end of a pipette tip therethrough.

[0306] Embodiment 198. A system described in any one of embodiments 193 to 197, wherein the shelf and the housing are provided with mated alignment elements configured to properly align the equipment shelf.

[0307] Embodiment 199. The system described in embodiment 198, wherein the mated alignment element includes a third opening of the shelf and a third protrusion coupled to the housing, the third protrusion extending through the third opening when the second shelf is coupled to the housing.

[0308] Embodiment 200. The system described in embodiment 199, wherein the shape of the outer surface of the third protrusion approximately matches the shape of the third opening.

[0309] Embodiment 201. A system as described in embodiment 199 or 200, wherein the third protrusion of the housing has a first recess located at an end of the third protrusion, the shelf has a fourth protrusion positioned adjacent to the third opening, and when the second shelf is the housing, the fourth protrusion is positioned in the first recess.

[0310] Embodiment 202. A system described in any one of embodiments 192 to 201, wherein the shelf surface is provided with a concave thumb gripper.

[0311] Embodiment 203. A system described in any one of embodiments 192 to 202, wherein the carriage includes a second shelf coupled to an upper surface of the carriage.

[0312] Embodiment 204. The system of embodiment 203, wherein the second shelf includes a recessed area configured to contain a fluid.

[0313] Embodiment 205. A system as described in embodiment 203 or 204, wherein the second shelf is removably coupled to the upper surface of the carriage.

[0314] Embodiment 206. A system described in any one of embodiments 203 to 205, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the vertical clearance between the first shelf and the second shelf is about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0315] Embodiment 207. A receptacle clamping mechanism for an instrument, comprising: a carriage configured to move between a first position and a second position of the instrument, the carriage including: (a) one or more support members configured to removably support a receptacle therebetween; and (b) a pair of opposing support pads configured to apply a clamping force to a receptacle supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and to release the clamping force from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position; and a sensing system configured to determine whether the receptacle is supported by the carriage.

[0316] Embodiment 208. The mechanism described in embodiment 207, wherein the sensing system is configured to determine (a) whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle supported by the carriage is inclined relative to a vertical axis and / or (b) whether the receptacle supported by the carriage is inserted to a desired depth.

[0317] Embodiment 209. A mechanism described in embodiment 207 or 208, wherein the sensing system includes a signal emitter and a signal detector positioned at opposite ends of a linear axis, the linear axis (a) passing through a side wall of the receptacle and (b) being offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage.

[0318] Embodiment 210. The mechanism of embodiment 209, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter and the signal detector is an optical detector.

[0319] Embodiment 211. The mechanism described in embodiment 210, wherein (a) the light emitter is configured to direct a light beam toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle supported by the carriage, and (b) the light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light beam from the light emitter when the receptacle is not properly supported by the carriage, and when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the incident area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0320] Embodiment 212. The mechanism described in embodiment 211, wherein the entrance area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage.

[0321] Embodiment 213. A mechanism described in embodiment 211 or 212, wherein the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage.

[0322] Embodiment 214. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 209 to 213, wherein the signal emitter and the signal detector are coupled to the carriage.

[0323] Embodiment 215. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 214, wherein a pair of support pads are configured to (a) contact a receptacle supported by one or more support members when the carriage is positioned at a second position, and (b) be separated from the receptacle when the carriage is positioned at a first position.

[0324] Embodiment 216. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 215, wherein a pair of support pads are configured to move toward each other when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position and to move away from each other when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0325] Embodiment 217. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 216, further comprising a pair of interlocking gears coupled to a pair of support pads, wherein when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, the pair of interlocking gears rotate in opposite directions relative to each other to move the pair of support pads toward each other.

[0326] Embodiment 218. The mechanism described in embodiment 217, further comprising a pair of actuator arms, each of the pair of actuator arms being coupled at one end to a different support pad of the pair of support pads and at an opposite end to a different gear of the pair of meshing gears.

[0327] Embodiment 219. The mechanism described in embodiment 217 or 218, further comprising a cam arm, wherein one end of the cam arm is coupled to a gear of a pair of meshing gears and the opposite end of the cam arm is configured to move on a downwardly inclined path when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0328] Embodiment 220. The mechanism described in embodiment 219, wherein the opposite end of the cam arm includes a roller configured to roll on an inclined path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0329] Embodiment 221. The system described in embodiment 219 or 220, wherein the cam arm is configured to (a) rotate a first gear of a pair of meshing gears in a first direction and rotate a second gear of the pair of meshing gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) rotate the first gear in the second direction and rotate the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0330] Embodiment 222. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 221, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads has a contoured surface or a V-shaped groove.

[0331] Embodiment 223. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 222, wherein each support pad of the pair of support pads comprises an elastomer.

[0332] Embodiment 224. The mechanism of embodiment 223, wherein the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and rubber.

[0333] Embodiment 225. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 224, further comprising one or more springs configured to urge the pair of support pads away from each other when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0334] Embodiment 226. A mechanism described in any one of embodiments 207 to 225, configured to apply a clamping force of about 10 N to about 30 N to a receptacle supported by one or more support members when the carriage is positioned in the second position.

[0335] Embodiment 227. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: supporting a receptacle on the carriage when the carriage is positioned in a first position of the device; activating a sensing system coupled to the carriage to verify that the receptacle is supported by the carriage; moving the carriage and the receptacle supported therein to a second position on the instrument; applying a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position; extracting at least a portion of the fluid contained in the receptacle using a fluid extraction device of the instrument at a second position; moving the carriage, and a receptacle supported therein, from the second position to the first position; and releasing the clamping force from the receptacle when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0336] Embodiment 228. The method of embodiment 227, further comprising using a sensing system to determine (a) whether a longitudinal axis of a receptacle supported by the carriage is inclined relative to a vertical axis and / or (b) whether a receptacle supported by the carriage is inserted to a predetermined depth.

[0337] Embodiment 229. The method of embodiment 227 or 228, wherein applying a clamping force includes applying a force of about 10 N to about 30 N to the receptacle.

[0338] Embodiment 230. A method as described in any one of embodiments 227 to 229, wherein applying a clamping force to the receptacle includes moving a pair of opposing support pads into contact with the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

[0339] Embodiment 231. The method of embodiment 230, wherein loosening the clamping force includes moving a pair of support pads away from the receptacle as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0340] Embodiment 232. The method of embodiment 230 or 231, wherein applying the clamping force and releasing the clamping force includes rotating a pair of intermeshing gears coupled to a pair of support pads in opposite directions to each other as the carriage moves between the first position and the second position.

[0341] Embodiment 233. The method of embodiment 232, wherein rotating the pair of interlocking gears includes (a) rotating a first gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a first direction and rotating a second gear of the pair of interlocking gears in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) rotating the first gear in the second direction and rotating the second gear in the first direction when the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0342] Embodiment 234. The method of embodiment 232 or 233, wherein rotating the pair of intermeshing gears includes (a) moving a first end of a cam arm on a downwardly sloping path as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position, and (b) moving the first end of the cam arm on an upwardly sloping surface as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position, wherein the second end of the cam arm is coupled to a gear with the pair of intermeshing gears.

[0343] Embodiment 235. A method according to any one of embodiments 227 to 234, wherein supporting the receptacle in the carriage includes removably supporting the receptacle in a rotatable puck positioned in the carriage.

[0344] Embodiment 236. The method of embodiment 235, wherein removably supporting the receptacle includes positioning the receptacle between a plurality of spring-loaded members of the pack, and the method further includes transferring the receptacle to the pack from a conveyor located outside the equipment using a pick-and-place device.

[0345] Embodiment 237. The method of embodiment 235 or 236, further comprising rotating the puck on the carriage when the carriage is positioned in the first position.

[0346] Embodiment 238. The method of embodiment 237, further comprising using a sensor to detect when the puck has rotated into a predetermined position in the carriage.

[0347] Embodiment 239. The method of embodiment 237 or 238, further comprising using an indicia reader to read the encoded information of the machine-readable indicia of the receptacle as the pack rotates.

[0348] Embodiment 240. Using the sensing system comprises: directing a signal from a signal emitter towards a signal detector, where a receptacle supported by the carriage is positioned between the signal emitter and the signal detector; A method according to any one of embodiments 227 to 239, comprising determining which portion, if any, of the light beam is received by the light detector.

[0349] Embodiment 241. The method of embodiment 240, wherein directing the signal includes directing at least a portion of the signal toward an incident area on an outer surface of a receptacle supported by the carriage.

[0350] Embodiment 242. The method of embodiment 240 or 241, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter, the signal detector is an optical detector, and the signal is an optical beam.

[0351] Embodiment 243. The method of embodiment 241 or 242, wherein the entrance area is offset from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 6 mm when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage.

[0352] Embodiment 244. A method according to any one of embodiments 241 to 243, wherein when the receptacle is properly supported by the carriage, the entrance area is offset from the base of the receptacle by a distance of about 3 mm to about 8 mm.

[0353] Embodiment 245. A method according to any one of embodiments 227 to 244, wherein moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, to the second position includes positioning the carriage at the second position such that (a) at least a portion of the carriage is positioned below a second shelf of an instrument positioned at the second position, and (b) the receptacle is positioned below a first opening defined by the second shelf.

[0354] Embodiment 246. A method according to any one of embodiments 227 to 244, wherein moving the carriage and the receptacle supported therein to the second position includes positioning the carriage at the second position such that (a) a first shelf coupled to the carriage is positioned below a second shelf removably coupled to the instrument at the second position, and (b) the receptacle is aligned with a first opening defined by the second shelf.

[0355] Embodiment 247. The method of embodiment 246, wherein when the carriage is positioned in the second position, the first shelf is vertically spaced apart from the second shelf by a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0356] Embodiment 248. A method according to any one of embodiments 245 to 247, wherein extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle comprises directing a tip associated with the fluid extraction device through the first opening towards the receptacle to contact the fluid contained in the receptacle.

[0357] Embodiment 249. The method of embodiment 248, wherein extracting at least a portion of the fluid from the receptacle includes drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip.

[0358] Embodiment 250. The method of embodiment 249, further comprising removing the tip from the receptacle to a position above the first opening after drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip.

[0359] Embodiment 251. A method according to any one of embodiments 248 to 250, wherein the receptacle includes a pierceable cap covering an opening of the receptacle, (i) directing the tip into the receptacle includes piercing the cap with the tip, and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle includes moving the tip through the pierceable cap.

[0360] Embodiment 252. The method of embodiment 250 or 251, further comprising, after removing the chip from the receptacle, moving the chip laterally to a position above a second shelf.

[0361] Embodiment 253. The method of embodiment 252, further comprising, after moving the tip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, lowering the tip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm above the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0362] Embodiment 254. The method of embodiment 252 or 253, further comprising, after moving the chip laterally into position above the second shelf, moving the chip along a predetermined path above the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0363] Embodiment 255. The method of embodiment 254, wherein moving the chip along a predefined path includes moving the chip around a protrusion extending upward from an upper surface of the second shelf.

[0364] Embodiment 256. The method described in embodiment 254 or 255, further comprising, after moving the chip along the predefined path, removing the chip from above the upper surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in the side wall of the second shelf.

[0365] Embodiment 257. A method according to any one of embodiments 254 to 256, wherein a portion of the fluid extracted from the receptacle is suspended from the tip prior to moving the tip along a predefined path, and at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the tip is deposited on an upper surface of the second shelf while moving the tip along the predefined path.

[0366] Embodiment 258. The method of embodiment 257, wherein at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the tip prior to moving the tip along the predefined path is suspended from a second shelf below the first opening after moving the tip along the predefined path.

[0367] Embodiment 259. The method of embodiment 258, wherein moving the carriage, and the receptacle supported therein, from the second position to the first position includes cleaving at least a portion of the fluid suspended from a second shelf directly below the first opening, and depositing the cleaved fluid on an upper surface of the first shelf supported by the carriage as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0368] Embodiment 260. The method of any one of embodiments 257 to 259, further comprising disconnecting the second shelf from the device.

[0369] Embodiment 261. The method of embodiment 260, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf after disconnecting the second shelf from the device.

[0370] Embodiment 262. The method of embodiment 261, further comprising coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0371] Embodiment 263. The method of any one of embodiments 259 to 262, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the first shelf after moving the carriage to the first position.

[0372] Embodiment 264. A method as described in any one of embodiments 227 to 263, further comprising removing the receptacle from the carriage using a pick-and-place device after releasing the clamping force from the receptacle.

[0373] Embodiment 265. A method for delivering a receptacle to an instrument, comprising: Positioning a carriage at a first position on the instrument, the carriage including a rotatable puck and configured to move from the first position to a second position on the instrument, the puck configured to seat the receptacle therein; Rotating the puck on the carriage about a vertical axis to position the puck in a desired rotational position; determining whether the receptacle is seated on the pack using a first sensor; calibrating a sensing system when it is determined that the receptacle is not seated in the pack, the sensing system being configured to determine whether the receptacle is seated in the pack; and seating the receptacle on the pack after calibrating the sensing system; after seating the receptacle on the pack, determining whether the receptacle is properly seated on the pack using a sensing system; and moving the carriage from the first position to the second position after determining that the receptacle is properly seated on the puck.

[0374] Embodiment 266. The method of embodiment 265, wherein determining whether the receptacle is properly seated in the pack includes determining (a) whether a longitudinal axis of the receptacle seated in the pack is inclined relative to a vertical axis, and / or (b) whether the receptacle seated in the pack is inserted to a desired depth.

[0375] Embodiment 267. The method of embodiment 265 or 266, wherein the pack has a first passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, the carriage has a second passage extending across and offset from the vertical axis of the pack, and calibrating the sensor assembly includes rotating the pack to align the first and second passages.

[0376] Embodiment 268. The method of embodiment 267, wherein the sensing system comprises a signal emitter and a signal detector, and when the first and second passages are aligned, the signal detector is configured to receive a signal from the signal emitter via the aligned first and second passages.

[0377] Embodiment 269. The method of embodiment 268, wherein the signal emitter is an optical emitter and the signal detector is an optical detector, and the method further includes performing a brightness calibration of the light beam from the optical emitter after aligning the first and second passages.

[0378] Embodiment 270. A method according to any one of embodiments 265 to 269, wherein the first sensor is an marker reader of the equipment, and determining whether the receptacle is seated on the pack includes detecting an marker of the carriage using the marker reader, the marker being positioned in a position that is not in the line of sight of the marker reader when the receptacle is seated on the pack.

[0379] Embodiment 271. A method as described in any one of embodiments 265 to 270, wherein rotating the puck to position the puck in a desired rotational position includes stopping rotation of the puck when the Hall effect sensor indicates that the puck is in the desired rotational position.

[0380] Embodiment 272. A method according to any one of embodiments 265 to 271, wherein moving the carriage from the first position to the second position includes positioning the carriage at the second position such that a first shelf attached to the carriage is positioned below a second shelf positioned at the second position.

[0381] Embodiment 273. The method of embodiment 272, wherein positioning the carriage at the second position includes positioning the carriage at the second position such that the first shelf is vertically spaced from the second shelf by a distance of about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

[0382] Embodiment 274. The method of embodiment 272 or 273, wherein positioning the carriage in the second position includes positioning the carriage such that the receptacle seated on the pack is positioned below and aligned with a first opening defined by a second shelf.

[0383] Embodiment 275. The method of embodiment 274, further comprising directing a tip associated with the fluid extraction device of the instrument through the first opening into the receptacle to contact the fluid contained in the receptacle.

[0384] Embodiment 276. The method of embodiment 275, further comprising drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip.

[0385] Embodiment 277. The method of embodiment 276, further comprising removing the tip from the receptacle to a position above the first opening after drawing at least a portion of the fluid into the tip.

[0386] Embodiment 278. The method of embodiment 277, wherein the receptacle includes a pierceable cap covering an opening of the receptacle, (i) directing the tip to the receptacle includes piercing the cap with the tip, and (ii) removing the tip from the receptacle includes moving the tip through the pierceable cap.

[0387] Embodiment 279. The method of embodiment 277 or 278, further comprising, after removing the chip from the receptacle, moving the chip laterally to a position above a second shelf.

[0388] Embodiment 280. The method of embodiment 279, further comprising, after moving the tip to a position above the upper surface of the second shelf, lowering the tip to a distance of about 1 mm to about 5 mm above the upper surface of the shelf.

[0389] Embodiment 281. The method of embodiment 279 or 280, further comprising, after moving the tip laterally to a position above the second shelf, moving the tip along a predefined path above the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0390] Embodiment 282. The method of embodiment 281, wherein moving the chip along a predefined path includes moving the chip around a protrusion extending upward from an upper surface of the second shelf.

[0391] Embodiment 283. The method described in embodiment 281 or 282, further comprising, after moving the chip along the predefined path, removing the chip from above the upper surface of the second shelf through a second opening formed in the side wall of the second shelf.

[0392] Embodiment 284. A method according to any one of embodiments 281 to 283, wherein a portion of the fluid drawn from the receptacle is suspended from the tip before moving along a predefined path, and at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the tip is deposited on an upper surface of the second shelf while moving the tip along the predefined path.

[0393] Embodiment 285. The method described in embodiment 284, wherein at least a portion of the fluid suspended from the tip prior to moving the tip along the predefined path is suspended from a second shelf directly below the first opening after moving the tip along the predefined path.

[0394] Embodiment 286. The method of embodiment 285, further comprising moving the carriage from the second position to the first position after moving the tip along the predefined path.

[0395] Embodiment 287. The method of embodiment 286, wherein moving the carriage from the second position to the first position includes cleaving at least a portion of the fluid suspended from a second shelf below the first opening and depositing the cleaved fluid on an upper surface of the first shelf as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position.

[0396] Embodiment 288. The method of any one of embodiments 284 to 287, further comprising disconnecting the second shelf from the device.

[0397] Embodiment 289. The method of embodiment 288, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf after disconnecting the second shelf from the device.

[0398] Embodiment 290. The method of embodiment 289, further comprising coupling the second shelf to the instrument after removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the second shelf.

[0399] Embodiment 291. The method of any one of embodiments 287 to 290, further comprising removing at least a portion of the fluid deposited on the upper surface of the first shelf after moving the carriage to the first position.

[0400] Embodiment 292. A method for providing a fluid to an apparatus located adjacent to a conveyor for transporting receptacles between a plurality of modules, the method comprising: (a) supporting a sample receptacle in an upright orientation with a first carrier; (b) transporting the first carrier on a conveyor extending adjacent each of a plurality of modules, at least one of the modules being an analytical instrument; (c) stopping the first carrier adjacent to the analytical instrument; (d) after step (c), while the first carrier remains on the conveyor, removing the sample receptacle from the first carrier and transporting the sample receptacle to a pick-up location of the analytical instrument; (e) transporting the sample receptacle from the pick-up location to a pipetting station located within the analytical instrument; (f) at the pipetting station, aspirating fluid contained within the sample receptacle and transferring the aspirated fluid to a reaction receptacle supported by the analytical instrument; (g) transporting the sample receptacle from the pipetting station to a pick-up position after aspirating fluid from the sample receptacle; (h) removing the sample receptacle from the pickup location and transporting the sample receptacle to a second carrier located on a conveyor adjacent to the analytical instrument, the second carrier supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation; (i) performing an assay on the aspirated fluid with an analytical device, thereby determining the presence or absence of an analyte in the aspirated fluid; (j) transporting a second carrier supporting the sample receptacles of the conveyor to one or more of a plurality of modules that are not analytical instruments.

[0401] Embodiment 293. The method of embodiment 292, wherein the first carrier is a puck having a cylindrical base and a pocket formed in an upper surface of the base for seating the sample receptacle.

[0402] Embodiment 294. The method of embodiment 293, wherein the puck has a plurality of upwardly extending fingers for supporting the sample receptacle in an upright orientation.

[0403] Embodiment 295. The method of any one of embodiments 292 to 294, wherein the conveyor comprises a mounting track for supporting the first carrier during step (b).

[0404] Embodiment 296. The method of embodiment 295, wherein the first carrier is propelled on the track by magnetic attraction between the first carrier and the conveyor.

[0405] Embodiment 297. The method according to any one of embodiments 292 to 296, wherein the analytical instrument is an instrument for carrying out a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction.

[0406] Embodiment 298. A method according to any one of embodiments 292 to 297, wherein step (c) is carried out using a stop element operably associated with the conveyor, and the stop element is actuated from a closed position that allows passage of the first carrier on the conveyor to a closed position during step (c), and the stop element immobilizes the first carrier in the closed position.

[0407] Embodiment 299. A method according to any one of embodiments 292 to 298, wherein the sample receptacle is removed from the first carrier and transported to a pick-up position using a gripping device.

[0408] Embodiment 300. The method of any one of embodiments 292 to 299, further comprising determining whether the height and orientation of the sample receptacle are acceptable.

[0409] Embodiment 301. A method according to any one of embodiments 292 to 300, wherein in step (d), a receptacle holder supported by the carriage receives the sample receptacle at a pick-up position.

[0410] Embodiment 302. The method of embodiment 301, wherein the pick location is located outside the housing of the analytical instrument.

[0411] Embodiment 303. The method of embodiment 301 or 302, wherein in step (d), the carriage transports the sample receptacle from the pickup position to the pipetting station.

[0412] Embodiment 304. The method of embodiment 303, further comprising the step of fixing the sample receptacle to the carriage when the sample receptacle is transported from the pickup position to the pipetting station, thereby preventing vertical movement of the sample receptacle.

[0413] Embodiment 305. The method of any one of embodiments 292 to 304, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are the same carrier.

[0414] Embodiment 306. The method of any one of embodiments 292 to 305, wherein the assay comprises exposing the sample to reagents and conditions for carrying out a nucleic acid-based amplification reaction.

[0415] The present disclosure has been described and illustrated in considerable detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other embodiments and variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the description of the disclosed embodiments, combinations, and subcombinations is not intended to convey that the present disclosure requires any feature or combination of features other than those expressly recited in the claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is deemed to include all modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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