Movable stage for pipette system

Abstract

The movable stage assembly includes a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage. The assembly further includes a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage. The second movable pipette mount includes a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener. The movable stage includes a mounting bolt coupled to the mounting base. The header fastener includes a locking screw that detachably connects the mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application is a non - provisional application claiming the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,449, filed on May 19, 2023, entitled "Automated Liquid Handling Systems, Tools, and Calibrations", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to liquid handling systems. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for switching between pipettes that can be selectively coupled to a movable stage of a liquid handling system.

Background Art

[0003] A liquid handling system can include robotic elements and several selectively - attachable pipettes that can be coupled to a movable stage. The movable stage assists in moving and accurately positioning the pipette above a receptacle, such as a reaction vessel or device used to react a liquid solution dispensed by the pipette. In one example, the pipette, receptacle, and / or device used to react the liquid solution can be positioned within an enclosed space where the reaction can be isolated from any external environment to ensure that other objects do not interrupt the processes of the liquid handling system and / or reactions occurring within the enclosed space.

[0004] In some cases, laboratory work or other processes may require different pipette form factors, including, for example, single - channel pipettes, 8 - channel pipettes, 96 - channel pipettes, n - channel pipettes (where n is any integer greater than or equal to 1), and combinations thereof. In some cases, it may be necessary to switch switch different to switch between different pipette form factors to obtain different throughputs within the liquid handling system, to provide different types of reactions, to speed up the processing of multiple reactions, or for other reasons.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, in some liquid processing systems, users such as laboratory operators of the liquid processing system may be unable to switch from the first pipette form factor to the second because such a switch may require a specialized operator, service provider, or technician to perform the switch. This process may take several hours or even days for such a specialized operator, service provider, or technician to travel to the liquid processing system location and perform the pipette form factor switch. This can significantly reduce the throughput of laboratory work provided by the liquid processing system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] Detailed explanations are provided below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit of the reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different drawings indicates the same or identical item. The systems shown in the attached drawings are not to scale, and components within the drawings may not be shown to scale relative to each other.

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a movable stage assembly, including a movable stage and a first pipette and a second pipette, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the movable stage of Figure 1 in a first state, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the movable stage of Figure 1, in a second state and including the first adapter, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the movable stage in Figure 1, as shown in circle A in Figure 3, illustrating an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 5]Figure 1 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the movable stage in a second state and including a second adapter, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the movable stage in Figure 1, as shown in circle B in Figure 5, illustrating an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a movable stage assembly, including a movable stage, a first pipette, and a third pipette, as an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the movable stage assembly, including the movable stage and the fourth pipette, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the movable stage assembly, including the movable stage and the fourth pipette, according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a partially cut perspective view of the first pipette, illustrating an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 11] This is a computing system diagram showing a configuration for a liquid processing system that can be used to implement aspects of the technology disclosed herein. [Figure 12] This figure shows a liquid processing system according to an example of the principle described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (overview) This disclosure describes a system and method for switching between several selectively combinable pipettes having different form factors. The several different pipette form factors can be selectively combinated and disconnected between z-stages of a movable stage in a liquid processing system. The different pipette form factors may each contain a single dispensing pipette, eight dispensing pipettes, ninety-six dispensing pipettes, or n dispensing pipettes (where n is any integer greater than or equal to 1) in a single dispensing head, allowing the dispensing head to dispense a liquid solution into a single receptacle and / or device (in the case of a single-channel pipette) or multiple receptacles and / or devices (in the case of an eight-channel pipette, a ninety-six channel pipette, and / or an n-channel pipette (where n is any integer greater than or equal to 1)). Having multiple dispensing heads within a single pipette device can facilitate laboratory work, as the corresponding multiple receptacles and / or devices can be used simultaneously in connection with the liquid processing system, and thus the liquid processing system can be programmed to perform for the user.

[0009] The z-stage of a movable stage may include multiple movable pipette mounts that allow one or more different pipette form factors to be coupled to the z-stage. These movable pipette mounts may be moved in the z-direction to allow different pipette form factors to approach receptacles, devices used to react liquid solutions, or other elements positioned within a sealed space of a liquid processing system and on a deck housed within that sealed space. At least one of the movable pipette mounts may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base that is detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener. Detachment of the mounting header and mounting base via disengagement of the header fastener allows one of the different pipette form factors to be coupled to the z-stage, for example, a 96-channel pipette. Coupling of the mounting header and mounting base via engagement of the header fastener allows one of the different pipette form factors to be coupled to the z-stage, for example, a single-channel pipette and / or an 8-channel pipette.

[0010] Examples described herein provide a movable stage assembly comprising a movable stage, a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, and a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage. The second movable pipette mount may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0011] The movable stage assembly may further include a first threaded opening defined with the first movable pipette mount for connecting a first pipette to the first movable pipette mount, and a second threaded opening defined with the second movable pipette mount for connecting a second pipette to the second movable pipette mount. The movable stage assembly may further include mounting bolts connected to a mounting base. The header fastener may include a retaining screw that removably connects a mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolts.

[0012] The movable stage assembly may further include a first electrical connector coupled to a first movable pipette mount and a second electrical connector coupled to a second movable pipette mount. The first and second electrical connectors electrically couple the first pipette and the second pipette to the first and second movable pipette mounts, respectively.

[0013] The movable stage assembly may further include a first pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a first movable pipette mount, and a second pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a second movable pipette mount. When the first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector with the first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette, and when the second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, it aligns the second electrical connector with the second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

[0014] The movable stage assembly may further include an adapter that is selectively connectable to and bridging a first movable pipette mount and a second movable pipette mount. The movable stage assembly may further include a hanger bar that is connected to and protrudes from the adapter. This hanger bar can align the first or second electrical connector with the third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette when engaging with the third pipette.

[0015] The examples described herein also provide pipette systems including a movable stage. The movable stage may include a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, and a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage which is movable along the length of the movable stage. The second movable pipette mount may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0016] The pipette system may further include a display device, a processor communicatively coupled to the display device, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform an operation. This operation may include presenting a command on a display device communicatively coupled to the pipette system, the command presenting at least one step for installing and removing a first pipette, a second pipette, and a third pipette to and from a first movable pipette mount and a second movable pipette mount of a movable stage.

[0017] The operation may further include detecting whether a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount, and moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount based at least in part on the detection of the first pipette, the second pipette, or the third pipette coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount.

[0018] The pipette system may further include a first threaded opening defined with the first movable pipette mount for coupling the first pipette to the first movable pipette mount, and a second threaded opening defined with the second movable pipette mount for coupling the second pipette to the second movable pipette mount. The pipette system may further include mounting bolts coupled to a mounting base. The header fastener includes a retaining screw for removably coupling a mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolts.

[0019] The pipette system may further include a first electrical connector coupled to a first movable pipette mount and a second electrical connector coupled to a second movable pipette mount. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically couple the first pipette and the second pipette to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, respectively. The pipette system may further include a first pipette positioning pin coupled to the first movable pipette mount and protruding from the first movable pipette mount, and a second pipette positioning pin coupled to the second movable pipette mount and protruding from the second movable pipette mount.

[0020] When the first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector with a first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette. Further, when the second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, it aligns the second electrical connector with a second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

[0021] The pipette system may further include an adapter that is selectively coupled to and bridges the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, and a hanger bar coupled to the adapter and protruding from the adapter. When the hanger bar engages with a third pipette, it aligns a first electrical connector coupled to the first movable pipette mount or a second electrical connector coupled to the second movable pipette mount with a third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette.

[0022] Examples described herein also provide a method which includes detecting whether a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to a first movable pipette mount or a second movable pipette mount of a movable stage, and moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount at least in part on the detection that a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount.

[0023] The method may further include moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount independently of each other in response to a determination that the first pipette, the second pipette, or both the first and second pipettes are coupled to the first movable pipette mount, the second movable pipette mount, or both the first and second movable pipette mounts, respectively. The method may further include moving the first movable pipette mount and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header of the second movable pipette mount together in response to a determination that a third pipette is coupled to the first and second movable pipette mounts. The method may further include presenting a command on a display device communicatively coupled to a movable stage, the command presenting at least one step used to install and remove a first pipette, a second pipette, and a third pipette to and from a first movable pipette mount and a second movable pipette mount of the movable stage.

[0024] In addition, the techniques described herein may be implemented by methods and / or systems having a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing computer-executable instructions that implement the techniques described above when executed by one or more processors.

[0025] (Example embodiment) This disclosure describes a movable stage for a pipette system, which may include a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, and a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage. The first and second movable pipette mounts can move the pipette coupled thereto toward a receptacle, a device used to react a liquid solution, or another element positioned within a sealed space of a liquid processing system and positioned on a deck housed within a sealed space of a liquid processing system. At least one of the first and second movable pipette mounts may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0026] Herein, specific embodiments and representations of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating various aspects. However, various aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the implementations described herein. The present disclosure encompasses variations of embodiments as described herein. Similar figures refer to similar elements throughout.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a movable stage assembly 100, including a movable stage 102, a first pipette 104-1, and a second pipette 104-2, according to an example of the principle described herein. The first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 shown in Figure 1 have a single-channel pipette form factor, and each of the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 can dispense from a single pipette nozzle (e.g., a single-channel pipette), i.e., the first pipette nozzle 106-1 and the second pipette nozzle 106-2, respectively. In one example, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 50 microliters (μL) of fluid. For example, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 1,000 μL of fluid. However, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 may be designed to carry and / or dispense fluids of any range of volumes. Furthermore, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 may be offered and / or sold as, for example, 20 μL pipettes, 50 μL pipettes, 200 μL pipettes, 300 μL pipettes, 1,000 μL pipettes, or other types of pipette capacities.

[0028] To understand some of the many functions of the movable assembly 100, Figures 7–9 may be referenced. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the movable stage assembly 100 of Figure 1, including the movable stage 102, as well as the second pipette 104-2 and the third pipette 702, according to an example of the principle described herein. Figure 7 shows the third pipette 702, including an array 704 of eight pipette nozzles (e.g., an 8-channel pipette). In one example, the third pipette 702 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 50 μL of fluid. In one example, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 1,000 μL of fluid. However, the third pipette 702 may be designed to carry and / or dispense fluid of any range of volumes. Furthermore, the third pipette 702 may be offered and / or sold as, for example, a 20 μL pipette, a 50 μL pipette, a 200 μL pipette, a 300 μL pipette, a 1,000 μL pipette, or as other types of pipette volume capacities.

[0029] Furthermore, Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the movable stage assembly 100 of Figure 1, including the movable stage 102 and the fourth pipette 802, according to an example of the principle described herein. Figure 9 shows a partially cut perspective view of the movable stage assembly 100 of Figure 1, including the movable stage 102 and the fourth pipette 802, according to an example of the principle described herein. Figures 8 and 9 show the fourth pipette 802, including an array 804 of 96 pipette nozzles (e.g., a 96-channel pipette). Any number of pipette nozzles may be contained within a pipette that can be coupled to the movable stage 102, including an n-channel pipette (where n is any integer greater than or equal to 1) to provide channels for any number of liquid solutions to be dispensed from the pipette. In one example, the fourth pipette 802 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 1,000 μL of fluid. In one example, the fourth pipette 802 may be capable of dispensing, for example, up to 10,000 μL of fluid. However, the fourth pipette 802 may be designed to carry and / or dispense fluids of any range of volumes. Furthermore, the fourth pipette 802 may be offered and / or sold as, for example, a 100 μL pipette, a 200 μL pipette, a 500 μL pipette, a 1,000 μL pipette, a 10,000 μL pipette, or as other types of pipette volume capacities. By further distinguishing the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, as well as the third pipette 702 having a fourth pipette 802 in a different size, the fourth pipette 802 may be capable of dispensing and / or containing much larger volumes of liquid, and furthermore, can measure a relatively large weight with or without fluid contained within the fourth pipette 802. In one example, the fourth pipette 802 may weigh 20 to 50 pounds with or without fluid. However, the fourth pipette 802 may weigh any number of pounds.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 7-9, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 have different form factors or sizes that occupy a portion of the movable stage 102. For example, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702 may have a form factor that occupies half of the space on the movable stage 102, and due to their relative size and / or mass, each may be individually coupled to one of at least two movable pipette mounts, as will be described in more detail herein. Furthermore, for example, the fourth pipette 802 may have a form factor that occupies the entire space on the movable stage 102, and due to its size and / or mass, it may be coupled to two or more of at least two movable pipette mounts, as will be described in more detail herein. In one example, the disposable tips may be attached to or not attached to the pipette nozzles of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802, respectively. The tips may enable a device used to dispense a liquid solution into a receptacle and / or to directly react the liquid solution, and to ensure that the liquid solution does not splash onto other parts of the reaction area of ​​the liquid processing system or otherwise contaminate other reactions.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 7-10, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 may include recesses defined on the front of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802, where a pipette retaining screw can be held. For example, the first pipette 104-1 may include a first recess 108-1 and a second recess 108-2. Similarly, the second pipette 104-2 may include a third recess 110-1 and a fourth recess 110-2. Furthermore, the third pipette 702 may include a fifth recess 706-1 and a sixth recess 706-2. Similarly, the fourth pipette 802 may include a seventh recess 806-1, an eighth recess 806-2, a ninth recess 806-3, and a tenth recess 806-4. The pipettes described herein may include any number of recesses therein, each containing a corresponding number of pipette anchoring screws. Figure 9 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of the movable stage assembly of Figure 1, including the movable stage and the fourth pipette, according to an example of the principle described herein. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of the first pipette of Figure 1, according to an example of the principle described herein. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pipette anchoring screw can be held in recesses including a first recess 108-1, a second recess 108-2, a third recess 110-1, a fourth recess 110-2, a fifth recess 706-1, a sixth recess 706-2, a seventh recess 806-1, an eighth recess 806-2, a ninth recess 806-3, and a tenth recess 806-4.

[0032] In Figure 9, the pipette anchoring screw 902 is shown in the tenth recess 806-4 of the fourth pipette 802. In Figure 10, the pipette anchoring screw 1002 is shown in the second recess 108-2 of the first pipette 104-1, or the fourth recess 110-2 of the second pipette 104-2 (since the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2 are identical in form). The description herein regarding pipette mooring screws may apply to all mooring screws contained within recesses (e.g., the first recess 108-1, the second recess 108-2, the third recess 110-1, the fourth recess 110-2, the fifth recess 706-1, the sixth recess 706-2, the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and the tenth recess 806-4). The pipette mooring screw 902 shown in Figure 9 is shown from the front side of the pipette mooring screw 902 and the fourth pipette 802. The mooring screw 1002 shown in Figure 10 is shown from the rear side of the first pipette 104-1.

[0033] The mooring screws 902 and 1002 shown in Figures 9 and 10 may each include heads 904 and 1004 to which rotational torque can be applied by a tool such as a screwdriver. The heads 904 and 1004 may be formed to engage with any type of screwdriver tool, including, for example, a hexagonal screwdriver (e.g., a hexagonal socket screwdriver) as shown in Figure 9.

[0034] The pipette anchoring screws 902, 1002 shown in Figures 9 and 10 may also include threaded shanks 906, 1006 that engage with the movable stage 102 to connect the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. The threaded shanks 906, 1006 may include threads that engage with corresponding threads formed in openings defined in the movable stage 102. Specifically, the corresponding pipette mount openings 232-1, 232-2, 232-3, 232-4, 232-5, 232-6, 232-7, and 232-8 (collectively referred to herein as pipette mount opening 232) may include corresponding threads that engage with the threaded shanks 906, 1006 of the pipette anchoring threads 902, 1002.

[0035] The mooring screws 902, 1002 shown in Figures 9 and 10 may also include springs 908, 1008 surrounding the threaded shanks 906, 1006. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the retainer may be coupled to the mooring screws 902, 1002 to hold them in the first recess 108-1, the second recess 108-2, the third recess 110-1, the fourth recess 110-2, the fifth recess 706-1, the sixth recess 706-2, the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and the tenth recess 806-4. In this way, the mooring screws 902, 1002 are held in the recesses (for example, in a moored state). This ensures that the mooring screws 902 and 1002 remain on the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802, respectively, and that any person attempting to detach and reattach a pipette can do so without having to handle the screws or risk losing them.

[0036] The ends of the threaded shanks 906, 1006 of the mooring screws 902, 1002 can protrude through openings 1012-1, 1012-2 defined on the backs of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802. Springs 908, 1008 coupled to the threaded shanks 906, 1006 are biased to allow the ends of the threaded shanks 906, 1006 to move to corresponding mating openings defined on the movable stage 102, by causing the mooring screws 902, 1002 in the recesses to protrude to a desired extent through the openings 1012-1, 1012-2. The user can overcome the bias of the springs 908, 1008 when the driver tool is pressed into the recess on the front of the pipette and engages with the heads 904, 1004 of the mooring screws 902, 1002, and force is applied to the mooring screws 902, 1002 along their axes. When force is applied to the mooring screws 902, 1002 in this way, the threaded shanks 906, 1006 of the mooring screws 902, 1002 may protrude further through the openings 1012-1, 1012-2, as shown in Figure 10. The user can rotate the mooring screws 902, 1002 via the engagement of a screwdriver tool, engaging the threaded shanks 906, 1006 of the mooring screws 902, 1002 with corresponding fitting openings defined on the movable stage 102, thereby connecting the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102.

[0037] After describing different pipette form factors and how pipettes may be coupled to the movable stage 102, the movable stage 102 will now be described. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the movable stage 102 of Figure 1 in a first state, according to an example of the principle described herein. The movable stage 102 may include a first movable pipette mount 202-1 coupled to a first half of the movable stage 102 and a second movable pipette mount 202-2 coupled to a second half of the movable stage 102. The first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the movable stage 102 so that they can move along the z-axis of the movable stage 102, as indicated by the coordinate symbols shown throughout the drawings. The first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 allow the pipette attached thereto to move in the z direction (for example, vertically up and down along the z axis), enabling the pipette to dispense liquid solutions as shown herein.

[0038] In one example, the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may be mechanically coupled to the movable stage 102 via a rail system or other mechanical system that allows the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 to move up and down in the z-direction while maintaining their coupling with the movable stage 102. Furthermore, in one example, the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may be mechanically coupled to a driving means, such as a worm screw, which, when rotated, or when driven by a motor, may move the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 up and down. The motor may be actuated via signals transmitted from the hardware and / or software of the liquid processing system. However, any means may be used to move the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 in the z-direction along the front surface of the movable stage 102.

[0039] The first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may include a first electrical connector 204-1 and a second electrical connector 204-2. The first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 may be electrically coupled to the hardware and / or software of the liquid processing system to which the movable stage 102 is coupled. Furthermore, the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 may be used as conduits to which the hardware and / or software of the liquid processing system may instruct the pipette to dispense a liquid solution based on signals transmitted to the pipette via the first electrical connector 204-1 and / or the second electrical connector 204-2.

[0040] In relation to the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2, Figure 10 shows the first pipette 104-1 including the pipette electrical connector 1016. Although shown only in Figure 10 in relation to the first pipette 104-1, at least one pipette electrical connector 1016 may be included in each of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802, so that any pipette having any type of form factor can be electrically coupled to the movable stage 102 and the hardware and / or software of the liquid processing system. Thus, the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 can be electrically and / or mechanically coupled to the pipette electrical connector 1016. In the examples presented herein, the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 are male connectors, and the pipette electrical connector 1016 is a female connector. However, in other examples, the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 may be female connectors, and the pipette electrical connector 1016 may be a male connector. Furthermore, the first electrical connector 204-1, the second electrical connector 204-2, and the pipette electrical connector 1016 may include different form factors, including different sizes, shapes, number of pin connectors, and types of electrical connections than those shown herein.

[0041] The first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may further include positioning pins to assist the user in correctly orienting the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702, to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2. In one example, the first movable pipette mount 202-1 may include a first positioning pin 206-1 and a second positioning pin 206-2. Similarly, in one example, the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may include a third positioning pin 206-3 and a fourth positioning pin 206-4 (collectively referred to herein as positioning pin 206). Although four positioning pins 206 are shown in the figure, any number of positioning pins 206 may be included on the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2.

[0042] The positioning pin 206 may interface with a corresponding positioning pin opening, an example of which is shown in relation to the first pipette 104-1 shown in Figure 10. The first pipette 104-1 may include, for example, a first positioning pin opening 1014-1 and a second positioning pin opening 1014-2 (collectively referred to herein as positioning pin opening 1014), which correspond to the first positioning pin 206-1 and the second positioning pin 206-2, or the third positioning pin 206-3 and the fourth positioning pin 206-4, depending on whether the first pipette 104-1 is coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 or the second movable pipette mount 202-2. The second pipette 104-2 and the third pipette 702 may include positioning pin openings as described herein in relation to the first pipette 104-1. Furthermore, the fourth pipette 802 may, in one example, not include a positioning pin opening similar to those included in the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702, but may include other features as described herein due to its different form factor, size, and weight.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the first pipette 104-1 is shown with the first positioning pin 206-1 contained within the first positioning pin opening 1014-1 to demonstrate the interaction between the positioning pin 206 and the positioning pin opening 1014. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows the second positioning pin opening 1014-2 without positioning pin 206, such as the second positioning pin 206-2.

[0044] In addition to the positioning pin 206 and the positioning pin opening 1014, the pipettes may also include alignment indicators contained in the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 to further assist the user in properly coupling the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. In one example, the alignment indicator may include horizontal alignment indicators 208-1, 208-2, 208-3, 208-4, 208-5, 208-6, and 208-7 (collectively referred to herein as horizontal alignment indicator 208) that assist the user in aligning a pipette with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 along the horizontal axis (e.g., x-axis) of the movable stage 102 and the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2. The horizontal alignment indicator 208 can be positioned along the z-axis of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and / or the second movable pipette mount 202-2, so that when the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802 are correctly aligned with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and / or the second movable pipette mount 202-2, the horizontal alignment indicator 208 can be aligned with the side of the pipette. This allows the user to correctly identify the horizontal position of the pipette when attempting to position the pipette with respect to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and / or the second movable pipette mount 202-2.

[0045] The alignment indicator may further include vertical alignment indicators 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, 212-4 (collectively referred to herein as vertical alignment indicators 212) to further assist the user in properly coupling the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. The vertical alignment indicators 212 may be positioned next to or in contact with the horizontal alignment indicator 208. The vertical alignment indicators 212 assist the user in aligning the pipettes with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 along the vertical axis (e.g., the z-axis) of the movable stage 102, the first movable pipette mount 202-1, and the second movable pipette mount 202-2. The vertical alignment indicator 212 can be positioned along the x-axis of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2, so that when the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802 are correctly aligned with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and / or the second movable pipette mount 202-2, the vertical alignment indicator 212 can align with the corresponding alignment indicator placed on the pipette, as described below. This makes it possible for the user to correctly identify the vertical position of the pipette relative to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and / or the second movable pipette mount 202-2 when attempting to position the pipette against them.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, the corresponding alignment indicators may be positioned on the pipette so that the user can use them to align with the vertical alignment indicator 212. Figures 1 and 7-10 show examples of pipette indicators 112-1, 112-2, 808, and 1018. The pipette indicators 112-1, 112-2, 808, and 1018 may be positioned on the sides of the pipette so that they can be seen by the user next to the vertical alignment indicator 212 and can be easily aligned with the vertical alignment indicator. Furthermore, the pipette indicators 112-1, 112-2, 808, and 1018 may be positioned almost perpendicular to the ends of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 so that the user can visually align the pipette indicators 112-1, 112-2, 808, and 1018 with the vertical alignment indicator 212.

[0047] In one example, pipette indicators 112-1, 112-2, 808, and 1018 may be vertically aligned with the first recess 108-1, the second recess 108-2, the third recess 110-1, the fourth recess 110-2, the fifth recess 706-1, the sixth recess 706-2, the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and / or the tenth recess 806-4, so that the user can recognize that the anchoring screws contained in the recesses align with the vertical alignment indicators 212 presented on the first and second movable pipette mounts 202-1 and 202-2.

[0048] When the user aligns the pipette with the horizontal alignment indicator 208 and the vertical alignment indicator 212, the pipette is correctly positioned such that the positioning pin 206 aligns with the positioning pin opening 1014, and the mooring screws 902, 1002 align with the corresponding threaded recesses 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4 (collectively referred to herein as threaded recesses 210) into which the threaded shanks 906, 1006 of the mooring screws 902, 1002 can engage. Furthermore, in this aligned state, the first electrical connector 204-1 and the second electrical connector 204-2 align with and are connectable to the pipette electrical connector 1016. In this way, the horizontal alignment indicator 208, the vertical alignment indicator 212, the positioning pin 206, and the positioning pin opening 1014 assist the user in engaging the pipette anchoring screws 902, 1002 with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2.

[0049] As described above, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 have different form factors or sizes that occupy a portion of the movable stage 102. The first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702 have a form factor that occupies the front half of the movable stage 102 so that any two of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702 can be coupled to the movable stage 102 simultaneously. In contrast, the form factor of the fourth pipette 802 may be about twice the width of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702. Because the fourth pipette 802 is very wide, the movable stage 102 may accommodate only the fourth pipette 802 and not accommodate any other pipettes, including the other fourth pipette 802, as well as any of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702. Furthermore, it should be noted here again that the first movable pipette mount 202-1, which is coupled to the first half of the movable stage 102, and the second movable pipette mount 202-2, which is coupled to the second half of the movable stage 102, can move independently in the z direction (for example, vertically up and down along the z axis) to allow the pipette to dispense liquid solutions. However, if the fourth pipette 802 is coupled to the movable stage 102, the movement of both the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may not be advantageous, and conversely, one of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may be disengaged from the movable stage 102, and as a result, the disengaged one of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202 may no longer be driven by the movable stage 102.

[0050] In light of the above, to adapt to the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102, the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may be disengaged, for example, to allow at least a portion of the second movable pipette mount 202-2 to move freely, or otherwise move without being driven by the movable stage 102. For example, the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may include, for example, a mounting header 214 and a mounting base 216 that can be selectively coupled to the mounting header 214 via a mounting screw 218. The mounting screw 218 may be accessible via a mounting screw opening 220 defined in a mounting bracket 222 coupled to the mounting header 214. The mounting screw 218 may be a retaining screw and may be held within the mounting bracket 222 and mounting header 214 via a retaining ring 224. The biasing force of the mounting screw spring 226 may be used to force the mounting screw 218 upward in the z direction and disengage from the mounting base 216 when the threads 228 of the mounting nut 302 are disengaged from the threads of the mounting nut 302 coupled to the mounting base 216. In this way, the mounting header 214 can be detached from the mounting base 216, for example, as shown in Figures 3-6, 8, and 9. In one example, the mounting nut 302 may include any device coupled to the mounting base 216, including, for example, a barrel nut, a connector bolt, a sleeve nut, or other type of nut that can be coupled to the mounting base 216, which functions as a bolt with respect to the mounting screw 218.

[0051] When the mounting header 214 is coupled to the mounting base 216, the mounting base 216 can be brought into contact with the mounting header 214, and the biasing force of the mounting screw spring 226 can be overcome by pressing it against the upper surface of the mounting screw 218 and by using a tool to overcome the biasing force of the mounting screw spring 226. In this state, the tool can be rotated to engage the threads 228 of the mounting screw spring 226 with the mating threads of the mounting nut 302, thereby re-coupling the mounting header 214 to the mounting base 216, for example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7. In this way, the mounting header 214 and the mounting base 216 can be selectively coupled and uncoupled from each other.

[0052] To connect the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102, the mounting header 214 can be detached from the mounting base 216, for example, as shown in Figures 3-6, 8, and 9 and described herein. In this state, the mounting header 214 may remain engaged with the drive means and for that reason will not fall along the rail system or other system. However, in one example, if the mounting base 216 is detached from the mounting header 214, the mounting base 216 may fall freely in the z direction along the rail system or other system to which the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 are connected to the movable stage 102. This may occur because the mounting base 216, like the mounting header 214, is not directly coupled to the drive means.

[0053] In one example, the movable stage 102 may be able to detect when the mounting base 216 is detached from the mounting header 214, and information defining this state may be relayed to the hardware and / or software of the liquid processing system. The liquid processing system may then prevent the mounting header 214 from moving in the z direction or along the rail system by refraining from transmitting a signal to the second movable pipette mount 202-2.

[0054] When the mounting base 216 is disengaged from the mounting header 214, the first movable pipette mount 202-1, which remains coupled to its drive system, can be coupled to the mounting base 216 of the second movable pipette mount 202-2. In one example shown in Figures 3 and 4, a first adapter 304 may be used. In one example shown in Figures 5 and 6, a second adapter may be used.

[0055] Referring to the first adapter 304 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first adapter 304 may include a first bar 306-1 and a second bar 306-2, which may be used to align the mounting base 216 with the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and to connect it to the first movable pipette mount 202-1. The first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 may include a first channel 230-1 defined at the top of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, a second channel 230-2 defined at the bottom of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, a third channel 230-3 defined at the top of the mounting base 216, and a fourth channel 230-4 defined at the bottom of the mounting base 216 (the first channel 230-1, the second channel 230-2, the third channel 230-3, and the fourth channel 230-4 are collectively referred to as channel 230 in this specification). Channel 230 may be defined in the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 to create a space in which a first bar 306-1 and a second bar 306-2 can be seated. Specifically, the first bar 306-1 may be seated in a first channel 230-1 defined on the top of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, and in a third channel 230-3 defined on the top of the mounting base 216 that bridges the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 in a first position. Similarly, the second bar 306-2 may be seated in a second channel 230-2 defined on the bottom of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, and in a fourth channel 230-4 defined on the bottom of the mounting base 216 that bridges the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 in a second position.

[0056] The first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 may be coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 using, for example, a plurality of fastening devices such as mooring screws housed within the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2. Specifically, the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 may include mooring screw openings 402-1, 402-2, 402-3, 402-4, 402-5, and 402-6 (collectively referred to herein as mooring screw opening 402). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the anchoring screw openings 402 of the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 are aligned with the corresponding pipette mount openings 232, ensuring that the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 are coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 in an aligned manner.

[0057] Furthermore, the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 may include mooring screws 404-1, 404-2, 404-3, 404-4, 404-5, and 404-6 (collectively referred to herein as mooring screws 404) for each mooring screw opening. In the case of mooring screw openings 402-3 and 402-6, the corresponding mooring screws 404-3 and 404-6 may include mooring screws protruding from the faces of the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2. However, the mooring screw openings 402-3 and 402-6 and the corresponding mooring screws 404-3 and 404-6 may include form factors such as those shown in relation to the other of mooring screw opening 402 and the corresponding mooring screw 404. By utilizing the mooring screw 404 and its engagement with the mooring screw opening 402, the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 can be coupled to the channel 230.

[0058] As described above, the coupling of the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 to the mounting base 216 of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 allows the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. In one example, the fourth pipette 802 may be significantly larger and heavier than, for example, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702. In one example, the fourth pipette 802 may contain 96 pipette nozzles (e.g., a 96-channel pipette) and may weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, with or without fluid. However, the fourth pipette 802 may weigh any number of pounds. To maintain weight and secure the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102, the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 may further include a plurality of support posts 308-1, 308-2 (collectively referred to herein as support posts 308). In a similar manner to the positioning pin 206, the support posts 308 may interface with corresponding support post openings defined on the back of the fourth pipette 802. In one example, the support post openings defined on the fourth pipette 802 may include a receiving mechanism, such as a spring-loaded receiving, which moves around the head of the support post 308 and seats within a relatively narrow portion of the support post 308 when the spring biasing force is overcome. Two support posts 308-1, 308-2 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. However, additional support posts 308 may be included on other portions of the first bar 306-1 and / or the second bar 306-2.

[0059] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, when the fourth pipette 802 is coupled to the support post 308 of the first bar 306-1 and / or the second bar 306-2, pipette anchoring screws contained within the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and the tenth recess 806-4 of the fourth pipette 802 may engage with the first bar 306-1 and / or the second bar 306-2. Specifically, the pipette anchoring screws contained within the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and the tenth recess 806-4 may include pipette anchoring screws such as the anchoring screw 902 shown in Figure 9 and described above. The first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 may include corresponding bar openings 406-1, 406-2, 406-3, and 406-4 (collectively referred to herein as bar opening 406), and may be distinguished from the mooring screw opening 402 defined in the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 by not including a corresponding mooring screw 404. Furthermore, the bar opening 406 may be aligned with one or more pipette mount openings 232, specifically pipette mount openings 232-2, 232-4, allowing a mooring screw, such as the mooring screw 902 shown in Figure 9, to extend through the bar opening 406 and engage with the bar opening 406 and / or pipette mount openings 232-2, 232-4. In the case of bar openings 406-3 and 406-4, the two lower anchoring screws 902 of the fourth pipette 802, shown in Figure 9, may engage with bar openings 406-3 and 406-4 without engaging with the pipette mount opening 232. However, the manner in which the anchoring screws 902 of the fourth pipette 802 engage with the first bar 306-1, the second bar 306-2, and / or the pipette mount opening 232 of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may vary and may be any manner in which the fourth pipette 802 is connected to the movable stage 102.

[0060] Referring here to the second adapter 502 shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second adapter 502 may include an upper rail 602, a first side rail 604, a lower rail 606, and a second side rail 608, which are aligned with the mounting base 216 and can be used to connect the mounting base 216 to the first movable pipette mount 202-1. The upper rail 602, the first side rail 604, the lower rail 606, and the second side rail 608 may be formed as a single device, in contrast to the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 of the first adapter 304, which include two separate parts or elements. The second adapter 502 may be formed as a single element or device to facilitate the user in housing, positioning, and installing a single element or device rather than two or more elements or devices.

[0061] As described above, the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 may include a first channel 230-1 defined on the upper part of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, a second channel 230-2 defined on the lower part of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, a third channel 230-3 defined on the upper part of the mounting base 216, and a fourth channel 230-4 defined on the lower part of the mounting base 216 (the first channel 230-1, the second channel 230-2, the third channel 230-3, and the fourth channel 230-4 are collectively referred to as channel 230 in this specification). Channel 230 may be defined on the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 to create a space on which the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 of the second adapter 502 can be seated. Specifically, the upper rail 602 may be seated on a first channel 230-1 defined on the top of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, and on a third channel 230-3 defined on the top of the mounting base 216 that bridges the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 in a first position. Similarly, the bottom rail 606 may be seated on a second channel 230-2 defined on the bottom of the first movable pipette mount 202-1, and on a fourth channel 230-4 defined on the bottom of the mounting base 216 that bridges the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 in a second position. In many respects, the function and configuration of the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 of the second adapter 502 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be similar to or identical to the function and configuration of the first bar 306-1 and second bar 306-2 of the first adapter 304 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0062] The second adapter 502 may be coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 using a plurality of fastening devices, such as mooring screws housed within the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 of the second adapter 502. Specifically, the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 may include mooring screw openings 402, as described herein in relation to Figures 3 and 5. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the mooring screw openings 402 of the second adapter 502 may be aligned with the corresponding pipette mount opening 232 to ensure that the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 are coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 in an aligned manner.

[0063] Furthermore, the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 of the second adapter 502 may include mooring screws 404 for each of the mooring screw openings. In the case of mooring screw openings 402-3 and 402-6, the corresponding mooring screws 404-3 and 404-6 may include mooring screws that protrude from the surfaces of the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606. However, the mooring screw openings 402-3 and 402-6 and the corresponding mooring screws 404-3 and 404-6 may include a form factor as shown in relation to the other of the mooring screw opening 402 and the corresponding mooring screw 404. By utilizing the mooring screw 404 and its engagement with the mooring screw opening 402, the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 can be coupled to the channel 230.

[0064] As described above, the coupling of the second adapter 502 to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216 of the second movable pipette mount 202-2 enable the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. As described above, the fourth pipette 802 may be significantly larger and heavier than, for example, the first pipette 104-1 and the second pipette 104-2, as well as the third pipette 702. Therefore, in a manner similar to the first adapter 304 in Figures 3 and 4, the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 may further include a plurality of support posts 308 to maintain weight and secure the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. In a manner similar to the positioning pin 206, the support posts 308 may interface with corresponding support post openings defined on the back of the fourth pipette 802.

[0065] Referring again to Figures 8 and 9, the connection of the fourth pipette 802 to the support posts 308 of the upper rail 602 and lower rail 606, and the use of pipette anchoring screws contained within the seventh recess 806-1, the eighth recess 806-2, the ninth recess 806-3, and the tenth recess 806-4 of the fourth pipette 802 have been described above. The upper rail 602 and lower rail 606 of the second adapter 502 may include corresponding bar openings 406, similar to the first bar 306-1 and the second bar 306-2 of the first adapter 304. Furthermore, the bar opening 406 may be aligned with one or more pipette mount openings 232, specifically pipette mount openings 232-2, 232-4, allowing a mooring screw, such as the mooring screw 902 shown in Figure 9, to extend through the bar opening 406 and engage with the bar opening 406 and / or pipette mount openings 232-2, 232-4. In the case of bar openings 406-3 and 406-4, the two lower mooring screws 902 of the fourth pipette 802, shown in Figure 9, may engage with bar openings 406-3 and 406-4 without engaging with the pipette mount opening 232. However, the manner in which the anchoring screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 engages with the upper rail 602, lower rail 606, and / or pipette mount opening 232 of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 may vary, and may be any configuration that connects the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102.

[0066] The second adapter 502 may include an orientation indicator 504. This orientation indicator 504 can be used to assist the user in correctly aligning the second adapter 502 with respect to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2 of the movable stage 102. Furthermore, although not shown, the first bar 306-1 and / or the second bar 306-2 of the first adapter 304 may also include an orientation indicator 504 to assist the user in the same manner.

[0067] Figure 11 shows a computing system diagram illustrating the configuration for a liquid processing system 1100 that may be used to implement embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The liquid processing system 1100 may include a baseboard 1102, or “motherboard,” which is a printed circuit board on which numerous components or devices may be connected via a system bus or other telecommunication paths. In one example, one or more central processing units (“CPUs”) 1104 operate in conjunction with a chipset 1106. The CPUs 1104 may be standard programmable processors that perform the arithmetic and logical operations necessary for the operation of the liquid processing system 1100.

[0068] The CPU 1104 operates by transitioning from one discrete physical state to the next through the operation of switching elements that distinguish and change these states. Switching elements may include electronic circuits that maintain one of two binary states, such as flip-flops, and electronic circuits that provide an output state based on a logical combination of the states of one or more other switching elements, such as logic gates. These switching elements may be combined to create more complex logic circuits, including registers, adders-subtractors, arithmetic logic units, floating-point units, and the like.

[0069] The chipset 1106 provides an interface between the CPU 1104 and the rest of the components and devices on the baseboard 1102. The chipset 1106 may provide an interface to RAM 1108, which is used as main memory within the liquid processing system 1100. The chipset 1106 may further provide an interface to a computer-readable storage medium, such as read-only memory ("ROM") 1110 or non-volatile RAM ("NVRAM"), for storing basic routines that help start the liquid processing system 1100 and transfer information between various components and devices. The ROM 1110 or NVRAM may also store other software components necessary for the operation of the liquid processing system 1100, according to the configurations described herein.

[0070] The liquid processing system 1100 may operate in a network environment using logical connections to remote computing devices and computer systems via a network such as network 1130. The chipset 1106 may include functionality for providing network connectivity through a network interface controller (NIC) 1112, such as a Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The NIC 1112 can connect the liquid processing system 1100 to other computing devices via network 1130. It should be understood that multiple NICs 1112 may be present in the liquid processing system 1100 to connect computers to other types of network and remote computer systems. The liquid processing system 1100 may be connected to an instruction device 1128. The instruction device 1128 may include any computing device other than the computing elements of the liquid processing system 1100 that can be used to provide instructions and / or programming to the liquid processing system 1100. In one example, the instruction device 1128 may be included “as a service” (SaaS) where the use of the product is provided as a service (e.g., a subscription-based service) rather than as an artifact owned and maintained by the user.

[0071] The elements described in relation to Figure 11 are shown, for example, as being connected directly or indirectly via LAN 1130, but the elements may be entirely contained within the liquid processing system 1100, or distributed among any number of separate devices and via any number of computing networks. For example, the instruction device 1128 may be located directly within the liquid processing system 1100, as opposed to being connected via LAN 1130 as shown in Figure 11.

[0072] The liquid processing system 1100 may include a storage device 1122 that provides non-volatile memory to the liquid processing system 1100, or may be electrically, mechanically, and / or communicatively connected. The storage device 1122 may store an operating system 1124, a program 1126, and data. The storage device 1122 may be connected to the liquid processing system 1100 through a storage device controller 1114 connected to a chipset 1106. The storage device 1122 may consist of one or more physical storage units. The storage device controller 1114 may interface with the physical storage units through a serial-connected SCSI ("SAS") interface, a serial advanced technology connection ("SATA") interface, a Fibre Channel ("FC") interface, or other types of interfaces for physically connecting and transferring data between a computer and the physical storage units.

[0073] The liquid processing system 1100 can store data on the storage device 1122 by transforming the physical state of the physical storage unit to reflect the stored information. The specific transformation of the physical state may depend on various factors in different embodiments of this description. Examples of such factors include, but are not limited to, the technology used to implement the physical storage unit and whether the storage device 1122 is characterized as a primary or secondary storage device.

[0074] For example, the liquid processing system 1100 may store information in the storage device 1122 by issuing commands via the storage device controller 1114 to change the magnetic properties of a specific location in a magnetic disk drive unit, the reflective or refractive properties of a specific location in an optical storage unit, or the electrical properties of a specific capacitor, transistor, or other distinct component in a solid-state storage unit. Other transformations of physical media are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this specification, and the above examples are provided only to facilitate this explanation. The liquid processing system 1100 may further read information from the storage device 1122 by detecting the physical state or properties of one or more specific locations in the physical storage unit.

[0075] In addition to the mass storage device 1122 described above, the liquid processing system 1100 may have access to other computer-readable storage media for storing and retrieving information such as program modules, data structures, or other data. Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer-readable storage media is any available medium that provides non-temporary storage of data and can be accessed by the liquid processing system 1100. For example, operations performed by the liquid processing system 1100, and / or any components thereof, may be supported by one or more devices similar to the liquid processing system 1100. In other words, some or all of the operations performed by the liquid processing system 1100, and / or any components thereof, may be performed by one or more computing devices operating in a cloud-based deployment configuration.

[0076] For example, but not limited to, computer-readable storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any way or technique. Computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, erasable programmable ROM ("EPROM"), electrically erasable programmable ROM ("EEPROM"), flash memory, or other solid-state memory technologies, compact disk ROM ("CD-ROM"), digital versatile disk ("DVD"), high-definition DVD ("HD-DVD"), Blu-ray, or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store desired information in a non-temporary manner.

[0077] As briefly mentioned above, the storage device 1122 may store an operating system 1124 used to control the operation of the liquid processing system 1100. In one embodiment, the operating system 1124 may include the LINUX operating system. In another example, the operating system may include the WINDOWS® SERVER operating system of MICROSOFT, Inc., Redmond, Washington. In yet another example, the operating system 1124 may include the UNIX operating system or one of its variations. It should be understood that other operating systems may also be used. The storage device 1122 may store other systems or application programs and data used by the liquid processing system 1100.

[0078] In one example, the storage device 1122 or other computer-readable storage medium is encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when loaded into the liquid processing system 1100, transform the computer from a general-purpose computing system into a purpose-specific computer capable of implementing the embodiments described herein. These computer-executable instructions transform the liquid processing system 1100 by specifying how the CPU 1104 transitions between states, as described above. In one example, the liquid processing system 1100 has access to a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the liquid processing system 1100, perform the various processes described herein. The liquid processing system 1100 may also include a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon to perform any of the other computer implementation operations described herein.

[0079] The liquid processing system 1100 may also include one or more input / output controllers 1116 for receiving and processing input from a user interface (UI) 1118, a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, electronic stylus, or other types of input devices. Similarly, the input / output controllers 1116 may provide output to the UI 1118, a display such as a computer monitor, flat panel display, digital projector, printer, or other types of output devices. It will be understood that the liquid processing system 1100 may not include all of the components shown in Figure 11, may include other components not explicitly shown in Figure 11, or may utilize an architecture entirely different from the architecture shown in Figure 11.

[0080] UI1118 may include any user input and / or output devices as described above in relation to the devices associated with the input / output controller 1116. UI1118 may include, for example, haptic UI (e.g., touch), visual UI (e.g., field of view), auditory UI (e.g., sound), other types of UI devices, and combinations thereof. UI1118 may be used by the user to receive information and commands from the liquid processing system 1100 regarding how to operate the liquid processing system 1100, including, for example, switching between pipettes 104-1, 104-2, 702, and 802 which can be selectively coupled to the movable stage 102. Since this is one aspect of the system and method, a process by which a user may interface with UI1118 is described here.

[0081] UI1118 may display at least one selectable option that the user can select and initiate to accomplish the switching process between pipettes 104-1, 104-2, 702, and 802, by selecting a series of prompts and / or validations displayed on UI1118. In an example where the user is requesting to switch from at least one of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702 to the fourth pipette 802, the user can select an option displayed on UI1118 to initiate a series of instruction / command and validation prompts to complete the switch. The liquid processing system 1100 may execute at least one of the operating system 1124 and program 1126 to present a series of prompts on UI1118. Furthermore, the input / output controller 1116 may help interface the UI 1118 with the chipset 1106 and the storage device 1122 so that the operating system 1124 and the program 1126 can communicate with the UI 1118 to display the instructions / commands and validations associated with the prompt sequence on the UI 1118 and to interpret any input from the user via the UI 1118.

[0082] In one example, the prompt sequence for instructions / commands and verification may include text, images, videos, selectable buttons, other instruction expressions, and combinations thereof that can be displayed on the UI 1118. The user can use these instruction expressions to receive instructions from the liquid processing system 1100 and provide input to the liquid processing system 1100. Thus, any interaction between the user and the liquid processing system 1100 can be provided via the UI 1118 in a manner that makes it easy for the user to understand how to perform the switching process. In one example, the prompt sequence for instructions / commands and verification may include prompts to the user to verify that one or more actions are being performed by the user. Such user verification allows the prompt sequence to proceed to the next step or instruction / command. Furthermore, in one example, a redundant system may exist within the liquid processing system 1100 in the form of one or more sensors 1132 included in the input / output controller 1116 in relation to the UI 1118, which can detect one or more states associated with the liquid processing system 1100 and brought about by user actions.

[0083] In one example, to initiate the process of removing the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 and switching those devices for the fourth pipette 802, the user may be prompted via the UI 1118 to disengage the pipette retaining screws 1002 of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702. By doing so, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 can be separated from the first positioning pin 206-1 and / or the second positioning pin 206-2, and the first electrical connector 204-1 and / or the second electrical connector 204-2. Next, the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 may be set aside for storage.

[0084] UI1118 may present a first verification requesting the user to verify that the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 have been successfully removed from the movable stage 102. The user may then select one of the available options to indicate to the liquid processing system 1100 that the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 have been successfully removed from the movable stage 102. In one example, the liquid handling system 1100 may be able to detect whether one or more of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 have been successfully removed from the movable stage 102, based on its ability to detect the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702, for example, via the first electrical connector 204-1 and / or the second electrical connector 204-2, or via the liquid handling system 1100. Similarly, the fourth pipette 802 may be detected when it is coupled to or disconnected from the first electrical connector 204-1 and / or the second electrical connector 204-2 of the movable stage 102, as will be described in more detail below. For example, the liquid processing system 1100 may request confirmation from the user via UI 1118 whether the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 have been successfully removed from the movable stage 102, and / or when they have been removed. Once confirmation is provided by the user, the liquid processing system 1100 may provide additional instructions or prompts.

[0085] At this stage of the switching process, the liquid handling system 1100 may then display a user command via the UI 1118 regarding how to detach the mounting base 216 of the second movable pipette mount 202-2 from the mounting header 214. Detaching the mounting base 216 of the second movable pipette mount 202-2 from the mounting header 214 is achieved by obtaining a tool that engages with the mounting screw 218 of the mounting header 214. The mounting screw 218 may then be detached from the mounting nut 302 of the mounting base 216 by, for example, disengaging the threads 228 of the mounting screw 218 from the mating threads of the mounting nut 302 coupled to the mounting base 216. This makes it possible to separate the mounting base 216 from the mounting header 214 of the second movable pipette mount 202-2. In one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may detect the separation of the mounting base 216 from the mounting header 214 and / or the coupling of the mounting base 216 to the mounting header 214 through one or more sensors 1132, which are included as an input / output controller 1116 capable of detecting such separation or coupling. In one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may request confirmation from the user via the UI 1118 as to whether and / or when the separation of the mounting base 216 from the mounting header 214 and / or the coupling of the mounting base 216 to the mounting header 214 has been achieved. Once confirmation is provided by the user, the liquid processing system 1100 may provide additional instructions or prompts. Thus, the UI 1118 may present a second verification requesting the user to verify that the mounting base 216 is separated from the mounting header 214 or that the mounting base 216 is coupled to the mounting header 214. Next, the user may select one of the available options to indicate that the mounting base 216 has been separated from the mounting header 214, or that the mounting base 216 has been joined to the mounting header 214.

[0086] Once the mounting base 216 is detached from the mounting header 214, the user may be instructed via the UI 1118 to connect the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 to the channels 230 defined on the mounting base 216 of the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the second movable pipette mount 202-2. This instruction may include details on how to connect the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 to the channels 230 using the anchoring screw 404, and may also include instructions / commands regarding the orientation of the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and the mounting base 216, for example, using the orientation indicator 504. As with other steps described herein, the liquid processing system 1100 may detect the installation of the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 through one or more sensors 1132 included as an input / output controller 1116, which can detect the coupling state of the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502. In one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may request confirmation from the user via UI 1118 whether and / or when coupling of the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 has been achieved. Once confirmation is provided by the user, the liquid processing system 1100 may provide additional instructions or prompts. Thus, UI 1118 may present a third verification requesting the user to verify that the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 is coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216. Next, the user may select one of the available options to indicate that coupling of the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216 has been achieved.

[0087] Once the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 is coupled to the first movable pipette mount 202-1 and mounting base 216, the fourth pipette 802 can then be coupled to the movable stage 102 via the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502. The user may be instructed via the UI 1118 to couple the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. Such instruction may include, for example, the use of a support post 308 and / or positioning pin 206 for the initial coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. In one example, the liquid handling system 1100 may be able to detect the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 of the movable stage 102 via one or more sensors, which are included as an input / output controller 1116 capable of detecting such coupling. For example, one or more sensors included as an input / output controller 1116 may be associated with a support post 308 and / or a positioning pin 206 to detect the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the movable stage 102. Furthermore, in one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may detect the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 of the movable stage 102 by detecting the connection between the liquid processing system 1100 and the first electrical connector 204-1 and / or the second electrical connector 204-2. In one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may request confirmation from the user via UI 1118 whether and / or when the coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 has been achieved. Once confirmation is provided by the user, the liquid processing system 1100 may provide additional instructions or prompts. In this way, UI1118 may present a fourth verification requesting the user to verify that the fourth pipette 802 is coupled to either the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502. The user may then select one of the available options to indicate that coupling of the fourth pipette 802 to either the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 has been achieved.

[0088] When the fourth pipette 802 is coupled to the movable stage 102 via the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502, the user may be instructed via the UI 1118 to engage the pipette locking screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 in order to secure it to the first adapter 304 or the second adapter 502 and the movable stage 102. In one example, the liquid handling system 1100 may be able to detect the engagement of the pipette locking screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 through one or more sensors, which may be included as an input / output controller 1116 capable of detecting such engagement. In one example, the liquid handling system 1100 may request confirmation from the user via the UI 1118 whether and / or when the engagement of the pipette locking screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 is achieved. Once confirmation is provided by the user, the liquid handling system 1100 may provide additional instructions or prompts. In this way, UI1118 may present a fifth verification in which the user is asked to verify that the pipette retaining screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 is engaged. The user may then select one of the available options to indicate to the liquid processing system 1100 that engagement of the pipette retaining screw 902 of the fourth pipette 802 has been achieved.

[0089] In the format described above, the user may be instructed to remove the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and / or the third pipette 702 and replace them with the fourth pipette 802, and may do so through interaction with the UI 1118, thereby receiving instructions and prompts, as well as requests for confirmation, through prompts to confirm that the action has been taken by the user. Opposing or additional instructions and prompts may be presented to the user via the UI 1118 to remove the fourth pipette 802 and replace it with one or more of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, and the third pipette 702. Furthermore, in addition to the exemplary instructions and prompts described above, additional instructions and prompts may be presented to the user via the UI 1118 to remove the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802 and replace them with each other on the movable stage 102.

[0090] Referring again to Figure 11, the liquid processing system 1100 may further include liquid processing system hardware 1120. The liquid processing system hardware 1120 may include, for example, a movable stage 102, a first pipette 104-1, a second pipette 104-2, a third pipette 702, a fourth pipette 802, a first adapter 304, and a second adapter 502. Furthermore, the liquid processing system hardware 1120 may include, for example, a deck, a cradle device coupled to the deck, and any type of module that can be coupled to the cradle device and can be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 1100. Modules that can be coupled to the cradle device and can be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 1100 may include, for example, a temperature deck, a heat shaker, a thermocycler, a heating device, a cooling device, a vacuum pump, a centrifuge, a liquid handler, a tube processing device, a sealing device, an opening device, a magnetic device, other modules, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the liquid processing system hardware 1120 may include housings for the liquid processing system 1100 and any other elements of the liquid processing system 1100.

[0091] Figure 12 shows the liquid processing system 1100 of Figure 11, according to an example of the principles described herein. As stated above, the liquid processing system 1100 may further include liquid processing system hardware 1120. Some of these elements are shown in Figure 12. For example, the liquid processing system 1100 may include a housing 1202. The housing 1202 may include one or more sides or walls, and as shown in Figure 12, the housing includes an upper side, four vertically positioned side walls, and a lower side joined to each other, forming a generally box-like structure for housing and containing several other liquid processing system hardware 1120. In one example, one or more of the upper side, side walls, and lower side may include transparent parts, such as windows, to allow a user to see the interior of the housing 1202.

[0092] The contents housed within the housing 1202 may be a movable stage 102. The movable stage 102 may be mechanically coupled to an x-axis movable truss 1210 that can bring the movable stage 102 in the x-direction. Furthermore, the movable stage 102 may be mechanically coupled to a first y-axis movable truss 1212-1 and a second y-axis movable truss 1212-2 that can bring the movable stage 102 in the y-direction. The x-axis movable truss 1210, as well as the first y-axis movable truss 1212-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1212-2, may be driven by one or more motors that can be actuated through commands received from an instruction device 1128 and any of the elements in the baseboard 1102. Commands used to actuate the motors may move the movable stage 102 to a digitally addressable location inside the housing 1202.

[0093] The housing 1202 may further house a deck 1204. The deck 1204 may be positioned at the bottom of the housing 1202 and may hold one or more cradle devices 1206. The cradle devices 1206 may be removably or selectively coupled to the deck 1204 and may be used to hold one or more modules 1208 that are coupled to the cradle devices 1206 and may be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 1100. As described above, the modules 1208 may include, for example, a temperature deck, a heat shaker, a thermocycler, a heating device, a cooling device, a vacuum pump, a centrifuge, a liquid handler, a tube processing device, a sealing device, an opening device, a magnetic device, other modules, and combinations thereof. In connection with commands used to operate the x-axis movable truss 1210 and the motors associated with the first y-axis movable truss 1212-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1212-1, these commands may move the movable stage 102 to a digitally addressable location within the housing 1202, including an area or part of module 1208, or a position on module 1208, so that the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and the fourth pipette 802 can dispense fluid onto or into module 1208.

[0094] As shown in Figure 12, the liquid processing system 1100 may include a UI 1118. In one example, as shown in Figure 12, the UI 1118 may be a touchscreen capable of detecting touch input from a user and including both an input device (touch panel) and an output device (visual display) in which the touch panel is superimposed on top of an electronic visual display. Instructions and prompts described herein may be presented to the user of the liquid processing system 1100 via this UI 1118 or another UI 1118. The UI 1118 may be communicatively coupled to an instruction device 1128 and / or any element in the baseboard 1102. This allows the instruction device 1128 and / or any element in the baseboard 1102 to present the instructions and prompts described herein via the UI 1118, and allows the user to input information via the interactive elements of the UI 1118. Although depicted and described as a touchscreen, UI1118 may include any input / output devices such as, for example, display devices, printers, audio speakers, haptic devices, heads-up displays, keyboards, mice, touchpads, trackpads, accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, thermometers, virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, joysticks, gamepads, paddles, cameras, microphones, other input / output devices, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, in one example, UI118 does not have to be directly coupled to the liquid processing system 100, but instead may be associated with a separate computing device that is directly or indirectly coupled to the liquid processing system 100, such as the computing system 1400 and / or instruction device 1428 depicted and described in relation to Figure 14.

[0095] In relation to Figures 1 to 12, when a user wishes to switch between one or more of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802, the user may interact with the UI 1118 to indicate to the liquid processing system 1100 that such a change is desired. When the liquid processing system 1100 receives input from the user indicating that a switch between one or more of the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802 is desired, the liquid processing system 1100 may move the movable stage 102 to a position along the x-axis movable truss 1210 and in front of the liquid processing system 1100 via the first y-axis movable truss 1212-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1212-2, which allow for easy access to the movable stage 102. For example, the liquid processing system 1100 may move the movable stage 102 to its leftmost position along the x-axis movable truss 1210 and to the foremost part of the liquid processing system 1100 via the first y-axis movable truss 1212-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1212-2, allowing the user to access the movable stage 102 without reaching the interior part of the liquid processing system 1100, or reducing the distance the user would otherwise have to travel. Furthermore, in one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may move the movable stage 102 downward in the z-direction to clear the top of the housing 1202 and allow the user to access the movable stage 102 more easily by its full height. In one example, this position of the movable stage 102 within the liquid processing system 1100 may be referred to as the home position. Furthermore, in one example, the user may instruct the liquid processing system 1100 to move the movable stage 102 to the home position based on user input in UI 1118, and this user input may include, for example, the selection of the "Home" button to correspond to the desire to move the movable stage 102 to the home position.

[0096] As described above, the hardware and software of the liquid processing system 1100 can recognize the type of pipettes coupled to the movable stage 102 when those pipettes are removed from the movable stage 102, and subsequently any additional or new pipettes, including the first pipette 104-1, the second pipette 104-2, the third pipette 702, and / or the fourth pipette 802, or other devices such as gripper devices, which are coupled to the movable stage 102.

[0097] In one example, the user may use the process described herein to attach a desired tool, such as a first pipette 104-1, a second pipette 104-2, a third pipette 702, and / or a fourth pipette 802, or other devices such as a gripper device. However, in one example, the liquid processing system 1100 may present user instructions on which of several tools should be attached to the movable stage 102, based on a protocol that the user may have entered defining a particular liquid processing process that the liquid processing system 1100 is instructed to perform. For example, a first part of a liquid processing process may require the use of a gripper device to transport a particular object within the liquid processing system 1100, and the liquid processing system 1100 may then instruct the user to remove the gripper device and attach one of the pipettes to the movable stage 102 in order for the liquid processing system 1100 to perform a second part of the liquid processing process, such as dispensing a liquid.

[0098] (Example clause) A: A movable stage assembly comprising a movable stage, a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, and a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, wherein the second movable pipette mount comprises a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0099] B: The movable stage assembly according to paragraph A, further comprising a first threaded opening defined with the first movable pipette mount for connecting a first pipette to the first movable pipette mount, and a second threaded opening defined with the second movable pipette mount for connecting a second pipette to the second movable pipette mount.

[0100] C: The movable stage assembly according to paragraph A or B, further comprising mounting bolts coupled to a mounting base, wherein the header fastener includes a locking screw that removably connects the mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolts.

[0101] D: A movable stage assembly according to any one of paragraphs A to C, further comprising a first electrical connector coupled to a first movable pipette mount and a second electrical connector coupled to a second movable pipette mount, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically couple the first pipette and the second pipette to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, respectively.

[0102] E: The movable stage assembly according to any one of paragraphs A to D, further comprising a first pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a first movable pipette mount, and a second pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a second movable pipette mount.

[0103] F: A movable stage assembly according to any of paragraphs A to E, wherein when a first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, the first electrical connector aligns with a first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette, and when a second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, the second electrical connector aligns with a second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

[0104] G: A movable stage assembly according to any one of paragraphs A to F, further comprising: an adapter that is selectively connectable to a first movable pipette mount and a second movable pipette mount and bridges the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount; and a hanger bar connected to and protruding from the adapter, wherein when the hanger bar engages with the third pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector with the third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette.

[0105] H: A pipette system comprising a movable stage, the movable stage including a first movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, and a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage and movable along the length of the movable stage, wherein the second movable pipette mount includes a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0106] I: The pipette system according to paragraph H, further comprising a display device, a processor communicatively coupled to the display device, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions causing the processor to perform an operation when performed by the processor, wherein the operation is to present a command on a display device communicatively coupled to the pipette system, the command presenting at least one step used to place a first pipette, a second pipette, and a third pipette on the first and second movable pipette mounts of a movable stage, and to remove them from the first and second movable pipette mounts of the movable stage.

[0107] J: The pipetting system according to paragraph H or I, further comprising detecting whether a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to a first movable pipette mount or a second movable pipette mount, and moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount at least in part based on the detection that a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to a first movable pipette mount or a second movable pipette mount.

[0108] K: A pipette system according to any of paragraphs H to J, further comprising: a first threaded opening defined with the first movable pipette mount for connecting a first pipette to the first movable pipette mount; and a second threaded opening defined with the second movable pipette mount for connecting a second pipette to the second movable pipette mount.

[0109] L: A pipette system according to any of paragraphs H to K, further comprising a mounting bolt coupled to a mounting base, wherein the header fastener includes a locking screw for removably coupling a mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolt.

[0110] M: A pipette system according to any one of paragraphs H to L, further comprising a first electrical connector coupled to a first movable pipette mount and a second electrical connector coupled to a second movable pipette mount, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically couple the first pipette and the second pipette to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, respectively.

[0111] N: A pipette system according to any one of paragraphs H to M, further comprising: a first pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a first movable pipette mount; and a second pipette positioning pin coupled to and protruding from a second movable pipette mount.

[0112] O: A pipette system according to any of paragraphs H to N, wherein when a first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, the first electrical connector aligns with a first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette, and when a second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, the second electrical connector aligns with a second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

[0113] P: A pipette system according to any one of paragraphs H to O, further comprising: an adapter that is selectively connectable to a first movable pipette mount and a second movable pipette mount and bridges the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount; and a hanger bar connected to and protruding from the adapter, wherein when the hanger bar engages with the third pipette, it aligns a first electrical connector connected to the first movable pipette mount or a second electrical connector connected to the second movable pipette mount with a third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette.

[0114] Q: A method comprising detecting whether a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to a first movable pipette mount or a second movable pipette mount of a movable stage, and moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount at least in part based on the detection that a first pipette, a second pipette, or a third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount.

[0115] The method according to paragraph Q, further comprising moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount independently of each other in response to a determination that a first pipette, a second pipette, or both the first and second pipettes are respectively coupled to a first movable pipette mount, a second movable pipette mount, or both the first and second movable pipette mounts.

[0116] The method according to paragraph Q or R, further comprising moving together the first movable pipette mount and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header of the second movable pipette mount in response to a determination that a third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount.

[0117] The method according to any of paragraphs Q to S, further comprising presenting a command on a display device communicatively coupled to a movable stage, wherein the command presents at least one step used to place a first pipette, a second pipette, and a third pipette on the first and second movable pipette mounts of the movable stage, and to remove them from the first and second movable pipette mounts of the movable stage.

[0118] (Conclusion) The examples described herein provide a liquid handling system that provides means for a user to easily switch from a first pipette form factor to a second pipette form factor without requiring a specialized operator, service provider, or technician to perform such a switch. This switch includes switching between a single-channel pipette, an 8-channel pipette, a 64-channel pipette, or other pipette form factors.

[0119] While this system and method are described in relation to specific examples, it should be understood that the scope of this system and method is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes adapted to suit specific operating requirements and environments will be obvious to those skilled in the art, this system and method should not be considered limited to examples selected for disclosure purposes, but rather encompass all modifications and changes that do not constitute a departure from the true intent and scope of this system and method.

[0120] While this application describes examples having specific structural features and / or methodological behaviors, it should be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or behaviors described. Conversely, the specific features and behaviors described are merely illustrative examples of some cases that fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A movable stage assembly, A movable stage and A first movable pipette mount, which is coupled to the movable stage and is movable along the length of the movable stage, The movable stage comprises a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage, which is movable along the length of the movable stage, The second movable pipette mount described above, Mounting header and Header fastener and A movable stage assembly comprising a mounting base, which is removably coupled to the mounting header via the header fasteners.

2. A first threaded opening defined together with the first movable pipette mount for connecting the first pipette to the first movable pipette mount, The movable stage assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second threaded opening defined together with the second movable pipette mount for connecting a second pipette to the second movable pipette mount.

3. The mounting base is further equipped with mounting bolts, The movable stage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the header fastener includes a locking screw that removably connects the mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolt.

4. A first electrical connector coupled to the first movable pipette mount, The present invention further comprises a second electrical connector coupled to the second movable pipette mount, The movable stage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically connect the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette, respectively.

5. A first pipette positioning pin is coupled to the first movable pipette mount and protrudes from the first movable pipette mount, The movable stage assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: a second pipette positioning pin coupled to the second movable pipette mount and protruding from the second movable pipette mount.

6. When the first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector with the first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette. The movable stage assembly according to claim 5, wherein when the second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, the second electrical connector aligns with the second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

7. An adapter that can be selectively coupled to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, and that bridges the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, The device further comprises a hanger bar coupled to and protruding from the adapter, The movable stage assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the hanger bar engages with the third pipette, it aligns the first or second electrical connector with the third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette.

8. It is a pipette system, It is equipped with a movable stage, and the movable stage is A first movable pipette mount, which is coupled to the movable stage and is movable along the length of the movable stage, Includes a second movable pipette mount coupled to the movable stage, which is movable along the length of the movable stage, The second movable pipette mount described above, Mounting header and Header fastener and A pipette system comprising: a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener.

9. Display devices and, A processor communicatively coupled to the aforementioned display device, The system further comprises a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor receives The pipette system according to claim 8, wherein the pipette system is made to perform an operation including presenting a command on the display device communicatively coupled to the pipette system, the command presenting at least one step used to place a first pipette, a second pipette, and a third pipette on the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount of the movable stage, and to remove them from the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount of the movable stage.

10. The aforementioned operation is, To detect whether the first pipette, the second pipette, or the third pipette is connected to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount, The pipetting system according to claim 9, further comprising moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount based at least in part on the detection that the first pipette, the second pipette, or the third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount.

11. A first threaded opening defined together with the first movable pipette mount for connecting the first pipette to the first movable pipette mount, The pipette system according to claim 8, further comprising: a second threaded opening defined together with the second movable pipette mount for connecting a second pipette to the second movable pipette mount.

12. The pipette system according to claim 8, further comprising a mounting bolt coupled to the mounting base, wherein the header fastener includes a locking screw for removably coupling the mounting header to the mounting base via selective engagement with the mounting bolt.

13. A first electrical connector coupled to the first movable pipette mount, The present invention further comprises a second electrical connector coupled to the second movable pipette mount, The pipette system according to claim 8, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically connect the first pipette and the second pipette to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, respectively.

14. A first pipette positioning pin is coupled to the first movable pipette mount and protrudes from the first movable pipette mount, The pipette system according to claim 13, further comprising: a second pipette positioning pin coupled to the second movable pipette mount and protruding from the second movable pipette mount.

15. When the first pipette positioning pin engages with the first pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector with the first pipette electrical connector formed on the first pipette. The pipette system according to claim 14, wherein when the second pipette positioning pin engages with the second pipette, the second electrical connector aligns with a second pipette electrical connector formed on the second pipette.

16. An adapter that can be selectively coupled to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, and that bridges the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, The device further comprises a hanger bar coupled to and protruding from the adapter, The pipette system according to claim 8, wherein when the hanger bar engages with the third pipette, it aligns the first electrical connector coupled to the first movable pipette mount, or the second electrical connector coupled to the second movable pipette mount, with the third pipette electrical connector formed on the third pipette.

17. It is a method, To detect whether the first pipette, the second pipette, or the third pipette is connected to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount of the movable stage, A method comprising moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount based at least in part on the detection that the first pipette, the second pipette, or the third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount or the second movable pipette mount.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising moving the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount independently of each other in response to a determination that the first pipette, the second pipette, or both the first pipette and the second pipette are coupled to the first movable pipette mount, the second movable pipette mount, or both the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount, respectively.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising moving together the first movable pipette mount and a mounting base detachably coupled to the mounting header of the second movable pipette mount in response to a determination that the third pipette is coupled to the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising presenting a command on a display device communicably coupled to the movable stage, wherein the command presents at least one step used to place the first pipette, the second pipette, and the third pipette on the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount of the movable stage, and to remove them from the first movable pipette mount and the second movable pipette mount of the movable stage.

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