Adaptive cradle for liquid processing systems

Abstract

The liquid processing system includes a deck housed within a closed space of the liquid processing system. The deck may include a plurality of deck slots configured to receive different types of liquid processing modules. Liquid processing modules may be coupled to cradles configured to receive modules. Cradles and modules of the same size as the deck slots may be interchangeably coupled to the deck slots. Each deck slot may include a mounting opening for securely coupling a cradle to the deck. Each mounting opening may be configured to receive a fastener. The fastener may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base that is removably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener. The cradle may be securely coupled to the deck slot by inserting and securing the fastener through the mounting opening.

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 coupling, decoupling, and / or switching between different liquid handling modules that are removably or selectively attachable to a deck of a liquid handling device.

Background Art

[0003] Liquid handling systems can include robotic elements, pipettes, decks, and one or more cradles configured to interact with the robotic elements and / or pipettes and perform liquid handling functions, laboratory operations, or other processes. In some cases, one or more cradles can be coupled to a deck and a receptacle such as a reaction vessel and / or can use both the receptacle and the device to react a liquid solution dispensed by a pipette. In one example, the pipette, receptacle, and / or device used to react a liquid solution can be located within an enclosed space where the reaction can be isolated from any external environment to ensure that other objects do not interrupt the process of the liquid handling system and / or the reaction occurring within the enclosed space.

[0004] In some cases, laboratory work (also known as lab work) or other processes may require different receptacles and / or devices to perform different liquid handling, different types of reactions, and / or different lab work functions. In some cases, it may be necessary to move between or switch between different receptacles and / or devices to obtain different throughputs within a liquid handling system, to provide different types of reactions, to expedite the processing of multiple reactions, and / or for other reasons. [Overview of the project]

[0005] However, in some liquid handling systems, the system may be configured to include only specific fixed receptacles and / or devices, or to include a deck configured to accommodate specific receptacles and / or devices. Such liquid handling devices may limit the user to performing a limited number or types of laboratory work or other processes. This can significantly reduce the throughput of laboratory work provided by the liquid handling 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 the deck assembly, including multiple different cradle devices coupled to the deck assembly, and multiple deck covers. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the cradle device being coupled to the deck assembly. [Figure 3]A perspective view of the empty first cradle for the heater shaker. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the heater shaker assembly coupled to the first cradle. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the empty second cradle for the temperature module. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the temperature module assembly coupled to the second cradle. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the empty third cradle for the thermocycler. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the thermocycler assembly coupled with the third cradle. [Figure 9] This figure shows a computing system that illustrates a configuration for a liquid processing system, which can be used to implement aspects of the technology disclosed herein. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows a liquid processing system according to an example of the principle described herein. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the liquid processing system, including the heater shaker device and cradle assembly shown in Figure 4, which are coupled to the deck. [Figure 12] This is an alternative partial cutaway perspective view of the liquid processing system shown in Figure 9, including the heater shaker device and cradle assembly shown in Figure 4, which are coupled to the deck. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the deck assembly shown in Figure 1, including the extension deck cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (overview) This disclosure describes a system and method for detachably or selectively coupling a number of different liquid processing modules into a liquid processing system. Modules (either having the same form factor or different form factors) can be detachably or selectively coupled to and uncoupled from decks within the liquid processing system. Modules may include, but are not limited to, temperature decks, heater shakers, thermocyclers, heating devices, cooling devices, vacuum pumps, centrifuges, liquid handlers, tube processing devices, sealing devices, opening devices, magnetic devices, and / or other modules, and combinations thereof. Having different liquid processing modules can facilitate laboratory work or other processes being performed by enabling a user to install or switch modules into the liquid processing system without requiring a specialized operator, service provider, or technician. Furthermore, the liquid processing system may be programmed for the user to perform a desired laboratory work or process based on the type of module coupled to the deck. Alternatively, when initiating a programmed laboratory work or process, the liquid processing system may instruct the user to couple the appropriate module to the deck and to perform the laboratory work or process after the appropriate module has been coupled to the deck.

[0009] Examples described herein provide a fluid handling system (also referred to as a fluid handling system) which may include a deck, including a plurality of deck slots, that allow one or more fluid handling modules to be detachably or selectively coupled to the deck. Some of the plurality of deck slots may have different sizes or dimensions. If not occupied by a module, a slot cover may be coupled to the deck slot. The slot cover may be removed to couple a cradle device to the deck. Multiple adjacent slot covers may be removed to accommodate a module having a size larger than a single deck slot. The slot cover may be fastened to the deck slot using a fastening assembly.

[0010] A first deck slot among a plurality of deck slots may include a first mounting opening located near a first longitudinal end and a second mounting opening located near a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end. The first mounting opening may be configured to receive a first fastener, and the second mounting opening may be configured to receive a second mounting opening. The first and second fasteners may be configured to securely connect the cradle to the deck slot. Each fastener may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base which can be removably connected to the mounting header via the header fastener.

[0011] Each slot cover may include a slot cover receptacle. Each slot cover receptacle may be coupled with laboratory equipment such as a first laboratory device, a second laboratory device, or a third laboratory device. The first laboratory device may be a test tube container configured to hold a number of standard test tubes, micro test tubes, etc. Each test tube may, but is not limited to, laboratory materials such as biological samples, chemical samples, reagents, washing solutions, catalysts, solutes, solvents, and / or the like. The second laboratory device may, but is not limited to, a fluid handling container such as a microplate (also called a well plate) or a well reservoir. The third laboratory device may be a pipette tip container. In one example, the configuration of test tubes in the first laboratory device, the configuration of wells in the second laboratory device, and the configuration of pipette tips in the third laboratory device may correspond to the configuration of pipettes used for laboratory work, or the configuration of pipettes used for laboratory work may correspond to at least the configuration of wells in the second laboratory device. For example, the second laboratory apparatus could be a microplate (also called a well plate) containing 96 wells, with 8 rows along its length (e.g., along the x-axis) and 12 wells per row, and the pipette configuration could be, but not limited to, 12 pipettes along the length, 8 pipettes along the width (one for each row), or 96 pipettes covering all 96 wells of the well plate.

[0012] The examples described herein provide that each fluid handling module may be coupled to a cradle specifically designed to accommodate the fluid handling module. In one example, a cradle configured to couple with a temperature change module may include a vent that allows heated air from a heater shaker to pass outside the fluid handling system. In another example, a cradle configured to couple with a thermocycler may be sized to occupy adjacent deck slots. Cradles may also be designed to accommodate different types of first-party and third-party modules.

[0013] The examples described herein provide a liquid processing system and a user interface (UI) electrically and communicatively coupled to it. The user can interact with the UI to select a laboratory task to be performed by the liquid processing system. In response, the UI can provide instructions to prepare the liquid processing system for operation. These instructions may include prompting the user to couple a module and its corresponding cradle into a deck slot. The instructions may further include prompting the user to couple a module into its corresponding cradle. The instructions may further include installing, removing, or switching one or more pipettes in the liquid processing system. The UI may further require the user to verify in the UI that each step in the instructions is followed before the following steps are provided to the user. The user can further interact with the UI to begin the desired laboratory task once the preparation steps are complete.

[0014] 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.

[0015] (Example embodiment) This disclosure describes a liquid processing system including a deck housed within a closed space of the liquid processing system. The deck may include a plurality of deck slots configured to receive different types of liquid processing modules. Liquid processing modules may be coupled to cradles configured to receive modules. For example, cradles and modules of the same size as the deck slots may be interchangeably coupled to the deck slots based on the requirements of the laboratory work being performed by the liquid processing system. Each deck slot may include a mounting opening for securely coupling a cradle to the deck. Each mounting opening may be configured to receive a fastener. The fastener may include a mounting header, a header fastener, and a mounting base that is removably coupled to the mounting header via the header fastener. The cradle may be securely coupled to the deck slot by inserting and securing the fastener through the mounting opening.

[0016] Herein, specific embodiments and representations of this 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. This disclosure encompasses variations of embodiments as described herein. Similar figures refer to similar elements throughout.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a deck assembly 100 for a fluid processing system (also referred to as a liquid processing system), the deck assembly 100 including a deck 128 and a number of different cradle devices coupled with a plurality of deck covers. The deck assembly 100 includes a first cradle 102, a first fluid processing module 104, a second cradle 106, a second fluid processing module 108, a third cradle 110, a third fluid processing module 112, a fourth fluid processing fourth fluid processing module 114, a first mounting opening 118-1, a second mounting opening 118-2, a third mounting opening 118-3, a fourth mounting opening 118-4, a first large slot cover 120-1, a second large slot cover 120-2, a third large slot cover 120-3, a first large slot cover receptacle 122-1, a second large slot cover receptacle 122-2, a third large slot cover receptacle 122-3, a first small slot cover 124-1, a second small slot cover 124-2, a third small slot cover 124-3, a fourth small slot cover 124-4, a first small slot cover receptacle 126-1, a second small slot cover receptacle 126-2, a third small slot cover receptacle 126-3, and a fourth small slot cover receptacle 126-4. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the first cradle 102 is coupled with the first fluid processing module 104, the second cradle 106 is coupled with the second fluid processing module 108, and the third cradle 110 is coupled with the third fluid processing module 112. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the first cradle 102 coupled with the first fluid processing module 104 forms a first combination 130, the second cradle 106 coupled with the second fluid processing module 108 forms a second combination 132, and the third cradle 110 coupled with the third fluid processing module 112 forms a third combination 134. The modules may be coupled to the deck 128 via the cradles, but the modules may also be directly coupled to the deck 128. For example, the fourth fluid processing module 114 is illustrated as being directly coupled to the deck 128.

[0018] In the illustrated example of Figure 1, each of the cradles 102, 106, and 110, as well as each of the large slot covers 120-1 to 120-3, occupies one or more deck slots of deck 128. In the illustrated example, deck 128 is also labeled on a first side (e.g., left side) with the letters A, B, C, and D, each indicating a row of deck slots, and on a second side (e.g., bottom) with the numbers 1 to 3, each indicating a column of deck slots. In the illustrated example, deck 128 further includes a legend 136, which includes labels for each deck slot (e.g., A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3) and labels for each deck slot A1 to D3 and optional extension covers (e.g., A4, B4, C4, and D4, also referred to as extension slots). The extension cover will be further described in relation to Figure 13 and throughout this disclosure.

[0019] Each row of the deck slots includes a first deck slot, a second deck slot, and a third deck slot. In the illustrated orientation, each of the first deck slots is a left deck slot having a first length (e.g., along the x-axis) (e.g., the left deck slot along row C covered by the first large slot cover 120-1). In the illustrated orientation, each of the second deck slots is a center deck slot having a second length shorter than the first length (e.g., the center deck slot along row C covered by the second small slot cover 124-2). In the illustrated orientation, each of the third deck slots is a right deck slot having the first length (e.g., the deck slot covered by the second large slot cover 120-2). Thus, each of the first deck slots and the third deck slots can accommodate cradles having a length longer than each of the second deck slots. Alternatively, the deck assembly 100 can include a deck in which all of its deck slots have the same length and the same width, the first deck slot has the second length, the second and third deck slots have the first length, or the first and second deck slots have the first length and the third slot has the second length.

[0020] In the illustrated exemplary Figure 1, deck slots not occupied by the cradle are covered by slot covers set to the appropriate size. Each slot cover may include slot cover receptacles such as large slot cover receptacles 122-1 to 122-3 and 126-1 to 126-3. In one example, each slot cover receptacle may be coupled to laboratory equipment. In one example, the first laboratory equipment may be coupled to the first large slot cover receptacle 122-1, the second laboratory equipment may be coupled to the first small slot cover receptacle 126-1, and the third laboratory equipment may be coupled to the second large slot cover receptacle 122-2. The first laboratory equipment may be a test tube container configured to hold a number of standard test tubes, micro test tubes, etc. Each test tube may, but is not limited to, contain laboratory materials such as biological samples, chemical samples, reagents, washing solutions, catalysts, solutes, solvents, and / or similar. The second laboratory apparatus may, but is not limited to, fluid handling containers such as well plates and well reservoirs. The third laboratory apparatus may be a pipette tip container. In one example, the configuration of test tubes in the first laboratory apparatus, the configuration of wells in the second laboratory apparatus, and the configuration of pipette tips in the third laboratory apparatus may correspond to the configuration of pipettes used for laboratory work, or the configuration of pipettes used for laboratory work may correspond to the configuration of wells in at least the second laboratory apparatus. For example, the second laboratory apparatus may be a microplate (also called a well plate) containing 96 wells with 8 rows along its length (e.g., along the x-axis) and 12 wells per row, and the pipette configuration may, but is not limited to, 12 pipettes along the length, 8 pipettes along the width (one for each row), or 96 pipettes covering all 96 wells of the well plate.

[0021] In the illustrated example, slot covers 120-1 to 120-3 and slot covers 122-1 to 122-3 each contain a single slot cover receptacle, and the size of each slot cover receptacle may approximate the size of the first small slot cover receptacle 126-1. Alternatively, the sizes of slot cover receptacles 122-1 to 122-3 may approximate the sizes of slot cover receptacles 122-1 to 122-3, or slot cover receptacles 122-1 to 122-3 may contain two slot cover receptacles (for example, the second cover receptacle may occupy the empty portion of the first large slot cover 120-1).

[0022] In the illustrated example, the first fluid processing module 104 is a heater shaker. Additional details relating to the first cradle 102 and the first fluid processing module are discussed in relation to Figures 3 and 4 and throughout this disclosure. In the illustrated example, the second fluid processing module 108 is a temperature module. Furthermore, the first cradle 102, the second cradle 106, and the slot covers 120-1 to 120-3 may have the same size. Figure 1 shows an exemplary configuration, but the first cradle 102 and the second cradle 106 may be coupled to any deck slot of the deck 128 having the same size as the first cradle 102 and the second cradle 106. For example, the first cradle 102 and the second cradle 106 may swap deck slots with each other. The first cradle 102 or the second cradle 106 may be coupled to any of the deck slots occupied by the deck covers 120-1 to 120-3. Additional details relating to the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108 are discussed in relation to Figures 5 and 6 and throughout this disclosure. In the illustrated example, the third fluid processing module 112 is a thermocycler module. Additional details relating to the third cradle 110 and the third fluid processing module 112 are discussed in relation to Figures 7 and 8 and throughout this disclosure.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, a cradle and its corresponding module (e.g., a third cradle 110 and a third fluid handling module 112) may need to occupy more than a single deck slot. In such scenarios, an additional adjacent deck slot may be used to accommodate the cradle (e.g., by removing the adjacent slot cover). A deck (e.g., as shown in deck 128) may include one or more additional deck slots in addition to rows A-D. In one example, the additional deck slot may be configured to accommodate a cradle that requires three or more deck slots without requiring a cradle to use three or more of the deck slots from rows A-D and / or columns 1-3, as shown by the third cradle 110.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, each deck slot may include a first mounting opening at a first longitudinal end and a second mounting opening at a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end (e.g., a first mounting opening 118-1, a second mounting opening 118-2, a third mounting opening 118-3, and a fourth mounting opening 118-4). As a first example, the first mounting opening 118-1 may be configured to accommodate a first header fastener, and the second mounting opening 118-2 may be configured to accommodate a second header fastener. The first header fastener can be inserted through the first mounting opening 118-1 and removably coupled to the first mounting header and the first mounting base to secure the first end of the first cradle 102 to the deck 128. A second header fastener may be inserted through a second mounting opening 118-2 and removably coupled to a second mounting header and a second mounting base to secure the second end of the first cradle 102 to the deck 128. Similarly, as a second example, a third header fastener may be inserted through a third mounting opening 118-3 and removably coupled to a third mounting header and a third mounting base to secure the first end of the first miniature slot cover 124-1 to the deck 128, and a fourth header fastener may be inserted through a fourth mounting opening 118-4 and removably coupled to a fourth mounting header and a fourth mounting base to secure the second end of the first miniature slot cover 124-1 to the deck 128.

[0025] Each of the other slot covers and cradles may also be similarly secured to the deck 128, as described in the example of securing the first cradle 102 and the first miniature slot cover 124-1 to the deck 128. Furthermore, each mounting opening may be a threaded opening through which a header fastener can be screwed. Additionally or alternatively, the header fastener may include a mooring screw. Alternatively, the slot covers and cradles may be secured to the deck 128 using clamps, magnets, or other standard mounting solutions such as snapping the covers and cradles into predetermined positions that can secure them to the deck 128.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the process of coupling a fluid processing module to a cradle and then coupling the cradle to the deck assembly in Figure 1. This process is illustrated as four exemplary steps. Figure 2 also shows an alternative configuration for coupling a second cradle 106 to the deck 128. In Figure 2, the second cradle 106 is illustrated as being coupled to a deck slot occupied by the first cradle 102 in Figure 1.

[0027] In step 1, Figure 2 shows the deck 128 of Figure 1 that is not occupied by any cradle. The unoccupied deck 128 is covered by a large slot cover 120 and a small slot cover 124. An additional slot cover 212 also covers an additional deck slot. The deck 128 also includes a first leg 202-1 located near a first corner of the deck 128, a second leg 202-2 located near a second corner of the deck 128, and a third leg 202-3 located near a third corner of the deck 128. The deck 128 may also include a fourth leg located near a fourth corner of the deck 128, the fourth corner being the corner opposite the first and third corners. The deck 128 can be attached to and / or secured to the fluid handling system using the first leg 202-1, the second leg 202-2, the third leg 202-3, and the fourth leg. In one example, the first leg 202-1, the second leg 202-2, the third leg 202-3, and the fourth leg may be used as legs of the fluid handling system.

[0028] In step 2, the process may include opening the deck slot 208 located at the first corner of deck 128 and adjacent to the first large slot cover 120-1 by removing the large slot cover 120 located at the first corner and covering deck slot 208. As shown, the opened deck slot opens up the space below deck 128 into which the cradle can be inserted for coupling to deck 128. Opening the large slot cover 120 may include first removing the first and second mounting fasteners from the slot cover, as described in relation to Figure 1.

[0029] In step 3, the process may include coupling the module to the cradle. Figure 2 shows coupling the second fluid processing module 108 to the second cradle 106 to form a second combination 132 of the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108. The second cradle 106 may include one or more screws, clamps, magnets, and / or other mounting solutions that can secure the second fluid processing module 108 to the second cradle 106. In the illustrated example, the second fluid processing module 108 is secured to the second cradle 106 using at least one clamp. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the second cradle 106 is specifically designed for the second fluid processing module 108. Alternatively, the second cradle may be designed to accommodate a number of modules, including first-party modules and third-party modules.

[0030] In step 4, the process may include inserting combination 132 into deck slot 208 to connect combination 132 to deck 128. Securing combination 132 to deck slot 208 may include inserting the first and second mounting fasteners, as described in relation to Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary second cradle 106 for a temperature module. The second cradle 106 includes a duct 302 (also referred to as a vent), a button 304, a first clamp 306-1, a second clamp 306-2, a first handle 308-1, a second handle 308-2, a compartment 310, a floor 312, a first bumper 314-1, a second bumper 314-2, a first leg 316-1, a second leg 316-2, and a slot 318. The duct 302 may allow air heated by the temperature module to pass through. The duct 302 may further allow the air passing through the temperature module to pass beyond the deck 128, thus ensuring that the temperature directly below the deck 128 and the temperature on the deck 128 are not affected by the use of the temperature module. Button 304 may be configured to be pressed by a robotic component or pipette component of the fluid processing system. Button 304 may be electrically and / or mechanically coupled to the second cradle 106 and / or the temperature module. For example, button 304 may be pressed by a robotic arm and / or gripper arm or pipette tip of the fluid processing system. In one example, pressing button 304 may activate or deactivate the temperature module. By activating the temperature module by pressing button 304, the temperature of the temperature module may be increased. The first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 may be in non-clamp mode when the second cradle 106 is empty, and may be in clamp mode when the temperature module is coupled to the second cradle 106 and the temperature module is secured within compartment 310. The first handle 308-1 and the second handle 308-2 allow the user or a robotic arm and / or gripper arm to grasp each handle, thereby enabling easier coupling of the second cradle 106 to the deck 128 by coupling or uncoupling the first cradle from the deck 128. The first bumper 314-1 and the second bumper 314-2 on the floor 312 work together with the first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 to secure the temperature module within the compartment 310 and prevent the temperature module from moving once secured.Once detached from deck 128, the second cradle 106 can be positioned on the surface using the first legs 316-1 and the second legs 316-2.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of a second combination 132 of the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108 of Figure 1. The second fluid processing module 108 is the temperature module described in relation to Figures 1 and 3. The second fluid processing module 108 may be configured to hold samples and / or reagents at a temperature within a certain temperature range. The temperature range may be 4 degrees Celsius to 95 degrees Celsius. The second fluid processing module 108 may maintain the temperature using a thermoelectric component (e.g., a Peltier unit). The first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 may include threaded fasteners such as mooring screws for securing the second fluid processing module 108 to the second cradle 106. When coupled to the second cradle 106 and also to the deck 128, the heat generated by the first fluid processing module 104 can be removed from the temperature module through the duct 302 of the second cradle 106. The second fluid processing module 108 may be used for experiments and / or processes such as cell lysis, restriction digestion, heat shock conversion, and / or DNA isolation, but is not limited to these. Laboratory equipment such as well plates and well reservoirs may be detachably coupled to the second fluid processing module 108 in the second module deck 402 for performing experiments and / or processes. When coupled to the second cradle 106 (for example, in combination 132), the second fluid processing module 108 may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the second cradle 106 such that the second fluid processing module 108 is activated or deactivated when button 304 is pressed. In addition, in combination 132, wires or cables for supplying power to the second fluid processing module 108 may be inserted through slots 318 for organized management of the wires or cables. Combination 132 may be coupled to deck 128 in Figure 1 using the process described in relation to Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary first cradle for a heater shaker module. In the illustrated example, the exemplary first cradle may be an example of the first cradle 102 in Figure 1. The heater shaker module may be an example of the first fluid processing module 104. The first cradle 102 includes a handle 502, a button 504, a compartment 506, a first bumper 508-1, a second bumper 508-2, a third bumper 508-3, a fourth bumper 508-4, and a floor 510. The handle 502 may allow the first cradle 102 to be easily coupled to the deck 128 by having a user of the fluid processing system or a robotic arm and / or gripper arm grasp the handle 502 to couple or uncouple the first cradle to the deck 128. The function of button 504 may correspond to the function of button 304 in Figure 3, and may be mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the first cradle 102 and / or the heater shaker module, so that when pressed by a user or by a robot arm and / or gripper arm, button 504 can activate or deactivate the heater shaker module. The heater shaker module may be coupled to the first cradle 102 in compartment 506. Bumpers 508-1 to 508-4 on the floor 510 may be configured to dampen the heater shaker module during its vibration operation, limit the magnitude of its vibrations, and keep it within compartment 506.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an example of the first combination 130 of the first cradle 102 and the first fluid processing module 104. In the illustrated example, the first fluid processing module 104 is the heater shaker module described in relation to Figures 1 and 5. The first fluid processing module 104 can be used to automate the heating and orbital vibration of a sample. Examples of experiments or processes that can be performed by the first fluid processing module 104 may include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid extraction from blood, tissue, cultured cells, environmental samples, immunoassays, or other processes requiring heating and stirring. The heating component of the first fluid processing module 104 can heat a sample to a maximum of 95 degrees Celsius using a combination of a resistive element and a temperature sensor, and can reach and maintain the target temperature. The vibration component of the first fluid processing module 104 can stir a sample using orbital vibration in the range of 200 rpm to 3000 rpm. The first fluid processing module 104 can be secured to the first cradle 102 using first fasteners 604-1 and second fasteners 604-2. In one example, the first fasteners 604-1 and second fasteners 604-2 may be threaded screws and / or mooring screws. In one example, the first fasteners 604-1 and second fasteners 604-2 may secure the first fluid processing module 104 to bumpers 508-1 and 508-2, respectively. Additional fasteners are intended to secure the first fluid processing module 104 to bumpers 508-3 and 508-4 as well. The first fluid processing module 104 may further include, but is not limited to, a receptacle 602 configured to receive laboratory equipment such as a well plate or well reservoir. The first fluid handling module 104 may further include a first clamp 606-1 and a second clamp 606-2 configured to secure laboratory equipment to the receptacle 602.

[0035] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an example of the third cradle 110. In the illustrated example, the third cradle 110 is configured to be coupled to a thermocycler. The third cradle 110 includes a duct 702, a first handle 704-1, a second handle 704-2, a compartment 706, a first clamp 708-1, a second clamp 708-2, a first bumper 710-1, a second bumper 710-2, a third bumper 710-3, a fourth bumper 710-4, a floor 712, and a slot 714. Similar to the duct 302 in Figure 3, the duct 702 can be used to remove heat from the thermocycler. The first handle 704-1 and the second handle 704-2 can assist the user of the liquid handling system, or a robotic arm and / or gripper arm, when connecting or detaching the third cradle 110 from the deck 128. The first clamp 708-1 and the second clamp 708-2 can secure the thermocycler within compartment 706 along the floor 712 and bumpers 710-1 to 710-4.

[0036] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an example of a third combination 134 of a third cradle 110 and a third fluid processing module 112. In the illustrated example, the third fluid processing module 112 is the thermocycler described in relation to Figures 1 and 7. The third module may, but is not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes such as DNA amplification in a sample, next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation, DNA assembly, mutagenesis, gene typing, and / or other PCR-related processes. The first clamp 708-1 and the second clamp 708-2 may include threaded fasteners, such as ordinary screws or mooring screws, for securing the third fluid processing module 112 to the third cradle 110. The third fluid processing module 112 may include a cover 802 covering a compartment configured to receive laboratory equipment such as a well plate or well reservoir. The cover 802 may be opened to allow pipetting of fluids (e.g., samples, reagents, etc.) into laboratory equipment within the compartment. The cover 802 may be closed after the pipetting operation is complete and / or while the third fluid processing module 112 is operating to heat and cool the fluid in the laboratory equipment. While operating, the third fluid processing module 112 may heat and cool the fluid in the laboratory equipment multiple times.

[0037] Figure 9 shows a computing system diagram illustrating the configuration for a liquid processing system 900 that may be used to implement embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. The liquid processing system 900 may include a baseboard (also referred to as a motherboard) 902, which may be a printed circuit board on which multiple components or devices may be connected via a system bus or other telecommunication paths. In one example, one or more central processing units (CPUs) 904 operating in conjunction with a chipset 906 may be connected to the baseboard 902. The CPUs 904 may be programmable processors configured to perform the arithmetic and logical operations necessary for the operation of the liquid processing system 900.

[0038] The CPU 904 performs its operations by transitioning from one discrete physical state to the next through the operation of switching elements that distinguish and change between 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.

[0039] Chipset 906 provides an interface between the CPU 904 and other components and devices, which is on or connected to the baseboard 902. Chipset 906 may provide an interface to random access memory (RAM) 908 (also referred to as memory) used as the main memory of the liquid processing system 900. Chipset 906 may further provide an interface to one or more computer-readable storage media, such as read-only memory (ROM) 910 or non-volatile RAM ("NVRAM"), for storing basic routines that help start the liquid processing system 900 and transfer information between various components and devices. ROM 910 or NVRAM may also store other software components necessary for the operation of the liquid processing system 900, according to the configurations described herein.

[0040] The liquid processing system 900 may operate in a network environment using logical connections to remote computing devices and computer systems via a network such as network 930. Each component of the liquid processing system 900 may be connected to communicate with one another via network 930. The chipset 906 may include functionality for providing network connectivity through a network interface controller (NIC) 912, such as a Gigabit Ethernet adapter or a wireless network adapter. The NIC 912 can connect the liquid processing system 900 to other computing devices via network 930. Multiple NICs 912 may be present within the liquid processing system 900, and it should be understood that computers can be connected to other types of network and remote computer systems. The liquid processing system 900 may be connected to an instruction device 928. The instruction device 928 may include any computing device other than the computing elements of the liquid processing system 900 and may be used to provide instructions and / or programming to the liquid processing system 900. For example, the instruction device 928 may be included "as a service" (aaS), 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. The instruction device 928 may further be a user device used by a user of the liquid processing system 900 to provide operating commands to the liquid processing system 900 remotely.

[0041] The elements described in relation to Figure 9 are depicted as being connected directly or indirectly via, for example, the LAN 930, but the elements may be entirely contained within the liquid processing system 900, or distributed among any number of separate devices and via any number of computing networks. For example, the instruction device 928 may be located directly within the liquid processing system 900, as opposed to being connected via the LAN 930 as depicted in Figure 9.

[0042] The liquid processing system 900 may include a storage device 922 that provides non-volatile memory to the liquid processing system 900, or may be electrically, mechanically, and / or communicatively connected. The storage device 922 may store an operating system 924, a program 926, and other data. The storage device 922 may be connected to the liquid processing system 900 through a storage device controller 914 connected to a chipset 906. The storage device 922 may consist of one or more physical storage units. Examples of physical storage units may be, but are not limited to, hard disk drives (e.g., using magnetic disks), solid-state drives, optical disks, etc. The storage device controller 914 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, non-volatile memory express (NVMe), or other types of interfaces for physically connecting and transferring data between the physical storage units and other components of the liquid processing system 900.

[0043] The liquid processing system 900 can store data on the storage device 922 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 922 is characterized as a primary or secondary storage device.

[0044] For example, the liquid processing system 900 may store information in the storage device 922 by issuing commands via the storage device controller 914 to change the magnetic properties of a specific location in a hard disk drive unit, the reflective or refractive properties of a specific location in an optical disc, 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 900 may further read information from the storage device 922 by detecting the physical state or properties of one or more specific locations in the physical storage unit.

[0045] In addition to the storage device 922 described above, the liquid processing system 900 may access other computer-readable storage media to store and retrieve 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 900. For example, the operations performed by the liquid processing system 900, and / or any components thereof, may be supported by one or more devices similar to the liquid processing system 900. In other words, some or all of the operations performed by the liquid processing system 900, and / or any components thereof, may be performed by one or more computing devices operating in a cloud-based deployment configuration.

[0046] For example, computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, 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.

[0047] As briefly mentioned above, the storage device 922 may store an operating system 924 used to control the operation of the liquid processing system 900. In one embodiment, the operating system 924 may include the LINUX operating system. In another example, the operating system may include the WINDOWS® operating system or its SERVER derivative, which is commercially available from MICROSOFT, Inc. in Redmond, Washington. In yet another example, the operating system 924 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 922 may store other systems or application programs and data used by the liquid processing system 900.

[0048] In one example, the storage device 922 or other computer-readable storage medium is encoded with computer-executable instructions that, when loaded into the liquid processing system 900, 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 900 by specifying how the CPU 904 transitions between states, as described above. In one example, the liquid processing system 900 has access to a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the liquid processing system 900, perform the various processes described herein. The liquid processing system 900 may also include a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon to perform any of the other computer implementation operations described herein.

[0049] The liquid processing system 900 may also include one or more input / output controllers 916 for receiving and processing input from a number of input devices, such as a user interface (UI) 918 on a touchscreen, a UI 918 on a non-touchscreen and keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, an electronic stylus, a remote device communicatively coupled to the liquid processing system 900 (e.g., a remote computing device), or other types of input devices configured to interface with the UI 918. Similarly, the input / output controllers 916 may, but are not limited to, provide output to a display such as a computer monitor, a flat panel display, an integrated touchscreen, or a digital projector, printer, or other types of output devices. It will be understood that the liquid processing system 900 may not include all of the components shown in Figure 9, may include other components not explicitly shown in Figure 9, or may utilize an architecture entirely different from the architecture shown in Figure 9.

[0050] UI918 may include any user input and / or output devices as described above in relation to the devices associated with the input / output controller 916. UI918 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. UI918 may be used by the user to receive information and commands from the liquid processing system 900 regarding how to operate the liquid processing system 900, including, for example, switching between pipettes that can be selectively coupled to a movable stage, and / or switching between combinations of cradle and module, as shown in relation to Figures 1 and 2. Since this is one aspect of the system and method, a process by which a user may interface with UI918 is described here.

[0051] The UI918 may display at least one selectable option, which can be selected by the user and initiate a sequence of prompts and / or validations displayed on the UI918 to achieve the process of coupling a first combination 130 of the first cradle 102 and the first fluid processing module 104 to the deck 128. The selectable option may include presenting one or more laboratory tasks for the user to select. When a laboratory task is selected using the UI918, the UI918 may present a first sequence of prompts, consisting of instructions and validations to complete the coupling process. The UI918 may also present a second sequence of prompts, consisting of instructions and validations to switch between pipettes based on the selected laboratory task. The fluid processing system 900 may present a sequence of prompts on the UI918 by executing at least one of the operating system 924 and program 926. Furthermore, the input / output controller 916 may help interface the UI 918 with the chipset 906 and the storage device 922 so that the operating system 924 and the program 926 can communicate with the UI 918 to display instructions and validations associated with the prompt sequence on the UI 918 and to interpret any input from the user via the UI 918.

[0052] In one example, the first and second prompt sequences of commands and validations may include text, images, videos, selectable buttons, other command expressions, and combinations thereof that can be displayed on the UI918. Additionally or alternatively, commands and validations may be presented to the user on the instruction device 928. The user can use these command expressions to receive commands from and provide input to the liquid processing system 900. Thus, any interaction between the user and the liquid processing system 900 may be provided via the UI918 and / or the instruction device 928, in a manner that allows the user to easily understand how to perform the cradle-module coupling process and / or pipette switching process. For example, to mount the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108 onto the deck 128, the UI918 may present commands in a visual form similar to that shown in Figure 2 in the form of still images or videos. Commands may further include voice commands.

[0053] In one example, the command and verification prompt sequence may include prompts to the user to verify that one or more actions are being performed by the user. Such user verification allows the command prompt sequence to proceed to the next step or command. Furthermore, in one example, the redundant system may be present in the liquid processing system 900 in the form of one or more sensors 932 included in the input / output controller 916 in relation to the UI 918, which are capable of detecting one or more states associated with the liquid processing system 900 and brought about by user actions. For example, if the user indicates via the UI 918 that the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108 are coupled to the deck slots specified by the UI 918, the redundant system can automatically utilize the sensors 932 to verify that the second fluid processing module 108 and the second cradle 106 are coupled to the deck slots specified by the UI 918.

[0054] In order to initiate the coupling process between the first cradle 102 and the second fluid processing module 108, in the first step, the user may be prompted by the UI 918 to position a designated deck slot. For example, the UI 918 may prompt the user to position deck slot 208. The UI 918 may further prompt the user to confirm whether the slot cover 210 occupies deck slot 208. Alternatively, a redundant system can use the sensor 932 to automatically determine whether the slot cover 210 occupies deck slot 208. The redundant device may use the visual sensor (e.g., camera) of the sensor 932 to determine that the slot cover 210 occupies deck slot 208, and / or based on sensor data from other sensors of the sensor 932 indicating identifiers associated with the slot cover 210, such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), capacitance associated with deck slot 208, slot cover 210, or any other module and / or cradle occupying deck slot 208, or other identifiers.

[0055] In a scenario where the user is performing verification, the user can interact with the UI918 to select whether the slot cover 210 occupies the deck slot 208. If the user verifies that the slot cover 210 occupies the deck slot 208, in a second step, the user may be prompted via the UI918 to disengage the first fastener occupying the first mounting opening 118-1 and the second fastener occupying the second mounting opening 118-2. By doing so, the slot cover 210 can be separated from the deck slot 208. Alternatively, a robotic arm and / or gripper arm associated with the liquid handling system 900 can automatically disengage the fasteners and remove the slot cover 210.

[0056] The first fastener may include a first header fastener, a first mounting header, and a first mounting base. The first mounting base may be removably coupled to the first mounting header via the first header fastener. The second fastener may include a second header fastener, a second mounting header, and a second mounting base. The second mounting base may be removably coupled to the second mounting header via the second header fastener. Mounting openings 118-1 and 118-2 may include threaded openings. Disengaging the first fastener may include loosening the first fastener along the threaded opening.

[0057] After removing the slot cover 210, the user may interact with the UI 918 to indicate that the slot cover 210 has been removed. The UI 918 may prompt the user to verify that the slot cover 210 has been removed, and the user may interact with the UI 918 to perform the verification. Additionally or alternatively, a redundant device may use the sensor 932 to automatically verify that the slot cover 210 has been removed. For example, the redundant device may use the visual sensor of the sensor 932 to determine whether the deck slot 208 is empty or unoccupied.

[0058] Once it is verified that deck slot 208 is empty or unoccupied, UI918 may instruct the user to connect the second fluid handling module 108 to the second cradle 106. This instruction may correspond to step 3 in Figure 2. The instruction may prompt the user to first insert the second fluid handling module 108 into compartment 310. In this step, the instruction presents a verification to the user to verify that the vent associated with the second fluid handling module 108 is connected to duct 302 so that heat may escape to the outside through the vent via duct 302. Once connected, the instruction may then prompt the user to secure the second fluid handling module 108 to the second cradle 106 by engaging the first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 with the second fluid handling module 108. The first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 can be engaged by pushing the clamps into the second fluid processing module 108. Alternatively, the first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 may include threaded fasteners, such as captured screws, which, when tightened, can engage the first clamp 306-1 and the second clamp 306-2 with the second fluid processing module 108. Once secured, the user can interact with the UI 918 to confirm that the second fluid processing module 108 is secured within the second cradle 106. Additionally or alternatively, a redundant device may use the sensor 932 to automatically verify the coupling between the second cradle 106 and the second fluid processing module 108. Instead of the user having to connect the second fluid processing module 108 to the second cradle 106, the robotic arm and / or gripper arm of the liquid processing system 900 can connect the second fluid processing module 108 to the second cradle 106.

[0059] Once the completion of the second step is verified, the UI918 may instruct the user to insert the combination 132 into the open deck slot 208 as the third step. The UI918 may further instruct the user to ensure that the end of the second cradle 106 with the duct 302 is oriented outward from the liquid handling system 900. Once inserted, the UI918 may instruct the user to secure the second cradle 106 to the deck slot 208 by inserting and tightening fasteners into the mounting openings 118-1 and 118-2. Once secured, the UI918 may prompt the user to verify that the cradle 106 is securely coupled to the deck 128. The user can verify this by interacting with the UI918. Additionally or alternatively, a redundant device may use the sensor 932 to automatically verify that the second cradle 106 is securely coupled to the deck 128. For example, the redundant device can use the visual sensor of sensor 932 to perform verification, or use sensor 932 to determine an identifier associated with the second cradle 106 or the second fluid processing module 108, and based on the identifier, determine that at least the second cradle 106 is coupled to the deck 128. As an alternative to having the user couple the second cradle 106 to the deck slot 208, the robotic arm and / or gripper arm of the fluid processing system 900 can lift the second cradle 106 into the open deck slot 208 and tighten the fasteners via the first handle 308-1 and the second handle 308-2.

[0060] Upon completion of the third step, as a fourth step, the UI918 can provide the user with instructions to connect laboratory equipment to the second fluid processing module 108. These instructions may include providing the user with information about the type of laboratory equipment. Connecting the laboratory equipment is illustrated in relation to Figure 4.

[0061] UI918 may, if necessary, provide the user with further instructions to connect additional modules and additional cradles to deck 128. For example, UI918 may provide instructions to connect the first cradle 102 and the third cradle 110 to deck 128, along with the laboratory equipment associated with the first fluid processing module 104 and the third fluid processing module 112. Once all the cradles, modules, and laboratory equipment are connected to deck 128, the user can prompt UI918 to begin the laboratory work process. Before starting the laboratory work process, redundant devices can perform verification that all cradles, modules, and laboratory equipment are connected to deck 128.

[0062] The liquid processing system 900 may further include liquid processing system hardware 920. The liquid processing system hardware 920 may include, for example, a movable stage and a plurality of pipettes, a deck, a cradle coupled to the deck, and any type of module that may be coupled to the cradle and may be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 900. Modules that may be coupled to the cradle and may be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 900 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 920 may include housings for the liquid processing system 900 and any other elements of the liquid processing system 900.

[0063] Figure 10 shows the liquid processing system 900 of Figure 9, according to an example of the principle described herein. As stated above, the liquid processing system 900 may further include liquid processing system hardware 920. Some of those elements of the liquid processing system hardware 920 are shown in Figure 12. For example, the liquid processing system 900 may include a housing 1002. The housing 1002 may include one or more sides or walls, and as shown in Figure 12, the housing 1002 may include 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 accommodating several other liquid processing system hardware 920. 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 1002.

[0064] The contents housed within the housing 1002 may be a movable stage 1004. The movable stage 1004 may be mechanically coupled to an x-axis movable truss 1006 that can move the movable stage 1004 in the x-direction. Furthermore, the movable stage 1004 may be mechanically coupled to a first y-axis movable truss 1008-1 and a second y-axis movable truss 1008-2 that can bring the movable stage 1004 in the y-direction. The x-axis movable truss 1006, as well as the first y-axis movable truss 1008-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1008-2, may be driven by one or more motors that can be actuated through commands received from an instruction device 928 and any of the elements in the baseboard 902. Commands used to actuate the motors may move the movable stage 1004 to a digitally addressable location inside the housing 1002.

[0065] The housing 1002 may also house a deck 128. The deck 128 may be located at the bottom of the housing 1002 and may hold one or more cradle devices, such as a first cradle 102. The first cradle 102 may be detachably or selectively coupled to the deck 128, or coupled to the first cradle 102 and may be used to hold modules such as a first fluid processing module 104, which may be used to process liquids dispensed by the liquid processing system 900. As described in relation to Figure 9, the first fluid processing module 104 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 motors associated with the x-axis movable truss 1006 and the first y-axis movable truss 1008-1 and the second y-axis movable truss 1008-2, these commands may move the movable stage 1004 to a digitally addressable location within the housing 1002, including an area or part of the first fluid module 104, or a position on the first fluid module 104, so that one or more pipettes can dispense fluid onto or into the first fluid module 104.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the liquid processing system 900 may further include a UI 918. In one example, also as shown in Figure 10, the UI 918 may be a touchscreen configured to detect touch input from a user, and includes both an input device (touch panel) and an output device (visual display) in which the touch panel is superimposed on top of a visual display. The commands and prompts described in relation to Figure 9 may be presented to the user of the liquid processing system 900 via this UI 918 or another UI 918. The UI 918 may be communicatively coupled to the instruction device 928 and / or any element in the baseboard 902. This allows the instruction device 928 and / or any element in the baseboard 902 to present the commands and prompts described herein via the UI 918, and allows the user to input information via the interactive elements of the UI 918. Although described and explained as a touchscreen, the UI918 may include any input / output devices such as 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, although described and explained as being physically and / or electrically coupled to the liquid processing system 900, the UI918 may also be associated (e.g., mechanically or electrically coupled) with a remote device (e.g., a remote computing device) that is communicably coupled to the liquid processing system 900 via the network 930, and the user may interact with the UI918 on the remote device to operate the liquid processing system 900.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the liquid processing system 900 may further include openings located close to at least the bottom of the side wall of the housing 1002. In one example, as shown in Figure 10, the housing 1002 may include a first opening 1010-1, a second opening 1010-2, a third opening 1010-3, and a fourth opening 1010-4. The housing 1002 may also include an opening in the side wall opposite the first opening 1010-1. Openings 1010-1 to 1010-4 may be used to allow heated air generated by the module to pass through. Alternatively, openings 1010-1 to 1010-4 may be used to allow electrical cables or wires supplying power to the module to pass through. For example, the duct 702 may be positioned close to the openings 1010-3 and 1010-4 so that heat generated by the third fluid processing module 112 (e.g., a thermocycler) can pass through the duct 702 and the openings 1010-3 and 1010-4 to the outside of the fluid processing system 900 and / or beyond the deck 128, thus ensuring that the temperature directly below the deck 128, as well as the temperature on the deck 128 and / or the temperature above the deck 128, is not affected by the use of the third fluid processing module 112. The third fluid processing module 112 and / or the third cradle 110 may further include temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature on the deck 128, and / or the temperature above and / or directly below the deck 128. The third fluid processing module 112 and / or the third cradle 110 may be further configured to control the airflow through the third fluid processing module 112 and the openings 1010-3 and 1010-4 to maintain the temperature on deck 128, and / or the temperature above deck 128, and / or the temperature directly below deck 128 below a threshold temperature or below the temperature before operation of the third fluid processing module 112. The openings may further include covers configured to close when the openings are not in use.

[0068] Figure 11 shows a partial section perspective view of the liquid processing system 900 of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 11, the liquid processing system 900 may include an air intake component 1102 into which outside air can enter the liquid processing system 900. The liquid processing system 900 can direct the outside air towards a second fluid processing module 108. The arrows in Figure 11 indicate the path of the outside air through the liquid processing system 900. The second fluid processing module 108 is a heater shaker, as shown. The second fluid processing module 108 may include a first opening that allows air to pass from outside the second fluid processing module 108 into the internal chamber. The second fluid processing module 108 may further include a second opening that allows air to pass from the internal chamber into the duct 302. As the air passes through the internal chamber, the second fluid processing module 108 may heat the air to a higher temperature. The heated air may be removed from the second fluid processing module 108 through the duct 302 and out through the opening 1104, thereby enabling the second fluid processing module 108 to maintain its temperature and prevent overheating, allowing air to pass beyond the deck 128 and ensuring that the temperature directly below the deck 128, and / or the temperature above and / or above the deck 128, is not affected by the use of the second fluid processing module 108. The second fluid processing module 108 or the second cradle 106 may further include temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature on the deck 128 and / or the temperature above the deck 128, and / or the temperature directly below the deck 128. The second fluid processing module 108 or the second cradle 106 may be further configured to control the airflow through the internal chamber and openings 1010-1 to 1010-4 to maintain the temperature on deck 128, and / or the temperature above deck 128, and / or the temperature directly below deck 128 below a threshold temperature or below the temperature before operation of the second fluid processing module 108.

[0069] Figure 12 shows an alternative partial section perspective view of the fluid processing system 900 of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 12, the second cradle 106 includes an opening 1202. The opening 1202 may allow wires or cables to be connected to the second fluid processing module 108. The wires or cables may initially be routed through both the opening 1202 and the slot 318, thereby allowing the wires or cables to be routed through the fluid processing system 900 in a neat and efficient manner so as not to interfere with the fluid processing system 900 while the fluid processing system 900 is operating its protocol. Alternatively, the wires or cables may be routed through the bottom of the deck 128 to the inside and outside of the fluid processing system 900. The wires or cables may be electrically connected to the second fluid processing module 108, which is connected to a power source. The power source may be an external power source or may be located in the liquid processing system 900, thereby the wires or cables may be physically and electrically coupled to the liquid processing system 900, a remote computing device coupled to the liquid processing system 900, a remote computing device separated from the liquid processing system 900, and / or the external power source. In one example, the wires or cables may be connected to a port in the liquid processing system 900 configured to supply power to a second fluid processing module 108. As illustrated by the arrows, the wires or cables may pass through slot 318 and through opening 1104.

[0070] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative configuration for the deck assembly of Figure 1. As shown, Figure 13 includes a deck 128, a large slot cover 120, a small slot cover 124, an additional slot cover 212, a first leg 202-1, a second leg 202-2, a third leg 202-3, a first extension cover 1302-1, a second extension cover 1302-2, a third extension cover 1302-3, and a fourth extension cover 1302-4.

[0071] Each of the extension covers 1302-1 to 1302-4 (collectively also referred to as extension cover 1302) may be configured to replace one of the large slot covers 120, as shown in the figure, and may be longer longitudinally than the large slot cover 120. In this configuration, each of the extension covers 1302-1 to 1302-4 may include a first slot cover corresponding in position and size to the large cover receptacle 122 in Figure 1, and extension cover receptacles of extension cover receptacles 1304-1, 1304-2, 1304-3, and 1304-4 (collectively also referred to as extension cover receptacle 1304) positioned adjacent to the first slot cover. Each of the extension cover receptacles 1304-1 to 1304-4 may be the same size as the large cover receptacle 122 and may be configured to perform the same function as the large cover receptacle 122. In this configuration, as shown in the figure, the first extension cover 1302-1 may be coupled and / or positioned in deck slots D3 and D4 as shown in legend 136 of Figure 1, the second extension cover 1302-2 may be coupled and / or positioned in deck slots C3 and C4 as shown in legend 136 of Figure 1, the third extension cover 1302-3 may be coupled and / or positioned in deck slots B3 and B4 as shown in legend 136 of Figure 1, and the fourth extension cover 1302-4 may be coupled and / or positioned in deck slots A3 and A4 as shown in legend 136 of Figure 1.

[0072] Alternatively, each expansion cover 1302-1 to 1302-4 may be a smaller size cover that can be configured to be coupled to the large slot cover 120. The size of such an expansion slot cover may correspond to the size of the small slot cover 124. The expansion covers 1302 may be coupled to the top of the large slot cover 120 and / or deck 128 using fasteners (e.g., screws, magnets, etc.). In this configuration, as shown, the first expansion cover 1302-1 may be located at the position of deck slot D4 in the legend 136 of Figure 1, the second expansion cover 1302-2 may be located at deck slot C4 in the legend 136 of Figure 1, the third expansion cover 1302-3 may be located at deck slot B4 in the legend 136 of Figure 1, and the fourth expansion cover 1302-4 may be located at deck slot A4 in the legend 136 of Figure 1.

[0073] In any of the above configurations of the expansion cover 1302, the expansion cover receptacle 1304 may be accessible by the robotic arm and / or gripper arm of the liquid processing system 900, but may not be accessible by the pipette of the liquid processing system 900. Furthermore, the position of the expansion cover container 1304 does not need to be calibrated for and / or by the liquid processing system 900. Alternatively, the expansion cover container 1304 may be accessible by both the robotic arm and / or gripper arm, as well as the pipette, and its position may be calibrated for and / or by the liquid processing system 900.

[0074] Figure 13 shows that the extension cover 1302 covers all of the deck slots along one longitudinal edge of the deck 128, but it is conceivable that the extension cover 1302 could be used to cover one or more of the deck slots to which the large slot cover 120 can be coupled.

[0075] While the present invention has been described in relation to specific examples, it should be understood that the scope of the invention 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, the invention 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 spirit and scope of the invention.

[0076] While this application describes embodiments 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 embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0077] (Example clause) A: A deck for a fluid handling system, comprising: a first deck slot defined in the deck, having a first mounting opening located adjacent to the first longitudinal end of the first deck slot; a second deck slot defined in the deck, having a second mounting opening located adjacent to the second longitudinal end of the second deck slot; and a first cradle configured to be removably coupled to a first fluid handling module of a first type, and configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot via the first mounting opening, or to the second deck slot via the second mounting opening.

[0078] B: The deck according to paragraph A, further comprising a third mounting opening located adjacent to the third longitudinal end of the first deck slot on the opposite side of the first longitudinal end, and a fourth mounting opening located adjacent to the fourth longitudinal end of the second deck slot on the opposite side of the second longitudinal end, wherein the first cradle is further configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot via the first and third mounting openings, or to the second deck slot via the second and fourth mounting openings.

[0079] C: Further comprising a first mounting header, a first header fastener, a first mounting base detachably coupled to the first mounting header via the first header fastener to securely connect the first longitudinal end of the first cradle to a first deck slot or a second deck slot, a second mounting header, a second header fastener, a second mounting base detachably coupled to the second mounting header via the first header fastener to securely connect the second longitudinal end of the first cradle to a first deck slot or a second deck slot, the first cradle The deck according to paragraph B, wherein secure coupling of the cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot includes coupling the first cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot, inserting the first header fastener through the first mounting opening or the third mounting opening, coupling the first mounting header and the first mounting base to the first header fastener, inserting the second header fastener through the second mounting opening or the fourth mounting opening, and coupling the second mounting header and the second mounting base to the second header fastener.

[0080] D: The deck according to any of paragraphs A to C, wherein the first mounting opening includes a first threaded opening and the second mounting opening includes a second threaded opening.

[0081] E: The deck according to any of paragraphs A to D, wherein the first fluid processing module comprises 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, or a magnetic device.

[0082] F: The deck according to any of paragraphs A to E, wherein the first cradle comprises at least one of an air duct, a button, a clamp, or a handle.

[0083] G: The deck described in paragraph F, wherein the first cradle comprises an air duct, the air duct being configured to allow heat generated by the first fluid processing module to pass to the outside of the first cradle and the first fluid processing module.

[0084] H: The deck according to paragraph F or G, wherein the first cradle is equipped with a button, and the first cradle is electrically or mechanically coupled to the first fluid processing module such that when the button is pressed, the function of the first fluid processing module is activated or deactivated.

[0085] I: The deck according to any of paragraphs F to H, wherein the first cradle is equipped with a clamp, the clamp being configured to securely connect the first fluid processing module to the first cradle.

[0086] J: A deck as described in any of paragraphs A to I, wherein a first cradle is coupled to a first deck slot, and the deck further comprises a second cradle coupled to a second deck slot, the second cradle being configured to be coupled to a second type of second fluid handling module, the second type being different from the first type.

[0087] K: A deck according to any of paragraphs A to J, further comprising a slot cover configured to be removably coupled to a first deck slot or a second deck slot, wherein the slot cover comprises a receptacle configured to receive a microplate, a well reservoir, or a test tube rack.

[0088] L: A fluid processing system comprising: a deck having a first deck slot and a second deck slot; a first cradle configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot or the second deck slot; and a first fluid processing module of a first type configured to be removably coupled to the first cradle.

[0089] M: A fluid processing system according to paragraph L, further comprising a display device, a processor communicatively coupled to the display device, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor causes the processor to perform an operation including presenting the instruction on the display device, and the instruction presents at least one step used for coupling a first fluid processing module to a first cradle, and one step used for coupling the first cradle to a first deck slot or a second deck slot.

[0090] N: The fluid handling system according to paragraph M, wherein the operation further includes deciding to couple a first cradle to a first deck slot, detecting whether a slot cover is coupled to the first deck slot using a sensor in response to the decision to couple the first cradle to a first deck slot, and in response to detecting that the slot cover is coupled to the first deck slot, presenting a second command on a display device, the second command presenting at least one step of removing the slot cover from the first deck slot.

[0091] O: A fluid handling system according to any one of paragraphs L to N, wherein the first deck slot comprises a first mounting opening located adjacent to a first longitudinal end of the first deck slot and a second mounting opening located adjacent to a second longitudinal end of the first deck slot on the opposite side of the first longitudinal end, and the first cradle is configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot via the first and second mounting openings.

[0092] P: The fluid handling system according to paragraph O, further comprising: a first mounting header, a first header fastener, a first mounting base removably coupled to the first mounting header via the first header fastener to securely connect the first longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot; a second mounting header, a second header fastener, a second mounting base removably coupled to the second mounting header via the first header fastener to securely connect the second longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot, wherein secure connection of the first cradle to the first deck slot includes: connecting the first cradle to the first deck slot; inserting the first header fastener through the first mounting opening; connecting the first mounting header and the first mounting base to the first header fastener; inserting the second header fastener through the second mounting opening; and connecting the second mounting header and the second mounting base to the second header fastener.

[0093] Q: The fluid processing system according to paragraph O or P, wherein a first cradle is coupled to a first deck slot, and the deck further comprises a second cradle coupled to a second deck slot, the second cradle being configured to be coupled to a second type of second fluid processing module, the second type being different from the first type.

[0094] R: The fluid processing system according to any of paragraphs L to Q, wherein a first fluid processing module or a first cradle is further configured to control a first temperature above the deck or a second temperature below the deck.

[0095] The fluid processing system according to paragraph R, further comprising a housing having an opening located adjacent to and below the first longitudinal end of a first deck slot, wherein the first fluid processing module is configured to control a first or second temperature by passing air heated to the first fluid processing module through the opening to the outside of the fluid processing system.

[0096] The fluid processing system according to paragraph S, wherein the opening T is further configured to allow a cable to pass through and be electrically or mechanically connected to the first fluid processing module.

[0097] U: A method comprising: receiving a command by a fluid processing system to start a laboratory process; receiving sensor data by the fluid processing system; determining, in response to the command and based on the sensor data, whether a cradle is coupled to a deck slot; and, in response to determining that the deck slot does not contain a cradle, presenting a command on a display device associated with the fluid processing system, wherein the command presents at least one step of coupling a cradle to a deck slot; and, in response to determining that a cradle is coupled to a deck slot, performing a laboratory process by the fluid processing system.

[0098] The method according to paragraph U, further comprising: determining, based on sensor data, whether a slot cover is coupled to a deck slot; and, in response to determining that the slot cover is coupled to a deck slot, presenting a second instruction on a display device, wherein the second instruction presents at least one step of removing the slot cover from the deck slot.

[0099] The method according to paragraph V, wherein removing the slot cover includes removing a first fastener from a first mounting opening located near the first longitudinal end of the deck slot, and removing a second fastener from a second mounting opening located near the second longitudinal end of the deck slot, opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0100] The method according to any of paragraphs U to W, further comprising: determining whether a fluid processing module is coupled to a cradle; and, in response to determining that the cradle does not contain a fluid processing module, presenting a third instruction on a display device, wherein the third instruction presents at least one step of coupling the fluid processing module to the cradle.

[0101] (Conclusion) The examples described herein provide a liquid processing system that includes means by which a user can easily connect different liquid processing modules, configured to perform different liquid processing functions, to the deck of the liquid processing system without requiring a specialized operator, service provider, or technician.

[0102] 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. Other modifications and changes adapted to suit specific operating requirements and environments will be obvious to those skilled in the art; therefore, this system and method should not be considered limited to examples selected for disclosure purposes, but rather encompass all such modifications and changes that do not constitute a departure from the true intent and scope of this system and method.

[0103] 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 are merely illustrative examples of some cases that fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A deck for a fluid processing system, A first deck slot defined in the deck, comprising a first mounting opening positioned adjacent to the first longitudinal end of the first deck slot, A second deck slot defined in the deck, comprising a second mounting opening positioned adjacent to the second longitudinal end of the second deck slot, A deck comprising: a first cradle configured to be removably coupled to a first fluid handling module of a first type, and configured to be removably coupled to a first deck slot via a first mounting opening, or to a second deck slot via a second mounting opening.

2. A third mounting opening is located adjacent to the third longitudinal end of the first deck slot, on the opposite side of the first longitudinal end, The present invention further comprises a fourth mounting opening located adjacent to the fourth longitudinal end of the second deck slot, on the opposite side of the second longitudinal end, The deck according to claim 1, wherein the first cradle is further configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot via the first mounting opening and the third mounting opening, or to the second deck slot via the second mounting opening and the fourth mounting opening.

3. First mounting header, First header fastener, A first mounting base is removably connected to the first mounting header via a first header fastener, in order to securely connect the first longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot. Second mounting header, Second header fastener, The first cradle is further comprising a second mounting base, which is removably coupled to the second mounting header via a first header fastener, for secure coupling of the second longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot, thereby ensuring secure coupling of the first cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot. The first cradle is connected to the first deck slot or the second deck slot, Inserting the first header fastener through the first mounting opening or the third mounting opening, The first mounting header and the first mounting base are connected to the first header fastener, Inserting the second header fastener through the second mounting opening or the fourth mounting opening, The deck according to claim 2, comprising connecting the second mounting header and the second mounting base to the second header fastener.

4. The first mounting opening includes a first threaded opening, The deck according to claim 1, wherein the second mounting opening includes a second threaded opening.

5. The first fluid processing module, Temperature deck, Heat shaker, Thermocycler, Heating devices, Cooling devices, Vacuum pump, centrifuge, liquid handler, Tube processing devices, Sealing devices, Opening device, or The deck according to claim 1, comprising a magnetic device.

6. The first cradle, Air duct, button, Clamp, or The deck according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the handles.

7. The deck according to claim 6, wherein the first cradle comprises the air duct, the air duct is configured to allow heat generated by the first fluid processing module to pass to the outside of the first cradle and the first fluid processing module.

8. The deck according to claim 6, wherein the first cradle is equipped with the button, and the first cradle is electrically or mechanically coupled to the first fluid processing module such that when the button is pressed, the function of the first fluid processing module is activated or deactivated.

9. The deck according to claim 6, wherein the first cradle comprises the clamp, the clamp is configured to securely connect the first fluid processing module to the first cradle.

10. The deck according to claim 1, wherein the first cradle is coupled to the first deck slot, and the deck further comprises a second cradle coupled to the second deck slot, the second cradle being configured to be coupled to a second type of second fluid processing module, the second type being different from the first type.

11. The system further comprises a slot cover configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot or the second deck slot, wherein the slot cover is microplates, Well reservoir, or The deck according to claim 1, comprising a receptacle configured to receive a test tube rack.

12. A fluid processing system, It is a deck, The first deck slot and A deck comprising a second deck slot, A first cradle configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot or the second deck slot, A fluid processing system comprising: a first fluid processing module of a first type configured to be detachably coupled to the first cradle.

13. Display devices and, A processor that is 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 fluid processing system according to claim 12, wherein the system performs an operation including presenting a command on the display device, the command presenting at least one step used for coupling the first fluid processing module to the first cradle, and one step used for coupling the first cradle to the first deck slot or the second deck slot.

14. The aforementioned operation is, It is decided to connect the first cradle to the first deck slot, In response to deciding to connect the first cradle to the first deck slot, and using a sensor to detect whether the slot cover is connected to the first deck slot, The fluid handling system according to claim 13, further comprising presenting a second command on the display device in response to detecting that the slot cover is coupled to the first deck slot, wherein the second command presents at least one step of removing the slot cover from the first deck slot.

15. The first deck slot comprises a first mounting opening located near the first longitudinal end of the first deck slot, and a second mounting opening located near the second longitudinal end of the first deck slot, on the opposite side of the first longitudinal end. The fluid handling system according to claim 12, wherein the first cradle is configured to be removably coupled to the first deck slot through the first mounting opening and the second mounting opening.

16. First mounting header, First header fastener, A first mounting base is removably coupled to the first mounting header via a first header fastener, in order to securely connect the first longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot. Second mounting header, Second header fastener, The first cradle is further comprising a second mounting base, which is removably coupled to the second mounting header via a first header fastener, for secure coupling of the second longitudinal end of the first cradle to the first deck slot, thereby ensuring secure coupling of the first cradle to the first deck slot. Connecting the first cradle to the first deck slot, Inserting the first header fastener through the first mounting opening, The first mounting header and the first mounting base are connected to the first header fastener, Inserting the second header fastener through the second mounting opening, The fluid processing system according to claim 15, comprising connecting the second mounting header and the second mounting base to the second header fastener.

17. The fluid processing system according to claim 15, wherein the first cradle is coupled to the first deck slot, and the deck further comprises a second cradle coupled to the second deck slot, the second cradle being configured to be coupled to a second type of second fluid processing module, the second type being different from the first type.

18. The fluid processing system according to claim 12, wherein the first fluid processing module or the first cradle is further configured to control a first temperature above the deck or a second temperature below the deck.

19. The device further comprises a housing, the housing having an opening located adjacent to and below the first longitudinal end of the first deck slot, The fluid processing system according to claim 18, wherein the first fluid processing module is configured to control the first temperature or the second temperature by passing air heated to the first fluid processing module through the opening to the outside of the fluid processing system.

20. The fluid processing system according to claim 19, wherein the opening is further configured to allow a cable to pass through the first fluid processing module and to be electrically or mechanically connected to the first fluid processing module.

21. It is a method, The fluid processing system receives commands to initiate laboratory processes, The fluid processing system receives sensor data, In response to the command and based on the sensor data, determine whether the cradle is coupled to the deck slot. In response to determining that the deck slot does not include the cradle, presenting a command on a display device associated with the fluid processing system, wherein the command presents at least one step of connecting the cradle to the deck slot, A method comprising performing the laboratory process using the fluid processing system in response to the cradle being coupled to the deck slot.

22. Based on the aforementioned sensor data, it is determined whether the slot cover is coupled to the deck slot, The method according to claim 21, further comprising: determining that the slot cover is coupled to the deck slot, presenting a second command on the display device, wherein the second command presents at least one step of removing the slot cover from the deck slot.

23. Removing the aforementioned slot cover is possible. Removing the first fastener from a first mounting opening located near the first longitudinal end of the deck slot, The method according to claim 22, comprising removing the second fastener from a second mounting opening located adjacent to the second longitudinal end of the deck slot, opposite to the first longitudinal end.

24. To determine whether the fluid processing module is coupled to the cradle, The method according to claim 21, further comprising: determining that the cradle does not include the fluid processing module; presenting a third command on the display device, wherein the third command presents at least one step of coupling the fluid processing module to the cradle.

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