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The T-Rx microplate server system is a modular and universal transportation unit designed as a linkage module for the movement of a batch of disposables and/or samples to or between processing stations transported on a specially designed cassettes that act as a serving tray for items in a microplate footprint. A cassette could consist of one to nine SBS microplate positions holding disposable tips or several thousand samples in microplates, depending on the application. A cassette of samples could be micro or deep well plate based, disposables with SBS footprint, or glass slides, etc. The T-Rx consists of a Docking Station, one or more Storage Modules for samples/disposables and a processing station for liquid handling, etc. The cassette transport of a batch of samples to/from the processing station is typically accomplished in ~ 12 seconds (1.3 seconds/plate), establishing a new standard for sample transport speed while providing additional multi-tasking options. The T-Rx provides a unique product solution for high throughput batch processing dependent applications as well as random access applications. The combination of T-Rx System with a true random access device provides unparalleled speed combined with application flexibility. The addition of supplementary processing options within the T-Rx Docking Station provides additional functionality and processing capabilities.
The segmented architecture of the T-Rx System provides both a simplistic & modular approach to constructing a fully automated transportation system built from standard & proven reliable components. As well, the industrial design of the system concentrates on reliability and simplicity while eliminating gripper systems and issues with tolerance build up. The T-Rx System can be implemented with essentially any liquid handling device that can support and access the 9 plate T-Rx Cassette. Custom deck hardware will be provided to adapt the Quick Deck hardware for this purpose. Multiple instances of both the Tecan Genesis, Hamilton Star as well as the Oasis have been implemented. In the case of a ‘well by well’ liquid handler such as the Tecan Genesis or Hamilton Star, the application would typically be for cherry picking while the Oasis implementation would support plate replication and high throughput screening.
The system requires a standard footprint for the sample cassette but allows unlimited flexibility for the variety and combination of custom cassettes within this footprint. Currently, there are two standard cassettes available for micro or deep well plate processing. In addition, any custom version that may be required for a specific application can also be constructed. Features
High Speed & Modular Storage System Dynamic Devices delivers the first storage & retrieval tool that truly offers both high speed and versatility - The T-Rx System. The modular system architecture provides application versatility while the transport system is capable of simultaneously delivering up to nine plates in just 12 seconds to facilitate your high-throughput requirements.
When combined with Dynamic Devices flexible OASIS™ and/or other commercially available liquid handling instruments, The T-Rx System accelerates high throughput walk-away Random Access or Batch Processing operations to solve an unlimited menu of drug discovery applications. What’s more, the sample storage carts offer extendable capacity and are fully mobile, allowing the easy exchange of up to 450 micro plates within a single mobile sample storage unit.
The T-Rx System is an effective tool for all levels of the automated laboratory from stand-alone workstations to a completely integrated bi-directional high-throughput screening system, as the modular architecture allows the system to grow and adapt to every step in-between. Faster Hit PickingWith the T-Rx System the transportation bottleneck for hit picking is solved, providing nine plates from storage in just 12 seconds. Hits can then be picked from all nine plates while eliminating the other 80% of time typically spent on waiting for plate retrieval and storage. In addition, the order of the sample reformatting can be directed by a work list in the Random Access mode with the same high-speed retrieval time. Flexible ConfigurationsResearch and screening labs performing single-step operations such as plate replication, reformatting and full-plate serial dilutions, benefit from the power of the system as a stand-alone workstation. In addition, the source and/or destination plates may be quickly and easily transferred to another stand-alone workstation by the use of the mobile storage unit to complete an additional stand-alone operation. Alternatively, complex assays requiring multiple processing steps can be completely automated by configuring a series of various processing stations bi-directionally linked together by the T-Rx System. Essentially, any laboratory processing device that has a working deck area of at least 12” front to back can be utilized in the T-Rx System. ReliabilityThe T-Rx System offers unsurpassed reliability in the laboratory automation market due to the refined industrial design and simplicity of the mechanical mechanisms utilized for the transport of disposables. The transport mechanism is a non-gripper, conveyer based system that never lifts or grips but instead gently slides the cassettes containing the laboratory disposables during transport. IntegrationThe T-Rx System software is an ActiveX EXE / SERVER application that provides the capability to be integrated within any automated system. The system software may become a slave to a master control scheduling and/or executing software allowing retrieval of samples on demand and the capability to integrate multiple T-Rx transport units simultaneously.
System Specifications Sample Storage:
General:
Options:
Facility Requirements:
· Lab Space Laboratory floor space; Instrument table provided with system
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