Regardless of the labware your assay requires it is important to maximize the usable space of your deck.  The challenge is to optimize every square centimeter while addressing restrictions like common range of the pipetting arm and installed automation devices.  Another tactic that helps with optimization of space are carriers that can handle multiple tube sizes. This not only allows you to pack the deck but also simplifies the variety of carriers needed for your assays.

A recent challenge brought to us was fitting sixteen (16) 5ml or 15ml tubes into a single grid strip rack for the Tecan EVO deck.

16 positions was important since with an 8 tip pipette arm multiples of 8 are the easiest and most efficient way to program.  The only available option was a 12 positions rack and therefore required more grids to hold the 192 tubes required by the assay (1 grid per strip rack, a difference of 4 additional girds) to hold the same number of tubes on the deck.  In addition, the 5ml tube was a specific design that had a protruding ridge just below the threads.

Konnis created a new design that accommodated all specifications:

• Holds both the Eppendorf 5ml and 15ml tubes
• Accommodates 16 tubes in one strip rack
• Adheres to the common range restrictions of the Liha 8 arm
• Allows for a PosID bar code reader to be mount on the deck (although not used with this rack)
• Easy to load and unload from deck
• Durable

Making the most of the space of your liquid handling instrument is crucial to the optimization and throughput of your assay.

Contact us to discuss your assay and let us design density into your deck layout!

Konnis has designed a modular deck adapter base plate that can be reconfigured with different carriers for various purposes.  The black flat base plate adapter fits securely on the Tecan deck and is designed with a mounting structure that allows various adapters to be attached with screws.  Here it is shown with the most popular microplate nests in the landscape orientation creating a 3 position flat microplate carrier.  These nests may also be mounted in portrait on the same adapter plate.

SBS Trough adapter in center position of carrier

2 Nests mounted in portrait

Another typical configuration is to use the base plate with standoffs to create the raised microplate carrier which can also be configured for hanging diti tip racks as shown below.

The rugged milled design, precision manufacturing, and re-configurability makes the Konnis Modular Deck Carriers an exceptional value.

Temp microplate adapter with and without the PCR plat

The Konnis microplate temperature adapter was designed to reside in the Tecan incubator to maintain optimal temperature.

The micro plates are then moved in and out of the incubator by the RoMa arm that sets the plate on the adapter which is at temperature delivering maximum heat transfer in the shortest length of time to the samples.

Temp Adapter in position inside the Tecan incubator with PCR plate

The Konnis 96 position, 6 x 16, temp block carrier for 4ml vials fits the Tecan deck mounted temp control adapter.  The aluminum carrier maintains temperature during automated processing. (shown in blue anodized aluminum).  Handles and laser etched guides provide easy movement and correct placement on and off the deck. Also available in 8 x 12 configuration compatible with Thermo Fisher Isotemp digital dry bath.  See the full product page.

6 x 16 position 4ml vial Temp Block Carrier

This is a bench top transfer frame used to transfer Genetix Q tray auger colony contents to felt for imaging.  The handles and hollowed out underside allow for easily moving it about the lab.

The Konnis designed Pick and Place fingers allow variable volume tubes to be used on the deck.  These fingers can grip from 8 ml to 20 ml tubes.  No need to change fingers as the labware varies.  Send Konnis your specifications and we can build a pair to meet your needs

Konnis now has both the 96 position pitched tube carrier as well as a 16 position pitched tube rack. If you are concerned with aspirating 100% of the sample, learn more.

96 position angled tube carrier

Konnis has just added another adapter to our Tube Carrier and Adapter parts designed and manufactured by Konnis.  The weigh station tube adapter is designed to hold a specific size tube for a Mettler balance.  The adapter design allows for full integration with an automation instrument for accurate weight measurement.  The adapter is shown here, below left, as a stand alone part.

Photo to the right shows how the balance can be beneath the deck with turbulence shield.

Take a look at the new Inova slide carrier designed and manufactured by Konnis.   This carrier holds up to 24 slides with handles providing a portable solution to automate assays involving slides.  Request a quote directly from the product page!