Abstract
Zinsser Analytic
DESYRE
Zinsser Analytic has announced its new DESYRE range of Durable, Economic Synthesis Reactors, consisting of a kit of reactors, sample containers, carriers and sealing systems in the 96-well format. They are specially designed for the requirements in combinatorial chemistry, synthesis, sample storage, high throughout screening and chromatography.
The reactors are available as glass plates with 96 or 384 cavities made from high purity, chemically inert and temperature resistant borosilicate glass. Tube inserts are available from borosilicate glass with a flat bottom, or polypropylene with a conical bottom. Various pierceable sept-materials are available for sealing. These are made from specially selected silicon, Viton and Santoprene and are available with or without PTFE/FEP coating.
For more information contact Zinsser Analytic (UK) Ltd., Howard Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1AP, tel.: 01628 773202, or access website: www.Zinsser-Analytic.com.
CRS Robotics
CRS LAUNCHES POLARA SOFTWARE SOLUTION FOR GLOBAL LABORATORY AUTOMATION MARKET
CRS Robotics Corporation announced in San Francisco, California, the launch of POLARA, a proven 32-bit solution for Windows NT, offering unprecedented operational control with complete freedom of choice for laboratory instruments.
POLARA has been developed and used extensively in-house by CRS to integrate laboratory automation systems for customers. In the past 18 months, POLARA has been successfully tested in more than fifteen demanding biotechnological and pharmaceutical laboratory applications worldwide.
For more information contact 905.332.2000 or access website at www.crsrobotics.com.
CRS AND PACKARD INSTRUMENT COMPANY ANNOUNCE LIFE SCIENCES TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION
CRS Robotics and Packard Instrument Company have agreed to establish a cooperative program to combine their respective technologies for automation of life science research applications.
The goal of the collaboration is to develop automated application solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets in areas such as genomics and drug metabolism based on Packard instruments and CRS laboratory automation software and robots.
The collaboration is designed to bring about software compatibility between CRS's POLARA software used worldwide for integrating laboratory automation systems and Packard's MultiPROBEII pipetting workstation.
The companies will announce specific application configuration as they are developed.
For more information on CRS Robotics contact 905.332.2000 or Packard Instrument Company 203.238.2351.
Elite Engineering Corporation
ELITE ENGINEERING RECEIVES ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION
Elite Engineering Corporation received ISO 9001 Certification. Headquartered in Newbury Park, CA, they have provided services to the medical and industrial markets—from product development and design, through contract manufacturing. For more information call 805.480.1161, or e-mail to
Zymark
PERKIN-ELMER'S TROPIX LABORATORY PERFORMS RECORD NUMBER OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCREENING ASSAYS
Tropix, a subsidiary of Perkin-Elmer, has validated its Allegro™ automation platform from Zymark Corporation by performing 96,000 pharmaceutical screening assays within a 24-hour period. During a single day, Tropix processed a record 1,000 96-well format microplates performing an advanced 15-step assay designed to screen for pharmaceutical candidates that inhibit src kinase activity.
Tropix expects to further increase its laboratory throughput when the Allegro system is expanded to handle up to 400,000 assays per day. The src kinase assay in this screen was designed under Tropix's Xtreme Screen™ program, utilizing the Company's proprietary adamantyl-dioxetane luminescence technology, which enables detection of biological substances at extremely low levels.
The Xtreme Screen™ program offers pharmaceutical customers high throughput drug discovery-screening services employing high-performance assays using the Company's technology. The sensitive kinase assays performed to reach this milestone were measured using two robotics-capable Tropix TR717™ microplate luminometers integrated into the Allegro™ automation platform.
For more information contact Tropix on their web site at http://www.tropix.com or Perkin-Elmer at http://www.perkin-elmer.com.
Abbott Laboratories
ABBOTT LABORATORIES ENTERS MID-TO HIGH-VOLUME CLINICAL CHEMISTRY MARKET WITH AEROSET™
Abbott Laboratories has launched Aeroset ™, a clinical chemistry analyzer designed for medium-to high-volume laboratories. Developed in partnership with Toshiba Corporation, Aeroset can process up to 2,000 tests pet hour.
Aeroset includes 56 on-board reagent positions plus three ISEs for a total of 59 applications. The system will feature a broad testing menu that will allow laboratories to consolidate testing from not only routine chemistry analyzers, but also from specialty analyzers that may be running 3–5 dedicated tests.
Other features include an on-board, cooled carousel sampler with dedicated stat positions, a permanent cuvette, two reagent supply areas, a modern systems control center and the FastTrack™ sampler across the front of the analyzer. The paired glass cuvettes, in addition to increasing the speed with which the Aeroset operates, help reduce laboratory costs by eliminating frequent cuvette changes. In addition, Aeroset has been designed with SmartWash™ cuvette management functions to ensure a thorough wash and a long cuvette life.
The reagent center features an open-code system that offers greater flexibility in assigning applications. Reagent cartridges feature two-dimensional reagent bar coding that can store up to six times more information than the traditional 1D bar code. This minimizes data handling and improves readability.
The system control center has a 17 inch color touchscreen with a Windows format, Multi-view screens and programmable auto start up that automates start up and maintenance procedures. The FastTrack sampler accommodates up to 40 carriers for 200-sample capacity and allows for continuous loading and unloading. The sampler holds 5, 7, and 10 ml tubes or cups.
Aeroset also features Integrated chip Technology ™ (ICT) for ISE testing. ICT performs up to 45,000 ISE tests on 15,000 samples, employing a discrete sampling process that eliminates the need for continuous pumping of fluids and supplies, reducing laboratory costs by eliminating waste. The self-contained unit requires no maintenance or troubleshooting.
For more information contact their web site at http://www.abbott.com.
Millipore
ZIPTIP™
It is now possible to desalt a few microliters of femtomole-level peptide in under 60 seconds with Millipore's new ZipTip™ pipette tips for sample preparation. ZipTipC18 is a 10 microliter pipette tip with 0.6 μl of C18 resin fixed at its end such that there is no dead volume. In operation, ZipTip is placed on a standard single or multi-channel pipettor. The sample is aspirated and dispensed through the resin to bind and wash peptides or small proteins. Elution is in 1–4 μl of acetonitrile/water. ZipTip is ideal for preparing samples for Mass Spectroscopy of other analytical techniques. Unlike other methods, ZipTip saves time by providing a fast, ready-to-use device for offline sample preparation.
For more information access web site at www.millipore.com.
IAI America Inc.
NEW CLASS 10 CLEANROOM OPTION FOR iH-SERIES SCARA ROBOTS
IAI America, Inc. has announced a new Class10 cleanroom option for its IH-Series SCARA robots. This latest improvement to the company's Intelligent Actuator™ brand of factory automation robots allows the IH-Series of SCARA robots to be used in semiconductor, medical and other applications where the number of particles generated by the robot must be kept to a minimum. The cleanroom option for IH-Series SCARA robots includes bellows, seals, low-outgassing lubricants, as well as an evacuation system used to purge the system of internally-generated particles.
The company's IH Series, SCARA robots are offered in four models: 500, 600, 700 and 800mm reaches and use AC Servo motors, absolute encoders, and harmonic drives. Specifications include a max speed of 4710mm/sec, a maximum payload of 4kg, and full path motion capability. SCARA robots are typically used in pick & place, dispensing, parts transfer, and loading and unloading applications.
The controller used to control both standard and Class-10 versions of the IH-Series SCARA robot is the company's SEL line of motion controllers. This controller utilizes an enhanced version of the company's existing SEL programming language. Intuitive, easy to use, and powerful, IAI's SEL language was specifically designed for use by non-programmers. Customers already familiar with the SEL language will be able to use this new product with ease.
For more information contact 800.736.1712, fax 310.320.3978 or access web site at www.iaiamerica.com.
Roche Diagnostics/Boehringer Mannheim Corporation
HOW DO YOU PROCESS 14,000 TUBES OF SAMPLES A DAY WITHOUT EXPOSING YOUR STAFF TO A DROP OF BLOOD?
How do you decap, sort and aliquot 14,000 tubes a day, run tests that range from simple blood chemistries to complex viral antibodies and get reliable results back to doctors within 24 hours? Kaiser Permanente Regional Laboratory in Northern California, did it by forming a strategic alliance with Roche Diagnostics (Boehringer Mannheim) to automate preanalytic and archiving processes.
The PSD1 and VS250 eliminate the most time-consuming, repetitive and hazardous steps in specimen handling—decapping, sorting, aliquoting and archiving. The PSD 1 and VS 250 are stand-alone, state-of-the-art laboratory automation systems. The PSD1 documents receipt of specimens in the lab, decaps sample tubes and automatically sorts up to 1,200 tubes per hour. It also prepares the tubes for the VS 250 aliquoter and archives completed samples. The VS 250 aliquoter performs necessary dilutions and sample splitting.
For more information contact 800.736.1712, fax 310.320.3978 or access web site at www.iaiamerica.com.
Roche Diagnostics
ROCHE HOLDS USERS GROUP MEETING
Roche Diagnostics is holding the first laboratory automation users group meeting in New York on November 17th. The number of laboratories that have purchased Roche automation systems have grown to a sufficient number to warrant a users group gathering to share data about laboratory efficiency, labor reductions, as well as throughput and quality improvements resulting from the use of Roche automation technologies.
Issues that will be discussed will be the current status of automation in the USA, the sudden surge in growth of point-of-care and its effect on automation, and whether laboratories will automate in a multivendor or single vendor direction. The users group meeting will be moderated by Robin Felder, Ph.D., President of the Association for Laboratory Automation.
For more information please contact Chris Demeris at Roche Diagnostics (
Spectrum Technologies Inc.
AUTOMATIC CAPPING AND UNCAPPING
Spectrum Technologies announces the addition of the new QAL family of automated dispensing units with fully automated capping and uncapping features. Dispense any multitude or volume of liquids, pipette, uncap, dispense and cap right away for aseptic procedures or just dispense and add caps… it is now as easy as pressing a button. Single or multiple rack systems available.
For more information contact 864.277.2455 or access website at www.spectrumtek.com.
Corning Incorporated
PCR PLATES AND SEALERS
Introducing 96 well and 384 well PCR plates in five new colors for efficient, high-throughput thermal cycling. The rigid plate design is ideal for robotic handling, and all plates are 100% integrity-tested to ensure quality and reliability. Plates are compatible with all major thermal cyclers, and feature uniform, thin walls which enable fast and consistent heat transfer. A wide skirt enables bar coding.
For oil-free sealing, Thermowell Sealing Mats are available for both 96-well and 384-well PCR plates and are easy to apply and remove. Fully autoclavable and reusable, the silicone rubber mats offer a cost effective alternative to other sealing options and provide 100% sealing when used in conjunction with clamp or screwdown heated lid thermal cyclers.
BLACK SPECIAL OPTICS PLATES AND 1536 WELL PLATES
Available soon from Corning, Inc., black special optics plates with ultra thin bottoms and ultra low background fluorescence, suited for fluorescent cell based assays — perfect for direct microscopic viewing and CCD camera-based detectors. Readability from either top or bottom also affords a unique advantage.
These plates allow numerous samples to be analyzed by high magnification, high sensitivity microscopy. The thinner plastic allows use of high magnification lenses with numerical apertures since these lenses have very short working distances. The new 1536 well plates from Corning represent the leading edge in assay miniaturization. Designed in collaboration with Pharmacopeia, Inc., Princeton, NJ, the length and width dimensions meet the proposed industry standard footprint.
Today, liquid dispensing can be accomplished through the use of a solenoid valve dispenser from Cartesian Technologies Inc., and detection results can be achieved through the use of field imagers and serial plate readers. New 1536 well plates from Coming will help save on reagent costs and will greatly increase throughput ability. The round wells with flat bottoms have a total well volume of 2 microliters and a working volume of 1 microliter. These plates are available in black, white, or clear polystyrene and are available tissue culture-treated for cell-based applications.
For more information contact 800.492.1110 or 978.635.2200, or e-mail:
PLATES FOR EVERY SETTING FROM CORNING
Corning offers a complete line of plates to meet all your application requirements such as: UV plates, EIA/RIA plates and strips, 96 and 384 well black and white clear bottom plates, 96 and 384 well solid black and white plates, 96 well solid black and white strips, 96 well half area plates, 1536 well plates, 96 and 384 well clear assay plates, 96 well polypropylene assay blocks, and 96 well polypropylene plates.
For further product information access website at www.scienceproducts.corning.com.
Rosys Anthos
CONTINUOUS SAMPLE ALIQUOTING FROM ROSYS ANTHOS
The new Plato Accessioner from Rosys Anthos is a fully automated multi-tipped sample processor which can be customized to perform sophisticated aliquoting routines.
Combining precision liquid handling with continuous operation, the Accessioner transfers samples from one primary tube to several secondary tubes or microplates. Unique or duplicate bar codes are automatically printed onto the secondary tubes or plates by an ink jet printer which is carried on the robotic arm.
Controlled by sophisticated software, the versatile system allows each sample to have a different ratio of primary to secondary tubes — a printed worklist advising the number of tubes or plates to be loaded into destination racks. The operator can add tubes at any time and completed racks are automatically pushed out of the work area to facilitate exchange without interrupting the workflow.
The bar-code of the rack indicates whether it contains samples or secondary tubes and the code on the secondary rack indicates the laboratory department or test procedure for which it is destined. An arm-mounted CCD camera reads the bar codes on the primary rack and verifies the codes on the secondary tubes.
Windows interface software runs on a dedicated PC and has two functions –controlling the Accessioner and interfacing with the host computer. The software controls pipetting, reading, printing bar-codes, robotic action, comprehensive error handling and user advice and information. A results file is sent back to the host when all samples from a worklist have been processed or when a run is terminated by the operator.
For more information contact Rosys Anthos at 302.326.0433 or fax 302.326.0492.
Organon Teknika
ORGANON TEKNIKA LAUNCHES AUTOMATED EXTRACTION SYSTEM
Organon Teknika reports that company scientists have developed a fully-automated system for the extraction of nucleic acid from human body fluid clinical samples.
Company officials say the Nuclisens™ Extractor is the first instrument in its category with complete contamination control during nucleic acid extraction, thus making it appropriate for the routine nucleic acid diagnostic lab. In addition, the Extractor allows sample volumes up to 2 ml, which could provide for sample pooling for nucleic acid amplification testing.
For more information call 31.411.654624 or e-mail address:
Packard Instrument Company
THE NEW MULTIPROBE® II BROCHURE FROM PACKARD INSTRUMENT COMPANY
Packard Instrument Company has released a new brochure on its latest robotic liquid handling system, the MultiPROBE II. The brochure highlights the automated solutions used to address trends toward assay miniaturization in today's laboratories. Described are the system's unique modular deck design, the exclusive VersaTip™ technology, sensitive liquid level sensing capabilities for volume ranges from milliliters to nanoliters, and the latest in liquid handling software, winPREP®. The MultiPROBE II's flexible deck layouts enable any methodology and capacity required. With the Expanded system, the researcher is able to incorporate peripheral equipment within the pipetting region such as thermocyclers, cooling/heating units, plate/tube shakers, vacuum manifolds, etc.
The WinPREP software, an applications program written under a Windows NT® operating system, provides ease of use with drag and drop simplicity, without sacrificing power and flexibility. Some of the many features made possible with this software are: a Labware Library that minimizes labware definitions, procedure templates for standard pipetting operatons, mapping of pipetting patterns, and flexible dilution capabilities. The MultiPROBE II provides application solutions in such areas as Solid Phase Extraction, re-assaying of compound hits, and automated DNA.
For more information call 800.323.1891, or 203.238.2351, or access website at http://www.packardinst.com.
Beckman Coulter
WALLACE H. COULTER, 1913 – 1998
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Wallace Henry Coulter, Co-Founder, Former Chairman and President of Coulter Corporation, on August 7, 1998 from along illness. He was 85 years old. He developed the Coulter Principle, which redefined and shaped the field of hematology and cellular biology.
NEW SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE INTEGRATES AUTOMATED LABORATORY SYSTEMS
SAGIAN™, a Beckman Coulter Company, has introduced SILAS™ software, an application-independent programming architecture for integrated laboratory automation systems. SILAS was previewed at Pittcon '98 under the name “ROME”. SILAS provides an easy-to-use messaging system with an ActiveX™ control.
SILAS allows software modules specific to functions such as device control, data management, or user interface to be coordinated through messages sent via a Router.
A convenient ‘System Registry’ enables the system engineer to define the connections among modules without reprogramming. This results in a system that is expandable, highly modular and easily customizable without comprising upgradeability.
For more information contact 800.742.2345 or 714.773.6707, or access website at www.beckmancoulter.com.
PLATE STORAGE STACKER CAROUSEL FOR THE MULTIMEK™ 96 AUTOMATED 96-CHANNEL PIPETTOR
Beckman Coulter, Inc. introduces the Multimek 96 Stacker carousel, providing external supply and storage of microplates and deep-well plates for the Multimek 96 Automated 96-Channel Pipettor. Ideal for applications involving reagent addition and plate replication, the Carousel increases walkaway automation.
The new Stacker Carousel is available in configurations for either the left or the right side of the multimek 96 worksurface. Up to two Carousels, each with as many as four Stackers, may be used on one instrument. Controlled by stacker Carousel Software, a shuttle mechanism moves the plates from the Stackers to the Multimek 96 worksurface. Three types of Stackers are available for the Carousel. The Stacker HD holds plates in a true “stack”, while the stacker 10 and Stacker 20 feature discrete shelves for the plates.
The stacker HD accommodates 45 microplates or 15 deep-well plates. The Stacker 10 accommodates 10 deep-well plates, square-well plates, reservoirs or microplates. The Stacker 20 accommodates 20 microplates.
For more information contact 800.742.2345 or 714.871.4848 or access website at www.beckmancoulter.com.
NEW OPTIMIZING SCHEDULING SOFTWARE MAKES ASSAY DEVELOPMENT EASY
SAGIAN™, a Beckman Coulter company, has introduced SAMI® NT software for automated systems. SAMI NT is a graphical assay development tool that provides a simple, icon-driven interface for automated laboratory systems.
Designed for laboratory method development, it combines an optimizing scheduler with a graphical interface for ease of use. SAMI NT is powered by SAGIAN's new SILAS™ software, which provides realtime communication for configuration and operation of automated stations on SAGIAN Core systems. The combination of SILAS and SAMI NT offers the ability to quickly and easily add stations to an automated system, and design, schedule and run an assay.
For more information contact 800.742.2345 or 714.871.4848 or access website at www.beckmancoulter.com.
NEW UNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR DNA AND RNA SYNTHESIS
Beckman Coulter, Inc. announces a new universal linker CPG (controlled pore glass) solid support system for DNA and RNA synthesis. This new support, ideal for high-throughput production facilities, uses a volatile, non-salt cleavage and deprotection reagent. It is the first universal support that does not require a secondary purification step to remove salt. The support expands the application of a single support from DNA and RNA to dual label probes, and beyond.
For more information contact 800.742.2345 or 714.871.4848 or access website at www.beckmancoulter.com.
TECAN
WORKSTATION CUSTOMIZED FOR MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
TECAN's GENESIS Workstation can be customized to make molecular biology applications such as DNA extraction, PCR or sequencing reaction preparation much faster and more economical.
The new; low volume option allows users to pipette reliably to 0.5 μl, which is proving invaluable for preparation of PCR reactions where reagents and DNA samples that are expensive or precious are used.
Users can tailor RSPs to their needs by adding Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) systems or magnetic bead holders, which allow automated DNA purification. The RoMa (Robotic Manipulator) arm moves microplates to systems such as magnetic holders, thermal cyclers or microplate storage hotels placed on, or around the worktable.
The GENESIS Workstation runs under a Windows™ NT-based operating system called Flexible Assay Composer and Task Scheduler (FACTS). This software allows users to run multiple batches of samples, because individual modules can be programmed to work simultaneously. For example, the pipetting arm can dispense reagents at the same time as the RoMa arm moves equipment such as plates, cartridges and disposable tip racks around the worktable.
FIVE NEW SYSTEMS AT MEDICA
If you manage automaton and cost effectiveness programmes in clinical or diagnostics laboratories you must visit Stand 3G 18 in hall 3, at Medica '98 and talk to TECAN. Their total automation solutions for infectious disease testing, front end sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction will help you save time and improve staff safety.
NEW GENESIS FE WORKCELLS
TECAN's GENESIS FE Workcell is a new system for front-end automation, based on the successful GENESIS Series. This system automates centrifugation, tube decapping, aliquoting, tube labelling and sorting in minimum laboratory space.
MINISWIFT — BLOOD BANK MICROPLATE PROCESSOR
MiniSwift, developed from the successful Minilyser microplate processor range, is specially designed for use in blood banks. It cuts the time necessary to run a typical blood bank profile in half. Once loaded, MiniSwift pipettes, washes, incubates and reads plates, handling up to a maximum of four microplates per run, without any user intervention.
INTRODUCING POLARION
POLARION is a new high performance, fully automated microplate reader for fluorescence polarization and standard fluorescence, which offers outstanding sensitivity and rapid reading of microplates with up to 384-wells. Measurement modes are simply selected by a mouse click.
Software controlled optical filter handling and front loading filters make POLARION easy-to-use. In addition, thermal incubation and plate-shaking are standard features. POLARIAN can be used in applications such as DNA-protein binding studies, antibody-antigen interactions, DNA hybridization or receptor-ligand studies.
NEW GENESIS WORKSTATIONS
Clinical laboratories that want to increase throughput of nucleic acid extraction from cells or purification of DNA from PCR reactions, should take a look at TECAN's new GENESIS Molecular Biology and SPE Workstations. These Workstations feature magnetic bead separation or positive/negative pressure systems, which make manual cell isolation and nucleic acid extraction a ting of the past.
NEW DISPOSABLE TIPS FOR LOW VOLUME PIPETTING
Take a look at TECAN's new disposable tip (DiTi) low volume pipetting option, on show for the first time. Capable of handling volumes down to 1.0
For more information on TECAN products, contact +41.55.254 81 11 or e-mail:
FUJIFILM
NEW ADDITION TO FUJIFILM'S BIO-IMAGING ANALYZER LINE-UO
The Science Systems Group of Fuji Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. presents the latest in their popular series of Bio-Imaging Analyzer Systems (BAS). The Fujifilm BAS-1800 rakes up less space in the laboratory, yet the new system maintains the same high level of quantitative accuracy, resolution and linearity of data for which Fujifilm, the pioneer of Imaging Plate (IP) analyzers, is known. The BAS-1800 is the ideal scanner for general molecular biology.
IMAGING PLATE TECHNOLOGY
A Fujifilm Imaging Plate (IP) is composed of a photostimulable phosphor layer (BaFX: Eu) and a flexible substrate that is at least 100x more sensitive than the X-ray film it replaces. IP's reduce exposure time greatly while increasing accuracy.
NEW FLA-2000 CAPTURES FLUORESCENT IMAGES WITH HIGH SENSITIVITY AND PERFORMANCE
The Science Systems Group of Fuji Medical System U.S.A., Inc. presents their new fluorescent image analyzer — the Fujifilm FLA-2000 — which fulfills a variety of radioactive and non-radioactive research applications. The FLA-2000 is designed to meet the demands of todays multidisciplinary laboratories. It captures fluorescent images at high sensitivity and with high resolution in a variety of applications such as SYBR® Green I staining of DNA gels, SYPRO® Orange staining of protein gels, and analysis of high density arrays.
Fujifilm's new instrument incorporates new semiconductor laser technology and a patented Secondary Harmonic Generation (SHG) assembly as part of the analyzer. The FLA-2000 is also equipped to handle applications such as autoradiography and dosimetry in the field of environmental monitoring. It scans a 20cm × 40cm area at 50 micron in just six minutes, leaving the researcher more time for scientific analysis and experimentation and less time waiting to access data.
For more information contact 800.431.1850 x:2649.
Robotics Industries Association
NEW ROBOTICS MARKET STUDY SEES SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY
A study entitled “Market Assessment of Current and Expected Robotics Usage” focuses on the use of robots in five major industries: aerospace, appliance, automotive, electronics, and food and beverage. The in-depth study is commissioned by Robotic Industries Association and conducted by Ducker Research Company, Inc. Among the study's key finding are:
Manufacturers in all markets are interested in complete process integration, which will drive the demand for PC-controlled robotics automation.
Users will continue pushing the robotics industry to provide standard control interfaces.
The use of robots in the food and beverage industry should grow 25–30 percent for the next two years.
Robot use should continue to grow in the automotive industry, even if there is a slowdown in vehicle demand, since the need for increased manufacturing efficiency is resulting in the move away from hard automation in favor of flexible automation.
A huge opportunity exists for the use of robots in semiconductor manufacturing, as that industry moves toward new 300mm wafer fabrication facilities.
For further information contact 734.994.6088 or e-mail:
LabVantage Solutions
LABVANTAGE SOLUTIONS OFFERS NEW CORPORATE BROCHURE, INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PRODUCT BRIEFS AND MULTIMEDIA CD
The new corporate brochure covers information on LVS's background, mission, services and product strategy, and will solidify the LVS mission and position within the lab automation marketplace. The new product briefs cover the chemical, oil and gas, food and beverage, process, pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic, physical testing and research and development industries. Each brief details the benefits that the LMS offers that specific industry.
For more information contact 908.707.4100 or e-mail
Intelligent Medical Imaging Inc.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION CLEARANCE RECEIVED FOR URINE SEDIMENT ANALYSIS
Intelligent Medical Imaging Inc., the developer and marketer of the MICRO21™ System, an intelligent, automated miroscope system for diagnostic use in hospitals, commercial reference, physician group practice laboratories and pharmaceutical and veterinary laboratories announce that it has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Urine Sediment Analysis.
The company intends to integrate the software developed for the Urine Sediment Analysis into the MICRO21 system for commercial application and distribution in the first quarter of 1999.
MICRO21 with Urine Sediment Analysis is a laboratory instrument for locating, digitally storing and displaying microscopic fields of view from urine sediments in a urine slide for examination by a qualified individual for use in reporting a urine microscopic result.
The clearance to market this procedure now gives the MICRO21 system a total of ten applications that assist laboratory personnel in automating a range of commonly performed microscopic procedures including White Blood Cell Differential Analysis, WBC Morphology, Red Blood cell Morphology, Platelet Estimates, Reticulocyte Count, ANA Analysis, nDNA Analysis, Cerebrospinal Fluid, WBC Estimate and Urine Sediment Analysis.
For further information fax 800-PRO-INFO and enter code #259.
Abbott and Tecan
ABBOTT AND TECAN ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE IN FRONT-END AUTOMATION
Abbott Laboratories and TECAN today announced an alliance covering the marketing and sales of TECAN-manufactured front-end automation systems. These systems will work synergistically with Abbott's existing immunodiagnostic, clinical chemistry and hematology instruments to help increase the efficiency of clinical laboratories. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The long-term strategic marketing alliance, exclusive on a worldwide basis, will result in two products, to be called Genesis™ FE500 and Genesis™ FE1500, both designed for medium-to high-volume hospital and reference laboratories. The front-end products automate sorting, centrifuging, decapping, aliquoting, bar-code labeling and racking of samples.
Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will provide marketing and technical assistance to TECAN for the development of the front-end systems. TECAN will be responsible for manufacturing, distribution, technical support and service of the instruments. The Genesis FE systems, which will be distributed worldwide, complement Abbott's existing product line, including its AxSYM™ and ARCHITECT™ immunodiagnostic systems, Aeroset™ clinical chemistry instrument, and the Cell-Dyn™ hematology products.
TECAN will also be able to sell the instruments directly to customers through its own sales network.
“TECAN's outstanding technical expertise, worldwide distribution channels and service and support network made it the natural choice for Abbott to partner with,” said Thomas D. Brown, senior vice president, diagnostic operations. “With this agreement, Abbott strengthens its position as a single source for world class products and laboratory solutions.”“The strategic alliance with Abbott will ensure extensive sales and marketing coverage with a worldwide leader in diagnostic testing,” said Gottlieb Knoch, CEO, TECAN AG. “It will also strengthen TECAN's commitment to the diagnostic market and position the company as a leader in front-end automation as new technologies emerge.”
TECAN, founded in 1980 in Hombrechtikon, Switzerland, is a leader in microplate products, liquid handling products, robotic systems and parallel synthesis automation. Through the acquisition of SLT (Salzburg, Austria) in 1988 and CAVRO (Sunnyvale, Calif.), TECAN provides a large portfolio of instruments under the TECAN and CAVRO brand names.
Abbott Laboratories is a global, diversified health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutritional and hospital products. The company employs 54,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. In 1997, the company's sales and net earnings were $11.9 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, with basic earnings per share of $1.36 and diluted earnings per share of $1.34.