Solentim Limited

Genetix Corporation

David Elverd

Aaron Figg

James Keith Haslam

Trevor Ruddock

At least first and second digital images of the sample are acquired having different focal heights relative to a platform on which the cells are disposed. A contrast matrix is produced having elements computed in dependence upon the difference between the values of the corresponding pixels in the first and second images. A phase matrix is produced by convolution of the contrast matrix with a predetermined distance matrix. The phase matrix is used to assess characteristics of the sample, such as the presence of cells in the sample or the heights of cells in the sample.

Method of and apparatus for analysis of a sample of biological tissue cells

A high throughput microarraying or colony picking robot with an automatic mechanism for exchanging pin heads and an automated washing and drying apparatus. The robot allows a dirty pin head to be deposited on the automated washing and drying apparatus for cleaning without use of the xyz-positioner, while spotting or picking can continue by picking up a clean pin head without having to wait for the dirty pin head to be cleaned. In this way, the speed of operation can be increased without any increase in the acceleration or speed of the x-, y- and z-drives. The dead time normally associated with the washing and drying cycle, which is usually several minutes, is therefore eliminated, and replaced with the much shorter dead time, of only a few tens of seconds, needed for changing between heads.

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Bournemouth, United Kingdom

David Elverd