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Jana Oak, Beckman Coulter, Inc.
There are several types of pin tool options available on Beckman Coulter Biomek Laboratory Automation Workstations. The mounted pin tools are one type that work by mounting onto the multichannel pod as a separate head type and utilizing the High-Density Replication steps palette for Transfer, Combine, Clean, and Move Labware steps. Of these mounted pin tools, there are the standard Beckman Coulter, Inc. High-Density Replication Tool and the V&P Mounted Pin Tool options available. The standard Beckman Coulter, Inc. HDR Tool is available in both the 96- and 384-pin for the Biomek 2000, 3000, and FX Workstations. It is a standard feature with software version 3.x and available as an additional option with software version 2.5. The HDR Tool allows the use of a framing adaptor to frame deck positions without removing the head from the multichannel pod and uses the shuck plate to settle the pins. Additional instructions may be found in Chapter 19, "Using the HDR Step Palette", of the Biomek Software Manual. The HDR Tool is currently not available on the Biomek NX Workstation. V&P is a company specializing in pins and pin tools, selected by customers for these custom integrations. The 384-pin has been tested on the Biomek FX version 3.2 in a custom integration for Scripps Research Institute. It is also available on the Biomek NX with multichannel pod. The V&P Mounted Pin Tool integration is only available through Integrated Solutions. With the Z-axis clearance less than the standard HDR tool and positions requiring manual framing, the permanent tool is not a recommended solution. Another type of pin tool option is the V&P Grippable Pin Tool where the pin tool is modeled as a custom labware type, separate from the multichannel pod itself. The pin tool is gripped when being used and placed in the Pin Tool Dock when not being used. Custom steps are utilized, with similar Transfer, Combine, Wash steps, and additional Load and Unload steps, and the Move Labware step no longer applicable.
This type of pin tool option is also available in two forms as the V&P Grippable Pin Tool and the V&P Magnetically Grippable Pin Tool.The V&P Grippable Pin Tool utilizes grippers and is only recommended at this time on the Biomek NX Span-8, which has been tested on a custom integration for Rothamsted with the 96-pin. This pin tool does not have sufficient Z-axis clearance with the multichannel pod, and does not allow span mandrels to be used while holding the tool. Light-curtain violations will also cause the gripper to relax.
The V&P Magnetically Grippable Pin Tool is a recommended solution for all workstations with multichannel pods, and has been tested on a custom integration for Kalypsis, with the 384-pin on the Biomek FX version 2.5e. The pin tool attaches to the multichannel pod by magnets and unloads the pin tool by shucking with the shuck plate of the multichannel pod, while combining both Z- and D-axis movements for smooth unloading/loading action. This magnetic solution hits 1536-wells with 384-pins. The Enqueue-time collision detection software feature enables collision detection and avoidance, and comes in handy in its tight Z-axis clearance utilizing the standard ALP and Tip Box. Please contact your local Beckman Coulter representative for additional information and availability about the High-Density Replication Tool and V&P Grippable Pin Tools. For Research Use Only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Additional Information:
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