System for Automating Laboratory Experiments

Abstract

An adapter and systems using multiple such adapters are disclosed. The adapter includes a controller and a top surface having a display area and a component area adapted to receive a component. The display area displays an image determined by the controller, the image providing information about the component. In one aspect of the invention, the top surface includes a computer display screen that can also be a touch enabled screen. The adapters can be used with a plurality of different components and are reusable. The computer display screen can include a detent mechanism for positioning the component. The controller can determine an identity, a location, an orientation for the component based on a touch pattern on the touch enabled computer screen. The adapter can also include a sensor measuring a property of the component such as the temperature or weight of the component.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.