1. •“What is the operating system?”
   

The Nova CCS software is C# (‘C-Sharp’) which can be integrated into the customer’s database system. See “Newsletter” for more information on the software capabilities.

1. •"Do the compounds have to be transferred into special 'source' and 'destination' containers before collecting?"
   

No! No need to modify existing containers. Adaptable to any type of standard lab vial or tube. Collects precise amounts of powdered compounds from any type of source container and transfers it into any type of receiving vessel.

1. •"How long does the collection and dispensing take?"
   

The actual collection takes only seconds. The entire process is limited only by the time it requires to handle the containers. The basic single robot system can complete the entire process in approximately 5-6 minutes depending upon tolerances and number of collection attempts required to complete the transfer. With the dual robot using machine vision, the process can be reduced to less than 3 minutes start to finish. With the use of the vision system, the time cost of collection attempts is virtually eliminated.

1. •"Which physical/chemical properties do compounds have to possess in order to make the technique applicable?"
   

According to the latest information that we have gathered the only property restrictions are:

1. ◦The compound should have the low moisture content typically found in stored powders,
   

2. ◦The compounds cannot be metallic, and
   

3. ◦Crystals should not exceed 2.0 mg each in weight.
   

We have conducted successful tests with many different compounds and chemicals. In the event the Nova CCSTM  encounters a problem with a compound, the software system is programmed to insert a ‘flag’ in the output file that will alert the operator.

1. •"How do you avoid cross-contamination as some powder may be left on the pin after dispensing the powder?" 
   

The Nova CCSTM  system uses a new clean pin for each individual compound. The used pin is automatically disposed in a ‘sharps’ container below the deck and a new, clean pin is cut and inserted, thereby eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination.

1. •"What is the min/max amount that can be transferred?  If I want to dispense more than the maximum amount that can be transferred in one step, can multiple dispensing be made to the same container?"
   

We have collected quantities as small as 0.2 mg up to 20 mg. And yes, as demonstrated in the video, the system’s software is programmed to repeat the collection process until the desired amount has been collected.

1. •“How many source vials and destination vials can you load on the platform?”
   

The system can have hotels, stackers or just a large deck area. This design is very expandable and is ready to interface with even the most complex compound management setup.

1. •“Is it necessary to determine/set any powder parameters before you can start dispensing?”
   

The only physical properties that must be pre-determined are that crystals should be no greater than approximately 2.0 mg in weight and that the material is not a gum, liquid or solid.

1. •“Does the Nova Technology adversely effect the integrity of the compound?”
   

Extensive independant HPLC, UHPLC and Mass Spec testing results confirm there are no alterations or damage to the structures of the compounds.

1. •“What about when there is only a very small amount of compound in the source container, for example less than 5.0 mg?”
   

When the level of compound that is present in a vial or tube is determined by the system to be small, the program will direct the robot to manipulate the vial (e.g. shaking, rotating) so the collector pin can come in contact with the compound.

1. •“Does static electricity adversely affect the collection process?”
   

Quite the opposite as the Nova Technology is based upon principles of Static Electricity. We have found that the more staticky the environment the better the Nova Technology works. If compounds are effected by a staticky environment they will be more easily collected with the Nova Technology.

1. •“How does automation attain more accurate weights?”
   

De-ionization is extremely important to accurate scale weights. Weighing stations can be equiped with the latest technology to fight static electricity but for that technology to reduce the static electricity effect, personnel must follow strict protocols. Protocols which in a production setting can be tedious and time consuming, circumstances combines with job performance pressures can lead to short cuts or step elimination. Automation eliminates short cuts and step elimination.

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Nova CCS™  Frequently Asked Questions