Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses that improve the flatness of the microplates. In some embodiments, a pair of opposing channels that extends along a length of a rigid member is used to retain the microplate on the rigid member and to impart a level of flatness of at least a predetermined value. In some embodiments, one or more rigid framing members each having a channel therein are disposed along the edges of a microplate and impart a level of flatness of at least a predetermined value to the microplate. In some embodiments, a method of flattening the microplate comprises securing the microplate to a rigid member so the microplate has a flatness of at least a predetermined value and maintaining the microplate secured to the rigid member during a subsequent spotting or filling operation.
Abstract:
A rotatable sample disk configured for samples of biological material. The sample disk may include a fill chamber for storing a first biological material, a plurality of first sample chambers positioned in the sample disk farther from the rotational axis of the sample disk than the fill chamber, a plurality of second sample chambers, and a plurality of circumferential fill channels. Each of the second sample chambers may be configured to permit fluid communication with a respective first sample chamber. The plurality of circumferential fill conduits may be configured to permit transfer of the first biological material from the fill chamber to the plurality of first sample chambers upon a first rotation of the sample disk about the rotational axis. Methods of loading a plurality of sample chambers in a sample disk are also provided.
Abstract:
A microplate having a main body portion. The main body portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a groove disposed about the first surface of the main body portion. The groove separates the main body portion into an inboard section and an outboard section. A plurality of wells are formed in the inboard section of the first surface and each of the plurality of wells being sized to receive an assay therein.
Abstract:
An automated seal applicator for applying a sealing cover to a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells for receiving an assay. The automated seal applicator can comprise a housing and a sealing cover cartridge containing a sealing cover releasably carried on a carrier liner. The sealing cover can be at least partially contained within the sealing cover cartridge. A sealing cover drive system can engage the sealing cover and/or the carrier liner and maintain a predetermined alignment of the sealing cover relative to the microplate.
Abstract:
An seal applicator for applying a sealing cover to a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells for receiving an assay. The seal applicator can comprise a housing containing a sealing cover roll. The sealing cover roll can comprise an elongated carrier liner and a plurality of individual sealing covers releasably carried on the elongated carrier liner. The seal applicator can further comprise a plane assembly supporting the elongated carrier liner and a drive roller assembly engaging the elongated carrier liner. The drive roller assembly can selectively drive the carrier liner.
Abstract:
A worklight with a detent mechanism for aiming the worklight head in a direction of the user's choice. The detent mechanism is operatively associated with an individual worklight head and defines a plurality of fixed detent positions disposed to maintain the head in a plurality of angular dispositions corresponding to different angles of rotation about an axis. The head is movable between the fixed detent positions for aiming in a desired direction, the detent mechanism being biased to maintain the head in the fixed detent positions at the desired angular disposition against the weight of the head itself, the pull of the electrical cord, and in those cases where the head gets hot, against the tendency of the head to droop under the action of heat and thereby to prevent unintentional shifting of the head during use.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an optical detection system for a thermal cycling device including at least one light source, a light detection device for detecting light received from a plurality of biological samples, and a lens having first and second surfaces formed on the lens, the second surface substantially opposed to the first surface. The first surface may be configured to collimate light and the second surface may be configured to direct light into each of the plurality of biological samples.
Abstract:
A sealing cover roll for use in sealing a microplate comprising an elongated carrier liner having a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of sealing covers are releasably carried on the first surface of the elongated carrier liner. Each of the plurality of sealing covers comprises a base stock and an adhesive. The adhesive is operable to retain the base stock to the elongated carrier liner and permit release of the base stock and the adhesive from the elongated carrier liner. A roll core supports a rolled configuration of the elongated carrier liner such that the first surface of the elongated carrier liner faces toward the roll core when rolled.
Abstract:
A sample preparation system for preparing a biological sample for testing is provided. The preparation system may include a sample preparation chamber including a biological sample, a waste collection chamber for storing waste liquid, a sample substrate, and a fluid management module. The fluid management module may be configured to selectively connect between two of the sample preparation chamber, the waste collection chamber, and the sample substrate in fluid communication. Methods of filling a sample substrate with a biological sample are also provided.
Abstract:
A method for simultaneously determining a genetic expression profile for an individual member of a species relative to an entire standard genome for the species. The method can comprise distributing a liquid sample into an array of reaction chambers of a substrate. The array can comprise a primer set and a probe for each polynucleotide target along the entire standard genome. The liquid sample can comprise substantially all genetic material of the member. Each of the reaction chambers can comprise the primer set and the probe for at least one of the polynucleotide targets and a polymerase. The method can further comprise amplifying the liquid sample in the array, detecting a signal emitted by at least one of the probes, and identifying the genetic expression profile in response to the signal.