Method for separating viscous materials suspended from a pipette
US8309036B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2300/021
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element. A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.