Contamination control for liquid handling

US8939364B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED · US
• STRATEC Biomedical AG · DE

Inventors

• Craig B. Clark · San Diego, US
• John M. Gilker · San Diego, US
• Norbert D. Hagen · Carlsbad, US
• Tom R. Horn · San Diego, US
• Byron J. Knight · San Diego, US
• David Opalsky · San Diego, US
• Jason F. Rhubottom · Oceanside, US
• Waldemar Lukhaub · Lambach, DE
• Olaf Hörger · Steinach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 17, 2010
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2300/021
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A structure (10) for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover (40) 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 When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism.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 (44) adjacent each opening (42) 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for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle.