• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    SAMPLE HANDLING SYSTEM. The present invention relates to a sample handling system for handling samples contained in tubes (4), in which each tube (4) has a hollow body, a closed bottom and an open top to access the sample contained in the tube (4). The system comprises a microplate (1) comprising a grid insert (2) that has a plurality of compartments. Each compartment comprises one or more side walls adjoining a through hole laterally to receive said tube (4). The through hole has an upper and lower opening and extends between the upper and lower opening. A frame (3) to which a separate grid insert (2) must be attached to form the microplate (1). The frame (3) laterally abuts a through opening that is dimensioned to allow access to each compartment (21) of at least one grid insert (2) fixed from top to bottom and from bottom to top. This allows the tube (4) to move in and out of each compartment (21) through each one between the upper opening (202) and the lower opening (203) of the through hole (201).
    公开号:BR112014018652B1
    申请号:R112014018652-9
    申请日:2013-02-01
    公开日:2020-11-24
    发明作者:Christof Fattinger；Tom Kissling；Thomas Zumstein
    申请人:F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [0001] The present invention relates to a sample handling system according to the independent claim.
    [0002] [0002] It is well known to use sample manipulation systems to store and retrieve large numbers of samples in automated sample libraries. A sample can be, for example, a chemical or biochemical compound in an aliquot and / or diluted solvent in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or a biological sample, and the libraries of these samples are contained in a frozen state in a cold, damp room controlled in freezers at -20 ° C or -80 ° C. The samples recovered from the cold room can then, after thawing, be used directly for the selection of high yield (HTS) of the substances as to their activity on specific biological targets of interest, or for biological studies or tests, since this may be performed in the drug discovery process.
    [0003] [0003] Such a compound handling system that has the ability to handle a multitude of chemical or biological samples is known from US patent 6,827,907 B2 and comprises a one-piece storage plate that has an arrangement of grid type of partition walls that define 384 rectangular storage compartments. The 384 storage compartments are configured and sized to contain a corresponding number of microtubes. The storage compartments are opened at the top and bottom to form through holes to receive the microtubes. After filling the samples in the microtubes, all microtubes arranged in the compartments of the storage plate are covered with a sealing sheet which is then sealed on the upper edges of the microtubes. Then, the sheet is perforated around the microtubes in order to remove the parts of the sheet arranged in the space between the microtubes to make all 384 microtubes individually accessible. In order to allow the recovery and processing of subsets of individually composed compounds from the large sample libraries, the respective samples are pushed from the storage compartments of the respective storage plates through their open bottom to the compartments of an application plate arranged below of the storage plate, so that the application plate then comprises the respective individually composed composite subset.
    [0004] [0004] Taking into account the fact that such composite libraries can comprise up to several million individual samples, known sample handling systems suffer from the disadvantage that, due to the corresponding large number of storage plates, much storage space is required in the cold room. Due to the standardization of microplates, the outer dimensions of the storage plates cannot be changed. Therefore, it is not possible to increase the number of storage compartments in the microplates by increasing the outer dimensions of the microplates. Increasing the number of individual compartments on microplates with standardized outer dimensions by simply reducing the dimensions of the individual grid compartments can lead to compartments limited by the side walls that have a wall thickness that may be too small to provide a mechanically stable support for the tubes on the microplate. For example, if the capacity of conventional tube microplates with 384 compartments (16 x 24) is to be increased, a microplate that has increased capacity while maintaining the area where the compartments for receiving the tubes are arranged and while maintaining the arrangement of the compartments you need 1536 compartments ([2 x 16] x [2 x 24] = 1536). This should result in a tube microplate that has too small a wall thickness to provide adequate support for the tubes to be received in the compartments and for the medium to pierce the tubes through the open bottom of the storage plate compartments to corresponding compartments of an application board (see above).
    [0005] [0005] Another problem connected with the "size reduction" of individual microplate compartments with standardized outer dimensions is related to the manufacture of such microplates, since the microplates are typically injection molded from an appropriate molding material ( for example, an injection moldable plastic). The reduced thickness of the side walls of the compartments can then no longer be reliably manufactured by injection molding, since the injection moldable material cannot be reliably injected into the very small spaces of the mold that correspond to the side walls of the thickness reduced wall (from a 1536-compartment tube microplate). On the other hand, the manufacture of microplates by injection molding is important, since injection molding is a manufacturing technique that is very reliable and economical with respect to mass manufacturing. In this regard, the fact that large numbers of microplates are required for compound libraries must be taken into account.
    [0006] [0006] Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a sample handling system that overcomes or reduces at least the above mentioned disadvantages of prior art systems. In addition, the sample handling system will be suitable for conventional manufacturing when using injection molding techniques.
    [0007] [0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a sample handling system as characterized by the characteristics of the independent claim. The advantageous aspects of the sample handling system according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
    [0008] [0008] In particular, the invention relates to a sample handling system for handling samples contained in tubes, in which each tube has a hollow body, a closed bottom and an open top to access the sample contained in the tube. The sample handling system includes a microplate that comprises at least one separate grid insert that has a plurality of compartments. Each compartment comprises one or more side walls that laterally confines a through hole. The through hole has an upper and lower opening and extends between the upper and lower opening. The microplate also comprises a frame to which at least one separate grid insert must be attached to form the microplate. The frame laterally abuts a through opening that is dimensioned to allow access to each compartment of at least one grid insert from top to bottom and from bottom to top, and to allow movement of such tube in and out of each compartment through each one between the upper opening and the lower opening of the through hole.
    [0009] [0009] The sample handling system therefore comprises a separate grid insert that can be attached (and preferably also detached) to the frame. This has a plurality of advantages. Greater storage capacity in a cold room comprising freezers of a certain size can be achieved because the effective storage volume required for the same number of tubes is reduced, since the storage of the grid inserts with the tubes only, that is, without the frame, it requires less space. Or, in other words, the number of samples that can be stored in a cold room that comprises freezers of a certain size is increased.
    [0010] [00010] Each sample tube is stored in a grid insert in an individual compartment. Each compartment has one or more side walls that laterally confine a through hole. The through hole has an upper and lower opening and extends between the upper and lower opening. Depending on the length of the tube, the tube is either received completely in the compartment or extends out of the compartment through at least one of the upper or lower opening. The through hole preferably has a constant cross section along its length and in any event allows the pipe to move through the compartment and outside the compartment through the upper opening as well as through the lower opening of the through hole. Preferably, the frame includes at least one grid insert only laterally. For example, the inner walls of the frame abut a single through opening through which each compartment of the joined grid insert is accessible. Preferably, the only through opening is dimensioned to have a shape and a size that allow to accommodate at least some of the outer walls of the grid insert. In particular, the frame enclosing one or more of such separate grid inserts on the side walls only allows access to at least one or more grid inserts from top to bottom and from bottom to top. In this way, the tubes can be moved in and out of each compartment through the upper opening of the respective respective compartment and through the lower opening of the respective compartment. For example, access to one or more grid inserts includes arranging the compartments of another grid insert (or another microplate) above or below a grid insert in order to align the compartments of the other arranged grid insert above or below a grid insert with the compartments of a grid insert. The tubes can then be drilled out of a compartment of one grid insert into the compartments of the other grid insert (or a target microplate) in a transfer process to selectively recover the samples contained in the tubes. The accessibility of the compartments of a grid insert from top to bottom and from bottom to top allows the use of a drilling means that pierces the tubes of the individual compartments of the grid insert or a retention means to grab and hold the tubes. The frame of the microplate can in principle be of any contour, but in a preferred embodiment the frame has a lateral contour that has the dimensions of a standard microplate. The dimensions of such standard microplates are preferably in accordance with ANSI / SBS (American National Standards Institute / Society for Biomolecular Screening) standards and are well known to those skilled in the art (ANSI / SBS 1-2004). The standard dimensions of such standard microplates are 127.76 mm x 85.48 mm (about 5.03 inches x 3.37 inches). Microplates with such a contour are advantageous, since they allow the manipulation of microplates with the equipment available for handling standard microplates. The grid insert or separate grid inserts can be attached to the frame permanently or not permanently. A permanent fixation of the separate grid insert to the frame can be of advantage if the frame and grid insert are to be discarded after use, so that there is no need to detach the grid insert after using the frame. A non-permanent attachment of the grid-type insert to the frame allows the grid insert to be detached from the frame. The possibility of detaching the grid insert from the frame allows, for example, the transfer of the separate grid insert from one frame to another frame during the sample handling process, or the transfer of the grid insert back to the freezer in the room cold. Typically, samples are contained in the tubes in quantities of 20 μl to 100 μΙ, in a particular example in quantities of 22 μΙ, 26 μΙ or 80 μΙ. "Sample handling" includes any type of manipulation, but includes in particular obtaining aliquots from a sample contained in a tube, sealing the tubes, retrieving the tubes from a freezer in a cold room and transferring the tubes from back to the freezer, transferring the tubes from a storage plate to an application plate and the application tubes arranged on the application plate. An additional advantage is obtained by the separate production of the frame and the grid insert. Although the frame is formed of elements that have a larger volume (for example, the comparatively solid side walls) the elements of the grid are of small volume (for example, the comparatively thin side walls that confine the compartment). When injection molding techniques are used, the quality of the molds produced can be improved if the elements of a mold to be produced are of similar volume. In this way, by separating the grid insert and the frame, the quality of these injection molded parts can be improved.
    [0011] [00011] According to an aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the frame or the separate grid insert or both comprise fixing elements for securely securing the grid insert to the frame. Although in general the fixing of the separate grid insert to the frame can be achieved with the help of separate fixing elements, for example, locking elements such as brackets or clips, preferably the fixing elements are provided when inserting separate grid or frame instead of separate elements. The fixation can be obtained by means of a locking coupling in the form of the grid insert and the frame (or parts of them) or it can be obtained by means of a friction adjustment. Alternatively or in addition, specific fastening elements can be formed in the frame and the grid insert in such a way that the grid insert is attached to the frame permanently or semi-permanently. For example, the fasteners can form a pressure fitting or a compression fitting to form a detachable connection between the grid insert and the frame.
    [0012] [00012] In accordance with an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the fasteners for securely securing the separate grid insert to the frame comprise one or more protuberances arranged in a resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame and one or more recesses arranged in a portion of the outer wall of the grid insert. One or more protrusions engage lockably with one or more recesses when the grid insert is inserted into the frame from the bottom up. The number of protrusions corresponding to the number of recesses can be, for example, eight so that two protrusions are arranged on each side on the inner wall of the frame and two corresponding recesses are formed on each side on the external wall of the grid insert to obtain secure fit of the grid insert into the frame. For the coupling of the protrusion into the recess, the resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame allows elastic deformation in order to move the protuberance from a first position where the grid insert can be inserted into the frame to a second position where the protuberance acts. -Place in the recess and lock the grid insert in the frame. The introduction of the grid insert in the frame from the bottom upwards in particular allows the locking of a single grid insert as well as a stack of grid inserts in a similar manner, as will be described below.
    [0013] [00013] According to a further aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the separate grid insert comprises stacking elements to connect to the grid insert at least one other separate grid insert to form a stack of the connected grid inserts that are arranged on top of each other. The stacking elements comprise at least one resilient locking member extending downwards beyond the respective grid insert and at least one notch arranged to lockably receive the resilient locking member of the arranged grid insert above the stack grid. To further increase the storage capacity of the sample handling system according to the invention, more than one grid insert can be stored in a stack of grid inserts. This allows for the storage of an even greater number of tubes in a microplate with two or more tubes being stored in a longitudinally aligned manner on top of each other in the microplate which then comprises the stack of grid inserts attached to the frame. The grid inserts stacked in such a way are of reduced height in comparison to the standard microplate grids in order to be suitable to accommodate the tubes of reduced length. This allows for the storage of a larger number of smaller tubes in a given storage space compared to the storage of the state of the art tubes in standard microplates. For example, if a standard microplate grid comprises 96 compartments, the stack comprises a multiple of an integer to arrange the grid inserts in a stack, and the grid inserts are connected successively so that they are arranged one on top of the other. another in such a way that each subsequent grid insert is connected to that grid insert that was previously joined to the stack. To form such a connection, the stacking elements of the respective grid insert comprise a resilient locking member that extends downwards beyond the respective grid insert to be able to be locked in a notch of the arranged grid insert immediately below.
    [0014] [00014] Advantageously, the stack of grid inserts is joined to the frame by the fixing elements of the frame and the highest grid insert in the stack. The use of fasteners of the highest grid insert in the stack allows the stack to be joined in the same way that a single grid insert is attached to the frame, so that no additional fasteners are required to join the stack of grid inserts. to the frame. An additional advantage is related to the number of grid inserts that make up the stack. Additional grid inserts can be attached to the frame simply by joining them to the lowest grid insert in the stack, the topmost grid insert of which is already attached to the frame. Therefore, this attachment of other bottom-up grid inserts can be performed without the need to change the attachment of the topmost grid insert of the stack which is the only grid insert of the stack that is attached to the frame.
    [0015] [00015] In this way, the compartments of the stack grid inserts are coupled to form a common through hole through which a tube is movable. The stacked grid inserts are arranged on top of each other in such a way that the respective side walls of each compartment are aligned to allow a tube to be reversibly transferred from one compartment to the coupling compartment of the adjacent grid insert. Such a transfer can be carried out simply by pushing the tube through the common through hole by an appropriate drilling means. In a first example, all tubes in a common through hole contain identical samples. This allows the storage of multiple tubes with the same content in a common through hole of an appropriate length. An advantage of this is that no unstacking of grid inserts is necessary in the event that a predetermined number of tubes of the same type of sample must be recovered from storage. It is then simply possible to sequentially drill through the tubes of the common through hole and choose the respective lower or uppermost tube that is pushed out of the common through hole (depending on whether the drilling is performed from top to bottom or from bottom to top), a since all tubes in the common through hole have the same content. In addition, no unstacking of grid inserts is necessary in the event that a specific tube arranged in a specific grid insert in the stack is required (cherry picking). Instead, it is then possible to drill those tubes arranged above or below the specific tube that has the desired content (depending on whether the drilling is performed from top to bottom or from bottom to top) in a retaining medium or a buffer plate until the tube that has the desired content is drilled from the common through hole. Then the desired tube is chosen and placed on a standard target microplate, for example, which can then also be processed. These tubes arranged in the retaining medium or in the damping plate can then be placed back in the common through hole. In any event, even if you want to choose a tube that has a particular content and this tube is arranged in any position on the stack, it is thus efficiently possible to retrieve that tube from the stack without the need to unstack the grid inserts.
    [0016] [00016] According to another aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the frame has an insertion height greater than or equal to the total stack height. Although the height of the frame is not generally restricted, it can be the height of a standard microplate. Advantageously, the height is chosen so that it can accommodate a stack of a predetermined number of grid inserts. The grid inserts are then attached to the frame in such a way that when the frame is supported on a flat surface, the underside of the lower grid insert of the grid is not in contact with that surface so that the tubes contained in the lower grid insert compartment they are properly protected.
    [0017] [00017] In accordance with an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the grid insert comprises an identification tag that can be read by machine to identify the grid insert and the tubes received therein. Due to the fact that the microplate according to the invention has one or more separate grid inserts and that in general the grid inserts can be attached to the frame in any desired order, the grid inserts must be identified individually, for example, by a machine-readable identification tag. A machine-readable identification tag allows the plates to be handled by a robot that comprises an appropriate reading unit that can identify the grid insert or inserts. The information contained in the identification tag can therefore be easily retrieved and processed in a processing unit that also has access to a database that comprises information about which samples are contained in the compartments of the individual grid inserts, so that the position of each individual tube in each grid insert is known at any time, so that it is always possible to choose a particular individual tube from that grid insert in which that particular tube is actually stored.
    [0018] [00018] In addition to an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the frame has a recessed section arranged in a position that corresponds to the position of the identification label of the grid insert attached to it. The recessed section is preferably arranged on a side wall of the frame. The position of the indented section generally corresponds to the position or positions in which the identification tags are provided in the respective grid inserts.
    [0019] [00019] According to yet another aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, each compartment comprises a circumferential projection that extends into one or more side walls that confine the through hole. The circumferential projection forms a containment element for a complementary formed tube, preventing the tube from being moved further into the through hole of the respective compartment. The circumferential projection can extend into a single side wall (as is the case, for example, through through holes of circular shape) or it can extend into more than one of the side walls (as is the case, for example, through rectangular holes).
    [0020] [00020] As already indicated, according to an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention the system can also comprise tubes, in which each tube has a containment portion at the bottom end of the tube and an edge circumferential at the open top of the tube. The confinement portion at the bottom end of the tube can confine against the circumferential edge of a tube arranged at the bottom (in the case of stacked grid inserts). The confinement portion can be obtained through a geometry comprising multiple surfaces to confine against the circumferential edge of the tube arranged below. The tubes can generally be of any known type with respect to their size and outer shape. Such a tube generally has a hollow body with a closed bottom to form a cavity in which the sample is contained. The open top can be closed by a cover sheet that must be destroyed or removed to access the sample contained in the tube.
    [0021] [00021] In accordance with an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the tube on its outer wall comprises a circumferentially extended groove that has a width that extends in the axial direction and a circumferentially extended edge that forms the upper limit of the circumferentially extended groove. In a tube storage position the edge confines against the circumferential projection extending into one or more side walls of the respective grid insert compartment, and in a tube sealing position the circumferential projection extends inward of one or more side walls of the grid insert compartment in the groove provided on the outer wall of the tube in a position spaced from the edge. This is particularly advantageous when the tubes containing the samples are sealed by sealing a thin sheet to the upper ends of the tubes while the tubes are arranged in the sealing position where the upper ends of the tubes project upwards above the upper end of the insert. grid. The tubes can be supported and maintained in the sealing position by appropriate means such as an array of cylindrical elements that project from the bottom upwards to the individual compartments of a grid insert. After having sealed the thin sheet to the upper ends of the tubes, the sheet is perforated around the tubes, thereby creating individually sealed tubes. Subsequently, the tubes are pushed back into the compartments of the grid insert in the storage position where the edge abuts against the circumferential projection projecting into the respective compartment. The microplates as a whole or the inserts of individual grids that contain only the tubes individually sealed in the storage position can then be transported to the cold room with controlled humidity where the compound libraries are stored in the long term.
    [0022] [00022] In accordance with a further aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the system also comprises a storage tray comprising a plurality of storage compartments, wherein each storage compartment can accommodate at least one grid insertion. The microplate comprising a frame that is separable from a grid insert has the advantage that the grid insert can be stored without the frame. This advantage is used when storing only the grid insert only. The tray containing the frameless grid inserts increases the storage capacity, since the outer dimensions of the grid insertion are only smaller than that of a microplate comprising a frame and the grid insertion. In this way, the size of the tray storage compartments can be adapted to the size of the grid inserts, so that a greater number of grid inserts can be stored in a tray of a certain length and a certain height. For example, ten grid inserts can be stored in a tray of a certain size instead of eight standard microplates. Different possibilities are available with regard to the arrangement of the storage compartments in the tray. In a first example, the storage compartments are arranged in the longitudinal direction (extraction direction) of the tray one after the other in a single row. Alternatively, the storage compartments can be arranged in parallel rows side by side. The arrangement in parallel rows is advantageous since the total storage capacity of each single tray is increased. In addition, the recovery speed is increased, since the time to pull out the trays can be shortened.
    [0023] [00023] According to an additional aspect of the sample system according to the invention, the storage compartments of the storage tray are of such a depth that they can accommodate a stack of grid inserts. This measure further increases the storage capacity, since in each compartment of the storage tray a stack of grid inserts can be stored. Therefore, due to the increased stock that can be maintained in the cold room, time intervals can be increased after which a replenishment operation must be performed to obtain an adequate stock of samples in the cold room.
    [0024] [00024] In addition to an additional aspect of the sample handling system according to the invention, the tray comprises position markers therein in the positions of the storage compartments to indicate the position of the grid insert or the stack of inserts in the tray. grid in the respective storage compartment. Such placeholders can be of any type, such as a recess, a protuberance or a label that is indicative of the position of the grid insert or the stack of grid inserts in the respective tray compartments.
    [0025] [00025] Other advantageous aspects of the sample handling system according to the invention are apparent from the following description of the modalities of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    [0026] [00026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a microplate of a sample handling system according to the invention in the assembled state;
    [0027] [00027] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the frame of the micro-plate of Figure 1;
    [0028] [00028] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the grid insert of the microplate of Figure 1;
    [0029] [00029] Figure 4 shows a sectional perspective view of the microplate with fastening elements on the frame in an unlocked position (grid insertion not yet fixedly attached to the frame);
    [0030] [00030] Figure 5 shows a sectional perspective view of the microplate of Figure 4 with the fixing elements on the frame in a locked position (grid insertion fixedly attached to the frame);
    [0031] [00031] Figure 6 shows a side view of two grid inserts arranged on top of each other but still separated from each other;
    [0032] [00032] Figure 7 shows a side view of the two grid inserts of Figure 6 joined together to form a stack of grid inserts;
    [0033] [00033] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a tube of a sample handling system according to the invention with a small volume;
    [0034] [00034] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a tube of a sample handling system according to the invention with a large volume;
    [0035] [00035] Figure 10 shows a sectional view of a detail of the grid insert of Figure 3 with a tube being arranged in the storage position in a grid insert compartment;
    [0036] [00036] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the detail shown in Figure 10 with the tube being arranged in the sealing position;
    [0037] [00037] Figure 12 shows a detail of the grid insert stack of Figure 7 with the tubes being arranged in the storage position in the stack grid inserts;
    [0038] [00038] Figure 13 shows the detail of the stack of grid inserts of Figure 12 with the tubes of the lowest grid insert being arranged in a position that abuts against the tubes arranged in the storage position in the upper grid insert;
    [0039] [00039] Figure 14 shows a top view of a system tray according to the invention;
    [0040] [00040] Figure 15 shows a partial sectional view of the tray of Figure 14 that contains stacks of two grid inserts;
    [0041] [00041] Figure 16 shows a partial sectional view of a part of the microplate of Figure 1 with the tubes being sealed with a sealing sheet at its upper end used in a method to tear off the sealing sheets;
    [0042] [00042] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the microplate of Figure 16 in a first step of a method for tearing off the sealing sheets;
    [0043] [00043] Figure 18 shows the microplate of Figure 16 at the end of the first stage of the method for tearing off the sealing sheets; and
    [0044] [00044] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the microplate of Figure 16 in a second stage of the method for tearing the sealing sheets.
    [0045] [00045] Figure 1 shows a microplate 1 of a sample handling system according to an embodiment of the invention. The microplate 1 comprises a frame 3 and a separate grid insert 2 which is already attached to the frame 3. Figure 2 shows the separate frame 3 and Figure 3 shows the separate grid 2 of the microplate 1 of Figure 1 and, for For the sake of clarity, these drawings are described together below. The frame 3 defines the total lateral contour of the microplate 1. The outer contour of the frame 3 is rectangular in shape and has the dimensions of a standard microplate 1. This standard outer contour allows the manipulation of the microplate 1 when using a standard equipment designed for handling of standard microplates. The insertion height 33 of the frame 3 is not limited to specific dimensions but is generally correlated to the number of grid inserts 2 to be accommodated in the frame 3. In the present embodiment, the insertion height 33 of the frame 3 is slightly greater than that or equal to the total height of a single grid 2 insert or a stack of grid 2 inserts to be accommodated in it. A recessed section 32 is formed on a side wall of the frame 3. The recessed section 32 has a size and position that allows the reading of an identification tag 28 arranged in the grid insert 2 while the grid insert 2 is attached to the frame 3. With the identification of the grid insert 2 through the information contained in the identification tag 28, the contents of the tubes 4 received in the grid insert 2 are known. For example, the information contained in the identification tag 28 can comprise information about the position of the individual tubes 4 and their contents. Alternatively, the identification tag 28 may comprise only an identification number of the grid insert 2 and the information regarding the type of sample and the position of a tube containing a respective sample within the grid insert 2 is contained in a database, so that, knowing the identification number of the grid insert 2, the remaining information can be retrieved from a database 2. From a technical point of view, the identification tag 28 can contain information that can be read by machine, such as a barcode, for example, which can be read by an optical scanner which is connected to a processing unit to read the identification tag 28 and then process the information contained in the identification tag 28. Advantageously, tubes 4 that are stored in a grid insert 2 containing such identification tag 28 are not stored in a fixed position, but instead, their position can be tracked and recorded (for example, in a database).
    [0046] [00046] The insert of grid 2 comprises a plurality of compartments 21 that subdivide the insert of grid 2 in a rectangular arrangement of compartments 21. For example, three hundred and eighty-four compartments 21 (sixteen times twenty-four) are formed in the insert of grid 2. Each compartment 21 is laterally confined by four side walls 22 to form a square through hole to receive a tube 4. The length of compartment 21 which is defined by the insertion of grid 2 can vary with respect to the number and size of the tubes 4 to be stored in it. As an example, a tube 4 can be contained in a compartment 21, however, it is also possible that two tubes 4, each of which is half the length (depth) of the compartment, can be stored longitudinally aligned in order to be stored in the same compartment 21. Alternatively, a single tube 4 can be stored in two coupled compartments (longitudinally aligned) of the stacked grid 2 inserts. Each compartment 21 of the grid insert 2 comprises four side walls 22 that abut a through hole that extends between an upper opening and a lower opening of the through hole. Through this upper and lower opening, respectively, the tube 4 can be moved into and out of the compartment 21. The frame 3 comprises four internal walls 30 that laterally confine a through opening 35 in which the grid insert 2 is inserted from bottom to top to be attached to the frame 3. Once attached to the frame, the grid insert 2 completely closes the through opening 35. The shown attachment of the grid insert 2 to the frame 3 allows the tube 4 to move to inside and out of each compartment 21 through the respective top and bottom opening of the respective compartment 21, since the frame 3 does not cover any of the compartments 21 of the joined grid insert 2, but instead allows access to all tubes 4 arranged in compartments 21 of the grid insert 2.
    [0047] [00047] Figure 4 and Figure 5 show sectional views of the microplate of Figure 1 before and after securely attaching the grid insert 2 to the frame 3 to form the microplate 1. Figure 4 shows the unlocked position when the grid insert 2 is inserted into the frame 3 from the bottom up but has not yet been joined to it. Figure 5 represents the locked state in which the grid insert 2 is fixedly attached to the frame 3. As can be seen in Figure 3, the locking elements 23 are formed at the grid insert 2, and the fixing elements 31 corresponding ones are formed in the frame 3. The type of the fastening elements 23, 31 is not limited to the type of semi-permanent fastening shown, but instead permanent fixing can also be an option particularly when the microplate 1 is discarded after use. In the semi-permanent connection of the mode shown, the grid insert 2 can be attached to the frame 3 and can be detached subsequently from the same again. The fastening elements in this embodiment comprise eight protrusions 31 distributed evenly along the circumference of the frame 3, where the protrusions 31 are arranged on the inner wall of the frame 3. Each protuberance 31 is arranged on a resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame 3. The resilient portion is formed by a notch in the inner wall, which allows the resilient portion to deform elastically. The resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame 3 allows the protrusion 31 to move outwardly while the resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame 3 deforms with the introduction of the grid insert 2 in the frame 3 from the bottom up. The resilience of the resilient portion is sufficient to releasably lock the insert of grid 2 to mold 3 to allow safe handling of the microplate 1 formed in this way. Each protrusion 31 has outer dimensions such that the protrusion 31 fits into a corresponding recess 13 formed on the outer wall of the grid insert 2. Each protrusion 31 has an angular surface that is oriented with respect to an upper edge of the grid insert 2 in a manner such that when the grid insert 2 is inserted into the frame 3 from the bottom upwards the protrusion 31 is moved outwards due to the deformation of the resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame 3, and subsequently the protuberance 31 engages in the corresponding recess 23 formed in the insertion of grid 2, thereby releasably locking the insertion of grid 2 in frame 3.
    [0048] [00048] In Figure 6 and Figure 7, a stack 26 of grid inserts (see Figure 7) is formed by connecting a first individual grid insert and a second individual grid insert 28 (Figure 6) on top of each other to form stack 26. Although only two grid inserts 2, 28 are shown for the sake of simplicity, the number of grid inserts is not limited to two such grid inserts, but rather a different number of inserts grid can be stacked on top of each other. The stack 26 is formed by connecting the first grid insert 2 and the second grid insert 28 with the aid of stacking elements in the form of the resilient locking member 24 on one side and the notch 25 on the other side. The grid inserts 2, 28 of the stack 26 are connected in a sufficiently strong manner to allow manipulation of the stack 26 without the risk of unintentional separation of the grid inserts 2, 28. Eight corresponding stacking elements in the form of locking members 24 and corresponding notches 25 connect the first grid insert 2 and the second grid insert 28 by coupling the locking members 24 to the corresponding notches 25. Any additional grid insert 28 is connected to stack 26 in the same way from the bottom up. The resilient locking member 24 extends downwardly beyond the respective grid insert 2, 28 so that it contacts the adjacent grid insert 2 arranged immediately below. The elasticity of the resilient locking members 24 is chosen to allow the self-locking of the grid inserts when compressing them together.
    [0049] [00049] The grid inserts of the stack 26 are arranged to couple with their respective compartments 21 to form common through holes, or, in other words, the compartments 21 of the grid inserts of the stack 26 are aligned longitudinally. Accordingly, a tube stored in any of the compartments 21 is movable through such a common through hole. In addition, tubes of a length, which is greater than the depth of a single compartment 21, can be stored in such common through holes through the grid inserts of stack 26. For example, a tube having a length that is twice as deep as a single compartment depth 21 can be stored in two grid inserts adjacent to stack 26. To attach stack 26 to frame 3, the topmost grid insert 28 is joined to frame 3 with the aid of of the fastening elements already described above with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 when joining the uppermost grid insert 28 of the stack 28 to the frame 3.
    [0050] [00050] Figure 8 shows a tube 4 of a first length that differs from tube 4 shown in Figure 9 essentially in length and therefore in the volume of sample that can be stored in tube 4. Both tubes 4 can be stored in compartments 21 (see Figure 3) of the insertion of grid 2 of the microplate 1 shown in Figure 1. Although the tubes 4 are of different lengths, they have a very similar outer contour. The smaller volume tube 4 shown in Figure 8 is of such a length that it can be accommodated within a single compartment 21 of the grid insert 2 shown in Figure 3. The large volume tube 4 shown in Figure 9 has such a length that it can be be accommodated within two coupled compartments of stacked grid inserts that form a common through hole. A plurality of such tubes 4, of one type or another, or both, can be stored in a stack formed by two or more than two grid inserts.
    [0051] [00051] Each tube 4 comprises a hollow body 41 with a closed bottom 42. Each tube 4 further comprises an open top 43 (see Figure 9) which can be closed by sealing a sealing sheet 48 (see Figure 8) a a circumferential edge 47 surrounding the open top of tube 4 after the sample has been placed in tube 4. A confinement portion 44 is formed at the bottom end of each tube 4. Confinement portion 44 can confine against an edge circumferentially 47 from another tube arranged adjacent below in a common through hole. Tube 4 also comprises a circumferentially extended groove 45 on its outer wall. Groove 45 extends over a certain distance in the axial direction. The upper limit of the circumferentially extended groove 45 is formed by an edge 46.
    [0052] [00052] The different positions of tube 4 arranged in compartment 21 of a grid insert 2 are exemplified by a storage position of tube 4 as shown in Figure 10, and by a sealing position of tube 4 as shown in Figure 11. These different positions are different axial positions of the tube 4 in relation to the slot 21 of the grid insert 2. In principle, the tubes 4 can be inserted into the through hole 201 from top to bottom through the top opening 202 and from bottom to top through the lower opening 203. For example, tubes 4 can be individually drilled out of compartment 21 by a drilling tool (not shown) that exerts a force on the upper end of tube 4 by moving the tube downwards. Tube 4 is further moved down through through hole 201 until it exits compartment 21 through the lower opening 203. In another example, tubes 4 (lifted by a lifting tool that is not shown) are attached from above and recovered by being pulled out of the compartment 21 through the upper opening 202. The different axial positions become evident when looking at the position of the circumferential projection 27 that extends into the side walls of the compartment 21 in relation to the circumferential groove 45 of tube 4 whose upper limit is formed by edge 46. In both positions, in the sealing position as well as in the storage position, the circumferential projection 27 of compartment 21 is arranged within the circumferentially extended groove 45 of tube 4. In However, in the storage position (see Figure 10) the circumferential projection 27 projecting from the inner wall of the compartment 21 abuts against the edge 46 such that tube 4 is completely arranged within compartment 21. With the elevation of tube 4 with an appropriate means, tube 4 is pushed into the sealing position (see Figure 11) where tube 4 is supported from below up (not shown). In the sealing position, the circumferential edge 47 of the tube 4 is arranged above the upper surface of the grid insert 2 such that a seal sheet 48 can be applied to the circumferential edge 47 to close the tube 4 containing the sample . As already described above, in order to obtain the individually sealed tubes 4 a sheet of a sealing sheet can be placed over all or a plurality of tubes 4 arranged in the sealing position in the compartments 21 of a grid insert 2. A the sealing sheet sheet is then sealed at the edges 47 of the tubes 4 and the sealing sheet sheet is subsequently perforated to obtain the individually sealed tubes 4 which are then pushed back into the storage position (see Figure 11).
    [0053] [00053] In Figure 12 and Figure 13 different arrangements of tubes are shown in grid inserts 2, 28 of a stack 26. In Figure 12 tubes 4 are shown completely arranged inside the respective compartment 21 in the storage position. In Figure 13, the tubes in the lower grid insert 28 were lifted by an appropriate drilling medium (not shown) in a position, ready to be drilled (Figure 13). In the ready to be drilled position, the tubes of the lowest grid insert 28 with their circumferential edges 47 to which the sealing sheet is applied are in contact with the containment portion 44 of the tubes 4 arranged above in the corresponding common through hole. In order to perforate the tubes 4 arranged in the compartments 21 outside the compartments 21 of the upper grid insert 2, the drilling medium also moves the tubes contained in the lower grid insert 28 upwards, thereby drilling through the tubes 4 arranged in the compartments 21 of the upper grid insert 2 outside its compartments 21 in a retaining means (not shown). In the event that only the tube contained in the uppermost grid insert 2 is the tube of interest, then only that tube is drilled into the retaining medium. The holding medium then transports this tube to a standard (destination) micro-plate where it is drilled from the holding medium on the standard (destination) microplate. The standard (target) microplate is loaded with tubes that according to the user's needs and used for further processing after being loaded. In the case that not only the tube contained in the uppermost grid insert is drilled in the retaining medium, but so many tubes are drilled in the retaining medium until the lowest tube in the retaining medium is the tube of interest, then the medium holding tube transports the stack of tubes to the target standard microplate where the tube of interest is the lowest tube in the stack. The lowest tube is then drilled out of the retention medium in the standard (target) microplate, while the rest of the tubes are then drilled out of the retention medium back into the compartments of the grid inserts. If additional tubes from the stack are also of interest, they are also drilled into the standard (target) microplate. For stack 26 comprising the first grid insert 2 and the second grid insert 28, in the case where the tube contained in the second grid insert 28 is the tube of interest, then the tube 4 contained in compartment 21 of the first insert of grid 2 is perforated first in the retaining medium when drilling the tube contained in the second insert of grid 28 in compartment 21 of the first insert of grid 2, and subsequently also the tube of interest (now contained in compartment 21 of the first insertion of grid) grade 2) is perforated in the retention medium. The holding medium then carries the tubes to the standard (target) plate where the tube of interest (which is the lowest tube in the holding medium) is drilled into the target plate. The other tube is then drilled out of the retention medium back into compartment 21 of the first grid 2 insert. Alternatively, if that tube is also of interest then it is also drilled on the standard (target) microplate. Needless to say, the drilling operation can generally be performed in a similar way also in the downward direction.
    [0054] [00054] Figure 14 shows a top view of a tray 5 according to the invention that can store a plurality of grid inserts 2 or a stack 26 of grid inserts in storage compartments 52. In the embodiment shown, tray 5 comprises ten of such storage compartments 52 in which the grid insert 2 or the stacks 26 of grid inserts can be stored, whereas a tray 5 of the same size can only store eight standard microplates (including frames). A placeholder 53 is provided adjacent to each storage compartment 52 to allow a robot to identify the exact position of a grid 2 insert or stack 26 of grid inserts and automatically choose the respective grid 2 insert or stack 26 of grid of inserts in the respective compartment. In addition, recesses 51 are provided in the frame of tray 5 to allow automatic reading of label 28 (see Figure 1) of the grid insert 2. Trays 5 of this type are typically used to store microplates (or in the present case only grid inserts 2 or stacks 26 of grid inserts) in freezers in a cold room with controlled humidity. Trays 5 can be operated in a drawer-type manner, that is, after the front door of the freezer is opened the respective tray 5 can be removed, the desired grid 2 insert or stack 26 can be removed from tray 5, and then tray 5 can be pushed back, so that subsequently the front door of the freezer can be closed again. Alternatively, the entire tray 5 can be pulled out of the freezer, the front door of the freezer can be closed again, and only then can the grid insert 2 or stack 26 of grid inserts be pulled out of the respective compartment 52 to further processing, with which the front door of the freezer can be opened again and tray 5 can be pushed back into the freezer.
    [0055] [00055] Figure 15 shows a partial sectional view of tray 5 whose compartments 52 have a depth that is suitable to accommodate a stack 26 of grid inserts. Although in the embodiment shown, compartments 52 can accommodate a stack 26 of only two grid inserts, it goes without saying that the compartments can have a depth to accommodate a stack 26 of a larger number of grid inserts. In addition, it may be possible to recover directly from reinserting the tubes of the grid insert or the stack of grid inserts when the grid insert or the stack of grid inserts are arranged in compartment 52 of tray 5, thereby eliminating the need for take the grid insert or the stack of grid inserts out of the respective compartment 52 for drilling. The way in which this recovery (drilling) operation can be performed corresponds to the manner described above. The position marker 53 helps to find the respective compartment in which the tube to be recovered is actually stored.
    [0056] [00056] Figure 16 shows a sectional view of part of the microchip 1 to explain an additional aspect that is related to the removal of the sealing sheets 48 arranged in the upper ends of the tubes 4, in which these sealing sheets 48 seal the tubes 4. The tubes 4 are arranged in the compartments 21 in a removal position that corresponds to the sealing position of the tubes 4 as described in Figure 11. The tubes 4 are slightly elevated, for example by the use of a lifting means that can comprise a plurality of pins 8, only two of which are shown. The number of individual pins 8 of the lifting medium corresponds to the number of compartments 21 and each pin 8 has an appropriate shape and size to allow them to be inserted in such a compartment 21. In Figure 16, pins 8 are arranged to be in contact with the bottom of the tubes 4 to exert a lifting force directed upwards on the bottom of the tube 4 to move the tube 4 in the raised removal position. In addition, pins 8 support tubes 4 in the raised removal position. "Removal" denotes the removal of the sealing sheet 48 from the sealed tubes 4 by pulling the individual sealing sheet 48 from the respective edge that confines the open end of the respective tube 4. In the removal position, the upper ends of the tubes sealed by the sheets of seals are arranged so that they project upward above the upper openings of the compartments.
    [0057] [00057] Figure 17, Figure 18 and Figure 19 show the subsequent steps of a method for tearing the individual sealing sheets from the tubes arranged in the microplate compartments.
    [0058] [00058] In a first step, illustrated in Figure 17 and Figure 18, an adhesive tape 7 is applied to the sealing sheets 48 of the tubes 4 arranged in the removal position. A single strip of tape 7 is applied to cover all of the sealing sheets 48. The tape 7 is coated with a layer of adhesive, the adhesive having an appropriate stickiness to adhere to the sealing sheets 48 in order to allow the sealing sheets 48 are stripped off when the adhesive tape 7 is pulled off. In the example shown, the adhesive tape 7 is applied with the aid of a roller 6 which applies the adhesive tape 7 to the sealing sheets 48 by rolling the adhesive tape 7 over the sealing sheets 48.
    [0059] [00059] In a second subsequent step of the method, illustrated in Figure 19, the adhesive tape 7 is pulled from the tubes 4. Again, the roller 6 can be used to tear off the adhesive tape 7. For this purpose, the roller 6 can be moved back (in Figure 19 to the right). The torn sealing sheets 48 adhere to the adhesive tape 7, and this is shown partially in Figure 19. This method has the advantage that the individual sealing sheets 48 do not need to be removed one by one. After the sealing sheets 48 are removed from all tubes 4, the aforementioned lifting medium is lowered to allow tubes 4 to slide back to the storage position in the respective compartments (see Figure 10).
    [0060] [00060] The method of pulling out the individual sealing sheets 48 has at least two advantages: First, contamination that can be caused by drilling needles through the sealing sheets 48 to recover the sample is prevented. Second, the sealing sheets 48 are removed completely from the open ends of the tubes 4 to allow proper repeated sealing after using the tubes.
    [0061] [00061] Although the modalities of the invention have been described with the aid of the drawings, several modifications and changes in the described modalities are possible without departing from the general teaching underlying the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be understood as being limited to the described modalities, but the scope of protection is defined, in turn, by the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    Sample handling system for handling samples contained in tubes (4), in which each tube (4) has a hollow body (41), a closed bottom (42) and an open top (43) to access the sample contained in tube (4), characterized by the fact that it includes a micro-plate (1) that comprises at least one separate grid insert (2) having a plurality of compartments (21), each compartment (21) comprising one or more side walls (22) which laterally confine a through hole (201), in which the hole through (201) has an upper opening (202) and a lower opening (203) and extends between the upper opening (202) and the lower opening (203), and a frame (3) to which at least one separate grid insert (2) must be joined to form the microplate (1), where the frame (3) laterally confines a single through opening (35) that is sized to allow for the access to each compartment (21) of at least one grid insert (2) fixed from top to bottom and from bottom to top, and to allow the movement of such tube (4) in and out of each compartment (21) through each one between the upper opening (202) and the lower opening (203) of the through hole (201), characterized by the fact that the frame includes at least one separate grid insert (2) attached only laterally to internal walls that confine the only through opening.
    [0002]
    Sample handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (3) or the separate grid insert (2) or both comprise fixing elements (23, 31) to securely hold the insert grid (2) to the frame (3).
    [0003]
    Sample handling system according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing elements (23, 31) for securely securing the separate grid insert to the frame (3) comprise one or more protuberances (31) arranged in a resilient portion of the inner wall of the frame (3) and one or more recesses (23) arranged in a portion of the outer wall of the grid insert (2) in such a way that one or more protrusions (31) engage in a lockable manner with one or more recesses (23) when the grid insert (2) is inserted into the frame (3) from the bottom up.
    [0004]
    Sample handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separate grid insert (2) comprises stacking elements (24, 25) for connecting at least one insert to the grid insert (2) additional separate grid (28) to form a stack (26) of connected grid inserts (2, 28) which are arranged on top of each other, wherein the stacking elements (24, 25) comprise at least one member of resilient lock (24) extending downwards beyond the respective grid insert (2, 28) and at least one notch (25) arranged to lockably receive the resilient locking member (24) of the grid insert (28 ) arranged above the stack (26).
    [0005]
    Sample handling system according to either of claims 2 or 3 and claim 4, characterized in that a stack of connected grid inserts (26), formed by the separate grid insert (2) and at least one additional separate grid insert (28), is joined to the frame (3) by the fixing elements (23, 31) of the frame (3) and a higher grid insert (2, 28) from the stack (26) of inserts grid connections (2, 28).
    [0006]
    Sample handling system according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the compartments (21) of the grid inserts (2, 28) of the stack (26) of connected grid inserts (2, 28) are coupled to form a common through hole through which a tube (4) is movable.
    [0007]
    Sample handling system according to either of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the frame (3) has an insertion height (33) greater than or equal to a total height (29) of the stack ( 26) of connected grid inserts (2, 28).
    [0008]
    Sample handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid insert (2) comprises an identification tag that can be read by machine (28) to identify the grid insert (2) and the tubes (4) received in it.
    [0009]
    Sample handling system according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the frame (3) has a recessed section (32) arranged in a position that corresponds to the position of the identification tag (28) of the grid insert ( 2) attached to it.
    [0010]
    Sample handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that each compartment (21) comprises a circumferential projection (27) that extends into one or more side walls (22) that abut the through hole.
    [0011]
    Sample handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system also comprises tubes (4), in which each tube (4) has a confining portion (44) at the bottom end of the tube ( 4) and a circumferential edge (47) at the open top of the tube (4), where the confining portion (44) at the bottom end of the tube (4) can abut against the circumferential edge (47) of another tube arranged from below.
    [0012]
    Sample handling system according to claim 11, characterized in that the tube (4) on its outer wall comprises a circumferentially extended groove (45) that has a width that extends in the axial direction and a circumferentially extended edge (46) that forms the upper limit of the circumferentially extended groove (45).
    [0013]
    Sample handling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system also comprises a storage tray (5) comprising a plurality of storage compartments (52), wherein each storage compartment ( 52) can accommodate at least one grid insert (2).
    [0014]
    Sample handling system according to claim 13, characterized in that the storage compartments (52) of the storage tray (5) are of such depth that they can accommodate a stack (26) of grid inserts (2 , 28).
    [0015]
    Sample handling system according to either of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the tray (5) comprises position markers (53) in it at the locations of the storage compartments (52) to indicate the position of the inserting a grid (2) or a stack (26) of grid inserts (2, 28) in the respective storage compartment (52).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112014018652B1|2020-11-24|sample handling system
    US7892504B2|2011-02-22|Pharmaceutical sample storage system
    KR100627146B1|2006-09-22|Rack comprising refills for stacked pipette tips
    ES2384557T3|2012-07-06|Multi-well device
    US20110121001A1|2011-05-26|Storage Unit and Transfer System for Biological Samples
    US20060045815A1|2006-03-02|Pipette tip grid with lock mechanism
    US20080240999A1|2008-10-02|Pipette tip transfer system
    WO1998031466A1|1998-07-23|Multi-well plate
    US20140014550A1|2014-01-16|Microsample cryostorage systems and methods
    US8349279B2|2013-01-08|Samples storage system for pharmaceutical development
    CN107923820B|2021-04-27|Sample collection device
    EP2946834B1|2018-07-11|Magnetic tube rack
    US8206665B2|2012-06-26|Cap for microtube for pharmaceutical development
    EP1852187B1|2010-10-13|Samples storage system for pharmaceutical development
    US20120298674A1|2012-11-29|Storage case for biochip
    TWM451966U|2013-05-01|cartridge accommodating container
    US20210293839A1|2021-09-23|Sample tube rack and sample tub rack assembly
    KR20070121322A|2007-12-27|Rack of tubes
    CN211108704U|2020-07-28|Medicine storage box convenient to classify
    WO2020046590A1|2020-03-05|Biopsy sample container and method of use
    JP2004306508A|2004-11-04|Loose-leaf binder
    CN110589320A|2019-12-20|Slide storage device
    US20180002101A1|2018-01-04|Containers for holding and dispensing stacks of electronic device components
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CN104093488B|2017-02-22|
    KR20140122712A|2014-10-20|
    EP2809443A1|2014-12-10|
    JP6185485B2|2017-08-23|
    CN104093488A|2014-10-08|
    CA2860459A1|2013-08-08|
    RU2014135592A|2016-03-27|
    US20150017078A1|2015-01-15|
    MX2014008809A|2014-10-24|
    EP2623204A1|2013-08-07|
    MX350664B|2017-09-13|
    WO2013113874A1|2013-08-08|
    RU2617488C2|2017-04-25|
    ES2689528T3|2018-11-14|
    EP2809443B1|2018-07-11|
    KR102033808B1|2019-10-17|
    JP2015511313A|2015-04-16|
    HK1198638A1|2015-05-22|
    US9636680B2|2017-05-02|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US3643812A|1970-06-12|1972-02-22|Owens Illinois Inc|Tube storage rack|
    US4284603A|1980-05-08|1981-08-18|Abbott Laboratories|Test tube decanter rack|
    IT8083447D0|1980-10-10|1980-10-10|Savio Spa|AXIAL STACKABLE TUBE.|
    DE3836163C2|1988-10-24|1991-01-24|Laboratorium Prof. Dr. Rudolf Berthold, 7547 Wildbad, De|
    DE9002496U1|1989-07-11|1990-05-03|Laboratorium Prof. Dr. Rudolf Berthold, 7547 Wildbad, De|
    US5456360A|1994-09-30|1995-10-10|The Perkin-Elmer Corporation|Holder assembly for reaction tubes|
    DE19742493C1|1997-09-26|1999-02-18|Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler|Magazine for pipette points|
    DE69821302T2|1997-09-29|2004-11-25|F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag|System for handling connections, consisting of vessels and supports|
    EP0904841B1|1997-09-29|2004-01-28|F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ag|Compound handling system comprising racks and containers|
    US6752967B2|2002-01-04|2004-06-22|Dade Behring Inc.|Stackable aliquot vessel array|
    WO2004060534A1|2002-12-18|2004-07-22|Millipore Corporation|Combination laboratory device with multifunctionality|
    JP3708926B2|2003-02-27|2005-10-19|株式会社椿本チエイン|Code reading system|
    JP4489612B2|2005-02-04|2010-06-23|株式会社椿本チエイン|Drug discovery container picking device|
    KR100684360B1|2005-06-29|2007-02-20|아이씨디|Lower electrode assembly of plasma processing apparatus|
    GB2428794A|2005-08-02|2007-02-07|Advanced Biotech Ltd|Two part microwell plate and method of fabricating same|
    US20070116613A1|2005-11-23|2007-05-24|Donat Elsener|Sample tube and system for storing and providing nucleic acid samples|
    WO2007087546A2|2006-01-23|2007-08-02|Nexus Biosystems, Inc.|Automated system for storing, retreiving and managing samples|
    EP1899066A2|2006-07-11|2008-03-19|Tecan Trading AG|Container for providing and transferring liquids|
    US20080206112A1|2006-10-25|2008-08-28|Michael Fu|Modular test tube holder|
    US20080164210A1|2007-01-05|2008-07-10|Analogix, Inc.|Fraction collection and identification system|
    JP4926235B2|2009-12-25|2012-05-09|株式会社椿本チエイン|Drug container transfer device|
    JP5872786B2|2010-04-19|2016-03-01|エフ．ホフマン−ラ ロシュ アーゲーＦ． Ｈｏｆｆｍａｎｎ−Ｌａ Ｒｏｃｈｅ Ａｋｔｉｅｎｇｅｓｅｌｌｓｃｈａｆｔ|Cassette with multiwell plate|US9579656B2|2013-06-11|2017-02-28|J. G. Finneran Associates, Inc.|Rotation-limiting well plate assembly|
    EP3071332A2|2013-11-19|2016-09-28|Idea Machine Development Design & Production Ltd.|Multi-well plates and methods of use thereof|
    US9827566B2|2013-11-19|2017-11-28|IDEA machine development design AND production ltd.|Multi-well plates and methods of use thereof|
    EP3789116A1|2014-01-14|2021-03-10|Labcyte Inc.|Sample containers with identification mark|
    US9861987B2|2014-01-15|2018-01-09|Labcyte Inc.|Roughly cylindrical sample containers having multiple reservoirs therein and being adapted for acoustic ejections|
    WO2015152255A1|2014-03-31|2015-10-08|株式会社ニコン|Supporting device and inspection method|
    EP2929939A1|2014-04-07|2015-10-14|Yantai AusBio Laboratories Co., Ltd.|Microplate|
    EP3148700B1|2014-06-02|2020-03-18|Agilent Technologies, Inc.|Single column microplate system and carrier for analysis of biological samples|
    CN105242056B|2014-06-04|2019-01-22|东曹株式会社|Container collecting pallet and automatic analysing apparatus|
    BR112017018124A2|2015-02-24|2018-04-10|Biofire Defense Llc|tube rack tools|
    EP3167962A1|2015-11-16|2017-05-17|Beckman Coulter, Inc.|Sample tube rack and sample tube analysing system|
    CN108738348A|2016-02-17|2018-11-02|贝克顿·迪金森公司|Automation sample preparation system for identical diagnostic test|
    FR3048510B1|2016-03-01|2020-01-31|Arteion|AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR IN VITRO DIAGNOSIS|
    EP3435091B1|2016-03-23|2021-04-07|Hitachi High-Tech Corporation|Automatic analysis device|
    WO2017184242A2|2016-04-22|2017-10-26|Becton Dickinson And Company|Automated diagnostic analyzer and method for its operation|
    CN109562373B|2016-04-29|2022-03-04|贝比思公司|Birth point system and instrument, biochemical cartridge and method for newborn screening|
    FR3051125B1|2016-05-12|2018-06-15|Gilson Sas|SUPPORTING CONES HOLDER HOUSING FOR PIPETTING SYSTEM|
    DE202016107209U1|2016-12-21|2018-03-22|Schott Schweiz Ag|Support structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, transport structures and transport or packaging containers with selbiger|
    EP3460482A1|2017-09-25|2019-03-27|Roche Diagnostics GmbH|Method of handling a laboratory sample container, laboratory apparatus and laboratory automation system|
    US20210178398A1|2017-10-23|2021-06-17|Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.|Base module and tray insert of a multipurpose tray for an automated processing system, multipurpose tray for an automated processing system, and method of simplified loading/unloading of a multipurpose tray into/from an automated processing system|
    GB201718954D0|2017-11-16|2018-01-03|Chep Technology Pty Ltd|Support Module|
    EP3520897A1|2018-02-01|2019-08-07|Beckman Coulter Inc.|Configurable placement indication for sample tube rack receptacles|
    CN109569761B|2018-12-14|2021-02-19|重庆大学附属肿瘤医院|Adjustable blood sampling tube rack and use method thereof|
    DE102019109207B3|2019-04-08|2020-06-18|Leica Microsystems Cms Gmbh|Device for taking samples in a microscope|
    CN113697243B|2021-10-27|2022-01-04|江苏轩盛塑业科技有限公司|Tray with anti-collision sleeve and using method thereof|
    法律状态:
    2018-03-27| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-09-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-09-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-11-24| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 01/02/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP12153770.8A|EP2623204A1|2012-02-03|2012-02-03|Sample handling system|
    EP12153770.8|2012-02-03|
    PCT/EP2013/052033|WO2013113874A1|2012-02-03|2013-02-01|Sample handling system|
    [返回顶部]