EP1318870A1 - Positioning device for microtiter plates - Google Patents

Positioning device for microtiter plates

Info

Publication number
EP1318870A1
EP1318870A1 EP01965169A EP01965169A EP1318870A1 EP 1318870 A1 EP1318870 A1 EP 1318870A1 EP 01965169 A EP01965169 A EP 01965169A EP 01965169 A EP01965169 A EP 01965169A EP 1318870 A1 EP1318870 A1 EP 1318870A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
positioning device
microtiter plate
holding frame
support surface
microtiter plates
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01965169A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Holger Deppe
Günter BRENNER
Michael Schmelz
Thomas Roland Dietrich
Dagmar Vogel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mikroglas Technik AG
Merck Patent GmbH
Original Assignee
Mikroglas Technik AG
Merck Patent GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mikroglas Technik AG, Merck Patent GmbH filed Critical Mikroglas Technik AG
Publication of EP1318870A1 publication Critical patent/EP1318870A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • B01L9/52—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
    • B01L9/523—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips for multisample carriers, e.g. used for microtitration plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/00274—Sequential or parallel reactions; Apparatus and devices for combinatorial chemistry or for making arrays; Chemical library technology
    • B01J2219/00277—Apparatus
    • B01J2219/00279—Features relating to reactor vessels
    • B01J2219/00306—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement
    • B01J2219/00313—Reactor vessels in a multiple arrangement the reactor vessels being formed by arrays of wells in blocks
    • B01J2219/00315—Microtiter plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0829—Multi-well plates; Microtitration plates
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C40—COMBINATORIAL TECHNOLOGY
    • C40B—COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY; LIBRARIES, e.g. CHEMICAL LIBRARIES
    • C40B60/00—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries
    • C40B60/14—Apparatus specially adapted for use in combinatorial chemistry or with libraries for creating libraries
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/028—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations having reaction cells in the form of microtitration plates

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a positioning device for microtiter plates made of glass.
  • sample containers usually used in such analyzes consist of many small microreactors, which are arranged in the form of a rectangular, flat disk. For economic or manufacturing reasons such sample containers are mainly made of plastic.
  • microtiter plates made of glass are used in this case, for example.
  • These microtiter plates can consist of a special glass plate into which a large number of cavities have been etched using a photochemical process.
  • the production of a photo-structured special glass plate that corresponds to the external dimensions of the international standards prescribed for use in automated analysis devices is difficult to achieve for technical reasons.
  • glass microtiter plates are relatively susceptible to mechanical stress, such as can occur during use in an automated analysis device or during transport within the laboratory. For economic reasons, such glass microtiter plates are often used several times. Then, especially when cleaning microtiter plates made of glass, high mechanical stresses occur.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to design a positioning device for holding microtiter plates made of glass in such a way that an exact positioning of the microtiter plates made of glass for use in automated analysis devices is possible such that the inserted microtiter plates plate is adequately protected from mechanical damage and the microplate can be easily inserted and removed without the need for additional tools.
  • the solution to this problem according to the invention is based on a positioning device for microtiter plates made of glass with a holding frame, with a support surface at least partially surrounded by lateral elevations for receiving the microtiter plate and with spring elements pressing against the microtiter plate.
  • the glass microtiter plate inserted in the holding frame rests securely on the support surface provided.
  • the spring elements make the microtiter plate reproducible and sufficiently firmly positioned within the holding frame.
  • the external dimensions of the positioning device are expediently adapted to the requirements of the international standards, so that the positioning device can be used in automated analysis devices without problems.
  • the dimensions of the support surface can be chosen freely, so that significantly smaller and thus much cheaper microtiter plates can be used for the automated analysis methods.
  • the holding frame has inwardly projecting projections above the support surface of the microtiter plate. These inward protrusions above the support surface encompass the inserted microtiter plate and thus prevent it from accidentally falling out.
  • the spring elements are designed as resilient locking tongues.
  • the pressing spring elements hold the microtiter plate in the intended position in the holding frame solely by means of the non-positive connection.
  • the spring elements designed as latching tongues encompass the inserted microtiter plate and thus prevent it from slipping unintentionally even when subjected to heavy loads, such as in the case of unintentional impacts. This latching gripping of the microtiter plate by the spring elements designed as latching tongues can easily be released again by pressing the spring elements sideways and removing the microtiter plate.
  • the holding frame has a continuous recess in the area of the support surface.
  • Many reactions can be evaluated relatively easily, for example on the basis of discoloration of the sample material.
  • Such an evaluation is considerably simplified since, as a result of the recess, the microtiter plate can be freely viewed from both sides and simple, automatable evaluation methods, such as, for example, transmitted light measurements, can be used.
  • the positioning device consists essentially of plastic or a metal.
  • the production can then preferably be made as an inexpensive molded part from various commercially available plastics in accordance with the chemical requirements.
  • a holding frame made of plastic causes due to its much smaller Hardness no signs of wear on the inserted microtiter plate.
  • Fig. 1 is a view of the positioning device
  • Fig. 2 is a view of the positioning device with an inserted microtiter plate.
  • the positioning device shown in both figures has an essentially rectangular, flat holding frame 1.
  • the holding frame 1 has a support surface 2.
  • This support surface 2 provided for receiving a microtiter plate 3 made of glass is delimited from three sides by side elevations 4 of the holding frame 1.
  • On the fourth side in the exemplary embodiment shown, a short end face, the bearing surface 2 is not delimited by a lateral elevation 4. From this side, the microtiter plate 3 can be pushed laterally onto the support surface 2 like a drawer.
  • the side elevations 4 are designed as resilient locking tongues 5. These are slightly bent back during the insertion of the microtiter plate 3 and engage when the microtiter plate 3 has reached the intended position on the support surface 2.
  • the resilient latching tongues 5 prevent the microtiter plate made of glass 3 from slipping in the holding frame 1. By slightly bending the resilient latching tongues 5 to the side, the microtiter plate 3 is released and can be easily removed again.
  • inwardly projecting projections 6 are formed on the lateral elevations 4 above the support surface 2. These serve to improve the guidance of the microtiter plate 3 during insertion into the holding frame 1 and prevent the microtiter plate 3 from accidentally falling out.
  • the holding frame 1 has a continuous recess 7 in the area of the support surface 2.
  • the dimensions of the recess 7 are smaller than those of the microtiter plate 3, so that the remaining support surface 2 thereby essentially forms a circumferential frame.
  • the microtiter plate 3 rests securely on the support surface 2 designed as a peripheral frame, the individual reaction cavities are freely visible from both sides and are accessible to automatic evaluation methods.
  • the positioning device can be inexpensively manufactured as a one-piece injection molding process from commercially available plastics. For special applications, however, production from high-quality special plastics by machining is also conceivable.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Devices For Use In Laboratory Experiments (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

A positioning device for glass microtiter plates (3) has a holding frame (1) with a support surface (2). Once introduced, the microtiter plate (3) is held in the position provided for it in the holding frame (1) by spring-like snap-in pins (5). Inwardly protruding projections (6) prevent the microtiter plate (3) from accidentally falling out of the holding frame (1). A continuous recess (7) in the area of the support surface (2) enables the microtiter plate (3) to be observed freely from both sides.

Description

POSITIONIERVORRICHTUNG FÜR MIKROTITERPLATTEN POSITIONING DEVICE FOR MICROTITER PLATES
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Positioniervorrichtung für Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas.The invention relates to a positioning device for microtiter plates made of glass.
Sowohl im Bereich der Forschung und Entwicklung als auch der Diagnostik nimmt der Bedarf an zu analysierenden chemischen oder biologischen Proben kontinuierlich zu. Für die ständig verbesserten Nachweisverfahren werden gleichzeitig die benötigten Mengen von Probe und Nachweissubstanz immer geringer. Vor allem im Bereich der chemischen Analytik wird deshalb versucht, immer mehr und immer kleinere Probenmengen parallel und möglichst automatisierbar zu analysieren. Es sind deshalb eine ganze Reihe von automatisierten Analysegeräten entwickelt worden, wobei internationale Standards für die Abmessungen der damit kompatiblen Probenbehälter festgelegt wurden. Auf diese Weise wurde erreicht, daß im Rahmen einer Analyse verschiedene Verfahrensschritte mit dem jeweils für diesen Schritt optimalen Analysegerät durchgeführt werden können, ohne daß der Probenbehälter gewechselt werden muß.Both in research and development and in diagnostics, the need for chemical or biological samples to be analyzed is continuously increasing. For the continuously improved detection methods, the required amounts of sample and detection substance are becoming ever smaller. Especially in the field of chemical analysis, attempts are therefore being made to analyze more and more and smaller sample quantities in parallel and, if possible, to automate them. A whole series of automated analysis devices have therefore been developed, and international standards have been set for the dimensions of the compatible sample containers. In this way it was achieved that in the course of an analysis, various process steps can be carried out with the analysis device that is optimal for this step in each case, without the sample container having to be changed.
Die im Rahmen solcher Analysen üblicherweise verwendeten Probenbehälter bestehen aus vielen kleinen Mikroreaktoren, die in Form einer rechteckigen, flachen Scheibe angeordnet sind. Aus ökonomischen bzw. fertigungstechnischen Gründen werden solche Probenbehälter überwiegend aus Kunststoff hergestellt .The sample containers usually used in such analyzes consist of many small microreactors, which are arranged in the form of a rectangular, flat disk. For economic or manufacturing reasons such sample containers are mainly made of plastic.
Für manche Analysen, beispielsweise mit aggressiven Reagenzien oder organischen Lösungsmitteln, ist jedoch eine hohe chemische Beständigkeit der Probenbehälter notwendig. Da solche Analysen nicht mit Probenbehältern aus Kunststoff durchgeführt werden können, werden in diesem Fall beispielsweise sogenannte Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas verwendet. Diese Mikrotiterplatten können aus einer Spezialglasscheibe bestehen, in die eine große Anzahl Kavitäten über ein fotochemisches Verfahren eingeätzt wurde. Die Herstellung einer fotostrukturierten Spezialglasplatte, die den äußeren Abmessungen der für die Verwendung in automatisierten Analysegeräten vorgeschriebenen internationalen Standards entspricht, ist aber aus technischen Gründen schwer realisierbar.For some analyzes, for example with aggressive reagents or organic solvents, a high chemical resistance of the sample container is necessary. Since such analyzes cannot be carried out with plastic sample containers, so-called microtiter plates made of glass are used in this case, for example. These microtiter plates can consist of a special glass plate into which a large number of cavities have been etched using a photochemical process. However, the production of a photo-structured special glass plate that corresponds to the external dimensions of the international standards prescribed for use in automated analysis devices is difficult to achieve for technical reasons.
Im Gegensatz zu Probenbehältern aus Kunststoff sind Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas relativ anfällig gegenüber mechanischer Beanspruchung, wie sie beispielsweise während der Verwendung in einem automatisierten Analysegerät oder beim Transport innerhalb der Laborräume auftreten können. Aus ökonomischen Gründen werden solche Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas häufig mehrfach verwendet. Dann treten auch und vor allem bei der Reinigung bereits benutzter Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas hohe mechanische Beanspruchungen auf.In contrast to plastic sample containers, glass microtiter plates are relatively susceptible to mechanical stress, such as can occur during use in an automated analysis device or during transport within the laboratory. For economic reasons, such glass microtiter plates are often used several times. Then, especially when cleaning microtiter plates made of glass, high mechanical stresses occur.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es demzufolge, eine Positioniervorrichtung für die Aufnahme von Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas so zu gestalten, daß eine genaue Positionierung der Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas für die Verwendung in automatisierten Analysegeräten möglich ist, daß die eingelegte Mikrotiter- platte ausreichend vor mechanischen Beschädigungen geschützt ist und ein leichtes Einlegen und Entnehmen der Mikrotiter- platte auch ohne zusätzliches Werkzeug möglich ist.The object of the invention is therefore to design a positioning device for holding microtiter plates made of glass in such a way that an exact positioning of the microtiter plates made of glass for use in automated analysis devices is possible such that the inserted microtiter plates plate is adequately protected from mechanical damage and the microplate can be easily inserted and removed without the need for additional tools.
Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung dieser Aufgabe beruht auf einer Positioniervorrichtung für Mikrotiterplatten aus Glas mit einem Halterahmen, mit einer von seitlichen Erhebungen zumindest teilweise umgebenen Auflagefläche für die Aufnahme der Mikrotiterplatte und mit die Mikrotiterplatte andrückenden Federelementen.The solution to this problem according to the invention is based on a positioning device for microtiter plates made of glass with a holding frame, with a support surface at least partially surrounded by lateral elevations for receiving the microtiter plate and with spring elements pressing against the microtiter plate.
Die in den Halterahmen eingelegte Mikrotiterplatte aus Glas liegt sicher auf der dafür vorgesehenen Auflagefläche auf. Durch die Federelemente wird die Mikrotiterplatte reproduzierbar und ausreichend fest innerhalb des Halterahmens positioniert. Durch die seitlichen Erhebungen des Halterahmens, welche die eingelegte Mikrotiterplatte umgeben, ist diese vor allem an ihren Kanten vor mechanischen Beschädigungen geschützt. Die äußeren Abmaße der Positioniervorrichtung sind zweckmaßigerweise den Vorgaben der internationalen Standards angepaßt, so daß eine problemlose Verwendung der Positioniervorrichtung in automatisierten Analysegeraten möglich ist. Die Abmaße der Auflagefläche können dagegen frei gewählt werden, so daß auch deutlich kleinere und damit wesentlich kostengünstigere Mikrotiterplatten für die automatisierten Analyseverfahren verwendet werden können.The glass microtiter plate inserted in the holding frame rests securely on the support surface provided. The spring elements make the microtiter plate reproducible and sufficiently firmly positioned within the holding frame. The side elevations of the holding frame, which surround the inserted microtiter plate, protect it from mechanical damage, especially at its edges. The external dimensions of the positioning device are expediently adapted to the requirements of the international standards, so that the positioning device can be used in automated analysis devices without problems. The dimensions of the support surface, however, can be chosen freely, so that significantly smaller and thus much cheaper microtiter plates can be used for the automated analysis methods.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des Erfindungsgedankens ist vorgesehen, daß der Halterahmen nach innen ragende Vorsprünge oberhalb der Auflagefläche der Mikrotiterplatte aufweist. Diese nach innen ragenden Vorsprünge oberhalb der Auflagefläche umgreifen die eingelegte Mikrotiterplatte und verhindern so deren unbeabsichtigtes Herausfallen. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, daß die Federelemente als federnde Rastzungen ausgebildet sind. Die andrückenden Federelemente halten die Mikrotiterplatte allein durch die kraftschlüssige Verbindung auf der vorgesehenen Position im Halterahmen fest. Die als Rastzungen ausgebildeten Federelemente umgreifen die eingelegte Mikrotiterplatte und verhindern so deren ungewolltes Verrutschen auch bei stärkerer Beanspruchung wie beispielsweise bei unbeabsichtigten Stößen. Dieses einrastende Umgreifen der Mikrotiterplatte durch die als Rastzungen ausgebildeten Federelemente kann leicht wieder gelöst werden, indem man die Federelemente seitlich weg drückt und die Mikrotiterplatte entnimmt.According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the holding frame has inwardly projecting projections above the support surface of the microtiter plate. These inward protrusions above the support surface encompass the inserted microtiter plate and thus prevent it from accidentally falling out. It is preferably provided that the spring elements are designed as resilient locking tongues. The pressing spring elements hold the microtiter plate in the intended position in the holding frame solely by means of the non-positive connection. The spring elements designed as latching tongues encompass the inserted microtiter plate and thus prevent it from slipping unintentionally even when subjected to heavy loads, such as in the case of unintentional impacts. This latching gripping of the microtiter plate by the spring elements designed as latching tongues can easily be released again by pressing the spring elements sideways and removing the microtiter plate.
Gemäß einer Ausführung des Erfindungsgedankens ist vorgesehen, daß der Halterahmen im Bereich der Auflagefläche eine durchgehende Aussparung aufweist. Viele Reaktionen können verhältnismäßig einfach beispielsweise anhand erfolgter Verfärbungen des Probenmaterials ausgewertet werden. Eine solche Auswertung wird wesentlich vereinfacht, da infolge der Aussparung die Mikrotiterplatte von beiden Seiten frei einsehbar ist und einfache, automatisierbare Auswerteverfahren, wie beispielsweise Durchlichtmessungen, angewendet werden können.According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that the holding frame has a continuous recess in the area of the support surface. Many reactions can be evaluated relatively easily, for example on the basis of discoloration of the sample material. Such an evaluation is considerably simplified since, as a result of the recess, the microtiter plate can be freely viewed from both sides and simple, automatable evaluation methods, such as, for example, transmitted light measurements, can be used.
Vorteilhafterweise ist vorgesehen, daß die Positioniervorrichtung im wesentlichen aus Kunststoff oder einem Metall besteht. Die Fertigung kann dann vorzugsweise als kostengünstiges Spritzteil aus verschiedenen handelsüblichen Kunststoffen entsprechend den chemischen Anforderungen hergestellt werden. Ein aus Kunststoff hergestellter Halterahmen verursacht auf Grund seiner wesentlich geringeren Härte keine Abnutzungsspuren an der eingelegten Mikrotiterplatte .It is advantageously provided that the positioning device consists essentially of plastic or a metal. The production can then preferably be made as an inexpensive molded part from various commercially available plastics in accordance with the chemical requirements. A holding frame made of plastic causes due to its much smaller Hardness no signs of wear on the inserted microtiter plate.
Nachfolgend wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung näher erläutert, das in der Zeichnung dargestellt ist. Es zeigt:An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated below, which is shown in the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1 eine Ansicht der Positioniervorrichtung undFig. 1 is a view of the positioning device and
Fig. 2 eine Ansicht der Positioniervorrichtung mit eingelegter Mikrotiterplatte.Fig. 2 is a view of the positioning device with an inserted microtiter plate.
Die in beiden Figuren dargestellte Positioniervorrichtung weist einen im wesentlichen rechteckigen, flachen Halterahmen 1 auf. Der Halterahmen 1 weist eine Auflagefläche 2 auf. Diese für die Aufnahme einer Mikrotiterplatte 3 aus Glas vorgesehene Auflagefläche 2 wird von drei Seiten durch seitliche Erhebungen 4 des Halterahmens 1 begrenzt. An der vierten Seite, im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel e ne kurze Stirnseite, wird die Auflagefläche 2 nicht von einer seitlichen Erhebung 4 begrenzt. Die Mikrotiterplatte 3 kann von dieser Seite aus wie eine Schublade seitlich auf die Auflagefläche 2 geschoben werden.The positioning device shown in both figures has an essentially rectangular, flat holding frame 1. The holding frame 1 has a support surface 2. This support surface 2 provided for receiving a microtiter plate 3 made of glass is delimited from three sides by side elevations 4 of the holding frame 1. On the fourth side, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a short end face, the bearing surface 2 is not delimited by a lateral elevation 4. From this side, the microtiter plate 3 can be pushed laterally onto the support surface 2 like a drawer.
Zur offenen Seite der Auflagefläche 2 hin sind die seitlichen Erhebungen 4 als federnde Rastzungen 5 ausgebildet. Diese werden während des Einlegens der Mikrotiterplatte 3 leicht zurückgebogen und rasten ein, wenn die Mikrotiterplatte 3 die vorgesehene Position auf der Auflagefläche 2 erreicht hat. Durch die federnden Rastzungen 5 wird ein ungewolltes Verrutschen der Mikrotiterplatte aus Glas 3 im Halterahmen 1 verhindert. Durch leichtes Aufbiegen der federnden Rastzungen 5 zur Seite hin wird die Mikrotiterplatte 3 freigegeben und kann leicht wieder entnommen werden. An den Längsseiten des Halterahmens 1 sind an den seitlichen Erhebungen 4 oberhalb der Auflagefläche 2 nach innen ragende Vorsprünge 6 ausgebildet. Diese dienen zu einer verbesserten Führung der Mikrotiterplatte 3 während des Einlegens in den Halterahmen 1 und verhindern ein unbeabsichtigtes Herausfallen der Mikrotiterplatte 3.Towards the open side of the support surface 2, the side elevations 4 are designed as resilient locking tongues 5. These are slightly bent back during the insertion of the microtiter plate 3 and engage when the microtiter plate 3 has reached the intended position on the support surface 2. The resilient latching tongues 5 prevent the microtiter plate made of glass 3 from slipping in the holding frame 1. By slightly bending the resilient latching tongues 5 to the side, the microtiter plate 3 is released and can be easily removed again. On the longitudinal sides of the holding frame 1, inwardly projecting projections 6 are formed on the lateral elevations 4 above the support surface 2. These serve to improve the guidance of the microtiter plate 3 during insertion into the holding frame 1 and prevent the microtiter plate 3 from accidentally falling out.
Der Halterahmen 1 weist im Bereich der Auflagefläche 2 eine durchgehende Aussparung 7 auf. Die Abmessungen der Aussparung 7 sind geringer als die der Mikrotiterplatte 3, so daß die verbleibende Auflagefläche 2 dadurch im wesentlichen einen umlaufenden Rahmen bildet. Obwohl die Mikrotiterplatte 3 sicher auf der als umlaufender Rahmen gestalteten Auflagefläche 2 aufliegt, sind die einzelnen Reaktionskavitäten von beiden Seiten frei einsehbar und automatischen Auswerteverfahren zugänglich.The holding frame 1 has a continuous recess 7 in the area of the support surface 2. The dimensions of the recess 7 are smaller than those of the microtiter plate 3, so that the remaining support surface 2 thereby essentially forms a circumferential frame. Although the microtiter plate 3 rests securely on the support surface 2 designed as a peripheral frame, the individual reaction cavities are freely visible from both sides and are accessible to automatic evaluation methods.
Die Positioniervorrichtung kann kostengünstig als einteiliges Spritzgußverfahren aus handelsüblichen Kunststoffen hergestellt werden. Für Sonderanwendungen ist aber auch die Herstellung aus hochwertigen Spezialkunststo fen durch spanende Bearbeitung denkbar. The positioning device can be inexpensively manufactured as a one-piece injection molding process from commercially available plastics. For special applications, however, production from high-quality special plastics by machining is also conceivable.

Claims

PositioniervorrichtungP a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e Positioning device patent claims
1. Positioniervorrichtung für Mikrotiterplatten (3) aus Glas mit einem Halterahmen (1) , mit einer von seitlichen Erhebungen (4) zumindest teilweise umgebenen Auflagefläche (2) für die Aufnahme der Mikrotiterplatte (3) und mit die1. Positioning device for microtiter plates (3) made of glass with a holding frame (1), with a support surface (2) at least partially surrounded by side elevations (4) for receiving the microtiter plate (3) and with the
Mikrotiterplatte (3) andrückenden Federelementen (5) .Microplate (3) pressing spring elements (5).
2. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Halterahmen (1) nach innen ragende Vorsprünge (6) oberhalb der Auflagefläche (2) der Mikrotiterplatte (3) aufweist.2. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding frame (1) has inwardly projecting projections (6) above the contact surface (2) of the microtiter plate (3).
3. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Federelemente als federnde Rastzungen (5) ausgebildet sind.3. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring elements are designed as resilient locking tongues (5).
4. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Halterahmen (1) im Bereich der Auflagefläche (2) eine durchgehende Aussparung (7) aufweist.4. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding frame (1) in the region of the support surface (2) has a continuous recess (7).
5. Positioniervorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Positioniervorrichtung im wesentlichen aus Kunststoff oder einem Metall besteht. 5. Positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device consists essentially of plastic or a metal.
EP01965169A 2000-09-01 2001-08-03 Positioning device for microtiter plates Withdrawn EP1318870A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10042999A DE10042999A1 (en) 2000-09-01 2000-09-01 Positioning device, used for glass microtiter plates for analyzing chemical and biological samples, comprises a holding frame, a support surface partially surrounded by lateral protrusions
DE10042999 2000-09-01
PCT/EP2001/008997 WO2002018052A1 (en) 2000-09-01 2001-08-03 Positioning device for microtiter plates

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1318870A1 true EP1318870A1 (en) 2003-06-18

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EP01965169A Withdrawn EP1318870A1 (en) 2000-09-01 2001-08-03 Positioning device for microtiter plates

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US (1) US20030184745A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1318870A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004521316A (en)
KR (1) KR20030041134A (en)
AU (1) AU2001285870A1 (en)
DE (1) DE10042999A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002018052A1 (en)

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WO2011127390A2 (en) * 2010-04-09 2011-10-13 Luminex Corporation Magnetic separation device
US8790599B2 (en) 2012-08-13 2014-07-29 David Childs Microtiter plate system and method
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DE10042999A1 (en) 2002-03-14
KR20030041134A (en) 2003-05-23
AU2001285870A1 (en) 2002-03-13
JP2004521316A (en) 2004-07-15
WO2002018052A1 (en) 2002-03-07
US20030184745A1 (en) 2003-10-02

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