The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes. Further, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that adequately support discrete filter elements disposed in the wells without creating substantial preferential flow. Additionally, the invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that avoid cross-contamination due to aerosol formation, pendent drops and/or splattering. Other disclosed features of the invention provide for the automated covering or heat-sealing of filtrate samples separately collected in an array of wells.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,202, filed May 4, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,343, which in turn is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/182,946, filed Oct. 29, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,368), all of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
A loading mechanism holds at least one extracting cartridge provided with a filter member, at least one waste liquid vessel for accommodating a discharged liquid of a sample liquid and a discharged liquid of a washing liquid, which discharged liquids have been discharged from the extracting cartridge, and at least one recovery vessel for accommodating a recovery liquid, which contains a recovered nucleic acid and has been discharged from the extracting cartridge. A pressurized air supplying mechanism introduces pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. A liquid injecting mechanism injects each of the washing liquid and the recovery liquid into the extracting cartridge.
The invention concerns the performing, in continuous flow, of a biological, chemical or biochemical protocol on substances to be analysed, comprising several steps which consists in: in causing a mobile analysis support (11) comprising means (12) for receiving substances to be analysed and reagents to move past; implementing the steps of the protocol on the substances as the mobile analysis support (11) moves past.
A test tube rack for supporting, storing and carrying a plurality of test tubes in a laboratory environment comprising a tray, a central support panel and/or lower support panel and a cover. The tray and cover are identical and interchangeable, and tapered for storage in nested stacks. Wells in the tray bottom are in alignment with corresponding openings in the central support panel and corresponding holes in the lower support panel and with domes in the cover, and serve to locate and retain test tubes within the test tube rack. The cover snap-attaches to the tray with at least one molded-in tab on the tray or cover which is received and frictionally retained by a corresponding well on the opposite element, thereby locating and securing the cover to the tray, and also locating and securing the central support panel between the tray and the cover. A dual-purpose support panel has manually removable perforated edges allowing it to serve either as a central support panel or, with the perforated edges removed, as a lower support panel. The test tube rack is preferably made of transparent injection-molded or thermoformed plastic.
A system for the preparation and handling of multiple solid state samples, in particular for spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. The system comprises a sample holder assembly for multiple solid-state samples. The sample holder assembly comprises a sample holding body having first and second sides (3a, 4a), provided with multiple sample receiving open-ended bores (5) extending through said body between said first and second sides, each bore (5) having a first opening at the first side and a second opening at the second side. Furthermore a closure body (10) is provided adapted to be mounted against the second side of the sample holding body, said closure body (10) having a closure side adapted to rest against the second side of the sample holding body for closing off the second openings of the bores (5) in said sample holding body. Compacting (23) means are provided for compacting samples filled in bores (5) of the sample holding body as these bores are closed off on the second side by the closure body.
An apparatus and method for mixing a solvent with a solute to form a solution, and for separating said solution from excess solute so that a sample of solution less excess solute can be obtained, and for synthesizing drug compounds.
