A holding device for at least one object carrier, the object carrier being suitable to receive one or more organic and/or inorganic samples and comprising materials such as glass, plastic, silicon, pyrolytic graphite, and/or metal, this holding device being configured to be gripped by grippers of a robot. The holding device comprising two essentially parallel lengthwise walls and two essentially parallel transverse walls which extend substantially at right angles from the lengthwise walls. Holding devices according to preferred embodiments are constructed in a frame shape, wherein the lengthwise and transverse walls define a frame surrounding at least one opening which completely transverses the device. Holding devices according to further embodiments are constructed a plate shape, in that the region between the lengthwise walls and transverse walls is implemented as a carrying surface. All embodiments comprising gripping surfaces on the external surface profile of the lengthwise and transverse walls.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of PCT/CH02/00012, filed on Jan. 10, 2002; which application claims the benefit of the priority of Swiss patent applications Nos. CH 0144/01 filed on Jan. 26, 2001 and CH 0969/01 filed May 25, 2001.
The entire disclosure of each of the above-mentioned application is hereby incorporated by reference.
Priority Data
Jan 26, 2001 [CH] 0144/01 May 25, 2001 [CH] 0969/01
