Apparatus and Method for Transporting Sample Well Trays

Abstract

An apparatus for transporting sample well trays with respect to a heating device is provided. The apparatus includes a sample well tray holder, a rotational actuator, and a biasing mechanism. The sample well tray holder includes a plate in which a sample well tray may be positioned. The sample well tray holder is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the sample well tray holder about the first rotational axis. The biasing mechanism is configured to urge the sample well tray holder in a generally upward direction along the first rotational axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for manipulating and thermal cycling a sample well tray comprising:
 a heating device comprising a sample block and an opening for receiving the sample well tray;   a robotic manipulator for transporting the sample well tray between at least two positions and comprising a sample well tray holder configured to support the sample well tray;   a cover capable of applying pressure to the top of the sample well tray after the sample well tray is transported into the heating device; and   a real-time optical detection unit.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sample block comprises a heat conducting material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the heat conducting material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silver and gold plated silver. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sample block comprises a plurality of openings in a top portion. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of openings are aligned with the sample wells in the sample well tray. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of openings comprise a conical shape. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the number of sample wells is 96. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the number of sample wells is 384. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the robotic manipulator comprises a motor coupled to the sample well tray holder. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the sample well tray holder is rectangular shaped and comprises a rectangular opening sized and shaped to receive the sample well tray. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the rectangular opening comprises a tapered wall that tapers downward from a top surface of the sample well tray holder. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the tapered wall meets a floor portion extending along a bottom surface of the sample well tray holder and is configured to support the sample well tray. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the tapered wall locates the sample well tray in the center of the rectangular opening. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the robotic manipulator transports the sample well tray holder from a first location distal to the sample block through the opening in the heating device to a second location proximate the sample block. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the opening in the heating device is closed when the sample well tray is at the second location. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the cover applies pressure to the top of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is in the second location. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the detection unit is configured to provide real-time detection capability during thermal cycling at the second location, wherein operation of the sample well tray holder and the cover do not interfere with the detection unit. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the robotic manipulator transports the sample well tray holder away from the second location through the opening in the heating system back to the first location. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a plurality of openings aligned with each of the sample wells and optically couples the sample wells to the real-time detection unit. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the cover further comprises at least one heated platen wherein the heated platen reduces condensation from occurring in the sample well tray.