초록 ▼

A method of random-access storage and retrieval of any particular compartmentalized samples from a integral array of storage compartments with an apparatus to wholly excise intact sample-containing compartments and then convey the liberated samples intact in their respective compartments to designat

A method of random-access storage and retrieval of any particular compartmentalized samples from a integral array of storage compartments with an apparatus to wholly excise intact sample-containing compartments and then convey the liberated samples intact in their respective compartments to designated locations of an adapted receiving tray, where they are releaseably locked in place.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially

1. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array, wherein the array remains unitary and substantially planar after removal of all of the individual containers;c) placing said individual container into a receiving tray; andd) locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said individual containers contain a sample material therein and wherein said sample material is undisturbed during said method. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said sample material comprises a chemical or biological sample. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of selectively removing an individual container comprises a process selected from cutting, sawing, fracturing, melting and/or punching. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of selectively removing an individual container comprises punching. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray comprises reversible friction locking. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said unitary planar array comprises molded plastic. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said individual containers comprise a sealed tapered cylindrical tube. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said individual containers comprise a sealed or unsealed well position of a microtiter plate, or other unitary matrix array. 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said individual sample holding containers comprise a sealed tapered cylindrical tube, wherein each cylindrical tube is surrounded by an elevated ridge formed of array plate material having a substantially triangular cross-section, wherein the cylindrical tubes are hermetically sealed by applying heat to melt a sealing-sheet material to the elevated ridge, and wherein the seals of any nearest neighbors are unperturbed and remain in the unitary, substantially planar array when the sealed tapered cylindrical tube is removed in step b). 11. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing said individual container from said receiving tray, said method comprises pushing said individual container up from the bottom. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said individual container is pushed up by a pin. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is performed under refrigeration. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said unitary, substantially planar array is a plate. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein said unitary, substantially planar array is a 384-well microtiter plate. 16. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array;c) placing said individual container into a receiving tray; andd) locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray,wherein said individual containers comprise a sealed tapered cylindrical tube, and wherein said tube comprises a pair of rabbit ear shaped prongs projecting outwardly and downwardly from a distal end of said tube, said prongs being adapted to engage shoulder surfaces of a recess at a bottom surface of said receiving tray to provide said locking. 17. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array;c) placing said individual container into a receiving tray; andd) locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray,wherein said receiving tray comprises apertures sized to receive the containers, wherein each aperture of the tray is terminated at the bottom in a hole defined within chamfered shoulders adapted to slidably engage and exert transverse force against the container. 18. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array;c) placing said individual container into a receiving tray; andd) locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray,wherein step b) is performed by an apparatus comprising a die cutting tubular end effector adapted to selectively cut away and remove said individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said end effector comprises a cylindrical interior lumen which retains the removed individual container by friction until such time as the individual container is to be releaseably locked into said receiving tray. 20. A method for storage and retrieval of an individual sample holding container comprising: a) providing a plurality of individual sample holding containers integrally molded into a unitary, substantially planar array;b) selectively removing any individual container from said unitary, substantially planar array;c) placing said individual container into a receiving tray;d) locking said individual container into a pre-determined position within said receiving tray; ande) removing said individual container from said receiving tray, said method comprises pushing said individual container up from the bottom,wherein said individual container is pushed up into the cylindrical interior lumen of a die effector.