A SAMPLE-HANDLING-MODULE AND AN APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING A MULTI-CHANNEL LIQUID HANDLING DEVICE

• Main Authors: Zehnder, Marc, Caglioni, Louis
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 15.11.2023
• Subjects: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE; INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUIDLEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL; PHYSICS; TESTING; TRANSPORTING

A sample-handling-module and an apparatus for calibrating a multi-channel liquid handling device are disclosed. The sample-handling-module cooperates with a weighing balance and comprises: a holding device having holders arranged sequentially and spaced apart equally from each other and configured to receive receptacles. The sample-handling-module further contains a supporting device comprising an array of tines providing lateral support to the holders when the holders dismount from the load receiver; and an actuating device operatively connected to the holders through the array of tines. The actuating device is operable to mount the holders on to the load receiver, one at a time, by disengaging the corresponding tines supporting the holder. A system and a method of operating the actuating device are also disclosed. The sample-handling-module of the present invention is modular and compact thus making it easier to manufacture, operate, repair, and service.