Patent ID: 6825042
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: B01J,B01L,C40B,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for adding to and removing from a stack of lidded microplates, a first microplate being an initial lowermost microplate in the stack supported at a first height by a pair of opposite, inwardly-directed, support features of a stacking/unstacking machine, each remaining microplate in said stack resting atop said lid of the microplate immediately below, the process comprising the steps of:a) adding a second microplate to the stack as a new lowermost microplate by elevating said second microplate, with an elevator, from below the stack until its lid supports the first lowermost microplate, the support features being accommodated by a pair of opposite, inwardly-directed, recesses in said lid of the second microplate; b) separating the support features to allow passage of said second microplate; c) further elevating said second microplate until it reaches at least the first height; d) inserting said support features beneath said second microplate and lowering said elevator so as to disengage said elevator from stack, leaving said stack supported by said support features and leaving said second microplate as currently lowermost in said stack; e) repeating steps (a)-(d) with a third microplate in place of said second microplate and said second microplate in place of said first microplate.