Patent ID: 8080409
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A system for processing sample processing devices, the system comprising: a base plate operatively coupled to a drive system, wherein the drive system rotates the base plate about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis defines a z-axis; thermal structure operatively attached to the base plate, wherein the thermal structure comprises a transfer surface exposed proximate a first surface of the base plate; a cover facing the transfer surface, wherein the cover comprises an inner compression ring and an outer compression ring; a sample processing device adapted to be located between the cover and the base plate, a portion of the sample processing device comprising a plurality of process chambers; compression structure operatively attached to the cover to force the cover in a first direction along the z-axis towards the transfer surface, wherein the inner and outer compression rings contact and urge the portion of the sample processing device into contact with the transfer surface; one or more resilient members operatively coupled to one or both of the cover and thermal structure, wherein the one or more resilient members provide a biasing force opposing the force of the compression structure forcing the cover towards the base plate; and an energy source adapted to deliver thermal energy to the thermal structure while the base plate is rotating about the rotation axis.