Patent ID: 7516749
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: B01L,B08B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. In combination: at least one assay plate, the assay plate having rows of individual wells, the wells being defined by open top areas normally opening upward and indented closed surfaces, upon which indented closed surfaces biochemical deposits are attached, an apparatus for washing unattached biochemical material from the indented closed surfaces of the individual wells in the assay plate, the combination comprising: a support for mounting the assay plate inverted with the open top areas of the wells facing downwardly, a spray arrangement for washing the rows of wells, the spray arrangement being positioned beneath the support, the spray arrangement having a single nozzle oriented for directing washing liquid upwardly when the assay plate is mounted on the support, the single nozzle having an outlet configured as a slit to spray washing liquid therefrom as a sheet up onto the assay plate to wash simultaneously unattached biochemical materials sequentially from rows of wells aligned with the sheet of liquid, whereby the washing fluid drains downwardly from each well minimizing cross contamination of wells while leaving attached biochemical materials in the wells and carrying away unattached material, the single nozzle and assay plate being mounted for motion with respect to one another in a direction transverse to the rows of wells aligned with the sheet to wash sequentially successive rows of wells.