Patent ID: 6086827
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A receptacle apparatus for use in performing chemical or biological assays comprising:a row of two or more longitudinally-spaced receptacles for containing one or more substances, said receptacles being capable of interacting with a substance transfer device constructed and arranged to dispense substances into or withdraw substances from one or more receptacles of said plurality of receptacles;a connecting rib structure fixedly connected to and extending away from outer surfaces of said receptacles and along said row of receptacles, said connecting rib structure defining generally straight edge surfaces extending along opposite sides of said row of receptacles and having generally flat shoulders facing toward bottom ends of said receptacles;one or more contact-limiting elements associated with each of said receptacles, each of said contact-limiting elements being constructed and arranged to be operatively engaged by the substance transfer device to limit contact between at least a portion of the substance transfer device and substances dispensed into or withdrawn from said receptacles by the substance transfer device; andone or more contact-limiting element holding structures associated with each of said receptacles and attached to an outer surface thereof, each said contact-limiting element holding structure being associated with one of said contact-limiting elements, and each said contact-limiting element holding structure being constructed and arranged to:receive and removably hold said associated contact-limiting element in an operative orientation in proximity to said associated receptacle, to permit said contact-limiting element to be operatively engaged by the substance transfer device, andallow said associated contact-limiting element to be removed from said associated contact-limiting element holding structure when said associated contact-limiting element is operatively engaged by the substance transfer device.