Patent NZ-709321-A (NZ)
Title: Systems and devices for sample handling
Inventor: CHERNOMORSKY ROSTISLAV
IPC: B01L3/00
Filed: 2014-01-09
Abstract: The present invention provides a system for processing samples by a robotic platform, the system comprising: a tray defining: a well defining a drain, wherein the well comprises a bottom surface; and an access port in fluid communication with the drain; and an insert adapted to be received in the well, wherein the insert comprises a bottom wall and a side wall, wherein both the bottom wall and the side wall separately define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the insert is in fluid communication with the well when the insert is inserted into the well, and wherein at least some of the openings define an angle relative to the side wall or the bottom wall so as to induce a current or swirl in the fluid. The present invention also provides a tray for processing samples by a robotic platform, the tray comprising: a well defining a geometric shape having at least one outer wall and a bottom surface; an access port discrete from and in fluid communication with the well; and a basket configured to fit within the well, wherein the basket defines at least one side wall and a bottom wall, and wherein both the side wall and bottom wall separately define a plurality of openings, and wherein at least some of the openings define an angle relative to the side wall or the bottom wall so as to induce a current or swirl in the fluid. The present invention also provides a system for processing samples, the system comprising: a tray defining: a well defining a drain, wherein the well comprises a bottom surface; and an access port in fluid communication with the drain; and an insert adapted to be received in the well, wherein the insert comprises a bottom wall and a side wall, wherein at least one of the bottom wall and the side wall define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the insert is in fluid communication with the well when the insert is inserted into the well, and wherein at least some of the openings define an angle relative to the side wall or the bottom wall so as to induce a current or swirl in the fluid. The present invention also provides a basket for use with a system for processing samples, the system including a tray defining a well, the basket comprising: a bottom wall and a side wall, wherein at least one of the bottom wall and the side wall define a plurality of openings, such that an interior of the basket is configured to be in fluid communication with the well of the tray, and wherein at least some of the openings define an angle relative to the side wall or the bottom wall so as to induce a current or swirl in a fluid introduced into the basket. The present invention also provides a method of utilizing a tray and basket system for processing samples, the method comprising: inserting a basket into a tray, the tray having a well defining a drain that includes a bottom surface, and an access port in fluid communication with the drain; inserting an embryo into the basket; inserting the loaded tray into robotic processing equipment; inserting a pipette into the access port; introducing and/or withdrawing fluid into the basket via the pipette; removing the tray from the robotic processing equipment; and removing the embryo from the basket, wherein the step of introducing and/or withdrawing fluid into the basket comprises inducing a current or swirl in the fluid due to a configuration of the basket.