Patent Publication Number: US-7910066-B2

Title: Plate platform with visual indicator

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years, various areas of research have demanded cost-effective assays and reactions of diminishing scale, increasing efficiency and accuracy, with high-throughput capacity. Multi-well devices with multiple individual wells, such as multi-well plates or multi-well blocks, are some of the most commonly used tools to carry out such reactions and assays. A variety of multi-well arrangements, constructed according to standardized formats, are commercially available. For example, a multi-well device having ninety-six depressions or wells arranged in a 12×8 array is a commonly used arrangement. 
     For example, nucleic acid amplification and detection are among the most valuable techniques used in biological research today. Scientists in all areas of research rely on these methods for a wide range of applications. For some applications, qualitative nucleic acid detection is sufficient. Other applications, however, demand a quantitative analysis. 
     Presently, conventional polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) detects the amplified product (commonly referred to as the “amplicon”) by an end-point analysis by running DNA on an agarose gel after the reaction has finished. In contrast, real-time PCR allows the accumulation of amplified product to be detected and measured as the reaction progresses, that is, in “real-time.” Realtime detection of PCR products is made possible by including in the reaction a fluorescent molecule that reports an increase in the amount of DNA with a proportional increase in fluorescent signal. The fluorescent chemistries employed for this purpose include DNA-binding dyes and fluorescently labeled sequence-specific primers or probes. Specialized thermal cyclers equipped with fluorescent detection modules are used to monitor the fluorescence as amplification occurs. The measured fluorescence reflects the amount of amplified product in each cycle. 
     The ability to accurately reproduce small amounts of reaction mixes for real-time PCR is crucial for the overall success of the experiment. Almost all real-time PCR reactions are done in well plates that fit into the actual PCR machine. Even though there are numerous manufactures of these machines that all use a similar 96 well platform having 96 wells configured in 8 rows of 12 wells. 
     To ensure that each well is receiving the correct addition of reaction mix, the pipetor must be extremely careful to add the correct amount of reaction mix and into the correct well. This process requires the pipetor&#39;s undivided concentration to ensure the wells are loaded properly. However, in the conventional well platforms, there is no indicator to show the pipetor his or her progress in loading the wells on the platform. 
     As such, a need currently exists for a PCR platform that has a visual indicator allowing the pipetor to track the loading progress of the platform that does not affect or interfere with the reaction progress. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a plate platform for use with a well plate having a plurality of wells. The plate platform is constructed from a substantially transparent base having a plurality of elongated bore-holes internally from the side surface in the substantially transparent base. The substantially transparent base defines a non-transparent portion on the top surface extending from the side surface to an area configured to receive the well plate. A slide bar is positioned slideably positioned within each elongated bore-hole of the substantially transparent base. Each slide bar defines a marked surface that is visible through the substantially transparent base but not through the non-transparent portion. The marked surface comprises a row label, a column label, and a well marker. 
     The slide bar can be proportioned such that when the well marker is located under a particular well, the corresponding column label for that particular well is adjacent to the side surface of the base to be visible outside of the elongated bore-hole. 
     A fitting mechanism (e.g., a protrusion and aperture coupling) can be included within the elongated bore-hole of the plate platform and/or the slide bar such that the well marker of each slide bar is positioned under a well of the well plate. 
     Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which includes reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a well plate positioned on an exemplary plate platform constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the plate platform shown in  FIG. 1  in use according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the plate platform of  FIG. 1  without the well plate; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the plate platform shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an expanded view of an exemplary fitting mechanism between the slide bar and elongated bore-hole of the plate platform of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary slide bar for use with the plate platform of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the exemplary slide bar shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the plate platform of  FIG. 3  depicting the slidability of each slide bar within the elongated bore-holes of the plate platform of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of an explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied exemplary constructions. 
     In general, the present disclosure is directed to a plate platform (e.g., a PCR plate platform) having a visual indicator that allows the user to track his or her progress in loading the platform wells. Through the use of the plate platform of the present application, a user can more confidently load each well of a well plate positioned on the plate platform. Specifically, through proper use of the plate platform, errors in loading the wells of the well plate can be more easily avoided. Thus, the efficiency and accuracy of the well loading process can be increased. 
     A plate platform  10  having a visual indicator allowing the user to track his or her progress is generally disclosed. A well plate  12  can be positioned over the plate platform  10 . The plate platform  10  allows a user to track his or her progress through the use of visual cues. Thus, the user can confidently load all of the wells  14  on the well plate  12 , while minimizing his or her worry over skipping over or double loading a particular well  14 . 
     The plate platform  10  is configured for use with a well plate  12 . Specifically, the well plate  12  is positioned on the top surface  18  of the plate platform  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the well plate  12  has ninety-six wells arranged in eight rows  16 , each row having twelve wells, as is commonly found in commercially available well plates  12 . However, a plate platform for use with a well plate having any number of wells can be formed in accordance with the disclosures herein. Thus, the dimensions and characteristics of the plate platform depend on the number of wells and the layout of those wells on the well plate. 
     The plate platform  20  of the present invention defines a plurality of elongated bore-holes  11  extending internally within the plate platform. Each elongated bore-hole  11  is configured to receive a slide bar  20 . In the shown embodiment, the elongated bore-holes  11  internally extend horizontally from the side  22  across the length of the plate platform  20  in the x-direction. Each elongated bore-hole  11  is positioned such that a slide bar  20  will be positioned under each row  16  of wells  14  on the well plate  12 . The elongated bore-holes  11  can extend the entire length of the plate platform  20 , or just the length required for full function of the slide bar as described below. 
     Slide bars  20  can be moved horizontally in and out of (e.g., slideably moved within) the elongated bore-holes in the side  22  of the plate platform  10 . In the shown embodiment, the side bars  20  of the plate platform  10  are configured to correspond to the rows  16  of wells  14  on the well plate  12 . Thus, the number of side bars  20  is the same as the number of rows  16  of wells  14  on the well plate  12  (e.g., eight slide bars  20 ( a )- 20 ( h ) in the shown embodiment). When the well plate  12  is positioned on the plate platform  10 , the slide bars  20  are located such that each slide bar  20  is located under each row  16  of the well plate  12 . The slide bars  20  are movable within the plate platform  10  in the direction of the rows  16  of the well plate  12 . 
     Each slide bar  20  is labeled on its marked surface  24 . For example, each slide bar  20  has a row label  26  that corresponds to the particular row  16  of wells  14  on the well plate  12  under which the slide bar  20  is positioned. This row label  26  can correspond to the markings (not shown) on the well plate  12 . For example, in one particular embodiment where there are eight rows  16  of wells  14 , the rows  16  on the well plate  12  are marked using the alphabetical letters A-H. Thus, each slide bar  20  of the plate platform  10  has a row label  26  that matches the corresponding row  16  on the well plate  12 .  FIG. 2  shows that the slide bars  20  are positioned on the plate platform  10  such that their row labels  26  are in alphabetical order A-H to correspond to each row  16  of wells  14  on the well plate  12 . The slide bar  20  can be configured such that the row label  26  generally remains visible outside of the elongated bore-holes of the plate platform  10  to remain visible at all times. Additionally, the exposed portion of the slide bar  20  defining the row label  26  can provide a tab for the user to manually move the slide bar  20  in and out of the elongated bore-hole. 
     Each slide bar  20  also has column labels  28 . The number of column labels  28  corresponds to the number of columns  17  of wells  14  on the well plate  12 . For example, in the specific embodiment discussed above where there are eight rows  16  of wells  14  on a standard well plate  12  having ninety-six wells  14 , there are twelve columns  17  on each well plate  12 . Each column  17  has eight wells  14 , one from each row  16 . Typically, the columns  17  on the well plate  12  are numbered 1-12. Thus, each slide bar  20  of the plate platform  10  has column labels  28  that match the corresponding columns  17  on the well plate  12 . 
     Additionally, each slide bar  20  has a well marker  30  found at the end opposite the row label  26  on the marked surface  24  of the slide bar  20 . By moving the slide bar  20  an appropriate distance in and out of the side  22  of the plate platform  10 , a user can track the progress of loading the well. Specifically, the slide bar  20  is proportioned so that when the slide bar is partially inserted into the plate platform  10 , the row label  26  and the column label  28  adjacent to the side  22  correspond to the well  14  under which the well marker  30  is positioned. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 2 , the slide bar  20 ( a ) is only partially inserted into the side  22  of the plate platform  10 . The closest exposed column label  28 (A 7 ) indicates to the user the location of the well marker  30 . In this example, the well marker  30  is located under the seventh well of row A on the well plate  12 . Thus, the user can load (e.g., through a pipette) the desired components (e.g., compounds, reaction components, samples, etc.) in the appropriate well. After loading the appropriate well, in this example well  14 (A 7 ), the well marker  30  of the slide bar  20 ( a ) can be repositioned under the well  14 (AB) in the next column  17 ( 8 ) so that the user can proceed with loading the next well in an organized and easily tracked process. 
     This loading process can be performed for each row  16  by positioning the well marker  30  under the well  14 (A 1 ), loading the well  14 (A 1 ), repositioning the well marker  30  under the well  14 (A 2 ), loading the well  14 (A 2 ), and so on until all wells  14  of each row  16  are loaded. This process allows for the sequential loading of all wells  14  on the well plate  12 , while reducing the amount of concentration needed from the user during the process. In other words, this process provides a visual cue to the user as to which well  14  to load next, which can effectively decrease the required intensity of the user&#39;s concentration. 
     The top portion of the plate platform  10  is constructed of a substantially transparent material such that the slide bars  20  positioned within the plate platform  10  can be viewed through the top surface  18  of the plate platform  10 . Additionally, the plate platform  10  has sufficient strength to support a well plate  12  positioned on top of it. In order for the plate platform  10  to function properly, both the top surface  18  of the plate platform  10  and the well plate  12  are constructed to be substantially transparent. As such, the marked surface  24  of the slide bars  20  is visible through the top surface  18  of the plate platform  10  and the well plate  12 . 
     However, the plate platform  10  includes a non-transparent portion  32  that is configured to extend substantially from the side edge  13  of the well plate  12  to the side  22  of the plate platform  10 . This non-transparent portion  32  prevents the marked surface  24  of the slide bars  20  to be seen in this region. Without this non-transparent portion  32 , a column label  28  of the marked surface  24  on the slide bar  20  would be seen at the side edge  13  of the well plate  12 , which could confuse the user as to which well is to be loaded. Thus, the user can easily see that the appropriate column label  28 , which is adjacent to the side  22  of the plate platform  10 , indicating which column the well  14  to be loaded is located. The inclusion of this non-transparent portion  32  extending from the side  22  to the position where the well plate  12  will be positioned helps prevent confusion by the user as to which well is to be loaded next. 
     As discussed above, each slide bar  20  can be constructed to slide in and out of the plate platform  10 . In one embodiment, a mechanism can be included in the construction of the plate platform  10  and/or slide bar  20  to facilitate the extent of movement in and out of the plate platform  10 . For example, a mechanism configured to fit the slide bar  20  at the desired positions (e.g., such that the well marker  30  is positioned under each well) can be found on the plate platform  10  and/or slide bar  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , each slide bar  20  can be fitted with a plurality of apertures  34  on the backside of the slide bar  20 . The number of apertures  34  on the slide bar  20  is the same as the number of column labels  28 . Also, a protrusion  36  is located within the elongated bore-hole  11  of the plate platform  10 . The size of the protrusion  36  is configured to match the size of the aperture  34  on the slide bar  20 , and creates a coupling when positioned together. When moved in and out of the plate platform  10 , the slide bar  20  is slightly inhibited from movement at each fitting. The position of the protrusion  36  within the elongated bore-hole  11  and the position of each aperture  34  on the slide bar  20  is configured such that the slide bar is slightly inhibited from movement when the well marker  30  is positioned under each well  14 . Thus, the user can easily move the slide bar  20  in and out of the plate platform  10 , one well positioning at a time. 
     Of course, the placement of the protrusions and apertures shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A  can be reversed (e.g., the protrusions can be found on the slide bar, and the aperture can be found on the plate platform). Also, the positioning of the protrusions and apertures on the slide bar and plate platform can vary, as long as each fitting formed corresponds to the proper placement of the well marker. Any other mechanism for fitting the slide bar  20  at the desired positions (i.e., such that the well marker  30  is positioned under each well) can be found on the plate platform  10  and/or slide bar  20 . 
     The well plate  12  can be, in one embodiment, removably secured into place on the plate platform  10  by any mechanism. For example, the edges of the well plate  12  can snap into fittings (not shown) located on the top surface  18  of the plate platform  10 . The fittings can be protrusions extending from the top surface  18  in a manner such that the well plate  12  securely fits within the area defined by the protrusions to snap into place. Alternatively, the well plate  12  can be adhered to the plate platform  10  through an adhesive (e.g., clear tape). In yet another embodiment, the well plate  12  can be secured to the plate platform through the use of hook and loop fasteners. Of course, any other method of securing the well plate  12  to the plate platform  10  can be utilized. 
     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in the appended claims.