Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20050232822?dq=7,094,863
Timestamp: 2015-09-03 07:07:50
Document Index: 599646646

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patent US20050232822 - High density plate filler - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging...http://www.google.com/patents/US20050232822?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20050232822 - High density plate fillerAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20050232822 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/086,273Publication dateOct 20, 2005Filing dateMar 22, 2005Priority dateSep 19, 2003Also published asUS7695688, US9052298, US20100196212, US20110220239Publication number086273, 11086273, US 2005/0232822 A1, US 2005/232822 A1, US 20050232822 A1, US 20050232822A1, US 2005232822 A1, US 2005232822A1, US-A1-20050232822, US-A1-2005232822, US2005/0232822A1, US2005/232822A1, US20050232822 A1, US20050232822A1, US2005232822 A1, US2005232822A1InventorsMark Reed, Albert Carrillo, Ian HardingOriginal AssigneeReed Mark T, Carrillo Albert L, Harding Ian AExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (71), Referenced by (18), Classifications (41), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetHigh density plate filler
US 20050232822 A1Abstract
A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay. Images(137) Claims(27)
1. A filling apparatus for filling a microplate, said microplate having a plurality of wells, each of said plurality of wells being sized to receive an assay therein, said filling apparatus comprising: a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, said substrate further having a first assay input port for receiving the assay, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through said substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling said first assay input port with at least one of said plurality of staging capillaries, each of said plurality of staging capillaries having an inlet and an outlet and being sized to receive the assay. 2. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first assay input portion comprises a plurality of upstanding walls together defining a fluid well, said fluid well terminating at a throat, said throat having a reduced-cross section relative to said fluid well. 3. The filling apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a surface tension relief post extending upward within said throat, said surface tension relief post engagable with the assay in at least one of said first assay input port. 4. The filling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one fluid overfill reservoir in fluid communication with at least a portion of said first plurality of microfluidic portions, said at least one fluid overfill reservoir being sized to generally reduce filling thereof with the assay prior to application of a centripetal force. 5. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first assay input port is disposed at an end of said substrate. 6. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first assay input port is disposed at a side of said substrate. 7. The filling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second assay input port in fluid communication with a second plurality of microfluidic channels, said first assay input port and said second assay input port being opposingly space across said substrate; and a barrier feature formed between said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said second plurality of microfluidic channels. 8. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is sized relative to said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said first assay input port to provide sufficient force to draw a predetermined volume of the assay therein. 9. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is sized relative to said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said first assay input port to provide sufficient force to draw a predetermined volume of the assay therein and permit release of the assay from each of said plurality of staging capillaries in response to an applied centripetal force. 10. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is spaced relative to adjacent ones of said plurality of staging capillaries to permit filling of the microplate. 11. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least about 96 wells. 12. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least about 384 wells. 13. The filling apparatus according to claim 1 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least about 6144 wells. 14. A filling apparatus for filling a microplate, said microplate having a plurality of wells, each of said plurality of wells being sized to receive an assay therein, said filling apparatus comprising: a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, said substrate further having a first assay input port, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through said substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling said first assay input port with at least one of said plurality of staging capillaries, each of said plurality of staging capillaries having an inlet and an outlet; a second assay input port in fluid communication with a second plurality of microfluidic channels, said first assay input port and said second assay input port being opposingly space across said substrate; and a barrier feature formed between said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said second plurality of microfluidic channels. 15. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said first assay input portion comprises a plurality of upstanding walls together defining a fluid well, said fluid well terminating at a throat, said throat having a reduced-cross section relative to said fluid well. 16. The filling apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a surface tension relief post extending upward within said throat, said surface tension relief post engagable with the assay in at least one of said first assay input port. 17. The filling apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: at least one fluid overfill reservoir in fluid communication with at least a portion of said first plurality of microfluidic portions, said at least one fluid overfill reservoir being sized to generally reduce filling thereof with the assay prior to application of a centripetal force. 18. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said first assay input port is disposed at an end of said substrate. 19. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said first assay input port is disposed at a side of said substrate. 20. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is sized relative to said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said first assay input port to provide sufficient force to draw a predetermined volume of the assay therein. 21. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is sized relative to said first plurality of microfluidic channels and said first assay input port to provide sufficient force to draw a predetermined volume of the assay therein and permit release of the assay from each of said plurality of staging capillaries in response to an applied centripetal force. 22. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of staging capillaries is spaced relative to adjacent ones of said plurality of staging capillaries to permit filling of the microplate. 23. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least 96 wells. 24. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least 384 wells. 25. The filling apparatus according to claim 14 in combination with the microplate having said plurality of wells, said microplate comprising at least 6144 wells. 26. A method of filling a microplate comprising: providing a microplate having a plurality of wells; inserting an assay into an assay input port; drawing said assay from said assay input port to a staging capillary through a microfluidic channel, said staging capillary being generally aligned with a corresponding one of said plurality of wells; staking said microfluidic channel at a position between said assay input port and said staging capillary to reduce assay flow between said assay input port and said staging capillary; and applying a centripetal force such that said assay in said staging capillary is forced into said corresponding well. 27. The method according to claim 26 wherein said applying said centripetal force such that said assay in said staging capillary is forced into said corresponding well comprises applying a centripetal force such that said assay in said staging capillary is forced into said corresponding well and assay in said microfluidic channel is forced into a fluid overfill reservoir.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,673 filed on Sep. 17, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,691 filed on Sep. 17, 2004. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,673 claims a benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,500 filed on Sep. 19, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,052 filed on Sep. 19, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/589,224 filed Jul. 19, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/589,225 filed on Jul. 19, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/601,716 filed on Aug. 13, 2004. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/944,691 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/913,601 filed on Aug. 5, 2004, which further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,052 filed on Sep. 19, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,500 filed on Sep. 19, 2003; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/589,224 filed Jul. 19, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/589,225 filed on Jul. 19, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/601,716 filed on Aug. 13, 2004.
All literature and similar materials cited in this application, including but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and internet web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials differs from or contradicts this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, described techniques, or the like, this application controls. INTRODUCTION Currently, genomic analysis, including that of the estimated 30,000 human genes is a major focus of basic and applied biochemical and pharmaceutical research. Such analysis may aid in developing diagnostics, medicines, and therapies for a wide variety of disorders. However, the complexity of the human genome and the interrelated functions of genes often make this task difficult. There is a continuing need for methods and apparatus to aid in such analysis.
DRAWINGS The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described herein, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view illustrating a high-density sequence detection system according to some embodiments of the present teachings; FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view illustrating a high-density sequence detection system according to some embodiments of the present teachings; FIG. 1(c) is a side view illustrating the high-density sequence detection system of FIG. 1(b); FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments comprising a plurality of wells comprising a circular rim portion; FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments comprising a plurality of wells comprising a square-shaped rim portion; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a well comprising a pressure relief bore according to some embodiments; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the well of FIG. 6 wherein the pressure relief bore is partially filled; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a well comprising an offset pressure relief bore according to some embodiments, being filled by a spotting device; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the well of FIG. 8 being filled by a micro-piezo dispenser; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a microplate employing a plurality of apertures, a foil seal, and a sealing cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments comprising one or more grooves; FIG. 12 is an enlarged top view illustrating a corner of the microplate illustrated in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the microplate of FIG. 12 taken along Line 13-13; FIG. 14 is an enlarged top view illustrating a corner of a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the microplate of FIG. 14 taken along Line 15-15; FIG. 16 is a top view illustrating a microplate in accordance with some embodiments comprising at least one thermally isolated portion; FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the microplate of FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a bottom view illustrating the microplate of FIG. 16; FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the microplate of FIG. 16 taken along Line 19-19; FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filling apparatus of FIG. 20; FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 22(b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filling apparatus comprising a plurality of staging capillaries, microfluidic channels, and ramp features according to some embodiments; FIG. 23(a) is a top schematic view of a filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 23(b) is a top perspective view of a portion of a filling apparatus comprising a plurality of staging capillaries, microfluidic channels, and ramp features according to some embodiments; FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of an output layer of a filling apparatus comprising spacer features according to some embodiments; FIGS. 25(a)-(f) are top schematic views of a filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a well of a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a well of an inverted microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sealing cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hot roller apparatus that can be used to seal a sealing cover to a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising an inflatable transparent bag; FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a moveable transparent window; FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising an inverted microplate; FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a plurality of apertures in a microplate; FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber engaging a sealing cover; FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber used together with an inverted microplate; FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber used together with a microplate comprising a plurality of apertures; FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber engaging a thermocycler block; FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a vacuum assist system; FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber engaging a thermocycler block and a microplate; FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a pressure chamber and a relief port; FIG. 41 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure clamp system according to some embodiments comprising a heatable transparent window; FIG. 42 is a top perspective view illustrating an upright configuration, according to some embodiments, of a thermocycler system, an excitation system, a detection system, and a microplate; FIG. 43 is a side view illustrating the upright configuration of the thermocycler system, the excitation system, the detection system, and the microplate of FIG. 42; FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating an inverted configuration, according to some embodiments, of a thermocycler system, an excitation system, a detection system, and a microplate; FIG. 45 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an excitation system according to some embodiments comprising a plurality of LED excitation sources; FIG. 46 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an excitation system according to some embodiments comprising a plurality of LED excitation sources; FIG. 47 is a side view illustrating the inverted configuration of the thermocycler system, the excitation system, the detection system, and the microplate of FIG. 44; FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating an inverted configuration, according to some embodiments, of a thermocycler system, an excitation system comprising individually mirrored excitation sources, a detection system, and a microplate; FIG. 49 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the excitation system comprising individually mirrored excitation sources of FIG. 48; FIG. 50 is a graph exemplifying vignetting and shadowing relative to excitation source position; FIG. 51 is a graph exemplifying vignetting and shadowing and an illumination profile according to some embodiments; FIG. 52 is a schematic view illustrating an excitation, source comprising a lens according to some embodiments; FIG. 53 is a schematic view illustrating an excitation source comprising a concave mirror according to some embodiments; FIG. 54 is a schematic view illustrating an excitation source comprising a concave mirror and a lens according to some embodiments; FIG. 55 is a schematic view illustrating multiple excitation sources focused to a point on a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 56 is a schematic view illustrating multiple excitation sources focused to multiple points to achieve a desired irradiance profile according to some embodiments; FIG. 57 is a flow chart illustrating a manufacturing procedure of preloaded microplates according to some embodiments; FIG. 58 is a flow chart illustrating the use of a database system according to some embodiments; FIG. 59 is a top perspective view illustrating a multipiece microplate in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the multipiece microplate of FIG. 59 in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 61 is a top view illustrating the multipiece microplate in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of the multipiece microplate of FIG. 61 taken along Line 62-62; FIG. 63 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of cap portion and main body portion of the multipiece microplate of FIG. 62; FIG. 64 is a top schematic view illustrating a loading distribution system comprising a conveyer, a plurality of dispensing stations, a plurality of robots, and a plurality of microplate hotels according to some embodiments; FIG. 65 is a perspective view illustrating a loading distribution system according to some embodiments; FIG. 66(a) is a side view illustrating a loading distribution system according to some embodiments, comprising a dispensing device, a source plate and wash station, and a carriage; FIG. 66(b) is a side view illustrating a loading distribution system according to some embodiments, comprising a dispensing device, a source plate station, a wash station, and a carriage; FIGS. 68(a)-(c) are top-plan views illustrating various uses of a source plate and wash pallet; FIG. 69 is a top-plan view illustrating a ceiling mounted plate-handling device adapted to retrieve a microplate from a hotel according to some embodiments; FIG. 70 is a perspective view illustrating a carriage capable of holding a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 71 is a perspective view illustrating a table coupled to a carriage utilizing a spring allowing the table to float in X and Y axis with respect to the carriage according to some embodiments; FIG. 72 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a locating ratchet adapted to hold a microplate on the table according to some embodiments; FIG. 73 is a perspective view illustrating a lifting device to allow the table to float in Z axis with respect to the carriage according to some embodiments; FIG. 74 is a perspective view illustrating a pressure source adapted to communicate with a vacuum connection shoe according to some embodiments; FIG. 75 is a perspective view illustrating of a loading distribution system comprising a pair of rails and a guide channel to lift the table off of the carriage according to some embodiments FIG. 76 is a perspective view illustrating an air slide connecting the pair of rails and a guide channel according to some embodiments; FIG. 77 is a perspective view illustrating a loading distribution system comprising the carriage, the table, and an alignment stage according to some embodiments; FIG. 78 is a perspective view illustrating a lifting stage adapted to lift a carriage according to some embodiments; FIGS. 79(a)-(b) are perspective views illustrating a visual inspection station including a carriage alignment device according to some embodiments; FIG. 80 is a top-plan view illustrating a table comprising a vacuum trench and a gasket according to some embodiments; FIG. 81 is a perspective view illustrating a dispensing device including a plurality of dispensers according to some embodiments; FIG. 82 is a perspective view illustrating a plate gripper robot according to some embodiments; FIG. 83 is a perspective view illustrating a plate gripper robot, gripping a microplate in a lower jaw according to some embodiments; FIGS. 84-90 are progressive perspective views illustrating a plate gripper robot depositing and picking-up microplates from a table and/or a plate storage unit according to some embodiments; FIG. 91 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash pallet according to some embodiments; FIG. 92 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station, wherein a source plate and a washing tray each comprise a respective lid thereupon according to some embodiments; FIG. 93 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station, wherein a de-lidded source plate allowing a dispensing device to access fluids stored in or on the source plate according to some embodiments; FIG. 94 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station, wherein the source plate stays lidded and the washing tray can be accessed by a dispensing device according to some embodiments; FIG. 95 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station positioned to enable a robot gripper to access a lidded source plate according to some embodiments; FIG. 96 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station positioned to a allow a dispensing station to access a source plate according to some embodiments; FIG. 97 is a perspective view illustrating a source plate and wash station positioned to a allow a dispensing station to access the washing tray according to some embodiments; FIG. 98 is a front-plan view illustrating a source plate and wash station in a wait position alongside a dispensing device and a conveyer according to some embodiments; FIG. 99 is a front-plan view illustrating a source plate and wash station in a deployed position alongside a dispensing device and a conveyer according to some embodiments; FIG. 100 is a perspective view illustrating a hotel and a movable entry guide according to some embodiments; FIG. 101 is a process flow diagram illustrating a software command and control architecture for a loading distribution system, according to some embodiments; FIG. 102 is an illustration a sample distribution mapping for an eight dispenser sample filler, according to some embodiments; FIG. 103 is an illustration of using a dead row to prevent cross-contamination in sample loadings from a filler according to some embodiments; FIG. 104 is a top-plan view illustrating a robot accessing microplate hotels, source plate hotels, and a plurality of dispensing devices according to some embodiments; FIG. 105 is a top-plan view illustrating a mapping of fluid locations of a 384-well source plate into a dispensing device comprising 96 dispensers and further into a 6,144-well microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 106 is an exploded top perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising an intermediate layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 107 is an exploded bottom perspective view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the intermediate layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the intermediate layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the intermediate layer and nodules according to some embodiments; FIG. 110 is a top schematic view of the filling apparatus comprising the intermediate layer and nodules according to some embodiments; FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the intermediate layer, nodules, and sealing feature according to some embodiments; FIG. 112 is a bottom perspective view of the intermediate layer of the filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 113 is an exploded top perspective view illustrating a clamp system for a filling apparatus according to some embodiments; FIG. 114 is an exploded top perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a vent layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 115 is an exploded bottom perspective view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the vent layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the vent layer and a vent manifold according to some embodiments; FIG. 117 is a top schematic view of the filling apparatus comprising the vent layer and vent apertures positioned between staging capillaries according to some embodiments; FIG. 118 is a top schematic view of the filling apparatus comprising the vent layer and oblong vent apertures according to some embodiments; FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the vent layer and pressure bores according to some embodiments; FIG. 120 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising one or more assay input ports positioned on an end of an input layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 121 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising one or more assay input ports positioned on a side of an input layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 122 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising one or more assay input ports positioned on opposing sides of an input layer according to some embodiments; FIG. 123 is a perspective view with portions illustrated in cross-section illustrating an assay input port according to some embodiments; FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus of FIGS. 120-123 according to some embodiments; FIGS. 125-131 and 133 are cross-sectional views illustrating the progressive filling of a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 132 is a top schematic view of the filling apparatus comprising reduced material areas for, at least in part, use in staking according to some embodiments; FIGS. 134-139 are cross-sectional views illustrating the progressive filling of a microplate using a filling apparatus employing fluid overfill reservoirs according to some embodiments; FIG. 140 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a filling apparatus employing fluid overfill reservoirs disposed in an output layer according to some embodiments; FIGS. 141(a)-(g) are top schematic views illustrating various possible positions of the staging capillaries relative to corresponding microfluidic channels according to some embodiments; FIGS. 142(a)-(g) are cross-sectional views illustrating various possible positions and configurations microfluidic channels and staging capillaries according to some embodiments; FIG. 143 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a floating insert and cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 144 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the floating insert according to some embodiments; FIG. 145 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a floating insert according to some embodiments; FIG. 146 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a floating insert according to some embodiments; FIG. 147 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a floating insert comprising post members according to some embodiments; FIG. 148 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a floating insert comprising tapered members according to some embodiments; FIG. 149 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a floating insert comprising tapered members and a flanged base portion according to some embodiments; FIG. 150 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the floating insert comprising tapered members and the flanged base portion inserted into a corresponding depression according to some embodiments; FIG. 151 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the floating insert comprising tapered members and the flanged base portion inserted into the corresponding depression and assay flow therebetween according to some embodiments; FIG. 152 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the floating insert comprising tapered members and the flanged base portion being forced down onto the corresponding depression according to some embodiments; FIGS. 153-155 are cross-sectional views illustrating the progressive filling and release of assay from the filling apparatus illustrated in FIG. 145 according to some embodiments; FIGS. 156 and 157 are cross-sectional views illustrating the filling and release of assay from a filling apparatus comprising weight members according to some embodiments; FIG. 158 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a surface wire assembly and reservoir pockets according to some embodiments; FIG. 159 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the surface wire assembly according to some embodiments; FIGS. 160-162 are cross-sectional views illustrating the progressive filling of a plurality of staging capillaries according to some embodiments; FIG. 163 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a surface wire assembly, a reservoir trough, and absorbent member according to some embodiments; FIG. 164 is a perspective view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the surface wire assembly, the reservoir trough, and absorbent member further comprising a sloping portion according to some embodiments; FIG. 165 is a perspective view illustrating a filling apparatus comprising a surface wire assembly, reservoir pockets, and absorbent members according to some embodiments; FIG. 166 is a perspective view illustrating the filling apparatus comprising the surface wire assembly, reservoir pockets, and absorbent members further comprising a sloping overflow channel portion according to some embodiments; FIG. 167 is a perspective view illustrating a funnel member comprising an assay chamber according to some embodiments; FIG. 168 is a perspective view illustrating a funnel member comprising multiple discrete assay chambers according to some embodiments; FIG. 169 is a perspective view illustrating a funnel member comprising multiple discrete assay chambers according to some embodiments; FIG. 170 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a funnel member comprising a tip portion according to some embodiments; FIG. 171 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a funnel member comprising a tip portion and a wiper member according to some embodiments; FIG. 172 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a funnel member comprising a tip portion and a planar cavity according to some embodiments; FIG. 173 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a funnel member comprising a tip portion and a wiper member spaced apart from the tip portion according to some embodiments; FIG. 174 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a funnel member comprising multiple offset discrete assay chambers according to some embodiments; FIG. 175 is a top plan view illustrating a funnel member comprising multiple offset discrete assay chambers and one or more apertures according to some embodiments; FIG. 176 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a funnel member comprising multiple offset discrete assay chambers and one or more apertures according to some embodiments; FIG. 177 is a top perspective view illustrating a multipiece funnel member comprising multiple offset discrete assay chambers and an internal siphon passage according to some embodiments; FIG. 178 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the multipiece funnel member comprising multiple offset discrete assay chambers and the internal siphon passage according to some embodiments; FIG. 179 is an exploded top perspective view illustrating a multipiece funnel member comprising portions separated generally vertically according to some embodiments; FIG. 180 is an exploded top perspective view illustrating a multipiece funnel member comprising portions separated generally horizontally according to some embodiments; FIG. 181 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sealing cover according to some embodiments; FIG. 182 is a perspective view illustrating a sealing cover roll according to some embodiments; FIG. 183 is a perspective view illustrating a manual sealing cover applicator according to some embodiments; FIG. 184 is a perspective view illustrating a fixture for use with a manual sealing cover applicator according to some embodiments; FIG. 185 is a perspective view, with portions illustrated in cross-section, illustrating the manual sealing cover applicator according to some embodiments; FIG. 186 is a side view, with portions illustrated in cross-section, illustrating the manual sealing cover applicator in a closed position according to some embodiments; FIG. 187 is a side view, with portions illustrated in cross-section, illustrating the manual sealing cover applicator in an opened position according to some embodiments; FIG. 188 is a perspective view illustrating an automated sealing cover applicator employing a sealing cover roll according to some embodiments; FIG. 189 is a perspective view, with portions removed for clarity, illustrating the automated sealing cover applicator employing the sealing cover roll according to some embodiments; FIG. 190 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the automated sealing cover applicator employing the sealing cover roll according to some embodiments; FIG. 191 is a perspective view illustrating a sealing cover roll cartridge according to some embodiments; FIG. 192 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing cover roll cartridge according to some embodiments; FIG. 193 is a perspective view, with portions removed for clarity, illustrating the automated sealing cover applicator employing a single sheet cartridge according to some embodiments; FIG. 194 is a perspective view, with portions removed for clarity, illustrating a single sheet applicator assembly according to some embodiments; FIG. 195 is a perspective view, with portions removed for clarity, illustrating a single cover cartridge according to some embodiments; FIG. 196 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the single cover cartridge according to some embodiments; FIG. 197 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the single cover cartridge according to some embodiments; FIGS. 198-201 are cross-sectional views illustrating progressive steps of applying a single sealing cover to a microplate according to some embodiments; FIG. 202 is an exploded view illustrating an inverted configuration of a pressure chamber according to some embodiments; FIG. 203 is a cross-sectional view illustrating section A-A of the pressure chamber of FIG. 202 in combination with a thermocycler system according to some embodiments; FIG. 204 is a side view illustrating a clamp mechanism in a locked condition according to some embodiments; FIG. 205 is a side view illustrating a clamp mechanism in an unlocked condition according to some embodiments; FIG. 206 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a clamp mechanism in a locked condition according to some embodiments; FIG. 207 is a pneumatic diagram illustrating a pneumatic system for a pressure chamber and a clamp mechanism according to some embodiments; FIG. 208 is a perspective view illustrating the pneumatic system of FIG. 207 according to some embodiments; FIG. 209 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of clamping a chamber to a thermocycler system according to some embodiments; FIG. 210 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a leak test on a chamber according to some embodiments; FIG. 211 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of unclamping a chamber from a thermocycler system according to some embodiments; FIG. 212 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an adjustable lens and camera mount according to some embodiments; and FIG. 213 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining bias.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS The following description of various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, applications, or uses. Although the present teachings will be discussed in some embodiments as relating to polynucleotide amplification, such as PCR, such discussion should not be regarded as limiting the present teaching to only such applications. The section headings and sub-headings used herein are for general organizational purp