Patent ID: 7625746

Claim:
An apparatus for processing DNA or RNA samples within a disposable sample processing module comprising: a plurality of sample wells within the disposable sample processing module that contains the DNA or RNA samples, the sample wells each defined by opposing sidewall portions and a bottom portion; a single valve plate that forms the bottom portion of each of the plurality of sample wells, that is movable with respect to the sample wells between first and second positions and where the valve plate blocks a lower end of the samples wells while the valve plate is in the first position; means for coupling an external source of ultrasonic energy into a sampling well of the plurality of sampling wells; and means extending through an upper end of the sample well into the DNA or RNA sample for denaturing and fragmenting the DNA or RNA sample by applying ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic source; wherein the valve plate, while in the first position prevents interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module before denaturing and fragmenting are complete, and while in the second position allows interaction of the DNA or RNA sample with other processing fluids of the disposable processing module after denaturing and fragmenting are complete.