Patent ID: 7829027

Claim:
Sample carrier comprising: at least one sample receiver for a sample liquid; a plurality of sample chambers in which at least one of measurements, manipulations, studies and reactions is performable and each of which is fluidically connected in parallel to the sample receiver via a distribution channel by a separate feed channel that extends from the respective sample chamber to the distribution channel; a reservoir only for storing a quantity of the sample liquid and feeding connected sample chambers with the sample fluid, the reservoir comprising a reservoir inlet and a reservoir outlet, the reservoir inlet being fluidically connected to the distribution channel by a feed channel that is separate from and in a parallel relationship with the feed channel to each of the sample chambers and the reservoir outlet being fluidically connected to a connecting channel that is open to the environment, wherein the reservoir has a holding volume for sample liquid that is at least 5% greater than a holding volume of the plurality of sample chambers; and a covering which covers over the sample chamber, the distribution channel and the reservoir; wherein the reservoir is connected to the distribution channel in a manner causing the reservoir to be filled with sample liquid after the sample chambers, in order to first allow filling of the sample chambers with sample liquid prior to filling of the reservoir with sample liquid; wherein, when sample liquid in the sample chambers evaporates, is lost or used up, new sample liquid is able to flow out of the reservoir and into at least one of the sample chambers via the respective feed channel and connection to the distribution channel, wherein means are provided for causing the connecting channel to be kept sealed by a liquid seal when the reservoir is being filled and when the reservoir is being emptied, and wherein the atmosphere is only allowed to pass through the connecting channel into the reservoir.