Patent ID: 6946287

Claim:
A system with a plurality of process units for hybridization of nucleic acid, protein or tissue section samples, each process unit comprising: at least one device for preparation of a hybridization chamber on a surface of a specimen carrier, each device comprising a substantially rectangular body that is movable with respect to the specimen carrier, each rectangular body further comprising: an annular seal on a surface of the rectangular body that contacts the surface of the specimen carrier so as to form a sealed hybridization chamber; a plurality of lines in communication with the hybridization chamber remove for injecting media into the hybridization chamber or for removing media from the hybridization chamber; a specimen supply line in communication with the hybridization chamber; and an agitation device for moving liquids relative to samples immobilized on the surface of the specimen carrier, the agitation device comprising a chamber formed within the rectangular body, a membrane separating the chamber into a pressure chamber and an agitation chamber, wherein the pressure chamber is provided in fluid communication with a line for supplying a pressure fluid and the agitation chamber provides fluid communication between one of the plurality lines and the hybridization chamber through a separate agitation line; a common connection surface into which open the plurality of lines and the pressure fluid line, the lines being entirely open so that the media can always flow through the lines unhindered; and a temperature control plate connected to a temperature control device, the temperature control plate having a surface for coming into direct contact with the specimen carrier.