Patent ID: 6889468

Claim:
A method of adapting a sample processing system for use with a selected sample processing device, the method comprising: providing a sample processing system that comprises: a base plate adapted to receive a sample processing device, the base plate comprising a thermal structure, an electrically powered device, and a photovoltaic cell; a drive system adapted to rotate the base plate about an axis of rotation; a system controller; and connection apparatus located between the base plate and the drive system, the connection apparatus releasably attaching the base plate to the drive system for rotation of the base plate about the axis of rotation, wherein the connection apparatus comprises: a drive side connector fixedly attached to the drive system; a plate side connector fixedly attached to the base plate; operably attaching the base plate to the drive system by mating the drive side connector with the plate side connector; providing electrical power to the electrically powered device from the photovoltaic cell; and rotating the base plate about the axis of rotation using the drive system.