Patent ID: 6918738

Claim:
A holding plate for use in a stacking system which comprises: a substantially flat base member having a first surface and a second surface with a peripheral edge therebetween, wherein said first surface is substantially flat and is formed with a plurality of stations for holding specimens on said plate, and further wherein said peripheral edge is formed with a recess; a panel extending from said peripheral edge of said base member substantially perpendicular to said second surface thereof to border said second surface and create a concavity therewith, wherein said panel is formed with a flange extending outwardly from said concavity and substantially parallel to said second surface of said base member for selective use by said system in supporting said base member; a substantially flat lid member having a first surface and a second surface with an edge therebetween; and a skirt extending from said edge of said lid member substantially perpendicular to said second surface thereof to surround said second surface and create a hollow therewith, wherein said skirt is formed with an indentation for mating engagement with said recess of said base member when said second surface of said lid member is positioned over said first surface of said base member to cover said plurality of wells, and further wherein said skirt is formed with a rim having a lip extending outwardly from said rim for selective use by said system in supporting said lid member.