PLATE LOCATOR FOR PRECISION LIQUID HANDLER

摘要

A locator bed (28) has nests (30) where sample well containing plates (32) a re held and positioned for accessing by probes (34) moved by an X-Y-Z positioni ng system (24). Each nest (30) includes stop posts (82) at two sides of a rectangular base (74) of a plate (30), and biasing posts (92) at the opposed two sides. The stop posts (82) and the biasing posts (92) have tapered upper guide portions (106, 108) for guiding a descending plate (30) into position and cylindrical lower portions (110, 112) receiving the base (74) of a plate (30) in seated position. The stop posts (82) are located on the surface of t he locator bed (28) by conical seat portions (90). The biasing posts (92) are placed over studs (96) fastened to the end surfac, and hoop springs (104) ar e captured between the studs (96) and the biasing posts (92).