Divisible multiwell plate

Abstract

A multi-well plate is described comprising: a frame made of a first material having an array of a plurality of wells arranged in a columnar pattern on a top surface, and an array of segmented fracture features arranged in a linear columnar pattern that alternates with the columnar pattern of the plurality of wells; and a plurality of tubes / wells made of a second material placed in the plurality of wells, wherein the multi-well plate is manually segmentable along the segmented fracture features into one or more columns of multi-well / tube strips. The manually segmentable multi-well plate of the invention results in multi-well strips or segments having smooth edges, thereby reducing the occurrence of injuries and glove tears.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates broadly, but not exclusively, to multi-well plates that can be manually segmented into strips. The manually segmented tube strips of the present invention have smooth edges that prevent injury to the user or glove tearing. BACKGROUND

[0002] Reagents for biological and chemical processes are often provided to users pre-portioned in multi-well plates, such as 96-well plates. These reagents are often provided in the form of lyophilized and / or frozen formulations. In a typical multi-well plate configuration, for frozen reagents, the user will need to thaw the entire multi-well plate and either use all of the reagents immediately or discard the unused portion of the plate. Alternatively, reagents can be provided pre-portioned in tube strips, such as 8-tube strips, but this is not suitable for manufacturing environments as the strip tubes need to be manually loaded into an automated filling apparatus and manually sealed with a lid strip. On the other hand, multi-well plates have been standardized for automated reagent dispensing and sealing.

[0003] Some existing multi-well plates can be segmented into tube strips or segmented plates. However, these are made entirely of polypropylene or similar soft material, which, although they are suitable for reactions that require temperature changes, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are not suitable for automated systems and manufacturing processes. Due to the properties of the material, these tube strips or segmented plates are difficult to handle by human or automated systems in a manufacturing environment. For example, the softness of polypropylene makes the plates difficult to grip by automated handlers and robotic arms. The grippers used by automated systems can cause the plates to warp, deform or crush due to the pliable, semi-rigid nature of the polypropylene material.

[0004] Some existing polypropylene segmentable plates require a pair of scissors, a cutter or other cutting tool to segment into multiple portions.

[0005] Furthermore, some existing segmentable multi-well plates can only be segmented into segmented plates, i.e. into 24-well or 32-well segments, and not into individual 8-tube strips. This in turn results in wasted unused reagents.

[0006] Some segmentable multi-well plates have a frame made of a rigid material and wells made of a soft material to be suitable for automated handling. However, in some cases, such multi-well plates require a tool such as a pair of scissors or a cutter to segment the multi-well plate into tube strips. In other cases, such multi-well plates can be manually segmented, but only into segments, such as 32-well blocks, and not into individual strips, such as any one of the tube strips. In yet other cases, in existing manually segmentable multi-well plates, which can be segmented into individual strips, the segmentation process leaves sharp edges, which result in glove tearing or injury to the user.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-well plate that can be manually segmented into individual tube strip format without the use of any cutting tools that addresses at least some of the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a multi-well plate that can be manually segmented into a well strip or tube strip that is compatible with reagent dispensing by manual or automated systems in a manufacturing environment. One aspect of the present invention provides a multi-well plate that can be manually segmented into a tube strip or well strip (such as but not limited to an 8 well or 8 tube strip) or segmented into segments that include at least one or more tube strips (segments of 8 tube or 8 well strips such as segments with 16 tubes, 24 tubes, 32 tubes, 40 tubes, etc.). In this application, the terms well or tube can be used interchangeably.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a multi-well plate comprising a frame portion made of a first material, wherein the frame has a planar top surface having an array of a plurality of well holes arranged in a columnar pattern on the top surface (forming a columnar pattern of a plurality of well holes), the frame further comprising an array of fracture features arranged in a columnar pattern that is alternating with the columnar pattern of a plurality of well holes (forming a columnar pattern of fracture features), and a plurality of tubes or wells placed in the plurality of well holes on the top surface of the frame, wherein the tubes or wells are made of a second material, and wherein the multi-well plate can be manually segmented into one or more strips of multi-well strips along the center portion of the fracture features. In some embodiments, the fracture features are segmented fracture features.

[0010] In some embodiments, the multi-well plate of the present invention can be manually segmented into a plurality of single column strips of multi-well strips along the center of the segmented fracture features. The multi-well strips can also be segmented into segments that include at least two columns of multi-well strips.

[0011] In some embodiments, the segmented fracture features of the multi-well plate of the present invention comprise an array of petal-shaped cutouts extending through the bottom surface of the frame from the top surface of the frame, and a series of undercuts on the bottom surface of the frame, arranged such that the undercuts alternate with the petal-shaped cutouts. In some embodiments, the undercuts are V-shaped undercuts.

[0012] In some embodiments of the multi-well plate of the present invention, the petal-shaped cutouts on the top surface of the frame in combination with the undercuts on the bottom surface of the frame produce eight small fracture portions or fracture features on each side of a column of the multi-well plate. The length and thickness of each fracture portion is the same throughout the frame. This pattern of fracture portions results in a segmented fracture pattern.

[0013] Advantageously, the segmented fracture pattern / feature provides one or more of the following improvements over continuous fracture lines found in some existing multi-well plates: eliminates the need to use a tool for splitting the multi-well plate, and / or allows the multi-well plate to be manually torn into strips / segments, and / or the petal shape radius and local fracture minimizes sharp edges after fracturing, and / or reduces sharp jagged edges after fracturing, and / or results in smooth edges, and / or results in reduced likelihood of glove tearing or causing injury to the user's hands and fingers.

[0014] The fracturable feature design of the present invention prevents glove tearing by the end user and / or prevents injuries such as cuts and lacerations to the user's fingers and hands.

[0015] In some embodiments, the present invention multi-well plate when manually split into strips or segments of wells or tubes provides or results in smooth edges, and / or minimizes or reduces sharp edges and / or significantly reduces sharp or jagged edges. In some embodiments, manually splitting the present invention multi-well plate results in one or more columns of multi-well strips that have no sharp edges. Thus, the present invention multi-well plate can be split into strips or segments that reduce or have no injury to the user. The present invention multi-well plate can be split into strips or segments that reduce or have no occurrence of glove tearing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the present invention multi-well plate includes a frame made of a first rigid material and the wells are made of a second softer material. In some embodiments, the first rigid material that makes up the frame is polycarbonate, or amorphous plastic and partially crystalline regrind plastic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the second softer material that makes up the wells is polypropylene, silicone, LSR (liquid silicone rubber), or made of soft plastic and partially crystalline plastic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first rigid material that makes up the frame is polycarbonate and the second softer material that makes up the wells is polypropylene.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wells or tubes of the present invention multi-well plate are directly molded into the frame with a form lock connection. In an exemplary embodiment, the molding and mechanical interlocking of the parts on the underside of the frame form a lock connection to connect the wells or tubes to the frame.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multi-well plate includes 24, 48, 96, 384, or 1536 or more wells. In some embodiments, the multi-well plate includes 96 wells. In some embodiments, the present invention multi-well plate can be manually split into one or more columns of 8 tube strips or into segments that include at least one column of 8 tube strips.

[0019] In some embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention are compatible with one or more of the following, including but not limited to: automation, manufacturing processes, lyophilization procedures, filling of reagents, frozen reagents, use in thermal cycler instruments, use in microbiological processing, etc.

[0020] The multiwell plates of the present invention and corresponding 8-tube strips and / or sections comprising at least two or more 8-tube strips are compatible with several commercially available thermal cycler instruments.

[0021] In some embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention can be sealed to enclose reagents. The seal can include one or more of, but is not limited to, peelable foil, clear seal, clear cover, optical seal, optical cover, dome cover, flat cover, etc. The frame, skirt, and wells of the multiwell plates of the present invention can additionally include features that fit and connect with various automation equipment and can have features that enable robotic gripping.

[0022] In some embodiments, the skirt features are positioned to extend along the frame of the multiwell plate from the edge on part or all of the frame. In some embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention have a standard profile design in which the height of the skirt has a standard height that allows standard height tubes / wells to fit into the frame. In such embodiments, the skirt has an extended lip (sometimes referred to in the art as an SBS (Society for Biomolecular Science) lip) that encircles the entire perimeter of the skirt and plate. In some embodiments, such plates allow standard height multiwell tubes to be associated with the frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention are low profile in design in which the height of the skirt is shorter than the standard height that allows low profile tubes / wells to fit into the frame. In such embodiments, the skirt lip (referred to as an SBS lip) is provided only at the four corners of the skirt of the multiwell plate.

[0024] The standard profile and low profile multiwell plates of the present invention and their splittable strips and sections can be used in commercially available thermal cycler instruments, such as instruments used to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Thus, another advantage of the multiwell plates of the present invention is that they provide consumable multiwell plates with pre-dispensed frozen or lyophilized reagents that can be used with ordinary thermal cyclers available in the market. A strip or section with more than one strip can be used with different thermal cyclers.

[0025] These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] One or more embodiments of the present application can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way. The figures are meant to illustrate one or more embodiments of the present teachings.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a frame portion of a multi-well plate is shown in accordance with example embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 A front view of the frame of Figure 1 is shown, with the dashed circle portion depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0029] Figure 3 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 2 is shown, zooming in on the undercut on the frame floor.

[0030] Figure 4 A top perspective view of the frame of Figure 1 is shown, with the dashed circle portion depicting an edge on the frame.

[0031] Figure 5 An exploded view of the circle portion of Figure 4 is shown, depicting an edge on the frame.

[0032] Figure 6 A bottom view of the frame of Figure 1 is shown, with the dashed circle portion depicting a break feature on the frame.

[0033] Figure 7 A perspective view of a multi-well plate is shown in accordance with example embodiments, showing a frame portion as shown in Figure 1 and a tube or well inserted therein.

[0034] Figure 8 A front view of the multi-well plate of Figure 7 is shown, with the dashed circle portion depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0035] Figure 9 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 8 is shown, depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0036] Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of a tube / well interlocked into a frame is shown, and depicts a portion of the frame interlocked with a portion on the tube / well.

[0037] Figure 10B A perspective view of a tube / well without the frame depicted is shown, and shows the frame interlock portion including a chimney and a lug.

[0038] Figure 10CA cross-sectional view of a tube / well is shown without the frame depicted, and the frame interlocking portion including the chimney and lugs is shown.

[0039] Figure 11 A perspective view of a multi-well plate is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame portion thereof. Figure 7

[0040] Figure 12 A perspective view of a multi-well plate is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame portion thereof. Figure 11

[0041] Figure 13 A bottom view of a multi-well plate is shown, depicting an array of segmented break features arranged in a columnar arrangement thereon. Figure 7

[0042] A perspective view of a multi-well plate is shown, as in Figure 14 , with one tube or well strip torn away therefrom. Figure 7

[0043] A perspective view is depicted, according to an example embodiment, of a case where one tube or well strip has been torn or separated from a multi-well plate, as in Figure 15 and Figure 7 . Figure 14

[0044] A right side view and a left side view of a tube or well strip of Figure 16A , respectively, are depicted, according to an example embodiment. Figure 16B Figure 15 A top view and a bottom view of a tube or well strip of , respectively, are depicted, according to an example embodiment.

[0045] Figure 17A A perspective view of a frame portion of a multi-well plate is shown, according to another example embodiment. Figure 17B Figure 15 A front view of a frame is shown, with a dashed circle portion depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0046] Figure 18 A perspective view of a frame is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame.

[0047] A perspective view of a frame is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame. Figure 19 Figure 18 A front view of a frame is shown, with a dashed circle portion depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0048] A perspective view of a frame is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame. Figure 20 Figure 19 A perspective view of a frame is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame.

[0049] Figure 21 A perspective view of a frame is shown, with a circle portion depicting the edge on the frame. Figure 18 ​​​​

[0050] Figure 22 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 21 depicts an edge on the frame.

[0051] Figure 23 A bottom view of the frame of Figure 18 with the circle portion depicting a break feature on the frame.

[0052] Figure 24 A perspective view of a multi-well plate according to an example embodiment showing the frame portion as shown in Figure 18 and a tube or well inserted therein.

[0053] Figure 25 A front view of the multi-well plate of Figure 24 with the circle portion depicting an undercut on the frame floor.

[0054] Figure 26 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 25 depicts an undercut on the frame floor.

[0055] Figure 27A A cross-sectional view of a tube / well interlocked into a frame and depicting a portion of the frame interlocked with a portion on the tube / well.

[0056] Figure 27B A perspective view of a tube / well without the frame depicted and showing the frame interlock portion including a chimney and a lug.

[0057] Figure 27C A cross-sectional view of a tube / well without the frame depicted and showing the frame interlock portion including a chimney and a lug.

[0058] Figure 28 A top perspective view of the multi-well plate of Figure 24 with the dashed circle portion depicting an edge on the frame portion thereof.

[0059] Figure 29 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 28 depicts an edge on the frame portion thereof.

[0060] Figure 30 A bottom view of the multi-well plate of Figure 24 depicting an array of segmented break features in a columnar arrangement thereon.

[0061] Figure 31 A perspective view of a multi-well plate according to an example embodiment as shown in Figure 24 with a tube or well strip torn therefrom.

[0062] Figure 32 depicts a perspective view of a tube strip or well strip according to example embodiments, as has been torn or separated from a multi-well plate, as shown in Figure 24 or Figure 31 .

[0063] Figure 33A and Figure 33B depict a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of a tube strip or well strip according to example embodiments of Figure 32 .

[0064] Figure 34A and Figure 34B depict a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a tube strip or well strip according to example embodiments of Figure 32 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to be restrictive of the scope of the present teachings. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise. Additionally, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless stated otherwise. The use of the term "and / or" means that the preceding term and the following term are taken together with one or the other. For illustration, but not as limitations, "X and / or Y" can mean "X" or "Y" or "X and Y".

[0066] One aspect of the present teachings provides a multi-well plate that can be manually divided into a well strip or tube strip that is compatible with reagent dispensing by manual or automated systems in a manufacturing environment. In some examples, the present multi-well plate can be used to produce kits for various biological or chemical processes, where the kit reagents included in the present multi-well plate can be produced in a high-throughput environment and sold to low-throughput consumers / users. Thus, the present multi-well plate advantageously prevents waste of expensive reagents.

[0067] In some embodiments, the present multi-well plate is compatible with one or more of the following, including but not limited to: automation, manufacturing processes, lyophilization procedures, filling of reagents, frozen reagents, use in thermal cycler instruments, for microbial processing procedures, etc.

[0068] The present multi-well plate can be used for storage of reagents and / or downstream processing of reactions, such as but not limited to nucleic acid amplification, nucleic acid sequencing, sample preparation to extract a biological molecule of interest including nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, etc., growth and cultivation of microorganisms.

[0069] Some example embodiments described herein provide a splittable multiwell plate that can be split into 8-tube strips or segments having one, two, three, or more 8-tube strips, depending on the requirements of the end user. The multiwell plates of the present invention are compatible with corresponding 8-tube strips and / or segments comprising at least two or more 8-tube strips, and thus mechanically fit and connect with several commercially available thermal cycler instruments, nucleic acid sequencing devices, sample preparation devices, microbiological incubators, and other biological process devices.

[0070] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a multiwell plate comprising: a frame portion made of a first material, wherein the frame portion has a planar top surface having an array of a plurality of holes arranged in a columnar pattern on the top surface, the frame portion further comprising an array of segmented fracture features arranged in a columnar pattern alternating with the columnar pattern of the plurality of holes; and a plurality of wells made of a second material, wherein the wells are placed in the plurality of holes on the top surface of the frame, wherein the multiwell plate is manually splittable along the centers of the segmented fracture features into one or more columns of multiwell strips.

[0071] The multiwell plates of the present invention are manually splittable along the centers of the segmented fracture features into a plurality of single-column multiwell strips. The multiwell strips can also be split into segments comprising at least two columns of multiwell strips.

[0072] In some embodiments, the segmented fracture features of the multiwell plates of the present invention comprise a plurality of petal-shaped cuts extending through the bottom surface of the frame from the top surface of the frame portion, and a plurality of undercuts on the bottom surface of the frame, arranged such that the undercuts alternate with the petal-shaped cuts. In some embodiments, the undercuts are V-shaped undercuts.

[0073] In some embodiments of the multiwell plates of the present invention, the petal-shaped cuts on the top plate of the frame in combination with the undercuts on the bottom of the frame create eight small fracture portions or fracture features on each side of a column of the multiwell plate. The length and thickness of each fracture portion is the same throughout the frame. This pattern of fracture portions results in a segmented fracture pattern.

[0074] Advantageously, the segmented fracture pattern / features provide one or more of the following improvements compared to continuous fracture lines present in some existing multiwell plates: the need for tools for splitting the multiwell plate is eliminated, and / or allow the multiwell plate to be manually torn into strips / segments, and / or minimize sharp edges after fracturing due to the radius and local fracture of the petal-shaped cuts, and / or reduce sharp jagged edges after fracturing, and / or result in smooth edges, and / or result in reduced likelihood of glove tearing and injury to the user.

[0075] In some embodiments, the skirt feature is positioned to extend along the frame of the multiwell plate from the edge on part or all of the frame along the frame. In some embodiments, the skirt also has an extended lip that encircles the entire perimeter of the skirt and plate frame. The lip is also described in the art as an SBS (Society for Biomolecular Sciences) lip or SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) lip, which is in accordance with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for microplates.

[0076] In some embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention are low profile plates, where the skirt is shorter to accommodate a smaller volume tube / well. In some embodiments, the low profile tube or well has a maximum volume of 0.2 mL when fully filled. The typical height of a low profile tube is about 15.50 ± 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the low profile multiwell plates of the present invention have a skirt lip, which is an extension of the skirt, and is located on the four corners of the frame of the multiwell plate.

[0077] In other embodiments, the multiwell plates of the present invention are standard profile plates, where the height of the skirt is a standard height, which allows for standard height tubes / wells to fit into the frame. In such embodiments, the skirt has an extended lip (SBS or SLAS lip) that encircles the entire perimeter of the skirt and plate. In some embodiments, such plates allow for standard height multiwell tubes to be associated with the frame. When used with adhesive and heat seals, the maximum well volume for a standard height or standard profile well or tube is 0.3 mL. The typical height of a standard profile tube or well is about 20.70 ± 0.25 mm.

[0078] The standard profile and low profile multiwell plates of the present invention, and their splittable strips and sections, can be used with commercially available thermal cycler instruments, such as those used to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). In non-limiting examples, the present half-skirted multiwell plates and strips and sections derived therefrom are mechanically fitted and connected with exemplary thermal cycler instruments such as Applied Biosystems 7500, QuantStudio 3 QuantStudio 5, QuantStudio 6, QuantStudio 7, Applied Biosystems ProFlex, Veriti, SimpliAmp, etc. The multiwell plates of the present invention are also fitted and connected with heat sealers and aluminum support racks.

[0079] In some embodiments, the multiwell plates and strips of the present invention can be fitted and connected with other instruments, such as sequencing instruments and platforms, sample preparation instruments and robotic platforms, etc.

[0080] Accordingly, another advantage of the multiwell plate of the present invention is to provide a consumable multiwell plate with or without one or more pre-dispensed frozen and / or lyophilized reagents that can be used with common thermal cycler instruments and other commonly used commercially available instruments and equipment. Individual strips or sections including more than one strip can be used differently with different thermal cyclers.

[0081] The embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Like reference numbers and characters in the drawings represent like elements or equivalents. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings and specific embodiments as conceptual examples. For example, although most of the drawings depict 96-well plates having 8 x 12 = 96 tubes / wells arranged in rows and columns, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teachings extend to multiwell plates having more or fewer wells / tubes in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, such as but not limited to multiwell plates having 24, 48, 96, 384, or 1536 or more wells / tubes.

[0082] Figure 1 A perspective view of a frame portion 10 of a multiwell plate in accordance with an example embodiment is shown. The frame 10 includes a planar top surface 12 having an array of a plurality of well holes 14 arranged in a columnar pattern on the top surface 12. The well holes 14 are configured to receive tubes or wells 34 therein (e.g., the tubes / wells 34 are depicted later in Figure 7 ). The frame portion 10 also includes an array of petal-shaped features 16 arranged in a columnar pattern that alternates with the columnar pattern of the plurality of well holes 14. The petal-shaped features 16 are part of the break features 30, e.g., see Figure 6 described in more detail in the sections below.

[0083] Figure 1 Two edges 18 are also shown on the left and right sides of the array of well holes 14 and petal-shaped features 16. The edges 18 can have alphanumeric markings to identify or label the well holes 14 that are configured to receive tubes or wells 34 therein (the tubes 34 are depicted in Figure 7 ). In one non-limiting example, the right edge 18 can have letter numbers such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, etc. Alternatively, numeric markings are also possible. Markings can also be made on the left edge 18.

[0084] Figure 1 A top side 17 and a bottom side 19 of the top planar surface 12 are also shown, from which a plurality of skirts 20 extend. A plurality of cutouts 22 separate each column of well holes 14 included on the top side 17 and the bottom side 19. The cutouts 22 are aligned in line with the petal-shaped features 16. Columns including the plurality of well holes 14 are also defined at both ends of the columns by two cutouts 22, which can also be Figure 1 letter-numbered on the top side 17.

[0085] In non-limiting examples, columns formed between the plurality of cutouts 22 can be labeled or identified on the top side 17 of the frame 10 with numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. These columns include a plurality of linearly arranged holes 14. Alternatively, these columns can also be labeled in alphabetical order. The labels can also be domes on the bottom side 19. Such labeling aids in the identification of the tubes / wells and reactions therein. For example, in the above non-limiting labeling example, the first tube 34 inserted into the upper right side of the frame 1 can be identified by label Al.

[0086] Figure 1 A skirt lip 42 is also depicted, which according to this embodiment, encircles the entire perimeter of the frame (except for the cutouts 22). As can be seen, the skirt lip 42 extends from the skirt 20. In this embodiment, the skirt 20 is taller (as compared to another embodiment described later) and accommodates standard size tubes / wells. Thus, the frame with the standard height skirt portion is described as a standard profile multiwell plate frame. In Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the skirt lip 42 encircling the entire perimeter of the frame (except for the cutouts 22) is referred to as a skirted frame.

[0087] Figure 2 A front view of the frame portion 10 of the multiwell plate of the present invention is shown, with the circle portion depicting the undercut 26 located on the bottom surface 24 of the frame 10. Both the undercut 26 and the petal-shaped feature 16 are included in the break feature 30 (as shown in Figure 6 The break feature 30 is arranged as a segmented break feature.

[0088] Figure 3 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 2 depicts the undercut 26 located on the bottom surface 24 of the frame 10. In some embodiments, the undercut 26 is V-shaped.

[0089] Figure 4 A top perspective view of the frame portion 10 of the multiwell plate is shown, with the dashed circle portion depicting the edge 28 of the frame 10.

[0090] Figure 5 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 4 depicts and illustrates the edge 28 on the frame 10. The edge 28 on the frame 10 can be used for plate orientation in instruments in which the multiwell plate is used, including automated filling instruments, PCR instruments, etc.

[0091] Figure 6 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 1A bottom view of the frame portion 10, wherein the dashed circled portion depicts a break feature 30 formed on the frame. As described above, a break feature 30 includes a petal-shaped feature 16 and an undercut 26. Multiple break features 30 begin with a cut 22 located at one end of the frame 10 (e.g., the top side 17) and proceed along a linear path to another cut 22 located on the opposite side of the frame 10 (e.g., the bottom side 19). This pattern forms multiple segmented break features 30. The segmented break features 30 allow for manual tearing with smooth edges, without rough edges or significantly reduced rough or jagged ends.

[0092] Figure 7 A perspective view of the top surface 12 of a perforated plate 32 according to an example embodiment is shown, which shows the frame portion 10 (having, as shown in the example embodiment) Figure 1 (The standard outline shown) and the tube or hole 34 inserted therein in the hole 14.

[0093] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A front view of the perforated plate, in which the dashed circled portion depicts the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of the frame.

[0094] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The exploded view of the dashed circled portion describes the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of frame 10.

[0095] Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of a well or pipe 34 interlocked in the frame 10 is shown, and a flue 37 of the frame 10 interlocked with a lug 39 located on the side of the pipe / hole 34 is depicted. The skirt 20 and lip 42 are also shown in the figure.

[0096] Figure 10B A perspective view of the pipe 34 without depicting the frame 10 is shown, and the flue 37 and lug 39 are also shown.

[0097] Figure 10C A cross-sectional view of the pipe / hole 34 of the frame 10 is shown without depicting it, and the interlocking portion of the frame including the flue 37 and the lug 39 is shown.

[0098] Figure 11 It shows Figure 7 A top perspective view of the perforated plate, in which the dashed circled portion depicts the edge 28 on its frame portion 10.

[0099] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion, describing and depicting the edge 28 on its frame portion 10.

[0100] Figure 13 It shows Figure 7bottom view of the multi-well plate 32 with the tubes 34 inserted into the wells 14, depicting an array of segmented fracture features 30 arranged in linear columns on the bottom surface 24, extending between two cuts 22, with each cut 22 located on opposite sides of the frame 10.

[0101] Figure 14 a perspective view of the multi-well plate 32 is shown according to an example embodiment with one tube strip or well strip 44 torn away from it. Figure 7

[0102] Figure 15 a perspective view is depicted of the multi-well plate 32 according to an example embodiment with one tube strip 44 (or also referred to herein as a well strip 44) torn away or separated from the multi-well plate 32, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 14 . The tube strip 44 depicts an example top or rim 36 of the tube 34. 38 depicts the bottom of the tube 34 and a plurality of torn edges 40. In some embodiments, the torn edges 40 are smooth edges. In some embodiments, the torn edges 40 are not jagged. In some embodiments, the torn edges 40 are not rough. In some embodiments, the torn edges 40 have a significantly reduced sharp edge or a significantly reduced jagged edge compared to other segmentable or tearable plates commercially available. The skirt 20 and the skirt lip 42 can be seen at the side edges of the tube strip 44.

[0103] Figure 16A and Figure 16B depict a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the tube strip 44 of Figure 15 according to an example embodiment, and show, among other features, the torn edges 40, the skirt lip 42, and the skirt 20.

[0104] Figure 17A and Figure 17B depict a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the tube strip or well strip of Figure 15 according to an example embodiment.

[0105] Figure 18 a perspective view of the frame portion 10 of the multi-well plate 32 is shown according to another example embodiment. Figure 18 very similar to Figure 1 except that the skirt portion 20 is shorter and the skirt lip portion 42 is only located at the four corners of the plate 32. Embodiments in which the skirt 20 is shorter and the lip 42 is only located at the corners are described as low profile plates because they have a shorter skirt 20 compared to a standard profile plate skirt 20 as shown, for example, in Figure 1 and Figure 7 . Low profile plates accommodate a smaller volume of tubes compared to standard profile plates.

[0106] Figure 19 ​It shows Figure 18 A front view of the frame portion 10 of the low-profile porous plate 32, wherein the circled portion depicts the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of the frame 10.

[0107] Figure 20 It shows Figure 18 The exploded view of the dashed circled portion describes the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of frame 10.

[0108] Figure 21 It shows Figure 18 A top perspective view of the frame portion 10 of the porous plate 32, wherein the dashed circled portion depicts the edge 28 on the frame. Edge 28 assists in plate orientation within the instrument.

[0109] Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion, describing and depicting the edge 28 on frame 10.

[0110] Figure 23 It shows Figure 18 A bottom view of the frame portion 10 of the perforated plate 32, wherein the dashed circled portion depicts a fracture feature 30 on the frame 10.

[0111] Figure 24 A perspective view of a perforated plate according to an example embodiment is shown, illustrating as follows: Figure 18 The low-profile skirt 20 shown includes the frame portion 10 and the tube or hole 34 inserted into the hole 14 located on the top surface 12 of the plate.

[0112] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 A front view of the perforated plate 32, in which the dashed circled portion depicts the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of the frame 10.

[0113] Figure 26 It shows Figure 25 The exploded view of the dashed circled portion describes the undercut 26 on the bottom surface 24 of frame 10.

[0114] Figure 27A A cross-sectional view of a low-profile perforated plate is shown, illustrating the tube / hole 34 interlocked to the frame 10, and also depicting a portion of the frame called flue 37, which interlocks with a portion of the tube / hole called lug 39.

[0115] Figure 27B A perspective view of the pipe 34 without depicting the frame 10 is shown, along with the flue 37 and lug 39.

[0116] Figure 27CA cross-sectional view of the tube / hole 34 is shown without the frame 10 depicted, and shows the frame interlocking portion including the chimney 37 and the lugs 39.

[0117] Figure 28 A perspective view of the perforated plate 32 is shown with the dashed circle portion depicting the rim 28 on the frame portion 10 thereof. Figure 24

[0118] Figure 29 An exploded view of the dashed circle portion of Figure 28 depicts the rim 28 on the frame portion 10 thereof.

[0119] Figure 30 A bottom view of the perforated plate 32 of Figure 24 is shown depicting an array of segmented break features 30 arranged in a linear columnar arrangement thereon.

[0120] Figure 31 A perspective view of the perforated plate 32 as shown in Figure 24 is shown with one tube strip 44 torn therefrom.

[0121] Figure 32 A perspective view is depicted of a perforated plate 32 according to an example embodiment with one tube strip 44 torn or separated from the perforated plate 32, as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 31 . The tube strip 44 is a low profile tube strip with a shorter skirt 20 and without a skirt lip portion, as it originates from a low profile perforated plate that only has skirt lips 42 located on the four corners of the plate frame.

[0122] Figure 33A and Figure 33B depict a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the tube or hole strip 44 of Figure 32 according to an example embodiment, and depict the torn edge 40. In some embodiments, the torn edge 40 is a smooth edge. In some embodiments, the torn edge 40 is not jagged. In some embodiments, the torn edge 40 is not rough. In some embodiments, the torn edge 40 has significantly reduced sharp edges or significantly reduced jagged edges compared to other commercially available splittable or tearable plates.

[0123] Figure 34A and Figure 34B depict a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the tube or hole strip 44 of Figure 32 according to an example embodiment.

[0124] ​Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the application described herein is susceptible to variations and / or modifications as can be needed to implement adaptations to different operational environments and / or requirements. For example, the size and number of openings on the cover plate can be varied as needed. Thus, it is to be understood that the application should be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Accordingly, this application includes all modifications encompassed within the scope of the claims subscribing the present application.

Claims

1. A perforated plate, comprising: A frame made of a first material, wherein the frame has a flat top surface having an array of a plurality of holes arranged in a columnar pattern on the top surface, the frame further comprising an array of segmented fracture features arranged in a columnar pattern alternating with the columnar pattern of the plurality of holes. as well as A plurality of holes made of a second material, wherein the holes are placed in the plurality of openings on the top surface of the frame. The porous plate can be manually divided into one or more rows of porous strips along the center of the segmented fracture feature. The array of segmented fracture features includes an array of petal-shaped cuts extending from the top surface of the frame through the bottom surface of the frame, and a series of undercuts on the bottom surface of the frame portion, arranged such that the undercuts alternate with the petal-shaped cuts. The longitudinal length of each petal-shaped cut in the array of petal-shaped cuts is greater than the longitudinal length of each undercut in the series of undercuts, and the lateral width of each petal-shaped cut in the array of petal-shaped cuts is greater than the lateral width of each undercut in the series of undercuts.

2. The porous plate according to claim 1, wherein the porous plate is manually divisible into a plurality of single-row porous strips along the center of the segmented fracture feature.

3. The porous plate of claim 1, wherein manually dividing the porous plate results in one or more rows of porous strips with reduced sharp edges.

4. The porous plate according to claim 1, wherein the porous plate is manually divided to generate one or more rows of porous strips without sharp edges.

5. The perforated plate according to claim 1, wherein the undercut is a V-shaped undercut.

6. The perforated plate according to claim 1, wherein the flue located on the frame is interlocked with the lug located on the side of the hole.

7. The porous plate of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises polycarbonate and the second material comprises polypropylene.

8. The perforated plate according to claim 1, wherein the holes are directly molded into the frame using a shape-locking connection.

9. The perforated plate of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a skirt surrounding the entire periphery of the perforated plate.

10. The perforated plate according to claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises skirts located at the four corners of the perforated plate.

11. The perforated plate according to claim 1, comprising 24, 48, 96, 384 or 1536 holes.

12. The porous plate according to claim 10, comprising 96 holes.

13. The porous plate of claim 10, wherein the porous plate can be manually divided into one or more rows of 8-tube strips or into segments comprising at least one row of 8-tube strips.

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