Apparatus for controlled release of thermal cycler seals

Abstract

An apparatus for controlled separation of a laboratory appliance from a thermocycler cover. The apparatus includes a sealing plate configured to be secured to the thermocycler cover. The seal plate has a seal plate top surface and a seal plate bottom surface configured to receive a laboratory appliance seal. A pin is mounted on the seal plate along with a spring at a side edge of the seal plate to provide controlled release of the laboratory appliance from the thermocycler cover. The spring is arranged to force the pin against an upper edge of the laboratory appliance such that upon opening the thermocycler cover, the spring causes the pin to extend into contact with the laboratory appliance and thereby causes the laboratory appliance to separate from the sealing plate.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application No. 18 / 199,857, filed May 19, 2023, entitled “Apparatus for Controlled Release of a Thermocyler Seal,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Modern life science research encompasses disciplines such as genetics, genomics, proteomics, and synthetic sequencing. In each of these disciplines, the modification, processing, and / or analysis of liquid biological and chemical samples of interest are fundamental. Therefore, thermal cyclers are an indispensable part of life science research. For example, in molecular biology research alone, thermal cyclers are used for DNA sequencing, cloning, probe generation, quantification of DNA and RNA, studying gene expression patterns, and detection of sequence marker sites.

[0004] A thermal cycler is a device capable of precise temperature control. In some cases, thermal cyclers can be configured to regulate temperature within complex cycling procedures. A thermal cycler typically completely encloses the laboratory apparatus containing the liquid sample under a lid mechanism to ensure tightly controlled thermal conditions. A thermal block—typically a piece of manufactured metal, such as aluminum—thermally couples the laboratory apparatus (and therefore the liquid sample) to the thermal cycler's thermal control system. Due to this ability to maintain precise temperatures with minimal fluctuations, thermal cyclers are commonly used for amplifying DNA and RNA samples, such as via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR, the thermal cycler applies rapid thermal changes to the liquid biological and chemical sample. Therefore, thermal cyclers are well-suited for any laboratory process requiring stringent temperature control.

[0005] Various laboratory processes require an hermetically sealed environment between the lid mechanism of a thermal cycler and each individual liquid sample within the laboratory apparatus. In some cases, this is to prevent evaporation of the liquid sample in procedures involving high temperatures. In other cases, an hermetically sealed environment is required to prevent contamination. Therefore, sealing sheets, typically formed from sheets of compressible materials such as polymers or silicones, are applied to the lid mechanism of the thermal cycler to create an hermetically sealed environment between the lid mechanism and the laboratory apparatus when the lid mechanism is closed.

[0006] However, conventional methods for engaging and disengaging the hermetic seal between laboratory equipment and the thermal cycler lid face several problems. One issue with conventional thermal cycler equipment is that too much sealing force may be applied to engage the hermetic seal between the cycler lid and the laboratory equipment. As a result, at the end of the laboratory process, the laboratory equipment often remains adhered to the seal, requiring the equipment to be lifted out of the thermal cycler. This can lead to spills, contamination, sample loss, temperature variations, etc. Another problem with conventional thermal cyclers is caused by too little sealing force being applied to the lid. In such cases, a hermetic seal cannot be achieved, and excessive evaporation or contamination can disrupt the intended laboratory process.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for technology that overcomes the aforementioned defects found in conventional methods of engaging and disengaging the seals of thermal cycler covers. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A detailed description is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost numeral of the reference numeral indicates the figure in which that numeral first appears. The same reference numerals are used in different figures to indicate similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings can be considered to provide an approximate depiction of the relative dimensions of individual components in separate figures. However, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions of individual components within a single drawing and between different drawings may differ from what is depicted. In particular, for clarity, some figures may depict components as a specific size or shape, while other figures may depict the same component on a larger scale or in a different shape.

[0009] Figure 1A This is an isometric view of a conventional thermal cycler apparatus, showing the thermal cycler cover in the open position, with laboratory equipment housed within the thermal block of the thermal cycler.

[0010] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermal cycler apparatus shown during the opening of the thermal cycler cover, and illustrates laboratory equipment being lifted from the hot block.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of a thermal cycler apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a device for controlled release of a thermal cycler seal for contacting laboratory equipment, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal circulator apparatus shown during the opening of the thermal circulator cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates laboratory equipment being lifted from the hot block, as well as equipment for controlled release. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1A This is an isometric view of a conventional thermal cycler apparatus 100, at least in part, designed to allow heat generated within the thermal cycler apparatus 100 to be transferred to liquid samples configured to be housed within a laboratory instrument 102. The laboratory instrument 102 is a sterile object and is typically configured to carry multiple liquid samples, typically arranged in an array configuration of wells isolating the samples (e.g., 96-well, 384-well, etc.). The well configuration provides a thermal path for heat transfer to the liquid samples within the wells of the laboratory instrument 102. Thermal activity within the thermal cycler apparatus 100 can be controlled by an internally arranged thermal control system (not specifically shown).

[0015] The thermal cycler device 100 includes a cover 104, shown configured in an open position. Laboratory apparatus 102 is shown disposed within a heat block 106 of the thermal cycler device 100. The heat block 106 thermally couples the laboratory apparatus 102 to the thermal cycler device 100, allowing heat transfer to be controlled by a thermal control system.

[0016] like Figure 1A As shown, the heat block 106 is typically positioned within an internal section of the body 108 of the thermal cycler apparatus 100. As described above, the heat block 106, together with the laboratory apparatus 102, facilitates the thermal coupling of the laboratory apparatus 102 (and thus the liquid sample) with the thermal control system.

[0017] Conventional thermal cycler devices, such as thermal cycler device 100, typically include a cover securing mechanism for closing and securing the cover 104 during operation. Exemplary cover securing mechanisms 110a / 110b may include a latch (110a) and a latch (110b) system, such as... Figure 1A The illustrated push-to-close latch system. Therefore, when the cover 104 is closed, one or more latching members 110a positioned within the cover 104 are pushed against a mating surface 110b in the body 108 to hook the striker therein, thereby securing the thermal cycler cover 104 to prevent accidental opening. Furthermore, when the cover 104 is closed, a sealing strip 112 disposed on the inner surface of the cover 104 is pressed against the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus 102. However, conventional thermal cycler devices, such as... Figure 1A The thermal cycler apparatus described herein is frequently subjected to improper detachment of laboratory fixture 102 from sealing plate 112, as described below.

[0018] Figure 1BThis is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermal cycler apparatus 100 shown during the opening of the cover 104, illustrating the lifting of the laboratory instrument 102 from the hot block 106. Such removal of the laboratory instrument 102 from the hot block 106 is typically caused by the laboratory instrument 102 remaining adhered to the sealing strip 112 at the end of the procedure, for example, when the thermal cycler has completed the desired procedure and the laboratory instrument is ready for removal. The sealing strip 112 is typically a sheet of compressible material (e.g., silicone or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM)) applied to the top of the laboratory instrument 102 or the underside of the cover 104 for the purpose of limiting sample evaporation and further isolating individual samples from potential contamination. For this purpose, a compressive force must be applied to establish an airtight seal between the laboratory instrument 102 and the sealing strip 112.

[0019] Applying excessive compressive force when configuring an airtight seal may cause laboratory apparatus 102 and sealing plate 112 to shift simultaneously upon opening of cover 104. The necessary force to achieve a adequate seal will vary due to many factors, such as manufacturing tolerances, the conformability of the sealing material, and the variable temperature of the laboratory apparatus orifice. The total adhesive strength of the seal is determined by the friction between the surfaces of sealing plate 112 and laboratory apparatus 102, and the negative relative pressure within each sealed orifice (i.e., laboratory apparatus 102). Therefore, proper disengagement of sealing plate 112 from laboratory apparatus 102 requires a counterforce sufficient to overcome the total adhesive strength of the seal. As mentioned above, conventional thermal cycler designs lack the means to ensure proper disengagement of sealing plate 112 from laboratory apparatus 102.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of one embodiment of a thermal cycler apparatus 200 according to the present disclosure, which includes a device 202 for controlled release of laboratory apparatus 204 from a cover 206. In one embodiment, the device 202 may be disposed within the cover 206. Although the device 200 may include only one release pin 202a or 202b (discussed below), the device may include more than one release pin, such as, for example, two, three, or four or more release pins. For example, Figure 2 The device 202 is shown to include two controlled release pins 202a / 202b extending from the sealing plate 208 (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 3 (To be discussed in more detail).

[0021] In such Figure 2In the illustrated embodiments, the sealing plate 208 may be secured to the underside of the cover 206. In one embodiment, the sealing plate 208 (and thus the device for controlled release of the thermal cycler seal) may be removably secured to the cover 206. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the contact surface of the sealing plate 208 contacting the underside of the cover 206 may comprise a magnetic material. Thus, the cover 206 (or at least the underside or a portion thereof) of such exemplary embodiments may also comprise a magnetic material of the same or similar composition (e.g., iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc.). Additionally and / or alternatively, the cover 206 may be electrically connected to a power source of the thermal cycler device 200 such that when current flows through the cover 206, at least a portion thereof exhibits magnetic properties capable of securing the sealing plate 208 to the cover 206, such as by using an electromagnet. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the sealing plate may be integrally or integrally formed with the thermal cycler cover.

[0022] In one embodiment, the thermal cycler device 200 may further include a sealing strip 210. Controlled release of the sealing strip 210 from the laboratory apparatus 204 requires sufficient force to overcome the total seal strength. The strength of the seal adhesion to the laboratory apparatus 204 is based on a combination of the frictional force between the surfaces of the sealing strip 210 and the laboratory apparatus 204, and the negative relative pressure within each sealed orifice due to the temperature difference from the orifice to ambient conditions. The total adhesive force is then the sum of the contributions from all the individual orifices of the laboratory apparatus 204. If the total resultant force of the seal adhesion is released simultaneously, this force may be relatively high and difficult to control, and therefore incremental release from individual orifices is advantageous.

[0023] Now back Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the two controlled release pins 202a / 202b of device 202 show the side edges of the sealing plate 208 positioned around the periphery of the sealing strip 210. Alternatively, it should be understood that one or more release pins 202a / 202b may be positioned in other locations relative to the laboratory instrument to enable release of the laboratory instrument, although such other locations may be more or less successful, such as at one or more corner locations. In one embodiment, the sealing plate 208 may include a bottom surface (not shown) that may receive the sealing strip 210. The sealing strip 210 may be a standard or commercially available thermal cycler seal with a backing adhesive. Thus, the bottom surface of the sealing plate may generally define a receiving surface area thereon on which the sealing strip 210 is received. For example, the receiving surface area may include all or less of the bottom surface of the sealing plate. Furthermore, the receiving surface area may be formed of a material different from the material of the other surfaces of the sealing plate 208. Thus, the receiving surface area may contain a material or substance having relatively high sterility, thermal conductivity, etc. Figure 2In one embodiment, when the thermal cycler cover 206 is closed, the bottom surface of the sealing plate is defined within a recess suitable for fitting, accommodating, or otherwise housing laboratory equipment 204. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the sealing plate may be substantially flat or non-conformal.

[0024] In one embodiment, corresponding controlled release pins 202a / 202b of device 202 can be mounted on opposite side edges of sealing plate 208 and sealing strip 210. Thus, when cover 206 is in the closed position, the controlled release pins 202a / 202b of device 202 can contact laboratory apparatus 204 on a top surface near its peripheral edge. Therefore, device 202 is positioned to apply a downward force opposite to the lifting force on the periphery of laboratory apparatus 204 during opening of cover 206.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of a device 300 for mechanically actuated controlled release of a thermal cycler seal between laboratory apparatus 302 and a sealing plate 304, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In one exemplary embodiment, device 300 may include a sealing plate 306, possibly similar to a sealing plate 208, one or more controlled release housings 308, and one or more controlled release pins 310, each mounted with one or more controlled release springs 312 disposed within a controlled release housing 308. Thus, in a simplified embodiment, the springs 312 loaded on the pins 310 provide a form of mechanical actuation. It is worth noting that other forms of mechanical actuation providing controlled release of the sealing plate 208 are contemplated and considered to be part of the scope of this disclosure, including, for example: placing shape memory material under a biased position against the laboratory appliance when the lid is closed, but returning it to a different position after release, thereby pressing against the laboratory appliance; a combination of gears and cams, wherein the cam is positioned to press against the laboratory appliance after the lid is opened; an elastic material (i.e., rubber, etc.) that provides mechanical pull on the laboratory appliance; and so on.

[0026] As shown, considering ergonomics or other design factors, the sealing plate 306 can be substantially planar for use in commercially available thermal cycler systems. Alternatively, the sealing plate 306 can be textured, contoured, or even a frame cover (not shown). The sealing plate 306 has a top surface 314 and a bottom surface (not shown). The top surface 314 of the sealing plate 306 may include a plurality of mounting holes 316. The mounting holes 316 can be configured to receive fasteners (not shown) for removably securing the sealing plate 306 to a cover (in Figure 3(Not shown in the image). Therefore, in some cases, conventional thermal cycler devices can be modified to receive the sealing plate according to this disclosure.

[0027] Generally, the bottom surface of the sealing plate can adhere to and receive the sealing sheet 304, which can be similar to the reference above. Figure 2 The sealing plate 210 and sealing plate 306 can be configured accordingly to facilitate thermal coupling between the laboratory apparatus 302 (and therefore the chemical or biological samples of interest) and the thermal control system of the thermal cycler. In one embodiment, the sealing plate 306 can be temperature controlled for this purpose. That is, the sealing plate 306 can be electrically connected to the thermal control system of the thermal cycler apparatus, such that the sealing plate 306 is maintained at one or more precise temperatures throughout the thermal cycler process. For example, a Peltier system can be configured within the thermal cycler apparatus, wherein current flows through the sealing plate 306 to achieve temperature changes. Therefore, the sealing plate 306 of the embodiments can comprise any suitable conductive material. By allowing appropriate current to flow through the sealing plate 306, the sealing plate 306 can be kept in thermal equilibrium with the hot mass of the thermal cycler system.

[0028] Figure 3 A controlled release housing 308 protruding from the top surface 314 of the sealing plate is further illustrated. The controlled release housing 308 can be positioned on the top surface 314 of the sealing plate, near the midpoint of the side edge of the sealing plate 306, or, of course, wherever one or more controlled release pins 310 are mounted. Typically, the controlled release housing 308 may include a pair of flanges 308A / 308B extending laterally and oppositely from the side of the release housing 308 along the edge of the top surface 314 of the sealing plate 306. The flanges 308A / 308B may include an aperture 320 through which is configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for securing the controlled release housing 312 to the thermal cycler cover. With this configuration, the controlled release housing 308 can be secured to the sealing plate 306. In some cases (not shown here), one or more controlled release housings 308 may be modified to the sealing plate via the aperture 320. Nevertheless, the controlled release housing 308 can be secured to the sealing plate 306 by any suitable means, including but not limited to adhesives, magnetic materials, welding, snap-to-fit molding, etc. Alternatively, in one embodiment, one or more controlled release housings 308 may be integrally formed with the sealing plate 306.

[0029] The controlled release housing 308 typically defines an internal controlled release section that slidably receives the pin 310 and the spring 312. For example, the sealing plate 306 may include orifices through one or more side edges near the midpoint (e.g., Figure 3As seen in the image, the orifice can slidably receive the pin 310. Such an orifice formed in the sealing plate 306 is positioned vertically aligned with an orifice 318 formed in the top surface of the controlled release housing 312. Thus, when the thermal cycler cover (to which the sealing plate 306 is attached) is in the closed position, the upper end of the controlled release pin 310 can be substantially disposed within the controlled release orifice 318.

[0030] Pin 310 is positioned to separate laboratory apparatus 302 from sealing plate 306 (and therefore sealing strip 320). The illustrated pin 310 is shown mounted with spring 312. In one embodiment, pin 310 may typically be cylindrical or rod-shaped. Pin 310 may include an upper end on which spring 312 is disposed. In one embodiment, the upper end of pin 310 may have a different diameter than other portions of pin 310 (i.e., pin 310 may have an inconsistent shape or diameter). For example, the upper end of pin 310 may be configured to have a diameter corresponding to that of spring 312. In embodiments described in further detail below, the upper end of pin 310 may be tapered to accommodate a conical spring 312. Pin 310 may further include a lower end terminating at a contact surface 322 configured to contact laboratory apparatus 302. In some embodiments, the contact surface 322 may be advantageously shaped to maximize the possible surface area of ​​the laboratory apparatus 302 to facilitate separation of the laboratory apparatus 302 from the sealing plate 306. In one embodiment, the contact surface 322 may be shaped as a circle, square, triangle, etc.

[0031] Spring 312 can be configured to force pin 310 against the upper edge of laboratory apparatus 302, such that after the thermal cycler lid is opened, spring 312 causes pin 310 to extend into contact with laboratory apparatus 302. Typically, incremental release of the hermetic seal from a single orifice is beneficial for maintaining sample volume, etc. Spring 312 can be configured to provide a force opposite to the adhesive force generated by the hermetic seal. In one embodiment, spring 312 can be configured to push pin 310 against the upper edge of the laboratory apparatus with a constant force throughout the opening of the thermal cycler lid. Therefore, spring 312 can be a compression spring with a constant diameter.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, spring 312 may be configured to push pin 310 with a non-constant force. For example, a larger or smaller force may be required at certain points during the opening of the thermal cycler cover. As a non-limiting example, spring 312 may be configured to push pin 310 with maximum force after the initial portion of the thermal cycler cover is opened, and with a smaller force throughout the remainder of the opening process. Therefore, the diameter of spring 312 can vary. In one embodiment, spring 312 may be a conical compression spring or an hourglass-shaped compression spring. Thus, as briefly discussed above, pin 310 may include an upper end with a varying diameter to accommodate spring 312.

[0033] As mentioned above, Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the device 202 within the cover 206 of the thermal cycler apparatus 200 is depicted. One of the controlled release pins 202a / 202b is also shown in the cross-section, positioned in preparation to push against the jammed laboratory instrument 204.

[0034] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), it should be understood that the concept of a spring pin can be implemented in laboratory equipment rather than in the lid of a thermal cycler. Additionally, another alternative embodiment (not shown) may include a system in which a controlled release pin is actuated via an electric piston or other mechanical or electrical device other than a spring.

[0035] Exemplary terms

[0036] A: A device for controlled separation of a laboratory instrument from a thermal cycler cover, the device comprising: a sealing plate configured to be secured to the thermal cycler cover, the sealing plate having: a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to receive a laboratory instrument seal; and a pin, spring-mounted at a side edge of the sealing plate to provide controlled release of the laboratory instrument from the thermal cycler cover, the spring being configured to force the pin against an upper edge of the laboratory instrument such that, upon opening the thermal cycler cover, the spring causes the pin to extend into contact with the laboratory instrument, thereby causing the laboratory instrument to separate from the sealing plate.

[0037] B: According to the device described in paragraph A, wherein the pin mounted together with the spring is a first pin mounted together with the first spring, wherein the side edge is a first side edge, and wherein the device further includes: a second pin mounted together with the second spring on the sealing plate, disposed at a second side edge of the sealing plate, the second side edge being opposite to the first side edge.

[0038] C: The device according to any one of paragraphs A and B, wherein the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

[0039] D: The device according to any one of paragraphs A and C, wherein the pin has a tapered upper end and wherein the spring is a conical compression spring.

[0040] E: The device according to any one of paragraphs A, D, and E, wherein the bottom surface of the sealing plate defines a groove, the groove being configured to close the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus after the thermal cycler cover is closed.

[0041] F: The device according to any one of paragraphs AE, wherein the sealing plate is configured to be temperature controlled.

[0042] G: The device according to any one of paragraphs AF, wherein the sealing plate is removably fixed to the thermal cycler cover.

[0043] H: The device according to any one of paragraphs AG, wherein the sealing plate includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners for securing the sealing plate to the thermal cycler cover.

[0044] I: The device according to any one of paragraphs A, H, or D, wherein at least a portion of the sealing plate is configured to magnetically engage the thermal cycler cover.

[0045] J: The device according to any one of paragraphs A and B, wherein the pin comprises: an upper end portion on which the spring is disposed; and a lower end portion terminating at a contact surface configured to contact the laboratory apparatus.

[0046] K: The device according to any one of paragraphs A and J, wherein the contact surface is substantially planar.

[0047] L: The device according to any one of paragraphs AK, wherein the sealing plate includes a housing having an inner section, wherein the pin and the spring are slidably mounted within the housing, and wherein the housing is positioned near the midpoint of the side edge of the sealing plate.

[0048] M: A thermal cycler cover comprising: a receiving surface configured to receive a laboratory instrument sealing strip; and a plurality of pins mounted with corresponding springs on one or more side edges of the receiving surface, each spring being configured to, when the thermal cycler cover is in the closed position on a thermal cycler device, force a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins against the upper surface of the laboratory instrument, such that, upon opening the thermal cycler cover, a controlled release spring causes a controlled release pin to extend into contact with the laboratory instrument, thereby causing the laboratory instrument to separate from the laboratory instrument sealing strip.

[0049] N: The thermal cycler cover as described in paragraph M, wherein the spring is a compression spring with a constant diameter.

[0050] O: The thermal cycler cover according to any one of paragraphs MN, wherein the pin includes a tapered upper end, and further wherein the spring is a conical compression spring.

[0051] P: The thermal cycler cover according to any one of paragraphs MO, wherein the receiving surface defines a groove, the groove being configured to close the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus after the thermal cycler cover is closed.

[0052] Q: The thermal cycler cover according to any one of paragraphs MP, wherein the receiving surface is configured to be temperature controlled.

[0053] R: The thermal cycler cover according to any one of paragraphs MQ, wherein the release pin includes an upper end on which a separate spring is disposed; and a lower end terminating at a contact surface configured to contact the laboratory apparatus.

[0054] S: A device for controlled separation of a laboratory instrument from a thermal cycler cover, the device comprising: a sealing plate configured to be secured to the thermal cycler cover, the sealing plate having: a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being configured to receive a laboratory instrument seal; and a pin mounted on the sealing plate at a side edge of the sealing plate to provide controlled release of the laboratory instrument from the thermal cycler cover, the pin being positioned to generate a force against an upper edge of the laboratory instrument such that, upon opening the thermal cycler cover, the pin presses against the laboratory instrument, thereby causing the laboratory instrument to separate from the sealing plate.

[0055] T: The device according to paragraph S, wherein the pin is mechanically actuated against the laboratory apparatus.

[0056] in conclusion

[0057] The foregoing description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit one to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. In determining the scope of this disclosure, reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0058] Unless otherwise stated, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and claims shall be understood to allow direct and / or indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connection between the two. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an” as used in the specification and claims shall be understood to contain “at least one of…”. Finally, for ease of use, the terms “comprising” and “having” (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and claims may be used interchangeably with the word “including” and have the same meaning.

Claims

1. A device for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from the lid of a thermal cycler, the device comprising: A sealing plate, configured to be fixed to the cover of the thermal cycler, the sealing plate having: Top surface, and The bottom surface is configured to receive laboratory instrument seals; and A pin, mounted on the sealing plate with a spring at the side edge of the sealing plate, provides controlled release of the laboratory apparatus from the thermal cycler cover. The spring is configured to force the pin against the upper edge of the laboratory apparatus, such that upon opening the thermal cycler cover, the spring causes the pin to extend into contact with the laboratory apparatus, thereby causing the laboratory apparatus to separate from the sealing plate.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pin installed together with the spring is a first pin installed together with the first spring. The side edge is the first side edge, and The device further includes: The second pin, together with the second spring, is mounted on the sealing plate and is located at the second side edge of the sealing plate, the second side edge being opposite to the first side edge.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pin has a tapered upper end, and The spring mentioned therein is a conical compression spring.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the sealing plate defines a groove, the groove being configured to seal the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus after the thermal cycler cover is closed.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing plate is configured to be temperature controlled.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing plate is removably fixed to the thermal cycler cover.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the sealing plate includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners for securing the sealing plate to the thermal cycler cover.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the sealing plate is configured to magnetically engage the thermal cycler cover.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises: At the upper end, the spring is disposed on the upper end, and The lower end terminates at a contact surface configured to contact the laboratory apparatus.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the contact surface is substantially planar.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing plate comprises a housing having internal sections. The pin and the spring are slidably mounted within the housing, and The housing is positioned near the midpoint of the side edge of the sealing plate.

13. A thermal cycler cover, the thermal cycler cover comprising: A receiving surface configured to receive sealing plates for laboratory equipment; and Multiple pins, each with a corresponding spring, are mounted on one or more side edges of the receiving surface. Each spring is configured to force a corresponding pin of the plurality of pins against the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus when the thermal cycler cover is in the closed position on the thermal cycler device, such that upon opening the thermal cycler cover, a controlled release spring causes a controlled release pin to extend into contact with the laboratory apparatus, thereby causing the laboratory apparatus to separate from the laboratory apparatus seal.

14. The thermal cycler cover according to claim 13, wherein the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

15. The thermal cycler cover of claim 13, wherein the pin includes a tapered upper end, and Furthermore, the spring described therein is a conical compression spring.

16. The thermal cycler cover of claim 13, wherein the receiving surface defines a groove, the groove being configured to close the upper surface of the laboratory apparatus after the thermal cycler cover is closed.

17. The thermal cycler cover of claim 13, wherein the receiving surface is configured to be temperature controlled.

18. The thermal cycler cover of claim 13, wherein the release pin includes an upper end portion on which a separate spring is disposed; and a lower end portion terminating at a contact surface configured to contact the laboratory apparatus.

19. A device for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from the cap of a thermal cycler, the device comprising: A sealing plate, configured to be fixed to the cover of the thermal cycler, the sealing plate having: Top surface, and The bottom surface is configured to receive laboratory instrument seals; and A pin, mounted on the side edge of the sealing plate, provides controlled release of the laboratory apparatus from the thermal cycler cover. The pin is positioned to generate a force against the upper edge of the laboratory apparatus such that, upon opening the thermal cycler cover, the pin presses against the laboratory apparatus, thereby causing the laboratory apparatus to separate from the sealing plate.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the pin is mechanically actuated against the laboratory apparatus.

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