Automated liquid handling apparatus with improved magnet assembly

Abstract

An automated liquid treatment apparatus (10) comprises: i. A reaction vessel arrangement (18) having reaction vessels (88) arranged in a matrix in first and second rows (88a, 88b), where the first rows (88a) are parallel to each other and where the second rows (88b) are parallel to each other and intersect each other, wherein each reaction vessel (88) of a plurality of reaction vessels (88) arranged in a matrix is present at an intersection of the first and second rows (88a, 88b), each reaction vessel (88) having an input opening (104) and an output opening (116) arranged at a distance therefrom, and ii. A magnet device (70) having a movable magnet carrier assembly (72), wherein the number of matrix magnets (94) is less than the number of reaction vessels (88) of the plurality of reaction vessels (88), and wherein each reaction vessel (88) of the plurality of reaction vessels (88) is adjacent to two matrix magnets (94). The magnet carrier assembly (72) carries a number of matrix magnets (94) that is greater than the sum of the first and second rows (88a, 88b), where the matrix magnets (94) each have a polarization direction (94a) that is neither parallel to the first row (88a) nor parallel to the second row (88b), and that is neither orthogonal to the first row (88a) nor orthogonal to the second row (88b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated liquid handling apparatus for processing liquids. This automated liquid handling apparatus includes:

[0002] i. A reaction vessel apparatus having a plurality of reaction vessels arranged in a matrix in a first row and a second row, wherein the first row is parallel to each other and wherein the second row is parallel to each other, and wherein the first row and the second row intersect each other.

[0003] Each of the multiple reaction vessels arranged in an array is located at the intersection of the first and second rows.

[0004] Each reaction vessel has an input terminal with an input opening and an output terminal with an output opening spaced apart from the input terminal.

[0005] ii. A magnet device for creating a magnetic field in a plurality of reaction vessels, wherein the magnet device has a movable magnet carrier assembly having a plurality of matrix magnets carried by the magnet carrier assembly, wherein the matrix magnets are movable outside the plurality of reaction vessels at least within a range of motion between the input and output ends of the reaction vessels, wherein the number of matrix magnets is less than the number of reaction vessels in the plurality of reaction vessels, wherein each reaction vessel in the plurality of reaction vessels is adjacent to two matrix magnets. Background Technology

[0006] This type of liquid handling equipment is used in laboratories, for example, for purifying nucleic acids.

[0007] A liquid handling apparatus having the features mentioned at the beginning is known from WO 2010 / 075199 A2. The liquid handling apparatus known from WO2010 / 075199 A2 discloses a bar magnet disposed in each gap between adjacent parallel rows of a reaction vessel and extending parallel to the rows of the reaction vessel.

[0008] Known automated liquid handling equipment, and the automated liquid handling equipment of the present invention, further include, in preferred embodiments, at least one of the following devices:

[0009] iii. A useful containment device for containing liquid that is discharged through the outlet opening of the reaction vessel as the target output for treatment;

[0010] iv. A waste containment device, distinct from a useful containment device, for containing liquid discharged through the outlet opening of the reaction vessel as treated waste;

[0011] v. A pressure changing device, wherein the pressure changing device is configured to change the pressure difference between the internal gas pressure in the reaction vessel of the reaction vessel apparatus and the external gas pressure outside the reaction vessel; and

[0012] vi. A dispensing device having at least one dispensing opening for conveying liquid into a reaction vessel of a reaction vessel apparatus, wherein the dispensing device is configured to convey liquid through an inlet opening of the reaction vessel by means of the dispensing opening.

[0013] Known liquid handling equipment is more readily understood through the apparatus according to iii. to vi., given the availability of advantageous improvements. Nevertheless, it is applicable that the apparatus according to iii. to vi. is not absolutely necessary for achieving the objectives of the invention, but merely represents a preferred embodiment. The descriptions and designs given below in explaining the prior art regarding the apparatus according to iii. to vi. are also applicable to improvements of the invention.

[0014] WO 2010 / 075199 A2 does not include useful containment devices as mentioned above in case iii. The reaction vessels of known liquid handling equipment are connected to a common purging line, which serves as a waste containment device. More specifically, the wash liquid generated as a treatment target from the liquid handling equipment known in WO 2010 / 075199 A2 is removed from the equipment along with the reaction vessel containing the wash liquid and transported for further processing.

[0015] Another liquid handling apparatus is substantially known from the general description in WO 2019 / 096407 A1. One advantage of this known liquid handling apparatus is that the liquid always moves in the same direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the reaction vessel during its processing, thus preventing any reversal of the direction of the liquid being processed, as is known from other liquid handling apparatuses in the prior art. This avoids potential sources of cross-contamination.

[0016] A reaction vessel apparatus is an apparatus in which a liquid is, in the broadest sense, "processed," and in which liquid treatment occurs. For example, a chemical reaction and / or physical process takes place. In the reaction vessel of the reaction vessel apparatus, nucleic acids, particularly DNS or RNS, contained in the initial liquid supplied at the start of the treatment process can bind to correspondingly arranged magnetic particles. The magnetic particles bound with nucleic acids can be cleaned by supplying, if necessary, waiting for reaction time, and outputting a cleaning solution. The bound and cleaned nucleic acids can be eluted, i.e., detached from the magnetic particles, by supplying, if necessary, waiting for reaction time, and outputting an eluent. The resulting eluent can be output from the reaction vessel as the treatment target. In contrast, a portion of the initial liquid mentioned above, along with the subsequently supplied cleaning solution, can be output from the reaction vessel as treatment waste.

[0017] The basic principle of binding nucleic acids to magnetic particles specifically arranged for binding nucleic acids is described in US 5705628. Such specialized arrangements can be achieved, for example, by coating the magnetic particles with functional groups.

[0018] The useful containment device of the liquid processing apparatus according to the invention, as described above, is for containing liquid output from a reaction vessel as a desired processing target, typically an eluent containing cleaned nucleic acids. The useful containment device can be advantageously used to transport the liquid contained therein to other processing points or stations. For containing the processing target, the useful containment device preferably comprises a useful container assembly having at least one useful liquid container, and particularly preferably having multiple useful liquid containers.

[0019] Similarly, the waste containment device of the liquid processing apparatus according to the invention is used to contain liquids that appear as waste during liquid processing, such as the original carrier fluid of nucleic acids, in which contaminants may undesirably be present, such as residues of cell components of the original nucleic acid-containing cells, which should be discharged with the carrier fluid after the nucleic acids bind to the magnetic particles and washed away by one or more subsequent washing processes. Therefore, the cleaning fluid used during the washing process also forms processing waste in the sense of this application. For containing processing waste, the waste containment device preferably includes a waste container assembly having at least one waste liquid container. Although within the scope of the invention, the waste container assembly can also have multiple waste liquid containers, it is preferable that the waste container assembly includes only one waste liquid container as a collection container for processing waste discharged from the reaction vessel; that is, it is preferable to provide one waste liquid container for containing processing waste from all simultaneously present reaction vessels.

[0020] A magnetic device is used for the temporary fixation of magnetic particles within a reaction vessel. This ensures that only the corresponding liquid suspending the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel can be discharged through the outlet opening, while magnetic particles, particularly those with nucleic acids bound thereto, can be retained within the reaction vessel. To selectively fix or not fix the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel, the magnetic device is movably configured. Thus, for example, a magnetic field emitted from the magnetic device can be moved relative to the reaction vessel, causing the magnetic field inside the reaction vessel to become weaker or stronger in a coordinate system fixed relative to the reaction vessel.

[0021] The pressure changing device of the liquid handling apparatus according to the invention is used to establish a pressure difference between the gas inside the reaction vessel and the gas surrounding the reaction vessel, as mentioned above. This targeted pressure difference allows the liquid contained in the reaction vessel to move through the outlet opening. Preferably, the pressure changing device is configured only to generate a positive pressure difference, wherein the gas pressure inside the reaction vessel is higher than the gas pressure of the external environment. According to this preferred embodiment, the liquid is output only through the outlet opening and is not drawn into the reaction vessel.

[0022] The dispensing device of the liquid handling apparatus according to the invention is used to automatically feed liquid into a reaction vessel. Hygiene-wise, it is advantageous that the liquid is filled into the reaction vessel through an inlet located away from the outlet opening.

[0023] In fact, liquid handling apparatuses are known, for example, from EP 0 691 541 A2 or EP 1 065 001 A1, whose reaction vessels have only one opening through which liquid is drawn into the reaction vessel and then redistributed. Drawing in and distributing different liquids during liquid processing is considered disadvantageous in terms of process hygiene compared to the liquid processing described above, which guides liquid from an inlet opening through the reaction vessel to an outlet opening. This is largely because the inlet opening can be designed so that it is not necessarily wetted by the liquid being drawn into the reaction vessel or by the nozzle releasing that liquid. This is virtually impossible when drawing in and distributing through the same opening.

[0024] Liquid handling equipment known from EP 1 065 001 A1 includes a magnetic device having two magnetizable perforated plates, each penetrating a sleeve of a reaction vessel. Each of the two stacked perforated plates is in contact with the other of two dissimilar magnetic poles. An air gap completely surrounding the sleeve exists directly between the plates in the region penetrated by the sleeve.

[0025] WO 2004 / 113874 A2 discloses another liquid handling apparatus that allows different liquids to be transferred to multiple reaction vessels via a single dispensing device by means of a valve assembly. The output openings of the reaction vessels in the liquid handling apparatus known from WO 2004 / 113874 A2, located away from the input openings, are connected to a common purging line, as in the aforementioned liquid handling apparatus of WO 2010 / 075199 A2. Therefore, reaction vessels removable from the liquid handling apparatus are removed from the apparatus along with the treated substances contained therein for further processing of the achieved treatment target and continue to be transported.

[0026] Liquid handling apparatus known from WO 2004 / 113874 A2 discloses bar magnets disposed in every other gap between adjacent parallel rows of a reaction vessel and extending parallel to the rows of the reaction vessel over its entire length.

[0027] For further background information on the prior art, see publications US 4895706, US 4111754, US5273718 and US 8877145 B2.

[0028] According to a preferred design of the liquid treatment apparatus of the present invention, during liquid treatment, the liquid is introduced into the reaction vessel at least once, but typically multiple times, and then withdrawn again. Solid components contained in the reaction vessel can be bound to the reaction vessel through various physical principles, depending on the method implemented and the substances used, for example, through electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, or by utilizing biologically specific affinities, such as antigen-antibody interactions or enzyme-substrate interactions. Preferably, the solid components that can be bound or immobilized in the reaction vessel are the aforementioned magnetic particles, which can be immobilized in the reaction vessel by an external magnetic field generated by a provided magnetic device. Therefore, the immobilizable solid components can come into contact with a series of liquids, particularly within the same reaction vessel, wherein the liquids can be the same or different liquids. During liquid treatment in the reaction vessel, the immobilizable solid components can be suspended in the liquid contained in the reaction vessel once or multiple times. Other undesirable solid components in the reaction vessel can be flushed away along with treatment waste. Summary of the Invention

[0029] The object of this invention is to further improve the automated liquid handling equipment mentioned at the beginning. Specifically, the object is to improve the efficiency of the magnet device and ensure that a uniform magnetic field can be applied to all reaction vessels in a plurality of reaction vessels.

[0030] According to the present invention, this objective of the automated liquid handling equipment described at the beginning is achieved by the following method: the magnet carrier assembly of the automated liquid handling equipment carries a certain number of matrix magnets, the number being greater than the sum of the first and second rows, wherein the matrix magnets each have a polarization direction that is neither parallel to the first row nor parallel to the second row, and the polarization direction is neither orthogonal to the first row nor orthogonal to the second row.

[0031] In the prior art, bar magnets are typically placed in the gaps between rows of the reaction vessel and optionally next to the outermost row of the reaction vessel, so that the number of magnets used for this type of structure is at most 1 greater than the number of parallel rows of the reaction vessel. Bar magnets are arranged along the rows, and by increasing the number of magnets, the effect of the magnets on the contents of the reaction vessel can be enhanced.

[0032] Based on the described orientation, the number of magnets can be kept smaller than the number of reaction vessels, so that it is not necessary to provide a matrix magnet for each reaction vessel.

[0033] Furthermore, due to the described orientation, each individual matrix magnet can be positioned in the gap between reaction vessels with a relatively small mass, such that the total mass of the matrix magnets in the liquid handling apparatus of the present invention is at least no greater than or even less than the mass of magnets installed in liquid handling apparatuses known from WO 2010 / 075199 A2.

[0034] A higher magnetic field strength inside the reaction vessel, while using the same or even smaller magnet mass, represents a significant efficiency improvement relative to existing technologies.

[0035] Liquid handling equipment preferably includes a control device for controlling the process within the equipment. Preferably, as an electronic control device, the control device comprises at least one data memory and at least one integrated circuit, configured to control the motion actuators and / or valve devices of the equipment based on an operating program stored in at least one data memory, using application data stored in at least one data memory, optionally supplemented by data transmitted via user input and / or other control units.

[0036] The automated liquid handling equipment discussed herein is considered an "entry-level solution" and should not exceed the following structural dimensions, which allow for placement on a lab bench and convenient repositioning when needed. Mobile, portable devices are not considered here; rather, consideration is given to equipment that offers similar flexibility in laboratory setup as an office printer: the instrument can be placed and operated in virtually any location; however, once placed, it typically remains in the chosen location until a substantial reason arises to change that location.

[0037] To clarify the nomenclature used in this application: the term "equipment" generally refers to liquid handling equipment. In contrast, its functional components, unless they have a specific name, are individually referred to as "devices". Therefore, "device" as an abbreviated collective term generally refers to multiple or all of the devices mentioned in i. to vi. above.

[0038] The first row is parallel to each other, and the second row is parallel to each other, but intersects the first row. Preferably, for optimal use of structural space, the first and second rows are orthogonal to each other, although this is not absolutely necessary. The first and second rows are determined as virtual rows only by the arrangement of the reaction vessels. However, the first and / or second rows can correspond to physical means of holding the reaction vessels along the first and / or along the second rows and / or connecting the reaction vessels to each other.

[0039] For the reaction vessels to be arranged as compactly as possible, in order to make full use of the existing structural space, it is advantageous for at least one of the first and second rows to have a reaction vessel at each of the multiple intersections that follow each other directly along that row. Conversely, the other intersections of the first and second rows may not be occupied by reaction vessels.

[0040] Furthermore, for the intended automation, a highly regular arrangement of the reaction vessels is desirable. When there is one reaction vessel at each intersection of the first and second rows, the existing structural space can be utilized particularly densely through the close arrangement of the reaction vessels. Therefore, it is preferable that all first rows each include the same number of reaction vessels, and more preferably that all second rows each include the same number of reaction vessels.

[0041] Preferably, the reaction vessels are thus arranged in an orthogonal m×n matrix, where m and n are integers and represent the number of reaction vessels in each first or second row. m and n can be the same size in the case of a square matrix. Typically, m and n are different integers, which in a preferred embodiment produce 96 intersection positions. Particularly preferably, one of the integers in m and n is 12, and the other integer in m and n is 8. However, other matrices can be readily considered.

[0042] For the purpose of automating the processes in the device as simply as possible, it is preferable that the spacing between all the first rows is the same, and preferably, the spacing between all the second rows is the same. It is possible, however, that the spacing between the first rows and the spacing between the second rows are equally large, but this is not mandatory. For the particularly preferred polarization and orientation described below for the matrix magnet, it is particularly advantageous to use a uniform common row spacing not only between the first rows but also between the second rows. In this case, the four intersections of two directly adjacent first rows and two directly adjacent second rows form the corners of a square.

[0043] The direction vectors of the first and second rows are preferably unfolded into a plane that is parallel not only to the first row but also to the second row. This plane is used as a reference plane in this application.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input openings of multiple reaction vessels in the reaction vessel apparatus are disposed in a common plane, particularly in a common plane. Here, "plane" is not understood in a strictly mathematical sense as an infinitely thin two-dimensional configuration, but rather as a plane in an engineering scientific sense, having a thickness determined, particularly by the manufacturing and installation tolerances of the reaction vessels, reaction vessel carriers, etc. The input openings, configured to be ready for processing, are located in this plane. This plane preferably extends parallel to a reference plane. The aforementioned devices, namely the pressure changing device and the dispensing device, are preferably movable parallel to the common plane.

[0045] Particularly preferably, multiple reaction vessels can be removably disposed within a reaction vessel carrier as specified.

[0046] Preferably, multiple reaction vessels are integrally integrated in a reaction vessel assembly, which is preferably made of plastic by injection molding. To enable the reaction vessel device to be equipped with only the actual number of reaction vessels required for the corresponding purpose, or with as few redundant reaction vessels as possible, the reaction vessel assembly preferably has fewer vessels than the reaction vessel device. Preferably, the reaction vessel assembly has as many reaction vessels as each first or second row of the matrix arrangement. By arranging such a reaction vessel assembly in a reaction vessel carrier, the reaction vessel carrier can thus be assembled row by row in a unified process. If the reaction vessel assembly includes as many containers as those arranged in the rows from the first and second rows, then the number of reaction vessel assemblies in the reaction vessel device is equal to the number of reaction vessels in the corresponding additional rows from the first and second rows.

[0047] The useful container proposed according to the preferred improvement preferably has a number of useful liquid containers, the number corresponding to at least a certain number of reaction containers in the reaction vessel apparatus, such that it is always ensured that: in the useful container assembly inserted in the useful container carrier, a useful liquid container for receiving liquid is provided at each location where liquid is output through the reaction vessel apparatus. Preferably, the number of useful liquid containers corresponds to the product of the number of the first and second rows of the matrix arrangement, such that it is always ensured that: a useful liquid container for receiving liquid is provided at each possible location where liquid is output through the reaction vessel apparatus.

[0048] Preferably, the output opening of the reaction vessel is positioned away from the input opening along the spacing direction, wherein the spacing direction preferably extends orthogonally to the reference plane. Preferably, the spacing direction is the only distance component between the input and output openings. Particularly preferably, all reaction vessels in the reaction vessel apparatus are identically constructed. To fully utilize gravity during filling and emptying of the reaction vessels, the spacing direction in the equipment ready for operation preferably extends along, and particularly preferably parallel to, the direction of gravity.

[0049] Therefore, the directions of the first row, the second row, and the spacing are preferably unfolded into a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0050] To provide an effective magnetic field operating within adjacent reaction vessels, it is preferable to polarize and arrange multiple matrix magnets such that the interface between the different named poles of each matrix magnet extends transversely to the reference plane mentioned above. Particularly preferably, all matrix magnets are polarized and arranged in the manner described above.

[0051] Based on the simplified magnet model upon which this application is based, a solid magnet has two magnetic poles with different names, which form magnet segments of uniform polarity within the magnet body. The polarization direction of the magnet is the shortest direction, along which the magnetic south pole of the solid magnet follows its magnetic north pole. The aforementioned interface is located at the position where two segments of different polarities but with the same polarity are adjacent to each other within the magnet.

[0052] The force exerted by a magnet is usually minimal in the region of its interface because the magnetic segments of different polarities partially compensate for each other in terms of force due to their spatial proximity. Conversely, the force exerted by the magnet increases the further the outer segments of the magnet are from the interface, because at that point only the uniformly polarized magnetic segments exert force.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the matrix magnet has a plurality of inner matrix magnets. Here, each inner matrix magnet is adjacent to exactly four reaction vessels, which are arranged in two directly adjacent first rows and two directly adjacent second rows. That is, in the preferred orthogonal matrix, the four reaction vessels adjacent to the inner matrix magnet occupy the corner points of the rectangle.

[0054] Here, the matrix magnet can be constructed relatively small due to its spatial proximity to adjacent reaction vessels. It is possible to use a matrix magnet that does not extend beyond the adjacent reaction vessels along either the direction of the first row or the direction of the second row. Preferably, the matrix magnet does not extend beyond the center of four adjacent reaction vessels in the respective directions.

[0055] In this way, the magnetic field of the internal matrix magnet can function in all four reaction vessels. Due to the aforementioned preferred orientation and polarization of the matrix magnet, and consequently the internal matrix magnet, in the four reaction vessels adjacent to the internal matrix magnet, the two diagonally opposite reaction vessels experience a stronger force induced by the internal matrix magnet, while the other two diagonally opposite reaction vessels experience a weaker force. The reaction vessel located at the interface closer to the internal matrix magnet experiences a weaker force, while the other two reaction vessels experience a stronger force.

[0056] Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the plurality of matrix magnets, and especially preferably all matrix magnets, are polarized and oriented such that the described interface extends along the diagonal between four reaction vessels located at four intersections, the intersections being formed by two directly adjacent first rows and two directly adjacent second rows.

[0057] To achieve the force exerted by the internal matrix magnets on the four reaction vessels surrounding the internal matrix magnets using different magnetic properties, according to a preferred structural design, at least one internal matrix magnet is polarized and arranged such that a segment of the at least one internal matrix magnet having only one of its two magnetic polarities is opposite to the first reaction vessel among the four reaction vessels adjacent to the internal matrix magnet; a segment of the at least one internal matrix magnet having only the other of its magnetic polarities is opposite to the second reaction vessel among the four reaction vessels adjacent to the internal matrix magnet; and a segment of the at least one internal matrix magnet having both of its magnetic polarities is opposite to the third and fourth reaction vessels among the four reaction vessels adjacent to the internal matrix magnet, respectively. Preferably, all internal matrix magnets are polarized and arranged in the manner described.

[0058] If the magnet device has only an internal matrix magnet, then the magnetic force exerted by the magnet device on the edge-continuous reaction vessels that have only adjacent reaction vessels in its first row and / or its second row can be different from the magnetic force exerted by the magnet device on the internally continuous reaction vessels disposed between the edge-continuous reaction vessels. The internally continuous reaction vessels are those that have two adjacent vessels not only in their first row but also in their second row. The internally continuous reaction vessels are located between these two adjacent rows.

[0059] To avoid such undesirable different forces acting on reaction vessels that are substantially identical in physical form but located at different positions within the reaction vessel apparatus, a preferred improvement according to the invention proposes that the matrix magnet has a plurality of external matrix magnets, wherein each external matrix magnet is adjacent to exactly two reaction vessels, which are either arranged in the same first row or in the same second row.

[0060] Preferably, the magnet device includes only an internal matrix magnet and an external matrix magnet.

[0061] In order to apply the same magnetic force to the reaction vessel adjacent to the external matrix magnet, as if applying a magnetic force to the reaction vessel acting in conjunction with the internal matrix magnet, a preferred improvement of the invention proposes that at least one external matrix magnet, preferably multiple external matrix magnets, and particularly preferably all external matrix magnets are polarized and arranged such that a segment of at least one external matrix magnet having only one of its two magnetic polarities is opposite to a first reaction vessel of the two reaction vessels adjacent to said external matrix magnet, and such that a segment of at least one external matrix magnet having both of its magnetic polarities is opposite to a second reaction vessel of the two reaction vessels adjacent to said external matrix magnet.

[0062] In other words, preferably, the north or south pole of the external matrix magnet is opposite to one of the two adjacent reaction vessels of the external matrix magnet, and not only the north pole section but also the south pole section is opposite to the other of the two adjacent reaction vessels.

[0063] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, to achieve the most uniform magnetic force possible acting on all reaction vessels, the two reaction vessels adjacent to the outer matrix magnet are edge-continuous reaction vessels. In contrast, edge-continuous and internally continuous reaction vessels, or only internally continuous reaction vessels, can be adjacent to the inner matrix magnet. Depending on the orientation of the inner matrix magnet relative to the reaction vessels, no edge-continuous reaction vessel is adjacent to the inner matrix magnet; two edge-continuous reaction vessels, or in some cases, three edge-continuous reaction vessels, can be adjacent to the inner matrix magnet. The remaining reaction vessels adjacent to the inner matrix magnet are internally continuous reaction vessels.

[0064] Because the reaction vessels are arranged in a matrix, the matrix magnets are also arranged in a matrix to achieve the desired, as uniform as possible, force application from the magnet devices to the reaction vessels. However, the matrix of the matrix magnets can differ from the matrix of the reaction vessels. Preferably, the matrix magnets are arranged in the third row parallel to the first row and in the fourth row parallel to the second row. Here, the matrix magnets are located at the intersection of the third and fourth rows.

[0065] Similar to reaction vessels with continuous edges and interiors, the outer matrix magnet has only one adjacent matrix magnet in its third row and / or its fourth row. The inner matrix magnet has two adjacent magnets not only in its third row but also in its fourth row. The inner matrix magnet is located between its two adjacent rows.

[0066] In order to apply the predetermined magnetic force to the reaction vessels at the edges, preferably, the number of third rows is greater than the number of first rows. More preferably, the number of fourth rows is greater than the number of second rows. Particularly preferably, the number of third rows is exactly one greater than the number of first rows. This ensures the feasibility of associating each reaction vessel in the first row with two adjacent matrix magnets, since each first row can then be positioned between two third rows.

[0067] For the same reason, preferably, the number of fourth rows is exactly 1 greater than the number of second rows, so that each second row can also be placed between two fourth rows.

[0068] Therefore, in an m×n matrix containing a reaction vessel, the matrix magnet is preferably placed in a (m+1)×(n+1) matrix.

[0069] When the number of third rows is one greater than the number of first rows, it is preferable that each first row extends between two third rows. Similarly, when the number of fourth rows is one greater than the number of second rows, it is preferable that each second row extends between two fourth rows.

[0070] However, according to the definition given at the beginning, to avoid unnecessarily high manufacturing costs, the number of matrix magnets is less than the number of reaction vessels. This can be achieved in the matrix arrangement of the matrix magnets given above in the following way: not all intersection positions of the magnet matrix are occupied by matrix magnets. In a preferred design, intersection positions not occupied by matrix magnets are adjacent to intersection positions occupied by matrix magnets, not only in the third row but also in the fourth row. This preferably applies to multiple matrix magnets in the magnet assembly, and particularly preferably all matrix magnets.

[0071] Therefore, preferably, there is one intersection position between the third and fourth rows among all the matrix magnets that follow each other along the third row, and this intersection position is not occupied by a matrix magnet. Similarly, preferably, there is one intersection position between the third and fourth rows among all the matrix magnets that follow each other along the fourth row, and this intersection position is not occupied by a matrix magnet. Therefore, a matrix of preferably equally orthogonal matrix magnets has more intersection positions than a matrix magnet alone. Particularly preferably, this applies not only to some rows in the third and fourth rows, but to all third and all fourth rows of the magnet matrix.

[0072] In a specific structural design, the third row, which follows each other directly along the fourth row, alternates between a higher and lower number of matrix magnets. Alternatively or preferably additionally, the fourth row, which follows each other directly along the third row, can alternate between a higher and lower number of matrix magnets. Here, the higher number of matrix magnets in the fourth row can differ from the higher number of matrix magnets in the third row. Similarly, the lower number of matrix magnets in the fourth row can differ from the lower number of matrix magnets in the third row.

[0073] Due to the preferred arrangement of the reaction vessel, it is also preferably provided with a matrix of magnets exhibiting a certain regularity. Therefore, preferably, all third rows with a lower number of matrix magnets have the same lower number of matrix magnets. Alternatively or preferably additionally, all third rows with a higher number of matrix magnets have the same higher number of matrix magnets.

[0074] Therefore, preferably, the number of matrix magnets in the third row that follows each other along the fourth row alternates between a higher number and a lower number.

[0075] For the same reason, preferably, all fourth rows having a smaller number of matrix magnets have the same smaller number of matrix magnets. Alternatively or preferably, all fourth rows having a larger number of matrix magnets have the same larger number of matrix magnets.

[0076] Therefore, preferably, the number of matrix magnets in the fourth row, which follows each other along the third row, alternates between a larger number and a smaller number.

[0077] Particularly preferably, the difference between the higher and lower quantities is 1. This also applies to the higher and lower quantities in the fourth row.

[0078] To further describe the preferred improvement of the magnet device, all the third rows that follow each other along the fourth row are numbered consecutively in ascending order. Similarly, all the fourth rows that follow each other along the third row are numbered consecutively in ascending order.

[0079] Although it seems logical, given the regularity discussed so far, to arrange the matrix magnets in a uniform orientation as much as possible in the magnet device, it is surprising that a more uniform magnetic effect can be achieved through the non-uniform, but regular, orientation of the matrix magnets.

[0080] Therefore, the most uniform force exerted by the matrix magnets on the reaction vessel is demonstrated in the following setup, in which all even-numbered matrix magnets in the third row are oriented in the same way, and in which all odd-numbered matrix magnets in the third row are oriented in the same way, but differently from the even-numbered matrix magnets in the third row.

[0081] Alternatively or preferably, the matrix magnets can exert the most uniform force on the reaction vessel as possible by the following manner: all the even-numbered matrix magnets in the fourth row are oriented in the same way, and all the odd-numbered matrix magnets in the fourth row are oriented in the same way, but differently from the even-numbered matrix magnets in the fourth row.

[0082] In a specific structural improvement of the invention, preferably, the matrix magnets with even numbers in the third row are arranged rotated 90° relative to the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the third row about a rotation axis orthogonal to the reference plane. Here, the direction of rotation of the matrix magnets with even numbers in the third row relative to the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the third row is always the same for all related matrix magnets.

[0083] Alternatively or preferably additionally, for the same reason, it can be proposed that the matrix magnets with even numbers in the fourth row are arranged rotated 90° relative to the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the fourth row about a rotation axis orthogonal to the reference plane. Here, the direction of rotation of the matrix magnets with even numbers in the fourth row relative to the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the fourth row is always the same for all relevant matrix magnets.

[0084] Preferably, the rotation axis is orthogonal to the polarization direction of the matrix magnet.

[0085] In the optimal improvement scheme, two matrix magnets are positioned adjacent to each reaction vessel, such that a section of one matrix magnet with only one magnetic polarity is adjacent to or opposite each reaction vessel, while a section of the other matrix magnet with two different magnetic polarities is adjacent to or opposite each reaction vessel. Therefore, each reaction vessel is affected by the magnetic fields of the two adjacent matrix magnets, with one of the adjacent matrix magnets exerting a stronger magnetic force on the interior space of the reaction vessel compared to the corresponding adjacent matrix magnet. This yields advantageous results. The force exerted by the more distant matrix magnets is negligible for each reaction vessel observed individually due to the divergence of the magnetic field. The magnetic field strength decreases proportionally to the square of the distance from the magnet.

[0086] In principle, two adjacent matrix magnets with different forces acting within the internal space of the reaction vessel can form two particle clusters (also referred to in the art as "spheres"), in which the magnet particles or magnetizable particles are suspended. The cluster induced by the matrix magnet with a stronger magnetic force typically contains a higher number of particles than the cluster induced by the matrix magnet with a weaker magnetic force.

[0087] By moving these two adjacent matrix magnets relative to the reaction vessel, a strongly varying magnetic field can be generated within the interior space of the reaction vessel. Therefore, the movement of the matrix magnets enables a mixing effect, similar to stirring, of the suspension contained within the reaction vessel. Here, mixing is caused by the suspended magnetic particles or magnetizable particles under the influence of the changing magnetic field that corresponds to the movement of the two adjacent matrix magnets.

[0088] The movement also enables larger particle clusters to grow gradually at the expense of smaller particle clusters until only the larger particle clusters remain.

[0089] The particularly good mixing and particularly favorable cluster formation of the magnetic particles suspended in the reaction vessel can be achieved by the separate movement of the two matrix magnets adjacent to the reaction vessel.

[0090] For this purpose, in a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, the magnet carrier assembly has at least two, preferably exactly two, magnet carriers movable relative to each other, each of the magnet carriers being movable with a motion component extending along the direction of the distance between the input opening and the output opening.

[0091] Most preferably, one magnet carrier carries only the matrix magnets with even numbers in the third row, while the other magnet carrier carries only the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the third row.

[0092] Alternatively or preferably, one magnet carrier may carry only the matrix magnets with even numbers in the fourth row, while the other magnet carrier may carry only the matrix magnets with odd numbers in the fourth row.

[0093] Preferably, each magnet carrier has its own magnet carrier actuator, through which the magnet carrier can move independently of the corresponding other magnet carrier. The movement of the magnet carrier or magnet carrier assembly is controlled by the control device mentioned above.

[0094] When using suspended magnetic particles, i.e., magnetized or magnetizable particles, in a reaction vessel, it is particularly advantageous that the matrix magnet can move out of the extended region of the reaction vessel to reduce the effectiveness of the magnetic field within the containment volume of the reaction vessel to a negligible level. The magnetic particles can then be surrounded by their carrier liquid without being identifiable by the external magnetic field of the matrix magnet, and the nucleic acids exhibit the largest possible surface area and the greatest possible contact potential.

[0095] Because the reaction vessel is typically filled with only a small amount of liquid, it is highly advantageous that the matrix magnet be brought at least to the region of the reaction vessel near the output opening, and particularly preferably to the longitudinal end region containing the output opening. To achieve the smallest possible movement path for the magnet assembly or matrix magnet, the movement of the matrix magnet away from the extended region of the reaction vessel is typically along the direction of gravity toward the side of the output opening opposite to the input opening.

[0096] In cases of doubt, the longitudinal end region of the reaction vessel containing the output opening extends from the output opening toward the input opening without extending more than one-third, preferably no more than one-quarter, of the distance between the output opening and the input opening.

[0097] Preferably, the reference plane is orthogonal to the direction of gravity in the ready state, or deviates from orthogonality by no more than 10°, preferably no more than 5°.

[0098] Preferably, all matrix magnets are constructed identically, and particularly preferably, they are constructed as cylindrical, typically prismatic, or square magnets. Matrix magnets can also be cubic in shape.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical matrix magnet has a larger dimension along its cylindrical axis than in its radial direction. This allows the longitudinal ends of the matrix magnet to be particularly strongly adjacent to the reaction vessel closest to it, each reaction vessel having a short distance from the matrix magnet. Simultaneously, the smaller radial dimension between the longitudinal ends allows for a larger distance between the longitudinal midsection and its adjacent reaction vessel, concentrating the magnetic field emanating from the matrix magnet on the reaction vessel particularly strongly in the region adjacent to the end side of the corresponding cylindrical axis. This concentration can be further enhanced by having an end area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the matrix magnet over a large portion of its axial extension, located between the end sides of the longitudinal ends of the matrix magnet. This can be advantageously achieved through a surrounding chamfer at one, preferably both, longitudinal ends of the matrix magnet. This configuration of the matrix magnet enables the formation of particularly advantageous, spatially defined, and concentrated microspheres within the reaction vessel.

[0100] The magnet carrier assembly preferably extends parallel to the first row or parallel to the second row between the reaction vessels disposed in the respective rows. To achieve the most compact arrangement of the reaction vessels, the magnet carrier assembly preferably has a concave recess in the region where the reaction vessels are disposed, the recess surrounding the circumferential section of the opposite reaction vessel in at least one operating position of the magnet carrier assembly.

[0101] In the operational position, the matrix magnet applies a magnetic force to the interior space of the reaction vessel. When the matrix magnet is positioned in the operational position, for multiple matrix magnets, preferably all of them, the matrix magnet extends into the gap between two adjacent reaction vessels along the first row and / or along the second row. Therefore, the matrix magnet can be guided close to the reaction vessel, thereby increasing its magnetic force on the interior space of the reaction vessel.

[0102] More preferably, if the devices according to iii. to vi. are present at the equipment, then each of the devices mentioned above according to i. to vi. is movably disposed at the equipment between at least two different operating positions. The movability of the magnet carrier assembly has already been described above. Therefore, collisions can be particularly avoided between the magnet device and other devices, especially between the magnet device and the useful containing device that is spatially close to the reaction vessel device during liquid discharge through the output opening. Furthermore, the operational target can thus be removed from the equipment, allowing the device for subsequent operations to be mounted at the equipment position, which is the operating position.

[0103] According to each of the references in i. to vi., in order to achieve the defined mobility of the corresponding device, it is preferably guided by a guide device along a motion trajectory defined by the guide device. The guide device may, for example, have a guide rail and a guide slide or guide slider movably disposed on the guide rail. Typically, the guide rail of the guide device is fixedly positioned, for example, at at least one device housing component originating from a side wall, housing bottom, housing cover, or structure fixedly connected to the device housing.

[0104] Each of the devices mentioned in i to vi. can be driven to move by a motion actuator, such as a belt drive and / or a screw drive and / or a linear motor and / or other typically electrically powered actuators familiar to those skilled in the art. The motion actuator can operate only in a segment of the device's range of motion. Preferably, however, the motion actuator operates throughout the entire range of motion of the device. Furthermore, the device can be driven to move by more than one motion actuator within its range of motion. This can be advantageous when the device's trajectory has zigzag or angled directions, such as having horizontal and vertical sections, so that in one segment of the trajectory, a different motion actuator can operate than in another.

[0105] The aforementioned separate actuators for two individual magnet carriers are an improvement on a motion actuator that is entirely universal for magnet devices, and the motion actuators can be configured according to the improvement of the present invention.

[0106] The aforementioned multiple reaction vessels can be part of a larger reaction vessel that is operationally ready to be set up at the equipment, but preferably an entire reaction vessel that is operationally ready to be set up at the equipment. This is also applied with the necessary modifications to multiple matrix magnets. Attached Figure Description

[0107] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0108] Figure 1 A rough schematic perspective view of the liquid handling apparatus of the present invention is shown from the oblique front and top.

[0109] Figure 2 Showing a shell without walls Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a liquid handling device.

[0110] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 An enlarged schematic side view of the reaction vessel assembly and the useful containment device positioned relative to... Figure 2 In different positions of the view,

[0111] Figure 4 Show Figures 1 to 3 An enlarged schematic perspective internal view of a liquid handling device, in which the device is partially cut open.

[0112] Figure 5 like Figure 4 That partially cutaway view shows an enlarged, schematic three-dimensional internal view, in which the useful receiving device is in a clearance position.

[0113] Figure 6 Shown in top view Figures 1 to 5 A rough schematic diagram of the magnet carrier assembly of the magnet device in a liquid handling equipment.

[0114] Figure 7 An exploded bottom view of one of the magnet carriers in the magnet carrier assembly of the magnet device is shown.

[0115] Figure 8 An exploded bottom view of another magnet carrier in the magnet carrier assembly of the magnet device is shown.

[0116] Figure 8A Shown without a magnet holding plate Figure 8 A bottom view of the second embodiment of the magnet carrier.

[0117] Figure 8B Shown without a magnet holding plate Figure 8A Detailed view of the magnet carrier legs of the magnet carrier.

[0118] Figure 9 Shown from the upper diagonal for use in Figures 1 to 5 A perspective view of the reaction vessel assembly used in the reaction vessel unit of the liquid handling equipment.

[0119] Figure 10A Along Figure 9 The observation direction of arrow XA in the image shows the direction through. Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the reaction vessel assembly, wherein the sectional plane contains the virtual vessel axes of the individual reaction vessels.

[0120] Figure 10B Show Figure 10A A rough schematic side view of the reaction vessel assembly, with exaggerated depiction of the bends securing the reaction vessel assembly to the reaction vessel carrier.

[0121] Figure 11 Show along with Figure 10A A longitudinal section of the reaction vessel taken through the edge position, cut by the same cutting plane.

[0122] Figure 12 Show Figure 11 A magnified view of the output end of the reaction vessel.

[0123] Figure 13 A rough schematic detailed view shows the input end of the reaction vessel and the vessel section connected thereto, the vessel section having radial protrusions for securing the reaction vessel to a reaction vessel housing within a reaction vessel carrier.

[0124] Figure 14 A cross-section of the reaction vessel is shown, with a sectional plane extending along a virtual vessel axis orthogonal to the reaction vessel.

[0125] Figure 15 Show Figure 9 and Figure 10A A top view of the reaction vessel components.

[0126] Figure 16 Show along Figure 10A A cross-section of the reaction vessel assembly, orthogonal to the virtual vessel axis XVI-XVI.

[0127] Figure 17 Show Figures 1 to 5 A three-dimensional view of the waste liquid container of the liquid treatment equipment.

[0128] Figure 18 Show Figure 17 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a waste liquid container.

[0129] Figure 19 Shown primarily when viewed from below Figures 1 to 5 A three-dimensional view of the supply unit and its moving mechanism of a liquid handling equipment.

[0130] Figure 20 Show Figure 19 Another perspective view of the supply device and its motion mechanism.

[0131] Figure 21 Show Figure 19 and Figure 20 A perspective view of the rear side of the supply unit carrying the switchable valve.

[0132] Figure 22 The diagram shows a valve that is primarily located below and does not have a switchable valve. Figures 19 to 21 A three-dimensional view of the supply unit.

[0133] Figure 23 Show Figures 19 to 22 The piping system in the supply unit's piping body,

[0134] Figure 24 Showing without a switchable valve Figure 22 A perspective view of the rear of the supply device, and

[0135] Figure 25 Showing without a switchable valve Figures 19 to 22 and Figure 24 A perspective view of the front side of the supply device. Detailed Implementation

[0136] The attached diagram is not to scale, but it accurately reflects the size relationships.

[0137] exist Figure 1 In this application, a liquid handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is generally designated as 10. The liquid handling apparatus 10 includes an apparatus housing 12. Figure 1 An observer sees the front side 12a with a front wall 13a, the upper side 12b with a top wall 13b, and the right side 12c with a right side wall 13c of the device housing 12. Typically, the operator working with the liquid handling device 10 is positioned opposite the front side 12a. A display and operation area 14 is provided on the front side 12a, on which information regarding the ongoing, preparation, and / or completed liquid handling process of the liquid handling device 10 can be displayed. In a preferred embodiment, the display and operation area 14 serves as a touchscreen, acting as both an output device and an input device for the liquid handling device, or simply "device" 10. Therefore, the operator can also input data and commands into the device 10 or its control device 40 via the display and operation area 14 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0138] As information regarding the orientation of device 10, the direction of gravity, g, is shown in several figures.

[0139] Below the display and operation area 14, there is Figure 1 In operation, with the access opening 16 open, the reaction vessel assembly 18 has moved outward from the interior of the equipment housing 12 through the access opening. Figure 1 In this configuration, the reaction vessel assembly 18 is in its assembled position outside the equipment housing 12. In this assembled position, the reaction vessel assembly 18 and its numerous components are accessible to operators or operating robots.

[0140] The reaction vessel apparatus 18 includes a reaction vessel carrier 20 on which multiple reaction vessel assemblies 86, which are further described below, can be mounted by an operator (see [link to reaction vessel assembly]). Figure 3 And the sealing assembly 22 used in the supply device 62 of the apparatus 10, as also described below. The reaction vessel carrier 20 has reaction vessel receptacles 24 arranged in a matrix of orthogonal 12×8 for accommodating the reaction vessel 88 (see Figures 9 to 16 ) or reaction vessel assembly 86, and having a sealing assembly receiving portion 26 configured as a recess, in Figure 1In the process, there is an unused new sealing assembly 22 in the sealing assembly receiving part for subsequent processing.

[0141] The reaction vessel device 18 is capable of moving along a preferred straight preparatory motion trajectory RB from the shown assembly position to a preparatory position located inside the device housing 12.

[0142] Preferably, the entry opening 16 is equipped with a... Figure 1 A flap, not shown, is pre-tightened to its closed position so as to automatically close the access opening 16 when the device does not pass through the access opening. The flap, not shown, is displaced by the reaction vessel device 18 against its pre-tightening force to its open position, which is different from its closed position, as it approaches its assembly position, and remains in the open position while the reaction vessel device 18 extends through the access opening 16 into the external environment U of the device 10.

[0143] Below the access opening 16 is a drawer 28, in which a waste containment device 46, described further below (see...) is housed. Figure 2 (etc.). Drawer 28 can move along a straight preparation trajectory AB parallel to the preparation trajectory RB of the waste receiving device 46 and the reaction vessel device 18 from the preparation trajectory AB. Figure 1 The prepared position shown is pulled out of the device housing 12 and pushed back in. The prepared position of drawer 28 corresponds to the prepared position of the waste receiving device 46, which moves with drawer 28.

[0144] Figure 1 In the middle, there is an on / off button 30 on the left side of the drawer 28, which is used to establish or cut off the current supply to the device 10.

[0145] Figure 1 In the device 10, a working fluid compartment 32 is located in a recessed section on the right side of the entry opening 16 and on the front side 12a. Exemplarily, two containers 34 and 36 are provided in the working fluid compartment, each containing a working fluid used in the liquid handling process within the device 10. For example, container 34 may contain a cleaning fluid, and container 36 may contain an eluent.

[0146] Extraction lines 38a and 38b extend into containers 34 and 36, extending to near the bottom of the respective containers 34 or 36. Pressure line 38c enables the working liquid in containers 34 and 36 to be compressed into the respective extraction lines 38a or 38b by introducing gas into the working liquid compartment 32 at atmospheric pressure relative to the external environment U, thereby increasing the pressure at the corresponding liquid levels.

[0147] Figure 2 A portion of the internal space I of device 10 is shown.

[0148] By showing some integrated circuit boards, the control device 40 of the device 10 is only roughly illustrated. The control device acts as an electronic data processing unit to control the processes in the device 10, and for this purpose manipulates actuators and drivers, and forms data transmission connections with sensors, and reads from or writes to the data memory 42 integrated into the control device 40.

[0149] Drawer 28 has a charging bottom 28a in which a waste container assembly 44 is shaped-fitted into a recess 28b for movement with the drawer 28. This waste container assembly has a waste liquid container 45, unique in this embodiment, as a collection container. However, the waste container assembly 44, and thus the waste liquid container 45, can be removed from the recess 28b opposite to the direction of gravity g, so that when the drawer 28 is removed from its position... Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the waste container 46 has moved to its assembly position outside the device 10 along the preparatory movement trajectory AB shown in the preparation position, an operator or robot can remove, empty, clean, and reinstall the waste liquid container 45 from the drawer 28 into the recess 28b. Therefore, the drawer 28, together with its drawer bottom 28a, is a waste container carrier in the sense of the introduction to this specification.

[0150] On the bottom 13d of the device 10 or its housing 12, a guide rail 48 is visible as a guide for the waste receiving device 46, which guides the drawer 28 together with the waste receiving device 46 to move along the preparatory motion trajectory AB.

[0151] exist Figure 2Above the waste receiving device 46 shown in its prepared position, the useful receiving device 50 is located... Figure 2 China is also in its ready position, among which... Figure 2 Only the useful container carrier 52 is visible in the middle.

[0152] The useful receiving device 50 is guided by a guide rail 54 fixed to the equipment housing as part of the guiding device of the useful receiving device 50, so as to move along the preparatory movement trajectory NB of the useful receiving device 50.

[0153] Unlike the waste container 46 in this embodiment, which can only be manually moved, the useful container 50, or more precisely, its useful container carrier 52, can be electrically driven to move via a belt drive 56. The control device 40 can operate the belt drive 56, enabling it to control the useful container 50 in its assembly position, which is also outside the device housing 12, and in... Figure 2 The movement between the prepared positions shown. The prepared movement trajectory NB of the useful containment device 50 is parallel to the prepared movement trajectories AB and RB of the waste containment device 46 or the reaction vessel device 18.

[0154] Above the useful containment device 50, there exists a... Figure 1 The reaction vessel device 18 is already known. The reaction vessel device 18, more precisely the reaction vessel carrier 20, is guided at a guide rail 58, which is part of a guiding device, to move along the pre-motion trajectory RB of the reaction vessel device 18. The reaction vessel device 18, more precisely the reaction vessel carrier 20, can also be driven by a control device 40 via an electrically operated belt drive 60 to move along the pre-motion trajectory RB.

[0155] Because the reaction vessel 18 and the useful housing 50 are positioned with respect to the direction of gravity g, one above the other and the other below, and guided by the movement of parallel guide rails 54 and 58, the assembly positions of the reaction vessel 18 and the useful housing 50 are also located outside the equipment housing 12, one above the other and the other below. Provided the access opening 16 is configured large enough, the devices 18 and 50 can be positioned in their assembly positions through the same access opening 16. Alternatively, for each device 18 and 50, a separate access opening can be formed at the front side 12a of the equipment housing 12.

[0156] Above the reaction vessel assembly 18 Figure 2In the preparation position shown (which is the same as the processing position of the reaction vessel device 18 during liquid processing), a supply device 62 is provided, which, as further detailed below, includes a dispensing device 62a for delivering working fluid to one or more reaction vessels 88, and a pressure changing device 62b for changing the pressure of the gas in one or more reaction vessels 88. The dispensing device 62a and the pressure changing device 62b are connected or combined to move together in the supply device 62 along a supply trajectory BP orthogonal to the preparation movement trajectories AB, NB, and RB described so far. In a similar manner to the reaction vessel device 18 and the useful containment device 50, the supply device 62 is also guided by a guide rail 64 to move along the supply trajectory BP, and is driven by an electrically driven belt drive 66 controlled by a control device 40.

[0157] exist Figure 2 In the upper left corner, a compressor 68 and a accumulator 69, as part of the pressure changing device 62b, are visible. The compressor 68, controllable by the control device 40, compresses gases, particularly air, which is supplied as compressed gas, particularly compressed air, in the accumulator 69 and can be extracted along selected pipelines via switchable valves. A pressure sensor 69a detects the gas pressure in the accumulator 69 and transmits it to the control device 40.

[0158] Gas is always present in the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 18. Additionally, the reaction vessel 88 can be filled with liquid, which can be discharged from the output opening of the reaction vessel by increasing the gas pressure in the reaction vessel 88 via the supply device 62, more precisely by the pressure changing device 62b. Depending on whether a useful containment device 50 or a waste containment device 46 is present below the reaction vessel when liquid is discharged from the reaction vessel 88, the liquid discharged from the reaction vessel 88 is released into the useful liquid container 90 of the useful containment device 50 (see...). Figure 3 Alternatively, it may be released into the waste liquid container 45. This application fundamentally distinguishes between liquids present in the reaction vessel 88 as the target of treatment (thus the present liquid is desired as an intermediate or final product of liquid treatment) and liquids present in the reaction vessel 88 as treatment waste (thus the present liquid is no longer needed and is removed).

[0159] Additionally, via another vertical guide rail 32a, extending along the direction of gravity g, the transparent cover 32b of the working fluid compartment 32 can be accessed from... Figure 1 and Figure 2The position shown is shifted upwards to allow for the replacement of containers 34 and 36 in the working fluid compartment 32, and, if necessary, cleaning work within compartment 32. The cover 32b is connected via a frame structure 32c to a guide slider 32d that can be moved along guide rail 32a. Gravity preloads the cover 32b onto the... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the position shown, the working fluid compartment 32 is hermetically sealed by a cover.

[0160] In the extended region of the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 18, a magnet device 70 is provided at the device 10, by means of which a magnetic field can act inside the reaction vessel 88. Figure 2 In the view, the magnet device 70 is largely obscured by the reaction vessel device 18. However, Figures 3 to 5 The internal region I of the device housing 12 is shown in other operating conditions, and the magnet device 70 is also visible in these figures.

[0161] The magnet device 70 is discussed in more detail below. The magnet device includes a magnet carrier assembly 72 in which patterned elements are arranged... Figure 3 Insufficiently visible permanent magnets 94 (see Figure 6 The magnet carrier assembly 72 has two magnet carriers 72a and 72b that are movable not only relative to each other but also relative to the device housing 12 along the direction of gravity g. Each magnet carrier 72a and 72b has its own motion actuator 74a or 74b, by which the respective drivable magnet carrier 72a or 72b can be driven by the control device 40 independently of the other magnet carrier to move along the direction of gravity. Through this relative movement of the magnet carriers 72a and 72b, the magnetic field from the respective magnet carrier 72a or 72b can be displaced in its spatial position relative to the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 18. Of course, the motion actuators 74a and 74b can also be manipulated by the control device 40 so that the two magnet carriers 72a and 72b move synchronously and in the same direction, especially as the single magnet carrier assembly 72.

[0162] The automated liquid handling equipment 10 also includes Figures 2 to 5The lifting device 76 shown enables the waste container assembly 44 to be raised and lowered individually, or together with the useful container assembly 78 of the useful container 50, along a processing motion trajectory HB defined by the guide rail 80. Thus, the waste container assembly 44 or the useful container assembly 78 can approach and then move away from the reaction vessel device 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the useful container assembly 78 approaches the reaction vessel device 18 only together with the waste container assembly 44, thus the waste container assembly is located below and shielded by the useful container assembly 78. Although the waste container assembly 44 moves as ballast when the useful container assembly 78 is expected to approach the reaction vessel device 18, the single lifting device 76 is sufficient to allow both container assemblies 44 and 78 to approach and then move away from the reaction vessel device 18 individually.

[0163] The lifting motion of the lifting tool 82 of the lifting device 76 is achieved by the lifting driver 84, which in turn... Figure 3 The middle section is partially covered by guide rail 64 and belt drive 66. The lifting drive 84 is preferably an electric drive, which can be controlled by control device 40. Preferably, the motion drives 74a and 74b of the magnet device 70 are of the same type as, and particularly preferably the same as, the lifting drive 84.

[0164] If it is only desired that the waste container assembly 44 be close to the reaction vessel assembly 18, then the useful containment device 50 can be moved to its position within the reaction vessel assembly 18. Figure 3 In the avoidance position shown, the avoidance position is located between its assembly position and its preparation position along the preparation movement trajectory NB.

[0165] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, multiple, in this case exactly 12, reaction vessel assemblies 86 are arranged side by side in parallel within the reaction vessel carrier 20, each having 8 reaction vessels 88. This results in 96 reaction vessels 88 arranged orthogonally in a 12×8 matrix, corresponding to the arrangement of the reaction vessel housing 24, since each reaction vessel 88 is housed in one reaction vessel housing 24.

[0166] In the useful container assembly 78, the useful liquid containers 90 are also arranged in an orthogonal 12×8 matrix, such that a reaction container housing 24 is provided above each useful liquid container 90 in both the preparation position and the processing position of devices 18 and 50, thereby enabling at least one reaction container 88 to be installed. This ensures that, in the processing position of devices 18 and 50, liquid, in this case the target to be processed, can be released from each reaction container 88 into the useful liquid container 90. For better overview, only some of the reaction container assemblies 86, reaction containers 88, and useful liquid containers 90 are provided with reference numerals.

[0167] exist Figure 3 It can also be seen in the middle Figure 2 The contactless container sensor 92 shown, in the example illustrated, is an ultrasonic sensor. This sensor detects the presence of the reaction vessel assembly 86 within the reaction vessel carrier 20, and, if necessary, detects other information associated with the presence of the reaction vessel assembly 86, transmitting this information to the control device 40. The container sensor 92 is connected to the supply device 62 to move together along the supply trajectory BP.

[0168] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows a perspective cross-sectional view of devices 18, 46, 50, 70 and 76, wherein the cross-sectional plane is parallel on one side to the processing motion trajectory HB and on the other side to the preparation motion trajectories RB and NB extension.

[0169] exist Figure 4 In the magnet device 70, only the magnet carrier 72a is shown, while the equally present magnet carrier 72b is not shown. The waste container assembly 44 is described in detail separately below with reference to its own accompanying drawings.

[0170] exist Figure 4 In this process, the useful receiving device 50 moves along its preparatory movement trajectory NB toward the assembly position, moving away from its preparatory position. Therefore, the waste liquid container 45 can approach the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 18 via the lifting device 76. The outwardly extending edge 45b of the receiving volume 45a of the waste liquid container 45, located away from the internal space of the container 45, rests flat on the support structure 82a of the arm 82b of the lifting tool 82, allowing the waste liquid container 45 to be lifted by the lifting tool 82 through this form-fitting support engagement. The lifting tool 82 forks around the waste liquid container 45 on two opposing sides. Figure 4 The arm of the lifting tool 82, which is positioned closer to the observer, is located there. Figure 4 The section plane is in front of it and therefore not shown.

[0171] The lifting tool 82 also has a protrusion 82c, which is a vertical protrusion 82c. The useful container assembly 78, and if necessary, an adapter that houses it in the useful container carrier 52, can form a supporting engagement on the protrusion during the lifting movement along the processing motion trajectory HB of the lifting tool 82, so as to be driven in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity g. Structures 82a, 82b and 82c are preferably constructed as a single, integral piece.

[0172] The lifting device 76 has a weighing sensor 83 that detects the weight lifted by the lifting tool 82 and transmits it to the control device 40. Thus, the control device 40 can determine the filling level of the waste container assembly when the tare weight is known or can be calculated, and issue a warning notification at the display and operation area 14 when a predetermined filling threshold is reached.

[0173] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the magnet carrier 72a is in the maximum descending position, so that the reaction vessel device 18, together with the reaction vessel assembly 86 disposed therein, can move along its prepared motion trajectory RB from the position as required. Figure 4 The prepared position shown moves without collision to the position shown. Figure 1 The assembly position is shown. Thus, the waste container assembly 44 and / or the useful container assembly 52, located in their respective ready positions, can be lifted toward the reaction vessel apparatus 20, located in its ready / processing position, using the same lifting tool 82. This ensures that the output end 106 of the reaction vessel 88 can be immersed in the liquid-containing containers of the useful liquid container 90 and the waste liquid container 45 to a depth of, for example, 1 mm to 2 mm, for the purpose of discharging liquid.

[0174] Since the waste container assembly 44 must be removed from its ready position for the sole lifting movement of the useful container assembly 78 via the lifting device 76 and its lifting tool 82, this can only be done manually in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, either the waste container assembly 44 is lifted separately or the waste container assembly 44 and the useful container assembly 78 are lifted together via the lifting device 76.

[0175] exist Figure 5 In this process, the magnet carrier assembly 72, including magnet carriers 72a and 72b, is lifted into the extension region of the reaction vessel 88, allowing the waste liquid container 45 to approach the reaction vessel device 18, which is movable only along the preparation movement trajectory RB, via the lifting device 86 along the processing movement trajectory HB. The useful containment device 50 is then in a clearance position where it has shifted along its preparation movement trajectory NB with respect to the preparation position.

[0176] In this case, the useful container assembly 78 is a titration plate that is known per se and is integrally formed by injection molding, the titration plate having the previously mentioned 12 × 8 = 96 useful liquid containers 90.

[0177] exist Figure 6 A top view of the magnet carrier assembly 72 of the magnet device 70 is shown in rough schematic form. Figure 7 and Figure 8 China, Israel and Belgium in Figure 6 The explosion bottom view of magnet carriers 72a and 72b is shown in a more realistic way.

[0178] exist Figure 6 The reaction vessel 88 is shown as a reaction vessel device 18 in the form of a 12×8 matrix. Figure 6 The rough schematic view is a top view of a section of the magnet carrier assembly 72 relative to the reaction vessel 88, the accommodating volume of which is 112 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 11 Orthogonal to Figure 6 The drawing plane extends. Reaction vessels 88 are arranged along a first row 88a and a second row 88b that are parallel to each other. The first row 88a and the second row 88b extend orthogonally to each other. At each intersection of the first row 88a and each second row 88b, exactly one reaction vessel 88 is placed. For a better overview, from the drawing plane... Figure 6 Starting with the reaction vessel 88 in the upper left corner, four of the twelve in the first row 88a and four of the eight in the second row 88b are indicated only by dashed lines. Eight reaction vessels 88 of each reaction vessel assembly 86, constructed as a single injection-molded unit, extend along the first row 88a. The maximum number of reaction vessel assemblies 86 that can be set in the reaction vessel carrier 20 corresponds to the maximum number in the first row 88a.

[0179] Intersecting each other, parallel to each other Figure 6 The first row 88a and the second row 88b of the drawing plane are also parallel to the plane. Figure 6 The reference plane BE of the drawing plane.

[0180] The magnet carrier assembly 72 has a plurality of matrix magnets 94, which are disposed on magnet carriers 72a and 72b. The matrix magnets 94 are substantially identical permanent magnets in both physical and magnetic properties; however, they are arranged with different polarization orientations depending on their placement position in the magnet carrier assembly 72. All the matrix magnets 94 share the characteristic that their polarization direction 94a is parallel to the reference plane BE and extends neither parallel to the direction of the first row 88a nor parallel to the direction of the second row 88b. The polarization direction 94a is, in this context, the direction of the matrix magnets 94. Figure 6The magnetic south pole, identified by the letter "S", follows the shortest direction of the magnetic north pole, identified by the letter "N", of the same matrix magnet 94. The magnetic north and south poles of each matrix magnet 94 extend orthogonally to the interface 94b of the polarization direction 94a to the reference plane BE.

[0181] In the example shown, all polarization directions 94a of the matrix magnet 94 disposed in the magnet carrier assembly 72 are about orthogonal to Figure 6 The drawing plane is thus orthogonal to the rotation axis of the reference plane BE by a 45° rotation about the direction of the first row 88a and the direction of the second row 88b.

[0182] The number of matrix magnets 94 in the magnet carrier assembly 72 is less than the number of 96 reaction vessels 88, and greater than the sum of the first row 88a and the second row 88b, i.e., greater than 20 in this case. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of matrix magnets is 58. In the illustrated embodiment, its number is half the sum of the number of reaction vessels 88 (96), the number of the first row 88a (12), and the number of the second row 88b (8).

[0183] Matrix magnets 94 are also arranged in an orthogonal matrix, more precisely along the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b, which are parallel to each other. For better overview, only the leftmost first three of the third row 96a and only the topmost first three of the fourth row 96b are shown. Figure 6 The figures are drawn in the middle and are marked with reference numerals. The third row 96a is parallel to the first row 88a, and the fourth row 96b is parallel to the second row 88b.

[0184] The matrix magnet 94 is located at the intersection of the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b. Unlike the reaction vessel 88 (where every intersection between the first row 88a and the second row 88b is occupied by the reaction vessel 88), the matrix magnet 94 is not positioned at every intersection of the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b. In the matrix of matrix magnets 94 formed by the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b, in each row of the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b, the intersection next to the intersection occupied by the matrix magnet 94 is not occupied by the matrix magnet 94.

[0185] In this way, there are exactly two matrix magnets 94 adjacent to each reaction vessel 88 in the reference plane BE.

[0186] Furthermore, the polarization direction 94a of all matrix magnets 94 arranged in the common third row 96a is the same, and the polarization direction 94a of all matrix magnets 94 arranged in the common fourth row 96b is also the same. Additionally, the polarization direction 94a of the matrix magnets 94 arranged in adjacent third rows 96a is rotated by an angular value of 90° about a rotation axis orthogonal to the reference plane BE between rows. The direction of rotation when transitioning from one third row 96a to an adjacent third row 96a is the same for all matrix magnets 94 in the common third row 96a with respect to the matrix magnets 94 in the adjacent third row 96a. The direction of rotation alternates between counterclockwise and clockwise from one third row 96a to an adjacent third row 96a. The corresponding case also applies to the matrix magnets 94 in the adjacent fourth row 96b that follow each other. If the third row 96a is numbered consecutively starting from 1, then correspondingly, all matrix magnets 94 set with odd numbers in the third row 96a have the same polarization direction 94a, and all matrix magnets 94 set with even numbers in the third row 96a have the same polarization direction 94a. Similarly, if the fourth row 96b is numbered consecutively starting from 1, then all matrix magnets 94 set with odd numbers in the fourth row 96b have the same polarization direction 94a, and all matrix magnets 94 set with even numbers in the fourth row 96b have the same polarization direction 94a.

[0187] In this manner and method, two adjacent matrix magnets 94 with different polarization sections are positioned opposite each reaction vessel 88. Of the two matrix magnets 94 directly adjacent to a reaction vessel 88, one matrix magnet 94 always has only one polarization section, i.e., only the magnetic north pole or only the magnetic south pole, facing the reaction vessel 88, while the other matrix magnet 94 has two polarization sections and the edge of the virtual interface 94b extending from the matrix magnet 94 between the two polarization sections facing the reaction vessel. Thus, these two adjacent matrix magnets 94, which are substantially identical in design both physically and magnetically, act with different magnetic field strengths on the reaction vessel 88, which is equidistant from each of the two matrix magnets 94. Thus, when two adjacent matrix magnets 94 move asynchronously relative to each other and relative to the reaction vessel 88 in a direction parallel to gravity g, or when two adjacent matrix magnets 94 move synchronously but in opposite directions, a very good mixing effect is achieved for the magnetic particles suspended in the liquid within the reaction vessel 88. Furthermore, by applying magnetic forces of varying intensities to the same reaction vessel 88 by two adjacent matrix magnets 94, it is possible to fix the magnetic particles within the reaction vessel 88 in the region of the increasingly stronger magnetic field of the matrix magnets 94, thereby preventing the undesirable double-clustering of magnetic particles caused by the two magnetic fields acting inside the reaction vessel 48.

[0188] For the purpose of effectively utilizing the magnetic field from the matrix magnet 94 and its effect on the contents of the reaction vessel 88, the following applies to all reaction vessels 88 disposed in the reaction vessel carrier 20: the matrix magnet 94 directly adjacent to the same reaction vessel 88 is disposed at different magnet carriers 72a and 72b that can move independently relative to each other.

[0189] Following the aforementioned virtual numbering, all third or fourth rows with odd-numbered row numbers are located on the same magnet carrier. Here, all third rows 96a with odd-numbered row numbers are located on magnet carrier 72a. Similarly, all third or fourth rows with even-numbered row numbers are located on the same additional magnet carrier. Here, all third rows 96a with even-numbered row numbers are located on magnet carrier 72b.

[0190] A magnet carrier 72a or all its third rows 96a have the same number of matrix magnets 94. However, the third rows 96a with even numbers, i.e., the third rows 96a of magnet carrier 72a, in this embodiment have one fewer matrix magnet 94 than the third rows 96a of magnet carrier 72b. The latter row has 5 matrix magnets 94, while the third rows 96a of magnet carrier 72a have only 4 matrix magnets 94.

[0191] The magnet carriers 72a and 72b are constructed to a large extent identically or similarly in structure. Each magnet carrier 72a and 72b includes a magnet carrier base 72a-1 or 72b-1 from which magnet carrier legs 72a-2 or 72b-2 extend orthogonally to the corresponding magnet carrier base 72a-1 or 72b-1, preferably extending on one side. The magnet carrier legs 72a-2 extend parallel to each other. The magnet carrier legs 72b-2 extend parallel to each other. The magnet carrier bases 72a-1 and 72b-1 extend parallel to each other. Therefore, the magnet carrier legs 72a-2 and 72b-2 also extend parallel to each other. The magnet carrier legs 72a-2 or 72b-2 of the magnet carrier 72a or 72b extend toward the magnet carrier base of the other magnet carrier 72b or 72a, respectively.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet carrier base of the magnet carrier, here the magnet carrier base 72a-1 of magnet carrier 72a, is longer than the magnet carrier base 72b-1 of magnet carrier 72b. Magnet carrier 72a has more magnet carrier legs 72a-1 than magnet carrier 72b has, exactly one more. Magnet carrier legs 72a-2 and 72b-2 are staggered, such that each magnet carrier leg 72b-2 of magnet carrier 72b with shorter magnet carrier base 72b-1 extends in the space between two directly adjacent magnet carrier legs 72a-2 of magnet carrier 72a with longer magnet carrier base 72a-1. In principle, if a magnet carrier 72a or 72b-2 has a magnet carrier leg 72a-2 or 72b-2 on each side along the extension direction of its magnet carrier base 72a-1 or 72b-1, then these two adjacent magnet carrier legs are magnet carrier legs 72b-2 or 72a-2 of another magnet carrier 72b or 72a, respectively.

[0193] Magnet carrier legs 72a-2 and 72b-2 respectively support the matrix magnet 94 in the third row 96a. Here, magnet carrier leg 72a-2 supports the third row 96a with odd-numbered rows, and magnet carrier leg 72b-2 supports the third row 96a with even-numbered rows.

[0194] A matrix magnet 94 in which it is located in the third row 96a or the fourth row 96b has no intersection point with adjacent third row 96a and fourth row 96b in at least one direction is an external matrix magnet 94-1. Conversely, a matrix magnet 94 in which it is located in the third row 96a and the fourth row 96b has an intersection point with adjacent third row 96a and fourth row 96b in each row direction is an internal matrix magnet 94-2.

[0195] The matrix magnet 94-2 inside the magnet carrier leg 72a-2 or 72b-2 protrudes from both sides of the magnet carrier leg 72a-2 or 72b-2 in an extension direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the magnet carrier leg 72a-2 or 72b-2 that supports it. Therefore, sections of the same internal matrix magnet 94-2, preferably of the same size, are exposed on both sides of the magnet carrier leg 72a-2 or 72b-2 that supports it. In this way, the internal matrix magnet 94-2 can be placed as close as possible to the container wall 110 of the nearest reaction vessel 88.

[0196] Similarly, a reaction vessel 88 in which it is located in the first row 88a or the second row 88b has no intersection point of adjacent first row 88a and second row 88b in at least one row direction is an edge-positioned reaction vessel 88-1. Conversely, a reaction vessel 88 in which it is located in the first row 88a and the second row 88b has an intersection point of adjacent first row 88a and second row 88b in each row direction is an inner-positioned reaction vessel 88-2.

[0197] Each internal matrix magnet 94-2 is adjacent to four reaction vessels 88, which are positioned at the corners of a rectangle containing the respective internal matrix magnet 94-2 due to their orthogonal matrix arrangement. The corners of the rectangle are defined by the corresponding virtual vessel axis BA of the participating reaction vessel 88 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10A , 11 (15 and 16) are formed.

[0198] Each external matrix magnet 94-1 is adjacent to two reaction vessels 88, or more precisely, to two reaction vessels 88-1 at the edge positions.

[0199] If we consider four matrix magnets 94 that are closest to each other and arranged in a rectangle, with every two matrix magnets arranged in the same third row 96a and the same fourth row 96b, then there is a reaction vessel 88 between each matrix magnet 94 and the adjacent matrix magnets 94 along the rectangular edges of the same rectangle. The rectangular edges of the virtual rectangle thus formed by the matrix magnets 94 extend at a 45° angle relative to the third and fourth rows 96a or 96b containing the matrix magnets 94.

[0200] Therefore, each internal matrix magnet 94-2 is face-centered about the rectangle formed by the four closest and surrounding reaction vessels 88 in the reference plane BE, while the four matrix magnets 94 of the reaction vessel 88 are edge-centered about the rectangle with the smallest unfolded area in the reference plane BE.

[0201] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 China respectively compared to Figure 6 The diagram shows a more realistic perspective bottom view of the magnet carrier assembly 72 or its magnet carriers 72a and 72b.

[0202] The magnet carriers 72a and 72b include at least two components, namely a magnet receiving component 73a-1 or 73b-1 and a magnet holding plate 73a-2 or 73b-2.

[0203] The matrix magnet 94 is inserted from below into a largely complementary receiving recess 95a or 95b of the magnet receiving member 73a-1 or 73b-1, where its shape fits in place to prevent lateral dislodgement. A magnet retaining plate 73a-2 or 73b-2, secured to the underside of the corresponding magnet receiving member 73a-1 or 73b-1 by means of screws 98, prevents the matrix magnet 94 from dislodging from its receiving recess 95a or 95b in the direction of gravity g. The magnet retaining plate 73a-2 or 73b-2 has essentially the same circumferential profile as the magnet receiving member 73a-1 or 73b-1 to which it is screwed, consisting of a base and legs extending from the base. In this way and by this method, the matrix magnet 94 can be positioned as close as possible to the output opening of the reaction vessel 88, so that even when the amount of liquid in the reaction vessel 88 is very small and the liquid is basically only present at or around the output end, the magnetic field from the matrix magnet 94 can effectively act on the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 88.

[0204] In the illustrated embodiment, a fixed protrusion 72a-3 or 72b-3 preferably integrally formed at the corresponding magnet receiving member 73a-1 or 73b-1 can be connected to the corresponding motion actuator 74a or 74b of the magnet carrier 72a or 72b to transmit force. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed protrusion is configured as an extension of the corresponding magnet carrier base 72a-1 or 72b-1.

[0205] In order to bring the matrix magnet 94 as close as possible to the container wall 110 of the reaction vessel 88, recesses 100a or 100b are formed in the magnet carrier legs 72a-2 and 72b-2 of the magnet carriers 72a and 72b. These recesses are complementary to the external configuration of the reaction vessel 88, or more precisely, to the external configuration of the axial section of the reaction vessel in which the magnet carriers 72a or 72b are located during the operation of the equipment 10.

[0206] exist Figure 8A The image shows a second embodiment of a magnet assembly 70 having a magnet carrier assembly 72, exemplified by a magnet carrier 72b. (Compared to...) Figure 8 The same and functionally identical components and component segments in Figure 8A and Figure 8B The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, but with an additional apostrophe. The following will only refer to them when they are in conjunction with... Figure 8 Description of different aspects of the implementation methods Figure 8A and Figure 8B The implementation method is also referred to in other respects. Figure 8 The description of the embodiments is intended to illustrate Figure 8A and Figure 8B . Figure 8B Show Figure 8AThe longitudinal end of the magnet carrier leg 72b-2'. Combined with the above description... Figure 7 ,from Figure 8A and Figure 8B It is readily apparent from the image how the second embodiment, in which the magnet carrier 72a' supplements the magnet carrier 72b' to the magnet carrier assembly 72, is designed. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The magnet holding plate is not shown.

[0207] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B The main difference between the second embodiment shown and the first embodiment shown previously is the shape of the matrix magnet 94', which is configured to have a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein its cylindrical axis ZA extends along the polarization direction 94', or wherein the matrix magnet 94' is polarized along its cylindrical axis ZA.

[0208] The receiving recess 95b' is reconfigured to complement the cylindrical shape of the matrix magnet 94', or more precisely, reconfigured such that the receiving recess... Figure 8A The magnet can be placed into the corresponding receiving recess 95b' in the opposite direction of gravity as shown in the figure. Therefore, the receiving recess 95b' has two parallel sidewalls that are parallel to each other and to the cylindrical axis ZA of the matrix magnet 94' respectively contained therein, and parallel to the direction of gravity g. These sidewalls are connected to each other by a negative semi-cylindrical connecting wall. The received matrix magnet 94' rests its side surface against the connecting wall.

[0209] Preferably, the matrix magnet 94', constructed in the same manner, has an axial dimension extending along the cylindrical axis ZA, which is larger than its radial dimension extending orthogonally to the cylindrical axis ZA. Thus, the matrix magnet can, in principle, approach the wall of the reaction vessel with a very small spacing.

[0210] To focus the magnetic field emitted from each matrix magnet 94' as strongly as possible onto the region directly adjacent to the matrix magnet 94' along the cylindrical axis ZA and to generate a particularly high magnetic field strength there, the end face 94c' of the matrix magnet 94' is constructed with a smaller area compared to the longitudinal middle section 94d' of the matrix magnet 94'. This is achieved in the illustrated embodiment, where a small mechanical cutting effect exists at the matrix magnet 94', by forming a surrounding chamfer 94e' between the longitudinal middle section 94d' and the end face 94c'. The chamfer angle is preferably between 35° and 55°, and particularly preferably 45°. Also preferably, the diameter of the circular end face 94c' is about 40% to 60%, and particularly preferably about 47% to 53%, of the diameter of the longitudinal middle section 94d' of the matrix magnet 94a'.

[0211] exist Figures 9 to 16 The reaction vessel assembly 86 and the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 86 are shown in different views and at different levels of detail.

[0212] Figure 9 A reaction vessel assembly 86, as used in reaction vessel device 18, is shown in a perspective view from an obliquely upward angle. Multiple reaction vessels 88, eight in the example shown, are arranged sequentially along a sequence trajectory FB. Each reaction vessel 88 extends along a virtual vessel axis BA. The imaginary vessel axis BA, centrally penetrating the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 86, lies in a plane extending through the direction vector of the vessel axis BA and the sequence trajectory FB, and at least when the reaction vessel assembly 86 is housed in the reaction vessel carrier 20, the vessel axes are parallel to each other and extend transversely to, preferably orthogonally to, the sequence trajectory FB. Figure 10A Showing through Figure 9 A longitudinal sectional view of the reaction vessel assembly 86, wherein the sectional plane contains the virtual vessel axis BA of each reaction vessel 88. Figure 10A The viewing direction of the sectional view is through Figure 9 Arrow XA is shown in the diagram. Figure 10B Show Figure 10A A rough schematic side view of the reaction vessel assembly 86, which exaggerates the bends used to improve the securing of the reaction vessel assembly 86 to the reaction vessel carrier 20. Figure 11 Showing a longitudinal section through reaction vessel 88, or more precisely, a longitudinal section through reaction vessel 88-1 at the edge location. Figure 11 The cross-sectional plane and Figure 10A The cross-sectional planes are the same. Figure 12 Show Figure 11 A magnified view of the output end of reaction vessel 88. Figure 13 A rough schematic detail view shows the input end of the reaction vessel 88 and the vessel section connected thereto, which has radial protrusions for securing the reaction vessel 88 in the reaction vessel housing. Figure 14 A cross section is shown that is orthogonal to the virtual container axis BA, passes through the reaction container 88, or more precisely, passes through the edge of the reaction container 88-1, to illustrate the radial protrusions that are equidistantly arranged along the circumferential direction for fixing the reaction container 88 in the reaction container housing 24. Figure 15 Show Figure 9 and Figure 10A A top view of the reaction vessel components, and Figure 16 Show along Figure 10AThe cross-sectional view of the cross-section plane XVI-XVI, which is below the strip of the reaction vessel 88 connecting the reaction vessel assembly 86, but orthogonal to the virtual vessel axis BA in the region of the radial protrusion and the tab connecting the reaction vessel 88 to the reaction vessel 88 adjacent to it along the sequence trajectory FB.

[0213] Each reaction vessel 88 has an input terminal 102, which has an input opening 104 that is substantially circular in the illustrated embodiment. The distance D from the input terminal 102 and the input opening 104, which should be measured along the virtual vessel axis BA (see...), is... Figure 11 The reaction vessel 88 has an output channel 108 at an output terminal 106 that is opposite to the input terminal 102.

[0214] Within the space enclosed by the container wall 110 of the reaction vessel 88, a containment volume 112 is formed above the output channel 108. In this containment volume, a liquid 109 having ferromagnetic particles 109a suspended therein is contained in the reaction vessel, and the liquid is preferably introduced into the reaction vessel 88 through the inlet opening 104.

[0215] The output channel 108, penetrating the container wall 110, is sized such that when the container volume 112 is filled with liquid 109, the capillary pressure of the liquid 109 in the output channel 108 is maintained in the container volume 112 until the pressure in the container volume 112 is sufficiently exceeded by blowing gas through the input opening 104 using the pressure changing device 62b. In this case, the liquid 109 begins to exit from the container volume 112 through the output channel 108. This is preferably done in the form of a free jet.

[0216] Figure 12 A more detailed view of the configuration of the output channel 108 is shown. On its side facing the containment volume 112, the output channel 108 has an inflow opening 114, which marks the axial longitudinal end of the output channel 108 near the containment volume 112 along a virtual container axis BA. At its axial longitudinal end further away from the containment volume 112 and opposite to the inflow opening 114, the output channel 108 terminates in an output opening 116. The aforementioned distance D extends from the input opening 104 to the inflow opening 114 and forms the reference dimension RD of the reaction vessel 88.

[0217] Preferably, the input opening 104, the output channel 108, and especially the inflow opening 114 and the output opening 116 are arranged coaxially about the virtual container axis BA.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet opening 114 is completely surrounded by the inlet surface 118. The inlet surface 118 is preferably orthogonal to the container axis BA. The outlet opening 116 is completely surrounded by the outlet surface 120, which, in the illustrated preferred embodiment, is also orthogonal to the virtual container axis BA, and thus parallel to the inlet surface 118. The area of ​​the outlet surface 120 is larger than the area of ​​the inlet surface 118.

[0219] To protect the outlet opening 116 and the outlet surface 120 surrounding it, an axial protrusion 122, projecting along the container axis BA in the circumferential direction surrounding the outlet surface 120, preferably surrounds the container axis BA in a closed manner. The extension length of the axial protrusion 122 with respect to the outlet surface 120 is less than the thickness T of the container wall 110. The extension length L of the axial protrusion 122 with respect to the outlet surface 120 is also less than the distance d between the inlet surface 118 and the outlet surface 120, which should be measured along the container axis BA.

[0220] For example, the thickness T of the container wall can be from 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.6 mm. The distance d between the inflow surface 118 and the output surface 120 can be from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably 0.4 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, this distance d corresponds to the axial length of the output channel 108. Preferably, due to the formation of the defined surfaces 118 and 120, the distance d between the inflow surface 118 and the output surface 120 is less than the wall thickness T of the container wall 110, for example, less than the wall thickness T of the container wall 110 in the region extending along the container axis BA. The extension length L of the axial protrusion 122 with respect to the output surface 120 is preferably 0.1 mm, or between 20% and 30% of the distance between the inflow surface 118 and the output surface 120, or between 40% and 125% of the diameter of the output opening 116. Preferably, for the purpose of omnidirectional protection of the output opening 116, the radial width B of the axial protrusion 122, which closes around the container axis BA, is greater than its protruding length L, preferably at least twice as large. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial width B of the axial protrusion 122 is between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.24 mm.

[0221] The input opening 104 is preferably circular and has an opening width OW in the range of 5.7 mm to 6.3 mm, and especially a diameter. The output channel 108, which is preferably cylindrical, has a diameter preferably less than half a millimeter. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter is in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0222] Preferably, the outer diameter De of the circular inflow surface 118 is 40% to 60% of the outer diameter Da of the circular output surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter De of the inflow surface 118 is approximately 0.5 mm, and the diameter Da of the output surface 120 is approximately 1 mm.

[0223] The inner wall surface 110a of the container wall 110, which directly defines the containing volume 112, is preferably configured as a rotating body with a virtual container axis BA as its axis of rotation. The inner wall surface 110a is configured such that the containing volume 112 has a first tapering region 112a, in which the containing volume 112 tapers towards the output channel 108. Preferably, the taper angle α1 is constant over the entire axial length of the first tapering region 112a (see...). Figure 11 The taper angle α2 is less than that of the second taper region 112b that follows the first taper region 112a in the direction toward the output channel 108.

[0224] exist Figure 11 For better overview, the taper angles are marked at the outer wall surface 110b. Since the wall thickness T of the container wall 110 along its extension along the container axis BA is constant, the taper angles α1 and α2 marked at the outer wall surface 110b also correctly reflect the taper of the inner wall surface 110a. The taper angles α1 and α2 about the virtual container axis BA are half the opening angle within the conical taper regions 112a and 112b that contain the volume 112, which is also the conical axis of the conical taper regions 112a and 112b.

[0225] The taper angle α1 is a moderate taper angle, ranging from 0.7° to 5°, and 1° in the illustrated embodiment. In the first taper region 112a, liquid flow along the container axis BA can occur without generating turbulence in the liquid, and pressure waves within the liquid 109 contained in the reaction vessel 88 can propagate along the container axis BA without generating turbulence.

[0226] In the illustrated embodiment, the first tapering region 112a is longer axially than the second tapering region 112b. The second tapering region 112b extends axially to the edge of the inflow surface 118. Preferably, the length of the first tapering region 112a along the container axis BA is at least five times that of the second tapering region 112b.

[0227] exist Figure 11 In the diagram, two thin parallel lines indicate the axial longitudinal end of the first tapered region 112a near the output channel 108 and the axial longitudinal end of the second tapered region 112b away from the output channel 108. Between them lies a first transition region 124, in which the inner wall surface 110a transitions seamlessly from a first tapering angle α1 to a second tapering angle α2. In a longitudinal sectional view including the virtual container axis BA, the cross-sectional profile of the inner wall surface 110a in the first transition region 124 has a curvature radius ranging from 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm.

[0228] In the example shown, the second tapering region 112b also preferably has a constant tapering angle α2 over its entire axial length, which is preferably 45° in the embodiment shown.

[0229] The second tapering region 112b, whose axial length is only about one-twelfth to one-eighth of the axial length of the first tapering region, approximately 2 / 21 in this case, is optimal for regulating the liquid in the containment volume 112 to be discharged in a free jet without splashing during the discharge of liquid through the output channel 108. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the entire second tapering section 112b forms an inflow section 126 in which the liquid contained in the containment volume 112 is conveyed to the inflow opening 114 in a laminar or at least substantially laminar manner under the corresponding pressure conditions inside the reaction vessel 88.

[0230] The formation of the second tapering region 112b near the longitudinal end of the output channel 108 at the inflow surface 118 can mitigate shear forces that may otherwise adversely affect long-chain molecules contained in the liquid. Nucleic acids, in particular, form very long chains of molecules that are sensitive to and potentially destroyed by shear forces in the liquid containing them.

[0231] The output surface 120 ensures that liquid exiting from the output opening 116 does not wet the outer side of the container wall 110. As long as the liquid can still wet the output surface 120, the extent of this wetting is limited by an axial protrusion 122, which in turn mechanically protects the output opening 116, the output channel 108, and the output surface 120 itself from impacts and other effects.

[0232] On the side of the first tapering region 112a near the input opening 104, there is a funnel region 128 with a third tapering angle α3, which is greater than the first tapering angle α1 and less than the second tapering angle α2. In the illustrated embodiment, the third tapering angle α3 is approximately 30°.

[0233] In the illustrated embodiment, the axial length of the funnel region 128 is approximately 3 to 4 times the axial length of the second tapering region 112b, which in turn flows into the inflow region 126. The axial length of the first tapering region 112a is approximately 2.5 to 3 times the axial length of the funnel region 128. The funnel region 128 is designed to taper the reaction vessel 88 over the shortest possible axial length, without any steps or abrupt changes in the inner wall surface 110a. Therefore, a second transition region 130 exists between the first tapering region 112a and the funnel region 128, in which the inner wall surface 110a transitions from the funnel region 128 to the first tapering region 112a with a convex bend. Conversely, the bend in the inner wall surface 110a in the first transition region 124 is concave.

[0234] The aforementioned recesses 100a or 100b of the magnet carrier assembly 72 are configured to accommodate the first tapered region 112a and, during corresponding axial adjustment of the magnet carrier assembly 72, to accommodate at least a portion of the funnel region 128. Due to the aforementioned inclination of the container wall 110 having a substantially constant thickness T, if the first tapered region 112a can be accommodated in the recesses 100a or 100b of the magnet carrier assembly 72, then the second tapered section 112b can always also be accommodated in the recesses 100a or 100b and subjected to the magnetic field of the matrix magnet 94. Preferably, the fixation of the magnetic particles 109a suspended in the liquid 109 contained in the containment volume 112 can occur in the first tapered section 112a, or in at least one adjacent transition region 124 or 130, or in the second tapered section 112b, but preferably due to the distance from the output channel 108, occurs in the first tapered section 112a.

[0235] The range of motion, indicated by MA, refers to the ability of the magnet carrier assembly 72, which has two magnet carriers 72a and 72b, to move at least along the range of motion during operation of the device 10 for liquid handling. In practice, the magnet carrier assembly 72 can move below the output end 106 of the reaction vessel assembly 86 so that the reaction vessel device 18 can be moved between its assembled position and its ready position without impact.

[0236] The opposing longitudinal ends of the funnel region 128 and the first tapering region 112a are at... Figure 11 They are separated from each other by thin horizontal lines, with a second transition region 130 between them.

[0237] To simplify the input of liquid 109 into the receiving volume 112 through the input opening 104, a guide region 132 is provided between the input opening 104 (preferably directly axially connected to the input opening) and the funnel region 128. This guide region also tapers in a direction from the input opening 104 toward the output channel 108. Preferably, the fourth taper angle α4 is constant along the entire guide region 132.

[0238] The fourth taper angle α4 is smaller than the third taper angle α3, and in the illustrated embodiment, it substantially corresponds to the first taper angle α1, or differs from the first taper angle α1 by no more than 30% of the first taper angle α1.

[0239] Figure 11 The parallel horizontal lines in the diagram indicate the axial longitudinal ends of the guide region 132 and the funnel region 128 facing each other, with a third transition region 134 between them, in which the inner wall surface 110a transitions from the guide region 132 into the funnel region 128 without steps or abrupt changes when it is close to the output channel 108.

[0240] The reaction vessels 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 86 are connected to each other at their inlet 112 by strips 136 extending along a sequential trajectory FB. As detailed several times, the reaction vessel assembly 86 discussed herein is integrally molded from thermoplastic into an injection-molded component.

[0241] exist Figure 10A The image shows a longitudinal sectional view through the reaction vessel assembly 86. Details of the reaction vessel 88 shown there have been incorporated above. Figure 11 and Figure 12 To elaborate.

[0242] exist Figure 10A In Chinese, EI is used to represent... Figure 10A The drawing plane is orthogonal to the input side plane, showing the reaction vessel assembly 86 and all others in... Figure 10A The input opening 104 of the reaction vessel assembly 86, which is disposed before and / or after the reaction vessel carrier 20, is located in this plane.

[0243] exist Figure 10A In the diagram, EO is used to represent... Figure 10A The drawing plane is orthogonal to the output end side of the plane, showing the reaction vessel assembly 86 and all others in Figure 10A The output openings 116 of the reaction vessel assembly 86, which are disposed before and / or after the reaction vessel carrier 20, are all located in this plane.

[0244] The preferred parallel virtual planes EI and EO should be understood to have a certain thickness to account for the manufacturing tolerances of the reaction vessel assembly 86 and the setting tolerances of the reaction vessel assembly 86 in the reaction vessel carrier 20. These two planes EI and EO are parallel to the sequence trajectory FB and parallel to the preparation motion trajectories AB, RB, and NB. They are also parallel to the supply trajectory BP.

[0245] To reinforce the reaction vessel assembly 86, whose strip 136 has a thickness T approximately the same as the vessel wall 110, tabs 138 are formed between adjacent reaction vessels 88 along the sequence track FB, more precisely, between adjacent guide regions 132 in the illustrated embodiment, connecting adjacent reaction vessels 88 to each other. These tabs 138 protrude integrally from the strip 136 toward the output end. Thus, in the case of eight reaction vessels 88 following sequentially along the sequence track FB, seven tabs 138 are formed between adjacent reaction vessels 88.

[0246] Figure 10BThe bending portion of the reaction vessel assembly 86 around a bending axis K orthogonal to the guide trajectory FB and the vessel axis BA is shown in an unrealistically exaggerated manner. Figure 10B The drawing plane is stretched, and is actually larger than in Figure 10B The distance shown is further than strip 136. Figure 10B This is only used to qualitatively illustrate the bending axis K and its position relative to strip 136. Therefore, the surface 136a facing away from the reaction vessel 88 is convexly curved.

[0247] The bend is used to improve the fixation of the reaction vessel assembly 86 within the reaction vessel carrier 20. The reaction vessel receiving portion 24 in the reaction vessel carrier 20 is also centrally traversed by a virtual receiving axis, which are oriented parallel to each other. Conversely, according to Figure 10B The container axes BA of the curved reaction vessel assembly 86 are oriented divergently. If the curved reaction vessel assembly 86 with divergent container axes BA is now disposed in a reaction vessel carrier 20 having a parallel receiving axis of the reaction vessel housing 24, the reaction vessel assembly 86 is forcibly deformed by the reaction vessel carrier 20 such that the virtual container axes BA of the individual reaction vessels 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 86 are parallel to each other within a certain tolerance and collinearly oriented with the receiving axis. The resulting deformation is elastic deformation, which increases the contact force that causes the container wall 110 to press against the walls or structure of the reaction vessel housing 24 or the reaction vessel carrier 20. The increased contact force increases the frictional force acting between the reaction vessel 88 and the reaction vessel carrier 20, such that the resistance of the reaction vessel assembly 86, deformed due to its curved rest state, disposed in the reaction vessel carrier 20 to being removed from the reaction vessel carrier 20 is increased compared to the same reaction vessel assembly 86 disposed undeformed in the reaction vessel carrier 20.

[0248] To further improve the fixation of the reaction vessel assembly 86 within the reaction vessel carrier 20, radial protrusions 140 are formed on the outer wall surface 110b of the vessel wall 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each reaction vessel 88, as a fixed reaction vessel, is provided with three radial protrusions 140 equidistantly distributed around the vessel axis BA. In the illustrated embodiment, the radial protrusions 140 are formed in the guide region 132 and extend parallel to the virtual vessel axis from the strip 136 toward the output end 106. The axial extension length of the radial protrusions 140 of the reaction vessel 88 is the same for each radial protrusion 140. This extension length is preferably greater than the axial extension length of the tab 138.

[0249] Radial protrusion 140 Figure 9 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 16It can be seen very clearly in the middle.

[0250] The radial protrusion 140 locally increases the outer diameter or external dimension of the reaction vessel 88, and especially the guide region 132 that carries the radial protrusion 140. Therefore, if the guide region 132 with the radial protrusion 140 is introduced into the reaction vessel housing 24, in which a negative corresponding structure for the radial protrusion 140 is not formed in the housing cavity, the locally increased external dimension in the region of the radial protrusion 140 causes the reaction vessel 88 to be locked in the reaction vessel housing 24, thereby resulting in an improved fixation of the reaction vessel 88 in the reaction vessel carrier 20.

[0251] In terms of technical physics, the improved fixation of the reaction vessel 88 by the radial protrusion 140 produces an effect similar to that of the bending configuration of the reaction vessel assembly 86: due to the locally larger external dimensions of the reaction vessel 88 compared to the net width of the reaction vessel housing 24 without protrusions or recesses, the reaction vessel 88 can only be introduced into the reaction vessel housing 24 under elastic deformation of the area bearing the radial protrusion 140. This elastic deformation increases the clamping force of the radial protrusion 140 against the contact surface of the reaction vessel housing 24, thereby increasing the frictional force acting between the reaction vessel 88 and the reaction vessel housing 24.

[0252] The radial protrusion 140, constructed substantially the same, has lateral sides forming an angle β1 between 45° and 55°, preferably 50°. The radially outward-pointing end face 140a of the radial protrusion 140 has a width b measured circumferentially, ranging from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, and in this example, 0.2 mm. In the radial direction, the radial protrusion 140 protrudes 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm from the remaining outer wall surface 110b of the container wall portion 110, and in the illustrated embodiment, 0.5 mm. Therefore, the external dimension of the reaction vessel 88, measured across a centrally conceived virtual container axis BA in the region bearing the radial protrusion 140, is 0.5 mm larger than the external diameter of the reaction vessel 88 measured in the same axial position but in the diametrical direction where the radial protrusion 140 is absent.

[0253] The outer wall surface 110b of the guide region 132 supporting the radial protrusion 140 tapers slightly towards the output end 106, while the radially outward-pointing end face 140a preferably extends parallel to the container axis BA, such that the radial protrusion 140 preferably has a cylindrical envelope with the container axis BA as its cylindrical axis. At the longitudinal end of the radial protrusion 140 near the output end 106, an inclined surface, preferably 30°, about the container axis BA simplifies its reference to the cylindrical or conical reaction vessel housing 24.

[0254] The reaction vessel 88, or more precisely, the reaction vessel assembly 86, has a strip 136 connecting the reaction vessel with a solid coding structure 142 at the longitudinal end 136b of the strip 136, which has a configuration with a detection surface 142a disposed at a distance from the surface 136a of the output end 106 of the strip 136.

[0255] The container sensor 92 of device 10 is capable of detecting the distance between itself and the strip 136 and between itself and the detection surface 142a, and transmitting this information to the control device 40. A significant advantage of encoding the information through the physical coding structure 142 during the manufacture of the reaction vessel assembly 86 is that it avoids erroneous coding that might occur during busy laboratory work after the experimenter has passed through it.

[0256] For example, the detection surface 142a can protrude a predetermined distance s or sink a predetermined distance s relative to the surface 136a of the strip 136. Even the detection surface 142a can be an information carrier if it is positioned at the same level as the surface 136a.

[0257] Furthermore, the entity's encoding structure 142 can be located at the same vertical end, but in the case of utilizing the opposite corners of the strip 136, if only the alternative scheme of the detection surface 142a being protruding or recessed at one of the two corner regions of the vertical end 136b is considered, four different possible encoding states are obtained. If the encoding structure 142 constituting the entity at the two corners of the vertical end 136b is added, six different possible encoding states are obtained.

[0258] Preferably, the encoded state is associated with the physical characteristics of the reaction vessel 88 of the reaction vessel assembly 86, such as the design of the output channel 108, more precisely, its diameter and / or length. The encoded state of the reaction vessel assembly 86, preset by the encoded structure 142 formed thereon, can directly display operating parameters to the control device 40, which should set these operating parameters at the device 10 during the processing. Possible such parameters are preset overpressures in the containment volume 112 to ensure that liquid is discharged from the container volume 112 through the output channel 108 without splashing. Data associations can be stored in the data memory 42 of the control device 40, which associate the detection surface 142a detected by the container sensor 92 or the encoded state associated with that detection with pressure values ​​that the control device 40 should reach during liquid processing via the pressure changing device 62b to discharge liquid from the reaction vessel 88 into its containment volume 112. Instead of using a pressure sensor 69a or another pressure sensor on the device side for detection, the continuous time of introducing gas into the containment volume 112 can also be stored in the data memory 42.

[0259] The detection surface 142a is preferably a flat surface, and also preferably parallel to the portion surrounding the surface 136a of the strip 136. This applies at least to the state in which the reaction vessel assembly 86 is disposed in the reaction vessel carrier 20, since the aforementioned bend around the bending axis K is subsequently eliminated, and the reaction vessel assembly 86 disposed in the reaction vessel carrier 20 exists in a substantially unbent form.

[0260] However, the parallelism between the flat detection surface 142a and at least the portion surrounding the surface 136a can also be substantially applicable in the initially bent delivery state, because, on the one hand, the bend around the bending axis K has a very large radius of curvature, which is significantly larger than the reference length RD, making the bend in the region near the coding structure 142 negligible. Furthermore, the bend of the reaction vessel assembly 86 in the delivery state is preferably achieved substantially at the tab 138 through targeted material shrinkage during cooling, making... Figure 10A The longitudinal end region 136b extending to the right from the edge of the reaction vessel 88-1 closest to the coding structure 142 can be configured to not have a bend around the bending axis K.

[0261] Therefore, the overall curvature of the reaction vessel assembly 86 can be composed of a flat section in the region of the inlet opening 104, which, due to the targeted utilization of material shrinkage in the region of the tab 138, is inclined at an angle relative to the adjacent flat region about an inclined axis parallel to the curvature axis K. Such a reaction vessel assembly 86, according to... Figure 10B The view from that perspective does not have, as in Figure 10B Instead of a continuously curved configuration like the reaction vessel assembly 86 shown, the strip 136 shows a polygonal configuration, which has flat areas that bend in the same inclination direction at the input opening 104 and also at the protruding longitudinal end regions 136b and 136c, thus creating an overall curved configuration. In other words, the curved reaction vessel assembly 86 does not necessarily have to be a continuously curved reaction vessel assembly 86, but can also be a curved reaction vessel assembly 86 formed discontinuously by a successive arrangement of flat areas that bend in the same inclination direction.

[0262] To reduce weight, strip 136 can be narrowed in the region between two reaction vessels 88 that follow sequentially along the sequential trajectory FB (see...). Figure 15 The narrow section is preferably formed without steps or staircases. Apart from the solid coding structure 142 and the radial protrusion 140, the reaction container assembly 86 is preferably configured in a plane mirror symmetric about the plane containing the container axis BA.

[0263] The following describes a waste container assembly 44 having a waste liquid container 45.

[0264] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 China-Israel stereoscopic diagram ( Figure 17 ) and in cross-sectional view ( Figure 18 The waste liquid container 45 is shown.

[0265] The waste liquid container 45 has a basin-shaped body 45c that surrounds the basin-shaped body 45c, thus containing a volume 45a of the waste liquid container 45. The basin-shaped body 45c is covered by a container lid 45d. Here, the container lid 45d does not cover the entire basin-shaped body 45c, but has a drain outlet 144 formed at each of the two longitudinal ends of the basin-shaped body 45c. The drain outlets 144 are left open by the container lid 45d. In the assembled position, an operator or operating robot can lift the waste liquid container 45 from the drawer 28 that carries it and remove the liquid waste through one of the drain outlets 144 without lifting the lid 45d, which is collected in the containing volume 45a during multiple processing steps. It is also feasible in principle to remove the waste liquid container 45 filled with processing waste from the recess 28b in the bottom 28a of its drawer and replace it with an empty waste liquid container 45 of the same type. This allows for more time to remove the waste, and the removal can be done more thoroughly.

[0266] The container cap 45d has an elongated recess serving as a waste sealing assembly receiving portion 27, into which the supply device 62, more precisely the pressure changing device 62b, can place the sealing assembly 22. If the sealing assembly 22, located at the pressure changing device 62b, is submerged in the waste sealing assembly receiving portion 27, the sealing assembly can be disengaged from the supply device 62, more precisely from the pressure changing device 62b, by shifting the waste liquid container 45 along the preparatory movement trajectory AB. If the waste liquid container 45 is in its assembled position, an operator or robot can remove and dispose of the used sealing assembly 22 from the waste sealing assembly receiving portion 27 in the container cap 45d.

[0267] The basin-shaped body 45c and the container lid 45d are preferably integrally manufactured from thermoplastic injection molded components. Of course, manufacturing from stainless steel is also feasible. Therefore, the basin-shaped body 45c and the container lid 45d can be deep-drawn. The container lid 45d can additionally have an opening obtained by stamping.

[0268] A container lid 45d covers the filling opening 146 of a bowl-shaped or basin-shaped body 45c. The basin-shaped body 45c includes a container bottom 148, which is capable of... Figure 18The design is flat, or the bottom of the container can have a defined support structure for particularly reliable erection. Side walls 150a to 150d rise from the container bottom 148, forming a filling opening 146 at their edges away from the container bottom 148. Side wall 150a is, here, the side wall oriented transversely to the preparatory movement trajectory AB and is the front side wall as the waste liquid container 45 moves from the assembled position to the ready position. The opposite side wall 150b follows the aforementioned movement of the waste liquid container 45, and the two side walls 150c and 150d connect the first-mentioned side walls 150a and 150b.

[0269] The container lid 45d has openings 152 arranged in an orthogonal matrix. This is also a 12×8 matrix, such that the number of openings 152 in the container lid 45d is exactly the same as the maximum number of reaction vessels 88 that can be arranged in the reaction vessel carrier 20. Not only are the number of openings 152 and reaction vessels 88 the same, but the distances between the output channels 108 and their output openings 116 of each reaction vessel 88 and the distances between the openings 152 are the same in both orthogonal directions of the 12×8 matrix. In this way and by this method, it is ensured that if processed waste is to be discharged from the reaction vessel 88 through the output channels 108, each output channel 108 is opposite to an opening 152 in the container lid 45d of the waste liquid container 45, so that processed waste from any reaction vessel 88 can reliably enter the containing volume 45a of the waste liquid container 45.

[0270] The portion of the surface 154 of the container lid 45d located between the openings 152 is preferably flat. The same applies to the portion of the surface 154 of the container lid 45d that surrounds the waste sealing assembly receiving portion 27.

[0271] The aforementioned lifting device 76 can elevate the waste liquid container 45 to discharge processed waste from the reaction vessel 88, more specifically, preferably elevating it such that the output opening 116 of one or all of the reaction vessel 88 moves through the surface 154, and about the side of the container cover 45d facing the receiving volume 45a. The longitudinal end section of the reaction vessel 88 with the output end 106 can extend through the surface 154 to a depth of 0.2 mm to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 3 mm. In the device 10, preferably all the output openings 116 of the reaction vessels 88 are located in a common setting plane. Considering the manufacturing tolerances of the reaction vessel 88, the setting plane can have a thickness of 1 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

[0272] As a splash-proof protection, a wall assembly 156 is connected at each opening 152, tapering in the direction from the opening 152 into the receiving volume 45a. The wall assembly completely surrounds the receiving volume 158 in a circumferential direction around the receiving axis EA. Preferably, the wall assemblies 156 of all openings 152 are identically configured. The wall assembly 156 forms a receiving funnel for introducing processed waste through the opening 152 into the receiving volume 45a.

[0273] To reinforce the container lid 45d, connecting tabs 160 or 162 are formed in two orthogonal directions of the 12×8 matrix of openings 152, extending from the side of the container lid 45d toward the receiving volume 45a and connecting the wall assemblies 156 to each other. The wall assemblies 156 are also preferably integrally formed with the rest of the container lid 45d.

[0274] The virtual inlet axis EA runs through the inlet volume 158 at the center and can be said to form the conical axis or funnel axis of the wall assembly 156. The wall assembly 156 preferably extends into the receiving volume 45a without steps or abrupt changes from the flat surface 154.

[0275] Starting from the edge 152a of the opening, the inlet region 156a of the wall assembly 156 extends along the inlet axis EA from the container cap 45d toward the container bottom 148. The inlet region 156a, like the rest of the wall assembly 156, bends around the corresponding inlet axis EA. Furthermore, the inlet region 156a bends around a plurality of curved axes orthogonal to and spaced apart from the inlet axis EA. Numerous curved axes orthogonal to the inlet axis EA extend in a circumferential direction around the inlet axis EA.

[0276] To prevent the wall assembly 156 from being wetted by processing waste accumulated in the containment volume 45a, the wall assembly 156 preferably extends over a range less than one-third of the net height of the containment volume 45a above the container bottom 148. However, for proper splash protection, the wall assembly 156 extends into the containment volume 45a for at least 10% of the net height of the containment volume 45a from the remaining container cover 45d.

[0277] In contrast to the inlet region 156a, the outlet section 156b in the illustrated embodiment bends only around the inlet axis EA.

[0278] The container lid 45d is detachably connected to the basin 45c. The container lid can be held in place at the basin 45c by means of a retaining tongue 164, for example, a friction fit or / and a form fit.

[0279] exist Figure 19 and Figure 20 The image shows the supply device 62 and its moving mechanism.

[0280] The guide rail 64 and belt drive 66 of the supply device 62 are mounted on a carrier 166 fixed to the device housing. The belt drive 66 includes a belt 66a and two pulleys 66b and 66c, wherein the pulleys 66c are driven by a drive motor 168 also mounted on the carrier 166. This also corresponds substantially to the construction of the belt drives 56 and 60 of the other devices 18 and 50 described above as driveable displacement devices.

[0281] On the guide rail 64, the guide slide 170, which is connected to the belt 66a to move together, is movably set along the supply track BP.

[0282] At the guide slide 170, a movable carrier 172 is provided, which moves along the supply trajectory BP together with the guide slide 170. The carrier carries the container sensor 92 and the supply device 62. The movable carrier 172, which is rigidly connected to the guide slide 170, carries a guide rail 174, which in the example shown is vertical and thus orthogonal to guide rail 64 and orthogonal to the parallel guide rails 48, 54 and 58.

[0283] At guide rail 174, the supply device 62 is movably guided along a vertical approach trajectory WP. The movable carrier 172 also carries a motion actuator 176, by which the supply device 62 can be driven to move along the approach trajectory WP. Thus, the supply device 62 can approach the reaction vessel assembly 18, and in particular the input end 102 of the reaction vessel 88 with the input opening 104, and can be lifted off it again. Figure 1 The sealing component 22, when positioned at the supply device 62, can be sealed tightly against the strip 136 of the reaction vessel assembly 86 with a predetermined and / or defined clamping force. Furthermore, the used sealing component 22, positioned at the supply device 62, can be inserted along the approach trajectory WP into the waste sealing component receiving portion 27 by the motion actuator 176, from which the sealing component is disengaged from the supply device 62, more precisely from the pressure changing device 62b, by the movement of the waste liquid container 45 along its preparatory movement trajectory AB. Alternatively, the used sealing component 22, positioned at the supply device 62, can be inserted along the approach trajectory WP into the sealing component receiving portion 26 by the motion actuator 176, from which the sealing component is disengaged from the pressure changing device 62b by the movement of the reaction vessel carrier 20 along its preparatory movement trajectory RB.

[0284] The supply device 62 will be further described below. Figure 19 and Figure 20 The example shown is without its switching valve. (As from...) Figure 19 and Figure 20As learned therein, the supply device 62 has a conduit body 178 and an output member 180. The conduit body 178 is configured with switchable valves 182, 184, and 186 (see...). Figure 21 The pipelines, which may be connected or separated from each other, lead into a distribution opening 188 for discharging liquid and a gas output opening 190 for discharging gas in the output member 180. The distribution opening 188 and the gas output opening 190 are offset relative to each other along an offset direction V parallel to the supply trajectory BP. Their distance along the offset direction VD is greater than the opening width OW of at least the input opening 104 of the reaction vessel 88, such that if one of the distribution opening 188 and the gas output opening 190 is centrally located above the input opening 104, the other opening cannot discharge into the input opening 104. To prevent the distribution opening 188 and the gas output opening 190 from simultaneously discharging into the same input opening even if one of the distribution opening 188 and the gas output opening 190 is not centrally located above the input opening 104, the distance between the distribution opening 188 and the gas output opening 190 is preferably greater than the opening width OW.

[0285] like Figure 22 As shown, the distribution opening 188 can be accessed through a simple opening in the output member 180 or as an end opening of the conduit 189 (see...). Figure 22 The rightmost distribution opening 188 constitutes this. Preferably, all conduits leading to the distribution opening 188 are implemented of the same type, i.e., preferably all distribution openings 188 are direct openings of the output member 180, or all distribution openings 188 are openings of corresponding conduits 189. Conduits 189 preferably protrude beyond the surface 180a of the output member 180 pointing towards the reaction vessel apparatus 18 during operation. The surface 180a from which conduits 189 protrude can retract relative to the other surfaces 180b surrounding it of the output member 180 in order to protect the end section of conduits 189 from external mechanical influences.

[0286] The sealing assembly 22 is shaped-fittingly received in a receiving recess 192 in the output member 180, which extends parallel to the preparation movement trajectory RB of the reaction vessel device 18 and orthogonal to the supply trajectory BP, and is pushable and pullable ready to be received. The receiving recess 192 is provided in the output member 180 by means of a T-groove-shaped sealing receiving structure 193.

[0287] In the ready-to-go configuration, the through-hole 194 of the sealing assembly 22 and the sealing surface 22a formed by the sealing assembly 22 and the surface 136a of the strip 136 are provided collinearly with the gas outlet opening 190 as its continuation, so that the gas leaving the gas outlet opening 190 is guided to the inlet opening 104 of the reaction vessel 88.

[0288] exist Figure 21 In the switching valves 182, 184, and 186 shown, installed at the rear side 178a of the piping body 178, switching valve 182 switches the piping of the distribution device 62a between a closed state and an open state. Therefore, switching valve 182 forms a distribution valve assembly 183 in the sense of the introduction to this specification. Switching valve 184 switches the piping of the pressure changing device 62b between a closed state and an open state. Therefore, switching valve 184 forms a gas valve assembly 185 in the sense of the introduction to this specification. Each switching valve 182 and 184 disconnects or connects two piping sections formed in the piping body 178.

[0289] Two switching valves 186 form a switching valve device 187, which selectively conducts liquid or gas from one of containers 34 and 36 or the gas reservoir 69 through the dispensing opening 188 of the dispensing device 62a. By purging the piping and dispensing opening 188 of the dispensing device 62a in this way, the last conducted liquid can be removed from the piping and dispensing opening 188 of the dispensing device 62a and cleaned when changing between liquids to be dispensed, for example, between containers 34 and 36. Each switching valve 186 can selectively connect the upper or lower opening to the middle opening, or separate the openings from each other.

[0290] At pipe body 178, in the illustrated embodiment, three pipe interfaces 196, 198, and 200 are provided at the upper side 178b. Pipe interfaces 196 and 198 are liquid-conducting interfaces that transport liquid from containers 34 and 36 to the piping system 202 of pipe body 178 (see...). Figure 23 Assume that pipe interface 196 is connected to extraction line 38a and pipe interface 198 is connected to extraction line 38b. Pipe interface 200 is a gas-conducting pipe interface that delivers pressurized gas from pressure reservoir 69 to piping system 202 of pipe body 178. Pressure line 38c in working fluid compartment 32 is connected to pressure reservoir 69 and is not guided via valve assembly of supply device 62.

[0291] exist Figure 24 The figure shows a perspective view of the supply device 62 viewed from the rear side 178a of the pipeline body 178, where switching valves 182, 184 and 186 are not shown.

[0292] The four large openings 204 arranged in parallel rows are used solely to house the switching valves 182, 184, and 186, each of which is secured to the rear side 178a by two screws screwed into the large opening 204. For better overview, not all large openings 204 are labeled. There are a total of 36 openings 204 at the rear side 178a of the piping body 178, i.e., two for each of the 18 switching valves.

[0293] The bottommost small opening 206 is directly led to the distribution opening 188 via the pipeline section 208.

[0294] The switching valve 182 is configured to connect the pipe section 208 to the pipe section 212 via its small opening 206, or to separate the openings 206 and 210 from each other.

[0295] Pipe section 212 has a small central opening 214 inserted into the rear side 178a of pipe body 178, the small central opening facing... Figure 21 The switching valve 186 on the right side is opened.

[0296] Short pipe section 216 extends from pipe interface 198 to small opening 218, the small opening being through... Figure 21 The upper opening of the three small openings 218, 214 and 220 of the switching valve 168 on the right side, which are connected or separated from each other in pairs.

[0297] The lowest small opening 220 opens toward the pipe section 222, which leads only to... Figure 21 The small opening 224 in the middle of the switching valve 186 on the left side.

[0298] In addition to the small opening 224 in the middle, the small opening 226 at the top of the pipe section 228 leading to the pipe interface 196 and the small opening 230 at the bottom of the pipe section 232 leading to the guide gas interface 200 are also connected to the pipe. Figure 21 The switching valve 186 is located on the left side of the middle section.

[0299] A separate pipe section 234 is directly connected to the pipe interface 200 for guiding gas, leading to a small opening 236 below the switching valve 184 of the gas valve assembly 185. In addition to the small opening 236, a small opening 238 of a pipe section 240 that opens directly into the gas output opening 190 also faces the switching valve 184.

[0300] By switching valve 182, fluid appearing at opening 210 and thus at opening 214 can be selectively directed to distribution opening 188 or not directed at all.

[0301] By switching the switching valve 184, the gas appearing at the opening 236 via the pipeline section 234 can be selectively conducted to the gas output opening 190 or not conducted at all.

[0302] pass Figure 21 The switching valve 186 on the right side can transfer liquid appearing at pipe interface 198 through pipe section 216 and opening 218 or fluid appearing at opening 220 to opening 210.

[0303] pass Figure 21 The switching valve 186 on the left side can connect the middle opening 224 to the pipeline section 222 leading to the opening 220 to the pipeline interface 196 and the pipeline section 228 leading to the opening 126, or to the opening 230 to the pipeline section 232 and the pipeline interface 200 for guiding gas.

[0304] Therefore, by appropriately switching the switching valve 186, liquid from container 34 or liquid from container 36 or pressurized gas from pressure storage 69 can be supplied to the opening 210 of the distribution valve device 183.

[0305] exist Figure 25 The supply device 62 is shown in three dimensions from the generally smooth front side 178c of the conduit body 78, diagonally below and towards it. This view is merely a supplement and conclusion to the content described so far.

Claims

1. An automated liquid handling apparatus (10) for handling liquids (109), comprising: i. A reaction vessel apparatus (18) having a plurality of reaction vessels (88) arranged in a matrix in a first row (88a) and a second row (88b), wherein the first row (88a) is parallel to each other, and wherein the second row (88b) is parallel to each other, and wherein the first row (88a) and the second row (88b) intersect each other. Each of the plurality of reaction vessels (88) arranged in a matrix is ​​located at the intersection of the first and second rows (88a, 88b). Each reaction vessel (88) has an input terminal (102) with an input opening (104) and an output terminal (106) with an output opening (116) spaced apart from the input terminal (102). ii. A magnet device (70) for creating a magnetic field in the plurality of reaction vessels (88), wherein the magnet device (70) has a movable magnet carrier assembly (72) having a plurality of matrix magnets (94) carried by the magnet carrier assembly (72), the matrix magnets being movable outside the plurality of reaction vessels (88) at least within a range of motion (MA) between the input end (102) and the output end (106) of the reaction vessels (88), wherein the number of the matrix magnets (94) is less than the number of reaction vessels (88) in the plurality of reaction vessels (88), wherein each reaction vessel (88) in the plurality of reaction vessels (88) is adjacent to two matrix magnets (94). The feature is that the magnet carrier assembly (72) carries a certain number of matrix magnets (94), the number being greater than the sum of the first row and the second row (88a, 88b), wherein the matrix magnets (94) have polarization directions (94a) that are neither parallel to the first row (88a) nor parallel to the second row (88b), and are neither orthogonal to the first row (88a) nor orthogonal to the second row (88b).

2. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, Multiple matrix magnets (94) are polarized and configured such that the interface (94b) between the different named magnetic poles of each of the multiple matrix magnets (94) extends transversely to a reference plane (BE) that extends parallel to both the first row and the second row (88a, 88b).

3. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The matrix magnet (94) has a plurality of internal matrix magnets (94-2), wherein each internal matrix magnet (94-2) is adjacent to exactly four reaction vessels (88), wherein the four adjacent reaction vessels (88) are arranged in two directly adjacent first rows (88a) and two directly adjacent second rows (88b).

4. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 3. Its features are, At least one internal matrix magnet (94-2) is polarized and configured such that a segment of at least one of the two magnetic polarities of the internal matrix magnet (94-2) is opposite to a first reaction vessel among the four reaction vessels (88) adjacent to the internal matrix magnet, such that a segment of at least one of the two magnetic polarities of the internal matrix magnet (94-2) is opposite to a second reaction vessel among the four reaction vessels (88) adjacent to the internal matrix magnet, and such that a segment of at least one internal matrix magnet (94-2) having both magnetic polarities is opposite to a third reaction vessel and a fourth reaction vessel among the four reaction vessels (88) adjacent to the internal matrix magnet, respectively.

5. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The matrix magnet (94) has a plurality of external matrix magnets (94-1), wherein each external matrix magnet (94) is adjacent to exactly two reaction vessels (88), which are either arranged in the same first row (88a) or in the same second row (88b).

6. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 5. Its features are, At least one external matrix magnet (94-1) is polarized and configured such that a segment of at least one of the two magnetic polarities of the external matrix magnet (94-1) is opposite to a first reaction vessel of the two reaction vessels (88) adjacent to the external matrix magnet, and such that a segment of at least one of the two magnetic polarities of the external matrix magnet (94-1) is opposite to a second reaction vessel of the two reaction vessels adjacent to the external matrix magnet.

7. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The matrix magnets (94) are arranged in a matrix in the third row (96a) parallel to the first row (88a) and in the fourth row (96b) parallel to the second row (88b), wherein the matrix magnets (94) are located at the intersection of the third row and the fourth row (96a, 96b).

8. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 7. Its features are, The number of the third row (96a) is greater than the number of the first row (88a), and the number of the fourth row (96b) is greater than the number of the second row (88b).

9. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 7 or 8. Its features are, In the third row (96a) and the fourth row (96b), the intersection positions not occupied by the matrix magnet (94) are adjacent to the intersection positions occupied by the matrix magnet (94), respectively.

10. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9. Its features are, The matrix magnets (94) have alternating numbers of higher and lower numbers in the third row (96a) that directly follow each other along the fourth row (96b), and / or the matrix magnets (94) have alternating numbers of larger and smaller numbers in the fourth row (96b) that directly follow each other along the third row (96a).

11. The automated liquid handling equipment (10) according to claim 10. Its features are, All third rows (96a) with a lower number of matrix magnets (94) have the same lower number of matrix magnets (94), and all third rows (96a) with a higher number of matrix magnets (94) have the same higher number of matrix magnets (94). and / or All fourth rows (96b) with a smaller number of matrix magnets (94) have the same smaller number of matrix magnets (94), and all fourth rows (96b) with a larger number of matrix magnets (94) have the same larger number of matrix magnets (94).

12. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11. Its features are, In the case of consecutively ascending numbers for all third rows (96a) following each other along the fourth row (96b), all even-numbered matrix magnets (94) in all third rows (96a) are oriented the same way, and all odd-numbered matrix magnets (94) in all third rows (96a) are oriented the same way, but differently from the even-numbered matrix magnets (94) in the third rows (96a). and / or In the case of sequentially numbering all the fourth rows (96b) that follow each other along the third row (96a) in ascending order, the matrix magnets (94) with even numbers in all the fourth rows (96b) are oriented in the same way, and the matrix magnets (94) with odd numbers in all the fourth rows (96b) are oriented in the same way, but in a different way than the matrix magnets (94) with even numbers in the fourth rows (96b).

13. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to claim 12, when referring to claim 2. Its features are, The even-numbered matrix magnets (94) in the third row (96a) are arranged with an angular magnitude of 90° rotated relative to the odd-numbered matrix magnets (94) in the third row (96a) about a rotation axis orthogonal to the reference plane (BE). and / or The matrix magnets (94) with even numbers in the fourth row (96b) are arranged with an angular value of 90° rotated relative to the matrix magnets (94) with odd numbers in the fourth row (96b) about a rotation axis orthogonal to the reference plane (BE).

14. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 13. Its features are, The magnet carrier assembly (72) has at least two magnet carriers (72a, 72b) that are movable relative to each other. Each of the at least two magnet carriers is capable of movement in a motion component extending along the distance between the input opening (104) and the output opening (116). In the case of all the third rows (96a) that follow each other along the fourth row (96b) in ascending order, one magnet carrier (72a) carries only the even-numbered matrix magnets (94) of the third row (96a), while the other magnet carrier (72b) carries only the odd-numbered matrix magnets (94) of the third row (96a). and / or In the case where all the fourth rows (96b) following each other along the third row (96a) are numbered in ascending order, one of the magnet carriers (72a, 72b) carries only the matrix magnets (94) with even numbers in the fourth row (96b), and the other magnet carrier (72a, 72b) carries only the matrix magnets (94) with odd numbers in the fourth row (96b).

15. The automated liquid handling apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, Two matrix magnets (94) are arranged adjacent to each reaction vessel (88) such that a segment of one matrix magnet (94) having only one magnetic polarity is adjacent to each reaction vessel (88), and a segment of the other matrix magnet having a different magnetic polarity is adjacent to each reaction vessel (88).

Images