Removable lid and instructions for use with automation capabilities

Abstract

Minimize evaporation of reagents or samples stored in containers used in automated equipment. [Solution] An automated, removable lid is provided. The removable lid includes a top surface surrounded by a peripheral rim. The removable lid further includes a diaphragm portion configured to receive an extractor, such as a pipette tip, through which it is inserted. The diaphragm portion is further configured to grip the extractor to facilitate the removal of the lid.

Claims

1. A method for removing a lid from a container in an automated system, The extractor is moved through the notched pattern so as to penetrate the lid that covers the sample or reagent inside the container, The plurality of corner segments of the lid defined by the aforementioned cutting pattern are deformed elastically and plastically, The extractor is moved away from the container by friction while the lid is attached to the extractor by frictional force. A method comprising discarding the extractor and the lid.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising reducing evaporation from the reagent or sample in the container.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising reducing light exposure to the reagent or sample in the container.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sample or reagent is volatile or photosensitive.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the lid is substantially transparent, opaque, or UV resistant.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the extractor includes at least one pipette tip.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automated handling subsystem within the automated system operates the extractor.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing the lid on the container so as to cover the sample or reagent inside the container before moving the extractor through the notch pattern.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of corner segments are elastically and plastically deformed to bring about the frictional force between the plurality of corner segments and the extractor.

10. An automated system, A robotic arm equipped with an extractor, A controller is provided, and the controller is The robotic arm is operated to move the extractor through a notch pattern so as to penetrate the lid covering the sample or reagent inside the container, Moving the extractor through the aforementioned cut pattern causes the multiple corner segments of the lid defined by the cut pattern to deform elastically and plastically, With the lid attached to the extractor by frictional force, the robot arm is operated to move the extractor away from the container. An automated system configured to perform the following: discarding the extractor and the lid.

11. The automated system according to claim 10, wherein the lid is configured to reduce evaporation from the reagent or sample in the container.

12. The automated system according to claim 10, wherein the lid is configured to reduce light exposure to the reagent or sample inside the container.

13. The automated system according to claim 10, wherein the sample or reagent is volatile or photosensitive.

14. The automation system according to claim 10, wherein the lid is substantially transparent, opaque, or UV resistant.

15. The automated system according to claim 10, wherein the extractor includes at least one pipette tip.

16. The automation system according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of corner segments are configured to generate the frictional force between the plurality of corner segments and the extractor when they are deformed elastically and plastically.

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