Device for controlled release of thermocycler seals

Abstract

A device for the controlled release of laboratory equipment from a thermocycler lid. The device includes a sealing plate configured to be fixed to the thermocycler lid. The sealing plate has a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive the laboratory equipment seal. A pin is mounted on the sealing plate with a spring at its side edge to provide controlled release of the laboratory equipment from the thermocycler lid. The spring is positioned so that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the spring extends the pin in contact with the laboratory equipment, thereby pushing the pin against the upper edge of the equipment and causing the equipment to release from the sealing plate.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Modern life science research encompasses fields such as genetics, genomics, proteomics, and synthetic sequencing. In each of these fields, the modification, processing, and / or analysis of target liquid biological and chemical samples are fundamental. Therefore, a thermal cycler is essential for life science research. For example, even in molecular biology research, thermal cyclers are used, especially for DNA sequencing, cloning, probe generation, quantification of DNA and RNA, study of gene expression patterns, and detection of sequence-tagged sites.

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 199,857, filed on May 19, 2023, entitled "Apparatus for Controlled Release of a Thermal Cycler Seal," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] A thermal cycler is a device capable of precise temperature control. In some cases, a thermal cycler can be configured to adjust the temperature in a complex cycle program. A thermal cycler typically completely encloses an experimental instrument containing a liquid sample under a lid mechanism to ensure tightly controlled thermal conditions. A thermal block, typically a machined metal piece such as aluminum, thermally couples the experimental instrument (and thus the liquid sample) to the thermal control system of the thermal cycler. This ability to maintain an accurate temperature with slight variation makes the thermal cycler widely used for amplification of DNA and RNA samples, such as by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR, the thermal cycler applies rapid thermal changes to liquid biological and chemical samples. Therefore, a thermal cycler is well-suited for any laboratory process that requires strict temperature control.

[0004] Various laboratory processes require the creation of an airtight seal between the thermocycler lid mechanism and each individual liquid sample within the laboratory equipment. In some cases, this is to prevent evaporation of the liquid sample during protocols involving high temperatures. In some other cases, the airtight seal is required to prevent contamination. Therefore, a sealing sheet, often formed from a sheet of compressible material (e.g., polymer or silicone), is applied to the thermocycler lid mechanism so that an airtight seal is created between the lid mechanism and the laboratory equipment when the lid mechanism is closed.

[0005] However, conventional methods for engaging and disengaging the airtight seal between laboratory equipment and the thermocycler lid face several problems. One problem with conventional thermocycler devices is that excessive sealing force may be applied to engage the airtight seal between the thermocycler lid and the laboratory equipment. As a result, the laboratory equipment often remains stuck to the sealing sheet at the end of the laboratory process, causing it to lift out of the thermocycler. This can lead to spills, contamination, sample loss, temperature fluctuations, etc. Another problem with conventional thermocyclers stems from insufficient sealing force applied to the lid. In such cases, an airtight seal is not achieved, and excessive evaporation or contamination can disrupt the intended laboratory process. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technology to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings found in conventional methods for engaging and disengaging the seal of a thermocycler lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for the controlled release of laboratory equipment from a thermocycler lid, comprising: a sealing plate configured to be fixed to a thermocycler lid, the sealing plate having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive a laboratory equipment seal; and a pin mounted on the side edge of the sealing plate with a spring to provide controlled release of laboratory equipment from the thermocycler lid, the spring being positioned such that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the spring extends the pin in contact with the laboratory equipment, thereby pushing the pin against the upper edge of the laboratory equipment to cause the laboratory equipment to release from the sealing plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pin mounted with the spring is a first pin mounted with the first spring, the side edge is a first side edge, and the device further comprises a second pin mounted with a second spring on a sealing plate, the second pin being located on a second side edge of the sealing plate, the second side edge being on the opposite side of the first side edge.

[0009] In some embodiments, the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pin has a tapered upper end, and the spring is a conical compression spring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the sealing plate defines a recess configured to surround the top surface of the laboratory equipment when the thermocycler lid is closed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sealing plate is configured to be temperature-controlled.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sealing plate is removably fixed to the thermocycler cover.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sealing plate includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners for securing the sealing plate to the thermocycler lid.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sealing plate is configured to magnetically engage with the thermocycler lid.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pin includes an upper end on which a spring is disposed above, and a lower end that terminates at a contact surface configured to contact a laboratory instrument.

[0017] In some embodiments, the contact surface is substantially planar.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sealing plate includes a housing having an internal section, the pins and springs are slidably mounted within the housing, and the housing is positioned near the center of the side edge of the sealing plate.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides a thermocycler lid comprising a receiving surface configured to receive a laboratory instrument sealing sheet, and a plurality of pins mounted on one or more side edges of the receiving surface, each with a spring, wherein when the thermocycler lid is in the closed position on the thermocycler device, the spring is positioned to push each of the plurality of pins against the upper surface of the laboratory instrument, so that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the controlled release spring extends the controlled release pin in contact with the laboratory instrument, thereby causing the laboratory instrument to detach from the laboratory instrument sealing sheet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pin includes a tapered upper end, and furthermore, the spring is a conical compression spring.

[0022] In some embodiments, the receiving surface defines a recess configured to surround the upper surface of the experimental instrument when closing the thermocycler lid.

[0023] In some embodiments, the receiving surface is configured to be temperature-controlled.

[0024] In some embodiments, the release pin includes an upper end where individual springs are disposed thereon and a lower end that terminates at a contact surface configured to contact the experimental instrument.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, the present invention is a device for the controlled release of an experimental instrument from a thermocycler lid, the device comprising a sealing plate configured to be fixed to the thermocycler lid, the sealing plate having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive an experimental instrument seal, and a pin mounted on a side edge of the sealing plate to provide for the controlled release of the experimental instrument from the thermocycler lid, the pin being positioned to exert a force on an upper edge of the experimental instrument such that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the pin presses against the experimental instrument, thereby causing the experimental instrument to disengage from the sealing plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the pin operates mechanically on the experimental instrument.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Further, the drawings may be considered to provide a schematic depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within each individual drawing. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components within each individual drawing and between different drawings may differ from what is depicted. In particular, some of the drawings may depict components as a particular size or shape, while other drawings may depict the same components at a larger scale or in a different shape for clarity. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a conventional thermocycler device, showing the thermocycler lid in the open position and experimental equipment disposed within the thermal block of the thermocycler. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermocycler device, showing the thermocycler lid in the process of opening and the experimental equipment being lifted out of the thermal block. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermocycler device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device for the controlled detachment of a thermocycler seal that contacts an experimental device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a thermocycler device equipped with a device for controlled detachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the thermocycler lid in the process of opening and the experimental equipment being lifted out of the thermal block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a conventional thermocycling apparatus 100, used at least in part to enable heat transfer generated within the thermocycling apparatus 100 to a liquid sample in a laboratory apparatus 102 configured to house it. The laboratory apparatus 102 is a sterile object and is generally configured to carry multiple liquid samples, typically arranged in an array configuration of wells that isolate the samples (e.g., 96 wells, 384 wells, etc.). The well configuration provides a thermal path for heat transfer to the liquid samples in the wells of the laboratory apparatus 102. The thermal activity within the thermocycling apparatus 100 may be controlled by a thermal control system (not shown in particular) arranged inside.

[0029] The thermocycler apparatus 100 includes a lid 104, which is shown to be in the open position. The experimental apparatus 102 is shown to be located inside the thermal block 106 of the thermocycler apparatus 100. The thermal block 106 thermally couples the experimental apparatus 102 to the thermocycler apparatus 100 so that heat transfer can be controlled by a thermal control system.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1A, the thermal block 106 is typically located within an internal section of the main body 108 of the thermocycler apparatus 100. As shown above, the thermal block 106 and the apparatus 102 together facilitate the thermal coupling of the apparatus 102 (and thus the liquid sample) to the thermal control system.

[0031] Conventional thermocycling devices, such as the thermocycling device 100, typically include a lid-locking mechanism for closing and securing the lid 104 during operation. An exemplary lid-locking mechanism 110a / 110b may include a latch (110a) and catch (110b) system, such as the push-to-close latch system shown in Figure 1A. Thus, when the lid 104 is closed, one or more latches 110a located within the lid 104 are pushed against a mating surface 110b in the body 108, catching around a striker therein, and locking the thermocycling lid 104 to prevent accidental opening. Furthermore, when the lid 104 is closed, a sealing sheet 112 disposed on the inner surface of the lid 104 is pressed against the upper surface of the laboratory instrument 102. Nevertheless, conventional thermocycling devices, such as those depicted in Figure 1A, often have the problem of improperly disengaging the laboratory instrument 102 from the sealing sheet 112, as will be discussed later.

[0032] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of a conventional thermocycler apparatus 100, showing the lid 104 in the process of opening and the laboratory instrument 102 being lifted from the thermal block 106. Such removal of the laboratory instrument 102 from the thermal block 106 often occurs, for example, at the end of a procedure when the thermocycler has completed the desired procedure and the laboratory instrument is ready for removal, because the laboratory instrument 102 remains adhered to the sealing sheet 112. The sealing sheet 112 is typically a sheet of compressible material (e.g., silicone gel or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)), which is applied to either the top of the laboratory instrument 102 or the underside of the lid 104 for the purpose of limiting the evaporation of the sample and further isolating individual samples from potential contamination. For this purpose, a compressive force must be applied to engage an airtight seal between the laboratory instrument 102 and the sealing sheet 112.

[0033] If the compressive force is too large when forming the airtight seal, it may displace both the apparatus 102 and the sealing sheet 112 simultaneously by opening the lid 104. The required force that must be applied to achieve a sufficient seal will vary depending on many factors, such as manufacturing tolerances, the suitability of the sealing material, and the variable apparatus well temperature. The total adhesive strength of the seal is determined by the frictional force between the surface of the sealing sheet 112 and the apparatus 102, and the negative relative pressure inside each sealed well (i.e., the pressure of the apparatus 102). Therefore, proper disengagement of the sealing sheet 112 from the apparatus 102 requires a force in the opposite direction sufficient to overcome the total adhesive strength of the seal. As shown above, conventional thermocycler designs lack means to ensure proper disengagement of the sealing sheet 112 from the apparatus 102.

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermocycler apparatus 200 according to this disclosure, including a device 202 for controlled release of an apparatus 204 from a lid 206. In the embodiment, the device 202 may be disposed within the lid 206. The device 200 may include only one release pin 202a or 202b (as discussed below), but the device may include two or more release pins, such as two, three, four, or more. For example, Figure 2 shows that the device 202 may include two controlled release pins 202a / 202b extending from a sealing plate 208 (as discussed in more detail with respect to Figure 3 below).

[0035] In embodiments such as those shown in Figure 2, the sealing plate 208 may be fixed to the lower surface of the lid 206. In embodiments, the sealing plate 208 (and thus the device for controlled release of the thermocycler seal) may be removably fixed to the lid 206. In embodiments, at least a portion of the contact surface of the sealing plate 208 that contacts the lower surface of the lid 206 may include a magnetic material. Thus, the lid 206 (or at least the lower surface or portion thereof) in such exemplary embodiments may also include a magnetic material of the same or similar composition (e.g., iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc.). Additionally, and / or alternatively, the lid 206 may be electrically connected to the power supply of the thermocycler device 200 such that, when an electric current passes through the lid 206, at least a portion of it exhibits magnetic properties that allow the sealing plate 208 to be fixed to the lid 206, such as through the use of an electromagnet. In alternative embodiments not shown, the sealing plate may be formed integrally or monolithically with the thermocycler lid.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thermocycling apparatus 200 may further include a sealing sheet 210. The controlled detachment of the sealing sheet 210 from the apparatus 204 requires sufficient force to overcome the total seal strength. The strength of the seal adhesion to the apparatus 204 is based on a combination of the frictional force between the sealing sheet 210 and the surface of the apparatus 204 and the negative relative pressure inside each sealed well due to the temperature difference from the well to the ambient conditions. The total adhesive force is then the sum of all contributions from the individual wells of the apparatus 204. This force can be relatively high and difficult to control if the total seal adhesion force is detached simultaneously; therefore, stepwise detachment of individual wells is advantageous.

[0037] Returning to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the two controlled release pins 202a / 202b of the apparatus 202 are shown positioned on the side edges of the sealing plate 208 around the sealing sheet 210. Alternatively, one or more release pins 202a / 202b may be positioned elsewhere relative to the apparatus to allow the apparatus to be released, but it is understood that the success rate may differ somewhat at other locations, such as at one or more corners. In embodiments, the sealing plate 208 may include a sealing plate bottom surface (not shown) capable of receiving the sealing sheet 210. The sealing sheet 210 may be a thermocycler seal backed with a standard or commercially available adhesive. Thus, the bottom surface of the sealing plate may roughly define a receiving surface area, which is for receiving the sealing sheet 210. For example, the receiving surface area may include the entirety or a smaller portion of the sealing plate bottom surface. Furthermore, the receiving surface area may be formed of a different material composition than that of the other surfaces of the sealing plate 208. Therefore, the receiving surface area may be made of a material or substance having relatively high sterility, thermal conductivity, etc. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the bottom surface of the sealing plate is defined in a recess that fits the laboratory instrument 204 when the thermocycler lid 206 is closed, and is suitable for housing or otherwise storing it. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of the sealing plate may be substantially planar or non-conformal.

[0038] In this embodiment, each controlled release pin 202a / 202b of the device 202 may be mounted on the opposing side edges of the sealing plate 208 and the sealing sheet 210. Thus, when the lid 206 is in the closed position, the controlled release pins 202a / 202b of the device 202 may contact the laboratory equipment 204 on its top surface near its peripheral edge. Therefore, the device 202 is positioned to apply a downward force to counteract the lifting force around the laboratory equipment 204 when the lid 206 is opened.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device 300 for mechanically acting controlled release of a thermocycler seal between a laboratory apparatus 302 and a sealing sheet 304, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 300 may include a sealing plate 306 which may be similar to a sealing plate 208, one or more controlled release housings 308, and one or more controlled release pins 310 mounted together with one or more controlled release springs 312, each disposed within the controlled release housing 308. Thus, in a simple embodiment, the springs 312 loaded on the pins 310 provide a form of mechanical action. In particular, other forms of mechanical action for providing controlled release of the sealing plate 208 are contemplated and considered to be part of the scope of this disclosure, including, for example, a shape memory material that is positioned in a biased position relative to the apparatus when the lid is closed but returns to a different position upon release, thereby pressing against the apparatus; a combination of gears and cams in which the cam is positioned to press against the apparatus when the lid is opened; and an elastic material (i.e., rubber, etc.) that provides mechanical tension to the apparatus.

[0040] As shown in the figures, the sealing plate 306 may be substantially planar, taking ergonomic or other design factors into consideration, to facilitate use in commercially available thermocycling systems. Alternatively, the sealing plate 306 may be textured, contoured, or even a frame cover (not shown). The sealing plate 306 has a top surface 314 and a bottom surface (not shown). The top surface 314 of the sealing plate 306 may include a plurality of mounting holes 316. The mounting holes 316 may be configured to receive fasteners (not shown) for removably securing the sealing plate 306 to a cover (not shown in Figure 3). Thus, conventional thermocycling devices may, in some cases, be retrofitted to accommodate the sealing plate according to this disclosure.

[0041] In general, the bottom surface of the sealing plate can be adherably received by a sealing sheet 304, which may be similar to the sealing sheet 210 described above with reference to Figure 2. Thus, the sealing plate 306 may be configured to facilitate thermal coupling of the laboratory apparatus 302 (and therefore the chemical or biological sample of interest) to the thermal control system of the thermocycler. In embodiments, the sealing plate 306 may be temperature-controlled for such purposes. That is, the sealing plate 306 may be electrically connected to the thermal control system of the thermocycler apparatus so that the sealing plate 306 is maintained at one or more precise temperatures throughout the thermocycler process. For example, a Peltier system may be configured within the thermocycler apparatus in which an electric current passes through the sealing plate 306 to bring about a temperature change. Thus, the sealing plate 306 of embodiments may include any suitable conductive material. By passing an appropriate electric current through the sealing plate 306, the sealing plate 306 may be maintained in thermal equilibrium with the thermal block of the thermocycler system.

[0042] Figure 3 further illustrates a controlled release housing 308 protruding from the top surface 314 of the sealing plate. The controlled release housing 308 can be positioned on the top surface 314 of the sealing plate near the midpoint of the side edge of the sealing plate 306, or of course, anywhere where one or more controlled release pins 310 are mounted. Generally, the controlled release housing 308 may include a pair of flanges 308A / 308B extending in opposite and lateral directions from the side of the release housing 308 along the edge of the top surface 314 of the sealing plate 306. The flanges 308A / 308B may include holes 320 configured to receive fasteners (not shown) for securing the controlled release housing 312 to the thermocycler cover. In this configuration, the controlled release housing 308 can be secured to the sealing plate 306. In some cases (not shown herein), one or more controlled release housings 308 can be retrofitted to the sealing plate via holes 320. However, the controlled release housing 308 can be fixed to the sealing plate 306 by any preferred means, including but not limited to adhesives, magnets, welding, and snap-to-fit molding. Alternatively, in embodiments, one or more controlled release housings 308 can be formed integrally with the sealing plate 306.

[0043] The controlled release housing 308 can generally define an internal controlled release section that slidably receives the pin 310 and the spring 312. For example, the sealing plate 306 may include a hole (as shown in Figure 3) passing through one or more side edges near the center point, which can slidably receive the pin 310. Such a hole formed in the sealing plate 306 is positioned to align perpendicularly with a hole 318 formed in the top surface of the controlled release housing 312. Thus, when the thermocycler cover (to which the sealing plate 306 is attached) is in the closed position, the upper end of the controlled release pin 310 can be substantially located within the controlled release hole 318.

[0044] The pin 310 is positioned to detach the apparatus 302 from the sealing plate 306 (and therefore the sealing sheet 320). The pin 310 is shown to be mounted together with a spring 312. In embodiments, the pin 310 may generally be cylindrical or rod-shaped. The pin 310 may include an upper end on which the spring 312 is disposed. In embodiments, the upper end of the pin 310 may have a different diameter from the rest of the pin 310 (i.e., the pin 310 may have an uneven shape or diameter). For example, the upper end of the pin 310 may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the spring 312. In embodiments described in more detail below, the upper end of the pin 310 may be tapered to accommodate a cone-shaped spring 312. The pin 310 may further include a lower end terminating at a contact surface 322 configured to contact the apparatus 302. In some embodiments, the contact surface 322 may be advantageously shaped to contact the largest possible surface area of ​​the laboratory instrument 302 in order to facilitate the detachment of the laboratory instrument 302 from the sealing plate 306. In embodiments, the contact surface 322 may be shaped as a circle, square, triangle, etc.

[0045] The spring 312 may be positioned to push the pin 310 against the upper edge of the apparatus 302 so that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the spring 312 extends the pin 310 and extends it in contact with the apparatus 302. Generally, the stepwise release of the airtight seal from individual wells is advantageous for maintaining sample volume, etc. The spring 312 may be configured to provide a force to counteract the adhesive force arising from the airtight seal. In embodiments, the spring 312 may be configured to press the pin 310 against the upper edge of the apparatus with a constant force throughout the entire process of opening the thermocycler lid. Thus, the spring 312 may be a compression spring with a constant diameter.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the spring 312 may be configured to press the pin 310 with a non-constant force. For example, at certain points in the process of opening the thermocycler lid, more or less force may be required. As one non-limiting example, the spring 312 may be configured to press the pin 310 with a less force throughout the rest of the opening process, while pressing it with a maximum force at the initial part of opening the thermocycler lid. Thus, the diameter of the spring 312 may vary. In an embodiment, the spring 312 may be a conical compression spring or an hourglass-shaped compression spring. Thus, as briefly considered above, the pin 310 may include an upper end with a variable diameter to accommodate the spring 312.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 202 inside the lid 206 of the thermocycler apparatus 200, as shown above. One of the controlled release pins 202a / 202b is also shown in cross-section in a position prepared to press against the fixed experimental apparatus 204.

[0048] Furthermore, in alternative embodiments not shown, it is understood that the concept of a spring pin may instead be implemented in the laboratory apparatus instead of the thermocycler lid. Additionally, another alternative embodiment not shown may include a system in which a controlled release pin is pushed via an electric piston or other mechanical or electrical means other than a spring.

[0049] Exemplary clause A: A device for controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from a thermocycler lid, the device comprising: a sealing plate configured to be fixed to the thermocycler lid, the sealing plate having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive a laboratory equipment seal; and a pin mounted on the sealing plate with a spring at its side edge to provide controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from the thermocycler lid, the spring being positioned such that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the spring extends the pin in contact with the laboratory equipment, thereby pushing the pin against the upper edge of the laboratory equipment to cause detachment of the laboratory equipment from the sealing plate.

[0050] B: The device according to Clause A, wherein the pin mounted with the spring is the first pin mounted with the first spring, the side edge is the first side edge, and the device further comprises a second pin mounted with a second spring on a sealing plate, the second pin being located on the second side edge of the sealing plate, the second side edge being on the opposite side of the first side edge.

[0051] C: The device described in clause A or B, wherein the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

[0052] D: The device according to any one of clauses A to C, wherein the pin has a tapered upper end and the spring is a conical compression spring.

[0053] E: The apparatus as described in any one of clauses A to D, wherein the bottom surface of the sealing plate defines a recess configured to surround the top surface of the laboratory apparatus when the thermocycler lid is closed.

[0054] F: The sealing plate is configured to be temperature-controlled, as described in any one of the devices described in clauses A through E.

[0055] G: The sealing plate is removably fixed to the thermocycler cover, as described in any one of clauses A to F of the device.

[0056] H: The apparatus according to any one of clauses A to G, wherein the sealing plate includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners for securing the sealing plate to the thermocycler lid.

[0057] I: The apparatus according to any one of clauses A to H, wherein at least a portion of the sealing plate is configured to magnetically engage with the thermocycler lid.

[0058] J: The apparatus according to any one of clauses A to I, comprising a pin having an upper end on which a spring is disposed, and a lower end terminating at a contact surface configured to contact a laboratory instrument.

[0059] K: The apparatus described in any one of clauses A to J, wherein the contact surface is substantially planar.

[0060] L: The apparatus according to any one of clauses A to K, wherein the sealing plate includes a housing having an internal section, the pins and springs are slidably mounted within the housing, and the housing is positioned near the center point of the side edge of the sealing plate.

[0061] M: A thermocycler lid comprising a receiving surface configured to receive a laboratory instrument sealing sheet, and a plurality of pins mounted on one or more side edges of the receiving surface with springs, each spring being positioned such that when the thermocycler lid is in the closed position on the thermocycler device, the controlled release springs extend the controlled release pins in contact with the laboratory instrument, thereby causing the laboratory instrument to detach from the laboratory instrument sealing sheet when the thermocycler lid is opened.

[0062] N: The spring is a compression spring having a certain diameter, as described in clause M for the thermocycler lid.

[0063] O: The pin includes a tapered upper end, and furthermore, the spring is a conical compression spring, as described in clause M or N of the thermocycler lid.

[0064] P: A thermocycler lid as described in any one of clauses M to O, wherein the receiving surface defines a recess configured to surround the top surface of the laboratory equipment when the thermocycler lid is closed.

[0065] Q: The receiving surface is configured to be temperature-controlled, as described in any one of clauses M to P of the thermocycler lid.

[0066] R: The thermocycler lid according to any one of clauses M to Q, comprising a release pin with an upper end on which individual springs are disposed, and a lower end terminating at a contact surface configured to contact a laboratory instrument.

[0067] S: A device for controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from a thermocycler lid, the device comprising: a sealing plate configured to be fixed to a thermocycler lid, the sealing plate having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive a laboratory equipment seal; and a pin mounted on the side edge of the sealing plate to provide controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from the thermocycler lid, the pin being positioned to generate a force against the upper edge of the laboratory equipment so as to press against the equipment when the thermocycler lid is opened, thereby causing the equipment to detach from the sealing plate.

[0068] T: A pin is a device described in clause S that acts mechanically on the laboratory equipment.

[0069] conclusion The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any exact form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be exemplary and not limiting. In determining the scope of this disclosure, refer to the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0070] Unless otherwise stated, the terms “connected” and “joined” (and their derivatives) as used herein and in the claims should be interpreted as allowing both direct and / or indirect connection (i.e., via other elements or components). In addition, the terms “a” or “an” as used herein and in the claims should be interpreted as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for convenience of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives) as used herein and in the claims are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

Claims

1. A device for the controlled removal of experimental equipment from a thermocycler lid, A sealing plate configured to be fixed to the thermocycler lid, having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive laboratory equipment seals, To provide controlled release of the experimental apparatus from the thermocycler lid, a pin is mounted on the side edge of the sealing plate together with a spring, Equipped with, The device is configured such that, when the thermocycler lid is opened, the spring extends the pin while it is in contact with the experimental apparatus, causing the experimental apparatus to detach from the sealing plate and pushing the pin against the upper edge of the experimental apparatus.

2. The pin mounted together with the spring is the first pin mounted together with the first spring, The aforementioned side edge is the first side edge, The aforementioned device is The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second pin mounted together with a second spring on the sealing plate, wherein the second pin is disposed on a second side edge of the sealing plate, and the second side edge is on the opposite side of the first side edge.

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

4. The aforementioned pin has a tapered upper end, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spring is a conical compression spring.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the sealing plate defines a recess configured to surround the upper surface of the experimental apparatus when the thermocycler lid is closed.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing plate is configured to be temperature-controlled.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing plate is removably fixed to the thermocycler lid.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sealing plate includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive fasteners for securing the sealing plate to the thermocycler lid.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the sealing plate is configured to magnetically engage with the thermocycler lid.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pin includes an upper end on which the spring is disposed above, and a lower end which terminates at a contact surface configured to contact the experimental apparatus.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the contact surface is substantially planar.

12. The sealing plate includes a housing having an internal section, The pin and the spring are slidably mounted within the housing. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is disposed near the central point of the side edge of the sealing plate.

13. It is a thermocycle lid, A receiving surface configured to receive a laboratory equipment sealing sheet, A plurality of pins are mounted on one or more side edges of the receiving surface, along with their respective springs, Equipped with, Each of the springs is positioned to push each of the multiple pins against the upper surface of the laboratory equipment when the thermocycler lid is in the closed position on the thermocycler device, thereby causing the controlled release spring to extend the controlled release pin in contact with the laboratory equipment when the thermocycler lid is opened, resulting in the detachment of the laboratory equipment from the laboratory equipment sealing sheet.

14. The thermocycler lid according to claim 13, wherein the spring is a compression spring having a constant diameter.

15. The aforementioned pin includes a tapered upper end, The thermocycler lid according to claim 13, wherein the spring is a conical compression spring.

16. The thermocycler lid according to claim 13, wherein the receiving surface defines a recess configured to surround the upper surface of the experimental apparatus when the thermocycler lid is closed.

17. The thermocycler lid according to claim 13, wherein the receiving surface is configured to be temperature-controlled.

18. The thermocycler lid according to claim 13, wherein the release pin includes an upper end on which the individual springs are disposed above, and a lower end that terminates at a contact surface configured to contact the laboratory apparatus.

19. A device for the controlled removal of experimental equipment from a thermocycler lid, A sealing plate configured to be fixed to the thermocycler lid, having a top surface and a bottom surface configured to receive laboratory equipment seals, An apparatus comprising: a pin mounted on the side edge of the sealing plate to provide controlled detachment of the laboratory equipment from the thermocycler lid, the pin being positioned such that when the thermocycler lid is opened, the pin is pressed against the laboratory equipment, thereby generating a force against the upper edge of the laboratory equipment, causing the laboratory equipment to detach from the sealing plate.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the pin is mechanically actuated with respect to the experimental apparatus.

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