Device for controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from thermal blocks
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OPENTRONS LOVE WORKS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 2026517444000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 199,880, filed on May 19, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Background Art
[0002] 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, in molecular biology research alone, 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.
[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 complex cycle programs. A thermal cycler typically completely encloses an experimental apparatus 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 apparatus (and thus the liquid sample) to the thermal control system of the thermal cycler. This ability to maintain an accurate temperature with little variation has made thermal cyclers widely used for the 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, thermal cyclers are 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, in some cases, the sealing force applied to operate the airtight seal between the thermocycler lid and the laboratory equipment causes problems downstream when attempting to remove the equipment from the thermal block. Specifically, the equipment often remains stuck to the thermal block at the end of the laboratory process, requiring it to be forcibly lifted away from the thermal block. This forceful lift can disturb the contents of the equipment, potentially leading to spills, contamination, and sample loss. Generally, the temperature cycles that occur during the thermocycler process often cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the equipment and / or the thermal block. Thus, thermal cycling combined with strong compressive forces from the airtight seal can increase the likelihood that the equipment will eventually need to be forcibly removed from the thermal block. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] Detailed explanations are provided with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the number at the left of the reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Furthermore, the drawings can be considered to provide a schematic representation of the relative sizes of individual components within each drawing. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of individual components both within individual drawings and across different drawings may differ from those depicted. In particular, some drawings may depict components as a specific size or shape, while others may depict the same components at a larger scale or in a different shape for clarity.
[0007] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of a conventional thermocycler device, with the thermocycler lid in the open position and the experimental equipment positioned inside the thermocycler's thermal block. [Figure 2] This is an isometric view of a thermocycler device, including a device for controlled detachment of experimental equipment from a thermal block, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the apparatus depicted, in which the experimental equipment according to the embodiment of this disclosure is arranged in close proximity to the thermal block. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is an isometric view of a device for controlled detachment of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, illustrating the direction of motion of the gear rack and lifting pins, respectively, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the laboratory equipment detached from the thermal block. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart of a method for separating experimental equipment from a thermal block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a conventional thermocycler device 100, used to enable heat transfer generated within the thermocycler device 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 thermocycler device 100 may be controlled by an internally arranged thermal control system (not shown in particular).
[0009] The thermocycler device 100 includes a lid 104, which is shown to be positioned in the open position. The experimental apparatus 102 is shown to be placed inside the thermal block 106 of the thermocycler device 100. The thermal block 106 thermally couples the experimental apparatus 102 to the thermocycler device 100 so that heat transfer can be controlled by a thermal control system.
[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the thermal block 106 is typically located within an internal section of the body 108 of the thermocycler device 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.
[0011] 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 latch members 110a located inside 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 equipment 102, and the laboratory equipment is pressed against the thermal block 106. Nevertheless, conventional thermocycling devices, such as those depicted in Figure 1, often have the problem of improperly disengaging the experimental apparatus 102 from the thermal block 106.
[0012] In embodiments of this disclosure, a thermocycler device may use the movement of opening the lid of the thermocycler device to actuate a mechanical and / or electrical system / device within the thermocycler device. This actuate may cause the separation (i.e., controlled detachment) of the laboratory instrument from the thermal block after use. For example, the angular motion of the lid when it pivots from a closed to an open position may be converted to cause linear motion of components of the mechanical and / or electrical system / device. The linear motion of the components causes rotational motion of one or more gears configured to cause a lifting action at the base of the laboratory instrument, thereby used to achieve the desired separation. Other mechanical actuate methods are partially intended and discussed below.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the thermocycler device 200 according to this disclosure, including a device 202 for the controlled detachment of laboratory equipment (not shown in Figure 2) from a thermal block 204. The lid 206 of the thermocycler device 200 is partially shown and positioned in the open position. As long as the lid 206 is pivotably hinged to the body 208 of the thermocycler device 200, the device 202 may assist in the detachment of laboratory equipment from the thermal block 204 by using the angular motion of the pivotally mounted lid 206. Alternatively, although not expressly shown in the figure, the device 202 may be manually actuated either directly or indirectly via the movement of a structure other than the lid 206, for example, via an electric gear motor, a manually operated lever / switch, or via a tab or flange extending directly from the device which can be operated to disengage the laboratory equipment from the thermal block.
[0014] As seen in the embodiments depicted in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, at least some of the main components of the apparatus 202 for controlled release of laboratory equipment may include a gear rack 210, a gear 212, and a set of teeth 214 on the gear rack 210. The apparatus 202 may be arranged along the sides of the body 208 of the thermocycler device 200. The “sides” of the body 208 may be (as depicted) a side side, or a front side, or a back side. Furthermore, two or more apparatuses 202 may each be contained on two or more sides. The apparatus 202 may further be housed within a portion of the body 208 that extends outside the thermal block 204 (and adjacent heat sink areas within it), but not so far that it protrudes away from the body 208, thereby minimizing both the vertical and horizontal size of the thermocycler device 200. Additionally, this arrangement can provide a space-efficient structure that saves more thermally conductive material in both the thermal block 204 (and the adjacent heat sink portion), which is important for the temperature uniformity of the thermal block 204 and the overall performance of the thermocycler device 200. Thus, the device 202 can also provide the reduced vertical space required for mounting.
[0015] In general, the device 202 may function to separate the laboratory equipment from the thermal block 204 by shifting the position of the gear rack 210, which rotates the gear 212 via engagement with the set of teeth 214 (along a fixed axis relative to the body 208). The rotation of the gear 212 ultimately provides a lifting force between the laboratory equipment and the thermal block 204, as will be described in more detail below. As depicted, the gear 212 is fixedly pivotable relative to the body 208; however, in alternative embodiments not shown, the gear may be translationally pivotable relative to the gear rack 210, and the set of teeth may be fixedly positioned relative to the body 208. Furthermore, in embodiments, one or more devices 202 may be incorporated into the thermocycler device, such as the two devices shown on both sides of the thermocycler device 200. For clarity, references explicitly show features of only one side.
[0016] Regarding the function of the apparatus 202, the gear 212 may engage with a rotary cam (a component not shown in Figure 2, but discussed below with respect to Figures 3A and 3B), and the rotary cam may, for example, be connected to the gear 212 and therefore rotate in relation to the gear 212 or along the same axis of the gear 212. Additionally, in embodiments, a lift pin (likewise not shown in Figure 2, but discussed below with respect to Figures 3A and 3B) may be offset from the axis of the gear and extend from the rotary cam at a location below the apparatus. Thus, the lift pin may be positioned such that, when the gear rotates, the movement of the rotary cam shifts the lift pin upward, causing the lift pin to generate a lifting force against the lower surface of the apparatus. Thus, the lifting force of the lift pin may facilitate the separation of the apparatus from the thermal block 204.
[0017] As described above, many alternative means of acting the gear rack 210 are conceivable, but the embodiment depicted in Figure 2 shows that the device 202 further includes a connecting member 216 (e.g., a bar, lever, link, etc.) between the gear rack 210 and the cover 206. The connecting member 216 may be configured to transmit a force associated with the movement of the cover 206 (i.e., a “force transmission bar”) to move the gear rack 210, thereby inducing the lifting force described above. The connecting member 216 may further have a first end connected to the cover 206 and a second end connected to the rear end of the gear rack 210. In embodiments, the connecting member 216 may be joined to the gear rack 210 via a guide joint 218 (e.g., a link, fastener, pivotable joint, translational joint, etc.). The guide joint 218 may include a retaining guide portion (e.g., a pin or other structure through at least one aligned hole) and a position guide portion (e.g., a structural contact portion that allows the translational movement of each component) for enabling pivotal movement and holding the connecting member 216 to the gear rack 210. That is, in embodiments, the connecting member 216 may be pivotable around the guide 218 and translational when moving. With this configuration, the lid 206 may be driven in an upward / clockwise angular direction when the thermocycler lid is open, and consequently drive the gear rack 210 in a forward (e.g., positive) linear direction. In contrast, while the lid 206 is closed, the connecting member 216 may be driven in a downward / counterclockwise angular direction, and consequently drive the gear rack 210 in a backward (e.g., negative) linear direction.
[0018] The translational motion of the gear rack 210 can be realized at least in part due to the shape and structural arrangement of the gear rack 210 and the connecting member 216. For example, the adjacent ends of the connecting member 216 and the gear rack 210 may be shaped in a corresponding manner such that the motion of the lid 206, such as the angular motion that occurs when opening or closing the lid 206 by pivoting the connecting member 216, pushes the gear rack 210 to change position through a sliding translational motion. The translational sliding of the gear rack 210 creates a lifting force between the laboratory apparatus and the thermal block 204. This dual activity is also at least in part due to the vertical orientation and extension of the holes (see Figures 3A and 3B) into which the connecting member 216 is attached to the gear rack 210. That is, the joint between the lid 206 and the apparatus 202 allows for the vertical sliding translational motion of the lid 206 and the pivoting of the lid 206. Furthermore, the guide 218 functions to partially shift the gear rack 210 by utilizing the interaction between adjacent profile surfaces of the gear rack 210 and the connecting member 216, and thus literally guides and pushes the components relative to each other in response to the movement of the cover 206. That is, in the embodiment, the inclined end of the gear rack 210 contacts the profiled shape (i.e., the angular central point) of the connecting member 216.
[0019] As indicated above regarding the possibility that an embodiment may have one or more devices 202, it should be understood that additional components, which are discussed in more detail below, may be incorporated and / or claimed as one or more components (i.e., one or more gears, sets of teeth, at least one guide, etc.). Nevertheless, components may be described in the singular form for convenience and simplification, for example, unless a specific plural description would help illustrate a particular aspect of this disclosure.
[0020] Figures 3A and 3B depict the apparatus 202 separated from the main body 208 of the thermocycler device 200. In Figure 3A, the apparatus 300 is depicted in a sealed position or otherwise in contact with the thermal block 204. In contrast, Figure 3B depicts the apparatus 300 lifted from the thermal block 204. Figure 3A further depicts reference 210(X) solely to indicate the presence (and potential embodiments) of secondary gear racks 210(X) (and other unreferenced accompanying lifting components) positioned as mirror images on both sides of the thermal block 204.
[0021] In the embodiment, the gear rack 210 may have a shape profile of an elongated, flat bar, where the thickness dimension of the bar is less than the width dimension of the bar, and the width dimension of the bar is less than the length dimension of the bar. The gear rack 210 may be positioned such that its length dimension extends in the front-rear direction of the thermocycler device 200, and its width dimension extends in the vertical direction of the thermocycler device 200.
[0022] The gear rack 210 may include holes 302 (e.g., slots, cavities, paths, channels, holes, etc.) that pass through the gear rack 210 in the thickness direction and extend elongated in the direction of the length of the gear rack 210. The holes 302 may be located close to the set of teeth 214, but are not necessarily aligned in either the length direction or the perpendicular direction along the length of the gear rack 210. In embodiments, the holes 302 may have an inner wall shape with a nonlinear profile. That is, in embodiments as depicted, the inner wall surface of the hole 302 may have a wider opening dimension closer to the outer edge, where the outer edge is the side of the gear rack 210 facing away from the thermal block 204. Alternatively, in embodiments not shown, the holes 302 may have an inner wall surface with a straight profile (i.e., linear and not inclined with respect to the outer surface of the gear rack 210), or a variable wall surface with two or more dimensional variations in the wall shape (or depth to the thickness of the gear rack 210).
[0023] The gear rack 210 can be translatable in the front - rear direction (when embodied as depicted on the side surface of the thermocycler device 200), so the set of teeth 214 can be disposed on the upper side surface (in the width direction) of the gear rack 210. Thus, the set of teeth 214 can project away from the upper side surface of the gear rack 210 in the width direction and can extend linearly along the length direction of the upper side surface of the gear rack 210 and be continuously disposed. The set of teeth 214 positioned in such a manner is configured to be aligned to engage with the gear 212. In this way, the gear 212 can be a circular gear having teeth around its periphery with a pitch corresponding to the roll within the pitch of the set of teeth 214 on the gear rack 210. Further, when aligned as shown, when the gear rack 210 moves translationally in the front - rear motion, the set of teeth 214 engages with the gear 212 and rotates the gear about its axis.
[0024] In the embodiment, the spindle of the gear 212 (not explicitly shown) can be fixed to a position within or adjacent to the thermal block 204. In combination with this, the guide pin 304 can be positioned within the hole 302, and the axis of the guide pin 302 can be fixed to a portion of the thermocycler device 200 below the thermal block 204. By fixing the guide pin 304 to the fixed spindle of the gear 212, the gear rack 210 can be fixed in place vertically together with the set of teeth 214 positioned to engage with the gear 212. Additionally, since the guide pin 304 facilitates the translational movement and horizontal stability of the gear rack 210, the guide pin 304 may further have an outer profile that matches the profile shape of the inner wall surface of the hole 302. For example, as depicted, the outer end of the guide pin 304 (304(a), see Figure 3B) may have a diameter corresponding to the larger dimension of the hole 302, and the diameter of the subsequent section of the guide pin 304 (304(b), see Figure 3B) may have a diameter corresponding to the smaller dimension of the hole 302. Thus, in embodiments, the outer diameter of the guide pin 304 may taper either continuously or stepwise to correspond to the dimensions of the hole 302, allowing the gear rack 210 to move laterally with minimal vertical displacement. In this way, the guide pin 304 can reduce the risk of the gear rack 210 losing its alignment position between the set of teeth 214 and the gear 212.
[0025] To provide an actual lifting force to the apparatus 300, the rotary cam 306 may be connected to the inner surface of the gear 212 (or to its spindle) to rotate the rotary cam 306 as well. Furthermore, a lifting pin 308 may extend from the rotary cam 306. In embodiments, the lifting pin 308 is positioned offset from the axes of the gear 210 and / or the rotary cam 306. Furthermore, the lifting pin 308 may extend inward toward the thermal block 204. Thus, when the gear rack 210 is in a first position (for example, a rearward or lateral rearward shifted position with the lid 206 closed and the apparatus 300 on the thermal block 204), the lifting pin 308 is housed within the slot 310. The slot 310 can be defined within the side edge (or otherwise adjacent edge) of the thermal block 204, below the top surface of the thermal block 204 and below the apparatus 300 (see Figure 3A). In contrast, when the gear rack 210 is in a second position (e.g., a forward position, or a laterally forward shifted position with the cover open), the lift pin 308 is raised to a lifted position above the top surface of the thermal block 204, still below the apparatus 300, but separated from the thermal block 204 (see Figure 3B).
[0026] In particular, in embodiments having two or more sets of corresponding elements of apparatus 202 (i.e., two or more gears, rotary cams, lift pins, sets of teeth, holes, and guide pins), the lateral distance 312 between the holes, gears, rotary cams, lift pins, sets of teeth, and / or guide pins can be determined to operate at the timing when the gear is displaced as the rack is moved. Thus, since each lift pin is lifted at a different time, the lifting force will also be displaced. By displacing the individual rotary cams in time, an advantage can occur that the first portion of the experimental instrument 300 is engaged slightly ahead of the second (or subsequent) portion, facilitating a more gentle lifting of the experimental instrument 300 from the thermal block 204. That is, shifting the application of force in the above manner allows all of the application mechanism force to act on fewer wells near the surface (the portion of the experimental instrument 300 adhering due to thermal activation) rather than peeling off all of the adhesion of the wells to the thermal block 204 at once. Therefore, this gradual approach generally results in a less violent detachment of the experimental instrument 300 and better preservation of the sample integrity.
[0027] Additionally and / or alternatively, it is contemplated that apparatus 202 can function to separate the experimental instrument from the thermal block 204 without using any gears. For example, in an embodiment not shown, the separating device can include a "lifting" bar that is pinned to the thermocycler similar to the above-described rack 210 but has no teeth, and has one or more protrusions extending from the lifting bar and positioned near the lower surface of the experimental instrument. Such a lifting bar can be shifted to push the protrusion against the experimental instrument through the thermal block and induce separation. This can be achieved manually after opening the lid of the thermocycler or through the actuation of opening the lid. For example, different types of mechanical structures can provide a lifting force between the experimental instrument and the thermal block 204, either by providing a lever attached to a force transmission bar (in the case of manual operation) or by using a linkage bar connected to the lid.
[0028] In additional and / or alternative embodiments, the apparatus 202 may be configured to perform a “rocking” procedure while the lid 206 is open. For example, while the above embodiment may describe an upward disengagement that is driven more continuously, the rocking procedure may be more variable in direction, thereby causing the disengagement to occur through an alternating process of lifting or lowering the apparatus to carefully and easily raise the apparatus. In an embodiment, the rocking procedure may be implemented to gradually engage a constant contact state to lift / lower the apparatus at a gradually increasing speed (i.e., lift +x mm / msec, then lower -x mm / msec, where x is a predetermined value). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the rocking procedure may be implemented to lift / lower the apparatus at a variable speed (i.e., lift +x mm / msec, then lower -y mm / msec, where x and y are different predetermined values). In such an embodiment, a lighter push on the apparatus 300 may be advantageous over attempting to continuously drive the lifting pin 308. In other words, the rocking procedure can enable a more gradual engagement with the experimental apparatus 300 while taking into account the potential positioning tolerances of each thermocycler and experimental apparatus 300. Thus, this method can induce a gentler, more gradual detachment of the experimental apparatus 300 while minimizing sudden ejection when handling tightly stuck experimental apparatus.
[0029] In non-specific examples, the rocking procedure is: 1) Drive the lifting pin 308 1 mm upward. 2) Drive the lifting pin 308 1 mm downward. 3) Drive the lifting pin 308 2 mm upward. 4) Drive the lifting pin 308 2 mm downwards. 5) Drive the lifting pin 308 3 mm upward. 6) Drive the lifting pin 308 downwards by 3 mm, and 7) Thereafter, the lifting pin 308 may be increased by a predetermined amount (e.g., 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, etc.) until it reaches the limit of its movement or until the experimental apparatus is deemed to be separated.
[0030] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of method 400 for separating laboratory equipment from the thermal block in a thermocycler device. Method 400 may include step 402, in which a lifting pin is driven upward by a first amount relative to the laboratory equipment. In step 404, the lifting pin is driven upward by a second amount relative to the laboratory equipment, the first and second amounts may be different or equivalent. In step 406, it is determined whether the laboratory equipment has been separated from the thermal block. (Note that in some examples, it may also be determined whether the laboratory equipment has been sufficiently separated immediately after step 402.) If the laboratory equipment has been separated, method 400 proceeds to step 408, the process ends, and the pin is not driven any further. If the apparatus is not separated, method 400 proceeds to step 410, which is a repetition of alternating between 1) driving the lifting pin upward relative to the apparatus by a first amount plus a predetermined increment, 2) checking whether the apparatus is separated, and 3) driving the lifting pin away from the apparatus by a third amount, where the third amount may be different from or equal to the first amount plus a predetermined increment, until the limit of movement of the lifting pin is reached or it is determined that the apparatus is separated.
[0031] Exemplary clause A: Apparatus for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, comprising: a thermal block having a slot penetrating its top surface and along the side edge of the thermal block; a gear rack including a set of teeth linearly aligned along its upper edge, the gear rack oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block; a gear positioned to engage with the set of teeth such that the gear rotates with lateral movement of the gear rack; and a lifting pin associated with the gear, the lifting pin extending toward the thermal block from a position offset from the central axis of the gear, the lifting pin being positioned close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the lifting pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting pin is positioned above the thermal block, wherein when the gear rack is moved, the gear rotates, causing the lifting pin to lift from the first position to the second position, thereby lifting the equipment away from the thermal block when the equipment is placed on the thermal block.
[0032] B: The apparatus according to paragraph A, further comprising a connecting member that connects the lid of the thermocycler to the gear rack.
[0033] C: The apparatus according to paragraph A or B, wherein the connecting member is coupled to the lid such that the angular rotation of the lid causes the translational motion of the gear rack.
[0034] D: The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs A to C, further comprising a rotary cam disposed between the gear and the lifting pin.
[0035] E: The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs A to D, further comprising a connecting member connected to a gear rack in an elongated guide hole oriented vertically.
[0036] F: The gear is fixed axially to the thermal block in the device described in any one of paragraphs A to E.
[0037] G: The gear rack is the apparatus described in any one of paragraphs A to F, comprising an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the gear rack.
[0038] H: Apparatus for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, the apparatus comprising: a thermal block having a slot penetrating its top surface and along the side edge of the thermal block; a gear rack including a set of teeth linearly aligned along its upper edge, the gear rack oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block; a gear positioned to engage with the set of teeth such that the gear rotates with the lateral movement of the gear rack; a connecting member configured to connect the gear rack to the lid of a thermocycler; and a lift associated with the gear. A device comprising a lifting pin, the lifting pin extending toward the thermal block from a position offset from the central axis of the gear, the lifting pin being positioned close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the lifting pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting pin is positioned above the thermal block, wherein when the lid is opened, the gear rack is moved, and the gear rotates, the lifting pin is raised from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the lifting gear to raise the laboratory equipment away from the thermal block when the laboratory equipment is placed on the thermal block.
[0039] I: The apparatus according to paragraph H, wherein the end of the gear rack coupled to the connecting member has a profile shape corresponding to the profile shape of the connecting member, and thereby the surface engagement between the end of the gear rack and the connecting member causes the gear rack to shift laterally.
[0040] The apparatus according to paragraph H or I, wherein the set of teeth is a first set of teeth, the gear is a first gear, the gear rack further includes a second set of teeth, the apparatus further comprises a second gear, and the movements of the first gear and the second gear are staggered in time.
[0041] K: The apparatus described in any one of paragraphs H to J, further comprising a rotary cam axially connected to the gear, with a lifting pin extending from the rotary cam.
[0042] L: The gear is embedded in the side edge of the thermal block, as described in any one of paragraphs H to K.
[0043] M: The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs H to L, wherein the gear rack includes multiple holes, and each guide pin secures the gear rack in place through each of the multiple holes.
[0044] N: The guide pin is a device described in any one of paragraphs H to M, which facilitates the stable translational motion of the gear rack when the set of teeth engages with the gear.
[0045] O: Apparatus for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, the apparatus comprising: a thermal block; a pair of gear racks disposed on both sides of the thermal block; a pair of gears positioned to engage with each gear rack of the pair of gear racks, thereby moving the pair of gear racks laterally; and a pair of lift pins associated with each of the gears, the pair of lift pins extending inward toward each other from a position offset from the central axis of each of the gears, the pair of lift pins being disposed close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the pair of lift pins are stationary below the upper surface of the thermal block, and in a second position the pair of lift pins are positioned above the thermal block.
[0046] P: The apparatus described in paragraph O, further comprising a cover connected to a pair of gear racks.
[0047] Q: When the lid is opened, a pair of gear racks are moved laterally, as described in paragraph O or P.
[0048] R: The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs O to Q, further comprising a pair of rotary cams disposed between a pair of lifting pins and a pair of gears.
[0049] S: The apparatus according to any one of paragraphs O to R, further comprising a pair of linearly aligned teeth, each arranged along the upper edge of a pair of gear racks to engage with a pair of gears.
[0050] T: The engagement of each gear in a pair is time-staggered, as described in any one of paragraphs O to S.
[0051] U: Apparatus for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, the apparatus comprising: a thermal block, having a slot penetrating its top surface and along the side edge of the thermal block; a gear rack oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block; and a lifting pin, the lifting pin being associated with the gear rack such that in a first position the lifting pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting pin is positioned above the thermal block, and when the gear rack is moved, the gear rack moves, moving the lifting pin from the first position to the second position, thereby lifting the laboratory equipment away from the thermal block when the equipment is placed on the thermal block.
[0052] V: Apparatus for controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, the apparatus comprising: a thermal block, having a slot penetrating its top surface and along the side edge of the thermal block; a lifting bar oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block; and a lifting projection, the lifting projection being associated with the lifting bar such that in a first position the lifting projection is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting projection is positioned above the thermal block, and when the lifting bar is moved, the lifting bar moves, moving the lifting projection from the first position to the second position, thereby lifting the laboratory equipment away from the thermal block when the equipment is placed on the thermal block.
[0053] W: A method for controlling the detachment of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, the method comprising: driving a lifting pin upward by a first amount relative to the laboratory equipment; driving the lifting pin upward by a second amount relative to the laboratory equipment by a second amount, wherein the first and second amounts may be different or equivalent; and determining whether the laboratory equipment is detached from the thermal block, the method further comprising: if the laboratory equipment is detached, the method further comprising: terminating the driving of the pin; if the laboratory equipment is not detached, the method further comprising, each time an iterative process occurs, the method repeats the steps of alternating between driving the lifting pin upward by a first amount plus a predetermined increase relative to the laboratory equipment; checking whether the laboratory equipment is detached; and driving the lifting pin away from the laboratory equipment by a third amount, wherein the third amount may be different or equivalent to the first amount plus a predetermined increase, until the limit of the movement of the lifting pin is reached or until it is determined that the equipment is detached.
[0054] 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 illustrative and not restrictive. In determining the scope of this disclosure, refer to the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0055] 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. An apparatus for the controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, wherein the apparatus is A thermal block having a slot that penetrates the upper surface and runs along the side edge of the thermal block, A gear rack comprising a set of teeth aligned linearly along its upper edge, wherein the gear rack is oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block, A gear, wherein the gear is positioned to engage with the set of teeth such that it rotates in conjunction with the lateral movement of the gear rack, A lift pin associated with the gear, the lift pin extending toward the thermal block from a position offset from the central axis of the gear, the lift pin being positioned close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the lift pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lift pin is positioned above the thermal block, A device wherein, when the gear rack is moved, the gear rotates, causing the lifting pin to lift from the first position to the second position, thereby, when an experimental instrument is placed on the thermal block, the lifting gear lifts the experimental instrument away from the thermal block.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member for connecting the lid of the thermocycler to the gear rack.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connecting member is coupled to the lid such that the angular rotation of the lid causes the translational movement of the gear rack.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary cam disposed between the gear and the lifting pin.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting member connected to the gear rack within an elongated guide hole oriented vertically.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gear is fixed axially to the thermal block.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gear rack includes an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the gear rack.
8. An apparatus for the controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, wherein the apparatus is A thermal block having a slot that penetrates the upper surface and runs along the side edge of the thermal block, A gear rack comprising a set of teeth aligned linearly along its upper edge, wherein the gear rack is oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block, A gear, wherein the gear is positioned to engage with the set of teeth such that it rotates in conjunction with the lateral movement of the gear rack, A connecting member configured to connect the gear rack to the lid of the thermocycler, A lift pin associated with the gear, the lift pin extending toward the thermal block from a position offset from the central axis of the gear, the lift pin being positioned close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the lift pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lift pin is positioned above the thermal block, A device wherein when the lid is opened, the gear rack is moved, and the gear rotates, the lifting pin is raised from the first position to the second position, thereby, when an experimental instrument is placed on the thermal block, the lifting gear lifts the experimental instrument away from the thermal block.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the end of the gear rack coupled to the connecting member has a profile shape corresponding to the profile shape of the connecting member, and thereby the surface engagement between the end of the gear rack and the connecting member causes the gear rack to shift laterally.
10. The set of teeth is the first set of teeth, and the gear is the first gear. The gear rack further includes a second set of teeth, The device further comprises a second gear, The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movements of the first gear and the second gear are staggered in time.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a rotary cam axially connected to the gear, wherein the lifting pin extends from the rotary cam.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the gear is embedded in the side edge of the thermal block.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the gear rack includes a plurality of holes, and each guide pin secures the gear rack in place through each of the plurality of holes.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the guide pin facilitates the stable translational motion of the gear rack when the set of teeth engages with the gear.
15. An apparatus for the controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, wherein the apparatus is Thermal block and, A pair of gear racks are arranged on both sides of the thermal block, A pair of gears positioned to engage with each of the gear racks of the pair of gear racks, thereby the engagement moves the pair of gear racks laterally, A device comprising: a pair of lift pins associated with each of the pair of gears, the pair of lift pins extending inward toward each other from a position offset from the central axis of each of the pair of gears, the pair of lift pins being disposed close to the side edge of the thermal block such that in a first position the pair of lift pins are stationary below the upper surface of the thermal block, and in a second position the pair of lift pins are positioned above the thermal block.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a cover connected to the pair of gear racks.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the cover is opened, the pair of gear racks are moved laterally.
18. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a pair of rotary cams disposed between the pair of lifting pins and the pair of gears.
19. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a pair of linearly aligned sets of teeth, respectively, arranged along the upper edges of the pair of gear racks to engage with the pair of gears.
20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the engagement of each of the pair of gears is time-delayed.
21. An apparatus for the controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, wherein the apparatus is A thermal block having a slot that penetrates the upper surface and is along the side edge of the thermal block, A gear rack oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block, A lifting pin is provided, the lifting pin is associated with the gear rack such that in a first position the lifting pin is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting pin is positioned above the thermal block. A device wherein when the gear rack is moved, the gear rack moves, moving the lifting pin from the first position to the second position, thereby lifting the experimental equipment away from the thermal block when the experimental equipment is placed on the thermal block.
22. An apparatus for the controlled separation of laboratory equipment from a thermal block, wherein the apparatus is A thermal block having a slot that penetrates the upper surface and is along the side edge of the thermal block, A lifting bar oriented to extend adjacent to the side edge of the thermal block, A lifting projection is provided, the lifting projection being associated with the lifting bar such that in a first position the lifting projection is stationary within the slot, and in a second position the lifting projection is positioned above the thermal block. A device wherein when the lifting bar is moved, the lifting bar moves, moving the lifting projection from the first position to the second position, thereby lifting the experimental equipment away from the thermal block when the experimental equipment is placed on the thermal block.
23. A method for controlling the detachment of experimental equipment from a thermal block, wherein the method is: A step of driving the lifting pin upward by a first amount relative to the experimental apparatus, A step of driving the lifting pin upward by a second amount relative to the experimental apparatus, wherein the first amount and the second amount may be different or equivalent. The step includes determining whether the experimental apparatus is separated from the thermal block, If the experimental apparatus is separated, the method further includes the step of terminating the driving of the pin, If the experimental apparatus is not separated, the method continues each time the iterative process occurs until the limit of movement of the lifting pin is reached or until it is determined that it has been separated. The lifting pin is driven upward relative to the experimental apparatus by an amount equal to the first amount plus a predetermined increase, To confirm whether the aforementioned experimental equipment is separated, A method further comprising the step of repeatedly alternating between driving the lifting pin away from the experimental apparatus by a third amount, wherein the third amount may be different from or equal to the amount obtained by adding a predetermined increase to the first amount.