CPC C12N 15/1013 (2013.01) [C12M 47/06 (2013.01); G01N 35/00584 (2013.01); G01N 35/0099 (2013.01); G01N 2035/00306 (2013.01); G01N 2035/00534 (2013.01); G01N 35/0098 (2013.01); G01N 2035/1053 (2013.01)] | 6 Claims |
1. A nucleic acid extraction instrument, comprising:
an operating platform;
a plurality of locations on the operating platform configured to receive a multi-well sample plate configured to receive one or more fluid samples for nucleic acid extraction within wells thereof, wherein each location of the plurality of locations on the operating platform comprises
at least one clamping arm configured to reversibly grasp and release the multi-well plate at the location by movement between a first position in which the at least one clamping arm engages the multi-well sample plate by application of a clamping force that fixes the multi-well sample plate to the location and a second position in which the at least one clamping arm disengages from the multi-well sample plate by releasing the clamping force applied to the multi-well sample plate, and
a motor operably connected to the at least one clamping arm and configured to cause each connected clamping arm to move between the first position and the second position and thereby engage or disengage from the multi-well plate when the motor is energized;
a control device operably connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor and thereby control the engagement and disengagement of the clamping arm with the multi-well plate.
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