Method of loading consumables into a sample processing instrument
A method of loading consumables into a sample processing instrument. In the method, a tray storing sample processing consumables is aligned with a support cavity defined by a support of the sample processing instrument. A flange is contacted with a portion of the support, where the flange extends outward from a wall of a cover coupled to the tray. The cover is decoupled from the tray by pressing a panel of the cover, and the tray is seated in the support cavity.
1 . A method of loading consumables into a sample processing instrument, comprising:
(a) aligning a tray of an assembly with a support cavity of a support, the support being a component of the sample processing instrument, and the assembly further including a cover, wherein a side wall of the cover is coupled to the tray in a press fit, and wherein a plurality of sample processing consumables are stored in the tray;
(b) contacting a flange of the cover with a support wall of the support, wherein the flange extends outward from the side wall of the cover, and wherein the support wall extends upward from a support base of the support, the support wall and the support base defining the support cavity;
(c) decoupling the cover from the tray, the decoupling comprising applying a downward force to a top panel of the cover, thereby overcoming the press fit between the side wall of the cover and the tray, wherein the top panel is disposed above the support cavity; and
(d) as a result of step (c), seating the tray in the support cavity.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the support wall comprises the portion of the support the flange contacts.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (a) comprises inserting a portion of the tray extending beyond a cover cavity of the cover into the support cavity.
4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing, after step (c), the cover from the sample processing instrument.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample processing instrument is configured to perform an assay for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sample processing instrument is configured to perform sample preparation.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sample processing consumables comprises receptacles.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sample processing consumables comprises caps for closing openings of the receptacles.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sample processing consumables comprises pipette tips.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sample processing consumables comprises reagent containers.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sample processing consumables comprises a cleaning member configured to clean or sterilize a component of the sample processing instrument.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein step (d) comprises dropping the tray into the support cavity.
13 . A method of loading consumables into a sample processing instrument, comprising:
(a) aligning a tray of an assembly with a cavity of a support, the support being a component of the sample processing instrument, and the assembly further including a cover, wherein a side wall of the cover is coupled to the tray in a press fit, and wherein a plurality of consumables are stored in the tray;
(b) decoupling the cover from the tray, the decoupling comprising applying a downward force to a top panel of the cover, thereby overcoming the press fit between the side wall of the cover and the tray, wherein the top panel is disposed above the cavity of the support;
(c) generating sensory feedback when the cover is decoupled from the tray;
(d) as a result of step (c), seating the tray in the cavity of the support of the sample processing instrument.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the sensory feedback comprises tactile feedback.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the sensory feedback comprises audible feedback.
16 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the audible feedback is generating by bending of the top panel of the cover.
17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the sensory feedback comprises visual feedback.
18 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the decoupling the cover from the tray and the generating sensory feedback occur simultaneously.