Compound storage vessel handling apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels such as microtubes having a least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel. Each cavity is associated with a respective detector operative to detect the presence of a storage vessel in the cavity. The detector may comprise a spring form extending in the cavity and arranged to be deformed by a storage vessel when introduced into the cavity, and further arranged so that on deformation it closes an electrical switch indicating the presence of the microtabe in the cavity. The presence of the spring form also increases friction between the storage vessel and the cavity retaining the storage vessel within the cavity.

1 . Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels comprising at least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel, the or each cavity being associated with a respective detector operative to detect the presence of a compound storage vessel in the cavity.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  comprising a plurality of cavities, each associated with a respective detector.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in either  claim 1 , wherein the or each detector comprises a first electrical contact arranged on introduction of a compound storage vessel into the cavity to be urged into contact with a second electrical contact, thereby to complete an electrical circuit indicating the presence of a vessel in the cavity.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a resiliently biassed member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain the vessel relative to the cavity.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a resiliently biased member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and the resiliently biased member comprises a spring form.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a resiliently biased member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and the resiliently biased member is disposed in a slot in a wall of the cavity.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a resiliently biased member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and movement of the resiliently biased member causes the first and second electrical contacts to come into contact.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a resiliently biased member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and movement of the resiliently biased member causes the first and second electrical contacts to come into contact and the resiliently biased member comprises a spring form incorporating an electrical contact arranged in use to come into contact with a contact on a printed circuit board when compound storage vessel is introduced into the cavity.  
   
   
       9 . A microtube lifting head comprising apparatus as claimed in  claim 1.