Cutter for an Assay Cartridge

Abstract

An assay cartridge has a base member (26) that defines at least two wells (30, 32, 34, 36, 38), a pipette (108, 110) positionable in at least one of the wells and a cap member (86) arranged to carry the pipette. The cap member can be releasably fastened to the base member. An extension member (28) defines at least one further well (40, 42, 44) and can be fastened to the base member such that the pipette is then positionable in at least one of the wells of the base and in the further well of the extension member.

1 - 57 . (canceled) 
     
     
         58 . A seal for an assay cartridge, wherein said seal comprises a cross section comprising a concave curved edge. 
     
     
         59 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal comprises a cross section comprising two concave curved edges. 
     
     
         60 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal is elongate. 
     
     
         61 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal is resiliently-deformable. 
     
     
         62 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal comprises a cross section comprising asymmetrical concave faces. 
     
     
         63 . The seal of  claim 59 , wherein said concave curved edges are connected by a horizontal edge face. 
     
     
         64 . The of  claim 58 , wherein said seal contacts an assay cartridge and is compressed approximately 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm to seal said assay cartridge. 
     
     
         65 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal is made from a rubber. 
     
     
         66 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal is compressed to form a fluid-tight seal around wells of a base member. 
     
     
         67 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal is compressed to form a fluid-tight seal around wells of an extension member. 
     
     
         68 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal contacts a base member. 
     
     
         69 . The seal of  claim 58 , wherein said seal contacts an extension member. 
     
     
         70 . An assay cartridge comprising a base member defining two or more wells and a cap member arranged to carry a pipette positionable in at least two of said wells, wherein said cap member comprises a seal according to  claim 58 . 
     
     
         71 . The assay cartridge of  claim 70 , wherein said seal surrounds at least one cutter of said cap member. 
     
     
         72 . The assay cartridge of  claim 70 , wherein said seal contacts said base member. 
     
     
         73 . The assay cartridge of  claim 72 , wherein said seal forms a fluid-tight seal around wells of said base member. 
     
     
         74 . A cap member comprising a seal according to  claim 58 . 
     
     
         75 . The cap member of  claim 74 , wherein said seal surrounds at least one cutter of said cap member. 
     
     
         76 . The cap member of  claim 74 , wherein said seal contacts a base member. 
     
     
         77 . The cap member of  claim 76 , wherein said seal forms a fluid-tight seal around wells of said base member.