Tomtec has designed an accessory for the Quadra 3 and Quadra-Plus(tm) workstations to handle microplates with lids. Until now, stackers have not been able to handle microplates with lids. Stackers rely on the extension of the bottom flange, on a microplate, to escape one plate and catch the next. A lid covers this extension, giving the microplate a smooth side. This does not allow the escapement to catch the next plate.
Tomtecs unique solution is to clamp the second plate from the bottom with sufficient force to hold the remaining stack of plates. The bottom plate is escaped out to the plate nest below. The escapement resets. Then the clamp mechanisim lowers the entire stack smoothly down to the escapement. If the stack were simply unclamped and allowed to drop the 1/2 inch distance, the microplate contents would be splashed out of the wells.

A small sucker rubber, driven by a self-contained vacuum pump, grasps the lid, removes it, and retains it. The microplate is processed and its own lid is replaced. Then the processed microplate is automatically placed in the outfeed cassette and the cycle repeats.
Lidded plates are commonly used where sterility is a requirement. Both the Quadra 3 and Quadra-Plus(tm) have Tip Feeder options that can automatically change sterile tips. For criticial applications, Tomtec offers Hood Enclosures for both the Quadra 3 and Quadra-Plus(tm) workstations. Those hoods may be static or they can be provided with HEPA filters.
Sucker rubber holding lid,
for plate being processed
Ordering Information

Lidded Plate Handler (for Quadra 3)
Cat. No. 330-50

Lidded Plate Handler (for Quadra-Plus)
Cat. No. 530-50

Please call your Local Sales Representative
for current pricing and more information on this new accessory.