Apparatus and methods for facilitating use of a sensor with a vessel

A tray for receiving a bioprocessing vessel and for attachment to a rocking platform of a bioprocessing device, the tray comprising:

• a first end and a second end opposite the first end;
• and
• an angled portion adjacent to the first end of the tray, the angled portion having a sensor recess that is configured to receive a sensor so that the sensor is at least partially recessed within the angled portion;
• wherein the angled portion allows for retention of liquid in the bioprocessing vessel in proximity to the sensor while the rocking platform is rocking back and forth about an axis facilitating use of the sensor with low vessel fill levels.

A method of reducing a minimum vessel fill level to facilitate use of a sensor comprising:

• placing a body on a surface of a bioprocessing device, the body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the body extending across substantially an entire width of a vessel;
• and
• connecting a first portion of a sensor, located in a sensor recess formed in the upper portion of the body, to a second portion of the sensor that is fixed to the vessel;
• wherein the body is situated between the surface of the bioprocessing device and the vessel, the body allowing for retention of liquid in the vessel in proximity to the sensor, facilitating use of the sensor with low vessel fill levels.