Apparatus and method for an automated electrophoresis system

US5279721A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Peter Schmid · Rain, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 22, 1993
• Grant date: Jan 18, 1994
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/11
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated electrophoresis and transfer apparatus for separating macromolecules in accordance with their molecular weight and transferring the same to a transfer membrane includes a housing having a perforated intermediate horizontal partition defining an upper reservoir and a lower chamber. A pair of spaced electrodes are provided for generating a horizontal electrical field. A pump is connected between a plurality of containers and the reservoir for sequentially pumping the chemical solutions within the container into the reservoir. A transfer membrane is positioned over the partition and an impermeable sheet is interposed between the membrane and the gel member and withdrawn prior to the transfer operation. A pump provides a small over pressure within the lower chamber which in cooperation with the impermeable sheet substantially prevents chemical solutions from penetrating the transfer membrane prior to the transfer operation. A vacuum pump provides a low pressure within the lower chamber and a pair of vertically spaced electrodes provides a vertical electrical field across the gel member and transfer membrane during the transfer operation.