Vapor equilibration tray for growing protein crystals
US5419278A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 30, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T117/1024
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a vapor equilibrium apparatus for growing and screening suitable protein crystals is provided which consists of a plastic tray having a plurality of roughly cylindrical chambers that act as reservoirs for vapor equilibrating solutions and include a plurality of rib members having flattened upper ends recessed from the top of the chamber which form retaining levels wherein glass cover slips can be retained horizontally across the chambers in order to carry out the vapor equilibrating process. The upper ends can also be formed in a step-shaped fashion so as to provide multiple retaining levels of differing inner diameters which can retain glass cover slips of different sizes in the same chamber. The crystal growth tray of the invention is particularly advantageous in that it can be used in a variety of different methods for growing crystals using vapor diffusion or equilibration, and the device is sealable with clear plastic tape which avoids the problems associated with the prior use of silicon grease or oil. In addition, the tray of the invention allows for easy visual inspection and rapid removal of the crystals, and is highly effective in…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.