Automated sample analysis system and method
US7596251B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0463
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated biological sample analysis system and method for use in incubating and analyzing multiple samples for protein crystallization. A temperature controlled cabinet houses sample storage, sample transport, and sample imaging systems. The operation of the system is automated and can be controlled by software, which can be reconfigured remotely. An array of storage shelves includes multiple shelf columns arranged around a core. Multiple banks of removable shelves arranged as magazines are accessed through a door on the cabinet. Each shelf stores a multi-well plate and different sizes can be stored in different shelves. The core houses a sample transport system that includes a multi-axis robot that rotates about a vertical axis to access the shelves in the shelf array. The transport system retrieves and replaces the multi-well plates in the shelves and can move plates from the shelves to an imaging system where each sample can be automatically imaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.