Wicking-based reagent-solution draining in an automated system
US8580201B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2219/00722
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.