Automated precision object holder and method of using same
First Claim
1. A positioning device for precisely positioning a microtiter plate on a support, wherein the positioning device comprises at least a first alignment member that is positioned to contact an inner wall of the microtiter plate when the microtiter plate is in a desired position on the support.
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Abstract
This invention provides an object holder for precisely positioning an object such as a microtiter plate on a support fixture. The object holders can also include a retaining device on a support fixture for receiving an object. In use, the object is generally positioned on the fixture relative to alignment surfaces of the object. Pushers then precisely position the object in a desired location. The invention also provides integrated systems that coordinate the actions of different components of the object holders. For example, once an object is in a desired position, a controller can activate a retaining device to retain the object in the object holder in the desired orientation.
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Citations
42 Claims
- 1. A positioning device for precisely positioning a microtiter plate on a support, wherein the positioning device comprises at least a first alignment member that is positioned to contact an inner wall of the microtiter plate when the microtiter plate is in a desired position on the support.
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14. A retaining device for retaining a microtiter plate in a desired position on a support, wherein the retaining device comprises a vacuum plate which, when a vacuum is applied, holds the microtiter plate in the desired position.
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21. An object holder for precisely positioning an object on a support, wherein the object holder comprises:
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a first pusher for moving the object in a first direction so that a first alignment surface of the object contacts a first set of one or more alignment members; and
a second pusher for moving the object in a second direction so that a second alignment surface of the object contacts a second set of one or more alignment members;
whereinwherein the first pusher comprises a lever pivoting about a pivot point. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31)
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35. An object holder for receiving and retaining an object in a desired orientation, the object having a first alignment surface and a second alignment surface, the object holder comprising:
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a support fixture;
a retaining device on the fixture;
a first alignment member supported on the fixture and positioned to cooperate with the first alignment surface of the object;
a second alignment member supported on the fixture and positioned to cooperate with the second alignment surface of the object;
a first pusher supported on the fixture and having a relaxed position and a tensioned position, the first pusher arranged to cooperate with the object to move the first alignment surface of the object firmly against the first alignment member as the first pusher is moved from the relaxed position to the tensioned position;
a second pusher supported on the fixture and having a relaxed position and a tensioned position, the second pusher arranged to cooperate with the object to move the second alignment surface of the plate firmly against the second alignment member as the second pusher is moved from the relaxed position to the tensioned position;
a controller operably connected to the retaining device, the first pusher, and the second pusher, and wherein the controller directs the first pusher to its tensioned position, directs the second pusher to its tensioned position, and directs the clamp to be activated, so that the object is retained in the object holder in a desired orientation.
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39. A method of receiving and retaining an object in a desired orientation, the object having a first alignment surface and a second alignment surface, the method comprising:
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placing the first alignment surface of the object loosely adjacent a first alignment member, and placing the second alignment surface of the object loosely adjacent a second alignment member;
moving a first pusher against the object so that the first alignment surface is held firmly against the first alignment member; and
moving a second pusher against the object so that the second alignment surface is held firmly against the second alignment member. - View Dependent Claims (42)
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Specification