Robotic station for capturing both image and weight of a sample

• US 20070255455A1
• Filed: 04/27/2007
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Unchained Labs Inc.
• Original Assignee: Symyx Technologies Incorporated (Dassault Systemes SA)
• Inventors: Carlson, Eric D., Busacca, Robert S., Maag, Jeff, Chandler, William H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,848,848 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/249
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 17/04 for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/00 Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus

Abstract

A robotic system with a common software and hardware platform for integration of a variety of modular components is provided that can be set up for a given application and reconfigured to address changing needs. Modules attach to the robotic platform with standard interfaces in order to maximize the platform'"'"'s flexibility. Robotic arms also have interchangeability such as variable pitched Z-racks, powder handling or other technologies. The standard interfaces allow third party developers to develop and integrate their own custom modules. One module included with the robotic platform in accord with this invention is a module that both weighs and images a sample.

Claims

1. A robotic system, comprising:

a) a frame comprising a base or backplane adapted to receive a plurality of modules associated with the frame,

b) a plurality of interfaces associated with the frame, wherein at least two of said interfaces are the same as each other,

c) a plurality of modules, each of which connects into at least one of said interfaces, the plurality of modules having top plates that together form a work surface, and

d) at least one of said modules being adapted to both weigh and image a sample.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said weigh and image module comprises a top plate having a door therethrough, the door being adapted to open and close.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said weigh and image module comprises a camera and one or more lights below said top plate.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said weigh and image module comprises a balance located below said top plate, the balance having a sample holder in line with the door.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said weigh and image module further comprises a diffuser surrounding the sample holder and defining a sample chamber.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the diffuser is a color other than white.

7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a bottom platform supporting said camera and said balance, the bottom platform being adapted to substantially isolate said balance from vibration.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of modules comprises modules selected from the group consisting of a vortexing module, a heat and stir module, a wash station module, a reagent holder module and a heating module.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said interfaces comprises a communication port and a power port.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising additional connection ports associated with the frame selected from the group consisting of USB connections and digital input/output connections.

12. The module of claim 9, wherein the balance is attached to the bottom platform with balance attachments that substantially isolate the balance from vibration.

13. The module of claim 9 additionally comprises one or more lights for illuminating a sample in the sample chamber.

14. The module of claim 9 additionally comprising a display on the top plate for displaying balance attributes.

15. The module of claim 9, wherein the diffuser is a color other than white.

11. A module for automated weighing and imaging of a sample, comprising

a top plate, bottom platform and side supports connecting the top plate and bottom platform, the top plate having a door;

a sample chamber located beneath the door comprising a diffuser;

a balance on the bottom platform having a sample holder defining the bottom of the sample chamber; and

a digital camera with a lens focused on the sample chamber.