SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING AUTOMATED SOLID PHASE EXTRACTIONS
First Claim
1. A system for automated solid phase extraction comprising:
- a transfer subsystem including;
an array of pickup tubes;
a spring mounted sample holding container platform configured to allow each of said pickup tubes to be controllably inserted to a selected depth of each well on a sample holding container held on said sample holding container platform;
an array of transfer tubes contiguous with said array of pickup tubes;
an array of dispense nozzles held in an equally spaced arrangement at terminal ends of said transfer tubes;
a pressure controlled chamber enclosing said array of pickup tubes and said spring mounted sample holding container platform, configured to allow pressure driven fluid flow into said pickup tubes, through said transfer tubes and out said dispense nozzles;
a reaction column array shuttle configured to hold an array of equally spaced reaction columns and move said reaction columns from a first location, where said reaction columns are positioned to receive liquid dispensed from said dispense nozzles, to a second location;
a dispense subsystem including;
a plurality of liquid distribution manifolds in spaced arrangement, each distribution manifold configured to selectably dispense liquid into a plurality of spaced dispense nozzles, wherein when said reaction columns are positioned at said second location, liquid may be dispensed through said reaction columns;
a plurality of valves, each valve regulating fluid flow through one of said distribution manifolds;
a collection plate lift allowing a multi well collection plate to be positioned such that liquid flowing through each reaction column may be collected in a well of said collection plate;
a waste collection cover positionable between open bottom ends of said spaced reaction columns and said collection plate; and
a waste collection cover shuttle configured to move said waste collection cover from a position where said waste collection cover is between outlets of said reaction columns when said reaction column array is in said second location, and openings of wells of said multi well collection plate.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides an improved instrument for automation of solid phase extraction chemistries typically used in biotechnology labs. The instrument includes a mechanism for transferring samples dissolved in a liquid from initial containers to reaction columns that are used to perform solid phase extractions. Samples, reaction columns and collection containers are in microtiter plate format or tubes that are on 18 millimeter centers. The transfer system is automatically cleaned after use in preparation for the next use. A dispense manifold is used to dispense various reagents into the reaction columns. Pressure differential is used to move reagents through reaction columns. A sliding cover is used to divert the reagent exiting reaction columns to waste or allowing collection of sample as it exits outlets of reaction columns. Samples are automatically collected in microtiter plates or in individual tubes or vials.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A system for automated solid phase extraction comprising:
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a transfer subsystem including; an array of pickup tubes; a spring mounted sample holding container platform configured to allow each of said pickup tubes to be controllably inserted to a selected depth of each well on a sample holding container held on said sample holding container platform; an array of transfer tubes contiguous with said array of pickup tubes; an array of dispense nozzles held in an equally spaced arrangement at terminal ends of said transfer tubes; a pressure controlled chamber enclosing said array of pickup tubes and said spring mounted sample holding container platform, configured to allow pressure driven fluid flow into said pickup tubes, through said transfer tubes and out said dispense nozzles; a reaction column array shuttle configured to hold an array of equally spaced reaction columns and move said reaction columns from a first location, where said reaction columns are positioned to receive liquid dispensed from said dispense nozzles, to a second location; a dispense subsystem including; a plurality of liquid distribution manifolds in spaced arrangement, each distribution manifold configured to selectably dispense liquid into a plurality of spaced dispense nozzles, wherein when said reaction columns are positioned at said second location, liquid may be dispensed through said reaction columns; a plurality of valves, each valve regulating fluid flow through one of said distribution manifolds; a collection plate lift allowing a multi well collection plate to be positioned such that liquid flowing through each reaction column may be collected in a well of said collection plate; a waste collection cover positionable between open bottom ends of said spaced reaction columns and said collection plate; and a waste collection cover shuttle configured to move said waste collection cover from a position where said waste collection cover is between outlets of said reaction columns when said reaction column array is in said second location, and openings of wells of said multi well collection plate. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5)
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2. The system of claim one, wherein each pick up tube in said array of pick up tubes has a end that is partly cut away such that each tube has a flat section parallel to said sample holding container platform, and an angle cut such that when said flat section is pressed onto a surface, said angle cut section allows liquid to enter said pickup tube.
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3. The system of claim one, wherein each pick up tube in said pick up tube array is made of PEEK.
Specification