×

Automated pipetting system

  • US 5,306,510 A
  • Filed: 02/01/1991
  • Issued: 04/26/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/14/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An automated pipetting system for performing programmed pipetting quantitative transfer of fluids between preselected units of an array of test tubes comprising:

  • a horizontal table for holding test tube arrays;

    a substantially rigid overhead frame defining a horizontal X-Y pipetting area, which is spaced vertically above said horizontal table for holding the test tube arrays;

    a pair of X-axis guide shafts fixedly mounted and spaced apart in parallel on two opposite sides of said frame;

    a pair of X-axis helical screw shafts rotatably mounted in the frame, each disposed adjacent and parallel to a respective one of said X-axis drive means operatively connected to said pair of X-axis screw shafts for driving said X-axis screw shafts synchronously in rotation;

    a subframe assembly having a pair of X-axis roller sections, each X-axis roller section of said pair having a support wall provided with a helix engagement portion which threadedly engages one of said X-axis helical screw shafts for moving said subframe assembly along an associated X-axis guide shaft in the X-axis directions in response to rotation of the associated X-axis helical screw shaft;

    a pair of Y-axis guide shafts supported on the subframe assembly by being sections connected at its opposite ends to said pair of X-axis roller operatively, said four X-axis shafts being spaced parallel to each other and perpendicular to said pair of Y-axis guide shafts;

    a Y-axis helical screw shaft rotatably mounted in said pair of Y-axis roller sections parallel to the two Y-axis guide shafts;

    Y-axis driving means operatively connected to said Y-axis helical screw shaft for driving said Y-axis screw shaft in rotation;

    a carriage having a pair of Y-axis roller sections rolling on the pair of Y-axis guide shafts, and further having a support wall provided with a helix engagement portion engaging said Y-axis helical screw shaft for moving said carriage in the Y-axis direction in response to rotation of said Y-axis helical screw shaft;

    at least one Z-axis modulator removable unit having at least one row of probes said Z-axis modular unit being removably mounted on said carriage for movement in the Z-axis directions by a Z-axis drive means;

    said Z-axis drive means being operatively connected to each probe for independently driving respective ones of said probes in the Z-axis direction relative to the test tube array on said table, said Z-axis direction being perpendicular to said X and Y axes directions; and

    computer control means operatively connected to said X, Y and Z axes drive means.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×