Random access storage and retrieval system for microplates, microplate transport and microplate conveyor

• US 6,663,334 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2002
• Issued: 12/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TekCel, Inc. (Hamilton Company)
• Original Assignee: TekCel, Inc. (Hamilton Company)
• Inventors: Warhurst, Julian D., Zaayenga, Andrew F., Quitzau, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Bratlie, Steven A.
• Application Number:
  US10/196,043
• Publication Number:
  US 20030059287A1
• Time in Patent Office: 518 Days
• Field of Search: 414/331.14, 414/331.16, 414/331.18, 414/797.5, 414/795.2, 414/798.2, 414/279, 414/284
• US Class Current: 414/331.14
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/00 Supporting devices; Holding devices
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 1/0407 using stacker cranes constructional features of stacker cranes B66F9/06
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 1/10 with relatively movable racks to facilitate insertion or removal of articles cabinets with means for moving compartments up and down A47B51/00; cabinet system, e.g. consisting of cabinets arranged in a row with means to open or close passages between adjacent cabinets A47B53/02
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 15/26 extensible, e.g. telescopic adjustment of length or configuration of load-carrier B65G21/14
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 21/14 to allow adjustment of length or configuration of load-carrier or traction element varying speed of conveyance by adjusting configuration of load-carrier B65G23/00; tensioning arrangements for belt or chain B65G23/44
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2201/02 Articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2203/042 Sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/042 moved independently, e.g. by fork manipulator
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/0425 Stacks, magazines or elevators for plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/028 having reaction cells in the form of microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/04 Details of the conveyor system G01N35/021 - G01N35/028 take precedence

Abstract

An apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of microplate racks arranged in a stack. Each of the racks is mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns and each of the columns has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks. The apparatus also includes a lift, coupled to the support columns, for moving the stack or a portion thereof, and a controller, coupled to the lift and the locking devices. The controller is responsive to a signal to access a desired rack or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of the locking devices corresponding to the rack adjacent to the desired rack or microplate, followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired rack or microplate.

Claims

1. Apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates, said apparatus comprising:

a plurality of microplate racks for storing microplates in assigned locations on said racks, said racks being arranged in a stack, each of said racks being mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns for movement along said columns, each of said columns having a plurality of locking devices, corresponding to the plurality of racks, for locking selected racks to said columns;

a lift, coupled to said support columns, for longitudinal movement of said columns; and

a controller, coupled to said lift and locking devices, responsive to a signal to access a desired microplate location to cause actuation of one or more of said locking devices to lock the rack adjacent to the rack containing desired location, followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired microplate location.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a transfer unit for moving selected microplates to and from the microplate racks, said transfer unit comprising

an elevator;

a crawler supported by said elevator and carrying a microplate gripper; and

means for moving said crawler toward and away from said stack;

whereby said elevator may position said crawler opposite the rack containing a desired microplate location and said craweler may be moved toward said stack to place a microplate in said desired location or retrieve a microplate from said location.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which:

each rack includes a pair of parallel rack rails;

the transport unit includes;

a pair of transport unit rails supported on said elevator, said crawler being mounted on said transport unit rails for movement therealong toward and away from said stack, means for juxtaposing said transport unit rails with the rack rails of a rack having a selected microplate location, whereby said rack rails become extensions of said transport unit rails, and

means for moving said crawler along said transport unit rails and said rack rails to position said gripper for access to the selected microplate location.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said rails are toothed racks and said moving means includes pinions on said crawler that engaged the rack teeth.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 1 in which:

said locking devices are plungers mounted on at least one of said columns; and

each rack includes meanings forming a hole opposite a plunger associated with that rack;

whereby actuation of a plunger causes insertion of a pin into the hole, thereby securing the rack against movement relative to the columns.