Automatic isothermal titration microcalorimeter apparatus and method of use
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. An automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system, comprising:
- a controller configured to control automated operation of the ITC system, a micro calorimeter comprising a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell being accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell being accessible via a reference cell stem, a pipette assembly comprising a syringe, a titration needle configured to be inserted into the sample cell and supply titrant to the sample cell, and an activator configured to drive a plunger in a cavity of the syringe, a rotatable pipette translation unit comprising a rotatable pipette arm configured to support the pipette assembly and place the pipette assembly in a titration position and in a washing position, a rotatable cell preparation unit comprising a rotatable cell arm configured to wash the sample cell and replace sample liquid in the sample cell, the controller being configured to control operation of the ITC system to wash the syringe and titration needle of the pipette assembly, fill the syringe with new titrant, wash the sample cell, and fill the sample cell with new sample liquid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.
97 Citations
39 Claims
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1. An automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system, comprising:
a controller configured to control automated operation of the ITC system, a micro calorimeter comprising a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell being accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell being accessible via a reference cell stem, a pipette assembly comprising a syringe, a titration needle configured to be inserted into the sample cell and supply titrant to the sample cell, and an activator configured to drive a plunger in a cavity of the syringe, a rotatable pipette translation unit comprising a rotatable pipette arm configured to support the pipette assembly and place the pipette assembly in a titration position and in a washing position, a rotatable cell preparation unit comprising a rotatable cell arm configured to wash the sample cell and replace sample liquid in the sample cell, the controller being configured to control operation of the ITC system to wash the syringe and titration needle of the pipette assembly, fill the syringe with new titrant, wash the sample cell, and fill the sample cell with new sample liquid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system, comprising:
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a controller configured to control automated operation of the ITC system, a micro calorimeter comprising a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell being accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell being accessible via a reference cell stem, a pipette assembly comprising a syringe, a titration needle configured to be inserted into the sample cell to supply titrant, and an activator configured to drive a plunger in a cavity of the syringe, a rotational pipette translation unit configured to support the pipette assembly and place the pipette assembly in positions for titration and washing operations, a wash station for the titration needle, a cell fluidics system configured to dispense and withdraw liquid in the sample cell, and a cell preparation unit configured to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette assembly is placed in another position than the position for titration, the cell preparation unit comprising a cell arm that is supported for rotation about an axis, supporting a cell cannula connected to the cell fluidics system. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. An automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system, comprising:
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a controller configured to control automated operation of the ITC system, a micro calorimeter comprising a sample cell and a reference cell, a pipette assembly comprising a syringe, a titration needle configured to be inserted into the sample cell to supply titrant, and an activator configured to drive a plunger in a cavity of the syringe, a pipette translation unit comprising a rotatable pipette arm configured to support the pipette assembly and rotatably place the pipette assembly in at least a titration position and a washing position, and a cell fluidics system configured to enable introduction of fluid to and withdrawal of fluid from the sample cell, the controller being configured to control operation of the ITC system to wash the syringe and titration needle of the pipette assembly, fill the syringe with new titrant, wash the sample cell and fill the sample cell with new sample liquid. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39)
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37. An automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system, comprising:
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a controller configured to control automated operation of the ITC system, a micro calorimeter comprising a sample cell and a reference cell, a pipette assembly comprising a syringe, a titration needle configured to be inserted into the sample cell to supply titrant, and an activator configured to drive a plunger in a cavity of the syringe, a pipette translation unit comprising a rotatable pipette arm configured to support the pipette assembly and rotatably place the pipette assembly in at least a titration position and a washing position, a cell fluidics system configured to enable introduction of fluid to and withdrawal of fluid from the sample cell, and a syringe fluidics system configured to enable at least one of pulling and pushing fluid through the syringe, the controller being configured to control operation of the ITC system to wash the syringe and titration needle of the pipette assembly, fill the syringe with new titrant, wash the sample cell and fill the sample cell with new sample liquid.
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Specification