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

Abstract

An apparatus for transporting and an apparatus for conveying microplates between two locations are provided. The transport includes a pair of rails, a microplate transport carriage for moving along the rails, a rotary platter for loading and unloading microplates on the carriage, a controller for generating signals for controlling the position of the carriage on the rails and the rotation of the platter on the carriage, and a servo for moving the carriage or rotating the platter in response to a control signal. The transport moves microplates along the rails in accord with any of several methods for performing different tasks. The conveyor includes an extendable support frame, a pair of oppositely disposed tensioning elements arranged within the frame, a conveyor belt which wound around the elements and extends as the support frame is extended, and a motor for driving the conveyor belt.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates, said apparatus comprising: 
 a plurality of microplate racks arranged in a stack, each of said racks being mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns, each of said columns having a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks;    a lift, coupled to said support columns, for moving said stack or a portion thereof; and    a controller, coupled to said lift and locking devices, responsive to a signal to access a desired rack or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of said 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.    
     
     
         2 . Apparatus for conveying microplates between two locations, said apparatus comprising: 
 a support frame having a fixed portion mounted at a first location and an extendable portion for connection with a second location;    a fixed length, endless loop conveyor belt;    a pair of oppositely disposed tensioning elements arranged within the frame, said conveyor belt wound around said elements whereby as said extendable portion is extended, said elements move farther apart to allow said conveyor belt to extend, and as said extendable portion is retracted, said elements move closer together to allow said conveyor belt to retract; and    a motor coupled to said conveyor belt for driving said belt in either of two directions.    
     
     
         3 . Apparatus for transporting microplates between two locations, said apparatus comprising: 
 a pair of rails spaced apart and extending between first and second locations;    a microplate transport carriage movable on said rails;    a rotary platter mounted on said microplate transport carriage capable of rotary movement;    a pair of servos connected to said microplate transport carrier by a pair of cables, respectively, said servos responsive to one or more control signals for moving said microplate transport carriage or rotating said rotary platter;    one or more sensors for detecting a position of said microplate transport carriage on said rails;    one or more sensors for detecting an orientation of said rotary platter on said microplate transport carriage; and    a controller coupled to said servos and said sensors for directing the movement and orientation of said microplate transport carriage and said rotary platter.