Loading station
Inventors
Lai, Janice H. • Spuhler, Philipp S. • Facer, Geoffrey R. • Li, Sixing • Cesar, Christopher G.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10634691-B2
Publication Date
2020-04-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for loading and retrieval of particles. In some embodiments, a loading station comprise a tray configured to receive a microwell array, a first magnet, a second magnet, and an actuation mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a loading station for stochastic barcoding/particle loading in a microwell-array flowcell. The loading station includes a tray configured to receive a microwell array or cartridge, and the station is arranged to apply magnetic forces to one or more magnetic particles positioned within the microwell array.
The loading station includes a first magnet movable between a first magnet active position and a first magnet inactive position. In the first magnet active position, the first magnet is positioned in parallel with the microwell array to exert a first magnetic force in an inferior direction, and in the first magnet inactive position the first magnet is positioned at a further distance from the microwell array to exert less magnetic force.
The loading station also includes a second magnet movable between a second magnet active position and a second magnet inactive position. In the second magnet active position, the second magnet is positioned in parallel with the microwell array to exert a second magnetic force in a superior direction, and in the second magnet inactive position the second magnet is positioned at a further distance from the microwell array to exert less magnetic force, with an actuation mechanism coupled to the first magnet and the second magnet to cause movement.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines the loading station with two main inventive features: dual-direction movable magnets with active and inactive positions, and an actuation mechanism coupled to both magnets to move them between positions.
Dual-direction movable magnets with active and inactive positions
A loading station having a first magnet movable between an active position in parallel with the microwell array to exert an inferior-direction magnetic force and an inactive position farther from the microwell array to exert less magnetic force, and a second magnet movable between an active position in parallel with the microwell array to exert a superior-direction magnetic force and an inactive position farther from the microwell array to exert less magnetic force.
Actuation mechanism coupled to both magnets
An actuation mechanism coupled to the first magnet and the second magnet configured to cause movement of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet between the respective active and inactive positions.
The independent claim structure centers on switching magnetic force direction using two movable magnets with parallel active positions and reduced-force inactive positions, coordinated by an actuation mechanism that moves the magnet or magnets between those positions.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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