Electrophoresis and staining apparatus

In an automated electrophoresis and staining apparatus;

• an elongated base;
• an elongated platform spaced from mounted on and overlying said base;
• an electrophoresis chamber adapted to contain a buffer solution mounted upon said platform at one end thereof;
• and a series of vats mounted upon said platform arranged in a row and aligned with said chamber, adapted to contain respectively a liquid stain and a series of processing solutions;
• a plate holder rack including a horizontal open frame within said electrophoresis chamber and at one end a support arm projecting outwardly of said chamber;
• said frame adapted for supporting one or a plurality of upright electrophoresis media plates onto which has been applied a sample for electrophoretic fractionization;
• said plate or plates being nested within said chamber within an electrophoretic circuit between a cathode and anode for a predetermined period;
• and a power operated lift and transfer assembly upon said base adapted to progressively lift, transfer and lower said plate holder and plates from said chamber and into each of said underlying vats successively for a predetermined period in a linear stepping motion;
• whereby said plates in an upright position are immersed into the solutions within said vats.