Apparatus and process for performing repetitive chemical processing
AssigneeMillipore Corporation
InventorsDerek Hudson, Jordan Honig, Ronald M. Cook, Douglas J. Ng
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A chemical processing system is disclosed for the automated dissolution, dispersing and reaction of chemicals, especially for synthesizing proteins. The system includes a plurality of storage cartridges containing a first chemical in fluid communication with a reservoir containing a second chemical to be reacted with the first chemical. Each cartridge includes a pump (e.g., a plunger) which operates by changing the internal volume of the cartridge. The pump permits bi-directional flow of the first chemical into and out of the reservoir and cartridge to promote mixing and reacting with the second chemical in the reservoir to produce a third chemical.
Claims13
A system for automated chemical processing, comprising:
- a plurality of chemical storage cartridges, at least one cartridge for storing a first chemical;
- means for choosing between any one of said cartridges and holding said chosen cartridge and positioning said cartridge at a fixed location within said system;
- a reservoir spaced from said location for containing a second chemical to be reacted with said first chemical in said chosen cartridge to produce a third chemical;
- means at said location for fluid coupling to said chosen cartridge to establish fluid communication with the contents thereof;
- a fluid conduit connected to said fluid coupling means and said reservoir to dissolve and conduct said first chemical from said chosen cartridge to said reservoir to react with said second chemical;
- valve means operably connected with said fluid conduit for controlling flow through said conduit;
- said cartridges including pump means operable when said chosen cartridge is positioned at said location for changing the internal volume thereof so as to cause bi-directional flow of said first chemical through said fluid coupling means, alternatively into and out of said reservoir and said chosen cartridge to promote mixing and reacting with said second chemical in said reservoir to complete the formation of said third chemical, said pump means comprises a plunger slidably sealed in said cartridges and a reciprocating arm connected with said plunger to reciprocate said plunger when said chosen cartridge is at said location to alternately draw material into said chosen cartridge and then expel the material from said chosen cartridge;
- and
- automatically operated control means connected with said pump means and said valve means to obtain a predetermined sequence of operation of said pump means and said valve means for controlling the dispensing of said first and second chemicals and the further processing of said third chemical.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.