Automated microplate filling device and method

A method for sequentially filling a plurality of microplates, each microplate having a microplate lid, said method comprising the steps of:

• A) lifting via a input chamber lifting mechanism the plurality of empty microplates, wherein the plurality of empty microplates are stacked inside at least one input chamber, wherein said input chamber lifting mechanism is located adjacent to said at least one input chamber, wherein said lifting leaves behind a bottommost empty microplate,
• B) removing in sequence the plurality of microplates via a walking beam indexer from said at least one input chamber, wherein said walking beam indexer is attached to a linear actuator,
• C) removing in sequence via a lid lifter microplate lids from the plurality of empty microplates, wherein said lid lifter is attached to said linear actuator,
• D) filling in sequence the plurality of empty microplates via a nozzle mounted adjacent to said linear actuator,
• E) returning in sequence via said lid lifter the microplate lids to the plurality of filled microplates, and
• F) restacking via an output chamber lifting mechanism the plurality of filled microplates inside at least one output chamber,
• wherein said input chamber singulator, said linear actuator, said walking beam indexer, said lid lifter, said nozzle, and said output chamber lifting mechanism define a microplate filling assembly.

An automated machine for filling a plurality of microplates, each of said plurality of microplates having a microplate lid, said automated machine comprising:

• A) a means for stacking empty microplates,
• B) a means for stacking filled microplates, and
• C) a microplate filling assembly means disposed between said means for stacking empty microplates and said means for stacking filled microplates, comprising:
• 1. a lifting means for periodically lifting all microplates in said means for stacking empty microplates except a bottom microplate,
• 2. a linear actuator means,
• 3. a walking beam indexer means attached to said linear actuator means, driven by said linear actuator means and positioned to move empty microplates from said means for stacking empty microplates to said means for stacking filled microplates,
• 4. a lid lifter means attached to said linear actuator means, for lifting the lid off each microplate to permit the microplate to be filled, and after filling to replace the lid,
• 5. a nozzle means in communication with a media source and positioned to fill the empty microplates after their lids have been lifted off, and
• 6. an output chamber lifting means for lifting all filled microplates in said means for stacking filled microplates, to provide a space for recently filled microplates to be moved to a bottom position in said means for stacking filled microplates.