Automated storage and retrieval device and method

A method for automatically storing and retrieving a plurality of trays, wherein said plurality of trays holds at least one micro-well plate, comprising the steps of:

• A) inserting said plurality of trays onto an access device,
• B) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a storage rack,
• G) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a work cell gantry,
• H) transferring via said work cell gantry said at least one micro-well plate from said plurality of trays to at least one automated receiving machine,
• I) transferring via said work cell gantry said at least one micro-well plate from said at least one automated receiving machine to said plurality of trays,
• J) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to said access device,
• K) removing said plurality of trays from said access device, and
• L) controlling the movement of said storage gantry and said work cell gantry via at least one programmed computer system.

An automated storage and retrieval device for trays holding subject matter, comprising:

• A) an access means for the insertion and removal of a plurality of trays,
• B) a storage rack means for storing said plurality of trays,
• C) at least one automated receiving machine means,
• D) a work cell gantry means for moving said subject matter to and from said at least one automated receiving machine,
• E) a storage gantry means for moving said plurality of trays between said access device, said storage rack and said work cell gantry, and
• F) at least one computer system means programmed to control said storage gantry means and said work cell gantry means.

A method for growing protein crystals, comprising the steps of:

• A) inserting drops of protein solution into a plurality of micro-well plates,
• B) placing said plurality of micro-well plates onto a plurality of trays,
• C) inserting said plurality of trays onto an access device,
• D) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a storage rack,
• E) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a work cell gantry,
• F) transferring via said work cell gantry said plurality of micro-well plates from said plurality of trays to an automated machine for inspecting and classifying a plurality of microscopic crystals,
• G) analyzing via said automated machine said drops of protein solution,
• H) transferring via said work cell gantry said plurality of micro-well plates from said at least one automated receiving machine to said plurality of trays,
• I) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to said access device,
• J) removing said plurality of trays from said access device, and
• K) controlling the movement of said storage gantry and said work cell gantry via at least one programmed computer system.

Protein crystals grown by a method comprising the steps of:

• A) inserting drops of protein solution into a plurality of micro-well plates,
• B) placing said plurality of micro-well plates onto a plurality of trays,
• C) inserting said plurality of trays onto an access device,
• D) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a storage rack,
• E) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to a work cell gantry,
• F) transferring via said work cell gantry said plurality of micro-well plates from said plurality of trays to an automated machine for inspecting and classifying a plurality of microscopic crystals,
• G) analyzing via said automated machine said drops of protein solution,
• H) transferring via said work cell gantry said plurality of micro-well plates from said at least one automated receiving machine to said plurality of trays,
• I) transferring via said storage gantry said plurality of trays to said access device,
• J) removing said plurality of trays from said access device, and
• K) controlling the movement of said storage gantry and said work cell gantry via at least one programmed computer system.