U.S. patent application number 10/694344 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple treatment cell for use in electroporation.
Invention is credited to Abbott, Michael S., Lane, Benjamin R., Walters, Richard E..
Application Number | 20050089991 10/694344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34423337 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050089991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walters, Richard E. ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
APPARATUS FOR RECEIVING AND ALIGNING A MULTIPLE ELECTRODE PAIR
ARRAY AND A MULTIPLE TREATMENT CELL FOR USE IN ELECTROPORATION
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate used in
electroporation. The apparatus includes a housing which includes a
bottom housing portion and a pair of side housing portions which
project upward from the bottom housing portion. A pair of
board-reception structures are adjacent to the inner portions of
the side housing portions. Multiple well plate engaging and
disengaging means, supported by the housing, are provided for
engaging a multiple well plate with a multiple electrode pair array
and for disengaging a multiple well plate from a multiple electrode
pair array. Preferably, the multiple well plate engaging and
disengaging means include a multiple well plate lifting and
lowering assembly. The multiple well plate lifting and lowering
assembly can include lifting/lowering handles located outside the
housing.
Inventors: |
Walters, Richard E.;
(Columbia, MD) ; Lane, Benjamin R.; (Phoenix,
MD) ; Abbott, Michael S.; (Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Marvin S. Towsend
8 Grovepoint Court
Rockville
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
34423337 |
Appl. No.: |
10/694344 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/285.2 ;
435/287.3; 435/288.4; 435/305.2; 435/305.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 2300/046 20130101;
B01L 2300/0829 20130101; C12M 35/02 20130101; Y10S 435/809
20130101; C12M 23/48 20130101; C12M 23/12 20130101; B01L 9/523
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/285.2 ;
435/287.3; 435/288.4; 435/305.2; 435/305.3 |
International
Class: |
C12M 001/42 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode
pair array and a multiple well plate used in electroporation,
comprising: a housing which includes a bottom housing portion and a
pair of side housing portions which project upward from said bottom
housing portion, a pair of board-reception structures adjacent to
said inner portions of said side housing portions, and multiple
well plate engaging and disengaging means, supported by said
housing, for engaging a multiple well plate with a multiple
electrode pair array and for disengaging a multiple well plate from
a multiple electrode pair array.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said multiple well plate
engaging and disengaging means include a multiple well plate
lifting and lowering assembly.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said multiple well plate
lifting and lowering assembly includes: a lifting/lowering handle
located outside said housing, an offset axle connected to said
lifting/lowering handle, wherein said offset axle includes a
driving cam portion, tray lift rods in contact with said driving
cam portion of said offset axle, wherein said tray lift rods are
connected to said bottom housing portion by lift-rod-retainer
portions, a plate lifting/lowering tray in contact with said tray
lift rods, wherein a bottom portion of said plate lifting/lowering
tray includes a plurality of transverse force-balancing ribs, and
tray lowering cams, connected to a bottom portion of said plate
lifting/lowering tray, for engaging said offset axle for lowering
said plate lifting/lowering tray.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further including: a pair of
well-plate alignment grooves connected to said plate
lifting/lowering tray adjacent to said board-reception
structures.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, further including: hold-down clips
supported by said housing and actuated by movement of said plate
lifting/lowering tray.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including: hold-down-clip
actuator arms, operated by said plate lifting/lowering tray, for
actuating said hold-down clips.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: an inside alignment
surface that is contacted by a complementary outside alignment
surface on an outside corner of the multiple well plate.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a lid connected to
said housing.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further including: a pair of hinges
for connecting said lid to said housing.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a socket assembly
supported by said housing, wherein said socket assembly includes
electrical conductors for contacting corresponding row electrical
connection members and column electrical connection members on the
multiple electrode pair array.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present patent application is related to another patent
application entitled IN VITRO, MULTIPLE ELECTRODE PAIR ARRAY AND
MULTIPLE TREATMENT CELL APPARATUS FOR USE IN ELECTROPORATION by
Walters et al, which is filed concurrently with the present
application.
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of
electroporation. More specifically, the present invention is
especially concerned with an apparatus for receiving and aligning a
multiple electrode pair array and a multiple treatment cell for use
in electroporation.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,853 of King et al discloses that
multi-channel electrode systems are used for high throughput
introduction of exogenous molecules into cells. A multi-channel
electroporation apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of
electrodes positioned in respective ones of a plurality of wells
that hold the exogenous materials and the cells. The wells can be
in standard 96-well plates, which consist of 8 rows and 12 columns
of wells and have a standard size of about 8.5 (W) cm.times.12.7 cm
(L), with a standard center-to-center spacing of 9.0 mm between
wells.
[0006] In FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,853, there is a disclosure
of a 384 well multiple well plate and 384 electrode pairs for
fitting into the respective 383 wells. It certainly may be a
daunting task to properly align the 384 electrode pairs with the
384 wells and to place the respective 384 electrode pairs in proper
registration with the respective 384 wells. In this respect, it
would be desirable if an apparatus were provided to properly align
and register a multiple electrode array with a multiple well
plate.
[0007] As described in the above-mentioned patent application
entitled IN VITRO, MULTIPLE ELECTRODE PAIR ARRAY AND MULTIPLE
TREATMENT CELL APPARATUS FOR USE IN ELECTROPORATION by Walters et
al, the amount of frictional resistance to overcome to fit a 96
electrode pair matrix array into a conventional 96 well multiple
well plate can be quite substantial. In this respect, it would be
desirable if an apparatus were provided which facilitates
overcoming the frictional resistance for fitting a 96 electrode
pair matrix array into a conventional 96 well multiple well plate.
More generally, it would be desirable if an apparatus were provided
which facilitates overcoming the frictional resistance for fitting
a multiple electrode pair matrix array into a conventional multiple
well plate.
[0008] Conversely, there is a substantial amount of frictional
resistance to overcome to remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array
from a 96 well multiple well plate after it has been fitted into a
96 well multiple well plate. In this respect, it would be desirable
if an apparatus were provided which facilitates overcoming the
frictional resistance to remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array
from a conventional 96 well plate. More generally, it would be
desirable if an apparatus were provided which facilitates
overcoming the frictional resistance to remove a multiple electrode
pair matrix array from a conventional multiple well plate.
[0009] Each well in a standard 96 rectangular well plate has a
predetermined well volume. When pairs of rectangular electrodes are
placed into the wells, the predetermined volumes are reduced,
thereby leaving a reduced volume for conducting electroporation of
materials. To assure that the predetermined volumes are reduced to
a minimum by the electrodes so that the remaining volumes available
for electroporation are at a maximum, it would be desirable if
pairs of rectangular electrodes were placed into the rectangular
wells so that the rectangular electrodes closely fit against
adjacent walls of the wells.
[0010] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to
be well known to use multiple electrode pair arrays and multiple
well plates, the prior art described above does not teach or
suggest an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate for electroporation
which has the following combination of desirable features: (1)
properly aligns and registers a multiple electrode array with a
multiple well plate; (2) facilitates overcoming the frictional
resistance for fitting a 96 electrode pair matrix array into a
conventional 96 well multiple well plate; (3) facilitates
overcoming the frictional resistance for fitting a multiple
electrode pair matrix array into a conventional multiple well
plate; (4) facilitates overcoming the frictional resistance to
remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array from a conventional 96 well
plate; (5) facilitates overcoming the frictional resistance to
remove a multiple electrode pair matrix array from a conventional
multiple well plate; and (6) places pairs of rectangular electrodes
into rectangular wells so that the rectangular electrodes closely
fit against adjacent walls of the wells. The foregoing desired
characteristics are provided by the unique apparatus for receiving
and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well
plate of the present invention as will be made apparent from the
following description thereof. Other advantages of the present
invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0011] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present
invention, briefly described, provides an apparatus for receiving
and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well
plate used in electroporation. The apparatus includes a housing
which includes a bottom housing portion and a pair of side housing
portions which project upward from the bottom housing portion. A
pair of board-reception structures are adjacent to the inner
portions of the side housing portions. Multiple well plate engaging
and disengaging means, supported by the housing, are provided for
engaging a multiple well plate with a multiple electrode pair array
and for disengaging a multiple well plate from a multiple electrode
pair array.
[0012] Preferably, the multiple well plate engaging and disengaging
means include a multiple well plate lifting and lowering assembly.
The multiple well plate lifting and lowering assembly can include
lifting/lowering handles located outside the housing. An offset
axle is connected to the lifting/lowering handles. The offset axle
includes a driving cam portion. Tray lift rods are in contact with
the driving cam portion of the offset axle. The tray lift rods are
connected to the bottom housing portion by lift-rod-retainer
portions. A plate lifting/lowering tray is in contact with the tray
lift rods. A bottom portion of the plate lifting/lowering tray
includes a plurality of transverse force-balancing ribs. The tray
lift rods are for raising the plate lifting/lowering tray. Tray
lowering cams are connected to a bottom portion of the plate
lifting/lowering tray, for engaging the offset axle for lowering
the plate lifting/lowering tray.
[0013] A pair of well-plate alignment grooves are connected to the
plate lifting/lowering tray adjacent to the board-reception
structures. An inside alignment surface (not shown) is contacted by
a complementary outside alignment surface on an outside corner of
the multiple well plate when the multiple well plate and the
apparatus are in proper alignment.
[0014] Preferably, hold-down clips are supported by the housing and
are actuated by movement of the plate lifting/lowering tray.
[0015] Hold-down-clip actuator arms are operated by the plate
lifting/lowering tray for actuating the hold-down clips.
[0016] A lid is connected to the housing. A pair of hinges are
provided for connecting the lid to the housing.
[0017] Preferably, a socket assembly is supported by the housing.
The socket assembly includes electrical conductors for contacting
corresponding row electrical connection members and column
electrical connection members on the multiple electrode pair
array.
[0018] Preferably, an adjacent electrode pair spacing gap is
provided between a first electrode on one pair of electrodes and a
second electrode on an adjacent pair of electrodes, such that an
inside wall of the multiple well plate is received in the adjacent
electrode pair spacing gap. More specifically, the respective
inside walls of the multiple well plate are received in the
respective adjacent electrode pair spacing gaps by relatively tight
friction fits. As a result, the respective first electrodes and the
respective second electrodes fit tightly against the respective
inside walls, thereby leaving a maximum amount of space for sample
reception and electroporation in the respective wells of the
multiple well plate.
[0019] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate which properly
aligns and registers a multiple electrode array with a multiple
well plate.
[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate that facilitates overcoming the
frictional resistance for fitting a 96 electrode pair matrix array
into a conventional 96 well multiple well plate.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate which facilitates overcoming the
frictional resistance for fitting a multiple electrode pair matrix
array into a conventional multiple well plate.
[0022] Even another object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate that facilitates overcoming the
frictional resistance to remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array
from a conventional 96 well plate.
[0023] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate which facilitates
overcoming the frictional resistance to remove a multiple electrode
pair matrix array from a conventional multiple well plate.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate that places pairs of rectangular
electrodes into rectangular wells so that the rectangular
electrodes closely fit against adjacent walls of the wells.
[0025] These together with still other objects of the invention,
along with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will be better understood and the above
objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will
become more apparent after a study of the following detailed
description thereof. Such description makes reference to the
annexed drawing wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate used with an
embodiment of an apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple treatment cell used in
electroporation, of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the multiple
electrode pair array apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the PRIOR ART standard
96 rectangular well plate shown is FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of the PRIOR ART standard 96
rectangular well plate shown in FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the standard 96
rectangular well plate shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5
thereof.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 1 wherein the multiple electrode pair array
has been received on the subject apparatus, and wherein the
multiple well plate is being slid into the subject apparatus.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 6 wherein the multiple well plate has been
completely slid into the subject apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 7 that is contained circled region 8
thereof of FIG. 7.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a partially broken away perspective view of the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7 wherein the multiple
well plate has been raised to be in engagement with the electrode
pairs of the multiple electrode pair array.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the broken away
portion of FIG. 9.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a multiple well plate lifting
and lowering assembly that is housed inside the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-10.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the overall electroporation
system used to drive the multiple electrode pair array and the
two-dimensional matrix array of electrode conductors disclosed in
the above-mentioned patent application for IN VITRO, MULTIPLE
ELECTRODE PAIR ARRAY AND MULTIPLE TREATMENT CELL APPARATUS FOR USE
IN ELECTROPORATION.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a two-dimensional matrix
array of 20 matrix conductors (8 row conductors and 12 column
conductors) to connect with 96 pairs of electrodes in a matrix
array of electrodes (having 8 rows of electrode pairs and 12
columns of electrode pairs) for a 96 well plate.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0040] With reference to the drawings, an apparatus for receiving
and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple
treatment cell used in electroporation 40 embodying the principles
and concepts of the present invention will be described.
[0041] Filed concurrently herewith is a patent application entitled
IN VITRO, MULTIPLE ELECTRODE PAIR ARRAY AND MULTIPLE TREATMENT CELL
APPARATUS FOR USE IN ELECTROPORATION by Walters et al which sets
forth a multiple electrode pair array apparatus having a
two-dimensional matrix array of electrode conductors that is used
with a conventional multiple well plate. In this respect, that
patent application is incorporated herein by reference.
[0042] In summary, with respect to the multiple electrode pair
array 10, and with reference to FIG. 13 herein, the multiple
electrode pair array apparatus 10 has a two-dimensional matrix
array of electrode conductors and includes the following. There are
electrode pairs at each two-dimensional matrix location. The matrix
of electrode pairs has R rows 16 and C columns 18. Each electrode
pair has a first electrode 20 electrically connected to a row
conductor 24 and a second electrode 22 connected to a column
conductor 26. Also, a row/column conductor cable 34 runs from the
Programmable Pulse Switch Cabinet 8 (see FIG. 13), and a row/column
conductor plug 36 is connected to the row/column conductor cable
34.
[0043] Each of the multiple electrode pair array apparatus 10 and
the multiple well plate 11 include alignment structures to assure
proper registration between the multiple electrode pair array
apparatus 10 of the invention and the multiple well plate 11 when
the multiple electrode pair array apparatus 10 is connected to the
multiple well plate 11. The respective alignment structures assure
that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the respective
locations of the pairs of electrodes in the two-dimensional matrix
array electrode pairs and the locations of the wells in the
two-dimensional matrix array of wells in the multiple well plate
11.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, adjacent electrode pair spacing gap 28
is provided between a first electrode 20 on one pair of electrodes
and a second electrode 22 on an adjacent pair of electrodes, such
that an inside wall 13 of the multiple well plate 11 is received in
the adjacent electrode pair spacing gap 28. More specifically, the
respective inside walls 13 of the multiple well plate 11 are
received in the respective adjacent electrode pair spacing gaps 28
by relatively tight friction fits. As a result, the respective
first electrodes 20 and the respective second electrodes 22 fit
tightly against the respective inside walls 13, thereby leaving a
maximum amount of space for sample reception and electroporation in
the respective wells of the multiple well plate 11.
[0045] The amount of frictional resistance needed to be overcome in
order to provide a tight fit between a 96 electrode pair matrix
array of the invention and a conventional 96 well multiple well
plate 11 can be quite substantial. The tight fit permits the
respective electrode pairs in the electrode pair matrix array to
provide uniform electric fields in the respective wells and to
prevent material from getting behind the respective electrodes
between the respective electrodes and the inside walls 13 of the
multiple well plate 11.
[0046] Conversely, there is a substantial amount of frictional
resistance to overcome to remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array
of the invention that has been fitted into a 96 well multiple well
plate 11.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, preferably, the base member of the
multiple electrode pair array 10 includes a plurality of access
channels 14 which are in registration with the wells of the
multiple well plate 11.
[0048] Preferably, the access channels 14 are circular in shape.
For a 96 multiple electrode pair array with a two-dimensional
matrix array of electrode conductors of the invention, for use with
a conventional 96 well multiple well plate 11 which has rectangular
wells, the access channels 14 can be 7 mm. in diameter.
[0049] Once the multiple electrode pair array apparatus 10 of the
invention has been fitted into the multiple well plate 11, the
contents of each respective well in the multiple well plate 11 can
be modified through the respective access channels 14. Pressure
pipettes can be used to add material to the respective wells, and
suction pipettes can be used to remove material from the respective
wells. The presence of the access channels 14 provide an additional
benefit. The access channels 14 eliminate cross contamination
between wells in the multiple well plate 11 that can occur if the
electrode pair matrix array is inserted into the wells after the
wells have been filled with liquid solution.
[0050] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show a number of views of a conventional
96 rectangular well multiple well plate 11 that is registerable
with a 96 multiple electrode pair array with a two-dimensional
matrix array of electrode conductors of the invention. In this
respect, the adjacent electrode pair spacing gap 28 is
approximately equal to the thickness of the inside walls 13 of the
respective wells.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows the PA-4000 electroporation system, of Cyto
Pulse Sciences, Inc., Hanover, Md., USA, which is configured with
the Programmable Pulse Switch 8. More disclosures about the
structure and the operation of the electroporation system of Cyto
Pulse Sciences, Inc. are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613 of
Walters et al, incorporated herein by reference and in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,117,660 of Walters et al, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0052] A control cable 9 is used to control the Programmable Pulse
Switch 8. The Programmable Pulse Switch 8 has 20 output conductor
lines which include eight row conductor lines A through H and which
include twelve column conductor lines 1 through 12. The eight row
conductor lines A through H and the twelve column conductor lines 1
through 12 from the Programmable Pulse Switch Cabinet 8 to the
multiple electrode pair array apparatus 10 can be in form of a
row/column conductor cable 34. The row/column conductor cable 34
can terminate at row/column conductor plug 36 which is electrically
connected to the respective row and column conductor lines in the
row/column conductor cable 34. The row/column conductor plug 36 can
include respective conductor contact elements which form electrical
connections with the respective row electrical connection members
30 and the column electrical connection members 32 of the multiple
electrode pair array apparatus 10. The 20 output conductor lines
are set to one and only one of three states, pulse out, pulse
return, no connection.
[0053] The overall electroporation system consists of three
cabinets: (1) the compatible PC 1; (2) the PA-4000 cabinet 3 which
contains the control microprocessor, the Interface-Control
Assembly, the High Voltage Assembly, the High Voltage Power Supply,
and the low voltage power supply; and (3) the Programmable Pulse
Switch Cabinet 8.
[0054] The row conductor lines A through H of the Programmable
Pulse Switch Cabinet 8 are electrically connected to the respective
row electrical connection members 30 of the multiple electrode pair
array apparatus 10. The column conductor lines 1-12 of the
Programmable Pulse Switch Cabinet 8 are electrically connected to
the respective column electrical connection members 32 of the
multiple electrode pair array apparatus 10.
[0055] By appropriate programming by a user, any specific electrode
pair in the matrix array of 96 electrode pairs can be selected for
applying an electric field therein for a selected period of time
and for a selected pulse pattern.
[0056] Each of the 96 electrode pairs is located at a location
identified by a row position and a column position in the
two-dimensional multiple electrode pair array. To select a specific
electrode pair, the corresponding row conductor 24 for the first
electrode 20 of the specific electrode pair and the corresponding
column conductor 26 for the second electrode 22 of the specific
electrode pair are energized from signals sent from the
Programmable Pulse Switch Cabinet 8. As a result, the only
electrode pair energized is the specific electrode pair located at
the intersection of the specific row conductor and the specific
column conductor that are energized by the Programmable Pulse
Switch Cabinet 8.
[0057] One embodiment of the multiple electrode pair array of the
invention can be used with standard disposable rectangular well 96
well microplates such as made by Innovative Microplate, Chicopee,
Mass., USA, particularly, Microplate Model S30012.
[0058] For purposes of the present invention, a multiple treatment
cell and a multiple well plate are substantially equivalent.
[0059] Now, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6-11, turning to a
detailed description of the present apparatus for receiving and
aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well plate
40 for electroporation, the apparatus is provided for receiving and
aligning a multiple electrode pair array 10 and a multiple well
plate 11 used in electroporation 40. The apparatus 40 includes a
housing 42 which includes a bottom housing portion 44 and a pair of
side housing portions 46 which project upward from the bottom
housing portion 44. A pair of board-reception structures 48 are
adjacent to the inner portions of the side housing portions 46.
Multiple well plate engaging and disengaging means, supported by
the housing 42, are provided for engaging a multiple well plate 11
with a multiple electrode pair array 10 and for disengaging a
multiple well plate 11 from a multiple electrode pair array 10.
[0060] Preferably, the multiple well plate engaging and disengaging
means include a multiple well plate lifting and lowering assembly.
The multiple well plate lifting and lowering assembly can include
lifting/lowering handles 56 located outside the housing 42. An
offset axle 58 is connected to the lifting/lowering handles 56. The
offset axle 58 includes a driving cam portion 60. Tray lift rods 62
are in contact with the driving cam portion 60 of the offset axle
58. The tray lift rods 62 are connected to the bottom housing
portion 44 by lift-rod-retainer portions 64. A plate
lifting/lowering tray 66 is in contact with the tray lift rods 62.
A bottom portion of the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 includes a
plurality of transverse force-balancing ribs 68. The tray lift rods
62 are for raising the plate lifting/lowering tray 66. Tray
lowering cams 80 are connected to a bottom portion of the plate
lifting/lowering tray 66, for engaging the offset axle 58 for
lowering the plate lifting/lowering tray 66. The multiple well
plate 11 is received on the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 and is
lifted and lowered thereby.
[0061] Alternatively, the multiple well plate engaging and
disengaging means can be implemented by electrical means.
[0062] A pair of well-plate alignment grooves 50 are connected to
the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 adjacent to the board-reception
structures 48. The well-plate alignment grooves 50 are provided for
receiving complementary well-plate tongue portions 54 located on
the multiple well plate 11 inside alignment surface (not shown) is
contacted by a complementary outside alignment surface 78 on an
outside corner of the multiple well plate 11 when the multiple well
plate 11 and the apparatus 40 are in proper alignment. The inside
alignment surface can be in the form of a diagonal corner, and the
outside alignment surface 78 of the multiple well plate 11 can be
in the form of a complementary diagonal notch 78.
[0063] The alignment of the inside alignment surface in the
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple treatment well 40 with the outside alignment
surface 78 on the multiple well plate 11 provide proper alignment
of the multiple electrode pair array 10 with the multiple well
plate 11. If the inside alignment surface and the outside alignment
surface 78 are not in contact with each other, then the multiple
electrode pair array 10 and the multiple well plate 11 cannot be in
proper alignment.
[0064] Preferably, hold-down clips 70 are supported by the housing
42 and are actuated by movement of the plate lifting/lowering tray
66. The hold-down clips 70 serve to retain the multiple electrode
pair array 10 on the board-reception structures 48 when the
multiple well plate 11 is lifted up by the plate lifting/lowering
tray 66 to engage with the pairs of electrodes in the multiple
electrode pair array 10.
[0065] Hold-down-clip actuator arms 72 are operated by the plate
lifting/lowering tray 66 for actuating the hold-down clips 70.
Return springs (not shown) can be present to return the hold-down
clips 70 to a retracted position when the plate lifting/lowering
tray 66 has been lowered to its bottom position. Otherwise, the
hold-down clips 70 can return to their non-hold down positions by
the force of gravity.
[0066] A lid 74 is connected to the housing 42. A pair of hinges 76
are provided for connecting the lid 74 to the housing 42.
[0067] Preferably, a socket assembly is supported by the housing
42. The socket assembly includes electrical conductors for
contacting corresponding row electrical connection members 30 and
column electrical connection members 32 on the multiple electrode
pair array 10. The socket assembly is used for receiving a
row/column conductor plug 36, whereby electrical voltages from the
Programmable Pulse Switch Cabinet 8 (shown if FIG. 12, can be
directed to selected pairs of electrodes in the respective wells of
the multiple well plate 11. In addition, a disabling switch, e.g.
interlock, (not shown) is actuated when the lid 74 is in the open
position. The disabling switch is a part of a disabling circuit
which disables the generation of voltages by the electroporation
system when the lid 74 is open. The disablement of the voltage
generation prevents a user from being subjected to electric shocks
when the lid 74 is open.
[0068] In addition, the multiple electrode pair array 10 can also
includes alignment pins (not shown) for receipt in complementary
pin-reception alignment wells (not shown) which are located in the
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple treatment plate used in electroporation 40.
The alignment pins can provide both alignment and electrical
connection between the multiple electrode pair array 10 and the
apparatus 40 for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple treatment plate used in electroporation.
[0069] In addition, other alignment means for the multiple
electrode pair array 10 can be provided. For example, the multiple
electrode pair array 10 can be provided with an alignment ridge,
and the apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode
pair array and a multiple treatment cell used in electroporation 40
can be provided with a complementary alignment groove to receive
the alignment ridge.
[0070] To use the apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple well plate 40 of the invention,
the lid 74 is lifted. The multiple electrode pair array 10 is
placed upon the board-reception structures 48. Care is taken to
properly align the multiple electrode pair array 10 with respect to
the side housing portions 46.
[0071] Now, with the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 in the lowered
position, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 8, the multiple well plate
11 is slid onto the plate lifting/lowering tray 66. More
specifically, the multiple well plate 11 is oriented so that the
outside alignment surface 78 on the multiple well plate 11 will
engage with the inside alignment surface on the inside of the
housing 42 of the apparatus 40. In addition, the well-plate tongue
portions 54 are guided into the well-plate alignment grooves 50
projecting up from the plate lifting/lowering tray 66. Then, the
multiple well plate 11 is moved into the apparatus 40. When the
outside alignment surface 78 of the multiple well plate 11 contacts
the inside alignment surface on the housing 42, the multiple
electrode pair array 10 and the multiple well plate 11 are in
proper registration. That is, the respective pairs of electrodes in
the multiple electrode pair array 10 are in registration with the
corresponding wells in the multiple well plate 11.
[0072] Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the lifting/lowering handles 56
are grasped and rotated in a clockwise direction. When this is
done, the offset axle 58 causes the driving cam portion 60 to push
up on the tray lift rods 62 and the force-balancing ribs 68 on the
bottom of the plate lifting/lowering tray 66. As a result, the
plate lifting/lowering tray 66 moves upward toward the multiple
electrode pair array 10 causing the multiple well plate 11
supported thereon to also move upward toward the multiple electrode
pair array 10. Simultaneously, the upwardly moving plate
lifting/lowering tray 66 actuates the hold-down-clip actuator arms
72, thereby causing the hold-down clips 70 to move out from the
side housing portions 46 to be located over top surfaces of the
multiple electrode pair array 10.
[0073] Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lifting/lowering
handles 56 are moved to their full extent in the clockwise
direction. As a result, the respective pairs of electrodes in the
multiple electrode pair array 10 enter the corresponding wells in
the multiple well plate 11. In addition, respective inside walls 13
of the wells enter into respective adjacent electrode pair spacing
gaps 28.
[0074] Once the respective electrode pairs in the multiple
electrode pair array 10 are fully entered into the respective wells
of the multiple well plate 11, solutions to be treated, such as by
electroporation, can be added through the respective access
channels 14 to the respective wells. Also, the row/column conductor
plug 36 is connected to the socket assembly (not shown) on the
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate 40, and the lid 74 is closed to
bypass the disabling switch, e.g. interlock, (not shown).
[0075] Then, the contents of the respective wells can be subjected
to treatment with respective electric field modalities. Using the
multiple electrode pair array 10. Each well is individually
addressable and individually treatable.
[0076] After treatment is complete, the lid 74 is lifted, thereby
actuating the disabling switch, e.g. interlock, (not shown). Then,
the lifting/lowering handles 56 are rotated in a counterclockwise
direction. When this occurs, referring to FIG. 11, the driving cam
portion 60 of the offset axle 58 moves against the tray lowering
cams 80. As a result, the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 and the
multiple well plate 11 are lowered away from the multiple electrode
pair array 10. Also, the plate lifting/lowering tray 66 moves clear
of the hold-down-clip actuator arms 72, thereby permitting the
hold-down clips 70 to move away from the multiple electrode pair
array 10 and back into the side housing portions 46. When the
lifting/lowering handles 56 are in their fully counterclockwise
direction, the wells in the multiple well plate 11 are completely
disengaged from the pairs of electrodes in the multiple electrode
pair array 10, and the multiple electrode pair array 10 can be
readily lifted off of the apparatus 40 for receiving and aligning a
multiple electrode pair array 10 and a multiple well plate 11.
[0077] As mentioned hereinabove, the amount of frictional
resistance to overcome to fit a 96 electrode pair matrix array into
a conventional 96 well multiple well plate can be quite
substantial. Conversely, there is a substantial amount of
frictional resistance to overcome to remove a 96 electrode pair
matrix array from a 96 well multiple well plate after it has been
fitted into a 96 well multiple well plate.
[0078] With respect to these frictional considerations, there is a
large mechanical advantage in the relatively large turning movement
of the lifting/lowering handles 56 with respect to the relatively
small vertical movement of the multiple well plate 11 toward and
away from the multiple electrode pair array 10. Such large
mechanical advantage allows these frictional forces to be readily
overcome by manual operation of the lifting/lowering handles
56.
[0079] The apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple
electrode pair array and a multiple treatment cell used in
electroporation 40 of the invention can be used as a stand alone
unit, or it can be integrated into an automated robotics
system.
[0080] Generally, the components of the multiple electrode pair
array of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable
metal and plastic materials.
[0081] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant
invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and
accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage
and operation need be provided.
[0082] It is apparent from the above that the present invention
accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing an apparatus
for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a
multiple well plate that is low in cost, relatively simple in
design and operation, and which may advantageously be used to
properly align and register a multiple electrode array with a
multiple well plate. With the invention, an apparatus for receiving
and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well
plate is provided which facilitates overcoming the frictional
resistance for fitting a 96 electrode pair matrix array into a
conventional 96 well multiple well plate. With the invention, an
apparatus for receiving and aligning a multiple electrode pair
array and a multiple well plate is provided which facilitates
overcoming the frictional resistance for fitting a multiple
electrode pair matrix array into a conventional multiple well
plate. With the invention, an apparatus for receiving and aligning
a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well plate is
provided which facilitates overcoming the frictional resistance to
remove a 96 electrode pair matrix array from a conventional 96 well
plate. With the invention, an apparatus for receiving and aligning
a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well plate is
provided which facilitates overcoming the frictional resistance to
remove a multiple electrode pair matrix array from a conventional
multiple well plate. With the invention, an apparatus for receiving
and aligning a multiple electrode pair array and a multiple well
plate is provided which places pairs of rectangular electrodes into
rectangular wells so that the rectangular electrodes closely fit
against adjacent walls of the wells.
[0083] With respect to the above description, it should be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, form function and manner
of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and
obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, all
relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only
by the scope of appended claims.
[0084] While the present invention has been shown in the drawings
and fully described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof
may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein. Hence, the proper scope of the present invention
should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the
appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalents.
* * * * *