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Title: Method and apparatus for accurately manipulating an object during microelectrophoresis

Patent ·
OSTI ID:541734

An apparatus using electrophoresis provides accurate manipulation of an object on a microscope stage for further manipulations and reactions. The present invention also provides an inexpensive and easily accessible means to move an object without damage to the object. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the stage in an array whereby the electrode array allows for distinct manipulations of the electric field for accurate manipulations of the object. There is an electrode array control coupled to the plurality of electrodes for manipulating the electric field. In an alternative embodiment, a chamber is provided on the stage to hold the object. The plurality of electrodes are positioned in the chamber, and the chamber is filled with fluid. The system can be automated using visual servoing, which manipulates the control parameters, i.e., x, y stage, applying the field, etc., after extracting the significant features directly from image data. Visual servoing includes an imaging device and computer system to determine the location of the object. A second stage having a plurality of tubes positioned on top of the second stage, can be accurately positioned by visual servoing so that one end of one of the plurality of tubes surrounds at least part of the object on the first stage. 11 figs.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); National Insts. of Health, Bethesda, MD (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,671,086/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-423,969; CNN: Grant AIO8427-25
OSTI ID:
541734
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 23 Sep 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English