Method and apparatus for accurately manipulating an object during microelectrophoresis

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871158

Parvin, Bahram A ^[1]; Maestre, Marcos F ^[2]; Fish, Richard H ^[2]; Johnston, William E ^[3]

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1. Hercules, CA
2. Berkeley, CA
3. Kensington, CA

An apparatus using electrophoresis provides accurate manipulation of an object on a microscope stage for further manipulations add 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.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• Assignee: Regents, University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5671086
• OSTI ID: 871158
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
accurately
manipulating
microelectrophoresis
electrophoresis
provides
accurate
manipulation
microscope
stage
manipulations
add
reactions
inexpensive
easily
accessible
means
move
damage
plurality
electrodes
coupled
array
whereby
electrode
allows
distinct
electric
field
control
alternative
embodiment
chamber
provided
hold
positioned
filled
fluid
automated
visual
servoing
manipulates
parameters
applying
etc
extracting
significant
features
directly
image
data
imaging
device
computer
determine
location
tubes
top
surrounds
electrode array
provides accurate
imaging device
image data
electric field
alternative embodiment
tubes positioned
accurately positioned
accurately position
easily accessible
/359/250/