Paul M Quitzau

US Patent:

20020102149, Aug 1, 2002

Filed:

Jan 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/771112

Inventors:

Julian Warhurst - Ashland MA, US
Andrew Zaayenga - Martinsville NJ, US
Paul Quitzau - Blackstone MA, US

Assignee:

TekCel, Inc.

International Classification:

B65G001/00

US Classification:

414/267000

Abstract:

An apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of microplate racks arranged in a stack. Each of the racks is mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns and each of the columns has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks. The apparatus also includes a lift, coupled to the support columns, for moving the stack or a portion thereof, and a controller coupled to the lift and the locking devices. The controller is responsive to a signal to access a desired rack or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of the locking devices corresponding to the rack adjacent to the desired rack or microplate, followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired rack or microplate.

US Patent:

20030059287, Mar 27, 2003

Filed:

Jul 16, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/196043

Inventors:

Julian Warhurst - Ashland MA, US
Andrew Zaayenga - Martinsville NJ, US
Paul Quitzau - Blackstone MA, US

International Classification:

B65G001/00

US Classification:

414/331140

Abstract:

An apparatus for random access storage and retrieval of a plurality of microplates is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of microplate racks arranged in a stack. Each of the racks is mechanically engaged with a plurality of support columns and each of the columns has a plurality of locking devices corresponding to the plurality of racks. The apparatus also includes a lift, coupled to the support columns, for moving the stack or a portion thereof, and a controller, coupled to the lift and the locking devices. The controller is responsive to a signal to access a desired rack or microplate to cause actuation of one or more of the locking devices corresponding to the rack adjacent to the desired rack or microplate, followed by actuation of the lift, thereby moving a portion of the stack a sufficient distance to allow access to the desired rack or microplate.

US Patent:

20040126209, Jul 1, 2004

Filed:

Dec 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/736798

Inventors:

Julian Warhurst - Ashland MA, US
Andrew Zaayenga - Martinsville NJ, US
Paul Quitzau - Blackstone MA, US

International Classification:

B65G001/00

US Classification:

414/279000, 414/331140, 414/331160, 414/331180, 414/284000, 414/798200

Abstract:

An apparatus for transporting and an apparatus for conveying microplates between two locations are provided. The transport includes a pair of rails, a microplate transport carriage for moving along the rails, a rotary platter for loading and unloading microplates on the carriage, a controller for generating signals for controlling the position of the carriage on the rails and the rotation of the platter on the carriage, and a servo for moving the carriage or rotating the platter in response to a control signal. The transport moves microplates along the rails in accord with any of several methods for performing different tasks. The conveyor includes an extendable support frame, a pair of oppositely disposed tensioning elements arranged within the frame, a conveyor belt which wound around the elements and extends as the support frame is extended, and a motor for driving the conveyor belt.