Patent ID: 6352633
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: C07K,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An automated parallel capillary zone electrophoresis system for performing capillary zone electrophoresis on a plurality of samples, said system comprising:a fluid container; a plurality of capillary tubes, each capillary tube having a first end and a second end, said first ends having a spacing corresponding to that of wells of a microtitre tray, said second ends connected to said fluid container at a first level therein; a power supply configured to apply a voltage across the first and second ends of the capillary tubes; a pump connected to said fluid container via a pump conduit, said pump configured to introduce a liquid into the container when said pump conduit is open and said pump is operating; a vacuum device connected to said fluid container via a vacuum conduit entering said fluid container at a second level higher than said first level, said vacuum device configured to cause a negative pressure in said container, when said pump conduit is closed and said container is sealed; a gas release valve connected to said container and configured to vent a gas in the container when said gas release valve is opened; a drain valve connected to said container and configured to drain a liquid in said container, when said drain valve is open; a light source arranged to illuminate samples within said plurality of capillary tubes; and a light detector configured to detect a light emitted by said samples.