Systems and methods for stacking microplates

Abstract

A microplate stacker includes a housing having a microplate port at a first end of the housing and a limit plane at a second end of the housing. A plurality of screws are disposed substantially orthogonal to and between the microplate port and the limit plane, wherein each screw has a thread. A drive motor is disposed in the housing for rotating at substantially the same rotational rate and rotational direction each of the plurality of screws. A transmission is disposed in the housing for coupling the drive motor to each of the plurality of screws.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STACKING MICROPLATES

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is being filed as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 608,610, filed December 11, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] INTRODUCTION

[0005] Automated microplate processing systems may include, e.g., imagers, incubators, organoid or cell culturers, or other subsystems. In the case of an imager, the time required to perform an imaging procedure may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the number of wells imaged, the imaging detail required for each well, etc. As such, it may take a considerable amount of time to load a number of microplates into an imager, perform the imaging procedure for each microplate, and then remove the imaged microplate. The automated nature of certain imagers would enable a plurality of microplates to be imaged over a period of time (e.g., overnight), but the microplates must be introduced to the imager in an organized manner.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect, the technology relates to a microplate stacker including: a housing including: a plurality of walls defining an interior; an access door; and a lower reference plane; a plurality of screws disposed in the interior and extending vertically from the lower reference plane, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws is disposed adjacent each of the plurality of walls, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws includes: a shaft having an outer surface and defining a vertical axis and an axis point disposed on the vertical axis at a predetermined distance above the lower reference plane, wherein the plurality of axis points define an upper reference plane having an upper reference plane centroid; and a lifting thread disposed about the shaft and extending from the outer surface, wherein the lifting thread has an engagement point, wherein the plurality of engagement points define an engagement plane containing the upper reference plane centroid, wherein the engagement plane is substantially parallel to the lower reference plane; a drive motor; and a transmission operably coupling the drive motor to the plurality of screws. In an example, the access door has at least one substantially vertical rail projecting into the interior of the housing. In another example, the plurality of axis points define a plurality of lines therebetween that bound the upper reference plane. In another example, the drive motor has a plurality of drive motors and the transmission has a plurality of transmissions, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws is operably coupled to a single drive motor of the plurality of drive motors via a single transmission of the plurality of transmissions. In yet another example, the microplate stacker, further includes a drive motor output coupled to the drive motor and wherein the transmission includes a belt coupled to the drive motor output and each of the plurality of screws. In still another example, the drive motor output includes a reduction gear set.

[0008] In another example of the above aspect, the transmission includes a plurality of idlers, wherein a position of at least one of the idlers is adjustable to adjust a tension on the belt. In another example, a sensor is disposed at a sensor distance from the lower reference plane. In yet another example, the sensor is at least one of an optical sensor, a contact sensor, and a position sensor. In still another example, a limit switch is coupled to the sensor and the sensor is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the housing. In another example, the sensor is a plurality of sensors and the sensor distance is a plurality of sensor distances. In another example, each screw has a stop and the stop is selectively engageable with a pin projecting from the housing and into the interior.

[0009] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of moving a microplate, the method including: engaging a plurality of edges of the microplate with a thread extending from each of a plurality of screws, wherein each edge of the plurality of edges of the microplate engages with each thread of the plurality of threads at a radial engagement location, wherein each radial engagement location is defined by an engagement angle measured from a reference radius of each of the plurality of screws; and rotating each screw of the plurality of screws in a first rotational direction and at a first rate of rotation, wherein rotating each screw moves the microplate in a first direction along a vertical axis of each of the plurality of screws while substantially maintaining a constant radial engagement location between each edge and each thread. In an example, the method includes contacting, with the microplate, an outer surface of at least one screw of the plurality of screws while rotating each screw of the plurality of screws. In another example, the method includes advancing the microplate into a capture plane of the plurality of screws prior to each thread of the plurality of threads reaching a capture location. In yet another e4xample, the capture location includes a predetermined angular distance from the radial engagement location. In still another example, the method includes receiving a height position signal and terminating rotating each screw of the plurality of screws upon receipt of the height position signal.

[0010] In another example of the above aspect, the method includes receiving a rotational position signal from a sensor associated with at least one of the plurality of screws and wherein advancing the microplate into the capture plane is performed upon receipt of the rotational position signal. In another example, the method includes slidably contacting with the microplate a rail disposed distal of each of the plurality of screws.

[0011] In another aspect, the technology relates to a microplate stacker including: a housing including a microplate port at a first end of the housing and a limit plane at a second end of the housing; a plurality of screws disposed substantially orthogonal to and between the microplate port and the limit plane, wherein each screw includes a thread; a drive motor disposed in the housing for rotating at substantially the same rotational rate and rotational direction each of the plurality of screws; and a transmission disposed in the housing for coupling the drive motor to each of the plurality of screws.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto. FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a microplate imaging system, with a pair of microplate stackers not depicted for illustrative purposes.

[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a microplate stacker, with a microplate depicted in two positions along a stacking system.

[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict enlarged perspective views of a bottom portion of the microplate stacker of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the microplate stacker of FIG. 2A, depicting a stacker drive subsystem.

[0017] FIG. 4B is an enlarged top perspective view of the stacker drive system of FIG. 4A.

[0018] FIG. 4C is an enlarged partial perspective view of a belt drive interface for a screw of the stacker drive system of FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top schematic view of a microplate stacker depicting positional relationships between various components thereof.

[0020] FIGS. 6A-6B depict partial front and perspective views, respectively, of a microplate stacker holding a plurality of microplates.

[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a method of moving a microplate in a microplate stacker.

[0022] FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a computing device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a microplate imaging system 100. The system 100 includes a housing 102 in which may be included an imager subsystem for imaging microplates, which may include microscopes, lens systems, light sources, cameras, and other components as required or desired to image the contents of the microplates presented thereto. The housing 102 may be kept under controlled conditions (as to temperature, relative humidity, etc.) and thus may include one or more heating subsystems, cooling subsystems, air distribution systems, and the sensors and controls required to operate automatically such systems. Within the housing may be a number of components used to move or otherwise manipulate microplates therein, including grippers to lift and / or translate microplates, elevators / translators (e.g., movable stages that perform similar movements to grippers), lid removal subsystems (to remove lids or covers from microplates), etc.

[0025] The imaging system 100 may include one or more stacker stations 104a, 104b, where a microplate stacker (described further herein) may be placed so as to enable introduction of microplates to and / or removal of microplates from the imaging system 100. Each stacker station 104a, 104a includes an elevator 106a, 106b that may be used to remove a microplate from a microplate stacker, or introduce a microplate to a microplate stacker, or both. The microplates may or may not be covered by a lid, cover, or case to protect the samples. In the depicted example, a fully-loaded, partially loaded, or empty microplate stacker may be placed on stacker station 104a. In an example, a microplate stacker may be preloaded with one or more microplates prior to placing it on the stacker station 104a, or the microplate stacker may be placed empty on the stacker station and loaded with one or more microplates manually. Further, an empty microplate stacker may be placed on stacker station 104b.

[0026] For the purposes of describing briefly operation of the system 100, the stacker loaded onto the stacker station 104a may be referred to as an entry stacker, the microplate stacker loaded onto the stacker station 104b may be referred to as an exit stacker. Once both microplate stackers are placed at the appropriate station 104a, 104b, the entry elevator 106a is lifted into a bottom portion of the entry stacker, where a microplate is released, as described further herein. The entry elevator 106a is lowered along with the microplate into the housing 102 of the imaging system 100 for imaging and other processing, as required or desired for a particular application. After processing, the microplate may be positioned on the exit elevator 106b and lifted into the exit stacker. There, the microplate is captured by the exit stacker and is held for storage, transport, etc. Transferring microplates into and out of the microplate stackers, and raising and lower microplates within the stackers, requires precise spatial coordination to ensure that transfer, raising, and lowering occurs carefully (without dropping the microplates) and automatically (without human intervention). The technologies described herein contemplate microplate stackers that are highly precise and can operate without human intervention.

[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a microplate stacker 200, with a microplate 202 depicted in two positions along a stacking system 204. The microplate stacker 200 may house microplates 200 with or without cases, which are typically used to protect against contamination of samples, control environmental conditions with the wells, etc. FIGS. 2A and 2B are described concurrently and not all components of the microplate stacker 200 are depicted in both figures. For example, one side wall 206b is depicted in FIG. 2B as partially transparent, thus revealing components including, for example, a motor 228 in FIG. 2B. An upper roof 230 is also depicted partially transparent, so as to make visible a drive system 214.

[0028] The microplate stacker 200 includes a housing 206 having two side walls 206a, a rear wall 206b, and an access door 208 pivotably connected to one of the side walls 206a. Within these walls 206a, 206b, and door 208 is defined an interior volume 210. Within the interior volume 210 is the stacking system 204 that includes a plurality of vertically-disposed screws 212a (adjacent side walls 206a) and 212b (adjacent rear wall 212b). As these screws 212 are rotated in sync by a stacker drive subsystem 214, the microplates contained within the interior volume 210 are raised and lowered along the screws 212, while resting on lifting threads 216 disposed about each shaft 218 of each screw 212. The lifting threads 216 have a pitch sufficient to lift and lower the microplates without disturbing, dislodging, or otherwise inadvertently removing the lids when the microplates are covered or uncovered. That is, the lifting threads 216 are spaced so as to accommodate both uncovered or covered microplates. Particularly tall microplates and / or covers may require an even greater lifting thread pitch. Only a single microplate 202 is depicted in each of FIGS. 2A and 2B for illustrative purposes. The microplates 202 are raised and lowered in unison until a lowermost microplate reaches a lower opening or microplate port 220, from which the microplate 202 is removed by the elevator, as described above. One or more substantially vertical rails 222 project from or are disposed on an interior surface of the access door 208 and allow the microplates 202 to be raised or lowered without shifting laterally and / or falling. That is, the microplates 202 are restricted from lateral movement on all sides by the outer surfaces 224 of each shaft 218, and the vertical rail(s) 222. Closure of the access door 208 may be detected by a sensor 226 such as a Hall Effect sensor, proximity sensor, optical sensor, contact sensor, etc. In an example, if the access door 208 is detected as open, the drive system 214 may be locked out, preventing operation and potential loss of microplates 202 and the samples therein. The drive system 214 includes at least one drive motor 228, and described in more detail below in the context of FIGS. 4A-4C. Portions of the drive system 214 may be accessed via a removeable roof 230, although in alternative examples, all or portions of the drive system 214 may be accessed via the interior volume 210.

[0029] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict enlarged perspective views of a lower portion of the microplate stacker 200 of FIG. 2A. Certain features and components depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B are depicted above in FIGS. 1-2B and, as such, are not necessarily described further. FIG. 3B is an enlarged upper perspective view of the screw 212a to more clearly depict a particular condition thereof, and is described concurrently with FIG. 3B. The various walls 206a, 206b of the housing 206 at least partially define the interior volume 210. Microplates may be introduced to the interior volume via the access door (not shown) or the lower opening 220. The portion 220a of the housing 206 that defines the lower opening 220 may define a lower reference plane PL. In examples, microplates inserted via the access door 208 may be inserted manually, while microplates inserted via the lower opening 220 may be inserted via one of the elevators depicted in FIG. 1. Three screws 212a, 212b are partially depicted and extend upward from a portion of the housing 206 proximate the lower opening 220. Each screw 212 includes a shaft 218 and a lifting thread 216 that projects from an outer surface 224 of the shaft 218. As each shaft 218 is substantially vertical, so too would an axis of each shaft 218 be so oriented. In examples, the lifting threads 216 may project a distance of 1 mm or more, for example, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc., from the outer surface 224. The lifting threads 216 provide a support for holding the microplate as the screws 212 rotate, thereby lifting and lowering the microplate. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the screws 212 are depicted in a load position, though this is most clearly depicted in the enlarged upper perspective view of FIG. 3B. In the load position, a bottom-most extent 232 of each thread 216 is positioned so as to capture a microplate when the microplate is lifted through the lower opening 220, at or above the lower reference plane PL defined by the housing portion 220a. This position is such that the bottom-most extent 232 of the thread 216 may contact a bottom edge of the microplate, thereby lifting the microplate off of the elevator. As the screw 212 rotates in a first rotational direction, the microplate is lifted; as the screw 212 rotates in a second rotational direction, the microplate is lowered. Each of the three screws 212a, 212b are positioned in the load position simultaneously to evenly lift the microplate from the elevator, without tilting the microplate, which could cause the contents thereof to be dumped from a well of the microplate, or for the microplate to be dropped.

[0030] FIGS. 4A-4C are enlarged top perspective views (partial enlarged views in the case of FIGS. 4B and 4C) of the microplate stacker 200 of FIG. 2 A, depicting the stacker drive subsystem 214 in more detail. Certain features and components depicted in FIG. 3 are depicted above in FIGS. 2A-2B and, as such, are not necessarily described further. FIGS. 4A-4C are described concurrently. The stacker drive subsystem 214 is disposed above an upper portion of the stacking system 204, which includes the three screws 212a, 212b. An upper opening 234 is depicted, which allows access to the interior volume 210 of the stacker 200. This access enables a user or technician to remove the removeable roof 230 (depicted translucent for clarity and including a handle 238 for ease of removal), operate the stacker drive subsystem 214, and observe the movements of the stacking system 204, while the access door 208 remains closed. The stacker drive subsystem 214 includes a belt, chain, cable, or other drive 236 wrapped around a plurality of transmissions 240, one per screw 212. A drive transmission 242 couples the motor 228, via a reduction gear set 244 and the drive 236, to the plurality of transmissions 240. By utilizing a single drive 236, synchronized operation of the screws 212 is ensured, allowing the screws 212 to rotate at substantially the same rotational rate and in the same rotational direction simultaneously. In other examples, multiple drives, multiple motors, etc., may be utilized.

[0031] A plurality of idlers 246 may also be utilized in the stacker drive subsystem 214 and, in certain examples, may be positionable so as to adjust tension on the belt drive 236. Each of the idlers 246 may include a spool 248 rotatably secured to a base 250 that defines one or more elongate openings 252 aligned with the spool 248 along an axis AB of the base 250. A screw 254 is secured through each elongate opening 252 to the structure of the housing 206, thus allowing the idler 246 to be positionably secured along the axis AB, so as to adjust a tension on the stacker drive subsystem 214. A plurality of wire clips 256 or similar retention elements are configured to secure wiring for the stacker drive subsystem 214. The stacker drive subsystem 214 may also include a sensor 258 in the form of a Hall Effect sensor, proximity sensor, optical sensor, contact sensor, etc. The sensor 258 may define a limit plane, thereby acting as a limit switch, to prevent microplates from contacting an upper extent of the housing 206. In such a case, the position of the sensor 258 relative to a datum, such as the lower reference plane PL; triggering the sensor 258 may cause operation of the stacker drive subsystem 214 to end. Multiple sensors positioned at different distances from the lower reference plane PL may also be utilized for redundancy, microplate position tracking, or other purposes. Further, one or more encoders or other position sensors may be incorporated into the stacker drive subsystem to ensure proper positioning of the screws 212, idlers 246, or other components.

[0032] Each screw 212 includes structure (depicted most clearly in FIG. 4C) for setting an initial position of each screw 212 so as to ensure proper positioning. Setting the initial position may be required during manufacture of the microplate stacker 200, or may be performed when an end user changes each screw 212 (e.g., when selecting screws having different thread pitches as described below in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Each transmission 240 includes one or more set screws 260 that selectively secure the transmission 240 to the screw 212. To initially position the screw 212, the set screw(s) 260 are loosened and the screw 212 manually rotated until an upper-most extent 262 of the thread 216 contacts a pin 264 removably inserted into the housing 206, thereby acting as a stop. Upon contact, the set screw(s) 260 may be tightened, thus setting the position of the screw 212. In examples, this initial position is defined as a condition where the bottom-most extent 232 of each thread 216 is positioned so as to capture a microplate, such as depicted in FIG. 3. Thereafter the pin 264 may be removed and the stacker drive subsystem 214 operated.

[0033] Rotation in unison of the screws 212 ensures that the microplates being stored in the stacker 200 remain substantially level or horizontal. While the microplates need not remain precisely horizontal, excessive deviation from a level condition may cause the microplates to fall from the lifting threads 216. Other factors may contribute to the ability of the microplates to remain level and supported by the lifting threads 216. For example, the diameter of the shaft 218, the distance that each lifting thread 216 extends from the surface 224 of the shaft 218, the pitch of each lifting thread 216, etc., may also be relevant. For example, screws 212 having a finer-pitch lifting thread 216 may be less likely to lose contact with the microplate, as may lifting threads 216 that extend farther from the surface 224 (and are therefore, relatively larger).

[0034] FIG. 5 depicts, for illustrative purposes, a top view of an example of a microplate stacker 300. A microplate 302 is depicted and is supported on three screws 304. Each screw 304 has an axis A and an outer surface 306. A lifting thread 308 is disposed about and extends outward from the outer surface 306. A point P along each axis A is disposed a distance above a lower reference plane, such as the lower reference plane PL of the lower opening 220 (such as depicted in FIG. 3). The point P is depicted for illustrative purposes and is described in the context of FIG. 5 to orient the various planes further described herein. These points P on the axis A of each screw 304 together define an upper reference plane 310, depicted with dashed lines in FIG. 5. This upper reference plane 310 defines a centroid C. This centroid C is also disposed within an engagement plane 312, which is depicted with dash-dot-dot lines in FIG. 5. It is this engagement plane 312 that is preferably substantially level, as it defines the points on which the microplate 302 makes contact with the lifting threads 308 of each screw 304 at an engagement point 314. The engagement plane 312 would also be substantially parallel to the lower reference plane PL depicted in FIG. 3. The exact location of these engagement points 314 on the lifting threads 308 may be dependent on a number of factors. Using engagement point 314 as an example, a person of skill in the art, upon reading this disclosure, would understand that, if the thread 308 was instead a horizontal rim, a point of contact would be disposed on a reference radius Rr, at position X. The reference radius Rr, in the case of screw 304 would extend from the point P to the centroid C, as depicted. Because of the pitch of the thread 308, however, the engagement point 314a between the microplate 302 and the lifting thread 308 is slightly shifted from position X, as depicted in FIG. 5, and is instead positioned on an engagement radius Re. This slight shift in contact points 314 would be similar for each of the screws 304. The angle between reference radius Rr and engagement radius Re may be defined as an engagement angle a. Thus, the shared centroid C between the engagement plane 312 and the upper reference plane 310 aids in defining the level condition of those planes 310, 312, regardless of the pitch of the lifting threads 308, the diameter of the screw 304, etc. While not relevant to these planes 310, 312, FIG. 5 also depicts the substantially vertical rails 316 that prevent the microplate 302 from falling out from between the screws 304.

[0035] FIGS. 6A-6B depict partial front and perspective views, respectively, of a microplate stacker 400 holding a plurality of microplates 402. FIGS. 6A and 6B are described concurrently and not every component is visible in both figures. A plurality of microplates 402, each covered by a lid 402a are depicted and is supported on three screws 404. Each screw 404 has an axis A and an outer surface 406. A lifting thread 408 is disposed about and extends outward from the outer surface 406. The lifting threads 408 are configured to rotate in synchronization so as to keep each microplate 402 substantially level at every distance along axis A. The thread pitch TP (e.g., distance between a first portion of a lifting thread located directly aligned with a second portion of the lifting thread above or below) may be as required or desired for a particular application. In general, however, it may be desirable for the pitch to be greater than the total height H of the microplate 402, assuming the presence of a lid 402a. Microplates and lids may have a total height (including manufacturing tolerances) of about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, or about 17 mm. Still other microplate / lid combinations may have a total height of about 22 mm, about 23 mm, or about 24 mm. Particular commercially-available microplate / lid combinations may have a height H of about 15.7 mm. As such, thread pitches TP to accommodate such microplate / lid combinations are desirable. It has been determined that a thread pitch TP of about 29 mm may accommodate microplate / lid combinations having a height of up to 23 mm or 24 mm. In an example, a single microplate stacker 400 may be provided to an end user with a plurality of screw systems, each screw system having different thread pitches. A screw system having an appropriate thread pitch may be selected and field-installed as required or desired for a particular application. FIG. 7 depicts a method 500 of moving a microplate in a microplate stacker. A microplate stacker for performing such a method 500 may be configured as depicted herein. Once a microplate is disposed within a stacker, the method 500 contemplates operation 506, engaging a plurality of edges of the microplate with a thread extending from each of a plurality of screws. Each edge of the plurality of edges of the microplate engages with each thread of the plurality of threads at a radial engagement location or point of contact, for example, as depicted in FIG. 5. These radial engagement locations are each defined by an engagement angle measured from a reference radius of each of the plurality of screws, again as depicted in FIG. 5. The method 500 continues with operation 508, rotating each screw of the plurality of screws in a first rotational direction and at a first rate of rotation. Upon rotation, each screw moves the microplate in a first direction along a vertical axis of each of the plurality of screws while substantially maintaining a constant radial engagement location between each edge and each thread. This helps maintain a substantially level position of the microplate.

[0036] Other optional operations are contemplated in the method 500 and certain of these are utilized to accurately load the stacker. For example, to ensure the correct position of the screws at all times, operation 502 contemplates receiving a rotational position signal from a sensor or encoder associated with at least one of the plurality of screws. In operation 504, the method includes advancing the microplate into a capture plane of the plurality of screws prior to each thread of the plurality of threads reaching a capture location. In examples, advancing the microplate into the capture plane is performed upon receipt of the rotational position signal described in the context of operation 502. While contact between the microplate and the screws has been described primarily in the context of contact between the microplate and the lifting threads, the method 500 also includes contacting, with the microplate, an outer surface of at least one screw of the plurality of screws while rotating each screw of the plurality of screws, operation 510. This helps ensure smooth lifting and lowering of the microplate as the screws rotate. A position of the microplate is further ensured by slidably contacting with the microplate a rail disposed distal of each of the plurality of screws, as described in operation 512. Rotation of the screws may continue, along with corresponding lifting of the microplate, until operation 514, receiving a height position signal. Upon receipt of said signal, rotation of each screw of the plurality of screws may be terminated.

[0037] FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a computing device, in accordance with an example of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, the computing device 600 may include a bus 602 or other communication mechanism of similar function for communicating information, and at least one processing element 604 (collectively referred to as processing element 604) coupled with bus 602 for processing information. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the processing element 604 may include a plurality of processing elements or cores, which may be packaged as a single processor or in a distributed arrangement. Furthermore, a plurality of virtual processing elements 604 may be included in the computing device 600 to provide the control or management operations for the stacking system, for example, rotation of the screws, detection of the position of the screws or the microplate, etc., as those components are for example depicted in FIGS. 1-3, as well as the methods depicted in FIG. 4 and described elsewhere.

[0038] The computing device 600 may also include one or more volatile memory(ies) 606, which can for example include random access memory(ies) (RAM) or other dynamic memory component(s), coupled to one or more busses 602 for use by the at least one processing element 604. Computing device 600 may further include static, non-volatile memory(ies) 608, such as read only memory (ROM) or other static memory components, coupled to busses 602 for storing information and instructions for use by the at least one processing element 604. A storage component 610, such as a storage disk or storage memory, may be provided for storing information and instructions for use by the at least one processing element 604. As will be appreciated, the computing device 600 may include a distributed storage component 612, such as a networked disk or other storage resource available to the computing device 600.

[0039] The computing device 600 may be coupled to one or more displays 614 for displaying information to a user. Optional user input device(s) 616, such as a keyboard and / or touchscreen, may be coupled to Bus 602 for communicating information and command selections to the at least one processing element 604. An optional cursor control or graphical input device 618, such as a mouse, a trackball or cursor direction keys for communicating graphical user interface information and command selections to the at least one processing element. The computing device 600 may further include an input / output (I / O) component, such as a serial connection, digital connection, network connection, or other input / output component for allowing intercommunication with other computing components and the various components of the systems depicted in FIGS. 1-3, as well as the methods depicted in FIG. 6, illustrated above.

[0040] In various embodiments, computing device 600 can be connected to one or more other computer systems via a network to form a networked system. Such networks can for example include one or more private networks or public networks, such as the Internet. In the networked system, one or more computer systems can store and serve the data to other computer systems. The one or more computer systems that store and serve the data can be referred to as servers or the cloud in a cloud computing scenario. The one or more computer systems can include one or more web servers, for example. The other computer systems that send and receive data to and from the servers or the cloud can be referred to as client or cloud devices, for example. Various operations of the systems depicted in FIGS. 1-3, as well as the methods depicted in FIG. 6, illustrated above may be supported by operation of the distributed computing systems.

[0041] The computing device 600 may be operative to control operation of the components of the stackers described herein or the method illustrated above through a communication device such as, e.g., communication device 620, and to handle data provided from the data sources as discussed above with respect to the stackers or methods described herein. In some examples, analysis results are provided by the computing device 600 in response to the at least one processing element 604 executing instructions contained in memory 606 or 608 and performing operations on the received data items. Execution of instructions contained in memory 606 and / or 608 by the at least one processing element 604 can render the systems depicted in FIGS. 1-3, as well as the methods depicted in FIG. 6, operative to perform methods described herein.

[0042] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any media that participates in providing instructions to the processing element 604 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as disk storage 610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as memory 606. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that include bus 602.

[0043] Common forms of computer-readable media or computer program products include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc, any other optical medium, a thumb drive, a memory card, a RAM, PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other tangible medium from which a computer can read.

[0044] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processing element 604 for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on the magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computing device 600 can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector coupled to bus 602 can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and place the data on bus 602. Bus 602 carries the data to memory 606, from which the processing element 604 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by memory 606 and / or memory 608 may optionally be stored on storage device 610 either before or after execution by the processing element 604.

[0045] In accordance with various embodiments, instructions operative to be executed by a processing element to perform a method are stored on a computer- readable medium. The computer readable medium can be a device that stores digital information. For example, a computer-readable medium includes a compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM) as is known in the art for storing software. The computer- readable medium is accessed by a processor suitable for executing instructions configured to be executed. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0046] It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified examples and examples. In this regard, any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible.

[0047] While various examples have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope contemplated by the present disclosure. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A microplate stacker comprising: a housing comprising: a plurality of walls defining an interior; an access door; and a lower reference plane; a plurality of screws disposed in the interior and extending vertically from the lower reference plane, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws is disposed adjacent each of the plurality of walls, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws comprises: a shaft comprising an outer surface and defining a vertical axis and an axis point disposed on the vertical axis at a predetermined distance above the lower reference plane, wherein the plurality of axis points define an upper reference plane comprising an upper reference plane centroid; and a lifting thread disposed about the shaft and extending from the outer surface, wherein the lifting thread comprises an engagement point, wherein the plurality of engagement points define an engagement plane containing the upper reference plane centroid, wherein the engagement plane is substantially parallel to the lower reference plane; a drive motor; and a transmission operably coupling the drive motor to the plurality of screws.

2. The microplate stacker of claim 1 , wherein the access door comprises at least one substantially vertical rail projecting into the interior of the housing.

3. The microplate stacker of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of axis points define a plurality of lines therebetween that bound the upper reference plane.

4. The microplate stacker of any preceding claim, wherein the drive motor comprises a plurality of drive motors and the transmission comprises a plurality of transmissions, wherein each screw of the plurality of screws is operably coupled to asingle drive motor of the plurality of drive motors via a single transmission of the plurality of transmissions.

5. The microplate stacker of any preceding claim, further comprising a drive motor output coupled to the drive motor and wherein the transmission comprises a belt coupled to the drive motor output and each of the plurality of screws.

6. The microplate stacker of claim 5, wherein the drive motor output comprises a reduction gear set.

7. The microplate stacker of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the transmission comprises a plurality of idlers, wherein a position of at least one of the idlers is adjustable to adjust a tension on the belt.

8. The microplate stacker of claim any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor disposed at a sensor distance from the lower reference plane.

9. The microplate stacker of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an optical sensor, a contact sensor, and a position sensor.

10. The microplate stacker of claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a limit switch coupled to the sensor and wherein the sensor is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the housing.

11. The microplate stacker of claim 8 or claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors and wherein the sensor distance comprises a plurality of sensor distances.

12. The microplate stacker of any preceding claim, wherein each screw comprises a stop and wherein the stop is selectively engageable with a pin projecting from the housing and into the interior.

13. A method of moving a microplate, the method comprising: engaging a plurality of edges of the microplate with a thread extending from each of a plurality of screws, wherein each edge of the plurality of edges of the microplate engages with each thread of the plurality of threads at a radial engagement location, wherein each radial engagement location is defined by an engagement angle measured from a reference radius of each of the plurality of screws; and rotating each screw of the plurality of screws in a first rotational direction and at a first rate of rotation, wherein rotating each screw moves the microplate in a first direction along a vertical axis of each of the plurality of screws while substantially maintaining a constant radial engagement location between each edge and each thread.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising contacting, with the microplate, an outer surface of at least one screw of the plurality of screws while rotating each screw of the plurality of screws.

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising advancing the microplate into a capture plane of the plurality of screws prior to each thread of the plurality of threads reaching a capture location.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the capture location comprises a predetermined angular distance from the radial engagement location.

17. The method of any of claims 13-16, further comprising receiving a height position signal and terminating rotating each screw of the plurality of screws upon receipt of the height position signal.

18. The method of any of claims 15-17, further comprising receiving a rotational position signal from a sensor associated with at least one of the plurality of screws and wherein advancing the microplate into the capture plane is performed upon receipt of the rotational position signal.

19. The method of any of claims 13-18, further comprising slidably contacting with the microplate a rail disposed distal of each of the plurality of screws.

20. A microplate stacker comprising: a housing comprising a microplate port at a first end of the housing and a limit plane at a second end of the housing; a plurality of screws disposed substantially orthogonal to and between the microplate port and the limit plane, wherein each screw comprises a thread; a drive motor disposed in the housing for rotating at substantially the same rotational rate and rotational direction each of the plurality of screws; and a transmission disposed in the housing for coupling the drive motor to each of the plurality of screws.

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