초록 ▼

This invention relates generally to crystal growth devices, and more particularly to a device in which protein crystals are grown in a hanging drop (12). The drop (12) is suspended from a surface (32) positioned in the interior (21) of an enclosure (18) which is sealably coupled via a valve (56) to

This invention relates generally to crystal growth devices, and more particularly to a device in which protein crystals are grown in a hanging drop (12). The drop (12) is suspended from a surface (32) positioned in the interior (21) of an enclosure (18) which is sealably coupled via a valve (56) to a vessel (16) containing solvent used in the drop (12). A second opening in the enclosure (18) is coupled via a valve (54) to a vessel (14) containing a selected desiccant material (44). The valve (56) may be fully or partially opened to add a selected quantity of solvent in a vapor phase to the drop (12), and the valve (54) may be fully or partially opened to cause a selected quantity of solvent to evaporate from the drop (12). The process is monitored by a camera (70), and in conjunction with a graduated pattern superimposed over the drop (12), relative volumes of the drop (12) are determinated. Alternately, the process may be automated by using a computer (94) coupled to servo motors (96, 98, 100), which in turn are coupled to and operate a cap (26) and valves (54, 56), respectively. The computer (94) is responsive to a detection device (92) which detects changes of light passing through the drop (12) from the light source (76).

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for growing crystals comprising: a sealable enclosure having first and second openings; infinitely variable valve means coupled to said openings and disposed for controlling passage of gases therethrough; fluid support means positioned in said enclosure, said fluid support means having

An apparatus for growing crystals comprising: a sealable enclosure having first and second openings; infinitely variable valve means coupled to said openings and disposed for controlling passage of gases therethrough; fluid support means positioned in said enclosure, said fluid support means having a surface disposed for supporting a drop of fluid, said drop including a crystalline material dissolved therein; a source of solvent vapor coupled via said valve means to said first opening, for selectively supplying solvent in a vapor phase to said drop, decreasing concentration of said dissolved crystalline material; and a source of desiccant coupled via said valve means to said second opening, for selectively removing solvent in a vapor phase from said drop, increasing the concentration of said dissolved crystalline material.