Peter J Smyczek

US Patent:

49083198, Mar 13, 1990

Filed:

Mar 16, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/168994

Inventors:

Peter J. Smyczek - Milwaukee WI
John A. Thompson - Myersville MD

International Classification:

C12M 309

US Classification:

435285

Abstract:

An improved laboratory chamber apparatus capable of carrying out multiple laboratory processes including hybridization, cell growth, and chromatographic separations, among others, includes a low profile base having a minimum volume chamber positioned therein. The chamber includes a selectably removable cover which is capable of providing access to and sealingly closing the hollow chamber. In the preferred embodiment, the cover is disc shaped so as to be able to sealingly engage a side wall of a low profile hollow cylindrical chamber and is insertable into the chamber to an adjustable depth to minimize the chamber volume, while allowing a variation of that volume depending upon the number of filters, membranes, or other accessories placed in the chamber. The hollow cylindrical chamber further includes opposed input and outuput ports, the input port providing for measured input of experimental solutions, wash solutions, etc. , and the output port selectably providing a partial vacuum to the chamber, as well as providing for removal of solutions positioned therein.

US Patent:

51007754, Mar 31, 1992

Filed:

Mar 12, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/491587

Inventors:

Peter J. Smyczek - Milwaukee WI
John A. Thompson - Myersville MD

International Classification:

C12Q 168

US Classification:

435 6

Abstract:

An improved method for carrying out multiple laboratory processes including hybridization, cell growth and chromatographic separations including steps of: providing a laboratory apparatus having a hollow recessed chamber and a removable cover sized to be slidably retained in at least a portion of the hollow recessed chamber for providing a variable volume chamber. Inserting a sandwich including a membrane having DNA fragments bound thereto, and a porous non-reactive filter on either side of the membrane into the chamber and inserting the slidable cover, a distance sufficient to provide a minimum volume chamber for the sandwich. Delivering a pre-hybridization solution to the chamber by utilizing a fluid administration kit in fluid communication with the chamber and pre-hybridizing the DNA fragments at a desired temperature. Removing the pre-hybridization solution from the chamber by the fluid administration kit. Delivering a probe/hybridization solution to the chamber by the fluid administration kit and hybridizing the DNA fragments at the same temperature as pre-hybridization.