ORBITAL SHAKER

Abstract

An orbital shaker device (1) for biotechnological and/or biomedical applications comprises a frame (10), a platform (15) for receiving biotechnological and/or biomedical containers (50), eccentric couplings (13, 14) for allowing an orbital movement of the platform (15) relative to the frame (10), counterweight units (17, 18) for balancing the orbital movement, and at least one motor (19) for driving the eccentric couplings (13, 14). The device comprises two eccentric couplings (13, 14) arranged near respective opposite edges (27, 28) of the platform (15), while each counterweight unit (17, 18) is arranged approximately in the plane of the combined center of gravity of the platform (15) and the containers (50). Furthermore, both eccentric couplings (13, 14) are driven by the motor (19) or motors, either directly or indirectly. In this way, an optimal vibration compensation is achieved while allowing an imaging unit (40) to be mounted underneath the platform (15).

Claims

1. An orbital shaker device for biotechnological and/or biomedical applications, comprising: a frame; a platform for receiving biotechnological and/or biomedical containers; eccentric couplings for allowing an orbital movement of the platform relative to the frame; counterweight units for balancing the orbital movement, each counterweight unit being arranged approximately in the plane of the platform; at least one motor for driving the eccentric couplings; and two eccentric couplings arranged near respective opposite edges of the platform, both eccentric couplings being to be driven by the at least one motor.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each eccentric coupling is driven via a respective vertical axis, wherein both axes being driven by a single motor.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the single motor is connected to the axes through right-angle gear boxes.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the single motor is connected to the axes through a belt.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein each eccentric coupling is driven by a separate motor, the device including sensors configured to measure the speed of each motor.

6. The device according to claim 1, further including a control unit configured to control the speed of the at least one.

7. The device according to claim 1, further including an imaging unit located underneath the platform, the platform being provided with openings, and/or transparent parts allowing imaging the containers.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the imaging unit includes a camera, and an image processor configured for image processing and analysis.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is arranged for reducing the speed of the at least one motor in preparation for imaging.

10. The device according to claim 1, further including an illumination unit located underneath the platform, the platform being provided with openings and/or transparent parts allowing illuminating the containers.

11. The device according to claim 1, arranged for an orbital movement having an amplitude between 3 and 50 mm and a rotational speed between 150 and 1200 rpm.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight units are mounted on the eccentric couplings via an axis to which the platform is rotatably coupled.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight units are adjustable.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the counterweight units are arranged for adding and/or removing counterweights.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the counterweight units include counterweights having an asymmetrical mass distribution relative to an axis and can be rotated about the axis.

16. The device according to claim 1, further including one or more containers arranged on the platform.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the center of gravity of each counterweight unit is arranged approximately in the plane of the combined center of gravity of the platform and the containers.

18. (canceled).

19. (canceled).

20. The device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is arranged for reducing the speed of the at least one motor in preparation for imaging.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will further be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically shows an end view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0036] FIG. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 schematically shows a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to the present invention in side view.

[0039] FIGS. 6A-C schematically show, in top view and in perspective, a counterweight as may be used in a device according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 schematically shows an imaging unit and associated units as may be used in a device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The merely exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a frame 10 designed to accommodate and support the components of the device. The device 1 also comprises a platform 15 which is rotatably mounted on eccentric couplings 13 and 14 so as to be able to carry out an orbital movement relative to the frame 10.

[0042] The platform 15 is arranged for receiving and accommodating containers 50, as will later be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 & 4. In the embodiment shown, the containers 50 are provided with lids 51 which can be pressed against the containers 50 by positioning elements 52. Dividers 16, which extend perpendicularly (in operation: vertically) from the platform 15, provide support for the positioning elements 52 while creating compartments for receiving the containers.

[0043] A motor 19 drives the eccentric couplings 13 & 14 via horizontal axes 23 & 24, orthogonal gearboxes 21 & 22, and vertical axes 11 & 12. The eccentric couplings 13 & 14 transform the rotation of the axes 11 & 12 into an orbital movement of the platform 15. The orthogonal gearboxes 21 & 22, which may be known per se, transform the horizontal rotation of the axes 23 & 24 into a vertical rotation of the axes 11 & 12.

[0044] The arrangement of the motor 19 and the horizontal and vertical axes as shown in FIG. 1 offers the important advantage that the motor can be spaced apart from the platform so as to leave room for an imaging unit 40 underneath the platform. By adapting the frame 10 and the vertical axes 11 & 12, the size of the space available underneath the platform can be determined. Another important advantage of the arrangement of FIG. 1 is that the vertical axes 11 & 12 are located near the sides of the frame 10, away from the containers receiving area of the platform 15. The area below the containers receiving area of the platform 15 is therefore free from any parts, thus leaving room for the imaging unit 40.

[0045] In order to balance the orbital movement of the platform 15 and to counter vibrations of the device 1, counterweight units 17 & 18 are provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the counterweights are mounted on the eccentric couplings 13 & 14 and are attached to these eccentric couplings by means of shafts or bearings (26 in FIG. 2) which allow a rotation of the platform while preventing a rotation of the counterweight units relative to the eccentric couplings.

[0046] It is noted that the amplitude of the platform 15 is defined by the spacing between the rotational axis of the eccentric coupling and the rotational axis of the shafts (26 in FIG. 2). The device of the present invention is preferably designed for an amplitude which is in a range from 3 to 50 mm, for example 20 mm or 30 mm. It will be understood that the amplitude can be adjusted by replacing the eccentric couplings.

[0047] By mounting the counterweight units on the eccentric couplings, either directly or indirectly via a shaft, two important advantages are achieved. A first advantage is that these counterweights can be positioned approximately at the level of the center of gravity of the loaded platform, as will be explained later in more detail. A second advantage is that the counterweights are spaced apart from the containers receiving part of the platform 15. More in particular, the counterweights are located to the sides of the platform 15 and do not obstruct the space above or below the platform 15, as in some prior art devices. In FIG. 1 the eccentric coupling 18 is shown to be located near an outer edge 28 of the platform 15, this will be explained in more detail later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0048] It can thus be seen that the present invention provides space underneath the movable platform by two related measures: [0049] 1. positioning the eccentric couplings, and hence the counterweights and any vertical axes away from the load bearing surface of the platform, and [0050] 2. positioning the counterweights approximately in the plane of the platform. In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 1 advantageously utilizes the further measure of positioning the drive mechanism, such as the motor and the vertical axes, away from the platform. The space thus provided underneath the platform may advantageously be used to accommodate an imaging apparatus, such as a camera, for monitoring purposes, or an illumination apparatus, such as a set of lamps, for the cultivation of algae or plant cells.

[0051] It is noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 1 a single motor is used which drives the eccentric couplings via a series of axes. Alternative embodiments can be envisaged in which each eccentric coupling is directly driven by a respective motor, thus removing the need for the axes and the orthogonal gearboxes.

[0052] In embodiments having multiple motors the movement of the eccentric couplings is not mechanically synchronized, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Therefore, in such embodiments it is preferred to provide speed sensors (for example encoders) for sensing the rotational speed of the motors and a control unit for synchronizing the rotational speed of the motors.

[0053] The side view of FIG. 2 also shows the vertical axis 12 and the orthogonal gearbox 22 which drive the eccentric coupling 14. It can be seen that the eccentric coupling 14 comprises an axis 26 which is rotatably coupled with the platform 15 and which is offset relative to the vertical axis 12, thus causing an orbital movement of the platform 15. A counterweight unit 18 is shown to be mounted on the coupling 14.

[0054] The perspective view of FIG. 3 shows in particular the openings 33 in the platform 15 which allow the bottom side of the containers 50 to be imaged. For the sake of clarity, the imaging apparatus is not shown in FIG. 3. The openings 33 are slightly smaller than the containers 50, thus leaving a rim on all sides of an opening to support the container. Instead of an opening, a transparent part of the platform 15 may be provided to allow imaging.

[0055] A top view of the device 1 is shown in FIG. 4, where the openings 33 are also visible. In addition, FIG. 4 clearly shows the eccentric position of the counterweight units 17 & 18 which serves to compensate the eccentric movement of the platform 15.

[0056] FIG. 4 also shows the dividers 16 which extend from the platform 15 and which define compartments into which container units can be placed. Two such dividers define the limits 29 & 30 of the load bearing (that is, containing receiving) part of the platform 15. It can be seen that the counterweights 17 & 18, and hence the eccentric couplings, are positioned in the extensions of the platform 15, that is, in the parts of the platform beyond the limits 29 & 30 of the load bearing part. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the eccentric couplings are located near the opposite outer edges 27 & 28 of the platform. It will be understood that the wording “near the outer edges” includes, but is not limited to, “within the outer 20%” or “within the outer 10%” of the platform. In general, it will be understood to mean “in the vicinity of the outer edges”, and in particular “away from the load bearing part of the platform”.

[0057] An alternative embodiment of the device according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 in side view. Whereas the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 was designed for a single layer of containers, the embodiment of FIG. 5 is designed for multiple layers of containers, that is, for stacking containers. To this end, the positioning elements 52 are shown to be extended so as to be capable of positioning stacks of two, three, four or even more containers and preferably also for pressing the lids 51 on the containers 50. In addition, an axis 32 is provided as an extension of the axis 12 to provide additional support for the platform, which will carry a heavier load in this embodiment. The bottom end of the additional axis 32 will be mounted on the eccentric coupling 14 in such a way that the axis 32 will rotate normally, not eccentrically, while its top end will be rotatably fixed to the top part of the frame 10.

[0058] Another adaptation of this embodiment is the altered counterweight unit 18 (as well as 17, which is not shown, and any other counterweight unit the device may have). The more containers 50 are stacked on the platform 15, the higher the center of gravity of the moving components (containers plus platform) will be. An optimal compensation of the imbalance caused by the eccentric movement of the platform is however achieved when the counterweights are located at about the same height as the center of gravity of the moving components (containers plus platform). To be able to provide an optimal compensation with various loads, this embodiment has adjustable counterweight units. That is, the mass and the height of the counterweight unit can be adjusted to match the load.

[0059] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the adjustable counterweight unit 18 is shown to consist of a stack of counterweights. This stack can be increased or decreased as desired by adding or removing counterweights. As more counterweights are added, the stack of counterweights will become higher and the center of gravity of the counterweight unit will also become higher. In this way, the added weight and increased height of stacks of containers can be matched and compensated. Preferably, the center of gravity of the counterweight units is approximately in the plane of the combined center of gravity of the loaded platform, that is, of the platform and the containers present on the platform. A step of placing one or more containers on the platform may therefore be followed by a step of adjusting the counterweight units by, for example, adding counterweights. Conversely, a step of removing one or more containers from the platform may be followed by a step of adjusting the counterweight units by, for example, removing counterweights.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions and the mass of each counterweight is chosen so as to match the dimensions and the mass of the average container, or of the average platform provided with containers. The counterweights are provided with suitable means for holding them in place when stacked.

[0061] In the embodiments shown, the shaker device has only a single platform, on which containers may or may not be stacked. Embodiments can be envisaged in which multiple platforms are used, arranged one above the other, and separated by pairs of shafts and eccentric couplings. That is, each platform may be carried by a pair of eccentric couplings from which shafts protrude which support the next level of eccentric couplings. By suitably arranging the eccentric couplings relative to each other, the successive platforms may make opposite rotational movements so as to counterbalance each other. In such embodiments, separate counterweight units would not be required.

[0062] A top view of an eccentric coupling 14 with an adjustable counterweight unit 18 as may be used in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is presented in FIGS. 6A-C.

[0063] The counterweight unit 18 of FIG. 5 is adjusted by adding or removing counterweights. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least some of the counterweights are not added or removed but may be rotated from a first position to a second position and vice versa. A suitable counterweight 35 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-C. This counterweight has an asymmetric mass: one part 38 is solid while another part 39 is empty. The counterweight 35 can be rotated about a central opening 37 suitable for receiving an axis (for example the shaft 32 shown in FIG. 5). In the first position, illustrated in FIG. 6B, the mass 38 of the two counterweight elements are located opposite each other, thus effectively canceling each other out. In the second position, illustrated in FIG. 6C, the mass 38 of the two counterweight elements are above each other, thus reinforcing each other. The counterweights may be provided with through holes, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-C, for receiving holding pins for preventing rotation and holding the counterweights in a selected position.

[0064] In an embodiment of the kind illustrated in FIG. 5, where multiple containers (e.g. microplates) 50 with their lids 51 are stacked, in particular if no imaging devices need to be present under the platform 15, it may be advantageous to drive the shafts 32 not from below, but from above, with one or two motors positioned above the containers, for example using two right-angled gear boxes that would then each be coupled to the top end of the shafts 32. In this manner, the shaker platform 15 is at a lower level, and so the total height of the orbital shaker device can be reduced.

[0065] In a particular advantageous embodiment, acceleration sensors are mounted on the frame 10 of the device for sensing any vibrations. A monitoring unit may be arranged for using the acceleration data produced by the sensors to indicate whether the counterweight units need adjusting.

[0066] FIG. 7 schematically shows a control unit 60, an imaging unit 40, and motors 19. The two electric motors 19 are each provided with a sensor 61 for sensing the rotational velocity of the respective motor. The sensor signals are sent to the control unit 60, which is arranged for comparing the sensor signals and ensuring the synchronization of the two motors. In other words, the control unit causes the motors to run at the same speed, at any speed. The control unit 60 may also be arranged for activating the imaging unit 40. In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit 60 reduces the speed of the motors prior to activating the imaging unit so as to provide a better image. If the imaging unit comprises a camera, such as the camera 41 illustrated in FIG. 7, then there is no need for the platform to come to a complete standstill and a reduced speed may be sufficient. Depending on the original orbital speed of the platform, a speed reduction may not be necessary. If the imaging unit 40 comprises a scanner, then a complete standstill may be required, as disclosed in more detail in International Patent Application WO 2010/037862. It will be understood that after imaging, the orbital speed may be brought back to its original value.

[0067] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the imaging unit is provided with an image processor for processing and/or analyzing the images produced. Instead of, or in addition to, the imaging unit 40 an illumination unit (not shown) may be provided. An illumination unit may be arranged for providing a uniform illumination of the underside of the platform and may, for example, use LEDs.

[0068] The device of the present invention is capable of operating at shaking frequencies (that is, rotational velocities) in the biotechnological and biomedical range, that is, between approximately 150 and 1200 rpm (revolutions per minute), without undue vibrations. A preferred range is 200 to 700 rpm, more in particular 250 to 500 rpm, although other frequency ranges may also be used, depending on the particular application. It is noted that at an orbital movement amplitude of 50 mm a rotational speed of 200 to 300 rpm is generally preferred, while at an amplitude of 3 mm a speed of 800 to 1200 rpm is generally preferred.

[0069] The containers 50 are preferably microwell containers or micro titer plates configured for biotechnological and/or biomedical purposes, such as growing and/or sustaining bacteria and/or eukaryotic cell cultures. However, the device of the present invention may also be utilized in other fields of technology and the containers may be designed for containing paint, for example.

[0070] It will be understood that the description of the invention given above is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Singular nouns and the articles “a” and “an” are of course not meant to exclude the possibility of plurals. Devices or components mentioned in this document may be replaced with their successors, even if these successors are not yet known at the time of writing. As is well established in the law of patents, the abstract should never be used to limit the scope of the claims, and neither should reference numbers in the claims.

[0071] It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above and that many additions and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appending claims.