A Sample Changer Robot for High Throughput MX Beamlines
Franck Felisaz & Florent Cipriani
EMBL-ESRF Joint Structural Biology Group & MRC Grenoble
Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography techniques have reached a high level
of maturity. A new challenge is to satisfy the increasing beam time demand.
A sample changer robot has been developed to automate the handling of
pre-frozen crystals. Objectives are to multiply by three the throughput of
the the ESRF MX beamlines and to implement a "FedEx"
crystallography service. Ergonomy, speed, and compactness qualify this
highly integrated device that holds up to 50 samples in 5 baskets of 10 each
in a closed Dewar. Any sample mounted on a "SPINE sample holder" (HamptonTM
style) can be transferred automatically to a goniometer. The sample holders
and the baskets are identified with data matrix and clear codes. An internal
data matrix reader ensures safe management of the sample flow. The sample
changer is operated manually from a local touch screen or a GUI, and through
a device server in fully automatic mode. Most of the MX ESRF beamlines (7)
will be equippped by end of 2005.
|