Sample Holder for Holding a Sample Carrier, Handling Tool and Corresponding Methods

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a sample holder designed to securely hold sample carriers, such as autogrids used in cryo-electron microscopy, using a clamping force provided by two connected legs. The sample holder allows for easy, precise, and safe manipulation of delicate samples, aided by a specially designed handling tool similar to inverse tweezers. The system enables easy insertion, removal, and stacking of sample holders for various cryogenic workflows while minimizing direct contact and risk of contamination or sample loss.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Secure handling and transfer of sample carriers (like autogrids) in cryo-electron microscopy workflows.
• Minimizing contamination and damage to biological or sensitive samples during cryogenic sample preparation.
• Efficient storage and stacking of multiple sample holders with samples, optimizing space in cryogenic labs.
• Application in high-pressure freezing techniques for biological research.
• Rapid and reproducible sample orientation and transfer by both experienced and novice users in microscopy or analysis workflows.
• Adaptation for use in correlative microscopy (cryoCLEM), focused ion beam (FIB), or cryo-liftout techniques.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces risk of sample contamination and damage by minimizing direct contact with delicate sample carriers.
• Ensures consistent orientation and secure clamping of round or irregular sample carriers for reproducible experimental results.
• Supports efficient, space-saving stacking and storage under cryogenic conditions.
• Enables safer and faster workflow, particularly important for time- and temperature-sensitive samples.
• Compatible with existing advanced microscopy and sample preparation technologies after minimal modification.
• Facilitates handling for inexperienced users, reducing sample loss and increasing throughput.
• Improved cooling and freezing through integrated channels in the holder.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a sample holder (100) for holding a sample carrier (150), wherein the sample holder comprises a reception area configured to receive the sample carrier (150), wherein the sample holder comprises two legs, wherein the two legs are connected to each other and wherein each leg has a free end, and wherein the sample holder is configured to exert a clamping force (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) via the two legs to the sample carrier, in order to clamp the sample carrier (15) between the two legs, when the sample carrier is received in the reception area. The invention relates to a handling tool and to corresponding methods.