Sample Holder for Holding a Sample Carrier Carrying a Sample

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

This invention relates to a specially designed sample holder for securely holding and releasing sample carriers (such as grids holding biological or other scientific samples), particularly in the context of cryo-microscopy and similar scientific analyses. The holder uses a fixing mechanism with two sections: a first section that fixes or releases the sample carrier depending on its position, and a second section that the user operates to easily switch the fixing mechanism between 'locked' and 'open' positions. This design separates the manual actuation from the fixing action, making loading and unloading safer and more user-friendly, especially under delicate conditions such as cryogenic temperatures.

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

• Loading and unloading sample carriers (e.g., grids) in cryo-electron microscopy workflows, ensuring safe sample transfer.
• Transferring and securing biological or chemical samples between various analytical instruments or preparation systems (e.g., cryo-fixation device, freeze fracture apparatus, coating devices, and microscopes).
• Use in laboratory automation or robotic systems for handling delicate sample grids/carriers, minimizing manual errors.
• Applying similar sample holder mechanisms in other precision microscopy or analysis techniques requiring contamination-free, gentle, and precise sample handling (including non-cryo contexts).
• Educational or training tools for labs to help new users safely load and unload samples in microscopy workflows.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly simplifies and improves safety in the process of loading and unloading delicate sample carriers, reducing risk of sample damage, contamination, or devitrification.
• Allows precise orientation and placement of samples before securing them, improving reliability and quality of scientific experiments or analyses.
• Reduces operator error by decoupling actuation (button/lever operation) from the mechanical fixing, making workflow more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Compatible with a variety of sample carrier types (grids with or without frames), enhancing flexibility and utility across different labs and techniques.
• Enables faster sample handling at cryogenic temperatures, minimizing exposure and risk to sensitive samples.
• Supports automation and integration in advanced laboratory set-ups, improving throughput and reproducibility.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present inventive concept relates to a sample holder (100) for holding a sample carrier (120) carrying a sample, said sample holder (100) comprising a sample carrier fixing element (130), the sample carrier fixing element (130) comprising a first section (132) configured, when in a first position, to fix the sample carrier (120) to the sample holder (100), and, when in a second position, to release the sample carrier (120) or to provide access to an area (142) where the sample carrier (120) is to be located, the sample carrier fixing element (130) further comprising a second section (134) different from the first section (132), the second section (134) being operable such that upon operation of the second section (134) the first section (132) switches from the first into the second position or from the second into the first position.