The United States of America As Represented by the Administrator of the

Fred L Suddath

Daniel C Carter

Lawrence James DeLucas

Robert S Snyder

Charles E Bugg

Vaughn H Yost

Blair J Herren

A macromolecular crystal growing system especially designed for growing crystals in the low gravity of space as well as the gravity of earth includes at least one tray assembly, a carrier assembly which receives the tray, and a refrigeration-incubation module in which the carrier assembly is received. The tray assembly includes a plurality of sealed chambers with a plastic syringe and a plug means for the double tip of the syringe provided therein. Ganging mechanisms operate the syringes and plugs simultaneously in a precise and smooth operation. Preferably, the tray assemblies are mounted on ball bearing slides for smooth operation in inserting and removing the tray assemblies into the carrier assembly. The plugging mechanism also includes a loading control mechanism. A mechanism for leaving a syringe unplugged is also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Marietta, GA, United States of America

Fred L Suddath