Sample handling system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sample handling device for handling a plurality of samples to be tested by a diagnostic module, the sample handling device comprising:
- a plurality of containers, each container adapted for containing a sample;
a plurality of carriers for holding at least one of the plurality of containers;
a loading rack for holding the plurality of carriers;
a positioner adjacent a diagnostic module, the positioner having a plurality of openings adapted for receiving at least one of the plurality of carriers;
a transporter for transporting the carrier from the loading rack to the positioner and then back to the loading rack, wherein the positioner receives the carrier and moves the carrier such that the diagnostic module can test at least one of a plurality of samples in the carrier.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sample handling system includes a loading rack for receiving carriers with a plurality of test tubes holding samples. A robotic device transports a carrier with the samples to a positioner that moves the tubes within the carrier into an aspiration position. After aspiration, the robotic device returns the carrier to the loading rack. The system provides for handling of stat samples and automatic retesting of samples.
165 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sample handling device for handling a plurality of samples to be tested by a diagnostic module, the sample handling device comprising:
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a plurality of containers, each container adapted for containing a sample;
a plurality of carriers for holding at least one of the plurality of containers;
a loading rack for holding the plurality of carriers;
a positioner adjacent a diagnostic module, the positioner having a plurality of openings adapted for receiving at least one of the plurality of carriers;
a transporter for transporting the carrier from the loading rack to the positioner and then back to the loading rack, wherein the positioner receives the carrier and moves the carrier such that the diagnostic module can test at least one of a plurality of samples in the carrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A sample handling device for handling a plurality of samples to be tested by at least one diagnostic module, the sample handling device comprising:
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a loading rack adapted for receiving a plurality of carriers, each carrier adapted to hold at least one of a plurality of samples;
a positioner adjacent at least one diagnostic module, the positioner having a plurality of openings for receiving at least one of the plurality of carriers;
a transporter for transporting at least one of the plurality of carriers from the loading rack to the positioner and then back to the loading rack, wherein the positioner moves the carrier such that the diagnostic module can test at least one of a plurality of samples in the carrier; and
a preprogrammed computer for controlling the movement of the transporter and the positioner based on input data and priority order for processing a plurality of samples. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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15. A sample handling device for handling samples to be tested by a plurality of diagnostic modules, the sample handling device comprising:
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a plurality of containers, each container adapted for containing a plurality of samples;
a plurality of carriers for holding at least one of the plurality of containers;
a loading rack for holding the plurality of carriers;
a plurality of positioners, each positioner having a plurality of openings for receiving at least one of the plurality of carriers, wherein each diagnostic module has at least one adjacent positioner;
a transporter for transporting the carrier between the loading rack and the positioner, wherein the positioner moves the carrier such that the adjacent diagnostic module can test at least one of a plurality of samples in the carrier.
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Specification