Assay module transport apparatus for use in an automated analytical instrument
First Claim
1. An automated analytical instrument for use in conducting assays for a component of interest in a fluid sample, said automated analytical instrument comprising:
- a) an assay module supply unit for holding magazines, said magazines including open-faced vessels wherein a supply of assay modules are disposed at different vertical levels, and each of said open-faced vessels having a layer of material covering an open face thereof;
b) a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest using an assay module;
c) an assay module transport assembly for transporting an assay module from said assay module supply unit to said testing system, said assay module transport assembly comprisingi) an assay module receiving platform disposed next to said assay module supply unit for receiving an assay module removed from said assay module supply unit,ii) an assay module ejector mechanism for pushing an assay module from said assay module supply unit onto said assay module receiving platform,iii) an assay module transfer mechanism for transferring an assay module from said assay module receiving platform to said testing system;
iv) a cutter assembly for cutting said layer of material so as to permit access to said assay module disposed within said open-faced vessel, said cutter assembly being carried by said assay module receiving platform;
v) means for moving said assay module receiving platform and said cutter assembly vertically and means for moving said assay module ejector mechanism vertically whereby said assay modules disposed at different vertical levels in said assay module supply unit may be accessed; and
d) a microprocessor for controlling the operation of said automated analytical instrument.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated analytical instrument for conducting assays for components of interest in fluid samples. The instrument includes a rotably mounted supply unit or segment adapted to hold a plurality of foil-sealed magazines containing assay modules, a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest using an assay module, an assay module transport assembly for transporting an assay module from a magazine in the supply unit to the testing system, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the automated analytical instrument. In one embodiment, the assay module transport assembly includes a cutter assembly for cutting away a layer of material such as a thin foil layer covering a desired assay module within the magazine, an assay module receiving platform disposed in front of the magazine, an assay module ejector mechanism for pushing an assay module from the magazine onto the assay module receiving platform, and an assay module transfer mechanism for moving the assay module from the assay module receiving platform to the testing system. The cutter assembly and the assay module receiving platform are movable vertically on a first elevator assembly, and the assay module ejector assembly is movable vertically on a second elevator assembly.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An automated analytical instrument for use in conducting assays for a component of interest in a fluid sample, said automated analytical instrument comprising:
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a) an assay module supply unit for holding magazines, said magazines including open-faced vessels wherein a supply of assay modules are disposed at different vertical levels, and each of said open-faced vessels having a layer of material covering an open face thereof; b) a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest using an assay module; c) an assay module transport assembly for transporting an assay module from said assay module supply unit to said testing system, said assay module transport assembly comprising i) an assay module receiving platform disposed next to said assay module supply unit for receiving an assay module removed from said assay module supply unit, ii) an assay module ejector mechanism for pushing an assay module from said assay module supply unit onto said assay module receiving platform, iii) an assay module transfer mechanism for transferring an assay module from said assay module receiving platform to said testing system; iv) a cutter assembly for cutting said layer of material so as to permit access to said assay module disposed within said open-faced vessel, said cutter assembly being carried by said assay module receiving platform; v) means for moving said assay module receiving platform and said cutter assembly vertically and means for moving said assay module ejector mechanism vertically whereby said assay modules disposed at different vertical levels in said assay module supply unit may be accessed; and d) a microprocessor for controlling the operation of said automated analytical instrument. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An assay module transport assembly for use in transporting an assay module from an assay module supply unit to a testing system within an automated analytical instrument, said assay module transport assembly comprising:
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a) an assay module receiving platform disposed next to the assay module supply unit; b) an assay module ejector mechanism for pushing an assay module from the assay module supply unit onto said assay module receiving platform; c) an assay module transfer mechanism for transferring an assay module from said assay module receiving platform to the testing system; d) a cutter assembly for cutting a layer of material which covers an open-face of an open-faced vessel of a magazine in which an assay module is disposed, said cutter assembly being carried by said assay module receiving platform; and e) means for moving said assay module receiving platform and said cutter assembly vertically and means for moving said assay module ejector mechanism vertically whereby assay modules disposed at different vertical levels in the assay module supply unit may be accessed. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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Specification