Reagent handling system and configurable vial carrier for use therein
First Claim
1. A vial carrier for use in conjunction with an automated liquid handling system, comprising:
- an elongate body having a first end and a second end and two parallel sidewalls disposed therebetween;
a handle disposed on said first end; and
a plurality of vial compartments linearly disposed along said elongate body,wherein each of said vial compartments is configured for receiving and retaining a respective liquid-bearing vial, is provided with a slot, formed in a first of said elongate body sidewalls, for exposing a first portion of a respective vial compartment to external view, and is provided with a notch, formed at an upper edge of a second of said elongate body sidewalls, for exposing a second portion of said respective vial compartment to external view.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vial carrier having plural reagent compartments disposed linearly along the length of the carrier. Each compartment is adapted for receiving one of plural reagent vials. The carrier is provided with indicia uniquely identifying it to an automated assay device. Similarly, each compartment of the carrier has associated with it indicia which are at least unique to the particular carrier. Lastly, each vial installable within a carrier compartment has indicia unique to the contents of the vial. A film seal is applied to the vial opening prior to an integrated cap/seal assembly for the purpose of ensuring that the assembly is liquid-tight. The carrier is configured to be disposed on a slide of an inclining tray within an enclosure. Data reflecting which vial is located in which compartment of a given carrier is collected and provided to the automated instrument prior to installation of the carrier into the enclosure. The automated instrument has, associated with the enclosure, an indicia recognition element to identify each installed carrier. In this manner, the instrument has information reflecting that a desired vial is installed in a particular compartment of a carrier which is installed on a particular slide within the enclosure.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A vial carrier for use in conjunction with an automated liquid handling system, comprising:
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an elongate body having a first end and a second end and two parallel sidewalls disposed therebetween; a handle disposed on said first end; and a plurality of vial compartments linearly disposed along said elongate body, wherein each of said vial compartments is configured for receiving and retaining a respective liquid-bearing vial, is provided with a slot, formed in a first of said elongate body sidewalls, for exposing a first portion of a respective vial compartment to external view, and is provided with a notch, formed at an upper edge of a second of said elongate body sidewalls, for exposing a second portion of said respective vial compartment to external view. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification