High throughput processing system and method of using
First Claim
1. A high throughput processing system, the system comprising:
- (a) a plurality of rotational robots, wherein each of the rotational robots has a reach which defines a work perimeter associated with that rotational robot, wherein at least one of the rotational robots comprises a grasping mechanism that comprises moveably coupled arms that are structured to grasp an object, wherein at least one arm comprises a pivot member having a support surface to support the object and a height adjusting surface that pushes the object into contact with the support surface when the arms grasp the object;
(b) at least one device associated with each of the rotational robots and the associated work perimeters; and
,(c) one or more transfer stations, wherein each transfer station is associated with two work perimeters.
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Abstract
Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.
271 Citations
73 Claims
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1. A high throughput processing system, the system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rotational robots, wherein each of the rotational robots has a reach which defines a work perimeter associated with that rotational robot, wherein at least one of the rotational robots comprises a grasping mechanism that comprises moveably coupled arms that are structured to grasp an object, wherein at least one arm comprises a pivot member having a support surface to support the object and a height adjusting surface that pushes the object into contact with the support surface when the arms grasp the object; (b) at least one device associated with each of the rotational robots and the associated work perimeters; and
,(c) one or more transfer stations, wherein each transfer station is associated with two work perimeters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73)
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Specification