Automated instrumentation and method for measurements of samples
First Claim
1. An automated, self-contained instrument for assaying and measuring of samples, wherein the samples are sample discs impregnated with blood and located in wells of sample plates, the instrument comprising:
- (a) at least 4 vertical frames in adjacent pairs forming a frame structure;
(b) a turnable manipulator located inside the frame structure for transferring sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof;
(c) a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates, the units being installed on and outside the frame structure and adjacent to said turnable manipulator in order to be accessible by the turnable manipulator, said units comprising;
(i) at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells,(ii) at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates,(iii) at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and(iv) one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes,wherein the turnable manipulator is configured to turn by at least 270 degrees in relation to a vertical axis in order to transfer sample plates between all units installed on the frame structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Instrumentation and a method for efficient and reliable assaying and measuring samples. The teachings include an automated self-contained instrument, wherein the samples are located on wells of sample plates, and the instrument includes a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates. The instrument may includes at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and one or several measurement units for optically measuring samples in at least two measurement modes. Further, the instrument includes a manipulator for moving the sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof and for rotating the sample plates in relation to a vertical axis for transferring the sample plates to the units.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An automated, self-contained instrument for assaying and measuring of samples, wherein the samples are sample discs impregnated with blood and located in wells of sample plates, the instrument comprising:
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(a) at least 4 vertical frames in adjacent pairs forming a frame structure; (b) a turnable manipulator located inside the frame structure for transferring sample plates in three orthogonal directions or combinations thereof; (c) a plurality of units for processing or storing sample plates, the units being installed on and outside the frame structure and adjacent to said turnable manipulator in order to be accessible by the turnable manipulator, said units comprising; (i) at least one dispensing unit for dispensing reagents or other assay components to the sample wells, (ii) at least two units for simultaneously processing or storing a plurality of sample plates, (iii) at least one unit for removing substance from the sample wells, and (iv) one or several measurement units, the measurement unit(s) providing a capability for the instrument to optically measure samples in at least two measurement modes, wherein the turnable manipulator is configured to turn by at least 270 degrees in relation to a vertical axis in order to transfer sample plates between all units installed on the frame structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification