Apparatus for process automation using a pin and bushing array
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of functional modules, each functiona mod u e comprising a tool interface, the tool interface capable of moving independently and along a first axis and a second axis, each tool interface to interface with at least one tool to operate on work samples;
a conveyer to transfer work samples from at least one of the plurality of functional modules to another functional module or another module or instrument, the conveyor capable of movement along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes; and
a controller for coordinating the operation of the plurality of functional modules and the conveyer;
wherein, the plurality of functional modules are substantially identical to each other in terms of the tool interface and ability to move in the first and second axes.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for transferring plurality of samples from one sample container to another one is disclosed wherein each sample is randomly accessible and can be “cherry picked”. The disclosed method of actuation allows for using a smaller number of actuators than the number of sample transferring channels or pins and thereby simplifies the design and control of the sample transferring apparatus.
23 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a plurality of functional modules, each functiona mod u e comprising a tool interface, the tool interface capable of moving independently and along a first axis and a second axis, each tool interface to interface with at least one tool to operate on work samples; a conveyer to transfer work samples from at least one of the plurality of functional modules to another functional module or another module or instrument, the conveyor capable of movement along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes; and a controller for coordinating the operation of the plurality of functional modules and the conveyer; wherein, the plurality of functional modules are substantially identical to each other in terms of the tool interface and ability to move in the first and second axes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14)
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6. An apparatus, comprising:
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at least one functional module, each functional module comprising a tool a second axis, each tool interface to interface with at least one tool to operate on work samples; a conveyer to transfer work samples from the at least one functional module to another functional module or another module or instrument, the conveyor capable of movement along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes; and a controller for coordinating the operation of the at least one functional module and the conveyer; wherein, when a plurality of functional modules are present, the functional modules are substantially identical, wherein the conveyer comprises a tray, the tray comprising at least one sample plate holder, the sample plate holder configured to locate a sample plate on the tray. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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7. An apparatus, comprising:
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at least one functional module, each functional module comprising a tool interface, the tool interface capable of moving independently and along a first axis and a second axis, each tool interface to interface with at least one tool to operate on work samples; a conveyer to transfer work samples from the at least one functional module to another functional module or another module or instrument, the conveyor capable of movement along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes; a controller for coordinating the operation of the at least one functional module and the conveyer; wherein, when a plurality of functional modules are present, the functional odules are substantially identical, a first sub-module to cooperatively operate on work samples with the at least one functional module, wherein the first sub-module further comprises; a plurality of devices arranged vertically, each device to complete one step of a plurality of cleaning or sterilization steps of a tool; the apparatus to serve in an automation apparatus, whereby the vertical arrangement of the plurality of devices takes advantage of vertical space and minimizes apparatus footprint.
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Specification