Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

Fluid metering in a metering zone

A technology of metering area and metering system, applied in the direction of analyzing materials, instruments, etc.

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-02-27
ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS
View PDF6 Cites 1 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] The present invention relates to a method for solving the aforementioned problem of accessing larger quantities of samples to provide higher throughput in diagnostic analyzers

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Fluid metering in a metering zone
  • Fluid metering in a metering zone
  • Fluid metering in a metering zone

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0027] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by metering the sample in a metering zone rather than at a single point or station or along a straight line. As used herein, "metering zone" is defined as the area or area on the analyzer in which a sample can be positioned at any point or location in the area within the reach of the metering arm. Preferably, the centerline of the metering system probe will be able to be positioned and held at this point or location for sample aspiration. The metering zone is not a single metering point and metering line for sample aspiration (e.g., a single metering line formed by the linear movement of the metering carriage 30 disclosed in '733) as in known diagnostic analyzers, but It is the area composed of a theoretically infinite number of sample suction points, all of which are within the reach of the sample metering arm. The region has boundaries in at least two directions, for example horizontal axes perpendicular to eac...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

A method for metering samples located in a metering zone of a diagnostic analyzer includes: providing samples located within the metering zone on the analyzer; providing a metering system having a robotic arm which is extendable from a linearly translatable pivot. The arm accesses multiple sample points in the metering zone. The robotic arm is moved to position a metering probe located on the end of the arm distal from the pivot point over the sample. The probe moves vertically relative to the sample in the direction of the sample and aspirates the sample. A metering system for a diagnostic analyzer includes: a truck mounted on a guide rail, said truck linearly movable along the guide rail; a robotic arm pivotably attached and extending away from the truck, the robotic arm being rotatable in a plane that is horizontal and parallel to the line of linear motion of the truck; a metering head having a probe thereon for aspirating and dispensing a liquid, the metering head is attached to the robotic arm. At least one of the metering head or robotic arm is movable in a vertical direction to lower the probe. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail extends along the rear of the analyzer and the arm extends in front of the guide rail. In another preferred embodiment, a second metering system is provided.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application 60 / 832,045, filed July 20, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0002] The present invention relates to fluid metering, such as sample metering in automated diagnostic analyzers. In particular, the present invention relates to fluid access in metering zones in automated diagnostic analyzers to allow greater access to large numbers of samples. The invention also relates to a robotic arm allowing access to the metering area. Background technique [0003] Sample metering systems in known diagnostic analyzers typically operate on predetermined metering timed cycles and may draw in a new sample at the beginning of each new timed cycle. For maximum analyzer throughput, a new sample needs to be available to aspirate every metering timed cycle, otherwise the opportunity to start a new test is missed and analyzer throughput is reduced. In order to perform an inhalatio...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): G01N35/10G01N35/04
Inventor L·巴恩斯G·登顿
Owner ORTHO-CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS