Sample extraction and rotation device for automated blood sample processing systems
AssigneeCerner Innovation, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Mark Kowalchuk, Joseph Eugene Rose, Stephen Ward, Robert Loigner
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Abstract
Systems, methods, devices, and apparatus for detecting sample defects in blood samples processed in automated processing systems are described herein. One aspect describes an automated blood sample processing apparatus having a pre-analytic specimen integrity monitoring device. Another aspect describes devices, systems, and methods for identifying blood components and properties in blood samples. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for setting reference ranges for sample defects and interference in blood samples. Additionally, devices, systems, and methods for identifying defective samples are described.
Claims14
A sample tube gripping and rotation device for use in an automated blood sample processing system, the device comprising:
- an upper housing;
- a vertically-oriented motor disposed within the upper housing;
- a vertically-oriented driveshaft extending downward from the motor and through the upper housing;
- a lower housing;
- a slip clutch positioned about and spaced apart from the driveshaft, the slip clutch comprising:
- a fixed portion affixed to the upper housing;
- and
- a rotating portion disposed within the lower housing;
- a pivot housing positioned about and spaced apart from the driveshaft and affixed to the rotating portion of the slip clutch and an interior surface of the lower housing;
- a horizontally-oriented slotted cam disposed below the pivot housing and coupled to a distal end of the driveshaft, the slotted cam comprising:
- two or more slots extending diagonally outward from the center of the slotted cam;
- two or more vertically-oriented fingers, each finger of the two or more fingers comprising:
- an upper portion comprising a pivot retained in the pivot housing;
- an intermediate portion comprising a bushing disposed within a slot of the two or more slots of the slotted cam;
- and
- a lower portion comprising a sample contact surface disposed below the slotted cam;
- and
- a controller for controlling the motor and for receiving sensor information from a sensor for detecting a rotation of the lower housing;
- wherein rotation of the motor in a first direction causes the sample contact surfaces of the two or more fingers to move toward a center point between a terminal end of the two or more fingers;
- wherein upon reaching a resistance point in the first direction, the motor is configured to increase a rotational torque of the rotation in the first direction to overcome the slip clutch;
- and
- wherein the rotation of the lower housing from a first point to the resistance point is detected by the sensor and corresponding to a tube width of a sample tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.