Sample processing module array handling system and methods
AssigneeCepheid
InventorsRonald Chang, Steven Montgomery, Gregory Mote, Brian Bliven
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A handling system for high throughput processing of a large volume of biological samples is provided herein. Such systems can include an array support assembly that supports multiple diagnostic assay modules in an array having at least two dimensions, a loader that loads multiple diagnostic assay cartridges within the multiple diagnostic assay modules. The array support assembly can be movable relative the loader to facilitate loading and unloading so as to provide more efficient processing.
Claims40
A handling system for high throughput processing of a plurality of biological samples, each being within a respective diagnostic assay cartridge of a plurality of diagnostic assay cartridges, the system comprising:
- a plurality of diagnostic assay modules in an array having at least two dimensions, each diagnostic assay module configured for receiving a diagnostic assay cartridge of the plurality and performing a diagnostic assay on the biological sample within the respective diagnostic assay cartridge;
- an array support assembly adapted to support the plurality of diagnostic assay modules in an array having at least two dimensions, wherein the array comprises a plurality of rows, each row including a plurality of carriers for supporting the plurality of diagnostic assay modules, the plurality of carriers being securely attached to a frame that is rotatable about a central rotating hub, wherein the plurality of diagnostic assay modules in each row are coupled to power and communication while supported within the array support assembly;
- a motor and drive mechanism operably coupled with the array support assembly and configured to incrementally rotate each row of the array support assembly;
- a loader adapted to load the plurality of diagnostic assay cartridges within the plurality of diagnostic assay modules while supported within the array support assembly, the loader being translatable between rows of the array support assembly and including a grasper for grasping each of the plurality of diagnostic assay cartridges for loading and/or unloading the respective cartridge from any of the plurality of diagnostic assay modules, such that the diagnostic assay cartridge is loadable in any of the diagnostic assay modules within the array by moving the array support assembly relative the loader in combination with the loader;
- and
- a controller configured to coordinate rotation of the array support assembly in combination with movement of the loader in response to sensors and/or determination of empty modules or spent cartridges based on communication with the plurality of modules to facilitate high throughput assays.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.