Analysis instrument having a sample bearing device location
AssigneeBioAccel
InventorsFrederic ZENHAUSERN, Alan NORDQUIST, Ralf LENIGK, Cedric HURTH, Jianing YANG, Xiaojia CHEN, John LEE-EDGHILL, Nina MORAN, Andrew HOPWOOD, Pieris KOUMI
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.
Claims13
An instrument for analysing a sample, the instrument including:
- one or more sample processors;
- electronics for operating the sample processors;
- a device;
- a carrier for the device, the device being provides on the carrier;
- a force applicator;
- a device to instrument interface;
- and
- a device location to receive the device in use;
- wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at a device location;
- wherein the device has an inserted position in the device location and has a use position in the device location, transition of the device from the inserted position to the use position being provided by movement of the device relative to the instrument when in the device location;
- the force applicator providing application of force to the device to hold the device in position against the device to instrument interface in the use position;
- wherein one or more releasable fasteners hold the device against the carrier, but the one or more fasteners allow movement of the device away from the carrier in response to application of force above a certain level, and when the force is below the certain level, the device returns into contact against the carrier.
-5. (canceled)
-10. (canceled)
A method of analysing a sample, the method including:
- introducing the sample to a device provided on a carrier;
- introducing the device and the carrier to an instrument;
- providing the device in an inserted position in the instrument at a device location;
- applying one or more process steps to the sample using one or more sample processors;
- obtaining one or more results from the method;
- wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at the device location;
- wherein the device is moved from the inserted position in the device location to the use position in the device location, a forced applicator providing an application of force to the device to hold the device in position against the device to instrument interface in the use position;
- and
- wherein one or more releasable fasteners hold the device against the carrier, but the one or more fasteners allow movement of the device away from the carrier in response to application of force above a certain level, and when the force is below the certain level, the device returns into contact against the carrier.
-21. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.