Hands-free sample insertion apparatus and methods
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorKenneth Galano
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sample insertion apparatus enabling a sample to be inserted into a diagnostic analyzer in a hands-free manner. The sample insertion apparatus includes an insertion head having a coupler configured to couple to a sample container having an insertion member, an arm containing a sample probe positioned stationary relative to the arm, and a retraction assembly coupled to the insertion head and configured to cause the sample container to move towards the sample probe to insert the sample probe into the insertion member. Sample insertion and operating methods for hands-free insertion of a sample into a diagnostic analyzer are described, as are other aspects.
Claims22
A sample insertion apparatus, comprising:
- an insertion head having a coupler configured to couple to a sample container having an insertion member;
- an arm containing a sample probe positioned stationary relative to the arm;
- and
- a retraction assembly coupled to the insertion head and configured to cause the sample container to move towards the sample probe to insert the sample probe into the insertion member.
A sample insertion apparatus, comprising:
- a body;
- a moveable insertion head having a coupler configured to couple to a coupling end of a syringe, the syringe having an insertion member;
- an arm containing a sample probe positioned stationary relative to the arm;
- and
- a retraction assembly coupled to the moveable insertion head and configured to cause the syringe to move towards the sample probe to insert the sample probe into the insertion member, wherein the retraction assembly comprises:
- a guide assembly, comprising:
- a guide member coupleable to a body of the sample insertion apparatus,
- a guide rod assembly including one or more guide rods moveable in the guide member, an insertion head receiver attached to the one or more guide rods, and the moveable insertion head coupled to the insertion head receiver, and
- a drive bracket secured to the one or more guide rods;
- and
- a drive assembly, comprising:
- a mounting bracket coupleable to a body of the sample insertion apparatus,
- a drive motor coupled to the mounting bracket,
- a lead screw, and
- a transmission assembly coupled to the drive motor and the lead screw.
A sample insertion method, comprising:
- providing an insertion head of a sample insertion apparatus in an extended position;
- providing an arm proximate to the insertion head, the arm including a sample probe;
- coupling a sample container to the insertion head, the sample container including an insertion member;
- and
- retracting from the extended position, with the aid of a guide assembly and a drive assembly, the insertion head towards the arm and the sample probe to cause insertion of the insertion member of the sample container over the sample probe.
A method of operating a diagnostic analyzer, comprising:
- providing a diagnostic analyzer having an apparatus housing, the diagnostic analyzer including a sample insertion apparatus;
- providing a sample container containing a volume of a sample;
- coupling the sample container to the sample insertion apparatus, the coupling positioning the sample container substantially external to the apparatus housing;
- and
- hands-free retracting at least a portion of the sample container within the apparatus housing to insert a sample probe into the sample container,
- wherein the sample probe is contained entirely within the apparatus housing at all times.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.