US 5,585,068 AGranted

Apparatus for automatically separating a compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens

AssigneeBiochemical Diagnostics, Inc.

InventorsAllen I. Panetz, Richard D. Gordon, Mohammad A. Farooqi, Guy A. Cosmo, Nicholas Cosmo

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Abstract

An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens. One embodiment utilizes sample preparation columns which are automatically fed to a column transport disc. The transport disc is preferably provided with compound bores which allow the columns to be easily positioned, transported past a plurality of reagent/gas dispense stations, and ejected after use. Another aspect of a preferred embodiment provides for separate dispensing of reagent and pressurized gas into the sample preparation columns. Eluate is preferably collected in containers. In order to enhance the drying of the eluate collection containers, heated gas, e.g. air, can be directed into the containers. Alternatively, the eluate containers can be heated and vented to enhance drying.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens comprising:

a plurality of sample preparation columns, each of said columns comprising an upper inlet port, a lower outlet port, and means for removing at least one compound from a fluid specimen disposed inside said column, each of said sample preparation columns further comprising a flange having an outer diameter and a sidewall proximately disposed below said flange, said sidewall having an exterior diameter less than said outer diameter of said flange;
a plurality of specimen containers holding discrete liquid specimens wherein each specimen container holds one of said liquid specimens;
a plurality of disposable specimen transfer tips for transferring discrete aliquots of specimen from said specimen containers to said sample preparation columns;
means for engaging said disposable transfer tips wherein said engaging means draws specimen from a specimen container into a disposable tip, positions said disposable tip proximate one of said sample preparation columns and dispenses said specimen into said sample_preparation column;
a plurality of reagent dispense stations;
means for transporting said sample preparation columns to said plurality of reagent dispense stations said transporting means connected to said dispense stations and said engaging means;
said transporting means comprising a support member having a plurality of compound bores, each of said compound bores comprising a support region having a first diameter smaller than said outer diameter and greater than said exterior diameter for supporting one of said sample preparation columns in a vertical orientation and a release region having a second diameter greater than said outer diameter of said flange and for allowing one of said sample preparation columns to fall through said compound bore and from said transporting means wherein said compound bores comprise means for preventing said sample preparation columns from sliding from said support region to said release region.

4 more elements

An apparatus for automatically separating at least one compound from a plurality of discrete liquid specimens comprising:

a plurality of sample preparation columns, each of said columns comprising an upper inlet port, a lower outlet port, and means for removing at least one compound from a fluid specimen disposed inside said column;
a plurality of specimen containers holding discrete liquid specimens wherein each specimen container holds one of said liquid specimens;
a plurality of disposable specimen transfer tips for transferring discrete aliquots of specimen from said specimen containers to said sample preparation columns;
means for engaging said disposable transfer tips wherein said engaging means draws specimen from a specimen container into a disposable tip, positions said disposable tip proximate one of said sample preparation columns and dispenses said specimen into said sample preparation column;
a plurality of reagent dispense stations;
means for transporting said sample preparation columns to said plurality of reagent dispense stations said transporting means connected to said dispense stations and said engaging means;
a pressure head movably mounted above said transporting means for movement in both the vertical and horizontal directions;
a plurality of pressurized gas dispensers disposed on said pressure head for delivering pressurized fluid to said sample preparation columns;
wherein said pressure head is selectively moveable from a first position where a pressurized gas dispenser is aligned with an inlet port at a reagent dispense station to a second position where said pressurized gas dispenser is not aligned with said inlet port and wherein said pressure head is helically connected to a central support shaft such that vertical movement of said pressure head causes said pressure head to rotate relative to said transporting means.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/323,240Filed 14 Oct 1994 · continuation
Priority: 20 Feb 1990
Granted: 17 Dec 1996
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G01N 35/025
Using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations: having a carousel or turntable…
G01N 1/405
Concentrating samples: by adsorption or absorption
G01N 2035/00386
Holding samples at elevated temperature: using fluid heat transfer medium
G01N 2035/0427
Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels: nestable or stockable