Automatic loading of sample tubes for clinical analyzer

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to automated clinical analyzers, more particularly, automatic loading of sample tubes into an automated clinical analyzer.

#2. Discussion of the Art

#FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation illustrating an automated clinical analyzer, i.e., a hematology analyzer, which can be modified to employ the system for loading the sample tubes described herein.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular track system, a module for staging sample tubes arid mixing the samples in the sample tubes, and a module for selecting sample tubes from the racks for holding the sample tubes and placing the sample tubes onto the module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carrier for sample tubes.

#As used herein, the expression “automated clinical analyzer” means a medical laboratory instrument designed to measure different analytes and other characteristics in a number of biological samples quickly, with minimal human assistance. As used herein, the expression “X-direction, Y-direction, Z-direction” refers to a device that can move in three directions, a first horizontal direction, a second horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction. As used herein, the expression “staging area” means that portion of an analytical system where pre-analytical preparation of biological samples is carried out. As used herein, the expression “mixing drum” means a hollow, cylindrical article is which samples are combined or blended into one mass or mixture, rendering the constituent parts indistinguishable. As used herein, the expression “end-over-end” refers to rotating a container having a first end, a second end, at least one major surface between the first end and the second end, and an axis A-A that is parallel to both the first end and the second end and is equidistant from both the first end and the second end about that axis A-A. As used herein, the expression “aspiration head” means the assembly that supports an aspiration probe and controls the movement thereof. As used herein, the expression “aspiration probe” means a device that has the dual functions of removing liquids from sample tubes by suction and distributing portions of the liquids aspirated into reaction vessels. As used herein, the expression “sample tube receiver” means a device for holding the upper about 25% to about 50% of a sample tube when the sample tube is being transferred from a sample tube rack to a sample tube carrier, from a sample tube carrier to a sample tube rack, or from a sample tube carrier to another sample tube carrier. As used herein, the expression “sample tube lifter” means a device that lifts a sample tube from a sample tube carder or from a sample tube rack so that the sample tube can be gripped by the sample tube receiver. As used herein, the expression “track system” refers to a track the extent of which is not limited to a single module, but extends across a plurality of modules. As used herein, the term “track” refers to a track the extent of which is limited to a single module. As used herein, the “carrier for a sample tube” is alternately referred to herein as “sample tube carrier.” As used herein, the “rack for holding sample tubes”, “sample tube rack for holding sample tubes”, and the like, are alternately referred to herein as “sample tube rack.”

#So far as is possible, in the drawings, like parts have like reference numerals. In some cases, parts that are identical or are substantially similar, but which are utilized in different assemblies, have reference numerals that are distinguished by a prime mark, e.g., (′), (″), (′″). In those cases, the base reference numeral for subsequent mention(s) of an identical part or a substantially similar part remains the same, but the subsequent mention(s) of an identical part or a substantially similar part is designated by an appropriate prime mark.

#For the sake of simplicity, when a plurality of identical or substantially similar items are depicted in a drawing, no more than four (4) of the identical or substantially similar items will be designated with the selected reference numeral. For example, it five (5) or more items of the same type are shown in a given drawing, no more than four (4) of the items will be designated with the reference numeral allocated to the item.