Programmable random access sample handler for use within and automated laboratory system
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorsKerry Lynn Miller, Peter Louis Gebrian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and a device for removing high priority samples from a primary conveyor and transferring such samples directly to an analyzer's sampling location even if other samples have been previously removed from the conveyor and are in a queue to be analyzed.
Claims11
A sample handling buffer for removing a clinical sample carried in a sample carrier on a conveyor and presenting the sample to a sample processing station proximate said conveyor, the buffer comprising:
- a sample carrier holder proximate said conveyor and having a number of carrier zones formed therein, said zones sized to accept a sample carrier;
- a carrier shuttle having a carrier escapement device adapted to capture a sample carrier on the conveyor, the shuttle being operable to transfer the captured sample carrier into one of the carrier zones;
- and
- an actuator for causing said carousel to place the captured sample carrier proximate said processing station;
- wherein said conveyor comprises a pair of parallel tracks and said carrier shuttle is adapted to remove said sample carrier from either of said tracks.
A method for removing a clinical sample carried in a sample carrier on a conveyor and presenting the sample to a sample processing station proximate said conveyor, the method comprising:
- providing a sample handling buffer comprising a carousel proximate said conveyor and having a number of carrier zones formed therein, said zones sized to accept a sample carrier;
- operating a carrier shuttle having a carrier escapement device adapted to capture a sample carrier on the conveyor so as to transfer the captured sample carrier into one of the carrier zones;
- and
- placing the captured sample carrier proximate said processing station;
- wherein said conveyor comprises a pair of parallel tracks and said carrier shuttle is adapted to remove said sample carrier from either of said tracks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.