Automated fluid handling cartridge, fluid processing system, and methods

An apparatus comprising:

• a support and a plurality of fluid receptacles;
• the support configured to retain the plurality of fluid receptacles;
• wherein each one of the plurality of fluid receptacles is configured to obtain a sample from a respective one of a plurality of sealed containers;
• wherein each one of the plurality of fluid receptacles includes a piercing system, a reservoir, a vent system, a filling system and a valved vent system;
• and wherein:
• the vent system is configured to provide fluid communication between the respective one of the sealed containers and the surroundings;
• the reservoir is configured to contain the respective fluid sample, wherein the reservoir includes a reservoir housing, the reservoir housing defining a fluid chamber;
• the filling system is configured to provide fluid transfer between the container and the reservoir, wherein the filling system includes a first piston;
• the first piston configured for reciprocal motion;
• the first piston sealably engaging the reservoir housing;
• the piercing system is configured to enter the sealed container, wherein the piercing system includes a rigid conduit, the rigid conduit configured to provide fluid communication from the respective one of the sealed containers to the reservoir;
• the valved vent system includes a second piston, a filter, a first vent conduit, a second vent conduit, and a vent body;
• the first piston defines a first vent conduit and a second vent conduit;
• the first vent conduit, the vent body, and the second vent conduit are configured to provide fluid communication from the rigid conduit to the surroundings;
• the filter is configured to filter fluid passing from the first vent conduit to the second vent conduit;
• the second piston is configured for reciprocal motion and sealably engages the valve body;
• and
• the second piston is configured to reciprocate from a position removed from the second conduit to a position obstructing flow of fluid from the first vent conduit to the second vent conduit.

A fluid handling system, comprising:

• a sample transport system configured to receive and transport an array having a plurality of individually sealed cartridges;
• a sample cataloging system configured to read an identification mark on at least one of the array of individually sealed cartridges;
• cartridge;
• a sample removal system configured to withdraw a fluid sample from each one of the plurality of individually sealed cartridges;
• cartridge;
• a sample dispensing system configured to place each fluid sample into an output container;
• and
• a conveyor system configured to transport the output container
• wherein the sample removal system and sample dispensing system further include:
• a support and a plurality of fluid receptacles;
• the support configured to retain the plurality of fluid receptacles;
• wherein each one of the plurality of fluid receptacles is configured to obtain a sample from a respective one of a plurality of sealed containers;
• wherein each one of the plurality of fluid receptacles includes a piercing system, a reservoir, a vent system, a filling system and a valved vent system;
• and wherein:
• the vent system is configured to provide fluid communication between the respective one of the sealed containers and the surroundings;
• the reservoir is configured to contain the respective fluid sample, wherein the reservoir includes a reservoir housing, the reservoir housing defining a fluid chamber;
• the filling system is configured to provide fluid transfer between the container and the reservoir, wherein the filling system includes a first piston;
• the first piston configured for reciprocal motion;
• the first piston sealably engaging the reservoir housing;
• the piercing system is configured to enter the sealed container, wherein the piercing system includes a rigid conduit, the rigid conduit configured to provide fluid communication from the respective one of the sealed containers to the reservoir;
• the valved vent system includes a second piston, a filter, a first vent conduit, a second vent conduit, and a vent body;
• the first piston defines a first vent conduit and a second vent conduit;
• the first vent conduit, the vent body, and the second vent conduit are configured to provide fluid communication from the rigid conduit to the surroundings;
• the filter is configured to filter fluid passing from the first vent conduit to the second vent conduit;
• the second piston is configured for reciprocal motion and sealably engages the valve body;
• and
• the second piston is configured to reciprocate from a position removed from the second conduit to a position obstructing flow of fluid from the first vent conduit to the second vent conduit.