Automated multi-purpose analytical chemistry processing center and laboratory work station
Patent 5104621 Issued on April 14, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 20, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 20, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3708264 4090791 System for performing immunochemical and other analyses involving phase separation Automatic chemical analyzing method and apparatus Liquid sample handling system Optical-type automatic analyzing and measuring apparatus Automatic analyzing apparatus Automated analytical system Analyzing apparatus and method for immunological agglutination reactions Patent #: 4727033 Inventors
AssigneeApplicationNo. 383299 filed on 07/20/1989US Classes:422/67, With specific analytical program control means422/63, Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system422/65, Means is conveyor and rack422/100, Pipette or other volumetric fluid transfer means422/102, Container436/47With conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rackExaminersPrimary: Fisher, Richard V.Assistant: Friedman, Carl D. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG01N 033/00AbstractAn automated multi-purpose analytical chemistry processing center and laboratory work station having a movable table for supporting microtiter plates and other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a modular mobile pod affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including, not only sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and similar known manual procedures, but also programmable spectrophotometric measurements and other physical parameters, further processing based on these measurements and automatic data recording. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense, and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. The work station is capable of measuring physical characteristics of selected samples and performing experimental assays in a closed loop manner in accordance with those measurements. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using an interchangeable modules having one or a selected plurality of nozzles. Affixed to the modules nozzles are disposable pipettor tips, which are automatically picked up by the pod and ejected by a tip edjector mechanism at the control of the user. Additional modules may be used to perform Measurement Functions. The work station is designed for interactive connection with a remote computer.Other References
Field of SearchUtilizing a centrifuge or compartmented rotorWith sample on test slide With conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack With step of insertion or removal from test line ELECTRICAL PROPERTY OR MAGNETIC PROPERTY APPARATUS INCLUDED IN PROCESS CLAIM (E.G., PHYSICAL SUPPORT STRUCTURES, ETC.) Automated or kit Multifield plates or multicontainer arrays Tube, bottle, or dipstick Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system Means is turntable (circular) Means is conveyor and rack Means is moving tape or band With specific analytical program control means Including centrifuge Pipette or other volumetric fluid transfer means Container Holder, support, housing, or hood |
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