Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Alan N Johnson

Brian D Wilson

Joshua D Wiltsie

Matthew S Davis

Garrick A Maurer

Matthew D Erickson

Daniel R Schmidt

Mark F Sauerburger

David L Anderson

Michael J Rosen

Dang Minh Ngo

David Lin Yang

Charles S Kraihanzel

Sami D Alaruri

Thomas M Stachelek

Jon P Lindquist

Kinh N Vo

Paul R Meyer

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Reagent cartridge

Reaction vessel

Assay cartridge with reaction well

System and method for controlling thermal cycler modules

System and method including multiple processing lanes executing processing protocols

System and method including thermal cycler modules

System and method including analytical units

The present invention concerns an improved apparatus for cleaning the interior of a liquid handling probe to reduce the amount time and the volume of wash fluid required to clean the probe and minimize carryover of material between different samples. In addition to the probe, the apparatus includes one or more wash fluid reservoirs, a compressed gas supply, one or more pumps, two or more valve-controlled probe lines and a controller for opening and closing the valves and actuating the pump(s) at desired time intervals. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning a liquid handling probe using the claimed apparatus and comprising sequential steps of pumping wash fluid and compressed gas through the probe.

Apparatus and method for cleaning a liquid handling probe

Growing community of inventors

Chaska, MN, United States of America

Alan N Johnson