Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Robert A Wohlford

Larry W Moore

Richard R Martin

John M Clemens

William J Kanewske, Iii

David A Yost

James E Mitchell

William D Rumbaugh

B Jane Smith

Apparao Tayi

Peter A Lagocki

James A Vaught

Kendall B Hendrick

Gilbert Clift

Edna S Walker

Charles D Pennington

Donny R Walker

Richard A Merriam

Kevin M Cloonan

Richard L Vickstrom

Douglas D McDowell

Frederick L Clark

Gary E Winter

David B Hills

William J Raymoure

Linda S Schmidt

William E Watkins, Iii

Robert B Hance

Carl M Oleksak

Adrian M Spronk

Paul R Schrier

Alyn K Stanton

Frederic L Clark

William J Iii Kanewske

William E Iii Watkins

Donny Ray Walker

Jane B Smith

A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel. The sample container segment can include a liquid level sensing sleeve which is made of a conductive material and surrounds the reservoir of the test sample container inserted therein. Alternatively, the test sample container can have a conductive core which surrounds the reservoir and extends therebelow. The container sample segment can also include various sleeves, or springs and arms, for securing and positioning the test sample container within the sample container segment.

Sample container segment assembly

A method for verifying that an assay methodology is properly performed, that assay reagents employed possess the necessary potency for accurately performing such assay methodology, and whether or not test samples or assay reagents have been tampered with or are adulterated, is described. The method is performed by employing an assay verification sample, comprising a positive analyte component and the test sample under analysis, wherein the assay verification sample is analyzed employing the same assay reagents and essentially the same assay methodology employed to analyze the test sample. The method is particularly useful for performing heterogeneous immunoassays on an automated continuous and random access analytical system.

Assay verification control for an automated analytical system

A method and apparatus for washing clinical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a device for washing clinical apparatus, wherein the clinical apparatus is employed, at different times, to contain a first test substance during a first testing step and a second test substance during a second testing step subsequent to the first testing step. The apparatus comprises a device for supplying a wash solution to the apparatus, and for varying the quantity of the wash solution supplied to the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a control unit for controlling the device for varying quantity to vary the quantity of the wash solution in proportion to the potential for contamination between the first test substance and the second test substance contained in the apparatus.

Apparatus and method for washing clinical apparatus

The present invention is a method for opening and closing a cap pivotally mounted on a container for storing reagents for use in an automated analytical instrument. The cap has one end for sealing the container and a tab extending from the other end for pivoting the cap. The method comprises the steps of positioning a closed container adjacent an actuating device mounted on the analytical system. The method further comprises the steps of projecting the actuating device against the top of the tab to pivotally open the cap to a position sufficiently vertical for aspirating reagent from the container, and retracting the actuating device from the cap to a position above the pivotal mounting thereof. The method comprises the final step of causing relative motion between the cap and the actuating device so that the actuating device drags along the top of the cap pivotally closing the cap to provide a sufficient seal on the container preventing evaporation of the reagent therefrom.

Cap actuator for opening and closing a container

A cartridge feeder for dispensing a plurality of cartridges in single order and in upright position, each cartridge being cylindrical shape and having a top end tapering to an aperture therein and a substantially flat bottom end. A hopper stores a plurality of the cartridges and feeds those cartridges to a throat in a bridge to which the hopper is connected. The cartridge is passed through the bridge throat and to the throat of a shuttle. A pair of axially positioned pins with opposing cups close against the top end and the bottom end of the cartridge. The shuttle moves from a location underneath the bridge to a location over a chute. When the shuttle is over the chute, the first and second pins separate releasing the cartridge to fall through the chute. The first and second pins have a profile which engage the cartridge in a manner causing the bottom end of the cartridge to always drop first. The cartridge passes through the chute to a trap door. The trap door releases the cartridge to an opening in a carousel below, and positions the cartridge within the carousel by a flange mounted to the underneath side of the door.

Meia cartridge feeder

Growing community of inventors

Irving, TX, United States of America

Robert A Wohlford