Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Steven D Mack

David L Goodale

Songtai Tu

George K Shibata

Dang Minh Ngo

Paul J Ashton

Ronald C Glenday

Scott D Anderson

Christopher W Lindsey

A front-end system accepts samples and selectively provides aliquots of those samples to selected clinical chemistry analyzers coupled to the front-end system. The front-end system is coupled to an assembly of one or more clinical chemistry analyzers that might, for example, provide complementary analytical tools so that the overall system of front-end system and clinical chemistry analyzers provides a predetermined broad range of clinical analytical testing. The testing protocols for samples input to the overall system can be independently determined. Any sample may undergo a test within one or more of the clinical chemistry analyzers or a series of tests within a single or more typically within plural ones of the analyzers, depending upon the testing sequence defined in for that sample. The front-end system automatically identifies samples, draws aliquots, and transports the aliquots to the one or more clinical chemistry analyzers coupled to the front-end system. Sample identification, handling and testing are preferably automated A within the overall system to provide complex testing with reduced operator involvement. Consequently, the overall system may facilitate reduced operator costs and a reduced likelihood of errors in the routing and processing of samples.

Sample loading and handling interface to multiple chemistry analyzers

A workstation for integrating two or more automated analyzers. The workstation includes a sample rack handler assembly, having a single common sample rack input area for loading sample racks for the two or more automated analyzers, and a sample rack bypass area for passing sample racks to be processed by one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation also includes a sample aliquoting assembly, having a sample pipetter station for aliquoting samples into aliquot vessels for processing by another one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation further includes an internal shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the sample pipetter station, and an external shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the one of the two or more automated analyzers. In addition, the workstation includes a pick-and-place mechanism for transporting the aliquot vessels between the sample pipetter station and the other one of the two or more automated analyzers. A single common control console is provided for the workstation and the two or more automated analyzers.

Workstation for integrating automated chemical analyzers

A sample segment including a body and wells formed therein, selected wells including a flat exterior surface surrounding a tapered end. The sample segment may retain selected reagents, and a sealing cover is held by ribs, stretched and pressed against raised bosses formed around the well openings to provide a sure seal. The bosses are discontinuous between adjacent wells. Selected wells may contain a free mixing element for enhanced mixing. The segment is uniquely adapted for automated handling and processing.

Sample segment

A sample handling system suitable for use with a sample segment and a plurality of capillaries, including a rotatable and vertically translatable arm including an attachment portion to removably receive and retain the sample segment and a manifold adapted to removably retain the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries. The sample segment may be held by the attachment portion by the application of vacuum. Rotatable and vertical translation of the arm may be accomplished by a spindle and guide rails that are resiliently retained. The manifold may include a degassing reservoir and fluid manipulating valves retained by adapters configured to fail if external force is applied to the associated valve.

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Mira Loma, CA, United States of America

Steven D Mack