Docking mechanism for a sensor cartridge

Abstract

A docking mechanism provided for analytical apparatus, such as an acoustic bio-sensor apparatus. The mechanism is operable releasably to receive a cartridge () for use in analysing a sample comprising a fluid and having a flow cell () for the sample and an electrically operated sensor () for performing the analysis. The docking mechanism has a clamping mechanism () for urging a fluid connector such as ferules () against the cartridge to provide a fluid connection between the flow cell inlet and a sample delivery device. The docking mechanism also has an electrical connector () for engaging the sensor to connect the latter to electrical circuitry for operating the sensor, the electrical connector being moveable towards and away from the sensor relative to the clamping mechanism, so that, in use, the electrical connector exerts on the sensor a force which is sufficient to maintain the necessary electrical connection, while not being so great as to have a substantial detrimental effect on the accuracy of the sensor. There is also shown analytical apparatus which includes such a docking mechanism.