The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 20, 2014
Filed:
May. 17, 2010
Norbert D. Hagen, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Byron J. Knight, San Diego, CA (US);
David Opalsky, San Diego, CA (US);
Jason Rhubottom, Oceanside, CA (US);
Olaf Hörger, Neuenbürg, DE;
Harald Thahedl, Wimsheim, DE;
Heiko Sayer, Neuenbürg, DE;
Stefan Habrich, Bad Wildbad, DE;
Norbert D. Hagen, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Byron J. Knight, San Diego, CA (US);
David Opalsky, San Diego, CA (US);
Jason Rhubottom, Oceanside, CA (US);
Olaf Hörger, Neuenbürg, DE;
Harald Thahedl, Wimsheim, DE;
Heiko Sayer, Neuenbürg, DE;
Stefan Habrich, Bad Wildbad, DE;
Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
Systems for effecting transfer of reaction receptacles between modules of an instrument for performing multi-step analytical procedures and for adjusting for variations in the positions of such modules includes a receptacle carrier supported on a track on which the carrier translates between different modules located adjacent to the track. The carrier includes a receptacle distribution head supported on a receptacle carrier carriage. The distribution head includes a receptacle moving mechanism adapted to move receptacles into and out of the distribution head and into and out of a module. The carriage is engaged with the track and adapted for translation along the track. Drive systems effect powered translation of the carriage, powered elevation and rotation of the distribution head, and powered movement of receptacles into and out of the distribution head. A transfer position locating system automatically determines a receptacle transfer position of the receptacle carrier with respect to each module.