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:
Nov. 21, 2016
Filed:
Feb. 08, 2006
Humayun Qureshi, Yorba Linda, CA (US);
Bernhard Spless, Anaheim Hills, CA (US);
Robert A. Weiss, Victoria, MN (US);
Peter G. Werness, Carver, MN (US);
Brian D. Wilson, Pleasant Hill, CA (US);
Ronald C. Laska, Minnetonka, MN (US);
Humayun Qureshi, Yorba Linda, CA (US);
Bernhard Spless, Anaheim Hills, CA (US);
Robert A. Weiss, Victoria, MN (US);
Peter G. Werness, Carver, MN (US);
Brian D. Wilson, Pleasant Hill, CA (US);
Ronald C. Laska, Minnetonka, MN (US);
Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.