Automatic analyzer and sample-processing system
US10094846B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/115831
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sample-processing system that improves total system processing efficiency, and reduces a sample-processing time, by establishing a functionally independent relationship between a rack conveyance block with rack supply, conveyance, and recovery functions, and a processing block with sample preprocessing, analysis, and other functions. A buffer unit with random accessibility to multiple racks standing by for processing is combined with each of multiple processing units to form a pair, and the system is constructed to load and unload racks into and from the buffer unit through the rack conveyance block so that one unprocessed rack is loaded into the buffer unit and then upon completion of process steps up to automatic retesting, unloaded from the buffer unit. Functional dependence between any processing unit and a conveyance unit is thus eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.