Single point chain of custody within a distributed automation platform
US11145392B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0406
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to a combination of an automation system that continuously tracks the identity and positions of all of its pucks with a single sample identification station and covers/interlocks in order to provide sample chain of custody without the need to re-identify the sample at points of interaction (aspiration, de-capping, etc.). This eliminates the need to have sample identification stations at each interaction point. This reduction of hardware allows the system to be cheaper, smaller, and more reliable. It also allows not only the automation system, but also existing pre-analytical/analytical equipment connected to the automation system, to run more efficiently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.