Patent · US Expired

Liquid handling

US4761268A · kind A · utility

97Cited by
8References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 12, 1984
Grant dateAug 2, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2035/0448
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A liquid handling system that is particularly useful in a clinical analysis system includes a cuvette loading station for receiving a centrifugal analyzer rotor with two compartment cuvettes. Fixedly mounted on transfer structure are two spaced apart liquid handling probes such that the two probes may be simultaneously inserted into the two compartments of an analysis cuvette. A sample station has a sample container support mechanism, and means for indexing the support mechanism past the sample station for sequentially positioning successive sample containers at the sample station. An auxiliary station that is spaced from the sample station a distance corresponding to the spacing of the two probes includes a support mechanism for supporting a plurality of auxiliary containers and a drive mechanism for selectively positioning auxiliary containers at the auxiliary station. A first drive provides relative movement between the transfer structure and the loading sample and auxiliary stations; a second drive is adapted to concurrently insert the tips of the two liquid handling probes into containers at the loading, sample or auxiliary stations. First and second liquid metering means are …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.