Calibration method for automated assay instrument
US5138868A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/103
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of calibrating pipette position in an automated assay instrument employing a conveyor for holding assay cartridges and a transport for transporting a pipette between various locations is accomplished by alignment of a pipette stem with targets located at various locations within the system. Two targets are located on a tray having a plurality of reservoirs for holding liquid, and one target is located on a dummy cartridge carried by the conveyor. An indicator having a spring-loaded tab is used in conjunction with a pipette stem modified by inclusion of a circumferential slot for receiving the spring loaded tab. The stem is inserted into the indicator and locked therein, with limited sliding being provided by movement of the tab within confines of the slot. Alignment marks are provided on both the stem and the indicator to permit visual alignment of the stem relative to a target upon abutment of the indicator with the target. The height of the indicator along with the displacement of the stem from a reference position is inserted into a microprocessor of the assay instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.