Patent · US Expired

Method of providing assay processing in a multi-analyzer system

US6723288B2 · kind B2 · utility

37Cited by
13References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 24, 2003
Grant dateApr 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 7, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T436/115831
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A multi-analyzer system where at least two automatic clinical analyzers are linked together by a bi-directional sample rack shuttle, both analyzers initially capable of performing a slightly different menu of assays. The bi-directional incoming and outgoing sample rack transport system of a first one of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way incoming sample rack transport system adapted and the incoming sample tube transport system of a second of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way outgoing transport system adapted to dispose of all sample racks having sample tubes with samples finally tested by either analyzer. In the event that one of the two analyzers experiences an operating failure, the analyzer system may automatically revert to a single analyzer system employing only the operational analyzer.

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