Modular robotic system and method for sample processing
US7096091B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0465
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyor device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for co-ordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture. The system comprises; a backbone having a plurality of backbone connectors; a module having a module connector for releasably coupling with a respective one of the backbone connectors; a bi-directional motion device connected to the backbone, the motion device for presenting an object adjacent to the module when the module is coupled to the backbone; a connection interface formable by coupling the backbone…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.