Bio-analysis cartridge tracking and protection mechanism
US8114349B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/00782
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A reusable bio-analysis cartridge that includes a built-in mechanism to track various parameters and usage data. The tracking mechanism includes a non-volatile rewritable memory “smart-key” that is associated with the cartridge to provide automatic tracking dedicated to the cartridge. The key may be physically coupled to the cartridge with good high voltage insulating properties. When the cartridge is used in an instrument, the associated key is inserted into an I/O interface to communicate with the instrument. The instrument may be configured to “authenticate” the cartridge and conduct an integrity check to determine if the particular cartridge has the correct properties (e.g., gel-chemistry, serial no., Patient I.D.) for the particular sample analysis to be conducted. Further, the instrument may communicate/record information concerning usage of the cartridge (e.g., usage history, test parameters, and perhaps test results). Such information provides an update to the stored information from the previous use of the cartridge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.