Patent · US Active

Multiple payload type carrier

US9671418B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
4References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 10, 2014
Grant dateJun 6, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 10, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T436/113332
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An automation system for use with in vitro diagnostics includes a track configured to provide one or more paths and a plurality of payload carriers having payload carrier types. One or more of the plurality of payload carrier types has a different payload carrier dimension in a direction of travel than another payload carrier type. The system includes a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track in the direction of travel. Each of the plurality of carriers has a substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel and configured to hold any one of the plurality of payload carrier types. The system includes a controller configured to navigate the plurality of carriers along the track based on at least one of: (i) the substantially identical carrier dimension in the direction of travel; and (ii) one or more of the different payload carrier dimensions in the direction of travel.

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