Importance

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Abstract

An assay cartridge suitable for use with automated analytical instruments which include a conveyor such as a carousel. The cartridge is configured with ledges extending cutwardly from sides thereof, preferably at the bottom of the cartridge. The conveyor incudes berths for receiving the cartridges, each berth being formed as a depressed region within a top surface of the conveyor and bounded by a floor at the bottom of the berth and opposed sidewalls and an end wall extending upwardly from the floor. The sidewalls are preferably parallel to each other. An open end of the berth, opposite the end wall serves as a port through which the cartridge is inserted and extracted from the berth. Each of the sidewalls of the berth is provided with a shoulder which extends inwardly towards a center line of the berth, and upon insertion of the cartridge, extends over the ledges of the cartridge to serve as a guide. The guide includes grooves formed between the shoulders and the floor. Cantilevered tongues are formed in the cartridge ledges, on opposite sides of the cartridge, for interaction with the grooves, regions of the floor being recessed beneath the shoulders to form depression for reception of the cantilevered tongues. The tongues are configured for interaction with the shoulders to force the tongues into the depressions for locking the cartridge into the berth. Ends of the depression are inclined to facilitate a lifting of the tongues out of the depression upon extraction of the cartridge from the berth.

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First Claim