Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An automated analytical instrument for conducting assays for components of interest in fluid samples. The instrument includes a testing system for assaying a fluid sample for a component of interest, a fluid dispensing assembly, an assembly for providing an assay module to the testing system and a fluid sample holding tray transport assembly for transporting a fluid sample holding tray carrying fluid sample holding containers to the fluid dispensing assembly and away from the fluid dispensing assembly. The transport assembly includes a conveyor, a fluid sample holding tray loading unit and a fluid sample holding tray unloading unit. The conveyor includes a carriage which is slidably mounted on a rail and moved along the rail by an endless belt which is fixedly attached to the carriage and driven by a reversible motor. In the operation of the instrument, one or more fluid sample holding trays are placed onto the fluid sample holding tray loading unit. Each fluid sample holding tray so loaded on to the fluid sample tray loading unit is then automatically transferred one at a time onto the carriage, moved by the carriage to the fluid dispensing assembly where fluid samples are aspirated therefrom and then moved to the fluid sample holding tray unloading unit where it is automatically unloaded.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim