Patent ID: 11927600
Assignee: CEPHEID
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  B | IPC B  G

Claim 4:
5. A module for performing sample preparation, the module comprising:
a sample processing cartridge configured to hold a single unprepared fluid sample obtained for biological analysis, the sample processing cartridge comprising a plurality of processing chambers fluidically interconnected by a moveable valve body;
a cartridge receiver adapted to receive and removably couple with the sample processing cartridge and interface with a separate and independent assay processing device, wherein the cartridge receiver includes:
a cartridge interface unit configured for moving the valve body to change fluidic interconnections between the plurality of sample processing chambers,
a pressure interface unit for applying pressure to move fluid among the plurality of processing chambers according to position of the valve body, and
a sample preparation controller configured to electronically communicate with the assay processing device and configured to control the cartridge interface unit and pressure interface unit to process the unprepared sample into a prepared sample within the sample processing cartridge; and

a fluidic bridge that is elongated along a length greater than a width and coupleable with the sample processing cartridge, the fluidic bridge being of sufficient length to extend outside the cartridge receiver and having one or more fluid channels extending in a lengthwise direction between the first and second ends through which the sample processing cartridge and assay processing device are fluidly coupled to facilitate transport of the prepared sample to the assay processing device, wherein the fluidic bridge is configured for transporting a discrete amount of fluid sample for biological analysis between the first and second device each configured for processing the fluid sample to facilitate biological analysis.