Patent ID: 9557249
Date: 2017-01-31
CPC Classifications: B04B,G01N

Claim:
1. A fully automated cell pretreating process instrument for preparing at least one cell sample ahead of flow cytometry analysis, the instrument being encapsulated in an instrument housing, the instrument housing comprising: a main test sample rack arrangement for a number of sample containers; a centrifuge arrangement comprising a centrifuge housing, the centrifuge housing comprising a carousel, the carousel comprising a number of secondary sample container holders; a container and cooler arrangement for a number of test tubes or containers, wherein the container and cooler arrangement provides for sustaining a desired temperature range therein; a robot arrangement comprising at least one arm arrangement for taking cell samples from the main test sample rack arrangement and putting the cell samples in the centrifuge arrangement; and a component control and operating computer comprising at least one CPU configured to control the main test sample rack arrangement, the centrifuge arrangement, the container and cooler arrangement, and the robot arrangement so as to achieve full automation of an entire cell pretreating process, wherein the centrifuge arrangement comprises a motor drive releasably in engagement with the carousel, the secondary sample container holders are pivotably hinged to the carousel so as to provide a “swinging bucket motion” principle, and the centrifuge arrangement further comprises a motor driven titrating or shaking arrangement which includes a pitch rack or pinion operated by a motor driven gear wheel.