Patent ID: 8158061
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A slide stainer assembly comprising: a slide carrier that is configured to carry one or more laboratory slides; at least one slide processing station that is configured to process one or more laboratory slides of the slide carrier; a storage vessel positioned adjacent the at least one slide processing station that is sized for receiving a plurality of slide carriers; and a transport member including at least one engagement portion configured for releasably engaging the slide carrier and an extended segment spaced from the engagement portion that is at least partially positioned within or adjacent the storage vessel; and a drive mechanism coupled to the transport member, the drive mechanism being configured to move the transport member in a cyclical path such that, in the course of a single cycle, (i) the engagement portion of the transport member engages and removes a first slide carrier from the slide processing station, (ii) the extended segment of the transport member translates a second slide carrier that is positioned within the storage vessel to accommodate the first slide carrier within the storage vessel, (iii) the engagement portion of the transport member positions the first slide carrier in the storage vessel adjacent the second slide carrier, and (iv) the engagement portion of the transport member releases the first slide carrier.