Patent ID: 6776961
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for integrating two or more automated analyzers, comprising a connector unit that is separate from said automated analyzers, wherein said connector unit comprises:a. a sample rack handler assembly, having a single common sample rack input area for loading sample racks for said two or more automated analyzers, and a sample rack bypass area for passing sample racks to be processed by one of said two or more automated analyzers, wherein the sample racks hold sample tubes containing samples; b. a sample aliquoting assembly, having an aliquot vessel storage tray holding aliquot vessels with and without the samples and a sample pipetter station for withdrawing the samples from the sample tubes and aliquoting the samples into the aliquot vessels for processing by one of said two or more automated analyzers; c. an internal shuttle for shuttling said sample racks between said sample rack input area, said sample rack bypass area, and said sample pipetter station; d. an external shuttle for shuttling said sample racks between said sample rack input area, said sample rack bypass area, and said one of said two or more automated analyzers; and e. means for randomly accessing and transporting said aliquot vessels between the aliquot vessel storage tray and one of said two or more automated analyzers.