Patent ID: 6649128
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An assay device processing instrument comprising:a plurality of different assay device processing modules, each module having an opening for receiving an assay device; a transport system including an assay device positioning assembly for transporting an assay device to each different processing module, the assay device positioning assembly being adapted to transfer the assay device into each different processing module via the opening to enable the assay device positioning assembly to transport another assay device to another processing module while the transferred assay device(s) is processed; and a control system for controlling operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the different processing modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different processing modules simultaneously, the transport system further comprises a rail; the assay device positioning assembly mounted for movement along the rail; and a first motor responsive to the control system to move the assay device positioning assembly into alignment with the respective processing modules, the transport system further comprises a support movably mounted to the rail; an arm for engaging the assay device and movably mounted to the support for movement laterally relative to the rail; and a second motor on the support for causing lateral movement of the arm, wherein the second motor is coupled to the arm by a rack and pinion arrangement.