Patent ID: 6060022
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B04B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for automatically processing multiple containers containing specimens, at least some of the containers having a cap, each of the containers having container identification indicia thereon, the containers being held in a holder, the system comprising:(a) a central controller comprising (i) memory storage and (ii) a data input element for inputting instructions for processing of each container according to the container identification indicia, the processing instructions being stored in memory;(b) detectors for detecting the presence of a holder in the system, the detectors having an output element for signaling the presence of a holder to the central controller;(c) an indicia reader for reading the container identification indicia, the reader having an output element for providing the container identification indicia to the central controller;(d) a container sorting system comprising (i) a data input element in communication with the central controller for receiving instructions from the central controller for sorting containers for selective processing according to the processing instructions stored in the central controller memory storage, and (ii) a plurality of sort sites for placement of containers according to their processing instructions;(e) a centrifugation system for centrifugation of selected specimens, the centrifugation system comprising:(i) receptacles for receiving multiple containers; and(ii) a centrifuge for simultaneously centrifuging multiple receptacles, the centrifuge having a motor, a centrifuge controller for stopping the centrifuge at selected positions for automated removal of receptacles from the centrifuge in response to signals from the central controller, a lid with a closed position and an open position, and a lid drive for opening and closing the lid in response to instructions from the central controller;(f) a receptacle balance system selectively locating individual containers in the receptacles for balancing receptacle weight for the centrifuge;(g) a decapper system for selectively decapping containers;(h) at least one analyzer for selectively analyzing the specimens; and(i) a transport system for (i) transporting containers to and from the centrifuge receptacles, the analyzer, and the decapper system, (ii) transporting receptacles to and from the receptacle balance system and the centrifugation system, and (iii) transporting containers in the sorting system, the transport system having a controller in communication with the central controller so that the central controller can control the transport system.