Patent ID: 7850912
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: G01N,Y02A

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for automated processing of a plurality of biological samples, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of independently accessible reagent holders; a plurality of independently accessible biological sample holders; at least one probe for dispensing at least one reagent; at least one reagent mixer; at least one fluid supply for supplying fluids to either the at least one probe or the at least one processing tank; at least one temperature controller; at least one distributed controller; and at least one computer comprising a scheduler for scheduling tasks; and wherein the apparatus communicates with a network comprising at least one element chosen from servers, clients, and additional apparatus; and wherein the network is connected to a proprietary network; and wherein processing of each biological sample is conducted according to a respective sequence of protocol steps; wherein a first biological sample, on a first sample holder, for which the processing is completed may be removed from the apparatus simultaneous with the processing of a second biological sample on a second sample holder; and wherein a first reagent container may be removed or replaced simultaneous with the processing of the at least one biological sample.