Patent ID: 7776271
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: G01N,G16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A clinical specimen processing apparatus comprising: a preparation device configured to conduct a dispensing pipette raising operation, wherein the preparation device comprises a dispensing pipette used for conducting the dispensing pipette raising operation, a support member for supporting the dispensing pipette, and a sensor for detecting existence of the dispensing pipette at the predetermined position by detecting the support member, a motor for moving the dispensing pipette, wherein the motor stops moving the dispending pipette when the sensor has detected the existence of the dispensing pipette at the predetermined position; and a controller in communication with the preparation device, wherein the controller is configured to detect an operating condition of the preparation device which performs the dispensing pipette raising operation, and wherein the controller comprises a central processing unit configured to: 1) count a number of pulses of the motor when the motor has moved the dispensing pipette from the start at the predetermined position to the end of the dispensing pipette raising operation; 2) compare the number of pulses counted by the controller to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and 3) determine whether or not the preparation device is in any one of three condition stages based on a comparison result of the number of pulses and the first and second threshold values, wherein the three condition stages comprise a normal condition when the number of pulses does not exceed the first threshold value, a tolerance limit condition in which operation of the preparation device is permitted when the number of pulses is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and an abnormal condition in which operation of the preparation device is not permitted when the number of pulses exceeds the second threshold value.