Patent ID: 7469606
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An automated sampling or dispensing device comprising: a support surface for supporting a sample holder and a fluid holder, the sample holder being suitable for holding a sample vessel, and the fluid holder being suitable for holding a fluid vessel; a first arm assembly for supporting a fluid probe, the first arm assembly including a z-axis support and a horizontal fluid probe support arm; a first drive assembly coupled to the z-axis support of the first arm assembly for powering and positioning the first arm assembly; a second arm assembly for supporting a sample probe, the second arm assembly including a z-axis support and a horizontal sample probe support arm; and a second drive assembly coupled to the z-axis support of the second arm assembly for powering and positioning the second arm assembly; and a mixing assembly coupled to the sample holder, wherein the first arm assembly is suitable for collecting a fluid from the fluid vessel and transferring the fluid to the sample vessel, the mixing assembly is suitable for mixing the fluid and the sample, and the second arm assembly is suitable for collecting an amount of a mixed fluid and sample solution from the sample vessel, wherein the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly each comprise a controller, a plurality of motors, a linear drive, and a sled, and a first motor of each of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly controls translation of the first arm assembly movements and second arm assembly movements along the first slot and the second slot and are attached to the underside of the support surface, a second motor of each of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly controls angular rotation of the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly and is connected to the sled, and a third motor of each of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly controls movement along the z-axis of the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly and is attached to the sled.