Patent ID: 6586255
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for automating processing of samples through a fault-tolerant centrifuge using a device which has a processing station interposed between a tube collection or transport device and the fault-tolerant centrifuge, the station comprising:a) a staging area for tube adaptors which facilitates the loading and unloading of the centrifuge; b) a dual function tool having i) a tube gripper which recognizes and adapts to tubes of different height and diameter on the tube collection or transport device and which routes tubes between the tube collection or transport device and the centrifuge adaptors; and ii) an adaptor gripper capable of transporting adaptors to and from the centrifuge, the process comprising: a) picking tubes of different height and diameter from the tube collection or transport device under direction of a system's control mechanism, b) placing them in adaptors on the staging area in a sequence which provides paired adaptors of essentially balanced weight such that when a centrifuge cycles, a weight distribution between paired adaptors is within a fault tolerance limit of the centrifuge, c) placing the paired adaptors into the centrifuge opposite each other, d) removing adaptors from the centrifuge to the staging area after a spin cycle; and e) picking cycled tubes from the adaptors and placing them on the tube collection or transport system.